Patents by Inventor C. Davis Rudolf, III

C. Davis Rudolf, III has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5478181
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dockside crane for moving cargo between a dock and a water-borne vessel. The crane has an elongated girder extending horizontally over the dock and the vessel. The crane can vertically raise and lower the girder to change its elevation, so as to minimize distance and time travel for the cargo. A trolley moves horizontally on the girder, and has a cargo engaging device which is lowered to and raised from cargo locations on the dock and vessel. The cargo engaging device can be raised sufficiently adjacent to the trolley, and may be held tightly thereagainst, to permit large horizontal accelerations and velocities with virtually no attendant sway of the trolley or cargo. Preferably, paddles extend downwardly from the trolley to beneath the center of gravity of the cargo, to further ensure no sway is encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Virginia International Terminals, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Davis Rudolf, III, Anthony P. Simkus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5456560
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dockside crane for moving cargo between a dock and a water-borne vessel. The crane has an elongated girder extending horizontally over the dock and the vessel. The crane can vertically raise and lower the girder to change its elevation, so as to minimize distance and time travel for the cargo. A trolley moves horizontally on the girder, and has a cargo engaging device which is lowered to and raised from cargo locations on the dock and vessel. The cargo engaging device can be raised sufficiently adjacent to the trolley, and may be held tightly thereagainst, to permit large horizontal accelerations and velocities with virtually no attendant sway of the trolley or cargo. Advantageously, an operator cab is provided which moves independently of the trolley, so that the operator can view the load from a variety of angles throughout the cargo moving process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Virginia International Terminals, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Davis Rudolf, III, Anthony P. Simkus, Jr.