Abstract: A trailer includes a tongue, an upper frame, a lower frame coupled to the upper frame via a plurality of arms, and a lift assembly. The lift assembly includes 1) a hydraulic ram and 2) a hydraulic pump that is operatively connected to the hydraulic ram. The hydraulic ram raises the upper frame to a raised position when the hydraulic ram is retracted, and lowers the upper frame to a lowered position when the hydraulic ram is extended. The lift assembly is configured to be removably attachable to a trailer for retrofit operations, lift assembly replacement, or lift assembly reuse upon trailer sale or disposal. Also included is a method of raising and lowering a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing, packing, and transporting a plurality of computers, including the steps of assembling a plurality of computers, providing a rack adapted to support the computers, and positioning the computers onto the rack. The method continues by loading the rack onto a transport vehicle at a first location (e.g., at the manufacturing facility), moving the loaded transport vehicle to a second location (e.g., at the buyer's facility), unloading the rack from the transport vehicle, and removing the computers from the rack. The providing step can include the step of placing a shock-absorbing pad on the rack, and the positioning step can comprise positioning the computers onto the shock-absorbing pad. In addition, a shock-absorbing pad can be positioned above and on the sides of the plurality of computers.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for positioning a container in a cargo space of a vehicle. The device has a threaded rod attached to a bottom surface of the cargo space, a gear which is in rotating engagement with the threaded rod, a bearing, a flange, and a nut. The nut is attached to the threaded rod, and the container is attached to the flange with a connector. The container further has a tube with an inner surface, where the tube receives the threaded rod, and the nut is in sliding engagement with the inner surface of the tube. When the gear is rotated in a first direction, the container is raised inside the cargo space of the vehicle. When the gear is rotated in a second direction, the container is lowered.

Abstract: A system is provided for the integration of freight transportation from the producers work site to the freight carrier, including any intermediate carriers using carriers adapted for carrying motor vehicles. The system of the invention allows a producer to load a module at the work site, move the module directly from the work site to a vehicle carrier for a return trip, which it would normally make empty, carrying general freight. The present system adapts vehicle carriers for carrying general freight by utilizing a portable module that is carried by the vehicle carrier in substantially the same way as a vehicle to carry general freight. The system of the invention is applicable both to rail vehicle carriers and ships especially adapted for carrying vehicles as well as to over-the-road vehicle carriers.

Abstract: A lift gate assembly particularly adapted for use in a vehicle having a side opening. The assembly includes a platform that folds and pivots to the interior of the vehicle when in a stored mode. When deployed, the platform pivots to the exterior of the vehicle and unfolds. A telescoping column allows movement of the unfolded platform between upper and lower levels. Movement of the platform may be accomplished by employing hydraulic means.

Abstract: A lift-up mechanism (50, 150) installed inside a vehicle serves to move a seat unit (10, 110) into or out of the vehicle. The seat unit (10, 110) is used as a passenger seat inside the vehicle and as a wheelchair outside the vehicle. Connecting plates (56, 156) are disposed on the lift-up mechanism (50, 150) permit the lift-up mechanism (50, 150) to be connected to the seat unit (10, 110) by inserting the connecting plates into connecting recesses (40, 140) formed in the seat unit (10, 110). Front wheels (60, 160) and rear wheels (70, 170) of the seat unit (10, 110) can be retracted and extended. A drive unit having an electric motor or similar drive may be provided to retract and extend the front wheels (60, 160) and the rear wheels (70, 170). An attitude changing arrangement may be provided to automatically change the attitude of the front wheels (60, 160) when the front wheels (60, 160) and the rear wheels (70, 170) are retracted.

Abstract: 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 abase (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).

Abstract: The present invention includes automatic lift-type power generation equipment unit A which is one of the equipment within the automatic lift-type mobile facility that is adapted to be loaded onto the rear of a carrying vehicle (a), comprising a power generation section 1A which is a component of said mobile facility, supplies electric power by generating said power, and includes cubicle 3A, prime mover equipment 4A, and electric power equipment 5A, and an automatic lifting-and-lowering section 2A which includes chassis 6A, outriggers 7A, jacks 8A, universal casters, and a remote controller.

Abstract: An improved method of towing an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The method includes attaching a cable to the vehicle to be towed, lowering a tiltable carrier bed into a hinged position, moving the automotive vehicle to be towed partially onto the carrier bed, moving the tiltable carrier bed from the hinged position to a straight position, and moving the automotive vehicle to be towed onto the tiltable carrier bed such that both axles of the automotive vehicle are supported by the tiltable carrier bed.

