A loading device for loading and/or unloading transport containers for piece goods includes a plurality of loading places at which the transport containers can be disposed and loaded or unloaded. At least one loading apparatus can be used for loading and/or unloading the transport containers at least at one loading place. In order to reduce the costs for the device, the device includes at least one positioning apparatus for moving at least one transport container or the loading apparatus from a first loading place to at least one second loading place. A method for loading and/or unloading transport containers for piece goods is also provided.

A system for transferring loads from a mobile robot device. The system includes a transportable conveyor platform. The mobile robot device transports the transportable conveyor platform to/from a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism lifts the transportable conveyor platform and any load thereon from the mobile robot device and to a desired height for unloading the load.

A system for transferring loads from a mobile robot device. The system includes a transportable conveyor platform. The mobile robot device transports the transportable conveyor platform to/from a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism lifts the transportable conveyor platform and any load thereon from the mobile robot device and to a desired height for unloading the load.

Telescopic conveyor with integrated indexing and measuring conveyor is described, the telescopic conveyor having a frame, at least one telescopic segment mounted so as to be extendable with respect to the frame and a transport conveyor, the transport conveyor is driven at a first conveying speed (v.sub.1) and is supported on the at least one telescopic segment and on the frame and wherein the indexing and measuring conveyor is arranged on a delivery side of the transport conveyor. The telescopic conveyor enables the packet items located thereon to be automatically separated while taking up as little space as possible. The indexing and measuring conveyor is mounted on the same frame and is driven at a second conveying speed (v.sub.2), the second conveying speed (v.sub.2) being greater than the first conveying speed (v.sub.1).

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

A system for handling shipping containers having first and second lift beams, first and second support beams, and a plurality of vertical beams wherein the plurality of vertical beams are connected by the first and second lift beams and the first and second support beams. The system further includes first and second pluralities of lifting pads disposed respectively on each of the first and second lift beams wherein the lifting pads of the first and second pluralities are arranged to have an initial position recessed within the respective lift beam on which each lifting pad is disposed and the lifting pads of the first and second pluralities are arranged to have a deployed position distal to the respective lift beam on which each lifting pad is disposed. Further still, the system has first and second pluralities of swivel feet disposed respectively on each of the first and second support beams and a lift beam driving mechanism that raises and lowers the first and second lift beams.

The present invention relates in general to the field of livestock trailers, and more specifically, to a livestock trailer that utilizes an enclosed elevator platform for loading and unloading animals. The elevator platform is located within an elevator shaft inside the frame of the livestock trailer. The elevator platform is configured to protect and confine the livestock as it traverses through the elevator shaft during loading and unloading operations. The livestock trailer may further comprise a ventilation system, a sprinkler system and/or a watering system to help assist in the well-being, health, and safety of the livestock while being transported. The purpose of the invention is to provide a livestock trailer and method of loading and unloading livestock onto the livestock trailer that minimizes risk of serious injury to both animal and handler during loading, unloading and transportation operations.

A ramp apparatus for a pickup truck includes a housing extending from a front wall to a rear end of the floor and defines an opening in a rear end thereof. Right and left ramp assemblies each include a tailgate section with a length equal to a height of the tailgate, and an inclined section. Each ramp assembly is movable to a retracted position where the tailgate section telescopes inside the inclined section and the ramp assembly is entirely contained in the housing, and from the retracted position to an extended position where the tailgate section extends generally horizontally and a front end of the tailgate section is secured at a rear end of the housing, a rear end of the tailgate section is pivotally attached to a front end of the inclined section, and a rear end of the inclined section rests on a ground surface.