Abstract: The present invention pertains to a trailer for lifting and transporting cable reels. The trailer has a base, a pair of substantially perpendicular cantilevers, and a latch assembly. The cantilevers lift a cable reel off of the ground, and the latch assembly transfers at least a portion of the weight of the reel from the cantilevers to the base. The base is mounted on wheels and can be pulled or pushed by a vehicle connected to the base.

Abstract: A walker system includes a pair of spaced-apart interconnected main beams, designed as a substructure having opposed, laterally spaced-apart side walls structurally bridged for carrying a load above the ground. Lift assemblies mounted on the substructure may engage the ground and raise the substructure to a predetermined height above the ground, and may lower the substructure so that its load is transferred back onto the ground. A shifter mechanism disposed adjacent each lift assembly may displace the substructure along the ground when the lifting assemblies have been extended to raise the substructure above the ground. Auxiliary load bearing members mounted on and extending between the side walls of each main beam engage the ground and distribute the load over the surface area of the auxiliary load bearing members that engage the ground when the lift assemblies have been retracted and disengaged from the ground.

Abstract: A mobility scooter device comprising an electrically powered wheeled vehicle provided with a lifting unit for lifting or lowering the vehicle. The lifting unit comprises an extendable lifting arm having two end portions a first end portion that is connected to the vehicle and a second end portion coupled to a support base provided with wheels. The lifting unit can be wheeled to bring the lifted vehicle over a transportation platform for mounting the vehicle body on the platform.

Abstract: An ambulance cot and cot loading and unloading system for an emergency vehicle comprises a cot having a head end, a base for mounting to a deck of an emergency vehicle, a track mounted for linear movement along said base, and an arm mounted for linear movement along said track from a retracted position to an extended position. The arm is and configured to engage the cot, and wherein when the track is extended along the base and the arm is extended along the track the arm is extended from the base in an extended position and is configured for lifting the cot and providing cantilevered support to the cot while in the extended position.

Abstract: A system and method of loading and unloading a shipping container onto and off a tilt-tray vehicle is described. The system includes a drawbar assembly adapted to be releasably attached to opposite corner connectors provided on the container. A winch is provided for applying fraction to the drawbar assembly to draw the container onto the vehicle tray and to facilitate loading of the container onto the tray. An ejector assembly is also provided to releasably engage the drawbar assembly connected to the container. When it is desired to unload the container, the ejector assembly is moved towards the rear of the tray to move the container partially off the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods which use a conveyored loading assembly for gathering bales and, in particular, round bales such as a hay or corn stover bales.

Abstract: The present invention provides folding assisting arm assembly for lift gates. In one embodiment, the folding assisting arm assembly comprises a folding assisting apparatus for a lift gate having a platform with a foldable section. The apparatus comprises an elongated arm, and a pivot axle, wherein a proximal end of the elongated arm is pivotably mounted on the pivot axle. The apparatus further comprises a spring for spring loading the elongated arm. When the folding assisting apparatus is mounted on the lift gate proximate the platform, a biasing tension in the spring urges a distal end of the elongated arm on the foldable section of the lift platform during a portion of movement of the lift platform to maintain the foldable section folded.

Abstract: Apparatus for gathering bales that aligns itself during bale pick-up. Methods for transferring bales that use such an apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The present document describes a trailer for lifting a heavy load, the trailer comprising a base frame defining an opening for receiving the load upon displacement of the trailer toward the load; and a structural frame upwardly extending from the base frame, the structural frame including a lifting frame above the heavy load for removable attachment to the heavy load; and a lifting device for lifting the heavy load removably attached to the lifting frame and thereby to permit displacement of the heavy load with the trailer.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for installation on a vehicle receiving hitch can include a hitch attachment and a loading ramp. The loading apparatus can be used to transport vehicles such as all terrain vehicles and riding lawn mowers on the beds of pick-up trucks. The horizontal length and vertical height of the hitch attachment can be adjusted to conform to varying sizes and designs of pick-up trucks and tailgates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting and transporting exercise equipment features use of a winch movably supported on a header spanning between a pair of wheeled side frames for adjustment of the winch position in two dimensions to account for varying center of gravity locations on different pieces of equipment to be lifted. The apparatus is rolled into a position straddling the equipment for lifting of same, at which time supports are laid across the space between the side frames for lowering of the equipment onto the supports for stable seated transport of the equipment on the supports by rolling of the wheeled apparatus. A single service technician can easily and safely remove a piece of equipment from the exercise floor to avoid disruption or hazard to gym members.

