Of Charging Or Discharging Self-loading Or Unloading Vehicle Patents (Class 414/812)
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Publication number: 20100047047Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mobile refuse vehicle and related methods. The mobile refuse vehicle includes first and second storage tanks, a refuse collector, and a vacuum pressure source. The first storage tank includes a first inlet and a first outlet. The second storage tank includes a second inlet and a second outlet. The refuse collector is operably connected in fluid communication with the first and second storage tanks via the first and second inlets. The vacuum pressure source is operably connected to the first and second storage tanks to selectively provide a vacuum pressure condition in the first storage tank or the second storage tank to fill the first or second storage tank with refuse through an inlet thereof using the refuse collector while refuse is being emptied from the other of the first or second storage tank through an outlet thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventors: Timothy G. Mayer, Joseph L. Schmidt
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Patent number: 7665952Abstract: A trailer, having the capability of lowering its deck to the ground surface for ease of loading and unloading from the ground; raising its deck to a loading dock height for ease of loading and unloading from a loading dock or other elevated surface; and tilting its deck for dumping is disclosed. The deck is maintained in a transport position for travel. All the changes in position may be effected by a single actuator. Rollers, affixed to a rail affixed to the deck roll inside C-channels affixed to the frame arranged at a diagonal to the vertical when raising or lowering.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventor: Bruce E. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20100040452Abstract: A power lift and transfer system and method are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the power lift and transfer system and method may be realized as a power lift and transfer system. The power lift and transfer system may move, stow, and carry a mobility device for a user with a disability, and then assist the person with the disability to transfer in and out of a vehicle. The power lift and transfer system may further transport the wheeled or other mobility device from a position in a rear or on top of the vehicle to passenger or driver areas of the vehicle, and then assist the user by means of a conveyor belt to transfer laterally into the automobile seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Thomas F. Egan
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Publication number: 20100040436Abstract: A handling apparatus is provided that attaches to a three-point hitch of a farm implement/tractor. The apparatus allows for engaging multiple bales in a field while the tractor is driven in a forward direction. The bales are engaged while they are disposed beside the tractor such that they are in view of the operator. Once bales are engaged, the apparatus allows for rotating the bales from a position beside the tractor to a position behind the tractor. This allows, inter alia, the tractor to pass through openings (e.g., gates or doors) while carrying multiple bales.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: ERNEST ROBERT BRUHA, GREGGORY THOMAS COOPER
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Publication number: 20100003116Abstract: A transport vehicle is provided for raising and transporting ULDs and cargo pallets used in the air freight sphere, with a supporting frame which fits over the ULD or the cargo pallet and with driven and steerable wheels for the free movement of the transport vehicle on the ground. In order to simplify the complicated reloading of transport units onto auxiliary pallets, it is proposed according to the invention that the transport vehicle is movable over the ULD or the cargo pallet at least in one direction, that supporting devices arranged on both sides of the frame of the transport vehicle are movable at the same time in the opposite direction under the ULD or the cargo pallet, and that, in the process, the ULD or the cargo pallet is raisable with the aid of the supporting devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: Matthias Klein
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Publication number: 20090304482Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and means for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: William C. Sanford, Trevor Laib, Brad Mitchell, Jesus Sanchez, Robert Mackness, Preston Mackness, Henry V. Fletcher, Kevin S. Callahan
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Publication number: 20090238669Abstract: A system for handling cargo containers includes at least one intermodal railroad car having a pair of longitudinal ramps and a pair of tapered ends, at least one vehicle connectable to a cargo container and having ground engaging wheels mounted in a spaced apart relationship for travel on the pair of longitudinal ramps and further having linear actuators for moving the cargo container in a vertical direction, and at least one cargo handling terminal enabling movement of the at least one vehicle onto and from each of the pair of longitudinal ramps and the pair of ends for loading the cargo container onto and unloading the cargo container from the at least one intermodal railroad car. A vehicle adapted for travel on both ground surface and rail track and a method for transporting cargo using such vehicle are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: RICHARD C. HATHAWAY, M. Kent Bridges
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Publication number: 20090238674Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Gregory D. Tuel, William B. Humphrey
