Abstract: A boom assembly includes a boom arm movable away from and into a first position used for storage and transport of the boom assembly, and a boom latch positioned adjacent a free end of the boom arm when the boom arm is in the first position for restricting the movement of the boom arm out of the first position during transport of the boom assembly. The boom latch includes a lock member, a latch hook movable from a closed position wherein the lock member is retained in the latch hook to an open position wherein the lock member is not retained in the latch hook, and a latch hook control unit for alternately locking the latch hook in the closed position and unlocking the latch hook so that the latch hook is free to move from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A combination folding stair and platform wheelchair lift which translates from one configuration to the other depending upon the purpose to be served utilizing a series of panels which form a flat platform or alternatively steps and risers and which reciprocate horizontally on a pair of side rails and which are raised and lowered vertically in a pair of side column frames by a pair of hydraulically driven endless chains.

Abstract: A high speed cable hoist system for conventional dockside container handling cranes of the type comprising a frame and a movable boom extending laterally therefrom. The high speed cable hoist includes a hoist cable speed enhancing system which comprises a frame having a stationary sheave set positioned at the bottom thereof and a vertically movable sheave head positioned above the stationary sheave set and adapted for vertical movement within the frame. Each of a plurality of hoist cables from the conventional hoist drums extend between and wrap around two or more sheaves in each of the sheave set and sheave head, respectively, and terminate. The sheave head may be selectively actuated by suitable actuating means in order that the speed of extension or retraction of the plurality of cables by the hoist drum may be increased by motivating the sheave head either toward or away, respectively, from the stationary sheave set.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed directed to transferring articles from a first delivery conveyor to a second transfer and discharge conveyor located above the first delivery conveyor. The second transfer and discharge conveyor has a series of longitudinally spaced openings through which the articles are lifted from the first delivery conveyor for placement on the second transfer and discharge conveyor.