Abstract: First imaging device collects first image data, whereas second imaging device collects second image data of a storage portion. A container identification module identifies a container perimeter of the storage portion in at least one of the collected first image data and the collected second image data. A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data. An image data evaluator determines whether to use the first image data, the second image data, or both based on an evaluation of the intensity of pixel data or ambient light conditions. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central zone or a target zone of the container perimeter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that include rotatable skids for engaging the surface on which forage bales rest during bale loading.

Abstract: A trailer having a moveable and rotatable platform.

Abstract: A combination loading device for a truck comprising a running board enclosure, where the running board enclosure attaches to a side of the truck to serve as a running board; an inner cavity within the running board enclosure; a loading ramp within the inner cavity of the running board enclosure, where the loading ramp attaches to a truck bed; an attachment end of the loading ramp, where the attachment end fastens to the truck bed; and a loading end of the loading ramp at an opposite end from the attachment end, where the loading end rests on the ground during use.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for dovetail locking mechanisms are described herein. A system for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position includes a sled for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position, a railing on the underside of the trailer to accommodate the sled, wherein the sled is moveably attached to the railing such that the sled can slide into a loading position clear of the dovetail or a travel position at least partially beneath the dovetail, and means for actuating the sled to the loading position and travel position. A method for locking the dovetail of a trailer includes moving the dovetail of a trailer into the travel position and sliding a sled from a loading position underneath the trailer to a travel position at least partially underneath the dovetail of the trailer.

Abstract: A self-unloading aggregate train including a plurality of hopper cars and an individual conveyor belt located beneath each hopper car. The head pulley at one end of each individual conveyor belt may rotate the belt in a direction from a tail pulley towards the head pulley. The head pulley of one hopper car is positioned above and adjacent of a tail pulley of the adjacent hopper car. This arrangement of hopper cars with individual conveyor belts may be used to unload material from the train. The individual conveyor belts may be adapted so that the trajectory of material transfer to an adjacent belt is near the pivot point between the adjacent hopper cars. The individual conveyor belts may have a substantially constant slope. The hopper of the hopper cars may also be configured with a substantially constant slope that matches the slope of the individual conveyor belts.

Abstract: A sliding ramp can include at least two platforms. The platforms of the sliding ramp can be slidably connected to provide a storage position and an operational position. The platforms can include male and female members. The male and female members can facilitate the slidable relationship between the two platforms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a frame assembly of movable stowage device and its application as a transport vehicle. The frame assembly moving stowage comprises a frame, a rolling chute, a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket, a transmission chain, a towing hook device, a towing hook guide-rail and a power device. The frame assembly can be used to load and unload a dustbin with a transfer vehicle. No special lifting equipment is required when the frame assembly is used. The automatic and modern transport vehicle of present invention makes the transportation of garbage faster and more efficient, which meets the desired requirements of logistics for the transportation of garbage.

Abstract: A cargo truck ramp load assist system comprises a hand truck engagement device disposed in a longitudinal slot in a cargo truck ramp, a first actuator coupled to the hook operable to effect displacement of the hand truck engagement device along the longitudinal slot in the ramp, a remote controller coupled to a hand truck and equipped with a first radio transceiver, a second radio transceiver coupled to the first actuator operable to receive directional/speed control signals from the remote controller, and the hand truck engagement device operable to engage the hand truck and the first actuator effecting displacement of the hand truck engagement device up and down the ramp in response to the directional/speed control signals to facilitate the hand truck going up and down the ramp.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a container handling system for an automotive vehicle having a generally horizontal cargo bed area including a container for holding cargo. The container may have an alignment surface. A power unit for imparting vertical and horizontal movement to the container may also be provided. The power unit may be connected on the vehicle. A latching mechanism connecting the power unit with the container may be provided. A guide structure connected on the vehicle may guide vertical and horizontal movement of the container by interacting with the container alignment surface.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus and related method for enhancing traction during winching for a flatbed tow vehicle, comprising: a top planar surface; a bottom planar surface integrally-connected to the top planar surface at a fixed mating angle therebetween, wherein the fixed mating angle is substantially equal to a rear extremity angle between top and bottom surfaces of a rear extremity of a flatbed of the tow vehicle with which the apparatus is to be used; and a plurality of sprags permanently affixed to an underside of the bottom planar surface.

