Abstract: A connector system for connecting stacked containers includes a frame and a locating lever coupled to the frame. The locating lever is configured to detect when a lower container is placed into a containment cavity. The system further includes a coupler plate tucked along the frame in a starting position. The coupler plate is deployed to a deployed position distal to the frame in response to the locating lever detecting when the lower container is placed into the containment cavity. The connector system further includes a plurality of connecting pins such that the coupler plate and the connecting pins are configured to connect an upper container to the lower container. A return lever is coupled to the frame, and a return mechanism returns the coupler plate to the starting position in response to the upper container being lifted off of the lower container.

Abstract: A front pin arrangement for automatic securement of a container to a container chassis is provided. The front pin latching arrangement includes first and second latching systems disposed proximate two corners of a container chassis, wherein each of the first and second latching systems automatically secure the container to the container chassis. The front pin latching arrangement also includes an interlock assembly operably coupled to the first and second latching systems. The interlock assembly is configured to provide a fail-safe operation such that the first and second latching systems maintain securement of the container to the container chassis.

Abstract: A latching system for automatic securement of a container to a container chassis is provided. The latching system includes an actuation device disposed on an upper surface of the container chassis, a linkage mechanism disposed below the upper surface, and a connector positioned on a further surface elevated above the upper surface. Placement of the container on the container chassis actuates the actuation device causing the linkage mechanism to move the connector and automatically secure the container to the container chassis.

Abstract: A front pin latching system for automatic securement of a container to a container chassis is provided. The front pin latching system includes a shelf configured to move vertically on an outer surface of the container chassis. The shelf and the container chassis have adjacent openings. The system also includes a pin configured to move horizontally through the adjacent openings and a linkage mechanism disposed on an inner surface of the container chassis. The linkage mechanism is operably coupled to the shelf and the pin. Placement of the container on the container chassis moves the shelf causing the linkage mechanism to move the pin such that the pin automatically secures the container to the container chassis.

Abstract: An interbox connector used in intermodal transportation systems is provided. The interbox connector is adapted to secure a top container to a bottom container in which the top container and bottom container each have corner castings. A plate is configured to be positioned between a corner casting of the bottom container and a corner casting of the top container prior to the top container being stacked on the bottom container. A first latch extends upwardly from the plate in which the first latch is configured to be disposed in the corner casting of the top container. A second latch extends downwardly from the plate in which the second latch is configured to be disposed in the corner castings of the bottom container. Placement of the top container on top of the bottom container causes the second latch and the first latch to automatically rotate and secure the top container to the bottom container.

Abstract: A method (400) for handling a container is disclosed. It can include the steps of: providing (410) a multi-level structure (450) including a plurality of levels (470) including a first level (472) with an opening (474) to receive a container (476) and a second level (478); locating (420) a plurality of shelves (480) adjacent to the opening (474) including a port shelf (482) and a starboard shelf (484), each configured to receive a container (476); and providing (430) a transfer mechanism (530) configured to pick a container (176) and place it on one of the plurality of shelves (480). Advantageously, the method (400) provides enhanced container handling and logistics, and has wide use cases in warehousing, assembly manufacturing, ports and distribution hubs.

Abstract: A latching system for automatic securement of a container to a container chassis is provided. The latching system includes an actuation device that extends through a surface of the container chassis, a linkage mechanism disposed below the surface, and a latch coupled to a pivot. The latch is positioned above the surface of the container chassis. Placement of the container on the container chassis actuates the actuation device causing the linkage mechanism to move the latch such that the latch automatically secures the container to the container chassis.

Abstract: A latching system for automatic securement of a container to a container chassis is provided. The latching system includes an actuation device disposed on an upper surface of the container chassis, a linkage mechanism disposed below the upper surface, and a connector positioned on a further surface elevated above the upper surface. Placement of the container on the container chassis actuates the actuation device causing the linkage mechanism to move the connector and automatically secure the container to the container chassis.

Abstract: A front pin latching system for automatic securement of a container to a container chassis is provided. The front pin latching system includes a shelf configured to move vertically on an outer surface of the container chassis. The shelf and the container chassis have adjacent openings. The system also includes a pin configured to move horizontally through the adjacent openings and a linkage mechanism disposed on an inner surface of the container chassis. The linkage mechanism is operably coupled to the shelf and the pin. Placement of the container on the container chassis moves the shelf causing the linkage mechanism to move the pin such that the pin automatically secures the container to the container chassis.

Abstract: A universal system and method for handling a container is disclosed. The system can include: a support structure (10) defining a bay (32), the support structure (10) including support shoes configured to support a container; a sensor (58) for determining a length of a container in the bay; and a controller (60) configured to operate the support structure (10) including a storage mode and a retrieval mode.

Abstract: An outer box connector (OBC) (100) and methods (200 and 250) are shown and described. The OBC (100) can include: a body (102) having an outer surface (104) and an inner surface (106); a first anchor (108) and a second anchor (110) extending inwardly from the inner surface (104); a lever (112) extending substantially outwardly from the outer surface (104), the lever (112) being connected to a distal portion (114) of the first anchor (108); and the first anchor (108) including an unlocked condition (116) adapted for allowing insertion in and removal from a corner fitting (120) and a locked condition (118) for locking the first anchor 108 with a corner fitting (12). Advantageously, the OBC (100) and methods allow simplified container handling and connection and disconnection, in transportation applications.