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Publication number: 20090238673Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Gregory D. Tuel, William B. Humphrey
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Publication number: 20090220325Abstract: A system and a method for loading, transporting and unloading large, heavy field equipment to and from nontraditional operational location. The invention discloses a specially designed tilt flatbed trailer, a winch and cabling mounted near the front of the trailer bed, and heavy duty steel rollers imbedded into the flatbed surface. Initially, the trailer is positioned in an upwardly titled angle such that the rear edge of the trailer bed is near ground level next to the lead edge of the equipment. The winch cabling is attached to the equipment and pulls it over the rear edge of the trailer via a larger receiving roller. The equipment is pulled upward and onto the trailer bed until the rear edge of the equipment base clears the ground. The tilt bed is then lowered to a horizontal position. During loading, the equipment moves smoothly onto the trailer surface via the embedded rollers. To unload, the process is reversed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Jason Eugene Berney, Debra Berney, Harry Berney
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Publication number: 20090196723Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: REELSTRONG, LLCInventors: Noel C. Smith, John Zitkus, John Ferguson, Dean Wenger, Lloyd Glick, Brian F. Forde
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Patent number: 7568881Abstract: A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading large containers using both a hook lift and cable winch mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: M & D RP, LLCInventor: Virgil L. Collins
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Publication number: 20090169348Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a waste item to be removed from a site are disclosed. In one embodiment, a waste collection vehicle includes a reader configured to obtain identification information from an identification tag associated with the waste item. A transceiver associated with the vehicle is configured to: receive the identification information from the reader, wirelessly transmit the identification information to a remote computer for processing, and wirelessly receive an indication of whether the waste item should be collected and removed by the waste collection. The received indication is based on at least one hazardous characteristic associated with the identified waste item, a determination that the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic, and a determination that a driver of the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Dominic Maruca, Jerry Leone, Nancy Edwards Cronin, John A. Kintzer
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Patent number: 7553121Abstract: A front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle is modularly provided with a combination of a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and one or more, side-loading robotic arms. To reduce mechanical stresses along couplings between the vehicle and the combination of the intermediate container and the robotic arm(s), 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 means of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Curotto-Can, Inc.Inventors: John M. Curotto, Edward M. Suden, Gideon Gimlan
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Publication number: 20090136332Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus disposed about a rear end of a towing vehicle; wherein the apparatus includes an extendable double beam. The extendable double beam is configured to articulate when coupling to a towed vehicle. The apparatus includes a hydraulically sliding saddle coupled to the double beam. The apparatus includes a downward telescoping mast having a coupling device disposed near an end. The downward telescoping mast includes a universal point of attachment configured to couple to wheels of the towed vehicle. In addition, the apparatus includes a plurality of powered wire ropes and a plurality of support straps configured to secure and support the wheels of the towed vehicle. The apparatus includes a hydraulic power lift coupled to the beam. The towing vehicle includes a point of load bearing that is about between four feet to seven feet from the tandem axle trunnion of the tow truck.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventor: MARSHALL BOATES
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Publication number: 20090129905Abstract: A method and associated assembly is provided for installation and removal of electronic components on a computer rack. The assembly comprises a transport dolly with a platform and at least one caster and the Dolly is selectively sized to fit under or the computer rack. A Lift Tool is also provided and disposed over said Dolly. The Tool includes a lift platform capable for holding electronic components and a lift mechanism capable of moving from a first position to a second position such as to be capable of removing or disposing these components away or onto the rack. A plurality of Lift Rails are also provided that are storable between the Lift Tool and the Dolly. The Lift Rails can be used alone or assembled later into longer unitary units that attach to the rack and the Lift Tool in order to allow the Tool to transport the components from a first position to a second position along the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
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Publication number: 20090110525Abstract: A system and method for automated trailer loading that utilizes 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 and is stacked as product columns which are presented to an industrial robot which places the product columns within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly, which provides for forward and reverse movement as well as traverse movement between so that product may be loaded within multiple trailers without interruption.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Tim Criswell, Andrew Fisher, Deepak Aurora
