Cargo-handling system

Claim 1

A cargo-handling system comprising, a floor section having a plurality of apertures therein, a compressed air system which is adapted to supply compressed air to said apertures, and a plurality of valve means positioned in the vicinity of said apertures, wherein said valve means are adapted to control the flow of compressed air through said apertures, said valve means comprises balls which are positioned in relationship to said apertures and which have a diameter which is slightly greater than the diameter of said apertures, said balls are positioned in pockets, the upper edges of said pockets incorporate annular seals, against which said balls are adapted to be biased, said pockets are disposed in said chambers and the lower extremities of said pockets contain a plurality of ports through which compressed air enters said pockets from said chambers, said pockets have a U-shaped cross section, said ports are directed towards said apertures, a pallet is receive on said balls and depresses said balls in said apertures to unseal said apertures, clamping means are provided for securing a pallet, and said pallet has a movable skirt around its periphery controlling the escape of air thereunder.