Abstract: A pallet for supporting a container includes a base, plurality of supports secured with the base, first platform rotatably supported on the base, and second platform pivotably coupled to the first platform and adapted to support the container. At least one pallet linkage arrangement couples the second platform and the first platform, and at least one pallet actuator pivots the second platform between container transport and dump positions. A carrier includes a prime mover, trailer, plurality of ground engaging members, at least one carrier actuator adapted to move at least a portion of the trailer between lowered and raised support positions relative to at least a portion of the plurality of ground engaging members. At least a portion of the trailer is sized to be received between the plurality of supports secured with the base of the pallet.

Abstract: A pallet for supporting a container includes a base, plurality of supports secured with the base, first platform rotatably supported on the base, and second platform pivotably coupled to the first platform and adapted to support the container. At least one pallet linkage arrangement couples the second platform and the first platform, and at least one pallet actuator pivots the second platform between container transport and dump positions. A carrier includes a prime mover, trailer, plurality of ground engaging members, at least one carrier actuator adapted to move at least a portion of the trailer between lowered and raised support positions relative to at least a portion of the plurality of ground engaging members. At least a portion of the trailer is sized to be received between the plurality of supports secured with the base of the pallet.

Abstract: A pallet for supporting a container includes a base, plurality of supports secured with the base, first platform rotatably supported on the base, and second platform pivotably coupled to the first platform and adapted to support the container. At least one pallet linkage arrangement couples the second platform and the first platform, and at least one pallet actuator pivots the second platform between container transport and dump positions. A carrier includes a prime mover, trailer, plurality of ground engaging members, at least one carrier actuator adapted to move at least a portion of the trailer between lowered and raised support positions relative to at least a portion of the plurality of ground engaging members. At least a portion of the trailer is sized to be received between the plurality of supports secured with the base of the pallet.

Abstract: A steel manufacturing facility and method are disclosed which utilize ground mobile equipment, as opposed to overhead cranes. At least one material container is loaded with a steel making product and picked up with a transport vehicle that is movable throughout the facility and adapted for various uses within the facility. The material container is placed within an interior chamber of a furnace coupling shell assembly utilizing the vehicle such that the material container is supported by a support mechanism of the apparatus. The shell assembly and the material container are moved together to the furnace utilizing the vehicle. A bottom opening of the shell assembly is positioned over the top opening of the furnace utilizing the vehicle. The furnace is then charged with the steel making product through the top opening. The material container and shell assembly are then removed together from above the furnace using the vehicle and then the furnace can be operated.

Abstract: A material distribution vessel for distributing material recovered in a dredging operation is disclosed. The material distribution vessel includes a hull; a propulsion system for selectively moving the hull through a waterway; and a conveyor system supported by the hull. The conveyor system has a first end for receiving recovered material and a second end for depositing the recovered material. At least a portion of the conveyor system is movable relative to the hull to move the second end to a desired position. The material distribution vessel also includes at least one support pad. The at least one support pad is movable in at least a vertical direction to support the hull on a bottom of the waterway. The recovered material may be deposited into the waterway to form an island (which may be a levy), into another water-borne vessel, or into an on-shore station such as a wheeled transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A system for transporting material recovered in a dredging operation performed by a dredge is disclosed. The system includes a water-borne material distribution vessel including a conveyor system for receiving and depositing the recovered material. It also includes at least one water-borne material transportation vessel for transporting recovered material from the dredge to the material distribution vessel. The water-borne material distribution vessel can deposit the material into the waterway to form an island (which may be a levy), into another water-borne vessel, or into an on-shore station such as a wheeled transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled, steerable straddle carrier (10) includes a main frame (12) supported on transport wheels (14) with a tong table (20) and a plurality of hydraulic lift actuator (34) for raising and lowering the tong table (20) relative to the main frame (12). A pair of front and rear slab tongs (42, 44) are pivotally mounted on the tong table (20) with a pair of front and rear pinch cylinders (43, 45) for opening and closing the slab tongs (42, 44). A pair of coil tongs (52) arm disposed between the front and rear slab tongs (42, 44) with a pair of inverted yoke assemblies for pivotally supporting the coil tongs (52) and a center pinch cylinder (60) for opening and closing the coil tongs (52). A pair of hydraulic actuators (34) interconnect the yoke assemblies and the main frame (12) for raising and lowering the coil tongs (52) relative to the slab tongs (42, 44) to permit the straddle carrier (10) to transport either stacks of steel slabs or a steel coil.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to a main frame of a vehicle for handling straddled loads including coil-shaped loads and slab-shaped loads entered into a load carrying space of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a moveable lift frame having both a tong assembly and probe assembly suspended therefrom. The tong assembly includes tong actuators and depending tongs for clamping a slab-shaped load, while the probe assembly includes a displaceable probe for penetrating coil shaped loads. When the apparatus is used for engaging a slab-shaped load, the probe is displaced so as to be withdrawn from the load carrying space, and the depending tongs are actuated to clamp the load. When the apparatus is used for engaging a coil shaped load, the probe is displaced into the load carrying space and the vehicle is moved to penetrate the load with the probe. With either load, the lift frame is then raised to elevate the engaged load.