Abstract: 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 it 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.

Abstract: A waste container for the disposition of waste concrete comprising a bottom floor section having a major dimension extending longitudinally of the container, front and rear lateral dimensions which are substantially less than the major longitudinal dimension, and a forward end closed by a forward transverse wall section. Opposed side walls extend longitudinally of the container and upwardly from the bottom floor section to define with the bottom floor section a receptacle for waste concrete. The side walls are flared from the front to the back of the container to provide a back opening which has a lateral dimension greater than the lateral dimension of the forward transverse wall section. The side walls are sufficiently flexible to permit relative displacement between a first lateral dimension corresponding to the configuration of the side walls when they are not stressed and a second lateral dimension which is less than the first lateral dimension.

Abstract: The invention is a device for loading and unloading automobiles from an auto-transport vehicle. The device includes a platform and a telescoping arm mechanism. The platform moves back and forth and up and down continuously in approximately a horizontal position. The platform moves on rails that run from the front to the back and below the chassis of a auto-transport vehicle. When the front end of the platform reaches the back end of the chassis, the platform moves down, in a horizontal position, until it reaches the ground. The rotatable base of the telescoping arm mechanism is attached to the back of the chassis. The front end of the telescoping arm mechanism contacts the bottom of the platform at the back of the chassis to support the platform as it moves back and forth along the rails. The telescoping arm mechanism also supports and moves the platform up and down while maintaining the platform in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A cart for the changeout of modules such as a laser chamber module. In one example, the cart includes at least two platforms that are movable with respect to a frame of the cart and that are coupled together such that an upward force for a vertical movement with respect to the frame of one platform provides a vertical movement with respect to the frame of a second platform at an elevated position. The platforms are coupled to each other with chains, wire, or linkage structures. With some carts, the platforms are removable from the rest of the frame. Also with some carts, an upper platform is collapsible on a lower platform. Some carts include two wheel bases that are foldable with respect to one another so as to allow the cart to traverse a surface obstacle by folding one wheel base down over the surface obstacle and transferring a load to that wheel base from another wheel base located on the opposite side of the surface obstacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and to a combination of a lorry (1) and a transport unit (6) for transporting and distributing goods by means of a lorry comprising a load compartment (2). A transport unit (6) comprising ground wheels is used, which transport unit (6) is hitched to the lorry on the rear side of the load compartment during road travel of the lorry, whereby a lifting device is used. A transport unit (6) comprising an auxiliary load compartment (7) bounded by a floor and by upright walls is used, which auxiliary load compartment (7) has cross-sectional dimensions which at least substantially correspond with the cross-sectional dimensions of the load compartment (2) of the lorry (1). The goods are transferred from the load compartment (2) of the lorry (1) to the auxiliary load compartment (7) of the transport unit (6) when they are to be distributed, and the goods thus transferred are transported further by means of said transport unit (6).

Abstract: A lift gate assembly particularly adapted for use in a vehicle having a side opening. The assembly includes a platform that folds and pivots to the interior of the vehicle when in a stored mode. When deployed, the platform pivots to the exterior of the vehicle and unfolds. A telescoping column allows movement of the unfolded platform between upper and lower levels. Movement of the platform may be accomplished by employing hydraulic means.

Abstract: A cargo delivery vehicle is described having storage for multiple tiers, or levels, of cargo. The delivery vehicle includes two or more interior elevating platforms, at least one on either side of a center structural wall running parallel to the side walls. Substantially continuous side access doors provide total exterior access to the lowermost tier of cargo. Cargo stored at the upper tier may be positioned by an elevating means at the level of the lower tier for either rear loading or side retrieval purposes. The center structural wall supports a transverse roof truss system that carries suspended outboard loads inward to the center wall. This non-traditional framing system greatly reduces the structural requirements of the sidewalls and floor, thereby permitting largely open framing for multiple side access ports as well as a minimized floor thickness to permit easier access from the pavement.

Abstract: A pump deployment system having a frame adapted to be loaded on a trailer, a pump/engine unit mounted on the frame, and jacks secured to the frame. The jacks are adapted such that, when the frame is loaded on a trailer, the jacks can be engaged with a ground surface supporting the trailer, the jacks being operable to selectively raise the frame to allow the trailer to be removed from underneath the frame, the jacks being further operable to lower the frame toward the ground surface so that the pump/engine can be placed in a semi-permanent configuration.