Abstract: A number of variations of the invention may include a product comprising a vehicle including a cargo area, the vehicle comprising at least one of a titled unloading stage in the cargo area or at least one inclined ramp surface in the cargo area.

Abstract: Select variation may include a cargo deployment system which may include at least one module for containment and delivery of cargo to a location, which may also include a vehicle for thoroughfare delivery of the module which may also include an edge at or within the height of a curb on a thoroughfare for deployment of the module onto the curb.

Abstract: A method of controlling a conveyance rate of grain of an unloader system, including providing a grain holding device and an unloader in communication with the grain holding device, the unloader having an inlet for receiving grain from the grain holding device and an outlet for discharging grain. An apparatus within the grain holding device is operable for controllably feeding grain within the grain holding device to the unloader. The method includes monitoring a parameter associated with a power source of the apparatus, and comparing the parameter of the power source to a maximum predetermined threshold value. The method includes automatically controlling the conveyance rate of grain of the apparatus to the unloader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a pile and a pile cap includes a platform having a set of rail wheels, a tower having pairs of opposed arms which are configured to support a hoisting cable and rotatably mounted with respect to the platform. The apparatus may further include outriggers slidably mounted on opposite sides along the longitudinal axis of the platform, ground wheels oriented such that the axes of rotation are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform, and a rotating cutting blade movably mounted to the platform proximate the tower. The apparatus also includes a platform having a set of rail wheels, a tower with an arm having a slidably mounted hoisting cable and a slidably mounted counterweight, and a positioning mechanism to selectively position the counterweight along the arm.

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 side-discharge chipper body to be mounted on vehicle used to pull a tree limb chipper. The side-discharge chipper body includes a forestry box adapted to receive chipped landscape materials from a chipper, a side door pivotally mounted to the forestry box, and a conveyor assembly disposed within the forestry box and adapted to discharge chipped landscape material stored within the forestry box out the side door. The side-discharge chipper body can be mounted to a truck chassis. A chipper can be towed behind the vehicle with the side discharge body to provide a landscape removal system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized device that can be operated by one person to load or unload a platform containing cargo or a wheel chock attached to a motorcycle or multi-wheeled vehicle, or bins and containers holding cargo. The device taught herein is employed to lift or move the cargo to the level of the truck bed or storage area and move into the storage or travel to a second position. Also disclosed is a sliding ramp apparatus for moving cargo to a higher level or lower level or movement on the same plane or level using incline, horizontal or vertical movement. When mounted on a platform or motorized vehicle, any cargo: machinery, motorcycle, containers, palettes, drums, supplies, etc. can be loaded or unloaded in or on a vehicle or platform in a lifting or lowering manner. When mounted on any surface, any cargo (worktables, machinery, crates, containers, pallets, drums, supplies, boats, etc.

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: A large and massive panel is manoeuvred and supported by a work piece support which has an upper horizontal work piece support surface for receiving the panel in extended surface-to-surface contact. An array of apertures is provided in the work piece support surface, beneath same of which are provided low friction bearing elements moveable between a raised, load-bearing position in which the panel can be slid onto the work piece support and a retracted position in which the panel is left in extended surface to surface contact with the work piece support.

Abstract: Biomass may become an important source of combustible fuel in the future. For biomass, such as switchgrass, to be economically viable as a fuel, the processes required to take the plant material from a green, growing plant in the field to an energy dense package must be efficient. A self-propelled bale picking truck simplifies and speeds bale collecting, stacking, and staging for loading onto a truck for transport over the road.

Abstract: A method and system for providing cargo or product to an individual. The system may be a vehicle and include a plurality of bays, at least one of the plural bays having two rectangular frames, each frame having two horizontal members and two vertical members and each frame opposing and facing the other. The vehicle may also include a holding structure engaged by both of the rectangular frames, the structure comprising a plurality of trays wherein the structure is adaptable to provide vertical movement of the plural trays within the confines of the two rectangular frames. The vehicle may also include one or more mechanisms positioned between the lower horizontal members of the two rectangular frames, the one or more mechanisms adaptable to provide lateral movement within the confines of the two rectangular frames.

