The stick removal mechanism for nut harvesting includes a frame having opposing side members and sprockets mounted on the side members. A roller chain is mounted on the sprockets on each side of the frame. A plurality of cross members having fingers extending therefrom is attached to and extends between the roller chains for travel therewith. A plurality of cross members and their chains define an endless conveyor belt. An adjustable agitator mechanism is installed upon each of the side members, which adjusts corresponding agitator sprockets to lift and agitate the respective roller chains. The stick removal mechanism is installed over the open top of a collector receptacle, e.g., a cart, so that debris is carried atop the conveyor and dropped behind the cart while nuts fall through the passages between the fingers and into the receptacle.

Methods and systems are provided for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item; a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

The present invention relates to an intermediate storage vehicle for storing milled material and also to a work train with such an intermediate storage vehicle, a surface milling machine and a transport vehicle.

An improved tarp specifically configured and adapted for transporting cargo in a truck bed, and unloading cargo from the truck bed at a desired location. The tarp includes several foldable flaps or panels which may be used to secure the cargo within the tarp. The tarp may include several loops which may be used for pulling the tarp out of the truck bed and unloading the cargo from the tarp. Also, the tarp may have several strengthening strips which pull the cargo out of the truck bed.

The present invention relates to a system for transporting and discharging material from vehicles and trailers having a material hopper body. The material hopper body has generally inclined sidewalls and a substantially horizontal bottom area defined by an internal conveyor extending the length of the hopper body. A tailgate door closes the end of the hopper body to contain the load in the hopper. The tailgate door is moveable from the closed position to an open position to permit discharge of the material out the rear of the hopper. Lift and stabilizing means proximate the rear of the material hopper body elevate the hopper body. An external throw conveyor is adapted to pivot between a stored position at the side of the hopper body to an operational position behind and below the hopper body at the discharge end to directionally discharge material from the hopper body.

Sensor systems, methods and machine readable medium are provided for a cargo vehicle. A plurality of sensors are arranged about an opening associated with a door through which packages are unloaded from a vehicle or trailer. The plurality of sensors are configured to measure an unpacked depth of the vehicle or trailer. A processor is provided in communication with each of the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to receive measured data generated by the plurality of sensors, determine an empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer based on the measured data as packages are being unpacked from the vehicle or trailer, and generate instructions regarding loading packages in a subsequent vehicle or trailer based on the determined empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer.

Sensor systems, methods and machine readable medium are provided for a cargo vehicle. A plurality of sensors are arranged about an opening associated with a door through which packages are unloaded from a vehicle or trailer. The plurality of sensors are configured to measure an unpacked depth of the vehicle or trailer. A processor is provided in communication with each of the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to receive measured data generated by the plurality of sensors, determine an empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer based on the measured data as packages are being unpacked from the vehicle or trailer, and generate instructions regarding loading packages in a subsequent vehicle or trailer based on the determined empty volume over time of the vehicle or trailer.

Methods and systems are provided for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item; a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

Methods and systems are provided for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item; a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

A Trailer Loading/Unloading System may comprise a tilting flatbed trailer having one or more push bars configured to move along the surface of the trailer bed push palletized cargo off the trailer, move palletized cargo back and forth on the trailer, and prevent rapid descent or undesirable slipping of palletized cargo. Each of the push bars may be secured between a chain on the left side of the trailer bed and a chain on the right side of the trailer bed. These two chains may loop around a rear guide shaft at the rear of the trail and a front guide bar shaft at the front of the trailer. The guide shafts may be secured beneath the surface of the trailer, and may include sprockets around which the chains loop. A motor, e.g., a winch, may be secured to the trailer and may drive, using a sprocket and chain running around a shaft protruding from the motor, one of the guide shafts, e.g., the front shaft, by turning a sprocket mechanically secured to the front guide shaft. The Trailer Loading/Unloading System may further comprise a hydraulic lift actuator for raising the front of the trailer, thereby tilting the trailer. Palletized cargo may be unloaded from the trailer by raising the front of the trailer and thereby tilting the trailer, actuating the motor to push palletized cargo toward the rear of the trailer, and pulling the trailer forward when the edge of the palletized cargo is touching the ground.