Abstract: A moving system (1) made up of a number of separable but intergratable parts and platform sections (10-90/110-190), including an elastically biased, pivoted, integral end ramp section (10) which is moved down allowing the load (e.g. a copier with “convenience casters”) to be rolled up onto platform sections (40 & 50/140 & 150) for movement from one location to another. Also included are additional parts or sections—in one embodiment or the other a supplemental ramp piece (120), usually stored on the exterior side of the ramp end section (110) when not in use but connectable to the end of the main ramp section to extend the effective ramping distance; a protective pad (30/130) for the ramp end section; a first platform section (40/140); a second platform section (50/150), an auxiliary, pivoting, intermediate braking support member (160); a handle end section (70/170); an extendible handle (80/180); and an interconnecting, ninety (90°) degree, leg section (90/190).

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle including a collection towing vehicle having a refuse loading mechanism for loading a semi-trailer coupled to a fifth wheel, the semi-trailer having a refuse collection body for receiving refuse from the refuse loading mechanism and a hoist mechanism for tilting the refuse collection body. The refuse collection system also includes a refuse transport vehicle which includes a transport towing vehicle having a fifth wheel for receiving a semi-trailer, and a dolly which may be coupled to the semi-trailer for towing additional semi-trailers. A control assembly is coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and the transport towing vehicle including the dolly, having control couplings for interconnection of control assemblies and control umbilicals for providing control to the various devices.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle including a collection towing vehicle having a refuse loading mechanism for loading a semi-trailer coupled to a fifth wheel, the semi-trailer having a refuse collection body for receiving refuse from the refuse loading mechanism and a hoist mechanism for tilting the refuse collection body. The refuse collection system also includes a refuse transport vehicle which includes a transport towing vehicle having a fifth wheel for receiving a semi-trailer, and a dolly which may be coupled to the semi-trailer for towing additional semi-trailers. A control assembly is coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and the transport towing vehicle including the dolly, having control couplings for interconnection of control assemblies and control umbilicals for providing control to the various devices.

Abstract: A container, such as a transfer trailer, a roll-off container, or other container that can be transported, has expandable side walls. The walls are hydraulically, or otherwise, forced outward to increase the inside width dimension of the container. A loading device, such as a garbage route collection truck or other similar vehicle can then be backed into the container whereby the solid material waste or other commodities can be directly loaded into the container. Once the container has been loaded, the side walls can be retracted to their original positions, such that the container maintains its standard regulated width dimension.

Abstract: A device includes a handling structure which has an end portion and a remaining part. The device also includes a driving arrangement which drives the handling structure between (i) a position of transportation in which the remaining part is disposed along a chassis of the vehicle and in which the end portion is at the front, and (ii) a position of picking up a load or placing it on the ground where the end portion is at the rear of the remaining part and behind the vehicle with its free end at a certain height with respect to the ground, in order to cooperate with a load whose gripping means is lower. In addition, the device includes a connecting arrangement which connects the free end of the end portion to the gripping arrangement and a controlling arrangement which controls the distance between the gripping arrangement and the end of the end portion using which the later is attached to the remainder of the handling structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing, packing, and transporting a plurality of computers, including the steps of assembling a plurality of computers, providing a rack adapted to support the computers, and positioning the computers onto the rack. The method continues by loading the rack onto a transport vehicle at a first location (e.g., at the manufacturing facility), moving the loaded transport vehicle to a second location (e.g., at the buyer's facility), unloading the rack from the transport vehicle, and removing the computers from the rack. The providing step can include the step of placing a shock-absorbing pad on the rack, and the positioning step can comprise positioning the computers onto the shock-absorbing pad. In addition, a shock-absorbing pad can be positioned above and on the sides of the plurality of computers.

Abstract: A self-loading trailer has a flat deck that can be raised and lowered between a horizontal transport position and a downwardly and rearwardly inclined loading position. A pair of winches adjacent the front end of the deck are normally maintained in a stowed position slightly inboard from opposite sides from the deck but can be shifted outwardly into extended positions outboard of the lateral confines of the deck. In such extended positions, the winches may be used to draw a first container up onto the deck as the inclined deck is moved rearwardly under the container, and then a second container behind the first container, without interfering with the first container. When both containers are fully loaded, the winches are retracted back into their stored positions.

Abstract: A forklift having a frame supported by front and rear wheels is mounted on a carrier by inserting its forks into pockets mounted on the frame of the carrier vehicle and lifting the wheels of the forklift off the ground. A pair of wheel abutments on the underside of the carrier serve as abutments for the front wheels of the forklift to prevent its forward movement. A combined lock and support structure connected to the frame of the carrier prevents separation of the forklift from the carrier after the hydraulic system of the forklift is neutralized and all pressure on the forks, carriage, and mast are relieved of support forces.