Abstract: The invention relates to the automatically transfer of a container between a flatcar (2) or the like and a transfer vehicle moving along said flatcar (2), whereby a method and a system is adapted to handle (3) both customized containers and ordinary standard containers, and it will automatically lock and unlock the freight (1) containers at the time of pulling a container between secured positions thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled outdoor power equipment unit, an attachment for use with such a unit and associated methods. The unit may be in the form of a mower having a mower deck. The attachment includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper. The conveyor assembly has operational and stored positions, the latter of which provides a narrower profile of the attachment and unit. The attachment and mower deck may be mounted on the frame of the unit together or separately. The attachment is configured for rapid mounting and dismounting on the frame of the unit, and provides additional functionality to a mower or other unit on which the attachment is mounted.

Abstract: Material transfer trailers including an elongate chassis, and a longitudinally extending conveyor for transferring material to a desired location, the conveyor being supported by the chassis and including a main portion mounted to the chassis, the main portion having a lower end and an upper end opposite the lower end, an extension portion including a link end moveably mounted to the upper end of the fixed portion and a discharge end opposite the link end, wherein the extension portion is configured to move between an extended position and a stowed position. In some examples, the main portion is fixedly mounted to the chassis. In some examples, the extension portion is pivotally mounted to the main portion. In some examples, the conveyor defines a void to receive a rear-mounted projection of a receiving vehicle.

Abstract: A boat and boat trailer loading system used to place a boat trailer with the boat mounted thereon, onto a rack centered above a towing vehicle such as a pickup. The system comprises a winch, a head frame, a tail frame, and a ramp system comprising an upper ramp system and a lower ramp system. The winch cable and hook is routed through the head frame and hooked to a mid-point on the boat trailer frame, then pulled up the ramp system until the wheels of the boat trailer are positioned onto a left and a right wheel cradle atop the tail frame and the boat trailer tongue will rest on a pad atop the head-frame. The vehicle's trailer hitch is then left unobstructed for towing a second trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a shipping container comprising a metal trough having a bottom, a front end, a back end and two sidewalls. A push plate disposed at the back end of the metal trough. A force mechanism coupled to the push plate and configured to move the push plate from the back end of the metal trough to the front end of the metal trough. A support mechanism configured to support the metal trough to allow a shipping container to be moved into a position to encompass the metal trough through a door of the shipping container.

Abstract: A scale controller system and method of using the system is disclosed. The scale controller is adapted for use with a grain cart or similar implement that includes a discharge opening and conveyor. The system includes a scale and a plurality of sensors that work together to automate numerous functions that are typically performed manually. For example, the present invention discloses a system that automatically records the amount of material loaded or unloaded by continuously monitoring the load on a scale and the RPMs of a power take-off shaft that drives a conveyor.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo loading rail system includes inner vehicle rail portions connected to vehicle structure. Connecting rail portions have a rotatable connecting joint to rotatably connect the connecting rail portions to one of the inner vehicle rail portions. Step mounted rail portions are connected to a door rotatably connected to the vehicle and rotatable between closed and open conditions. The step mounted rail portions have a longitudinal slot. A roller fitting assembly is connected to the connecting rail portions and slidably received in the longitudinal slot. A trolley member is movable on a continuous rail surface created when the door is open having vehicle rail portion ends contacting connecting rail portion first ends, and connecting rail portion second ends in contact with step mounted rail portion ends. A trolley member cavity receives a support post of a member loaded into the vehicle by movement on the continuous rail surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an example patient movement apparatus and methods for its use enable an EMS crew to load a patient disposed in an ambulance chair and/or in an ambulance stretcher into an ambulance, unload the patient from the ambulance, and otherwise move the patent within the ambulance, for example, from the ambulance chair to the ambulance stretcher. The patient movement apparatus may comprise a patient cradle in which a patient is wrapped, a loading ramp that spans between ground level and the level of the floor of the rear of the ambulance, a winch secured within the rear of the ambulance and having a retractable winch cable, an articulating arm secured within the rear of the ambulance and having a pulley to accommodate the winch cable, and/or one or more cable guides secured within the rear of the ambulance and that accommodate the winch cable.

Abstract: A storage cart for transporting bulk goods has a floor conveyor belt disposed within a container and serving as a floor surface, and a transfer conveyor belt positioned at a front end of the cart and protruding beyond the end. A loading conveyor belt is displaceable in a longitudinal axis of the cart. A lifting device and an operator cab are provided at a rear end of the cart. The above are disposed directly on the loading conveyor belt in a segment of the loading conveyor belt directly adjacent to a receiving end.

