Of Loading Or Unloading Load-transporting Type Vehicle And External Means Cooperating In Loading Or Unloading Thereof Patents (Class 414/809)
  • Publication number: 20090155030
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint includes a hook supported by a carriage that travels vertically along a track, wherein the hook can move to selectively restrain or release a vehicle's ICC bar at a loading dock. The carriage includes a unique roller arrangement that minimizes friction while maximizing the rolling line contact between a set of rollers and the track. Instead of individual rollers mounted at opposite ends of a shaft extending from the carriage, two or more rollers are mounted to a module, and two such modules are rotatably or otherwise movably attached to the ends of the shaft. Each module includes a shaft-receiving bore having an inner diameter comparable to that of a conventional individual roller, thus the unique roller arrangement lends itself well to retrofit applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan Andersen, Timothy Cotton
  • Publication number: 20090142177
    Abstract: Device to load a sintering boat with nuclear fuel pellets, comprising a loading chute (2) delimiting a travel pathway (4) for the pellets, the loading chute comprising an upper end (8) intended to receive pellets and a lower end (12) intended to lie close to a sintering boat, said loading chute (2) comprising gates (18, 20, 22) forming an obstacle in the pathway of the pellets so as to fractionate said pathway, said gates (18, 20, 22) able to be actuated alternately, and the lower end (12) of the loading chute being movable so that it can be drawn close to and away from a bottom part of the sintering boat. A further subject-matter of the present invention is a method to load a sintering boat with nuclear fuel pellets, using a device according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: AREVA NC
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Pandraud, Herve Sanchis
  • Publication number: 20090110522
    Abstract: An automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the product within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement sensor detecting objects within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the product provided to the control subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Tim Criswell
  • Publication number: 20090104015
    Abstract: The method is used for handing a gas turbine engine during packaging. The method comprises receiving the engine at a handling apparatus pivotally secured to the floor, removably connecting the engine to the handling apparatus, pivoting the engine while supported on the handling apparatus, lowering the engine into a container, and then removably connecting the engine to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Denis TARDIF, Claude GIARDETTI
  • Publication number: 20090094897
    Abstract: A liftgate system may include a closer cylinder assembly for use in opening and closing a deck. The closer cylinder assembly may have a hydraulic fluid portion on one side of a piston and an air (or other gas) portion on the other side of the piston. The deck is closed using hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic fluid portion to move the piston in one direction. The deck is assisted in opening using gas pressure in the gas portion to move the piston in another direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Dane W. Gregg, Peter J. Savoy
  • Publication number: 20090092471
    Abstract: The invention relates to a scalable freight loading system, especially for an aircraft, said system comprising drive means (L1-L9, R1-R9), covering sensors, bolts, proximity switches (PL1-PL9, PR1-PR9), and a central control device (CCB). According to the invention, the loading surface is divided into sectors (S1, S2, S3); a local control unit (SCB1, SCB2, SCB3) is associated with each sector; the drive means, covering sensors, and proximity switches of a sector are connected to IO ports of the local control unit; and the local control units are connected to the central control unit by means of a bus system (CAN-Bus).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Willi Krantz, Ekkehard Zischow
  • Publication number: 20090067952
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting a building. The device includes a first support structure, the first support structure having at least four wheels capable of individual rotation about a vertical axis and a second support structure, the second support structure having at least four wheels capable of individual rotation about a vertical axis. The first support structure and the second support structure are configured to couple together to support and transport the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Custom Quality Homes, LLC
    Inventors: James Rhodes, Matthew Priddy, Aidan J. Bradley, Jeff Anderson, Gabriel T. Manville, Kevin T. Parent, Frank K. Weigand
  • Publication number: 20090047106
    Abstract: An unloading station disposable adjacent an aggregate material transport vehicle thoroughfare, and configured to rapidly receive and transfer the contents of a side-dump aggregate material transport vehicle includes a hopper disposed adjacent the transport vehicle thoroughfare. The hopper extends longitudinally alongside an aggregate material transport vehicle thoroughfare. The hopper has a front wall sized to receive aggregate material from a side-dump transport vehicle, and a rear wall sized to impede the flow of the aggregate material dumped over the front wall by the side-dump transport vehicle. A conveyor system is disposed under the hopper, and is operable to move aggregate material from the hopper to a remote location away from the unloading station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Lloyd Ash
