Abstract: A door for a smart shipping container includes a door that has an outside skin strengthened by at least one hollow support beam defining an interior channel thereof. The door also includes embedded computing system disposed within the interior channel of the hollow support beam of the door. The embedded computing system includes a power source, memory, at least one processor, communications circuitry, an antenna and one or more sensors. Optionally, a window is defined in the hollow support beam so as to permit access by the antenna to an exterior of the door. For example, the window can be a three-sided window so as to permit access by the antenna to the exterior of the door irrespective of an opened or closed position of the door.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dunnage bag suspender configured to suspend a dunnage bag in place before inflation and to hold the dunnage bag such that the dunnage bag can automatically pull free of the dunnage bag suspender during inflation.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus for fixing a cargo insulation panel to a hull is provided. The fixing apparatus includes a fixing plate adhered to one face of the insulation panel, a plurality of fixing brackets protruded to the outside of the fixing plate, protruded portions of the fixing brackets being fixed by stud bolts arranged on the hull, and a coupling device configured to couple the fixing brackets to the fixing plate.

Abstract: A device for inserting and removing securing fittings for twist-lock containers includes a support plate for containers, which is provided with a pneumatically or hydraulically driven screwing mechanism with a slot gripper for each expected position of a securing fitting for the twist-lock container.

Abstract: A stanchion assembly is provided for retaining cargo in a hold from lateral motion, the hold having a deck grid fitting assembly and a ceiling grid fitting assembly. The stanchion assembly includes an elongated beam with a box cross section of two parallel webs and two parallel flanges. The beam is an extrusion of an aluminum or aluminum alloy. The assembly includes upper and lower end caps on the ends of the beam. A spring assembly within the elongated box beam retains the beam in a vertical position within the corresponding fitting on the grid assembly on the deck and the ceiling. The stanchion assembly has a weight no greater than 67 pounds. The stanchion assembly has a length L in the longitudinal direction from a lower end cap to an upper end cap when the spring assembly is uncompressed. The beam has a stiffness capable of resisting a design load applied to one of the webs normal to the longitudinal direction with a deflection no greater than L/90.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fully automated, or a semi-automated, method for mounting or dismounting a semi-automatic twistlock at a corner of a deck container, wherein the twistlock is mounted or dismounted on a quayside where a ship may be docked for loading or unloading, in a loading or unloading terminal installed on the quayside, the deck container being placed by means of the quay crane on a trolley bearing the deck container. The trolley carrying the deck container is brought into the loading or unloading terminal, which loading or unloading terminal is installed outside the operating area of the quay crane. The deck container is lifted off the trolley, after which an implementation apparatus is activated for mounting or dismounting the twistlock. Subsequent to this operation having been carried out, the deck container is replaced on the trolley and the trolley leaves the loading or unloading terminal.

Abstract: A positioning assembly includes an elongated container-connecting unit with a lower connecting seat formed with a threaded hole, a platform-connecting rod with an externally threaded portion for engaging the threaded hole and an upper end surface formed with a limiting stud, which has a non-circular cross-sectioned engaging stud portion, and a limiting seat formed with a limiting hole, which has a non-circular engaging hole portion that engages fittingly the engaging stud portion to arrest rotation of the platform-connecting rod within the threaded hole, thereby positioning the platform-connecting rod relative to the container-connecting unit.

Abstract: A cargo ship for transporting wheeled vehicles and cargo units simultaneously has a hull with a bottom structure and a cargo space defined within the hull. The cargo space has at least first and second cargo sections. The first cargo section has a space grillage structure that is self-supporting and flexibly mounted to the hull of the ship so as to diminish the transmission of hull deformation loads to the space grillage structure. The second cargo section is located below the first cargo section and has cargo holds for containing heavy-weight cargo to provide ballast for the ship.

Abstract: A ship which has supporting columns which run vertically and are located in the hull of the ship, as well as at least one flat, rectangular area element which extends horizontally and is supported on at least one of these support columns, in which the supporting columns are located at some distance from the corner points of the rectangular area element.