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Patent number: 7524159Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: U Box It Inc.Inventors: Antonio Mammone, Daniel Mammone
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Publication number: 20090067967Abstract: A battery-changing vehicle includes a mobile carriage, a frame disposed above the mobile carriage, and a boom assembly connected to the frame. The mobile carriage defines a loading deck for receiving and transporting a battery. The boom assembly includes a lift hoist that lifts a battery to and from the loading deck. The lift hoist is capable of lateral movement between an extended disposition, at which the lift hoist is cantilevered away from the loading deck, and a withdrawn disposition, at which the lift hoist is disposed above the loading deck. The battery-changing vehicle may also include a transfer arm capable of transferring a battery to and from the loading deck.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Eric D. Springston, John R. Pratt, Dale A. Williams
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Publication number: 20090035109Abstract: Systems and methods for attaching a vessel to a trailer. A system for attaching a vessel to a trailer having a winch tower includes an attachment device coupled to the vessel. A release mechanism configured to suspend the attachment device in a stand-by position. When activated, operable to release the attachment device, such that it engages the winch tower on the trailer, the result is the attachment device being in the engaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Ronnie J. Smith
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Publication number: 20090028677Abstract: A cargo loader operable to load cargo into an opening of an enclosed trailer. The loader has an elongated bed with a front portion and a rear open portion. The opening of the trailer is positioned adjacent to the rear open portion of the bed. A pair of sidewalls flank the rear open portion and define an interior cargo receiving area. A carriage is moveably mounted to the bed and coupled to a drive assembly operable to move the carriage between the front portion and the rear open portion. The carriage is positioned on the front portion to allow cargo to be loaded into the cargo receiving area. The carriage is configured to push a ram longitudinally along the bed to push the cargo inside the cargo receiving area into the opening of the enclosed trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: CONTAINER STUFFERS, LLCInventors: Daniel S. Williams, Troy D. Williams
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Publication number: 20080317570Abstract: A container loading apparatus for a truck (10) comprises a first pair of opposed container attachment arms (14) and a second pair of opposed secondary support arms (22), rotatable about horizontal axes from a stowed position in which the container attachment arms (14) and the secondary support arms (22) are disposed substantially beneath a loaded container, the secondary support arms (22) being rotatable relative to the truck (10) by first actuation rams (30) and the container attachment arms (14) rotatable relative to the secondary support arms (22) by second actuation rams (32).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2005Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: John Laurence Bain, Audrey Patricia Bain, Kenneth John Eaton
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Publication number: 20080317579Abstract: A flat-bed truck system and method for efficiently delivering and unloading items using special crane, lift or hoist elements. The cranes are foldable downward into a horizontal position. Lower plural and parallel drive elements are used to drive upper pivoting arms which are connected by a cross-bar element. The cranes are designed with a low center of gravity so they may be positioned at various points around the bed of the truck. The lower plural drive elements are fixed in a horizontal position by brackets which may be easily applied and removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Larry Alexander
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Publication number: 20080292448Abstract: Disclosed is a method for mounting a forklift to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The method includes providing a forklift in a vehicle, the forklift having a frame, a pair of spaced apart front wheels and at least one rear wheel. The forklift also has a pair of forks that are movably mounted to the frame, the pair of forks movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. The vehicle has a rearward end with a fork support that receives the pair of forks of the forklift. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets being fixedly attached to the forklift frame or the rearward end of the vehicle and having an opening defined therethrough. The opening has a closed perimeter. Also included is a pair of receiving pins, the receiving pins being dimensioned such that they can slide through the opening in each of the mounting brackets. The receiving pins have a supporting position and a release position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Patrick Keenan, Kevin Turnbull, Barry McGrane
