Abstract: A storage system for containers including a plurality of cells for reception of containers and means of transferring containers within and outside of the cells. The transfer means include shuttles for translation between the cells and ensilage trolleys which are carried by the shuttles to face a cell and which are motorized to enter and exit from the cell and transfer containers between the cell and the shuttle. The ensilage trolleys are fitted with at least one transport unit made up of a base frame with motorized wheels for running on rails for the entrance and exit movement and with loading platform arranged above the base frame and designed to support a container. Between the platform and the base frame there are fluid hoisting sets distributed longitudinally to the trolley for controlled hoisting of the platform and which also realize elastic attenuation parts.

Abstract: A system on land for transfer of containers between ship and land includes cranes for container loading or unloading and stations for transfer of containers operationally associated with the cranes. The transfer stations include an upper platform for reception and support of a container from and to a crane and a lower platform for loading or unloading of containers within and outside of the station. Between the upper platform and the lower platform there are centering and elevator devices which perform the transfer of a container between the two superimposed platforms without intervention of the crane.

Abstract: A blocking device for an overhead conveyor having a combined limit stop and shock absorber which acts to define the end positions of a drive device which moves the blocking device between an operative and an inoperative position. The combined shock absorber and limit stop device comprises a body having two parallel plungers sliding in parallel bores of the body, the bores being linked at their closed ends by a passage having a restrictor throttle therein, the interior passage and the chambers are filled with oil which, upon its passage through the restrictor throttle, when one of the plungers is depressed, dissipates energy causing the depression and also serves to push out the other plunger ready for a subsequent depression when the device moves from one position to the other.

Abstract: A low pressure die casting machine for light alloys, of the type in which a charge of molten alloy is received in a charging chamber which is then closed and pressurized to drive the molten alloy into a die chamber formed by a plurality of separable die elements, in which the problems due to head metal and casting sprue in the casting passages and gates is minimized by forming these latter, as well as the charging chamber, as recesses in cooperating faces of two of the die elements, these recesses being so shaped that upon separation of the two die elements the casting sprue and head metal are exposed and can be ejected still attached to the casting without fouling any part of the die casting machine and without leaving any solidified head metal behind which might cause blockage problems unless it were maintained in a molten state.