Patent ID: 7673738

Claim:
An apparatus for conveying cargo, the apparatus comprising: a stationary support for fixedly attaching to a vehicle structure; a rotating support rotatably mounted to the stationary support; a drive assembly movably mounted to the rotating support, 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 for moving the drive assembly relative to the rotating support from a retracted position substantially within the rotating support to an extended position with the roller in driving abutment against the cargo; a rotation drive assembly comprising a third electronically controlled electric motor for rotating the rotating support relative to the stationary support; an electronic controller for controlling the first, second and third motors; and a plurality of ball transfer units mounted on the rotating support for supporting the cargo and for preventing the cargo from contacting the roller when the drive assembly is in the retracted position.