Abstract: A rear loading trailer includes a rearward end lowering mechanism to eliminate or reduce unnecessary weighting of the rear wheels and axle during loading or unloading of heavy equipment such as mining earth movers, shovels and the like. The lowering mechanism lowers the rearward end of the trailer and a ramp associated therewith onto a ground surface. With the ramp and trailer end supported at grade, the trailer body and the ground support the weight of the equipment during initial loading/unloading rather than the axles and/or wheels, thereby avoiding possible damage to the wheels and axles. The ramp moves with the trailer end so that trailer lowering would cause the ramp to also lower to the ground.

Abstract: A refuse collection system that includes a refuse container handling system stowed below a refuse storage hopper, all mounted on a vehicle. The refuse handling system includes a lift arm to raise and lower a single articulated arm and an extension arm to extend the lift arm from its stowed position to near a refuse container. The outer end of the extension arm includes a releasable clamp for engaging and clamping the container during lift and releasing the container when the arm returns it to the ground.

Abstract: A moving system (1/101) made up of a number of separable but intergratable parts and platform sections (10-90/110-190), including an elastically biased, pivoted, integral end ramp section (10) which can be pivoted and moved down to allow the load (e.g. a copier with "convenience casters") to be rolled up onto platform sections (40 & 50/140 & 150) for movement from one location to another. The moving system also includes the following additional parts or sections--in one embodiment or the other a supplemental ramp piece (120) which is usually stored on the exterior side of the ramp end section (110) when not in use but is connectable to the end of the main ramp section to extend the effective ramping distance; a protective pad (30/130) for the ramp end section; a first platform section (40/140); a second platform section (50/150), as well as an auxiliary, pivoting, intermediate braking support member (160); a handle end section (70/170); an extendible handle (80/180); and an interconnecting, ninety (90.degree.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) for the transport of persons in wheel chairs, the vehicle (1) being of the panel van type with a side loading door (7). The vehicle (1) is modified by removing the chassis or sub-frame adjacent the door opening (3), installing a lifting platform (9) within the confines of the vehicle for access through the door opening (3), and providing a door (7) hinged from the roof, the door having strengthening members (26) such that when in the closed position of the door (7), the strength and rigidity of the vehicle (1), as a result of removing the chassis or sub-frame, is restored.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a roll-off container hoist. The locking mechanism secures a roll-off container to the roll-off container hoist when the hoist is in a transport orientation and releases the roll-off container when the hoist is moved from the transport orientation toward a hoisting orientation. Also provided is a container hoist which includes such a locking mechanism, as well as a vehicle which carries a locking-mechanism-equipped container hoist. A method of using the container hoist likewise is provided. Preferably, the locking mechanism requires no springs or other resilient actuators and instead is freely actuated by gravity in one direction and by engagement with a preferably rigid actuating surface in an opposite direction. The locking mechanism includes a movable plate and a guide for the movable plate. The movable plate is freely movable through the guide, from a locking position to an unlocking position and vice versa.

Abstract: A skid for use in unloading palletized cargo from a vehicle having a bed comprises a rail for placement under the cargo and a stop projecting upwardly from the rail. The stop is placed adjacent a side of the cargo when the rail is positioned under the cargo. Movement of the bed with the skid in place causes the cargo and skid to slide from the bed to a surface onto which the cargo is to be deposited with the cargo riding on the skid.

Abstract: A passenger lift (10) is provided for loading a passenger (12) into and out of an aircraft (14). Lift (10) includes a chassis (38) having a front (34) end and a back (36) end. A plurality of wheels (62 and 63) are attached to the chassis (38) providing means for moving the lift (10). The lift (10) also includes an electrical energy source (70) for providing electrical energy, and an energy converter (104) for translating the electrical energy from the electrical energy source (70) to mechanical energy. The lift (10) includes a rear support (40) generally perpendicular to the chassis (38) and attached to the back end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) has a basket (48) for holding the passenger (12) while the passenger is raised and lowered with the lift (10) and (48) is located at the front end of the chassis (38). The lift (10) includes a pair of lift arms (44) for lifting the basket (48), and a pair of stabilizing arms (42) for providing stability to the basket (48).