Abstract: A carrying autonomous vehicle system, comprising: a carrying autonomous vehicle and at least one carried autonomous vehicle. The carrying autonomous vehicle has a main frame and at least one flipper. The carried autonomous vehicle uses at least one flipper to load and/or unload at least one carried autonomous vehicle on the main frame.

Abstract: A simple, adjustable lift system to load a cot bearing a patient into and out of an ambulance and a method of transferring a load on a transport into a vehicle is provided. More specifically, the lift system provides a pair of rails that may be adjusted to accommodate any cot currently in use by an ambulance. The rail system is extendable and is operated by a linear actuator to couple to a cot or other transport and lift the cot or other transport to a height from which the cot may be laterally inserted into the ambulance without undue strain on the EMT, firefighter, or other user.

Abstract: A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in farming and ranching for handling square hay bales. The farming apparatus is generally attached to a lift vehicle, and includes divider plates and divider walls removably attached underneath a frame body to define accumulation bays. The farming apparatus is moved around a field where square hay bales lie to scoop the hay bales into the accumulation bays in a predetermined arrangement. When the bays are full, a plurality of grapple hooks are rotated into the hay bales to hold them in place within the farming apparatus. The hay bales are then carried and placed atop a trailer or truck, and released from the farming apparatus by disengaging the grapple hooks. For offloading, the divider plates and divider walls are removed from the frame body and the process is generally reversed to remove bales from the trailer and move them to storage or another location.

Abstract: A camera crane carrier includes a vehicle having a front end and a back end. A front elevator is movable vertically between up and down positions, at a forward position on a deck vehicle. A back elevator is movable vertically between up and down positions, at a rearward position, below the deck. A ramp may be provided on the vehicle, with the ramp extendible from the deck at the back end of the vehicle to the ground. The elevators allow a camera crane to be more easily loaded onto the vehicle, and also allow lowering the center of gravity of the loaded vehicle. The vehicle may optionally be used as a camera car when not carrying a camera crane.

Abstract: An attachment method for attaching a piece of plant machinery such as a mini-excavator to mount, for example a mount on a transporter or trailer. The piece of plant machinery is moved to a mounting location and a moveable portion arrangeable relative to the body is arranged in cooperative engagement with the mount to attach the piece of plant machinery thereto. The moveable portion may for example comprise a moveable drive 10 portion, a scraping blade or an arm.

Abstract: A mechanism for deploying and aligning a ramp relative to a platform includes a main bearing operatively associated with the platform and rotatable about a main pivot axis; a drive member disposed on the main bearing, the drive member being adapted to drive the main bearing to rotate about the main pivot axis; a rotating member disposed on the main bearing and rotatable about the main pivot axis with the main bearing; and a ramp member rotatably connected to the rotating member at a pivot point eccentric to the main pivot axis. Rotation of the rotating member causes the ramp member to move between a stowed position and a deployed position in an arcuate path about the main pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up stacks of bales and moving them into and/or out from a trailer. The trailer has a moving floor and is pivotally attached to the prime mover along a vertical axis and along a horizontal axis. Tandem wheels attached to the frame are moveable between a forward position and a rear position and can be locked in either the forward or rear position. Ground engaging tracks are attached to the trailer for moving the trailer forward or back. A starter conveyor section operatively attached to the rear of the trailer with a forward end being adjacent to the rear of the moving floor. The starter conveyor section tilts with the trailer to have a first elevated position when the frame is in transport position and a second position close to the ground when the trailer is in the tilted loading/unloading position.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting and rotating a massive container comprising a base frame assembly, a cradle pivotally connected to the base frame assembly and adapted to hold the container, a mechanism for moving the container vertically relative to at least part of the base frame assembly, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the base frame assembly and the cradle for rotating in a vertical plane the cradle relative to the base frame assembly.

Abstract: A natural gas storage and transport system comprises a housing having a compressor and a natural gas storage vessel in fluid communication with the compressor. The housing can have one or more guide members for enabling the housing to be loaded onto and removed from a transport vehicle removably supporting the housing.

Abstract: A transshipment device for horizontal transshipment in a container transport system for the rail and/or road sector includes at least one sliding and lifting plate, which is operated hydraulically, pneumatically or electro-mechanically, and is detachably mounted on a truck, and which interacts with at least one adapter frame which is detachably installed on a container-carrying wagon. Two sliding and lifting plates are positioned on the truck to grip and hold a container from below so that it can be carried.

Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading containers, particularly in locations where the overhead height is limited. A hinged tail member at the rear end of the elongated body (a/k/a tilt frame member) is rotated to the ground allowing the containers to be loaded and unloaded without rotating the tilt frame to its maximum height. A cable reeving arrangement, such as a dual reeving arrangement, can be utilized to load and unload the container.

Abstract: A scoop bucket for mining and dispensing rock dust and method for using the same, The scoop bucket includes a body with a first end and second end. The first end has an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end has a wall for containing the scooped mined material. The second end also has a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein. The rock duster system includes a tank containing rock dust material and a blower for dispersing the rock dust material from the tank through a dispenser hose that extends from the compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading and offloading storage containers such as dumpsters onto and from a bed of a transport truck utilizes a mast mounted in upstanding disposition relative to the bed of the truck, and a container lifting and placement assembly configured for grasping engagement with the storage container. The lifting and placement assembly is supported on the mast for selective movement upwardly and downwardly along the mast axis and for selective movement rotationally about the mast axis between a loading position facing away from the bed and a storage position disposed over the bed to facilitate selective positioning and movement of the assembly relative to the mast and the bed for grasping, lifting, moving, lowering and placing a storage container between a ground surface adjacent the truck and the truck bed.

Abstract: There is provided a lifting assembly for selectively loading a container onto a chassis of a vehicle and unloading the container from the chassis, the lifting assembly comprising: a frame connected to the chassis; an arm having a first end pivotably connected to the frame and a second end releasably connectable to the container; and a pivoting actuator having a first actuator portion pivotably connected to the frame and a second actuator portion pivotably connected to the arm between the first and second ends thereof, the second actuator portion being linearly movable relative to the first actuator portion for pivoting the arm relative to the frame to selectively move the container towards the frame and away from the frame. There is further provided a cargo-carrying vehicle comprising the lifting assembly and a method for unloading a container mounted on a chassis of a vehicle from the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet transportation assembly comprising a first tine, a second tine, and a body coupled to the first and second tines comprising a tine adjustment system, a wheel, and a vertical backing portion, wherein the first or second tine further comprises a riser hinged to the first or second tine.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for loading and unloading an ATV from a truck bed includes mounting a sling in the forward end of the truck bed and attaching the winch line from the ATV to the sling link of the sling. With a pair of loading ramps inclined from the ground up to the rear end of the truck box, the winch line is used to winch the ATV up the ramps, or to assist the ATV in its self-propelled driving up the ramps and onto the truck bed. When unloading the ATV, the ATV is driven rearwardly down the ramps while the winch line is simultaneously extended from the winch so as to act as a speed limiter and to help keep the front of the ATV from lifting off the ramps.

Abstract: A modular front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle has a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and a side-loading robotic arm. To reduce mechanical stresses, a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor devices of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container. Elastomeric and/or other dampening devices may be interposed between the vehicle and the bulk mass of the combination of the intermediate container and robotic arm mechanism for converting into heat some vibrational energy. A modular sled system may be provided for supporting different robotic arms in combination with refuse containers made of different materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transforming trailer that may include extension legs that allow the trailer to transform between loading and hauling positions. The trailer may include a foldable loading platform that allows for ease of loading when the trailer is in the loading position but that folds when the transforming trailer is in a hauling position.

Abstract: A snow melting vehicle includes a receptacle for receiving a snow load to be melted inside the receptacle into meltwater and a debris collecting system for moving the debris fallen to the bottom of the receptacle into a collecting chamber disposed adjacent the receptacle. A debris lifting system is also provided for raising the debris from the collecting chamber to a position above the meltwater filling the collecting chamber, whereby the meltwater is substantially drained before the debris is gravity discharged outside the snow melting vehicle.

Abstract: A waste collection vehicle, such as a garbage truck, recycling truck or organic waste collection truck, has a bucket drive mechanism. The vehicle has a waste container that houses a bin and a movable bucket for receiving waste. The movable bucket is driven upwardly in sliding contact with a divider wall of the bin by the bucket drive mechanism. The bucket drive mechanism further causes the bucket to rotate about a pivot for transferring waste from the bucket into the bin. A rotatable paddle may be provided for sweeping the waste from the bucket and for compacting the waste inside the bin. The bucket drive mechanism may include inclined actuators eccentrically connected to sliding collars that run over guide rails to raise the bucket until the sliding collars reach a horizontally disposed rocker shaft that acts as a pivot for pivoting the bucket.

Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading containers, particularly in locations where the overhead height is limited. A hinged tail member at the rear end of the elongated body (a/k/a tilt frame member) is rotated to the ground allowing the containers to be loaded and unloaded without rotating the tilt frame to its maximum height. A cable reeving arrangement, such as a dual reeving arrangement, can be utilized to load and unload the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading shipping containers onto and off of a truck or trailer bed. The apparatus includes rotatably mounted drive chains disposed in a laterally-spaced relationship adjacent the lateral edges of the bed. The drive chains are driven by a hydraulic motor on the bed. Lift spikes are rigidly mounted the drive chains and extend perpendicularly therefrom for engaging and pulling a container onto the bed. Lift wedges are pivotably mounted to the rear edge of the bed and are rotatably driven by hydraulic rams for lifting the front edge of a container onto the lift spikes. Container locking assemblies are located adjacent the four corners of the bed and each include a locking pin positioned above the bed coupled to a pneumatic ram mounted to an underside of the bed. The hydraulic rams move the locking pins laterally, between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel transportable silo systems for storage of materials. The invention relates to self-erecting silo storage systems for use in the oil and natural gas mining and drilling industries. The silo storage systems of embodiments of the instant invention are uniquely designed to improve storage capabilities and mobility while at the same time reducing space requirements at well sites.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving an inoperative vehicle is disclosed. The invention includes a horizontal rigid platform having a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a top surface and a bottom surface. The apparatus includes a first tire roller supported on a left protruded portion extending from the front side and a second tire roller supported on a right protruded portion extending from an adjustable lower plate. The electric motor is operated using a controller to lift a vehicle wheel off the ground. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of casters attached to the horizontal rigid platform to move the vehicle in desired direction.

Abstract: A self-contained material handler for lifting and manually moving a load includes a deck portion configured to be positioned beneath a load and a plurality of air casters secured on a bottom surface of the deck portion. An air source is secured to the deck portion, and the air source is in selective fluid communication with the plurality of air casters. A power source is secured to the deck portion for supplying power to the air source.

Abstract: A hand truck with manual multiple speed elevator and attachable retractable skateboard.

Abstract: A method enabling a single worker to safely lift a cargo item without personal injury that weighs up to four hundred pounds from and onto a truck platform is provided, and includes providing a one-piece hoist support member, configured to support a portable hand-held hoist, having a vertical post, a short offset cantilever beam permanently affixed to an upper portion of the vertical post, and a receiver stem affixed to a lower portion of the vertical post, which enables mounting and supporting the lifting device upon the truck The result is the elimination of the need to employ a more complex device, such as a hydraulic cylinder, for raising and lowering a pivoting boom for moving the cargo item up and down. The simplicity of this arrangement also facilitates sharing one lightweight portable lifting device between two or more trucks, which can be easily carried out by a single worker.

Abstract: A transportable container apparatus includes an elongated container with an outlet port, and a trailer releasably attachable to the container at first and second trailer attachment locations corresponding to first and second orientations of the outlet port with respect to the trailer. An actuator mounted to the trailer is operative, when the trailer is attached to the container, to selectively move the container between a transport position where the container is supported on the trailer in a substantially horizontal orientation, and a working position where the container is supported on the ground in a substantially vertical orientation. The trailer can be attached to an appropriate location to position the outlet port in a desired orientation at a work site. Ballast weight can be added to the lower portion of the container to increase stability, and the ballasted tank with a maximum allowable weight can be transported to a work site.

Abstract: A method for the filling and optionally emptying transport containers with plastics granular materials, in which a flexible plastics inliner is inserted into a transport container. A front side of the inliner includes at least one receiving flexible hose connection for filling the inliner with plastics granular material, at least one discharge hose connection for discharging blown in conveying air from the inliner, and at least one emptying hose connection for emptying plastics granular material from the inliner. The front side of the inliner also includes a protective liner. The cabin and the transport container are positioned at a decanting station, the cabin being adapted to transfer plastics granular material from the decanting station and decant the transferred plastics granular material into the transport container through the receiving hose connection. The transport container is then filled with plastics granular material utilizing the cabin.