Abstract: A new Pickup Truck Bed Liner Dividing System for preventing cargo of various shapes and sizes from moving within a pickup truck bed. The inventive device includes a swaged liner, a plurality of vertical cylindrical cavities within the swaged liner, a plurality of pegs for selectively being positioned within the vertical cylindrical cavities adjacent to cargo, and a storage box for storage of the pegs. The pegs selectively positioned adjacent to the cargo prevent movement of the cargo thereby preventing damage to the cargo and the pickup truck.

Abstract: A bridge fitting (10) for anchoring containers, stacked especially on ship's decks or hatches, is provided with two operatively connected connecting pieces (12, 13) which are arranged at a variable distance to one another and which determine the effective length of the bridge fitting (10). These connecting pieces (12, 13) engage container corner fittings (11) of two adjacent containers and the effective length of the bridge fitting (10) can be adjusted by a steplike shiftability und lockability of at least one of the two connecting pieces (12, 13).

Abstract: Container stowing frames for container ships are provided with sets of steps. Different paired steps of paired sets of steps define different paired surfaces for abutting against the widthwise extremities of a container of a respective different predetermined width. Directly above each set of steps an outwardly curvilinearly flared surface defines a smooth, wide entrance leading to a respective set of steps.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing containers on transport vehicles, especially ships, which comprises a connecting device, a first end of which is connectable to the containers, and a clamping device, a first end of which is equipped with a longitudinally adjustable threaded spindle and connectable to the transport vehicle and a second end of the connecting device comprising a number of fastening stops with which a second end of the clamping device is connectable to said connecting device in suitably chosen increments. The clamping device comprises a sliding carriage which receives the fastening stops and which is essentially freely movable in the axial direction of the clamping device.

Abstract: A containership (1) having a superstructure which comprises a hull, a container bearing deck (2) located beneath the waterline, sidewalls (3, 4) which extend upwardly from the container bearing deck to define a container hold (5) located within the hull. At the top of the walls is a strength deck (8) whose position approximates the position of the uppermost row of containers (9) when the ship is fully laden. The elongate sidewalls (3, 4) restrain the containers and provide a weather shield.

Abstract: A container/bulk cargo interchangeable system to allow a cargo ship's hold the versatility and option of storing and carrying either ISO containers entirely, or of storing and carrying bulk cargo or break bulk entirely, or of storing and carrying a combination of ISO containers and bulk cargo or break bulk. Sets of two flat platforms may be raised to their vertical upright positions to permit the entire storage of ISO containers; or the sets of flat platforms may be lowered to their horizontal dispositions for the entire storage thereon of bulk cargo or break bulk; or the requisite number of sets of flat platforms may be raised to their vertical upright positions and the remaining sets of flat platforms may be lowered to their horizontal dispositions for storage of ISO containers and bulk cargo or break bulk, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ship having at least one side port for loading and unloading. The main deck of the ship, which does not have any cargo hatches, supports a rectangular superstructure, the top ceiling of which supports a rail system for an overhead crane moving in the longitudinal direction of the ship, the side port being hinged at its lower end and forming a ramp which is connected to an intermediate cargo deck that moves up and down so that the ramp and the intermediate cargo deck can be aligned horizontally with the quay irrespective of the height of the quay, in which case the mixed cargo compiled into large uniform cargo units can be moved by a tractor-trailer into the ship for final positioning by the overhead crane.

Abstract: In association with a vehicle designed to carry a heavy load module, an ioved means for accurately guiding the module onto the vehicle bed surface as the module is being lowered into position. The improved guide comprises a plural number of specially formed nuts carried on the studs that are used to fasten the module to the bed surface. Each specially formed nut has a conical external surface that acts to center the module fastener holes relative to the axis of each associated stud. The improved guide provides a low cost mechanism for facilitating the quick alignment of a heavy cumbersome load module during the process of lowering the module onto a vehicle bed surface.

