Abstract: Autonomous or automated mobile robots can be configured for transport and logistics applications. Systems for docking of such robots with wheeled carts can be used in methods for operation of such robots.

Abstract: An anchor for use with a base connected to a vehicle includes: an anchor case; a latch rotatably mounted to the anchor case, the latch having a latch body; a cam extending from the latch body and separated from the anchor case by a space, the cam being configured to be inserted through a base aperture defined by the base, the cam being rotatable about an axis between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively secure the anchor to the base; a lever operatively connected to the cam and rotatable by a user in order to cause the cam to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position; and a biasing mechanism biasing the cam towards the anchor case. A system for securing an accessory to a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high capacity cargo/container dolly. The cargo/container dolly includes retractable side stops that actively retract a roller linkage assembly upon retraction of the retractable side stops rather than relying on passive gravitational forces for the retraction. In some embodiments, the retractable side stops are configured to avoid hold up on the cargo during retraction. The retractable side stops may be coupled to a retraction mechanism that may be actuated from either side of the cargo/container dolly, as well as from one or both ends of the cargo/container dolly. The dolly may include aspects that accommodates dynamic loads that occur during transport to mitigate inadvertent retraction of the retractable side stops or spurious release of catch assemblies that retains cargo on the dolly. The dolly may also include self-locking roller assemblies that release only in the presence of cargo, and deck modules that protect the deck roller from road spray contamination.

Abstract: A restraint assembly includes a fitting base, a bushing, and a restraint roller disk, according to various embodiments. The fitting base includes a fitting lower surface and a fitting upper surface that is angled relative to the fitting lower surface, according to various embodiments. The fitting base may be configured to be coupled, via an anchor, to a rail upper surface of a guide rail of the cargo system. In various embodiments, the bushing is configured to be disposed about the anchor. In various embodiments, the restraint roller disk includes a roller upper surface and a roller lower surface, wherein the restraint roller disk is configured to be rotatably coupled about the bushing and the roller lower surface is configured to engage the fitting upper surface of the fitting base.

Abstract: A cargo restraint includes a housing. The cargo restraint further includes an inner pawl and an outer pawl coupled to the housing and configured to rotate between a retracted position and an erected position relative to the housing. The cargo restraint further includes a locking pawl rotatably coupled to at least one of the inner pawl or the outer pawl and configured to rotate between a locked position in which the inner pawl and the outer pawl are locked in the erected position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A stowable cargo guide may be configured to couple to a roller tray. The stowable cargo guide may comprise a guide block configured to rotate between a stowed position and a raised position. In the stowed position, the guide block may be located below a conveyance plane of the roller tray. In the raised position, the guide block may be located above the conveyance plane of the roller tray.

Abstract: An automated cargo transfer system is used, in conjunction with a crane, to load cargo onto, and unload cargo from, the deck of a watercraft. An example automated cargo transfer system comprises: a dynamic positioning system installed on the watercraft; a crane hook system installed on the crane; a crane automation system configured to automate the operation of the crane; and a load plan comprising: data that identifies all cargo being transported by the watercraft, data used by the dynamic positioning system to actively position and orient the watercraft during loading and unloading of the watercraft, and data used by the crane hook system to actively position and orient it's hook mechanism during loading and unloading of the watercraft. The automated cargo transfer system is configured to actively track the location of the watercraft, the hook mechanism of the crane hook system, and cargo.

Abstract: Lifting yoke and method; the lifting yoke configured for connecting to, and lifting, a wind turbine blade transport frame, said yoke being generally rectangular and comprising four corner posts connected by struts; each corner post being configured for internally receiving therein an upwardly oriented locating finger atop a said transport frame shoulder; said corner post having a housing enclosing an internal space and extending between a lower foot face and a top; said corner post having, at said lower foot face, an aperture dimensioned to receive a said locating finger into said internal space; said corner post further comprising guide surfaces enclosed within said housing and spaced apart to define a locking space and configured to snugly receive a said locating finger; each guide surface comprising a locking aperture; wherein a movable locking element is configured to engage both said locking apertures to thereby bridge said locking space; said locking element being configured to engage a lifting point at

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a trailer assembly for transporting a plurality of proppant containers along a roadway, and associated methods. The trailer assembly includes a skeletal frame having open areas between structural components to enhance weight reduction of the frame, and first, second, third, and connector sections. Additionally, the frame includes a pair of spaced-apart side rails and three or more wheel and axle assemblies to facilitate movement of the trailer assembly. The trailer assembly includes a first pair of outriggers coupled to and arranged transverse the pair of side rails, and a second pair of outriggers arranged proximate the first pair of outriggers. The outriggers have a coupling element positioned at each distal end to engage and secure a proppant container of the plurality of proppant containers to the trailer assembly. Each distal end is positioned to extend outwardly from an axis of the trailer.