  • Publication number: 20090047105
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer plate for loading a cargo space. The transfer plate is intended to be moved, together with cargo units, into the cargo space and back again, the cargo units remaining in the cargo space. Rolling elements are arranged, over at least part of the length of the transfer plate, on the side of it facing the cargo units to permit movement between the transfer plate and the cargo units. The transfer plate is mainly of plastic and the thickness of the structure formed by the transfer plate and the rolling elements are less than 70 millimetres. The invention also relates to a method for loading a cargo space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jouko Kauhanen
  • Publication number: 20090047115
    Abstract: A loading device can be mounted quickly and easily to a roll-off vehicle by mounting a yoke assembly to the frame of the roll-off vehicle. The yoke assembly includes a pair of attaching potions which extend from the vehicle, and each of the attaching portions is provided with an opening. A pair of hydraulically actuated hooks are pivotally mounted on the loading device. The loading device is pulled onto the roll-off vehicle so that the hooks are adjacent the attaching portions of the yoke assembly. The hooks are then pivoted to extend through the openings in the attaching portions so that the hooks are secured to the attaching portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: David H. Osburn, Lee F. Rathbun
  • Publication number: 20090038242
    Abstract: A nationwide bulk materials rapid distribution network and apparatus (i.e. an improved grain elevator) for rapid distribution of any bulk materials including dry bulk, liquids, liquefied gases, and vapor gases is disclosed, comprising the transloading of all kinds of incoming land based pipelines, barges, ships, freight cars, trucks, and grain trailers (hereinafter transport vehicles collectively) unloaded into the receiving means of the apparatus for loading to other transport vehicles through a load out spout emanating from the spout floor on the other side of the grain elevators for dry bulk or by outgoing pipeline to the transport vehicles. The incoming transport vehicles can then be returned to service as quickly as possible for re-deployment, thus minimizing demurrage, and the loaded transport vehicles can be dispatched to the user sites where the materials are needed with minimum delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald Gene Cope
  • Publication number: 20090035106
    Abstract: A method of receiving and transporting solid waste includes providing a strong, disposable waste container and a disposable pallet for supporting the container when the latter is loaded with waste. After loading, both the pallet and the container can be lifted onto a rear transporting section of a truck. In one version, the pallet and container are placed on a rear end section of the truck and moved to a forward position by a conveyor system. A forklift unit can be used to lift and move the container and pallet. In another version, the truck has movable sidewall members that can be moved from an upright position to a second position that allows the pallet and container to be loaded from a longitudinal side of the truck. For this method, the truck is equipped with a tiltable rear transporting section to allow the container and pallet to be dumped at the disposal site. In one version, this truck is tilted towards one longitudinal side in order to dump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: U BOX IT, INC.
    Inventors: Antonio Mammone, Daniel Mammone
  • Publication number: 20090014486
    Abstract: A golf bag system is provided for transporting a golf bag on a motorcycle, the system including an apparatus and method wherein a first bag side and a second bag side are utilized such that the first bag side is mounted on an opposing side of the motorcycle to the second bag side. When the golf bag is to be utilized to play golf, the golf bag system provides for the operative attachment of the first bag side to the second bag side to become an integral or combined golf bag. The respective golf bag sides include a framework and are mounted rearward of the first rider position on the motorcycle, and may be supported in part by foot pegs that would otherwise be utilized by a passenger on the motorcycle. There are cross supports and other means to attach the respective bag sides to and around the motorcycle and/or to each other for a balanced and comfortable operation of the motorcycle during the transport of the golf bag system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Johnny Humphreys
  • Publication number: 20090016843
    Abstract: Light-weight fastener assemblies, spacers, standoff and other fastener components include one or more non-metal parts. A non-metal spacer can support a fastener element or fastener support so they fastener and a payload can be supported spaced apart from a surface such as an aircraft surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Igor Komsitsky, Javier Torres, Terrence Csik
  • Publication number: 20090000849
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a plurality of attachment devices to couple the vehicle to a harness. The vehicle may include a moveable roll cage which is moveable from a raised position to a lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: JOSHUA J. LEONARD, Eric Bjerketvedt, Robert Bradley Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell, James Bergman, Larry Holter, Richard Nelson, Lionel Hoff, Doug Moman, Mitchell D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080319574