Abstract: A lashing bar of the type shown in Borchardt U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,539, has the mirror image hooking-in fittings which are provided on the upper end of its bar portion disposed at less than 180 degrees to one another about the longitudinal axis of the bar portion so that two of them can be used in close juxtaposition with one another for hooking into vertically adjacent corners of two containers stacked on one another, the two hooking-in fittings on each bar being used alternatively, depending on whether the container corners are right corners or left corners.

Abstract: A close tolerance pin connection includes a cylindrical connecting pin. A first sturcture has a first pin receiving hole disposed therethrough for closely receiving the connecting pin. A second structure has a second pin receiving hole disposed therethrough for loosely receiving the connecting pin. A weld washer has a third pin receiving hole disposed therethrough for closely receiving the connecting pin, and the weld washer is adapted to be located adjacent and engage the second structure. The connecing pin is received in the first, second and third pin receiving holes and the weld washer is then welded to the second structure so that the first and second structures are connected by the connecting pin.

Abstract: Improved lock assemblies for locking two construction components together. A pair of tandem male lock assemblies each includes a rigid pin which is reciprocable with respect to a surrounding male socket between an advanced position and a retracted position. Each male lock assembly includes a transversely reciprocable lock adapted to lock the pin in at least one of, and preferably both of, its two positions. All parts of each lock assembly are retained against separation. The locks of the tandem male lock assemblies are connected for joint movement and are adapted so that, when moved from release positions to pin-locking positions, one lock engages its respective pin before the other lock engages its pin. A cooperative pair of tandem female lock assemblies may have identical jointly movable locks.

Abstract: A portable stanchion for containerized ships is set forth. The portable stanchion includes a vertical post which is attached to a lock shoe, and the vertical post contains rings through which ropes may be passed. The portable stanchion may be locked in position to the ship's deck by operating a foot lever, and it may be removed therefrom by operating the foot lever and lifting the stanchion from the holes formed within the ships deck to which the stanchions may be attached. Ropes may be passed between the stanchions in order to further enhance the safety provided by the Bel stanchion.

Abstract: A cargo compartment of a cargo carrier is bounded by a pair of generally vertical walls which extend in the longitudinal direction of the cargo carrier. At least two pairs of confining members are pivotally mounted on these walls for movement between operative and inoperative positions. In the inoperative positions, the confining members are generally parallel to the walls of the cargo compartment and the latter is capable of accommodating bulk goods. In the operative positions, the cargo compartment is capable of receiving containers and the confining members of each pair extend generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the cargo carrier and are in alignment with one another. The two pairs of confining members may be spaced from one another by several container lengths in their operative positions.

Abstract: A device for automatically securing a cargo container to a support such as a deck of a vehicle or a second container with which the first container is to be stacked. The device includes a base having a projecting shear block received in the locking opening of the container. A head rotates between an unlocked or loading position in which the head moves through the locking opening and a locked position in which the container is secured. Automatic entry and release are provided by a spring within the base biasing the head to the locked position but permitting movement to the unlocked position when torque is applied by engagement of the container with a cam surface on the head. Visible indication of the locked position and positive locking of the head in the locked position may be provided.

Abstract: The deck of a container ship is provided with longitudinally running rails carrying cassettes adapted to support standarized cargo units, such as containers, for example. Each cassette includes transverse front and rear guide members each having vertical guide bars on both of its transverse faces. By spacing the cassettes apart longitudinally, two cassettes may, between themselves, support a further stack of containers. In use, each cassette is locked in relation to the deck, longitudinally as well as transversely.

Abstract: A stack supporting container car includes a plurality of car units interconnected by articulating connector with the end units provided with conventional railroad couplers. Each car unit includes side sills and body bolsters supported on trucks. The side sills and body bolsters are spaced apart sufficiently to allow the bottom portion of a short lower container to pass therethrough with the weight of the stack of containers being supported only by four corner feet connected to and projecting below the side sills. Bulkheads with fixed side and end container restraining walls and with movable corner engaging mechanisms are provided on the car unit to selectively restrain either a short or a long container supported upon the lower container in transport position on the car unit. The upper and lower surfaces of containers provide ample clearance to safely move over the rails and under bridges or the like.

