Abstract: A positioning appliance for accurately positioning a container suspended on crane cables with respect to a chassis on which the container is being placed comprises two slide chutes (30, 31) which are each pivotably suspended on a carriage (32 and 33 respectively). The carriages can be moved along a rail (34). In order to make the appliance suitable for any type of chassis whatsoever, including a chassis suitable for the public highway, the slide chutes must not come into contact with the chassis. The appliance according to the invention makes this possible in that a spacer (37) which can be moved in the direction of movement of the carriages is disposed between the carriages. Each carriage is provided with a stopping device (38 and 39 respectively) which can be brought into engagement with the spacer by moving said carriages.

Abstract: A transport carriage adaptable for use in a transfer system having both rail-guided and railless conveying regions. The steering mechanism of this carriage has a yoke connected to another vehicular carriage or tractor for imparting a steering movement to the carriage when the carriage is in the railless conveying region and at least one guide roller for imparting a steering movement to the carriage when the roller is in contact with the rails of the rail-guided conveying region. A guiding arm which transmits steering movement to the wheels of the carriage through transmissions is selectively coupled to the yoke for receiving steering movement therefrom when the carriage is in the railless conveying region. The guide roller is mounted to the guiding arm to impart steering movement to the guiding arm when the arm is decoupled from the yoke and the roller contacts the rails of the rail-guided conveying region.

Abstract: A crane device for loading and unloading containers onto a ship including a horizontal main girder and an inclined beam extending from a position under the main girder to a position above and near the ground. A supporting platform is on the crane between the main girder and the upper end of the inclined beam. A first trolley is moveable along the main girder and includes a hoist for transporting containers between the ship and the supporting platform. A second trolley is moveable along the inclined beam and includes a hoist for transporting containers between the supporting platform and a carriage on the ground. The crane further includes a transport mechanism including a positionable arm operable to push carriages in a direction generally transverse to the inclined beam.