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling transportation of objects provided with machine-readable codes to specified distribution points by means of a transport vehicle includes a reading device and a determination unit. The transport vehicle has a rack module for accommodating the objects, wherein the rack module has a plurality of levels. The reading device is configured to automatically read the respective code of an object transported past the reading device, and to determine the rack level on which this object is located. The determination unit processes the codes to determine which object is to be unloaded at which distribution point, and includes an evaluation unit to automatically determine for each distribution point the position of each object to be unloaded at this distribution point in the rack module depending on a sequence of the reading of the code and the rack level in which the object is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolf-Stephan Wilke
  • Publication number: 20080279665
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the placement and transport of heavy equipment into the cargo area of a cargo-bearing vehicle wherein a collapsible cargo cart designed to hold heavy equipment up to 1000 pounds that has a frame portion, a releasable cargo-holding planar base portion, a removable handle, a first set of legs attached to the frame portion, a second set of legs attached frame portion and a means for allowing the frame to slide into the cargo area of a cargo-bearing vehicle. A crane support can optionally be attached the frame to allow a crane to lift heavy equipment situated beneath the frame portion when the base portion is released creating a space therebetween. One or more braking mechanisms can be added to the frame to prevent the cart from moving once put in place in the cargo area of the cargo-bearing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Goorgen Stepanians
  • Publication number: 20080273955
    Abstract: A vehicle for receiving and storing refuse includes a passenger carrying body having an outside surface and a cavity located in the passenger carrying body. A collection device is disposed in the cavity and is accessible from the outside surface. The collection device receives and stores the refuse, and has a retracted position for receiving refuse, and an extended position for releasing refuse from the collection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC.
    Inventor: Samuel Peguero
  • Publication number: 20080267751
    Abstract: The invention concerns an installation and a method for automatically processing individual hand-held bags between two storage areas, the bags respectively having a base surmounted by two opposed lateral flanks, said bags being adapted to rest in equilibrium on their base, said bags being transferred from one storage area to the other via a longitudinal transfer platform, as claimed in the invention, the installation comprises: means for forming rows of bags resting on their base on one of said storage areas; means for driving each of said rows in translation in a first direction over said longitudinal transfer platform; and means for driving each of said rows of bags supported by said platform in translation in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction to transfer said row of bags to the other storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Andre Safir
  • Publication number: 20080267740
    Abstract: A bale handling vehicle includes a wheeled chassis having a cab, a frame, a plurality of wheels, and a bale handling system attached to the frame. The bale handling system includes a base frame, a bale gripper structure at the front of the vehicle for picking up bales, a first platform above the vehicle cab for receiving bales from the bale gripper structure, and a second platform positioned behind the first platform. The second platform includes a movable portion that can be raised to a vertical position for stacking the bales. The first platform is movable between a lowered position for receiving the bales from the bale gripper structure, and a raised position for causing the bales to slide rearwardly onto the second platform. Intermediate stop members are movable to selectively block the bales from sliding onto the movable portion of the second platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: David V. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080267752
    Abstract: This invention refers to a self-transported or towed equipment whose purpose is to collect, compact, and bag domestic, industrial and farming waste. The equipment is made up of a chassis (1) supporting a closed body (2) that is opened at both ends and has a back cover (4) to close the body and a moveable front compression plate (5). A clasping device of the accordion-like tube encircles the back part of the body (1). A bag sealing mechanism (3), operated by hydraulic cylinders (35, 36) and pliers (31) presses the loaded bag and squeezes it so as to place a sealing band manually. The lower part of the back cover (4) pivots on the chassis through a hydraulic cylinder (41) which is placed at the bottom of the chassis (1) and pulls cables (42) through grooved pulleys (43). The compression plate (5) is operated through a hydraulic system (6) made up of telescopic arms (61) propelled by independent hydraulics cylinders (62).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Environmental Technologies International LLC
    Inventor: Angel Delmo Ferioli
  • Publication number: 20080240901
