Abstract: A raising assembly for use with a gangway connected for rotation between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. The raising assembly comprises at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected to the gangway. A raising actuator is operative to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the gangway toward the stowed position while the raising actuator is continuously activated by an operator. A lowering actuator is operative to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the gangway toward the deployed position due to gravitational forces while the lowering actuator is continuously activated by the operator. The raising assembly is configured to maintain the gangway at a current position between the stowed position and the deployed position if the operator does one of ceasing to activate the raising actuator while raising the gangway or ceasing to activate the lowering actuator while lowering the gangway.

Abstract: A container tarping assembly comprises a frame structure. A left spreader assembly and a right spreader assembly adapted to carry a tarp are also provided. The left spreader assembly includes first and second left travelers. The right spreader assembly includes first and second right travelers. The travelers are each movable in reciprocating fashion along a predetermined path between a first limit and a second limit. A plurality of drive mechanisms are respectively associated with the travelers to move the traveler in the reciprocating fashion, each of the drive mechanisms having a bidirectional motor.

Abstract: A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A self-raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The self-raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

Abstract: A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A self-raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The self-raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

Abstract: A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A self-raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The self-raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

Abstract: A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A self-raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The self-raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of attaching a tread assembly of a spiral staircase to a vertical support column. One step of the method involves providing a tread assembly having a tread portion attached to an arcuate mounting plate defining at least one hole through which extends a fastener defining external threads, the mounting plate having a first face defining a first radius of curvature. Another step involves providing a support column extending along an axis, the support column having a plurality of axially and angularly spaced apart tread attachment locations, each of the tread attachment locations having an arcuate outer surface defining a corresponding aperture for receipt of the fastener, the arcuate outer surface defining a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. According to another step of the method, the tread assembly is loosely connected to one of the tread attachment locations of the support column.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of attaching a tread assembly of a spiral staircase to a vertical support column. One step of the method involves providing a tread assembly having a tread portion attached to an arcuate mounting plate defining at least one hole through which extends a fastener defining external threads, the mounting plate having a first face defining a first radius of curvature. Another step involves providing a support column extending along an axis, the support column having a plurality of axially and angularly spaced apart tread attachment locations, each of the tread attachment locations having an arcuate outer surface defining a corresponding aperture for receipt of the fastener, the arcuate outer surface defining a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. According to another step of the method, the tread assembly is loosely connected to one of the tread attachment locations of the support column.

Abstract: A spiral staircase comprises a mounting column extending along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of tread assemblies each having a tread portion attached to a mounting plate is also provided. The tread assemblies are axially and angularly offset from an adjacent tread assemblies along the mounting column. In this aspect, each mounting plate has a first face that engages a corresponding portion of an outer surface of the mounting column and a second face from which the tread portion extends. Each of the tread assemblies further have attachment hardware that secures the mounting plate to the mounting column. Prior to attachment to the mounting column and in an unstressed state, the mounting plate has a first radius of curvature and the corresponding portion of the outer surface of the mounting column has a second radius of curvature.

Abstract: A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure. The support structure is connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform. A releasable position locking assembly inhibits rotation of the support structure in a raising direction.

Abstract: A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure. The support structure is connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform. A releasable position locking assembly inhibits rotation of the support structure in a raising direction.