Miller Industries Towing Equipment, Inc.

John M Cullum

Dean T Mullin

David W Bannon

Christopher L Wilcox

A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention may include a table and a pin secured to the transfer bed. The table may pivot on a horizontal axis allowing the transfer bed to be placed in a horizontal orientation during inclination of the tilt frame. The table may also pivot on a vertical axis so that the transfer bed may swing side-to-side, and may also pivot on a z-axis enabling the transfer bed to roll side-to-side relative to the table. An adjustable carriage with independently movable stabilizer legs may be used to level the transfer bed on uneven ground. The tilt frame may also include an extendable boom and a retractable roller system to facilitate loading and unloading of material such as flat rack platforms and pallets.

Tiltloader for transferring cargo

An auto-latch mechanism enabling a towing vehicle to hook-up and tow-away a disabled vehicle without the need for either operator of the vehicles to exit their interior. In a preferred embodiment, the auto-latch mechanism includes opposing guide plates and a plunger pin with a distal portion movable to a location between the plates. When a connecting portion of the disabled vehicle is positioned between the opposing plates, the plunger pin may be engaged to the connecting portion, to thereby accomplish hook-up of the disabled vehicle to the towing vehicle. A method for using the auto-latch mechanism is also disclosed and claimed.

Auto hook-up device for disabled vehicles

A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including transferring cargo between an aft-loading aircraft and a ground transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention may include a tilt frame, a transfer bed, and an adjustable carriage. The tilt frame may be pivotally engaged to a vehicle chassis where the tilt frame has a first end near the cab of the vehicle and a second end distal from the cab. The transfer bed may have a first end connected to the tilt frame and may be movable along an upper surface of the tilt frame. The adjustable height carriage may support a second end of the transfer bed. The transfer bed may be leveled at varying heights by moving the first end of the transfer bed along the upper surface of the tilt frame, and by varying the height of the carriage.

Tiltable loading system and extendable platform for transferring cargo

A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including a device having a directional diverter and a means for securing the directional diverter to an ANSI/ISO corner fitting having a vertical face. The directional diverter may facilitate the conversion of horizontal movement of the container to inclined travel on an inclined surface, for example the inclined surface of a cargo transfer bed, such that when a force pulls the container in a direction generally normal to the vertical face and along the inclined surface, the directional diverter may contact the inclined surface prior to contact between the corner fitting and the inclined surface. In some embodiments, the directional diverter may be a sloped surface. In other embodiments, the directional diverter may be a roller or wheel.

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Chattanooga, TN, United States of America

John M Cullum