    Abstract: An ambulance cot loading and unloading device which utilizes an elongate guide track configured for mounting to a floor surface of a cargo area on the ambulance. A trolley is supported for movement relative to the guide track and has an elongate boom. The ambulance cot has a powered collapsible and extendable base and a patient support deck mounted on the base. A connection mechanism is provided on the trolley and the ambulance cot which is configured to interconnect and securely hold the ambulance cot on the trolley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Clifford E. Lambarth, Christopher B. Way
  • Publication number: 20080223878
    Abstract: The present invention teaches that air may be injected into the sloping bottom of a bulk dry particulate cargo container (micron-sized through quarry-sized dry particulate) accompanied by traditional conveyance-variety pneumatic air, causing the bulk dry particulate cargo to enter a bi-phase state having an air matrix with particulate inclusions. The result of this air lubrication is a dramatically reduced coefficient of friction. This bi-phase material may be extremely fluid, easily exiting a discharge port without regard to normal bulk dry particulate friction or angle of repose. The present invention also teaches a cargo container having a plurality of air injectors on the sloping bottom of a particulate plenum and having air supply apparatus feeding the air injectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis LeRoy
  • Publication number: 20080219818
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The rain comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatus further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Publication number: 20080219830
    Abstract: A cargo handling system and method employing a plurality of slide units and tracks. The tracks are mounted in or on a floor of a cargo area of a mobile platform, and also on a ramp of the mobile platform. The slide units slide within the tracks and enable container roll in, roll out platforms (CROPs) and 1077 flatracks to be slidably moved into and out from the cargo area. The slide units are arranged at the four corners of each CROP or 1077 flatrack and can be positively locked to a CROP or 1077 flatrack by a standard ISO twist lock assembly. The slide units eliminate the need for a K-loader and a crane to be present at the site where loading or unloading is to occur. Instead, suitable vehicles such a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTTs), which are more readily transported to remote cites, can be used to assist in slidably loading and offloading CROPs and 1077 flatracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: James S. Wells, Anibal J. Garcia, Myles A. Rohrlick, John B. Simmons, Thomas K. Reiner
  • Publication number: 20080199298
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: JERVIS B. WEBB COMPANY
    Inventors: Gerald Edward Chilson, Wayne David Ross
  • Patent number: 7411136
    Abstract: Multiple-batch train loading systems and methods, for example for loading coal, which are capable of accommodating railcars of a wide range of capacities and designs. Each railcar is loaded with at least a relatively large initial weighed batch having a weight at least approximately equal to the maximum available capacity of a weigh bin, and a relatively small final weighed batch. The initial weighed batch and the final weighed batch are both made up with precision. If required, one or more intermediate weighed batches are loaded into the railcar. The intermediate batches, if required, are made up rapidly, but not necessarily with precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Harold A. Walker
  • Publication number: 20080157507
    Abstract: A tow hook coupling device to automatically align and couple a tow hook of a first vehicle onto a female member of a second vehicle when the two vehicles are brought into proximity. The female member has a lateral attachment that is suitable to be grabbed by a hook, and the male member has a shaft, a hook connected to the shaft and an elevation guide extension. Upon contact of the guide extension with the lateral attachment, the shaft is raised to align the hook to couple with the lateral attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Eliahu Tayar
  • Patent number: 7393174
    Abstract: A modified cart and coil hanger assembly wherein vertical support assemblies are provided to receive the coil turns for lifting and transport to and from the field and which are selectively locked to a coil cart main body for ground transport. As such, the assembly of the invention provides the advantages of a fully mobile coil cart including the ability to manage floor lay down space in the field rewind area as well as coil hanging and overhead transport as required for field rewind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bruce Allen Faulk, James Thaddeus Henley, Garth Townsend
  • Publication number: 20080138182
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the environment of an internal airplane space during loading and unloading of cargo, a cargo tent for use in such transfers and a method of transfer. A collapsible cargo tent is located on a cargo transfer platform at one end of a mobile cargo lift. The collapsible cargo tent may include a collapsible frame and a cargo loader thermal curtain with a vertical strip curtain in an opening at either end. Also, the cargo tent may include a conformable flexible shield at strip curtain opening. The conformable flexible shield engages the fuselage at the door of an aircraft to form an environmental seal and the cargo loader thermal curtain forms a thermal air lock at the door such that cargo may pass through the airlock with the door open and without exposing the cargo bay to external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard J. Johnson, Victor I. Byrnes, Michael D. Spry
