Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the parking and storage capacity of a vehicle parking garage wherein rows of vertical columns of parking spaces or cubicles are spaced in opposing relationship with one another such that at least one automatic guided and self propelled vehicle (AGV), with or without a vehicle support tray mounted thereon, is vertically movable in engagement with the opposing racks or chains that extend on opposite sides of the vertical columns of parking cubicles so that a vehicle may be loaded onto the AGV and thereafter transferred to, and later removed from a parking cubicles and transferred to an exit of the garage. If tray are used on the AGV, additional trays are stored in storage spaces adjacent each parking cubicle.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of items wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which storage units are stored in vertically oriented cells with each storage unit being stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a storage unit and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the storage capacity of an automated material handling and storage system wherein rows of vertical columns of storage bins are spaced in opposing relationship with one another such that at least one elevator is vertically movable in engagement with the opposing columns of storage bins so that pallets, support platforms or containers may be transferred to or from the elevator to bins of the opposing rows and wherein the elevator may be selectively elevated by overhead carriers that are movable along an intersecting grid track system that is disposed above the storage bins. In one embodiment, the at least one elevator may be independently vertically movable between the opposing column of storage bins.

Abstract: A system and method for automated handling, transferring and storing conventional cargo storage containers on a cargo ship wherein the containers are stored in a multi-tier cell system and are manipulated by powered transfer units which are selectively moveable along an intersecting overhead track system such that containers may be simultaneously retrieved from, moved or placed within any of the cells of the ship. The transfer units are equipped both with hoists, which control spreader beams which are selectively secured to the cargo containers, and guide stabilizers, which prevent undesirable movement of the cargo containers when they are elevated above the cell structures such that the containers may be manipulated even during rough sea conditions such that the system is essentially continuously operable as a floating supply distribution system.

Abstract: A port storage and distribution system for facilitating the transfer and/or storage of international shipping containers between container ships and ground transport carriers wherein an overhead grid guide track structure is provide that permits overhead transfer units to selectively engage and convey containers as required between the various ships, carriers and storage area without requiring multiple transfers of containers between different handling equipment. The system provides for container scanning and is either fully automated or partially manually controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the parking and storage capacity of a vehicle parking garage wherein rows of vertical columns of parking spaces or cubicles are spaced in opposing relationship with one another such that at least one automatic guided and self propelled vehicle (AGV), with or without a vehicle support tray mounted thereon, is vertically movable in engagement with the opposing racks or chains that extend on opposite sides of the vertical columns of parking cubicles so that a vehicle may be loaded onto the AGV and thereafter transferred to, and later removed from a parking cubicles and transferred to an exit of the garage. If tray are used on the AGV, additional trays are stored in storage spaces adjacent each parking cubicle.

Abstract: A material handling system for use in storing and moving goods within multi-level storage warehouses, ocean going vessels and the like wherein storage areas are provided on at least one of the levels and wherein goods are automatically transferred to and from the storage areas and between the various levels by self-propelled load transfer vehicles. The load transfer vehicles move across the surface of the various levels and are also movable under their own power within open vertical trunks between the levels to thereby move goods to any desired area within the system, warehouse or vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of vehicles wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which vehicles are stored in vertically oriented cells with each vehicle being carried within a vehicle storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the vehicle storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a roadway such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a vehicle contained within a vehicle storage unit relative to the roadway and move the vehicle storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: A port storage and distribution system for facilitating the transfer and/or storage of international shipping containers between container ships and ground transport carriers wherein an overhead grid guide track structure is provide that permits overhead transfer units to selectively engage and convey containers as required between the various ships, carriers and storage area without requiring multiple transfers of containers between different handling equipment. The system provides for container scanning and is either fully automated or partially manually controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of boats wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which boats are stored in vertically oriented cells with each boat being carried within a boat storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the boat storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a body of water such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a boat contained within a boat storage unit relative to the body of water and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: A port storage and distribution system for facilitating the transfer and/or storage of international shipping containers between container ships and ground transport carriers wherein an overhead grid guide track structure is provide that permits overhead transfer units to selectively engage and convey containers as required between the various ships, carriers and storage area without requiring multiple transfers of containers between different handling equipment. The system provides for container scanning and is either fully automated or partially manually controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for automated handling, transferring and storing conventional cargo storage containers on a cargo ship wherein the containers are stored in a multi-tier cell system and are manipulated by powered transfer units which are selectively moveable along an intersecting overhead track system such that containers may be simultaneously retrieved from, moved or placed within any of the cells of the ship. The transfer units are equipped both with hoists, which control spreader beams which are selectively secured to the cargo containers, and guide stabilizers, which prevent undesirable movement of the cargo containers when they are elevated above the cell structures such that the containers may be manipulated even during rough sea conditions such that the system is essentially continuously operable as a floating supply distribution system.

Abstract: A port storage and distribution system for facilitating the transfer and/or storage of international shipping containers between container ships and ground transport carriers wherein an overhead grid guide track structure is provide that permits overhead transfer units to selectively engage and convey containers as required between the various ships, carriers and storage area without requiring multiple transfers of containers between different handling equipment. The system provides for container scanning and is either fully automated or partially manually controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of boats wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which boats are stored in vertically oriented cells with each boat being carried within a boat storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the boat storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a body of water such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a boat contained within a boat storage unit relative to the body of water and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of items wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which storage units are stored in vertically oriented cells with each storage unit being stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a storage unit and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of vehicles wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which vehicles are stored in vertically oriented cells with each vehicle being carried within a vehicle storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the vehicle storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a roadway such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a vehicle contained within a vehicle storage unit relative to the roadway and move the vehicle storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: Stanchion and clamp assemblies which are moveable along a track system in a cargo storage area and which are pivotally and/or extendably adjustable relative to cargo or dunnage after being initially secured to the track system to thereby permit positive engagement of the stanchion and clamp assemblies with the cargo or dunnage and thus prohibit cargo or dunnage shifting.

Abstract: Stanchion and clamp assemblies which are moveable along a track system in a cargo storage area and which are extendably adjustable relative to cargo or dunnage after being fixedly secured to the track system to thereby permit positive engagement of the stanchion and clamp assemblies with the cargo or dunnage and thus prohibit cargo dunnage shifting.