Cargo power drive unit
AssigneeAncra International LLC
InventorsAlan F. Leingang, Matthew S. McConnell, Robert M. Wolfe
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus (100) for conveying cargo is provided, comprising a support base (105) and drive assembly (110) pivotably mounted to the support base (105) for vertical movement. The drive assembly (110) comprises a roller (120) and a first electronically controlled motor (125) for rotation the roller (120). A life assembly has a second electronically controlled motor (155) for moving the drive assembly (110) relative to the support base (105) from a retracted position to an extended position with the roller (120) in driving abutment against the cargo. An electronic controller (195) controls the first (125) and second (155) motors.
Claims46
An apparatus for conveying cargo, the apparatus comprising:
- a support base;
- a drive assembly pivotably mounted to the support base for limited vertical movement substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the support base, the drive assembly comprising a roller and a first electronically controlled electric motor for rotating the roller;
- a lift assembly comprising a second electronically controlled electric motor disposed in the drive assembly for moving the drive assembly relative to the support base from a retracted position substantially within the support base to an extended position with the roller in driving abutment against the cargo;
- and
- an electronic controller for controlling the first and second motors.
An apparatus for conveying cargo, the apparatus comprising:
- a support base;
- drive means mounted to the support base for limited vertical movement substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the support base, the drive means comprising a roller;
- means for rotating the roller;
- lift means disposed in the drive means for moving the drive means relative to the support base from a retracted position substantially within the support base to an extended position with the roller in driving abutment against the cargo;
- and
- control means for independently electronically controlling the lift means and the means for rotating the roller.
A method of conveying cargo, the method comprising:
- mounting a drive assembly having a roller for limited vertical movement substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of a support base;
- providing a first electronically controlled electric motor for rotating the roller;
- moving the drive assembly relative to the support base from a retracted position substantially within the support base to an extended position with the roller in driving abutment against the cargo;
- providing a second electronically controlled electric motor in the drive assembly for moving the drive assembly;
- and
- electronically controlling the first and second motors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.