  • Publication number: 20080135591
    Abstract: A golf club carrier includes a support (10) for a golf bag, a first hitching point (16) at a bottom of the golf bag support, and a second hitching point (13) at a top of the golf bag support. A hitch frame (50) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Robert P. Cassoni
  • Publication number: 20080131244
    Abstract: An apparatus, machine and method for continuous unloading and loading of an object includes an unloading station with in-feed device, frame and transport device disposed thereon that moves an object between a unload end and a load end of the in-feed device. A robotic transfer means is positioned at the unload end of the in-feed device. The robotic transfer device includes a base portion, an arm attached to the base portion and a gripping member located on a distal end of the arm. An object storage device is positioned adjacent the unload end of the in-feed device for holding a plurality of objects arranged in a predetermined manner. The robotic transfer device operatively unloads the object from the storage device and places the object on the unload end of the transport device, which transport the object to the load end of the in-feed device for loading onto another device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: R. C. Murray
  • Publication number: 20080124203
    Abstract: The present invention generally includes a method for controlling a vehicle docking system that receives a vehicle at a loading dock. The method includes detecting an undercarriage of the vehicle and determining whether the vehicle is restrained based on the detection. The method further enables operation of a door based the determination. The door is adapted to permit access to the loading dock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: ADVANCED SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel R. McDONALD
  • Publication number: 20080095598
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint restricts the movement of a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging the vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard). The vehicle restraint includes a barrier carried by a vertically translatable track follower, the barrier being driven by a motor or some other type of power unit. A RIG sensor detects the RIG's horizontal position relative to the barrier and can periodically energize the motor to maintain the barrier in generally continuous contact with the RIG, even if the RIG moves horizontally away from the barrier. Detection of such horizontal movement of the RIG triggers the barrier to move accordingly to reduce a horizontal gap that may have formed between the RIG and the barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Cotton, Jonathan Andersen, Kurt Lessard, Ben Wieberdink
  • Patent number: 7357616
    Abstract: An oil rig capable of being at least partially disassembled to form at least two portions, such as a top half and bottom half, and an associated structure for transport. An oil rig top portion may be loaded onto a trailer for transport separate from a bottom portion. The trailer includes a bottom frame, a top frame, a structure operably associated with said bottom and top frames for moving said top and bottom frames away from and towards one another, and a moving means attached to at least said bottom frame to allow the trailer to be moved along the support surface. The trailer may be towed by a truck or other vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Doyon Drilling, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd E. Andrews, Todd A. Driskill
  • Patent number: 7309205
    Abstract: A trailer unloading system anchors one or more trailers to a deck, with, or without tractor attached. The sides of the trailers are free to pivot from a top, longitudinal, pivot axis once unlatched from the edge of the trailer floor. The deck tilts the trailers sideways, the doors swing free, and the load discharges. The deck returns to level, the sides latch to support the floor and the trailers are ready to be reloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: TY-Crop Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Richard McCrory, Gary Wayne Teichrob, Todd Mendenhall, Fred P. Smith
  • Patent number: 7287953
    Abstract: Method for loading and unloading long-distance transportation means (1, 2) and for temporarily storing a standardized cargo (18) in an intermediate storage facility (3) includes a rail-guided hoist (5) with gripper (8). The cargo is lifted from a long-distance transportation means (1) and transferred to a transfer zone (4), lowered and set down. The cargo (18) is then transferred to an intermediate storage facility (3) and stored therein, then removed, transferred to a predetermined location in the transfer zone (4), and lowered and deposited onto a rail-guided long-distance transportation means (2) by the hoist (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Rail Cargo Austria AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Schratt, Helmut Klaus Schimany
  • Patent number: 7246988
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for easily, safely, and securely tying down a Christmas tree to the roof top of any vehicle. The system allows the tree to be secured to the vehicle in minutes by using a cable tie system which adjust to any vehicle. The system includes a central loop attached to the tree trunk, a pair of lines extending out from the sides of the central loop, and a pair of outboard loops that operably attach to the vehicle. The outboard loops attach directly to the rails of a roof rack, or to each other in the interior of the vehicle if the vehicle has no roof rack. When the tree arrives at its destination, only the central loop and outboard loops need to be cut to remove the tree from the roof top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: John R. Zambetti