Abstract: In order to adapt a container lashing bar to securely fasten its hooking-in fitting not only in the lower corner lateral openings of a standard shipping container, but also in the differently-shaped upper corner end openings, the usual hooking-in fitting which includes a pin with a locking lug extending from it is provided with a second locking lug extending in the same plane as the first, but in a substantially different angular direction. Particular mechanical design elaborations are described including replication of the two locking lugs in mirror image on the opposite end of the same pin, or on the same side of a similar pin provided on the opposite end of the bar.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling pontoon hatch covers on the deck of a ship equipped with a guide system for containers comprises guides that are positionable to positions inside and outside, respectively, the margin of at least one opening in the deck closeable by a pontoon hatch cover.

Abstract: The stack of containers, assembled from individual containers in a ship's hold, must, in order to secure the loading position, be connected to the ship's structure by suitable stowing struts, which must be amenable to length-alteration in order to permit adaptation to a prevailing loading position. A stowing strut is proposed for this purpose, this strut being provided, according to the invention, with an adjustable coupling (11). This coupling comprises two coupling-halves (coupling plate 23, cone-piece 24) and possesses, in each case, tooth-systems (28, 31) which enable a positively-locked connection to be produced between the coupling plate (23) and the cone-piece (24), in various relative positions of these parts.

Abstract: In order to laterally support lighters provided with rails on their bottoms, the loading deck of a lighter-transport ship is provided with channels situated beneath and opening onto the upper surface of the deck which are adapted to receive the rails of the lighters, and cover plates associated with the channels for selectively closing the same. The cover plates are removed from the channels to open the same when lighters are supported on the deck so that the rails are received within the channel. The cover plates are shifted over the channels to close the same when wheeled loading vehicles are moved on the deck.

Abstract: A support system for large generally cylindrical tanks in ships and including four supporting devices each comprising a tank portion and a hull portion respectively secured to the tank and hull, one of the supports being fixed with respect to linear horizontal movement, another of the supports being movable only transversely of the longitudinal axis of the tank, yet another of the supports being movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tank and still another support being movable both parallel to and transversely of the longitudinal axis of the tank; each tank portion of each support being connected with its respective hull portion by means of a spherical joint with thermal insulation between the spherical portions of the joints.

Abstract: A system for securing two containers in a cell in a ship's hold wherein, at the midpoint of the length of the cell and at at least one side of the cell a flanged guide device is attached to the ship's structure, which guide device cooperates with two guiding hooks which are each detachably connected to a bottom corner piece of one of the containers at the sides thereof, the guiding hooks being mounted so that the hook on one container is turned toward the hook on the other container to engage the guide device flanges. In a further embodiment wherein containers are placed in a cargo cell side-by-side, hook assemblies are detachably connected to corner pieces of adjacent sides of the containers so that they are locked to each other to prevent movement of the containers during pitch and roll of the ship.

Abstract: Bulk loads in motor coasters and ocean-going vessels can be secured against shifting as a result of listing or pitching, by consolidating the surface layer of the trimmed bulk material by bonding the individual particles with a binder.

Abstract: A traversing strut and housing system for securing and housing a helicopter aboard a ship. One or more telescoping housing sections are mounted on and movable along a track extending outward from a fixed section. A traverse strut assembly which permits only lateral movement is attached to the end movable section and secures the helicopter to the housing. Once thus secured, the helicopter is rotated to a preferred orientation then moved into its stored position.