Abstract: A container, such as a transfer trailer, a roll-off container, or other container that can be transported, has expandable side walls. The walls are hydraulically, or otherwise, forced outward to increase the inside width dimension of the container. A loading device, such as a garbage route collection truck or other similar vehicle can then be backed into the container whereby the solid material waste or other commodities can be directly loaded into the container. Once the container has been loaded, the side walls can be retracted to their original positions, such that the container maintains its standard regulated width dimension.

Abstract: A method, a container combination, and a container, wherein at least two containers are handled simultaneously by a vehicle's loading device. The containers can be handled separately by a loading device. The individual containers are connectable to one another to form a container combination and the container combination is lifted onto a vehicle and removed from the vehicle by making engaging devices of the loading device engage with a grasping component on a foremost container of the container combination.

Abstract: A forklift having a frame supported by front and rear wheels is mounted on a carrier by inserting its forks into pockets mounted on the frame of the carrier vehicle and lifting the wheels of the forklift off the ground. A pair of wheel abutments on the underside of the carrier serve as abutments for the front wheels of the forklift to prevent its forward movement. A combined lock and support structure connected to the frame of the carrier prevents separation of the forklift from the carrier after the hydraulic system of the forklift is neutralized and all pressure on the forks, carriage, and mast are relieved of support forces.

Abstract: A bale loading system comprising a bale carrier and a method for loading, transporting, and unloading large bales of agricultural material. The bales can be either round or rectangular bales. The bale carrier is towed to a bale in a field. The bale is positioned in a bale loading mechanism and securely clamped. The bale is lifted, rotated, and placed on the bale carrier such that a flat surface of the bale rests on the bale carrier. A plurality of bales can be loaded onto the bale carrier. After the bale carrier is loaded, the bale loader is transported to a bale storage location where the bales are unloaded. The bales are unloaded such that a bound surface of an unloaded bale faces skyward, and such that an unbound surface of a bale faces an unbound surface of a previously unloaded bale.

Abstract: A pair of elongate, segmented gripping members are carried by the lifting member of a refuse collection vehicle. Each of the gripping members includes an inner arm movably carried by the lifting member and an outer arm movably extending from the inner arm. The gripping members are movable between a retracted position in which the inner arms extend in generally opposite directions, fore and aft along the side of the vehicle, and an extended position in which the inner arms extend in generally the same direction laterally outward from the vehicle. Each outer arm is inwardly movable relative the respective inner arm to draw a container into the embrace of the gripping members. A pair of elongate flexible members engage the container to supplement the grip of the gripping members.

Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.

Abstract: A suspension system for wheeled vehicles which allows the body or frame of a vehicle, such as a trailer, to be lowered or tilted. The suspension system includes an off-set axle which, when rotated, adjusts the clearance beneath the wheeled vehicle so that the body or frame thereof can be lowered or tilted. The off-set axle includes a central portion which can be rotated by applying tension to a tensioning member attached thereto. In one embodiment the tensioning member is coupled to a shuttle which in turn is detachably coupled to another tensioning member that can be detached from the shuttle and used to pull a load onto the vehicle. The shuttle can be used to transfer tension between the tensioning members and lock the axle into a desired position.

Abstract: An under floor lift comprising a horizontal, U-shaped header framework which is mountable between a vehicle axle and floor, and which reciprocatingly receives a nestable carriage comprising a second U-shaped framework. The carriage comprises a transverse motor mount plate and a pair of spaced, horizontal arms between which is received the lift platform. The platform is pivotably suspended, lifted and lowered by spaced pairs of parallelogram linkages pivotably secured at their outboard ends to the outboard end of the carriage side rails and at their inboard ends to the inboard end of the lift platform. The carriage is telescoped by a gear and chain mechanism from an inboard stowed position horizontally out to a transfer level deployed position. The wheelchair lift is moved by a hydraulic/chain drive downwardly and upwardly supported by the parallelogram arms to or from a ground level position, to permit the lift to be an in-swing, negative type lift.

Abstract: Business forms are stacked using a cart having first and second portions pivotally movable with respect to each other from a substantially L-shaped configuration to a substantially in-line configuration with each portion having a conveyor associated with it, and a docking station. The cart with the first and second portions in the substantially L-shaped configuration is moved into operative association with the docking station. The cart is lifted and rotated in the docking station so that the second portion is substantially horizontal, and the first portion of the cart is pivoted with respect to the second portion so that the first portion is in the substantially in-line configuration with respect to the second portion. The conveyors are operated so that business forms are moved onto the first portion, and then onto the second portion, with the second conveyor operating at a speed of at least fifty percent greater than the first conveyor (e. g. about ten times as fast).