Abstract: A vehicle for reaching, lifting, retracting, stacking and carrying loads. The vehicle includes a load carrying portion disposed behind the front axle of the vehicle for receiving and transporting loads, so that the vehicle is able to transport loads without tipping yet without carrying excess ballast. The vehicle includes a reach and retract lifting device for reaching to secure or release loads substantially far from the vehicle and retracting to secure or release loads stacked on the load carrying portion of the vehicle. The reach and retract lifting device is interchangeable depending on the desired lifting operation. To prevent tipping while reaching loads, the vehicle incorporates selectively actuable outriggers. Additionally, the vehicle includes selectively actuable hydraulic cylinders or the like for adjusting the lateral position of a lifted load.

Abstract: A self-propelled straddle carrier for straddling, lifting, supporting and carrying heavy loads directly under the structure of the vehicle. A main frame including a pair of spaced-apart, longitudinally extending side beams and arch-shaped cross beams is supported on wheels and strut assemblies. The interior sides of the wheels, strut assemblies, side beams and the cross beams form a tunnel-shaped load carrying space defining the inner envelope of the carrier, while their exterior sides define the outer envelope of the carrier. A tong assembly, including a tong actuator and a pair of depending tongs is suspended from the main frame for vertical movement up and down in the tunnel-shaped load carrying space. All components are removable from the tunnel for straddling loads, yet remain within the outer envelope during normal transport.

Abstract: A coke box for dry quenching and indirectly cooling a charge of coke received from the discharge end of a coke oven. The coke box includes a chamber for receiving the coke and a seal engageable with the discharge end of the oven to substantially prevent the escape of combustible gases and particulate matter therefrom. A door encloses the coke within the receiving chamber to substantially isolate the coke from the atmosphere and an external cooling media which is passed over the exterior surfaces of the receiving chamber to indirectly cool the charge of coke enclosed in the receiving chamber. A burner chamber is connected to the receiving chamber for burning combustible gases and particulate matter exhausted from the receiving chamber. Preferably, the burner includes a venturi tube and an air inlet nozzle for drawing atmospheric air into the burner to mix with the combustible gases and enhance the combustion thereof.

Abstract: An improved coke handling apparatus includes a coke box for receiving and indirectly cooling a coke charge from a coke oven in a pollution-free manner and a vehicle for transporting and maneuvering the coke box. The carrier may be self-propelled with at least a pair of rail-engaging wheels and preferably has an upper tilt frame for supporting and dumping the coke box and apparatus for maneuvering the coke box within the tilt frame to assist in alignment of the coke box with the oven face. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes circulating gas within the receiving chamber of the coke box for enhancing the cooling of the coke charge. The apparatus may also include a burner chamber for burning combustible gases exhausted from the receiving chamber of the coke box. Coke oven door removal and cleaning mechanism may also be included.

Abstract: A carrier for lifting and transporting a heavy ladle including a tractor and trailer having a longitudinal center line and a U-shaped frame and a rearwardly opening rigid cradle pivotally mounted on the frame for embracing the ladle and with notches for engaging and lifting the ladle by its trunnions and provided with a hydraulic lift cylinder for vertically pivoting the cradle with respect to the trailer frame wherein the cradle pivot mountings include hydraulic shift actuators aligned parallel with respect to the cradle front cross frame to shift the entire cradle laterally with respect to the trailer center line and the hydraulic lift cylinders are pivotally mounted to the trailer frame and cradle arms with ball connections to permit the limited lateral tilting of the lift cylinders.

