Abstract: This invention relates to a material handling apparatus, commonly known as a slewing bridge shiploader or linear shiploader, having front and rear pivotal supports and a movable boom traversing the bridge. The front end support of the bridge is movable along a front linear track extending parallel to the ship and the rear support is movable along a rear linear track extending in a direction perpendicular to the front linear track. The bridge contains a conveyor running along its length and also running on the boom, which conveyor is fed from the rear end of the bridge. The conveyor slopes upward from its feed point at the rear of the bridge to the height of the boom, thereby permitting a reduction in bridge span. As the front end of the bridge moves along the front track, the rear end and its support move longitudinally along the rear track, while simultaneously the rear end of the bridge pivots relative to the rear support. The conveyor feed point is oriented over the rear end pivot point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material handling apparatus, commonly known as a slewing bridge shiploader or more specifically a linear shiploader, having front and rear pivotal supports. The front end support of the bridge is movable along a linear track extending transversely to the bridge and the rear support is movable in a direction perpendicular to the linear track. The bridge contains a conveyor running along its length which is fed from the rear end of the bridge. The linear track supporting the front end is oriented parallel to the ship or carrier to be loaded, and the linear track supporting the rear end is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ship. As the front end of the bridge moves along the linear track in a direction parallel to the ship being loaded, the rear end simultaneously pivots and moves longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to the ship being loaded.