Abstract: An apparatus for lifting truck trailers and cargo containers is provided and includes a plurality of side latch assemblies. A side fitting connection device is secured to four predetermined locations on external upper side locations of a trailer or a container. Each side latch assembly includes a complementary shaped member adaptable to engage with and be secured to each side fitting device. The side fitting devices and side latch assemblies, when connected and engaged together, permit top side lifting of trailers and containers for intermodal movement thereof. The external upper side locations of the side fitting device permit full, complete and more profitable usage of the internal space of volume of truck trailers or cargo containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting truck trailers and cargo containers is provided and includes a plurality of latch arm assemblies. A side fitting connection device is secured at four predetermined locations on external upper side locations of a trailer or a container. Each interlocking latch arm assembly includes a complementary shaped projection member adaptable to engage with and be secured to each side fitting device. The side fitting connection device and latch arm assembly, when connected and engaged together, permit top side lifting of trailers and containers for intermodal movement thereof. The external upper side locations of the side fitting device permit full, complete and more profitable usage of the internal space or volume of truck trailers or cargo containers.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent rail car tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one rail car on a first of the rail car tracks and placing the load on another rail car on a second of the rail car tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected rail cars.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the lifting and lowering of large cargo containers. A trolley assembly includes a hoist drum from which is suspended a system of cable or rope reevings connected to material securing assembly. The apparatus is effective to unload containers stacked one above another from one location to an alternate location. The system of cable reevings permits the raising and lowering of containers in planes defined by X, Y, and Z axes. The cables are deployed from the hoist drum on the trolley assembly to sheaves disposed at the four corners of the material securing assembly and then returned to anchor assemblies secured to an undercarriage of the trolley assembly. The sheaves are selectively angled and located in headblock assemblies positioned on the material securing assembly. A system of brakes controls movement of the cables through the sheaves.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the operation of primary hoist and bridge apparatus, and gantry drive functions of the equipment. There is provided a side shift grappler apparatus to handle or pick up a truck trailer vehicle loaded with two containers and transfer the load from a roadway to a flat bed railroad car. The apparatus is adaptable to adjust or position the loaded truck trailer vehicle on the flat bed railroad car so as to place the fifth wheel of the trailer vehicle over and about the mounting stanchion of the flat bed railroad car for secure attachment thereat. The apparatus avoids the need to move the crane apparatus for only a relatively slight adjustment for positioning a loaded truck trailer on a flat bed railroad car.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the operation of primary hoist and bridge apparatus, and gantry drive functions of the equipment. There is provided a side shift grappler apparatus to handle or pick up a truck trailer vehicle loaded with two containers and transfer the load from a roadway to a flat bed railroad car. The apparatus is adaptable to adjust or position the loaded truck trailer vehicle on the flat bed railroad car so as to place the fifth wheel of the trailer vehicle over and about the mounting stanchion of the flat bed railroad car for secure attachment thereat. The apparatus avoids the need to move the crane apparatus for only a relatively slight adjustment for positioning a loaded truck trailer on a flat bed railroad car.

Abstract: A crane and lift apparatus for controlling the operation of primary hoist and bridge structure, and gantry drive functions of the equipment. There is provided an auxiliary hoist grapple apparatus to unload containers stacked one above another from one location to another parallel thereto, from one roadway to a parallel roadway, or from one flat bed railroad car to another flat bed railroad car disposed upon a track that is parallel to and adjacent to the track on which the first railroad car is located. The apparatus is adaptable to straddle two locations, parallel roadways, or parallel railroad tracks and effect interchange of containers to and from trucks or railroad cars positioned on the parallel roadways or tracks.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a grappler system by which one or a plurality of stacked containers may be lifted and transported. The grappler system includes pin devices capable of being inserted into standard holes provided at the corners of the container. The grappler system operates to support the bottom two containers of a plurality in a stack being lifted and is capable of dropping off the bottom container, while maintaining support of the container thereabove. The apparatus includes a hollow center design so that the containers can extend to a position above the top structural portions of the crane.

Abstract: A crane apparatus having a hydraulic system for controlling the operation of the hoist and bridge, and gantry drive functions of the equipment. The hoist, bridge and drive components are driven by an AC motor that is powered by an AC generator. The AC motor in turn operates a variable displacement hydraulic pump which is variable from zero to a maximum flow rate in either direction for infinite speed control. The output of the hydraulic pumps is directed to respective hydraulic motors which drive the particular function being controlled.

Abstract: A trolley having an overhead movable bridge supporting a grappler device to lift and lower cargo containers. The bridge is movable along parallel tracks on a trolley. The bridge is capable of undergoing limited differential rotational motion with respect to the trolley and parallel tracks. The rotational mounting of the bridge permits the trolley wheels to maintain proper alignment with the beams while the grappler handles containers lying at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the crane.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a grappler system by which one or a plurality of stacked containers may be lifted and transported. The grappler system includes pin devices capable of being inserted into standard holes provided at the corners of the container. The grappler system operates to support the bottom two containers of a plurality in a stack being lifted and is capable of dropping off the bottom container, while maintaining support of the container thereabove. The apparatus includes a hollow center design so that the containers can extend to a position above the top structural portions of the crane.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling sway and pendulous motion of suspended loads is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with a mobile crane or similar hoist system. The arrangement includes stabilizing cables attached to a load lifting structure or spreader of the crane. The stabilizing cable is reeled and unreeled as the load lifting structure is moved up and down, respectively. The reel for the stabilizing cable is connected to a hydraulic motor which is driven by a pressurized fluid source when the load lifting structure is raised to reel in the stabilizing cable reducing and abating any pendulous motion. Upon unreeling of the stabilizing cable and lowering of the load lifting structure, the fluid flow through the hydraulic motor is reversed and directed through bypass circuitry around the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A tracked crane for hoisting and moving large objects in which the tracks are preferably pivotally mounted so that they may be elevated by jacks and horizontally pivoted into another direction. Following this, the crane can be driven in the other direction without turning. The crane may also have pivotally mounted pressure cylinder lifting means, and apparatus for pressing the top of the load carried by the crane to prevent bouncing of the load as the crane travels, and to hold it down during its installation as necessary.