Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gate system for an overhead lifting rail system, comprising: a first gate comprising: a rail portion for supporting a lifting carriage; and a bridging element pivotally coupled adjacent a proximal end to the rail portion; and a second gate comprising: a rail portion for suspending a lifting carriage; and a bridging element support portion. Upon the first gate engaging with the second gate, a distal end of the bridging element of the first gate engages with the bridging element support portion of the second gate to form a bridge between the first gate and the second gate; and the distal end of the bridging element and the bridging element support portion are configured such that the ends of the bridging element are substantially aligned with the respective ends of the rail portions of the first and second gates.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for releasably connecting a first beam to a second beam. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may include a locking pin arranged on the first beam and configured to actuate between an unlocked position and a locked position and an arm coupled to the locking pin and extending parallel therewith. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may also include a sleeve arranged on the second beam and configured to receive the locking pin in the locked position to releasably secure the first beam to the second beam.

Abstract: An arrangement for secure transfer of a travelling trolley between a first and a second rail in a hoisting system is provided. The arrangement including: a first and a second engagement devices are arranged to engage when the rails are aligned; a third and a fourth engagement devices are arranged to engage when the rails are aligned; a pivotable stop which in a closed position is arranged to form a barrier in the path of the trolley, and which is coupled with the first engagement device such that the first stop is pivoted out of the path of the trolley when the first and the second engagement devices engage, such that the trolley can pass between the rails; a pivotable second stop which in a closed position is coupled with the third engagement device.

Abstract: The invention is a suspended hanger with an adjustable slide that helps to maintain the suspended hanger in a balanced condition. The hanger has a tubular channel with a longitudinal slot. The channel has one or more devices for attaching suspended objects to the channel. Affixed to the channel by means of the slot is a slide that has a frictional breaking mechanism. The braking mechanism uses a lever and compression spring to secure the slide to any position along the channel. When objects are suspended from or removed from the hanger, the slide is adjusted to achieve the balanced condition. The suspended hanger may be suspended overhead by one or more pulleys. The invention is especially suited for holding bicycles, especially three bicycles.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an x-direction support structure extending in the same direction as a line extending between a well center and a V-door on a drilling rig and include a y-direction support structure moveable along the x-direction support structure. The y-direction support structure extends on a drilling rig in a direction transverse to the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig. A racker device is carried by the y-direction support structure and is configured to connect to and carry a tubular stand used in a well drilling process, the racker device being moveable along the y-direction support structure from a position inline with the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig to a position offline from the line to provide space for additional drilling processes along the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig.

Abstract: A method for implementing an overhead rail guided transport system includes the following steps: a vehicle transport system is provided, which includes an upper rail guided transport system, a lower rail guided transport system, a vehicle exchange equipment, and a plurality of vehicles operating in the upper and lower rail guided transport system; respective vehicle utilizing rates in the upper and lower rail guided transport systems are provided; the vehicle exchange equipment is used to interchange the vehicles respectively operating in the upper and lower rail guided transport systems in order to equilibrate the respective vehicle utilizing rates.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a load maneuvering system that includes a pair of runway rails, a bridge that is movable on the runway rails and that includes a single bridge rail, a carriage that is movable on the single bridge rail, and a manipulator supported by the carriage. The bridge rail is configured to support the assembly of the carriage and manipulator when a load is carried by the manipulator and a resultant moment is imposed on the bridge rail. The moment may be imposed in a direction about the bridge axis, in a direction about the runway axis, or a combination of the two. By providing a single bridge rail with an enclosed member as part of (or the entirety of) the bridge rail, the overall system is lighter and requires less power for movement of the bridge on the runway rails, and requires less power to move the carriage on the bridge. Additionally, the assembly is simplified relative to some load maneuvering systems of the prior art thereby making it less expensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robotic arm workcell. A robotic arm is mounted on a superstructure that carries all the equipment associated with the workcell's task. Thus, the workcell is self-contained needing only power. The workcell may be moved by activating air bearings that are pressurized by an air compressor that is also mounted on the superstructure. Power is received via power contacts that engage a power rail. Guidance is provided a guide system. The guide system may include guide rails engaged by guide carriages. Propulsion is provided by a drive system that may engage the guide system or the factory floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling power from shore power to a rubber tire gantry (RTG) crane comprises a power junction trolley and optionally an RTG crane. The power junction trolley receives power through a high voltage cable or alternatively through an inductive power coupling and alternatively outputs a low AC or a low DC voltage through a flexible power cable for connection to an RTG crane. A guiding apparatus directs the power junction trolley along a selected path so as to reduce a control accuracy requirement for the RTG crane. The RTG crane may move from a selected path to another selected path without interrupting a high voltage connection. The power junction trolley optionally determines its position relative to a selected path comprising a guide rail in some embodiments and a guide wire in others. Embodiments of the power junction trolley are alternately self-propelled or towed by the RTG crane.

