Abstract: The invention is suitable for use in a straddle-type crane having a frame and four corners, and comprises a system for the manual resynchronization or automatic synchronous movement of a plurality of pairs of steerable wheels. The pairs of steerable wheels are pivotal relative to the frame. The system comprises a hydraulically-actuated link and tie rod at each corner of the frame to turn all pairs of steerable wheels at each corner of said frame. It further comprises a hydraulic cylinder for each of the hydraulically-actuated links and tie rods, with the hydraulic cylinders being connected to each other in series relationship. The system also comprises a steering orbitrol which directs hydraulic fluid through the series-connected hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A wire rope or cable stabilizing system for applying a balancing force to a suspended load to maintain vertical movement of the load perpendicular to the surface upon which the load is to be placed. The balancing force is effected to balance the lateral loading forces which may be applied to the suspended load such as may be due to, for example, the list or trim of a vessel, or the wind loading forces encountered when removing or replacing a hatch cover during a loading or unloading operation of a ship.

Abstract: A hatch cover crane having a hydraulically actuated jack assembly for realigning a hatch cover carried by the hatch cover crane with a ship's cargo hold opening. The jack is extended downward onto one of a pair of support rails, over which the hatch cover crane is moved, to raise one end of the hatch cover crane off the rails. While one end of the crane is raised off the rails, an opposite end is freely driven to facilitate alignment of the hatch cover carried by the hatch cover crane with the cargo hold opening.

Abstract: A straddle-type mobile hoist having loading slings operatively connected to automatically equalize the loading applied through the slings and adapted to vary the lateral spacing between slings.

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 hoisting mechanism for a spreader of a straddle carrier is disclosed herein. The hoisting mechanism includes two fluid rams respectively located at diagonal corners of a generally inverted U-shaped frame. One fluid ram is connected to one end of the spreader through three parallel flexible members with the intermediate flexible member connected to one corner of the spreader and the two outer flexible members are connected to the opposite corner of the spreader. The disclosure also shows a unique steering linkage for steering all eight wheels that support the straddle carrier.