  • Patent number: 7192238
    Abstract: In a method of loading several like coupled storage cars with bulk material, a first storage car is first filled with the bulk material by reducing the conveying speed mode of a bottom conveyor band in the first storage car to a bulk material storing speed mode while a transfer conveyor band of the adjacent storage car fills the first storage car, the storing speed mode of the bottom conveyor band in the first storage car is automatically adjusted in response to a measured amount of the bulk material accumulating in a pile so that the first storage car is filled to a maximal height, and after the accumulated pile has reached a forward end position, the conveying speed mode of the bottom conveyor band in the storage car adjacent to, and rearwardly of, the first storage car in the conveying direction is automatically reduced to the storing speed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 7172382
    Abstract: A loading assembly is provided that is configured to load transport containers with bulk material quickly and efficiently. The assembly includes a load bin having a cross section conforming to an open end of a container and a drive mechanism configured to urge the load bin into and out of the container. When fully inserted, the contents of the load bin are completely disposed within the container. The loading assembly further includes a barrier configured to keep the load confined within the container, while the load bin opens to allow the load to remain within the container upon retraction of the load bin. In this manner, the container can be filled to capacity in a single operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Nathan Frankel
  • Patent number: 7156603
    Abstract: A material handling and transport apparatus for railroad use comprises a rail car loading assembly and a deck vehicle. The rail car loading assembly comprises a loading machine having a handling arm, and means to move the rail car loading assembly forward and rearward along top edges of sidewalls of a string of gondola cars and across gaps between the gondola cars. The deck vehicle comprises a deck located at a deck end of the deck vehicle such that the deck can be maneuvered adjacent to an end gondola car of the string of gondola cars wherein the deck is located at a vertical loading position such that the means to move the rail car loading assembly is operative to move the rail car loading assembly onto the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Brandt Road Rail Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Marcotte
  • Patent number: 7153081
    Abstract: An article transfer method using a self-propelled carriage capable of supporting an article and travelling along a fixed path is provided in which an article supporting body forming a final operating section is turned without performing lateral movement and with making little protrusion toward the article handling section, by combining longitudinal movement of a movable body with respect to a vehicle body and turning movement of a turnable body with respect to the movable body. As a result, means for performing lateral movement of the article supporting body can be omitted, and hence the overall device can be constituted in a simple and inexpensive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruhiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7114909
    Abstract: A trailer unloading system anchors one or more trailers to a deck, with, or without tractor attached. The sides of the trailers are free to pivot from a top, longitudinal, pivot axis once unlatched from the edge of the trailer floor. The deck tilts the trailers sideways, the doors swing free, and the load discharges. The deck returns to level, the sides latch to support the floor and the trailers are ready to be reloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ty-Crop Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Richard McCrory, Gary Wayne Teichrob, Fred P. Smith
  • Patent number: 7083375
    Abstract: A system and method for handling and transporting moist bulk grain by-products include a rail car having an aluminum car body carried by a plurality of trucks for engaging rails. A flexible top cover, supported by a plurality of breakaway curved ribs, is positioned over an open top of the rail car to protect the moist bulk grain by-products carried therein. The car body has a front end and a rear end each having a wind screen for spoiling or deflecting the flow of air over the car as it moves to prevent the flexible top cover from being lost or damaged. The car may be emptied by a car inverter over a conveyor, such as a reciprocating floor which carries the moist grain by-products to a mixer, or transportation vehicles for distribution to customers or users of the grain by-products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Lewis, Ricky Allen Stock, Chad Allen Conard, Billy Franklin Gwaltney
  • Patent number: 7059819