Abstract: A system and method for automated handling, transferring and storing conventional cargo storage containers on a cargo ship wherein the containers are stored in a multi-tier cell system and are manipulated by powered transfer units which are selectively moveable along an intersecting overhead track system such that containers may be simultaneously retrieved from, moved or placed within any of the cells of the ship. The transfer units are equipped both with hoists, which control spreader beams which are selectively secured to the cargo containers, and guide stabilizers, which prevent undesirable movement of the cargo containers when they are elevated above the cell structures such that the containers may be manipulated even during rough sea conditions such that the system is essentially continuously operable as a floating supply distribution system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple trolley container crane having at least two trolley tracks (6, 7) disposed one on top of the other, on which trolleys (8) having running wheels, drive devices, and lifting devices move. Characterized in that running wheels (20) that can be laterally retracted and extended, and an integrated lifting system (21, 22, 24, 25, 26) are disposed on the trolleys (8) on the trolley tracks (6, 7), with which they support themselves on or next to the trolley tracks (6, 7) and thereby get from the lower to the upper trolley tracks (6, 7) and vice versa. The invention is suitable for fast loading and unloading of container ships, where several containers are supposed to be loaded and unloaded from them at the same time (Figure).

Abstract: A crane trolley, especially a single-rail trolley with a short overall height, with a traveling mechanism frame (2) having a hoisting mechanism (1), which can travel by running wheels (3, 3a) on a rail, especially a lower flange (4a) of an essentially horizontal beam (4), wherein at least one running wheel (3a) can be driven, and a friction roller (10) interacting with the driven running wheel (3a) is arranged on the underside (4b) of the rail. In order to create a crane trolley that guarantees a reliable reduction in the slippage of the driven running wheel (3a) with a simple design, a pair of friction rollers (10) is provided, which may be positioned against the underside (4b) of the rail by adjusting the spacing from each other via a common pressing mechanism.

Abstract: A terminal and system for the automatic computerized unloading of containerized cargo from container ships to trucks, railroad cars, other ships and storage. The terminal system is equipped to store or transfer unloaded cargo automatically by using independent container transfer vehicles. The cargo ships are moored between quays of a terminal building constructed in or adjacent to a waterway. Independent container transfer vehicles on an overhead transverse beam system lift a container up and away from a ship transfer to the elevated ground rail system without changing orientation, and then shuttle on elevated ground conveyance rails to other areas of the terminal to distribute the container to the pertinent transportation system (railcar, truck, another ship, or storage). Containers can also be unloaded from trucks and railroad cars and transported to a berthed ship utilizing the same transportation system.

Abstract: A bridge crane, especially a container loading bridge, having a portal, a boom, a track system laid on the boom and crane trolleys which travel on the tracks, in which the track system comprises a working track, whose two rails have a mutual spacing corresponding to the wide spacing of the running wheels of the crane trolleys in a working position and a return track, whose rails have a mutual spacing corresponding to the narrow spacing of the running wheels of the crane trolleys in a return position is provided. Two arched pieces are arranged about the area of the ends of the boom where the working track and return track meet. The two wheel suspension mechanisms of the crane trolleys are constructed so as to rotate freely about a vertical axis. The two rotation axes of the crane trolleys are arranged with a spacing with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof corresponding to half the mutual spacing of the two rails of the return track.

Abstract: A terminal and system for the automatic computerized unloading of containerized cargo from container ships to trucks, railroad cars, other ships or storage. The terminal system is equipped to store or transfer unloaded cargo automatically by using independent container transfer vehicles. The cargo ships are moored between quays of a terminal building constructed in or adjacent to a waterway. Independent container transfer vehicles on an overhead transverse beam system lift a container up and away from a ship and transfer it to the elevated ground rail system without changing the container orientation, and then shuttle on elevated ground conveyance rails to other areas of the terminal to distribute the container to the pertinent transportation system or to storage.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism connects a movable trackway end-to-end to another trackway to allow rolling transfer of a crane trolley. The bridging trackway assembly is mounted on the movable trackway to be vertically movable to bridge a gap between the trackway ends. Blocking members prevent exit of a trolley from either trackway, which members are moved aside as the bridging trackway assembly descends. A secondary blocker prevents exit of a trolley if the lever system is operated when the trackway end is not positioned opposite the other trackway. Camming surfaces act to accurately align the ends as the bridging trackway assembly descends.

Abstract: A pair of vertical guide rails of a workpiece transporting system are comprised of upper and lower rail portions, the upper rail portions being movable into axial alignment with the lower rail portions, the upper and lower rail portions being supported from a ceiling member of a building, and thus movable in unison with each other in the event of movement of the ceiling member of the building. A joint between the upper and lower rail portions of one guide rail is arranged at a vertical height different from that of the joint between the upper and lower rail portions of the other guide rail.