Abstract: A system for loading a bale in a continuous storage bag includes a structure configured and disposed to releasably dispense the bag in response to receiving a bale directed inside the structure, the directed bale being inserted inside the bag. A bale wagon receives the bale and a push-off member directs the bale inside the structure from the bale wagon. A first member is selectably movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the bale wagon to selectably secure the bale wagon to the structure.

Abstract: A loading/unloading device for attachment to a trailer hitch receive of a vehicle. The loading/unloading device comprises a main frame which has a leading section sized to matingly engage with the trailer hitch receiver of the trailer hitch and a ramp pivotly attached to the main frame such that a first portion of the ramp can, during use, matingly engage with a tailgate of a vehicle while the second opposed end of the ramp can engage with the ground surface. A removable adjustable member is located between the ramp and the main frame for transferring weight from the ramp onto the main frame as an off-road vehicle is loaded and unloaded from a vehicle using the loading/unloading device.

Abstract: Biomass may become an important source of combustible fuel in the future. For biomass, such as switchgrass, to be economically viable as a fuel, the processes required to take the plant material from a green, growing plant in the field to an energy dense package must be efficient. A self-propelled bale picking truck simplifies and speeds bale collecting, stacking, and staging for loading onto a truck for transport over the road.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grain buggy assembly. The grain buggy assembly includes a grain buggy and a conveyor for movably mounting to the buggy. In use, the conveyor can be moved from a retracted configuration in which the conveyor is retracted relative to the buggy to a grain loading configuration. In the grain loading configuration, the conveyor can extend from the buggy to receive grain for conveyance to the buggy. In one embodiment, the conveyor is pivotally mounted to the grain buggy.

Abstract: A device for gathering and removing chicken litter from chicken houses and for compacting the litter onto a compost pile. The scraper, hauler and compacter cleans and levels the floor of a chicken house as the scraper is being pulled by a tow vehicle such as a small tractor. A tiltable container is filled with the litter as scraping is done. When the container is full, the apparatus is towed to a compost pile where the scraper is either backed onto the pile or can be pulled up onto the pile. The container is tilted and the tailgate is opened. The apparatus is configured such that the wheels are in the rear and when the container is tilted into an unloading position with the tailgate hanging down in front of the wheels, the tailgate levels the litter out as the apparatus is moved forward. The wheels compress the litter onto the compost pile.

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: A side-discharge chipper body to be mounted on vehicle used to pull a tree limb chipper. The side-discharge chipper body includes a forestry box adapted to receive chipped landscape materials from a chipper, a side door pivotally mounted to the forestry box, and a conveyor assembly disposed within the forestry box and adapted to discharge chipped landscape material stored within the forestry box out the side door. The side-discharge chipper body can be mounted to a truck chassis. A chipper can be towed behind the vehicle with the side discharge body to provide a landscape removal system.

Abstract: The light-weight live-floor module has a floor surface, parallel cables laid on the floor surface, a length of conveyor belt laid on the cables, a movable bulkhead and a winch system for moving the belt, the cables and the bulkhead back and forth in unison, such as a shuttle. The belt has just enough length to cover the return axis and the floor surface on which goods are transported, thereby reducing any unnecessary weight in the live floor structure. The cables and the belt are wrapped over different axes for eliminating relative movement between the cables and the belt. One axis is set higher than the floor surface for easily breaking static friction under the belt. In a method for breaking static friction between a conveyor belt and a floor surface, a first segment of the belt is jolted upwardly while tension is applied in the belt.

Abstract: A harvest aid machine and method of use is provided comprising a machine having a main chassis. The main chassis includes a roof, a lateral conveyor belt, a chute for storing empty harvest containers and worker stations. The harvest aid machine is powered by a motor and moves using a directional wheel and two rear wheels. Workers load empty containers onto the chute and after the containers slide down the chute, the empty containers rest in a storage station accessible by additional workers. When a worker is ready to harvest a crop, the worker removes the container from the chute and places harvested crops inside the container. The worker then places the harvested crop filled container onto a worker station. After the worker collects multiple harvested crop filled containers, the worker pushes the containers onto a conveyor belt system, adjacent to the worker station, that runs laterally on the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved combination hay trailer and tiltable bed and a method related thereto for loading and unloading round bales, the improvement comprising a rotary hinge assembly positioned along the combination and adapted for angular rotation of the bed about the trailer, the hinge assembly including an outer hinge structure spaced from an inner hinge structure, the inner hinge structure associated with one of the bed and trailer, the outer hinge structure being associated with the remaining bed or trailer, and a hinge sleeve extending through said hinge assembly, wherein said tiltable bed is biased downwardly.