Abstract: A deck container restraint system is disclosed which unitizes discrete containers against vertical movement in modules of three-wide, typically four-high stacks or columns to prevent overboard loss due to static and dynamic load conditions experienced at sea. A three-wide, one-high bottom tier of containers is secured against side to side and vertical movement by deck cones having locking devices. The overlying three-wide second tier is secured against side to side and vertical movement by cones having locking devices at the top of the first tier. Finally the three-wide, two-high top third and fourth tiers of containers are loaded, first by being tied vertically together by cones having locking devices and second, by being lifted in vertically tied pairs onto stacking fittings at the second-third tier interface. The stacking fittings restrain side to side movement at the second-third tier interface only.

Abstract: A coupling device for detachably connecting of one container fitting to another or a container fitting to a ship's deck by way of a slot within the container fitting, employs a casing for abutment with the container fitting, a locking pin having at least at one end an integral hammerhead bolt with said casing including a longitudinal opening for rotatively carrying the bolt. The opening constitutes a continuous aperture, and the aperture is so disposed and has a cross-section relative to the bolt such that the bolt can be introduced therethrough to achieve assembly, rotated approximately 180.degree. and then subsequent rotation limited to permit the bolt to rotate between extreme operating positions which effectively lock the fitting to the device or release the fitting but prevent the bolt from passing through the casing aperture.

Abstract: A container lashing system for fastening shipboard containers is provided having a rigid elongated lashing bar with at least one generally ball shaped end and at least one securing fitting having a corresponding generally ball shaped socket with a keyhole shaped opening admitting the ball shaped end and adjacent portion of lashing bar into the socket for securing the end in the socket.

Abstract: A tanker for the storage and transport of liquified gas at low temperatures which includes a plurality of vessels arranged in an insulated hold in a vertical orientation and in an optimum space utilization pattern. The vessels have a cylindrical or prismatic configuration and a diameter-height ratio of about 1:2 to 1:5 and preferably of from 1:2.5 to 1:3.5. The vessels are arranged in spaced relationship and are interconnected exclusively at their upper and lower ends into one pack extending over the full width of the hold. The pack of vessels has at its center means acting on the bottom of the hold to position the pack horizontally.

Abstract: A coupling device for detachable connecting of one container fitting to another or a container fitting to a ships deck by way of a slot within the container fitting, employs a casing for abutment with the container fitting, a locking pin having at least at one end an integral hammerhead bolt with said casing including a longitudinal opening for rotatively carrying the bolt. The opening constitutes a continuous aperture, and the aperture is so disposed and has a cross-section relative to the bolt such that the bolt can be introduced therethrough to achieve assembly, rotated approximately 180.degree. and then subsequent rotation limited to permit the bolt to rotate between extreme operating positions which effectively lock the fitting to the device or release the fitting but prevent the bolt from passing through the casing aperture.

Abstract: A container lashing system for fastening shipboard containers is provided having a rigid elongated lashing bar with at least one generally ball shaped end and at least one securing fitting having a corresponding generally ball shaped socket with a keyhole shaped opening admitting the ball shaped end and adjacent portion of lashing bar into the socket for securing the end in the socket.

Abstract: A waterborne vessel capable of carrying in its partially submerged hold a predetermined number of buoyant cargo containers, each container being partially supported by its own buoyancy and also engaged by the vessel, resulting in exchange of buoyancy between each container and the vessel. Plural hinged swash bulkheads are provided, and when the vessel is loaded to less than full capacity, some of the swash bulkheads are raised to an upright position at predetermined locations in the bottom hull structure of the vessel to resist potentially damaging forces of sloshing waters therein. When a full load of cargo containers is carried in the hold, the swash bulkheads are retracted to a stowed position in the bottom structure of the hull.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for protecting shipboard nuclear reactors against collision damage comprises a polygonally-shaped shield which has a plurality of wall portions surrounding the lateral sides of a reactor which is located in the interior of a ship's hull. The shield has two opposite converging pairs of wall portions which are fixedly anchored to the hull, and each of the pairs forms an angle whose bisectrix is normal to a line which extends lengthwise of the hull.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a mounting arrangement for protecting nuclear reactors aboard ships, and more particularly for protecting the nuclear reactors from the effects of a collision.