    Abstract: A cargo transportation system comprising secure (fully closeable and lockable), sealable, stackable, trackable, universal, auto-latching “pallet boxes” that may be used in two main ways: 1) secured to the undercarriage transverse I-beams of over-the-road semi-trailers by means of loading alignment and hanger assemblies that provide positive locking-in-place; and 2) stackable, up to three or more high, inside the trailer bodies. The inventive pallet boxes are designed to be secured by auto-latching hanger assemblies that are retrofittable on individual types of semi-trailer undercarriages, both US and metric (European, Central and South American, and Asian) standard dimensions. The pallet boxes include vertical sidewall load-bearing channel members permitting stacking fully-loaded pallet boxes three or more high. The pallet boxes may be refrigerated, insulated, or atmospherically controlled, e.g., chargeable with preservative, security or disinfecting gases, during shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: DM & DB, dba Insight Marketing
    Inventors: Rogers F. Brackmann, Jay R. Brackmann, Dennis J. Kossnar, Jacques M. Dulin
  • Patent number: 7016765
    Abstract: A method of handling a load at a high desired load handling position using a mobile loading machine of the kind having a loading arm connected at one end to a body of the machine for movement at least about a generally horizontal axis between a lower travelling position, and a higher load handling position, and the arm having at its outermost end a loading implement for carrying the load, the method including the steps of manoeuvring the machine with the arm in the lower travelling position generally below the load handling position, and then one of: a) directing a signal from the machine upwardly towards the load handling position in a plane in which a reference point of the loading implement is movable as the arm is raised about the generally horizontal axis, or b) directing a signal downwardly from at or adjacent the load handling position in a plane in which a reference point of the loading implement would be moveable if the arm is raised about the generally horizontal axis with the machine in a correc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Bellchambers
  • Patent number: 6785597
    Abstract: A process for monitoring load conditions on a lifting machine having a rated load moment includes determining an actual load moment of the lifting machine due a weighted load. The actual load moment may be determined by measuring a tilt pressure within a hydraulic tilt cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the actual load moment from the tilt pressure within the hydraulic tilt cylinder. The location of a center of gravity of the weighted load is also determined by measuring a lift pressure within a hydraulic lift cylinder of the lifting machine, and then calculating the weight of the weighted load from the lift pressure. Once the weight is determined, the location of the center of gravity of the weighted load may be found using the actual load moment and the calculated weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Wiggins Lift Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Farber, Liming Yue
  • Publication number: 20040151573
    Abstract: In the context of a passenger common carrier system, a method for the secure and convenient handling of luggage employing a parcel carrier system. Baggage is entrusted to a parcel carrier with sufficient time for shipment to the destination terminal or final destination of the passenger, who then converts a baggage check system to a parcel waybill system, transports the resulting parcel, converts the parcel back to baggage, then returns it to the common carrier for delivery to the passenger. In a variation of the method, the parcel carrier transports the parcel to the final destination of the passenger before converting the parcel back into baggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: David D. Estes
  • Patent number: 6729838
    Abstract: An automated system for preparing weld land areas of panels to be welded to each other is disclosed. Generally, the system of the present invention includes a system for cleaning contaminants from such weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for cleaning contaminants includes a system for blasting carbon dioxide granules or pellets against the weld land areas. In instances where the panels comprise aluminum, the system may further include a system for removing at least a first layer of aluminum oxide from the weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for removing includes a system for moving a plurality of sheets of sand paper over the weld land areas. For purposes of moving the panels relative to the system for cleaning contaminants and/or the system for removing at least the first layer of aluminum oxide, the automated system of the present invention may further include a shuttle system for supporting and moving at least the first panel therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Johnson, Richard K. Hansen, Brent K. Christner
  • Patent number: 6726432
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint includes a restraining member that rises to an operative position and lowers to a stored position to respectively engage and release an ICC bar of a truck parked at a loading dock. In moving to the lowered stored position, the restraining member also rotates off to its side, so as not to obstruct snow removal equipment or incoming vehicles having an especially low ICC bar or low ground clearance. In some embodiments, rotation of the restraining member is achieved by various actuators that apply a generally uniform torque. A resilient member, moves the restraining member upward to engage the ICC bar, and allows for vertical movement of the truck as it is being loaded or unloaded. Opposing the upward urging of the resilient member, a drive unit forcibly moves the restraining member downward when the truck is ready to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: John Kish, Timothy C. Cotton, Ryan J. Kleckner, Kurt Lessard