Abstract: In order to reduce operating costs while enhancing the overall operating efficiency of an industrial plant, a method for automating a plant or warehouse using portable gantry robots is provided. Work stations for the robots are organized along rows in various parts of the plant where work is present. An overhead rail system is provided over the work stations wherein at least some overhead rail system have sections of displaceable rails. A transporter is provided for transporting the portable robots between rail systems or locations within a rail system. The transporters have a section of transfer rails which are identical in size to the displaceable rail section. A displaceable rail section is displaced following which the transfer rail section is locked into plance. The transfer rail section may also be aligned at one end of an overhead rail system. The robots are then added or removed from the overhead rail system while the transfer rail section is aligned with the overhead rail system.

Abstract: A transportation system, particularly for handling containers for transport by rail vehicles, lorries or ships, includes an elevated guideway comprising a plurality of spaced parallel longitudinal tracks connected by tranverse tracks which are movable along the longitudinal tracks. Vehicles travel along the tracks and are equipped with hoists for lifting containers beneath the guideway into the vehicles. Each vehicle is equipped with lower wheels which run on rails on the longitudinal tracks and upper wheels which run on high level guides on the transverse tracks. When it is wished to transfer the vehicle from one track to another at a junction this may be effected by stopping the vehicle at the junction engaging the appropriate wheels with the guides or rails, as the case may be, on the other track and then continuing movement along that other track.

Abstract: A handling apparatus adapted to be installed on a crane with a boom for loading and unloading materials comprises track device installed on the crane and at least two carrying devices suspended from the track device. The track device includes at least three track sections situated substantially parallel to each other. The track sections are connected to the respective adjacent track sections so that two elongated endless tracks slightly offset in the longitudinal direction thereof are formed. Each carrying device includes a carrier and a pair of crabs situated on the track sections for suspending the carrier under the track device. The crabs are arranged on the carrier so that when the carrier is oriented perpendicular to the track section, the two crabs are located on the track sections remote from each other, and when the carrier is oriented parallel to the track sections, the two crabs are located on the remaining track section.

Abstract: Rail interlocking and hoist stop apparatus for material handling systems of he type wherein a hoist travels between a movable rail and a stationary rail comprising a master stop assembly located on the movable rail and a slave stop assembly located on the stationary rail. The apparatus is manually actuated through a mechanical linkage which pushes a master pin in the master stop assembly toward the slave stop assembly. If the rails are in proper alignment, the end of the master pin is inserted into a bore in the slave assembly where it displaces a slave pin. The movement of the slave pin causes a crossover pin in the slave assembly to be partially inserted into a bore in the master assembly where it displaces a locking pin. The movement of the slave pin and the crossover pin in the slave assembly is rigidly coupled to stop pins located in the slave assembly and which are disposed in the path of the hoist when the stop system is unactuated.

Abstract: A coupling trolley is provided for a rail or runway beam that is longitudinally translatable relative to a member located above and extending transversely of the rail or runway beam. The trolley has rollers to engage and support the rail or runway beam via upper flanging thereof, and has first and second supporting engagers for the member, specifically lower flanging thereof. The trolley is movable with the rail or runway beam and relative thereto. When the trolley is stopped by its first engager reaching said member as the rail or runway beam is advanced with the trolley, the second engager of the trolley is movable by the end of the rail or runway beam, from non-engagement towards and into securing engagement with the member where it is held by cooperation with the upper surface of the rail or runway beam.

Abstract: A facility for maintaining and servicing multiple units of equipment such as jet engines, after removal from an aircraft by conventional procedures, makes use of a multiple number of service bays serving as maintenance stations disposed on opposite sides of a central delivery way. An under hung bridge crane travels back and forth throughout the length of the central delivery way. Screw jacks at four corners of the crane are attached to and operate to elevate and lower a twin rail lifting bridge on which a jet engine unit is slung. The unit is supported by fixtures attached to trolleys which roll on the twin bridge rails. There is a mating twin rail lifting bridge in each bay with which the lifting bridge of the crane can temporarily interlock, so that the engine unit can be pushed on its trolleys from one lifting bridge to the other. Four corner located screw jacks also lift and lower the lifting bridge in each bay.

Abstract: Propelling mechanism for forwarding a carrier of a power and free conveyor from the delivery end of a first carrier supporting track onto a track section of an elevator and thence onto the receiving end of a second carrier supporting track. The elevator includes a carriage to which the track section is attached and which is movable longitudinally to permit the track section to be extended from the elevator into registry with either the first or second carrier supporting track. A propelling member, consisting of a pair of roller chains connected in spaced side-by-side relation, is equipped at one end with a carrier pusher, is connected at the other end to an endless output chain of a reversible drive mounted on the carriage, and is supported and guided by tracks which extend parallel to the track section from the entrance end thereof and into a storage path parallel to the path of the endless output chain.