Importance

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Abstract

A material handling apparatus includes a tractor/trailer vehicle which can mount and dismount ore receiving containers, which can transport the containers between a collection site and a deposit site and which can dump ore out of a container at the deposit site. Each container defines a housing with an interior and an open rear area. A tailgate assembly includes a pair of bell crank arms pivotally secured on either side of the container and a tailgate mounted between first arm portions thereof to close the open rear area. A transport frame, preferable on the trailer section of the tractor/trailer vehicle, defines a support for a tiltable bed pivoted mounted on a rear portion of the frame. A linkage assembly is centrally mounted on each side of the tiltable bed and each linkage assembly includes a cam member driven by a pair of first hydraulic cylinders. Actuation of these cylinders first causes the cam members to act against second arm portions of the bell crank arms to raise the tailgate after which, and upon abutment with a limit stop block, continued actuation tilts the bed to dump ore out of the container. A hydraulically actuated lift arm is used to mount and dismount each container from the trailer section.

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First Claim