Abstract:
A lift gate apparatus for a truck or trailer body is provided that includes a platform and a drive mechanism operable to pivot the platform between a stowed position and a deployed position, and vertically move the platform from a bed-level position and a lower than bed-level position. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes a pneumatic motor to power one or both of a pivot drive and a lift drive. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism utilizes one or more pneumatic cylinders within the pivot drive or lift drive. In some embodiments, one or more pneumatic cylinders are arranged to both pivot the platform and vertically lift the platform, thereby combining the functionality of the pivot drive and the lift drive. The emergency brake system of the truck or trailer body can be used as a source of compressed air to power the pneumatic motor and/or cylinders.
Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the discharge of material from a hopper container (12) having a discharge opening (24) through which said material is discharged and a gate mechanism (26) movable between a closed position and an opened position relative to the discharge opening (24), is provided that includes a gearbox (32), a motor (34), a drive mechanism, and a controller.
Abstract:
A portable stabilizing jack for the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer includes a stand (12), drive apparatus (14), a gearbox (16), a motor (18) and a controller (20).
Abstract:
A landing gear apparatus (10) for supporting the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer (22) is provided. The landing gear apparatus (10) includes a drive leg (24), an actuation mechanism (12), a drive mechanism (14), a motor (16), and a controller (18). The drive leg (24) has a first member (30) slidably received within a second member (32), The actuation mechanism (12) is engaged with the first member (30) and operable to actuate the first member (30) relative to the second member (32) between a retracted position and an extended position. The drive mechanism (14) is disposed within the drive leg (24). The drive mechanism (14) includes an output shaft (50), an input shaft (48), an intermediate shaft (52), a first gear (54), a second gear (50), and a pair of intermediate shaft gears (58, 60). The first gear (54) is mounted on the output shaft (50) and engaged with the actuation mechanism (12). The second gear (50) is mounted on the input shaft (48). The intermediate shaft gears (58, 60) are mounted on the intermediate shaft (52). The input shaft (48) is selectively axially movable between a first position where the first gear (54) and second gear (50) are engaged and in contact with one another, and a second position where the first gear (54) and the second gear (50) are not in contact with one another. The motor (16) is coupled to the intermediate shaft (52) of the drive mechanism (14). The controller (18) selectively controls the motor (16) to operate the drive mechanism (14) and the actuation mechanism (12) to actuate the first member (30) and second member (32) between the retracted position and the extended position.
Abstract:
A roll -out cover system for a container having an open top is provided that includes a cover (26), a pair of pivot arms, a gearbox (46), a motor (48), a drive mechanism, and a controller. The cover has a leading end and a trailing end. The pivot arms are positioned on respective sidewalls of the container. Each pivot arm has a free end connected to a leading end of the cover, and a pivot end. The pivot arms are pivotable between a first position wherein the cover is retracted from the open top, and a second position wherein the cover is extended substantially over the open top. The gearbox has an input shaft and an output shaft connected to the pivot arms. The controller selectively controls the motor and coupled gearbox to operate the drive mechanism and connected pivot arms between the first position wherein the cover is retracted, and the second position wherein the cover is extended substantially over the open top.
Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the discharge of material from a hopper container (12) having a discharge opening (24) through which said material is discharged and a gate mechanism (26) movable between a closed position and an opened position relative to the discharge opening (24), is provided that includes a gearbox (32), a motor (34), a drive mechanism, and a controller.