Abstract: A lock for securing a container includes a lock platform, a coupler including a portion that is disposed above the lock platform, an interaction member associated with the coupler, and a linkage mechanism including an actuation device and an actuation surface. The actuation surface is curved or sloped. In addition, movement of the actuation device causes movement of the interaction member along the actuation surface in a first direction such that the coupler automatically secures the container to the lock.

Abstract: Vehicles having gravity biased gate members utilized to laterally constrain a load are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more wheels that allow movement of the vehicle from one location to another location, a frame mounted to the one or more wheels, a load bearing deck supported by the frame, the load bearing deck having a support surface for supporting a load thereon, and a gravity biased gate member rotatably coupled at the load bearing deck at an axis of rotation. The gravity biased gate member includes a bottom portion below the axis of rotation that is heavier than a top portion above the axis of rotation such that a center of mass of the gravity biased gate member is offset from the axis of rotation, biasing the gravity biased gate member into an extended configuration.

Abstract: A locking element is described for securing containers, pallets or similar freight items in the cargo bay of an aircraft, wherein a first and a second locking claw are mounted on a frame swivellable from a lowered loading position into a raised working position for securing containers. A remotely controllable adjustment device is provided to change and adjust the state of the locking claws between the loading state in which the locking claws are in the loading position, a holding state in which the locking claws are in the working position and fixed, and a trigger state in which the locking claws are in the working position but can be swivelled from the working position into the loading position if a force acting on the locking claws exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet upon which cargo or other payloads may be carried. The pallet has a plurality of tie-down locations at which the pallet may be tied-down on a base, and at least one tie-down device for tying down the pallet on the base at any of the tie-down locations. The pallet further includes structure for mounting the tie-down device on the pallet at any of the tie-down locations.

Abstract: An anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of an accessory. The anchor has a base part movable between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. An accessory part is operatively connected to the base part. The accessory part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the accessory for bracing at least partially the accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. The anchor has other features. A vehicle having an anchor and an attachment base assembly is also presented.

Abstract: A transportation system for transporting construction equipment that rides on a driven element during ordinary operation. The transportation system relieves a portion or all of the operational weight of the construction equipment from the driven element during transportation of the construction equipment. The transportation system includes a frame, upwardly extending supports that support a chassis of the construction equipment, and a lifting device interface for loading and unloading the transportation system with respect to a vehicle or trailer for transporting the construction equipment.

Abstract: A restraint system for releasably restraining a unit load device in an aircraft. The restraint system includes a guide rail adapted to be connected to the aircraft and one or more restraint mechanisms connected to the guide rail. Each restraint mechanism includes a pawl that is selectively pivotal between a locked position and an unlocked position. The guide rail is adapted to restrain movement of the unit load device in the transverse direction and the pawl of the restraint mechanism is adapted to restrain movement of the unit load device in the longitudinal and vertical directions when the pawl is in the locked position.

Abstract: An end stop device for restraining an ULD from movement across a cargo deck surface of an aircraft includes a main body; and a mounting interface connected to the main body which is configured and arranged to attach the end stop device to the cargo deck by means of a corresponding tie down ring. Each mounting interface includes a tongue-like support plate which is partially protruding below a bottom side of the main body, at least one recess arranged in an area above the support plate, wherein side walls of the recess form a frame-like structure. and a bolt portion extending from the support plate into the recess and partially surrounded by the frame-like structure. The bolt portion is configured to engage the tie down ring in an operation mode where the end stop device is fixed to a tie down ring.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.

Abstract: A safety and restraint assembly allows transition of palletized cargo into a cargo bay and prevents the palletized cargo from inadvertently rolling backwards out through the cargo bay door. The assembly includes a wedge-shaped, spring-loaded, anti-rollout component that rotates downward as force from a pallet is applied to the anti-rollout component during loading of pallets, and the anti-rollout component returns to its original position after the pallet has traversed entirely over the anti-rollout component. The assembly also includes a folding restraint pawl for vertical restraint of adjacent pallets during transport. In an engaged position, the restraint pawl snaps into a slot in the anti-rollout component.

