Abstract: The invention relates to a rack storage system comprising a storage rack (1) with storage shelves (12a, 12b) having storage spaces (17) for articles in rack stages (16) lying one above the other with a rack aisle (15) extending in between. Several guide tracks with first and second guide rails run along the rack aisle (15) (27, 28). First and second conveyor vehicles (3a, 3b) can be moved on the guide tracks, each of the conveyor vehicles (3a, 3b) having a drive motor (65a, 65b) and an electronic control unit (66a, 66b) and being controllable independently of one another. The first guide rail (27) is equipped with a first contact line arrangement (67) and the second guide rail (28) is equipped with a second contact line arrangement (68), each of the contact line arrangements (67, 68) comprising dedicated contact lines (69, 70).

Abstract: The method of loading a loading space (1) of a vessel with dredging materials includes a) loading a slurry including of dredging materials and water into the loading space (1), and b) generating at least one pressure wave through the slurry inside the loading space (1) to enhance the formation of a settled bed (5) of the dredging materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method that keeps a barge and grillage system on the barge in compression with a topsides supported by the grillage system during the transport, while providing a quick release system between the barge, grillage system, and topsides during an installation procedure that transfers the topsides to an offshore platform. The quick release system can be in tension to apply a compressive force between the grillage system and the topsides until the quick release system is released.

Abstract: Storage matrixes associated with storage and retrieval systems and methods are provided to automate the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. In one embodiment, the storage matrix comprises a storage matrix comprising a plurality of stationary cell modules and a plurality of carriers. The outer row cell modules comprise a plurality of motors configured to move the respective carrier bi-directionally within the storage matrix and is also configured to stabilize the respective carrier when the carrier is moving or at a stationary position. The inner row cell modules comprise at least one motor configured to move the respective carriers uni-directionally within the storage matrix and also comprises at least one ferrous metal plate configured to stabilize the respective carrier when the carrier is moving or at a stationary position.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided that automates the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. The invention is particularly useful in handling cargo and weapons within a ship's hold or magazine. When used on a ship, the invention provides for the stowing and unstowing of loads quickly and efficiently, to automatically secure such payloads for sea and to achieve high stowage density, while retaining the capability to select and retrieve any ordered payload, move it to and load it on elevator trays under computer control.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided that automates the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. The invention is particularly useful in handling cargo and weapons within a ship's hold or magazine. When used on a ship, the invention provides for the stowing and unstowing of loads quickly and efficiently, to automatically secure such payloads for sea and to achieve high stowage density, while retaining the capability to select and retrieve any ordered payload, move it to and load it on elevator trays under computer control.

Abstract: A portable elevator system for transporting a cargo container between a container cell and a mouth of the container cell is disclosed. The elevator includes a frame which is crane transportable and mountable on the mouth of a container cell in an open hold of the ship. A plurality of hoists are mounted on the frame. The hoists are releasably engageable with at least one container so as to transfer the container in either vertical direction through a central opening in the frame between a first location at a mouth of the container cell and a second location in the container cell. The container further includes a plurality of supports, which are releasably engageable with a container in the first location in addition to the engagement of the hoists. Additionally, a connector for connecting two adjacent containers in a single cell is disclosed. The connector is adapted to be transported to one of the two containers on one of the hoists.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided that automates the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. The invention is particularly useful in handling cargo and weapons within a ship's hold or magazine. When used on a ship, the invention provides for the stowing and unstowing of loads quickly and efficiently, to automatically secure such payloads for sea and to achieve high stowage density, while retaining the capability to select and retrieve any ordered payload, move it to and load it on elevator trays under computer control.