Abstract: A method for buffer crane operation for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers in buffer operation above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a dedicated crane engaged with said landing deck.

Abstract: A buffer crane for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a slewing jib crane secured to one edge of said landing deck.

Abstract: A buffer crane for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a bridge crane mounted on framework rails which extend past the lateral edges of said landing deck.

Abstract: A buffer crane for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a straddle crane mounted on rails on said landing deck.

Abstract: A method for buffer crane operation for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers in buffer operation above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a dedicated crane engaged with said landing deck.

Abstract: An inter-box connector (IBC) installation and removal system for a buffer crane formed to operate under a quay crane for supplementing operation thereof by semi-automating the previously “by hand” IBC installation and removal procedures.

Abstract: A gantry crane boom protection and anti-collision system employing laser guns aimed outboard from the crane superstructure parallel and below the sides thereof with photodetectors to automatically respond to a reflected signal and slow or stop any lateral movement of the crane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating containers in a container storage area and identifying the containers by means of their ID tags and identifying the address of the repository location of the containers in the container storage area and wirelessly transmitting the ID and address of the containers to the container terminal management system for verification that the container is deposited at the proper repository.

Abstract: A method for energy storage and recovery for load hoisting equipment driven by an inverter controlled first induction motor and having a second inverter controlling a second induction motor which drives a flywheel whereby, utilizing rest power such as reverse power from the first induction motor when lowering a load and unused power at small load or idle to accelerate rotation of a flywheel, whereby energy is stored, and the system is reversed when a load is lifted and power is consumed whereby the flywheel causes the second motor to generate power and deliver it to the first motor.

Abstract: An Improved Catenary Wire Rope Tensioning and Reeving System for Cargo Container Handling Cranes wherein the wire rope reeving for the catenary wire rope support trolleys is passive by being dead-ended to weights whereby it is continuously active.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elimination of residual sway in a cargo container handling gantry crane for reducing container handling cycle times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cargo container transfer in a cargo container handling gantry crane for reducing container handling cycle times.

Abstract: "A variable level platform suspended from the gantry of a cargo container handling gantry crane by a pair of scissors jacks with fleet through wire rope reeving for suspending a lifting spreader thereunder whereby the platform effectively shortens the spreader lift lines for reducing container sway and container handling cycle times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting 90-degree reorientation of a suspended clamshell bucket used for bulk material handling which is accomplished by switching only the attachment points of the bucket hold ropes to the clamshell bucket headblock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vertically telescoping an automatic shuttle used for cargo container transfer in a cargo container handling gantry crane for reducing container handling cycle times.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a boom extension for retractable booms of gantry cranes which does not require lowering the boom during attachment of the extension, or increasing the lift capacity of the boom hoist machinery, nor does the boom extension add bending moment to the retractable boom.

Abstract: A passive sway arrest system for dockside cargo container handling cranes which includes mounting on the load-carrying trolley a pivotable platform which oscillates when a load being carried by the trolley sways with pendulum motion when the trolley is moved along the boom and girder of the crane, the oscillation of the platform providing a means to arrest sway.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reduced radius turning for large cranes mounted on curved sections of rails or track which is effected by lifting the outboard sets of wheels of the crane supporting bogies which are located at the corners of the cranes disposed over the rails having the shortest radius of curvature on the inside of the turn and then lowering the bogies when the crane is on a straight section of track.

Abstract: A cargo container lifting spreader compensating mechanism for facilitating engagement by the spreader with cargo containers having out-of-plane twistlock engagement receptacles, the invention comprising cross-members for carrying the twistlock lug members secured at the ends of the spreaders with rotatable connections whereby they are partially rotatable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spreader with a restrictor means to limit said rotation.

Abstract: A personnel trolley and elevator platform for a cargo container handling gantry crane wherein the gantry is comprised of outreach boom and inboard girder portions having trolley rails mounted thereon, the personnel trolley being mounted on the rails between the cargo container handling trolley and the end of the boom and including its own traveling motors for independent movement along the boom with the lift and lower machinery for the elevator platofrm mounted thereon.