Abstract: A twistlock operator for a twistlock mechanism has a drive mechanism with a fixed axis and an angularly displaceable twistlock having a pivot axis normally positioned along the fixed axis. A first actuator is drivingly connected to the drive mechanism for thereby permitting rotation of the first actuator and a second actuator is connected to the twistlock. Each of the actuators is generally rectangularly shaped and each has arcuate side bearing surfaces and the bearing surfaces have substantially equal radii of curvature. A tube is pivotally connected to each of the actuators for drivingly connecting the actuators and thereby causing cooperative rotation of the actuators. The tube maintains driving connection between the actuators even when the twistlock pivots and thereby displaces the pivot axis away from the fixed axis.

Abstract: An improved radio-controlled spreader for handling cargo containers is disclosed having a number of improved safety features. A switching circuit, including proximity switches mounted on the respective corners of the spreader for sensing contact with the cargo container, controls the locking and unlocking circuits for twist locks which engage the container. The switching circuit prevents premature locking and accidental unlocking. The expansion and retraction circuit for the spreader includes swtiching means for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the spreader in its expanded position which in cooperation with the hydraulic circuit prevent damage from external forces applied to the spreader ends.

Abstract: A gantry crane comprising a pair of spaced, parallel rectangular side frames each having top and bottom members and front and rear vertical members connected to the top and bottom members, a front cross beam rigidly connected to each of the side frames at the upper front corners thereof, and a rear cross beam pivotally connected to each of the side frames at the upper rear corners thereof, each of the side frames further including diagonal braces, ground engaging drive wheels mounted on the side frames at the lower corners thereof so that as the gantry crane traverses uneven ground, the wheels maintain ground contact as the rear cross beam pivots with respect to the side frames and the front cross beam absorbs the torsional stress.

Abstract: A load handling apparatus 10 having an anti-sway characteristic produced by suspending one end of a load bearing member 44 from a first trolley 38 which resists sway laterally along cross member 24 and the other end from a second trolley 54 which rides on a vertically movable stabilizing beam 30 to resist sway both laterally along stabilizing beam 30 and along the major axis of the load bearing member 44.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic steering system is disclosed for a wide track steerable vehicle which changes the position of each steerable slave wheel to an optimum angle depending on the angle of a hydraulically steerable master wheel. Controls, including electro-hydraulic steering mechanisms, are provided to cause the steerable slave wheels to turn relative to one another to assume and maintain an optimum turning radius and optimum turning relationship as the vehicle operator maneuvers the vehicle along a desired curved path of travel by hydraulically controlling a master steerable wheel. The system minimizes tire wear, reduces structural stresses in the vehicle, and maximizes traction during turning maneuvers. No conventional tie rods are required and the system may be implemented to permit two wheel steering, four wheel crab steering, and four or more wheel coordinated steering.

Abstract: A bidirectional force limiter for limiting the magnitude of a force applied along a line of action to a predetermined magnitude includes a slide assembly supported for reciprocating movement along its longitudinal axis by the spaced guide plates of a support structure. A yieldable force-bias element, such as a helical spring in compression, is constrained between the guide plates, and structure is provided for transmitting the applied force from the slide assembly to the biasing element to cause the slide assembly to displace and the biasing element to yield in response to the applied force. The force limiter is suitable for use, in a preferred mode, with cargo-container spreaders which are adapted to attach to and detach from cargo containers. The spreader carries a plurality of locks which are adapted to register with and engage complementary lock receiving structures on each container.

Abstract: A straddle crane including four vertical column members, two side beam or torsion members, and at least one header beam member, and having wheel or caster assemblies supporting each vertical column member. The straddle crane is implemented for two-wheel or four-wheel steering and for two-wheel or four-wheel driving with open or closed ends. The structures of the header beam and the side beam members are appropriately selected, and the attachment means therefor to the vertical column members are chosen to accommodate the various forces and stresses occurring on the structure during normal operation over uneven terrain or surfaces. The header beam member is sufficiently flexible to permit movement of the casters over and in contact with uneven terrain without producing unacceptable shear stresses in the header beam member. The torsion beam member defines a closed geometric figure in cross section to provide torsional and bending resistance to the loads applied to the vertical columns.

Abstract: A cargo container handling implement, i.e., a grappler spreader, having the customary four grappling arms for the bottom lifting of piggy-back trailers and four latch units for interlocking with the top latch receptacles of cargo containers, and, in addition, a mechanism by which the latch units are adjustable with respect to the remainder of the grappler spreader in its lateral direction to enable the implement to support a container with the vertical plane of its outwardly offset side beyond the lateral extremities of the adjacent pair of upwardly stored grappling arms.

Abstract: A spreader for lifting containers mountable upon the tines of a fork truck or the like for movement rotatably about a generally vertical axis and horizontally in a direction transversely of the tines. Container engaging devices adjacent the corners of the spreader frame are movable in unison in a direction parallel to the longitudinal tine axes.

Abstract: A cargo-container spreader providing retractable guides and bell crank and link mechanism for operating the guides which may be substantially contained within the frame region of the spreader. The guides are adaptable for both power and manual operation.

Abstract: A grappler spreader adapted for mounting on a fork lift or other type of cantilever-loaded carrier, and for handling cargo containers and piggyback trailers. The spreader to be described is especially designed for use on front or side-loading carriers. It is advantageously used in stacking and unstacking closely placed containers in terminal yards through provision of grappling arms which may be stored above the main frame of a spreader within a vertical projection of a cargo container handled by the spreader.

Abstract: A spreader for lifting containers comprises a generally rectangular frame having container engaging devices adjacent the corners thereof and being mountable on the tines of a fork truck or the like for movement rotatably about a generally vertical axis, and horizontally in directions both parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the tines. The frame includes base and upper frames, and at least one of such frames includes an elongated slot extending generally parallel to one of the horizontal directions of movement. A pin extending outwardly from the other of such frames is received in the slot for restraining the upper frame against complete displacement from the base frame, as well as for guiding certain movements of the upper frame relative to the base frame.