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Patent number: 7452180Abstract: An unloader control for an unloader conveyor and grain tank conveyor of an agricultural combine, which, when an unload command is received, will automatically initiate operation of the unloader conveyor to commence conveying grain in an inlet end thereof toward the outlet end thereof so as to allow smooth transition of grain from the grain tank conveyer to the inlet end of the unloader conveyor, then automatically initiate operation of the grain tank conveyor for moving grain into the inlet end of the unloader conveyor, and, when a clean out command is received during operation of the unloader conveyor and the grain tank conveyor, will automatically cease operation of the grain tank conveyor, then, after a sufficient time period for the unloader conveyor to convey substantially all of any grain therein through the outlet end, automatically cease operation of the unloader conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Aziz Talbi, Jeffrey D. Frego, John B. Crego
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Publication number: 20080131247Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle mounted winch and cable assembly that may include a slide track, a winch, a cable guide and a powering means. Also disclosed is a related method. The slide track may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle and may have a track axis extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The winch may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle for accepting and discharging the cable. The cable guide may be movably secured to the slide track and may accept the cable from the winch and then redirect the cable from a direction generally parallel to the track axis to a direction generally perpendicular to the track axis. The powering means may adjustably move the cable guide along the slide track.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: MILLER INDUSTRIES TOWING EQUIPMENT INC.Inventor: Ronald B. Nespor
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Publication number: 20080056873Abstract: A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a table and a pin. The table may be mounted on a horizontal axis and secured to the tilt frame. The table has a first surface permitting coaxial rotation of an opposing second surface, where the opposing second surface is on the transfer bed. The pin may extend from the table and may be secured to the transfer bed such that the first surface opposes the second surface. The table may pivot on the horizontal axis such that the transfer bed may be horizontal during inclination of the tilt frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: Miller Industries Towing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: John M. Cullum, David W. Bannon, Dean T. Mullin, Christopher L. Wilcox
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Publication number: 20080036172Abstract: A vehicle trailering system comprises a towing vehicle comprising a hitch mounting mechanism, and a trailer connectable thereto. The trailer comprises a body defining an interior space sized to fit at least one vehicle and having first and second sets of spaced-apart carrying members attachable to opposite sides of the body, thereby defining respective first and second loading levels. The trailer further comprises a gate movable between the first and second levels along first and second support members. First and second connecting members are respectively attachable to the gate and are operable to movably carry the gate with respect to the first and second support members. The system further comprises an actuator system connected to a synchronization system, which are operable to synchronize the movement of the first and second connecting members along the respective longitudinal lengths of the first and second support members. Associated trailering methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: Dale A. Hofius
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Patent number: 7284943Abstract: A manual/automatic side loading and rear discharge refuse collection truck body as disclosed which incorporates full ejection without truck body tipping. A unique packing system as provided which includes a low profile packer panel which operates in a low profile charging material receiving hopper which also features lowered or dropped floor to facilitate optional manual loading. The charging hopper features a low profile which creates a dropped area beneath the forward portion of the storage enclosure so that material deposited in the charging hopper can be fed by the packing system into the storage enclosure through a bottom forward charging opening. A packer-ejector assist panel is provided to assist in clearing material from the dropped area portion of the charging hopper.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Claudiu D. Pruteanu, John G. Pecka
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Patent number: 7264437Abstract: A device adapted to operably engage a vehicle to load and unload a container between the vehicle and a surface, and to cooperate with the vehicle to transport the container, is provided. Such a device includes a pair of laterally separated horizontal lifting members configured to be vertically movable with respect to the vehicle and a vertically-movable member operably engaged with the forward ends of the lifting members. A tether is operably engaged between each lifting member and the container so as to secure the container thereto. A translatory device is engaged between the vehicle and the vertically-movable member and configured to support the lifting members as well as move the lifting members longitudinally with respect to the vehicle. To unload the container, the vertically-movable member and the lifting members raise the container above the vehicle and then the translatory device longitudinally moves the container along the vehicle past a vertical plane defined by the rearward end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Pack-Rat Mini-Mover, LLCInventors: Timothy Aaron Lockamy, Edward Morton Byrd, Thor Robert (Ted) Thisse