Abstract: An apparatus for affixing an object to a rail includes, but is not limited to at least one base body, at least one locking body and at least one operating element. The locking body is held so as to be movable relative to the base body and is connected to the operating element by way of at least one bearing. The operating element is arranged so as to be rotatable in the base body, includes, but is not limited to a cam that acts on the base body, and when rotated moves the locking body towards the base body. In this way apparatus is created which makes possible the manual affixing and undoing, without the need for tools, of an object on and from a rail, for example, if needed, in order to reposition displaceable monuments in a cabin of an aircraft.

Abstract: A rail system for retaining cargo payload has a longitudinal inboard rail and an opposing longitudinal outboard rail. The inboard rail has a recess extending longitudinally for sliding receipt of a lip on a payload. A latch plate extends at least partially into the recess for engagement with the payload. The latch plate is pivotable from an engaged position retaining the payload in a fore-and-aft position to a disengaged position releasing the fore-and-aft retention optionally by a lever system.

Abstract: A locking system including a lock box and a locking bar. The locking bar configured as an elongated member which engages a loading hook of a roll-off container. The locking bar including at least one hole defined therethrough and configured to engage a hasp of a lock. The lock box has an opening defined therethrough and is configured to receive a first portion of the length of the locking handle so that when the locking handle is engaged with the hook a second portion of the length of the locking handle projects from the lock box. This second portion includes at least one of the aforementioned holes and functions to receive a locking hasp. An alternative locking system including a locking sleeve preventing engagement of a bar of a roll-off storage container.

Abstract: A toolless quick release device for attaching cargo handling system equipment to floor fittings is provided. The quick release device includes a stud, outer retainer, and inner retainer. The stud includes a locking head portion configured to be received in a slotted track. The neck portion of the stud and a center portion of the inner retainer are disposed within a center hole of the outer retainer. The hole of the outer retainer includes a blind hole that receives a ball. The ball may engage one or more recesses in the inner retainer and rotatably fixes the outer portion with respect to the inner portion of the stud. The outer portion further includes an arcuate track that receives a tab from the inner retainer, with the arc length of the track defining the possible relative rotation of the inner retainer and stud with respect to the outer retainer.

Abstract: A combine header transport trailer for transporting a combine header. The trailer includes mechanical jacks for raising and lowering the header bar thereon and for moving the header bar inwardly and outwardly with respect to the trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for assisting the loading and unloading of a boat in relation to a boat trailer, including a snare at or toward a front of the boat, and a latch on the boat trailer which is adapted to adopt at least one of two positions, a first of which allows for a releasable engagement of the snare by the latch, and a second of which allows for a release from such engagement, and a lever to move the latch between the two positions.

Abstract: A combine header transport trailer for transporting a combine header. The trailer includes electrically operated jacks or screw actuators for raising and lowering the header bar thereon and for moving the header bar inwardly and outwardly with respect to the trailer.

Abstract: A seed transporter for transporting seeds in their seed boxes having a frame with an upper surface for supporting the seed box. The frame has upstanding members that extend upwardly from the frame and are adapted for contacting opposite sides of the seed box and for restraining movement of the seed box when the seed box is located between the upstanding members. The upstanding members include a draw bar that is slidingly retained within the upstanding members. The draw bar includes a catch affixed to the draw bar adapted for catching a retention surface on the seed box. The draw bar is movable between a first and second position. The first position locates the catch above the retention surface and the second position locates the catch beyond the retention surface on the box.

Abstract: The present invention is for an access shield for a shipping container, which container has a pair of doors and a plurality of supporting feet. An access shield for the shipping container is placed under the door end of the shipping container and is contained by the shipping container's weight with a pair of locking arms positioned behind the shipping container's feet to block access into a shipping container.

Abstract: A knockdown container A having a hook member 4 attached to the sleeve 2 such as to be rotatable in a plane parallel to the surface of the sleeve 2, and a receptacle portion 12 formed in the pallet 1 to retain the hook member 4. Alternatively, a knockdown container A having a hook member 4 attached to the sleeve 2 such that it is accommodated in a cut-out portion 21 formed in the sleeve 2.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an attenuating cargo restraint device that mounts within the plan-view envelope of the cargo being restrained and that does not extend outboard beyond an allowable amount of attenuation. The device includes a sliding head assembly that can be movably disposed relative to a base. The head assembly includes a cavity covered by an upper housing with the upper housing extending inboard and below a point at which the cargo is restrained. The base includes a complimentary cavity extending inboard from a distal end to a proximal end of the base. These cavities collectively form a housing that incorporates and accommodates the elastic element of the device wholly within the innards of the device, below the point of engagement with cargo, and inboard from the point of engagement so as to locate the elastic element underneath and within the plan-view envelope of the cargo being restrained.