Abstract: A multi-compartment refuse and/or collection vehicle having an automated container handling mechanism that may automatically lift and dump a container into a preselected corresponding charging hopper of the vehicle. A microprocessor controls the extension, lift and lateral position of the container handling mechanism and analyzes the output voltage of potentiometers coupled to the container handling mechanism to thereby coordinate actuation of the container handling mechanism and smoothly pick up the container from the curbside, dump the container into the preselected corresponding charging hopper, and return the container to the same position on the curbside but above the ground a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A refuse collection apparatus and method including a container lifting and emptying apparatus connected to a collection receptacle which is dumped into a refuse hauling vehicle. The container lifting and emptying apparatus includes a container manipulator attached to a support arm which is connected to an extensible boom which is, in turn, connected to the collection receptacle. The container manipulator engages a container of interest and the support arm pivots the engaged container between a lowered position and a raised position for dumping. The collection receptacle typically includes multiple compartments wherein the support arm includes a pendulum pivot or is pivotally attached to the collection receptacle such that the engaged container may be tilted over any one of a plurality of the storage compartments.

Abstract: A front-end big bale loader is shown and described. A tined pick-up mechanism is pivotally connected to near the front end of a transporting vehicle frame. The tines of the pick-up mechanism are first inserted into the front side of a large bale, and then, the hydraulic system for the pick-up mechanism is actuated to rotate and lift the mechanism up and over the front of the transporting vehicle, to a bed that receives the bale. After the first big bale is rotated and lifted all the way back to the bed, the bale is removed from the tines by a backward shift mechanism that shifts the bale backwards on the bed, away from the temporarily stationary tines. Then, the pick-up mechanism is rotated forward and down in front of the vehicle to be ready to pick up a second big bale. At about the same time, a forward shift mechanism moves the first big hay bale forward again so that the second bale, when it is lifted up and back by the pick-up mechanism, comes to rest on top of the first bale.

Abstract: An auxiliary dump box accessory is provided for combining with a conventional flatbed bale (of hay) loader, for effectively converting the flatbed bale loader and the underlying conventional truck into a dump truck. Thus the dump box accessory gives the flatbed bale loader alternative utility(ies) besides the standard utility of loading and transporting large cylindrical bales of hay, including among others all the utilities typically provided by dump trucks. The dump box rests on the flatbed for use in a conventional upright position. However, when the dump box is unloaded for storage during non-use, it is deposited onto a base support surface such as the ground in a position in which it is substantially inverted.

Abstract: A wrecker truck (100) for transporting disabled vehicles is described. The truck includes an under carriage assembly (24), a subframe (10) and a deck (50). The subframe is preferably tiltably mounted on the under carriage assembly (102). The subframe includes a pair of rails (12 and 13) each having an inner rail member (34) and an outer rail member (36). The rail members are mounted parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A--A of the truck such that a slot (38) formed between the rail members extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the truck. The deck is preferably slidably mounted on the subframe. The deck has a pair of T-shaped sliding members (52) mounted on the bottom side (50B) of the deck. The sliding members have a top cross bar (52A) and a vertical bottom bar (52B). Holding braces (46) having a short leg (46A) and a long leg (46B) are mounted along the length of the rail members such that the top leg extends parallel to the top wall of the rail member.

Abstract: A trailer and a method for loading a trailer onto a transport vehicle. The trailer is elevated, causing a rear axle assembly of the trailer to pivot from a forward position to a position that is generally normal to the trailer frame. A front wheel axle assembly is rotated upwardly, and the trailer is then subsequently slid/or pushed along a generally planar bed surface of the transport vehicle. The end of the bed surface contacts the rear axle assembly during the sliding process, and with continuing sliding the rear axle assembly moves from a normal position to a rearward position.

Abstract: A refuse and/or collection vehicle having an automated container handling mechanism that may automatically lift and dump a container into a charging hopper of the vehicle. A microprocessor controls the extension and lift of the container handling mechanism and analyzes the output voltage of potentiometers coupled to the container handling mechanism to thereby coordinate actuation of the container handling mechanism and smoothly pick up the container from the curbside, dump the container in the charging hopper, and return the container to the same position on the curbside but above the ground a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An elevated service vehicle, such as a catering vehicle, with a fixed elevated cargo area, a rear elevator to load cargo from a lower level, and a raisable loading platform positioned over the cab, for servicing elevated areas such as an airplane or the like. A vertically movable canopy covers the cargo area. The vehicle can be controlled by a single operator.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template bracket integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein, the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.