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Patent number: 7241100Abstract: A device adapted to operably engage a vehicle to load and unload a container between the vehicle and a surface, and to cooperate with the vehicle to transport the container, is provided. Such a device includes a pair of laterally separated horizontal lifting members configured to be vertically movable with respect to the vehicle and a vertically-movable member operably engaged with the forward ends of the lifting members. A tether is operably engaged between each lifting member and the container so as to secure the container thereto. A translatory device is engaged between the vehicle and the vertically-movable member and configured to support the lifting members as well as move the lifting members longitudinally with respect to the vehicle. To unload the container, the vertically-movable member and the lifting members raise the container above the vehicle and then the translatory device longitudinally moves the container along the vehicle past a vertical plane defined by the rearward end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Pack-Rat Mini-Mover, LLCInventors: Timothy Aaron Lockamy, Edward Morton Byrd, Thor Robert (Ted) Thisse
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Patent number: 7214028Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying bulk material to an end user includes the step of providing a bulk material source that is at a location distant from the end user and a specially configured vessel and trailer apparatus for transporting the bulk material to the end user. The vessel is filled with bulk material at the bulk material source and then transported with a specially configured trailer. Alternatively, at source or destination, the vessel can remain as a temporary storage device, free-standing from the trailer. During transport between the bulk material source and the end user, the vessel is filled or partially filled with a selected bulk material. During transport, the vessel is in a generally horizontal position, supported by the trailer and a specially configured elevator. The vessel is unloaded from the trailer by moving the vessel longitudinally along the trailer and by transferring the vessel from a generally horizontal position upon the trailer to an elevated upright position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Boasso America CorporationInventors: Walter J. Boasso, Stephen Benet
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Patent number: 7182569Abstract: A multilevel railway auto rack car for transporting automobiles is provided having at least one upper deck with end segments pivotable to accommodate the difference in height of corresponding upper decks of adjacent auto rack cars and facilitate loading of automobiles between cars. A pivoting assembly pivots the end segment between raised and lowered positions, as well as prevents the end segment from being inadvertently left in the lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.Inventors: Eric Matthew Wrobley, James P. Klag, Robert J. Recupido, Robert J. Cencer
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Patent number: 7156608Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hand truck having a tiltable platform for carrying heavy objects, which is safe to use and easily maneuverable, and requires the minimum amount of energy required for movement of heavy objects. The present invention provides a tiltable hand truck with minimal risk of injury and minimal risk of accidents for the operator while operating the present invention. The present invention provides a method for transporting a heavy load using a tiltable platform, which makes it easy for heavy objects to be transported with minimal effort.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Inventor: Robert L. Henry
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Patent number: 7033128Abstract: Transport accessories useable with a vehicle for supporting cargo and a method of loading cargo onto a transport accessory useable with a vehicle. In one embodiment, the transport accessory includes a base frame connectable to the vehicle, a second frame slidably connected to the base frame and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base frame, a carriage pivotally connected to the second frame and pivotable between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position relative to the second frame, a support frame rigidly connected to the carriage and pivotal therewith between the substantially horizontal position and the inclined position and a transport platform slidably connected to the support frame and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the support frame. Cargo is loadable on and unloadable from the transport platform when the transport platform is in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventor: David A. Poindexter
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Patent number: 7029226Abstract: Cargo carry apparatus (220) for a tractor (500) of a semitrailer truck includes a rotatable deck (222) mounted between the fifth wheel (502) and the cab which pivots from a vertical position to a horizontal position until the deck rests upon the fifth wheel (502). Deck (222) includes a primary deck (224) and a longitudinally extendable secondary deck (226) which is slidably connected to primary deck (224) and may be pulled out to form an enlarged deck area. A leveler (231) is connected to secondary deck (226) to provide a coplanar surface with primary deck (224) so that a 20 foot cargo container (600) or other large load may be levelly loaded on tractor (500).Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventor: Alan J. Walsh
