Abstract: A flipper assembly for guiding a spreader to engage a container is provided, the flipper assembly comprising a flipper hingedly mounted to the spreader, said flipper moveable between an open and closed position about said mounting; a motor mounted to the spreader distal from said flipper; a spacing assembly located between the motor and the hinged mounting of the flipper, wherein said spacing assembly is capable of transmitting a torque from the motor to the hinged mounting so as to move the flipper between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A manipulation device (5) for either securing a twist-lock to a shipping container or releasing it therefrom or both, the device (5) comprising an engagement element (20) operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom; a support member (15) disposed above the an engagement element (20), the support member (15) being arranged to receive and support a mid region of the twist-lock while allowing a lower portion of the supported twist-lock to protect below the member to be engagable with the an engagement element (20), said support member (15) being in the form of a plate incorporating at least one aperture allowing the lower portion of the supported twist-lock to protect below the plate; wherein said support member (15) is selectively movable out of alignment with an axis of rotation of the twist-lock.

Abstract: A detection frame for a lifting device is provided. The frame supports a detection system whilst the frame is attached to a lifting device, the lifting device used for lifting freight, the frame comprising attachment brackets for attaching the frame to the lifting device; at least one platform for mounting the detection system to the frame, such that the frame is in spaced relation to the freight whilst mounted to the lifting device.

Abstract: A head block assembly (105) comprising a first head block (120) having a first pair of cable engaging sheaves (130); a second head block (125) having a second pair of cable engaging sheaves (135); a separation device (140) mounted intermediate the first and second head blocks (120, 125), for effecting relative transverse movement of said head blocks; wherein the first pair of sheaves (130) are selectively disengagable from the first head block (120), and selectively engagable with the second head block (135).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for either securing twist-locks (400) to shipping containers (402) or releasing them therefrom or both, comprises a cradle (11) adapted to receive at least one shipping container and at least one manipulation device (14) operative to secure a twist-lock to the shipping container or release it therefrom, the manipulation device comprising an engagement device (27) operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom. The manipulation device may form part of a twist-lock handling assembly (12) which includes a storage system for twist-locks (16) and a guide assembly (15) for feeding twist-locks into and out of register with the manipulation device (14).

Abstract: A trolley assembly (200) comprising means for supporting a spreader assembly (300), said means including cables (20), said spreader assembly (300) adapted to engage at least one freight device; a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion; the supporting means adapted to connect the spreader assembly (300) to at least one of said carrier portions and; a trolley separation means for selectively varying the relative position of the first and second carrier portions wherein the adjustment of the trolley separation means is such that the cables (20) are maintained in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A spreader (1) for lifting a freight container (7, 17) comprises a frame (3, 4, 11) and two pairs of pickup elements (5). Each pair of pickup elements (5) are mounted at opposite ends of the frame (3, 4, 11) and the frame (3, 4, 11) is adjustable to adjust the separation of the two pairs of pickup elements (5). A detector (8) is movably mounted on the frame (3, 4, 11) for movement between a first position in which the detector (8) is closer to one pair of pickup elements (5) and a second position in which the detector (8) is closer to the other pair of pickup elements (5). The detector is adapted to detect a discontinuity in an object (7, 17) located below the spreader (1).

Abstract: A latch mechanism (7) includes a latch member (8) movable between a release position and a latched position, an operating member (34) movably coupled to the latch member (8), the operating member (34) being movable between a first position and a second position and the latch member (8) being in the release position when the operating member (34) is in the first position and the latch member (8) being in the latched position when the operating member (34) is in the second position. An actuating member (32) movable from a first position to a second position. Movement of the actuating member (32) from the first position to the second position causing the operating member (34) to move from the first position to the second position. A lock member (41) locks the operating member (34) in the second position and the lock member (41) moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position when the operating member (34) is moved from the first position to the second position.