Abstract: In a crane having two trolleys free to move independently and parallel to each other and supporting a common load, such as a spreader, an apparatus is provided to alert the operator of the crane when the common load is excessively skewed. In one embodiment, a flexible inextensible cable connects the two trolleys together. One end of the cable is joined to one trolley and the other end of the cable is joined to a constant tension spring carried by the other trolley. Once the two trolleys are aligned without the common load being skewed, any relative motion between the two trolleys causes the load to become skewed and a change in relative position of that end of the cable joined to the constant tension spring. A tripping device is positioned adjacent to that end of the cable joined to the constant tension spring.

Abstract: A straddle carrier consisting of an inverted U-shaped frame, having a pair of vertically extending legs that define an elongated container carrying bay with each leg supported by a plurality of wheels is disclosed herein. First and second engines are respectively supported on the legs and each engine drives a plurality of pumps which supply pressurized fluid for driving and steering the vehicle, as well as pumps for supplying fluid to a plurality of other functions. The hydraulic circuit for performing the plurality of other functions as well as the steering function is designed so that all of the functions may be operated from the pumps driven by one of the engines in case of power failure in the other engine.

Abstract: A spreader supported by beams in an inverted U-shaped bay of a straddler carrier is disclosed herein. Two fluid rams are respectively interposed between the beams and opposite ends of the spreader and the circuit for supplying fluid to the fluid rams incorporates mechanism for automatically centering the spreader on the beam when actuated.