Abstract: A chassis stacker having a first and a second vertical storage rack displaced from one another by a distance wide enough to accommodate a trailer chassis, and connected at a top end by a trolley rail support beam. A trolley is positioned on the trolley rail support beam, said trolley having an elevation system capable of raising and lowering a first and a second stabilizing beam that are suspended from the trolley and guided in their vertical motion by low-friction, storage-rack contact members attached at respective first and second ends of the elevating structure, said contact members in contact with an inner surface of the respective first and second vertical storage racks. A first and a second stabilizing-beam trolley is attached to the, respective, first and second stabilizing beams while a spreader containing a chassis-clamping mechanism extends between and attaches to the first and the second stabilizing beam trolley.

Abstract: A distribution system (100) is disclosed. The system includes the steps of: providing (105) a multi-level pathfinder with a containment cavity having a ground level cell and an elevated level cell; configuring (110) the containment cavity to receive containers; and loading (115) the containment cavity with a first container and moving the first container vertically to allow a second loading of a second container. This system provides a simple, robust and efficient automatable buffer to load and unload, a container between a chassis and rail or port terminal and/or at distribution hub.

Abstract: A method for tracking a shipping container in a freight yard that includes the steps of: (a) assigning a specific temporary storage position to the container; (b) confirming, upon arrival of the container at a temporary storage position, that the position is the assigned specific temporary storage position; (c) recording a container serial number and an identification number for the specific temporary storage position once the container is placed in the specific temporary storage position; and (d) recording a date and a time that the container was placed in the specific temporary storage position.

Abstract: An inline terminal system (300), which includes the steps of: (i) transporting (302) a first container with a cargo via an inbound railroad car to a terminal having a plurality of train rails; (ii) picking and placing (304) the first container from the railroad car to a track side location having at least one buffer in proximity to the plurality of train rails, including: (a) rotating the first container at an angle of at least ten or more degrees with respect to the train rails; and (b) positioning the at least one buffer substantially adjacent to the train rails, at the track side location, at an angle of at least ten or more degrees with respect to the train rails; and (iii) moving (306) the first container via a tractor truck to a desired location for unloading. This system provides a simple, robust and efficient method to load, and in the reverse unload, a container on a chassis or rail car, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing an outbound shipping container for transport on an outbound train. The method includes the steps of: 1) providing a driver with a pre-assigned buffer in which to place the outbound container; 2) confirming, with the driver at the pre-assigned buffer, that the outbound container is to be placed in that buffer; 3) securing the outbound container in a containment cavity of the pre-assigned buffer alongside a train track; and 4) elevating, within the buffer, the outbound container from a truck chassis, thereby freeing up the driver and the chassis to proceed to another destination.

Abstract: A method for preparing an inbound container for transfer from an inbound train to a final destination is disclosed. The method involves providing a crane operator in a railroad terminal with a pre-assigned buffer amongst a plurality of buffers along side a train track in which to place the inbound container; recording the time the crane operator places the inbound container in the pre-assigned buffer where the pre-assigned buffer is comprised of a plurality of vertical supports, independent of an overhead lifting device and defining a containment cavity; sensing that the inbound container has been placed in its pre-assigned buffer; securing the inbound container in a containment cavity of the pre-assigned buffer; confirming with a customer service information management system that the inbound container is delivered to its pre-assigned buffer; and transmitting via the customer service information management system, a message that the inbound container is available for further transfer.

Abstract: A lifting system for a vertically-elevating cab, the lifting system includes a frame assembly having a first and a second support column, first and a second lift screws which are attached to the, respective, first and second support columns, a cab-lifting beam that has a first and a second end attached to the, respective, first and second lift screws. A vertically-elevating cab is mounted on the cab-lifting beam in such a manner that a center of gravity of the cab is not aligned with a center of the cab-lifting beam. A plurality of rollers are located on each end of the lifting beam. Each one of the plurality of rollers is in contact with a guide bar on each of the respective first and second support columns, and a first and a second power system is connected to the, respective, first and second lift screw.

Abstract: A transfer method (600) is disclosed. It includes: delivering (602) a container via a rail car on train rails to a terminal; assigning (604) a corridor as to where to deliver the container, the corridor including a plurality of pathways in proximity to a track side location, each pathway including a containment cavity configured to receive a first handoff of the container from a crane to a first pathway and provide a second handoff of the container from the first pathway to a hauler, the plurality of pathways being substantially adjacent, aligned and in parallel and being configured at an angle of about 15 degrees or more to the train rails; picking (606) with a crane the container from a rail car and placing the container in the containment cavity comprising the first handoff in the corridor; and handing-off the container in the containment cavity of a pathway to a hauler comprising the second handoff, for facilitating transporting the container from the terminal to a desired remote destination via a hauler.

Abstract: A transfer method (100) is disclosed. It includes: transporting (102) with a motorized vehicle a container on a chassis and aligning the container with a buffer; raising (104) the container with a support structure comprising an elevator connected to the chassis, from a resting position to a lifted position a predetermined height above the chassis; entering (106) a containment cavity of the buffer while in the lifted position, the buffer including a container stand including shelves located on sides on the containment cavity, to allow travel in and out of the containment cavity, the shelves include movable support pads with a retracted position configured to allow unobstructed travel in and out of the containment cavity and an extended position configured to support a container with the movable support pads on the sides on the containment cavity.