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Patent number: 7011486Abstract: A collapsible, portable hoist that can be assembled and operated by a single individual, for lifting and conveying heavy objects onto and off of trucks, especially pickup trucks. When not in use, the hoist collapses down to a flat storage configuration that rests on, and is secured to, the truck's cargo walls without any portion extending beyond the truck. In order to deploy the hoist, one rotates its support frame up from the stowed position and then suspends from it the rail along which a trolley or other implement used to convey the object will travel. When the hoist is fully deployed, the trolley rail is mounted high above the bed, permitting tall objects to be manipulated. The hoist is constructed so as to be readily removable from the truck.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Inventor: Robert Anthony Dyer
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Patent number: 6994508Abstract: In this publication it is described a method and an arrangement for moving parent reels (1) between at least two handling stations with the aid of a parent reel cart (2, 3), wherein at least one of the stations a parent reel (1) is carried on carrier rails (15). At the first handling station, the parent reel is transferred to the parent reel cart (2, 3), the parent reel (1) is locked to the cart (2, 3), and the parent reel (1) is moved to the next handling station. The parent reel (1) is transferred to the next station and the parent reel (1) locking is released. According to the invention the parent reel is moved between the station and the cart by means of transfer carriages (8), which grip the ends of the parent reel and move independently over the junction between the carrier rails (15) of the station and the parent reel carts's means (13, 14) for carrying parent reels.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.Inventors: Eero Mielonen, Mauri Hillo, Pekka Kunttu
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Patent number: 6893205Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles including the steps of providing a module shaped and sized to receive vehicles therein and providing a trailer chassis coupled to a tractor. The tractor and the trailer chassis are located on or adjacent to an external surface. The method further includes the step of locating the module on a trailer chassis, and driving the vehicles from the external surface into the module.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Trailer Bridge, Inc.Inventors: Ralph W. Heim, J. Edward Morley, Prakash W. Shahani
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Patent number: 6887029Abstract: A three-wheeled, electrically powered cart is provided for transporting items typically transported using a hand truck. The cart comprises a body section housing rechargeable batteries and a steerable load section that is hinged to the body section. An electric motor powers the front wheel for propelling the cart. The load section pivots about a generally vertical axis and has a movable load rack that pivots about a horizontal axis. A platform is located between the rear wheels for supporting a user during operation. In one embodiment, the width of the cart is approximately 24 inches, allowing the cart to pass through a typical doorway.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Inventor: Ronald O. Robinson
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Patent number: 6866463Abstract: A component part container delivery rack used in manufacturing operations. An E-frame defining at least two compartments that are open on at least one side that extends between the front and back ends of the rack. The frame is supported on a plurality of wheels and is adapted to receive a dolly in the compartment. Each dolly is removably received in one of the compartments and locked in place when placed in the delivery rack. The locking element includes a pivoting lever that is rotated to lock and unlock the dolly within the compartment. The dolly is supported on roller guide elements that guide the dollies as they are moved into and out of the compartment. The dollies are raised above the floor so that the wheels of the dollies do not contact the floor as it is transported by the rack.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Anthony Riordan, Cliff Graham, Robert Liggins, Michael Norbert Colberg
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Patent number: 6863490Abstract: A trailer for transporting a contemporary boat hoist having a four post rectangular structure with at least a front transversely extended front beam and a pair of side beams, the trailer including a frame having side members mounted on a wheel and axle unit, with a pair of arms pivotally mounted one on each side member of the frame and connected to the unit, with further a front mounted winch cable connected to the arms whereby operation of the winch results in a raising or lowering of the frame, with a second front mounted winch engageable with a front beam to raise the hoist; and an extension support unit mounted on the rear of the trailer and engageable with the hoist side beams to effect vertical movement of the hoist upon vertical movement of the trailer frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: Byron L. Godbersen
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Patent number: 6863489Abstract: A barrel dolly (10) includes a main frame (12) that has members (16, 18, 20, 22) for supporting a barrel (42) and a roller frame (14) detachable from the main frame for loading the barrel through an open end (22) of the main frame. The main frame includes bridge hooks (30) that mate with receiver notches (34) on the roller frame for attaching the roller frame to the main frame. The roller frame includes a sliding handle (38) that a user grasps to rotate the roller frame for releasing and securing the roller frame and the main frame. An optional lifting handle (54) enables the user to safely and easily load heavy barrels on the barrel dolly.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: E--Z Load Drum Dolly, Inc.Inventors: Larry Grubbs, Michael S. Trask