Abstract: A rear eject body for a truck is provided. The body includes a floor and a pair of opposing sidewalls. A tailgate extends between the opposing sidewalls at a rear end of the rear eject body. The tailgate is pivotally supported for movement between an open position and a closed position. An ejector is supported in the rear eject body for movement between a retracted position at a forward end of the body and an extended position at the rear end of the body. A tailgate actuation assembly moves the tailgate between the open and closed positions in response to movement of the ejector between the retracted and extended positions. An ejector guide assembly includes sleds that slide in guide tracks to thereby guide the ejector as the ejector moves between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A procedure and system for unloading a compacted cotton module from an on-board module builder of a cotton harvester, which in an automatic mode utilizes a controller to automatically monitor ground speed and operate unloading apparatus at a synchronized ratio to ground speed, for maintaining integrity and shape of the module, and which is quickly and easily switchable between the automatic mode and a manual mode that allows an operator to position and operate the unloading apparatus independent of ground speed for purposes such as placing the module at a precise location such as next to an already unloaded module or the like.

Abstract: A site dumper elevation, rotation, and moving floor hopper implement. The implement includes a material bed for conveying material from one site location to another. The material bed has a bed side wall and a first bed gate. The bed side wall defines an upper bed wall edge and a lower bed wall edge. The material bed further has an open top, a bed tilt hinge arranged near said first bed gate and a moving floor for transferring the material towards or away from the first bed gate. The moving floor defines the bottom wall of the material bed. A first lift arm is configured to tilt the material bed and the moving floor about the bed tilt hinge at an angular distance. An undercarriage is configured to support the material bed, the moving floor, and the lift arm. The undercarriage further is configured to rotate a rotational distance about a vertically aligned axis.

Abstract: A loading method and apparatus for loading is described which is a particular utility in loading wheelchairs (w) and the like into the vehicles. A flexible web (20) of material supports the item to be loaded during the loading process. This aids the user (u), as the user can grasp the web (20) rather than the item (w) to be loaded. Furthermore, the user (u) can support the weight of the item (w) to be loaded while maintaining good posture and observing good manual handling practice throughout the loading process.

Abstract: A platform and trailer assembly which permits a user to load an object on a cargo platform at ground level and hoist the platform onto a trailer. Also, a kit for adaptation of the standard trailer is shown with the subassemblies of the trailer.

Abstract: A truck includes a steerable frame having a tank with structure defining a forwardly-facing front discharge opening and an auger for moving material in the tank to the discharge opening. A subassembly is attached to the structure for receiving a stream of the material from the front discharge opening. The subassembly includes a laterally-facing tube with an outlet opening oriented to dump material from the tank in a sideways direction near a front of the steerable frame. In one form, the subassembly is configured to replace a guillotine plate gate covering the discharge opening for normal front dumping of material, the subassembly allowing material to be dumped to a side instead of toward the front.

Abstract: A bifurcated, dual-compartment trailer having a front storage compartment and a rear storage compartment, each having a power driven live floor. The storage compartments are selectively separated by a moveable or openable partition having a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the partition divides the front compartment from the rear compartment and provides a barrier that prevents bulk material contained in either compartment from mixing with bulk material in the other compartment. The trailer includes a rear door, and when opened, the rear compartment may be unloaded using the rear live floor, after which the partition may be opened and the front compartment unloaded using both the front and rear live floors.

Abstract: The invention relates to versatile cargo trailer decks, and to methods for moving cargo onto such cargo trailer decks. In embodiment, a cargo trailer deck may have first and second moving apparatus attached to a deck member. The first moving apparatus may be adapted to move cargo between the back end of the deck member and the front end of the deck member, while the second moving apparatus may be adapted to rotate cargo from one orientation on the deck member to a second orientation on the deck member. The deck member may be adapted to move in backward, forward, left, right, vertical, and tilt directions, in order to align the deck member for loading and/or unloading cargo.

Abstract: A vehicle payload conveyance system located inside the hollow of a vehicle gate which provides ramps which deploy from the hollow by rotation about the axis of a ball slidly engaged in a track to allow the ramps to be positioned for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the vehicle, and further provides a line deployed from the hollow of the vehicle gate which can be attached to the payload and adjustably tensioned to facilitate transfer of a payload into or out of the vehicle.