Abstract: A safety and restraint assembly allows transition of palletized cargo into a cargo bay and prevents the palletized cargo from inadvertently rolling backwards out through the cargo bay door. The assembly includes a wedge-shaped, spring-loaded, anti-rollout component that rotates downward as force from a pallet is applied to the anti-rollout component during loading of pallets, and the anti-rollout component returns to its original position after the pallet has traversed entirely over the anti-rollout component. The assembly also includes a folding restraint pawl for vertical restraint of adjacent pallets during transport. In an engaged position, the restraint pawl snaps into a slot in the anti-rollout component.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, and a pressure side. At least one integrated attachment bore is configured in each of the suction side and pressure side between the leading edge and trailing edge. The attachment bores are structurally configured for receipt of a handling mechanism therein for supporting the blade during a transportation, installation, or maintenance procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reducing latch loads during the process of loading and flying air cargo containers inside cargo holds of aircraft. The device exhibits a floor plate of a cargo unit of a transport means, an edge profile, a rail bumper as well as a first damping unit. The first damping unit is situated between the edge profile and the floor plate, or between the edge profile and the rail bumper of the cargo unit. The first damping unit is designed for damping a movement by the cargo unit in a direction of movement of the cargo unit so as to reduce the loads placed on the cargo unit.

Abstract: Locking mechanisms and assemblies for securing cargo to a transportation platform without requiring the use of strapping or equivalent. Advantageously, the locking mechanism may be integrated into a container such that each container may be interlocked with an underlying and/or overlying container. Autolocking variations to the locking mechanism provide a more automated, secure and less labor intensive way to secure cargo.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for easy and efficient loading, transporting, unloading, and deployment of one or more mobile security systems are provided, as well as the security systems themselves. For some embodiments, the security systems may have rails that may be engaged with the forks of a forklift, such that the systems may be easily and quickly loaded on or unloaded from a vehicle for transportation of multiple systems. The vehicle may also be fitted with one or more docking devices, such that the security systems may be inserted into the docking devices and quickly secured in place without straps or chains. In this manner, multiple systems may be easily and efficiently delivered to and/or picked up from one or more sites when compared to conventional one-system-at-a-time deployment methods.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.

Abstract: An adjustment device aligns supporting parts that receive the guide rails of a freight loading system for structures having inherent dimensional tolerances, in particular for receiving structures in an aircraft fuselage. Each supporting part is designed as a bearing insert held with an adjustable movement in a bearing eye of a bearing block, and in that the bearing block has at least two tensioning elements that bear on the bearing insert.

Abstract: A safety and restraint assembly allows transition of palletized cargo into a cargo bay and prevents the palletized cargo from inadvertently rolling backwards out through the cargo bay door. The assembly includes a wedge-shaped, spring-loaded, anti-rollout component that rotates downward as force from a pallet is applied to the anti-rollout component during loading of pallets, and the anti-rollout component returns to its original position after the pallet has traversed entirely over the anti-rollout component. The assembly also includes a folding restraint pawl for vertical restraint of adjacent pallets during transport. In an engaged position, the restraint pawl snaps into a slot in the anti-rollout component.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.

Abstract: A method and cot fastening system for a patient transport vehicle having a rearwardly located patient access which meet the pull requirements for vertical and lateral movement are disclosed. The system comprises a rear mounting part, which mounts on the floor of the transport vehicle adjacent the patient access; a forward mounting part which mounts on the floor forward of the access, rails connecting the rear mounting part to the forward mounting part, and a release mechanism. The rails of the cot fastening system help guide the cot into the vehicle and to the forward mounting part. When the cot has reached the forward mounting part, a cross-member which forms part of the cot undercarriage, is urged against a pair of automatically locking securing mechanisms of the forward mounting part which secures the cot thereto as well as to the rear mounting part via catches.

Abstract: A generator set is provided with both a pin-on mount mechanism and a clamp-on mount mechanism for mounting the generator set to a container. Both the pin-on mount mechanism and the clamp-on mount mechanism are selectively positionable in either a deployed for use position or a stowed position. When the clamp-on mount mechanism is in the deployed for use position, the pin-on mount mechanism is positioned in a stowed position. When the pin-on mount mechanism is in the deployed for use position, the clamp-on mount mechanism is positioned in the stowed position.