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Patent number: 6830272Abstract: The pick-up cargo box removal tool includes a generally vertical mast attached to a carriage supported by wheels. A slider assembly is slidably mounted on the mast. A winch is mounted on the slider assembly. A winch has a winch cable that extends from a winch drum, over a cable guide pulley journaled on the mast, and has a free cable end attached to the slider assembly. The rear end of a cargo box is pivotally connected to the slider assembly for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. The front portion of the cargo box is supported by two side rail engaging plates. The side rail engaging plates are secured to the slider assembly and are adjustable vertically relative to the slider assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventor: Rick H. Bailey
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Patent number: 6769858Abstract: An electrically operated, compact, loader apparatus adaptable to a vehicle such as a truck bed of a cargo rack of an ATV, including a self deploying and recovery load platform and a folding telescopic mast that lies flat on the cargo rack of a truck bed or ATV allowing other cargo to be carried on top of the loader.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventors: Adron E. Butler, Jason Nealy
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Patent number: 6764274Abstract: A large bale loading, transporting and unloading method and apparatus including a wheeled vehicle having a flatbed with a longitudinal conveyor and a cross-bed conveyor for unloading bales laterally from the side of the flatbed. A tine carrying frame or bed is movable to a vertical position against a bale stack and bale engaging tines are actuated to hold the bales against the frame. The frame is returned to the horizontal position for either transport or lateral unloading. In one embodiment the longitudinal and cross-bed conveyors and the tine structures are carried on a flatbed beneath the surface thereof. In a second embodiment the longitudinal conveyor and tine structures are mounted on top of the bed. Apparatus is disclosed for selectively cutting off flakes or segments of the bale as it is discharged laterally.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Thomas B. Maclay
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Patent number: 6736592Abstract: A material eject system includes an ejector mounted to a bed of a vehicle which is movable between a rear end and a forward end of the bed for ejecting material from the bed. The ejector is powered by a cylinder having different fluid volumes depending on the direction of motion of the cylinder. A control circuit operates with the ejector motor to automatically move the ejector through eject and return cycles. Further, the control circuit detects different positions of the cylinder and automatically operates the cylinder at different speeds to maintain a constant motor and ejector speed throughout the material eject cycle.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.Inventors: Steven Burnett, Peter F. Prillinger, David A. Young
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Patent number: 6726431Abstract: A container handling system includes a vehicle adapted to carry a container, the vehicle being equipped with a hoist for lifting containers, and, a trailer towable by the vehicle so as to provide tandem transport of containers. The trailer is adapted to receive a container from the vehicle via the vehicle hoist, and is further adapted to selectively hoist a received container in furtherance of unloading the received container, or dump contents therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Jay C. Morrell
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Patent number: 6712578Abstract: Loadhandling equipment enables a vehicle to put down on the ground or pick up a load such as a dumpster and to tip the load, which has a lifting bar on a front face. The equipment includes a deformable and tilting handling arm which can assume, in addition to a transport position and a putting down on the ground or picking up position, a tipping position to which a hook adapted to interengage with the lifting bar is pivoted by a tilting actuator about a transverse pivot axis at the rear end of the equipment. The articulation about the transverse pivot axis is releasable and an actuator is provided to raise a link which is part of the handling arm by pivoting it upward and forward. The equipment can stand on its end a load which is at a greater height when standing on end than when it is positioned on the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: MarrelInventors: Noël Chabanas, Thierry Goiran
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Patent number: 6655904Abstract: A trailer winch assembly (100) is provided for loading containers (52, 53, 94, 96) onto a trailer (50). The winch assembly (100) comprises two movable winch apparatuses (102, 104) mounted on a winch transport assembly (106). A wheel assembly (200) having a rigid wheel frame (202), a wheel (206) rotatably and slidable supported in the wheel frame (202), and an attachment assembly (204) utilizes a jack (298) to raise the container onto the wheel. An off-load foot (350) including a downwardly extending leg (354) having a base (396) for engaging a ground surface (85) is utilized to off-load containers. A container lockdown mechanism (500) includes a securement member (504) attached to the trailer (50), an attachment member (502), and an extension member (506) extended between the container and the securement member (504) to hold the container (52) on the trailer (50).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Landoll CorporationInventors: Donald R. Landoll, Sterling W. Gunter, Keith Vacha