Abstract: A carrier for lifting, transporting and dumping a large load box or the like is provided including a wheeled trailer having a forwardly projecting tongue for pivotal connection to a tractor, a central longitudinal frame rigidly connected to the tongue and a rear cross member rigidly connected to the central frame member. A cross tube for journalling the trailer wheels is attached to a support arm pivotally connected at one end to one of the trailer frame members and rigidly connected at the other end to the cross tube and a first hydraulic cylinder interconnects the cross tube and another one of the trailer frame members for swinging the support arm about its pivotal connection so as to raise and lower the rear end of the trailer frame member with respect to the trailer wheels.

Abstract: An improved coke handling and quenching method utilizes a coke box for receiving, cooling and carrying a coke charge from a coke oven in a pollution-free manner and employs a highly maneuverable self-propelled carrier vehicle for transporting and maneuvering the coke box. The coke in the box is indirectly cooled by directing a cooling medium over the external surface of the box. In the preferred method the trapped hot gasses are circulated within the coke box for enhancing the cooling of the coke charge. The method may also include exhausting the combustible gasses from the coke box and burning them in a burner tube.

Abstract: A carrier for lifting, transporting and dumping a large load box or the like is provided including a wheeled trailer having a plurality of frame members and a forwardly projecting tongue for pivotal connection to a tractor. A first hydraulic cylinder is provided for raising and lowering the trailer frame with respect to the trailer wheels. A pair of laterally spaced jaw members are secured to the rear cross frame member of the trailer to receive transverse hinge pins secured to the underside of the load box adjacent its rear end and a latch plate is provided to lock the transverse hinge pins in the jaws.

Abstract: An improved coke handling and quenching apparatus and method comprising a coke box for receiving, cooling and carrying a coke charge from a coke oven in a pollution-free manner and a highly maneuverable self-propelled carrier vehicle for transporting and maneuvering the coke box, the carrier having an upper tilt frame for supporting and dumping the coke box and apparatus for maneuvering the coke box within the tilt frame to assist in alignment of the coke box with the oven face. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes a gas circulation system for enhancing the cooling of the coke charge by circulating gas within the coke box. The apparatus may also include an inert gas heat recovery system.

Abstract: An improved suspension assembly for a high capacity hauling vehicle having a strut that is connected to a two-chamber cylinder or accumulator. The strut has a first section that is connected to the axle and a second section which is secured to the vehicle chassis and telescopes in relation to the first section. Further, the strut has a chamber that contains a gas and a liquid. The suspension assembly accumulator has two chambers that are separated by a movable piston. The first accumulator chamber is filled with liquid while the second accumulator chamber is filled with a gas. The gas-filled accumulator chamber is connected to the strut chamber, which also contains gas, by way of a hose which includes a fixed size orifice. The orifice is sized to regulate the flow of gas between the chambers so that the dynamic stiffness characteristic of the strut varies as a function of the speed of the movement of the axle relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A heavy duty slab carrier for lifting and transporting a stack of steel slabs or the like is provided including a self-propelled tractor and a trailer having a longitudinally extending frame supported in front by a tractor hitch and at the rear by a rear wheel assembly having at least two steerable tandemly arranged wheels on each side of the trailer, a plurality of hydraulically controlled tong arms extending downwardly from the trailer frame for gripping a stack of slabs, hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the trailer frame and tong arms relative to the tractor and rear wheel assembly, and an arrangement of steering links and a hydraulic actuator for steering the tandemly arranged wheels of the rear wheel assembly in opposite directions.

Abstract: A carrier for lifting and transporting a heavy ladle including a tractor and a trailer having a longitudinal center line and a U-shaped frame and a rearwardly opening cradle pivotally mounted on the frame for embracing the ladle and with hooks suspended from the cradle for engaging and lifting the ladle by its trunnions provided with a hydraulic lift cylinder for vertically pivoting the cradle with respect to the trailer frame and wherein the cradle legs have extension members hinged thereto and are interconnected by a hydraulic swing actuator for selectively swinging the legs and extension members about the hinges so as to shift the cradle and hooks laterally with respect to the trailer center line.