Abstract: A securing device for a loading system in a cargo compartment of an aircraft. The securing device comprises at least one securing catch arranged in the region of a cargo compartment door, a control mechanism and an activation member, in particular a foot pedal.

Abstract: A centerline restraint includes a conventional center guide/restraint and a pair of a overrideable guide/restraint at either end. Each overrideable guide/restraint is lockable into one of three rotational positions about a common axis: a retracted position, an erect position and an overridden position. The overrideable guide/restraint has a yoke-shaped body with a pair of legs rotatably mounted on an axle which, in turn, is mounted on a base of the centerline restraint. Lift handles, each operatively connected to a spring-loaded plunger are used to adjust the overrideable guide/restraint between the three positions. A head of the spring-loaded plunger abuts one or more stops formed on the legs of the overrideable guide/restraint to lock the overrideable guide/restraint in various predetermined positions. Lift handles operatively connected to the plungers, when operated, cause the overrideable guide/restraint to switch between positions.

Abstract: Shipping and storage containers, racks, and pallets including interlocking mechanisms are provided. An embodiment of the pallet includes openings, interface fittings aligned with the openings, respectively, and sized to fit into openings of identical sizes and configurations as the first and second openings, respectively, locking components operatively connected to one another, and an actuator for moving concomitantly the locking components into and out of the openings, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a unique system providing for the quick and efficient movement of cargo such as pallets, containerized loads, and the like while providing enhanced safety measures to reduce or eliminate some of the injuries that are typically associated with cargo transport. By deploying a cargo transport system constructed from a fiberglass cargo loading grid with one or more cargo restraining latches, the movement of cargo within the trailer or bed of the truck can be more efficiently restrained, thereby minimizing inadvertent exposure of personnel to accidents associated with the movement of the cargo and damage to the cargo during transport. The cargo restraining latch is a spring-loaded, multi-fingered mechanism that is selectively and removably inserted into a portion of the cargo transport system, thereby restraining any undesired movement of the cargo.

Abstract: A cargo loading system capable of retaining a pallet along a centerline of a cargo aircraft and outside the wingbox area of the aircraft includes a number of devices. Included among these are first and second centerline end restraints mounted on the centerline, at least one caster panel mounted on one side of the cargo hold and across the centerline from a side door of the aircraft, and a plurality of mechanical restraints mounted on a floor of the cargo hold on either side of the centerline and outside the wingbox area. The first and second centerline end restraints each have at least one retractable lockhead configured and dimensioned to engage an end of a pallet. The at least one caster panel includes at least one retractable guide formed at a first end thereof, and at least one retractable guide formed along a first side thereof.

Abstract: A cargo loading system capable of retaining a pallet along a centerline of a cargo aircraft and outside the wingbox area of the aircraft includes a number of devices. Included among these are first and second centerline end restraints mounted on the centerline, at least one caster panel mounted on one side of the cargo hold and across the centerline from a side door of the aircraft, and a plurality of mechanical restraints mounted on a floor of the cargo hold on either side of the centerline and outside the wingbox area. The first and second centerline end restraints each have at least one retractable lockhead configured and dimensioned to engage an end of a pallet. The at least one caster panel includes at least one retractable guide formed at a first end thereof, and at least one retractable guide formed along a first side thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle for use with a plurality of interchangeable truck beds, i.e., functional units. The vehicle includes a chassis and an engine and cab mounted on the chassis. The chassis extends rearwardly from the cab from a first location to a second location at the rear end of the chassis. A first mounting interface is disposed near the first location and a second mounting interface is disposed near the second location. The mounting interfaces each include a substantially horizontal support surface and a guide member. The interchangeable truck beds include mounting structures that are secured to the mounting interfaces on the chassis. The guide members on the mounting interfaces are used to properly position the mounting structures on the chassis. The truck bed may be a dump truck bed that includes a hydraulic ram having a base structure that is secured to the first mounting interface and a hinge structure that is secured to the second mounting interface.

Abstract: A safety and restraint assembly allows transition of palletized cargo into a cargo bay and prevents the palletized cargo from inadvertently rolling backwards out through the cargo bay door. The assembly includes a wedge-shaped, spring-loaded, anti-rollout component that rotates downward as force from a pallet is applied to the anti-rollout component during loading of pallets, and the anti-rollout component returns to its original position after the pallet has traversed entirely over the anti-rollout component. The assembly also includes a folding restraint pawl for vertical restraint of adjacent pallets during transport. In an engaged position, the restraint pawl snaps into a slot in the anti-rollout component.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.