Abstract: The present invention is generally applicable to a container. More specifically, the invention is applicable to a waste container for the collection, storage and transport of waste and refuse material. The waste containers of the present invention are particularly useful for the collection, storage and transporting of organic waste material.

Abstract: Embodiments include a loading rack apparatus mountable on a vehicle having a hoist motor, an extendable horizontal trolley to permit a load to be lifted with the hoist, moved horizontally into a vehicle, and lowered. A variety of embodiment trolley drive mechanisms are disclosed including but not limited to a rack-and-pinion means, belt drive means, and a lead screw means. A control means prevents trolley and hoist motor overcurrent. The control means includes a plurality of safety features including a tilt detection means to avoid loading under unsafe conditions and a pressure sensitive switch to halt trolley movement if the trolley contacts an object or person. A DC motor control means provides button control for trolley and hoist motors and emergency cut off. The top surface is shaped to define a surface for items. An arcuate embodiment crossbar member permits more stable positioning of items on the apparatus's topmost surface. A method for safely moving a load is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and system for delivering parcels or packages utilizing a parcel delivery truck. The method allows both lighter and heavier packages to be delivered by a single driver or operator. The method includes positioning a specially designed lift or hoist unit within a rear compartment of a parcel delivery truck. The left and right portions of the lift unit are mounted to left and right side walls of the rear compartment to provide maximum lifting efficiency and maximum space for heavier parcels carried in the rear compartment.

Abstract: A system and method of packaging a bulk material is provided for scooping a quantity of the bulk material into a standard equipment bucket of an excavating or front loader equipment, covering the bucket with a single soft-sided container such that a bottom of the single soft-sided container spans and covers a mouth of the bucket, securing the single soft-sided container over the bucket to close the mouth of the bucket, and inverting the bucket such that the mouth of the bucket is oriented substantially downward to transfer the quantity of the bulk material from the bucket directly into the single soft-sided container.

Abstract: A trailer combination and trailer components are designed to provide dual functionality in terms of hauling a very high tonnage piece of heavy equipment and typical weight pieces of heavy equipment. To accomplish this, a trailer auxiliary is provided to connect to a typical low boy trailer. The trailer auxiliary has mechanisms to provide a bed assembly that is designed to link to the low boy trailer so that the bed assembly and bed of the trailer auxiliary receive the high tonnage piece of equipment. The trailer auxiliary can be equipped with ramps to interface with the trailer and auxiliary to facilitate the loading of the heavy equipment. The trailer combination also includes a hauling vehicle for each of the low boy trailer and auxiliary, with a spacing bar assembly mounted to one of the vehicles to link the vehicles together when hauling the trailer and the auxiliary.

Abstract: A stowable platform for side access doors of trailers for commercial trucks is provided. The platform is designed to compactly fit into a storage cavity built into the trailer. This cavity can be underneath the floor of the vehicle. The platform is designed to slide out from its storage cavity and be positioned against the vehicle to provide side access to the vehicle. After removal from storage, the platform can be expanded to a much more convenient size for loading or unloading of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a ramp to a cargo carrier having a receiver hitch and a loading surface are disclosed. The apparatus includes an engaging member configured to engage the receiver hitch of the cargo carrier; a cross support attached to the engaging member, wherein the cross support has a plurality of mounting brackets mounted thereto; at least two locking members attached to the cross support and on opposite sides of the engaging member extend vertically therefrom, wherein each locking member slideably receives a locking pin; and a plurality of telescopic arms attaching the ramp to the mounting brackets, wherein each telescopic arm has an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion and inner portion have at least one set of apertures for slideably receiving a locking pin.

Abstract: A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Using Super Single rear wheels and an airbag suspension, for example, sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle and an increase in payload height.

Abstract: A sliding dump trailer that provides dumping, loading, and unloading functionality using mechanical manipulations. A bed frame is attached to a towing tongue using hinges, and one or more slide rails. The slide rails selectively engage and disengage with an axle frame. The bed frame is manipulated to a loading/unloading position by locking wheels on the axle frame, disengaging the axle frame from the slide rails, and pushing the tongue in a reverse direction, causing the slide rails to slide over the axle frame which, in turn, allows the bed frame to tilt over the hinges. Continuing to push the tongue in the reverse direction further tilts the bed frame to a dumping position. The bed frame is returned to a horizontal towing position by pulling the tongue in a forward direction.