Abstract: A cargo shipping system is provided with a steam dispersion system, a cargo carrier and a shipping container. The steam dispersion system may include a manifold and a plurality of steam diffusers for expelling steam into the shipping container in order to heat the entire surface area of the cargo carrier substantially, instantaneously and completely in order to heat a liquid cargo within the cargo carrier. Methods of making and using the steam dispersion system are also provided.

Abstract: A transport tank system includes a molded thermoplastic tank defining an aperture therethrough and having a discharge end and an opposing end, the thermoplastic tank being rigidly configured for holding a consumable cargo received through the aperture and including a material resistant to passage of oxygen to preserve the consumable cargo. The tank is capable of standing alone for storing the consumable cargo, or the tank can be loaded into a standard dry box container to convert the dry box container into a bulk liquid transport container.

Abstract: A transport tank system includes a molded thermoplastic tank defining an aperture therethrough and having a discharge end and an opposing end, the thermoplastic tank being rigidly configured for holding a consumable cargo received through the aperture and including a material resistant to passage of oxygen to preserve the consumable cargo. The tank is capable of standing alone for storing the consumable cargo, or the tank can be loaded into a standard dry box container to convert the dry box container into a bulk liquid transport container.

Abstract: A transport tank system includes a molded thermoplastic tank defining an aperture therethrough and having a discharge end and an opposing end, the thermoplastic tank being rigidly configured for holding a consumable cargo received through the aperture and including a material resistant to passage of oxygen to preserve the consumable cargo. The tank is capable of standing alone for storing the consumable cargo, or the tank can be loaded into a standard dry box container to convert the dry box container into a bulk liquid transport container.

Abstract: A transport tank system includes a molded thermoplastic tank defining an aperture therethrough and having a discharge end and an opposing end, the thermoplastic tank being rigidly configured for holding a consumable cargo received through the aperture and including a material resistant to passage of oxygen to preserve the consumable cargo. The tank is capable of standing alone for storing the consumable cargo, or the tank can be loaded into a standard dry box container to convert the dry box container into a bulk liquid transport container.

Abstract: Reusable integrated bulkhead and corner units for cargo containers. The units open to form container bulkheads and or corner units as required by the nature of the cargo. For non-bulk cargo, the bulkhead folds against the container sidewall or ceiling. The bulkheads are moved by hinge mechanisms or track assemblies. The hinged corner units fold against the bulkhead or the container walls.

Abstract: A method for loading a bulk cargo into a flexible expandable liner. The liner has a body defining an inlet opening and an interior for holding the cargo. An inlet chute is connected to the liner body and extends through the inlet opening. The method includes the step of opening the inlet chute to form a tubular shaped passageway which passageway is in communication with the interior and exterior of the liner. Then conducting bulk cargo through the tubular passageway into the interior. Raising the gas pressure in the interior of the body to force the inlet chute against the liner body and thus close off the chute and inlet opening.

Abstract: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit. The upper surface of the bag is fabricated from one or more rigid panels which may be attached to the inside or outside of the upper surface of the bag. In one embodiment, the rigid panels are separate and operate independently from one another. In a second embodiment, the panels are attached via hinge mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention relates to cargo containers; and more specifically, to cargo containers of the type from which bulk cargo is discharged by pulling a bottom or floor liner out from the container.

Abstract: A bulkhead comprises a main section including left and right edges, a left flap connected to and extending outward from the left edge of the main section; and a right flap connected to and extending outward from the right edge of the main section; wherein the main section of the bulkhead laterally extends substantially completely across the back panel of the liner, between the left and right back edges thereof; and the right flap of the bulkhead extends over and is connected to the right flap of the liner to connect the bulkhead thereto, and the left flap of the bulkhead thereto, and the left flap of the bulkhead extends over and is connected to the left flap of the liner to further connect the bulkhead the.

Abstract: A rapid construction method and apparatus for bulk cargo containers. The system uses a flexible bag which has an open end. The sides of the bag are folded over to form an end wall and sealed together with double stick tape. Side edges are sealed to the end wall with double stick tape to form edge seals. Load, vent, or discharge ports are attached to the end wall with double stick tape. The end is opened for unloading by cutting the section of the end wall which is encircled by the port. An optional access door in the port allows manual access to remove the end wall material. The liner and ports are optionally provided in kit form with pre-attached tape on the liner and ports. The ports do not have to be attached to the liner until required.

Abstract: The invention provides a standard ISO cargo container with a plurality of flexible expandable liners secured inside the container, one behind the other, by a plurality of bracing systems secured to the container body. Each of the bracing systems engage and support a back panel of one of the liners. The plurality of liners being two or more, generally supported by the floor of the container. The back panel of each of the liners having a discharge outlet, and attached to the discharge outlet a conduit which extends back through the liner or liners to the rear of it.

Abstract: The method of unloading provides for unloading of a cargo container without having to tip the container up on its end to cause a gravity flow. The method provides for placing a liner on the floor of a cargo container with side walls, front wall, ceiling and back opening. Suspending a bulkhead at the rear opening of the container from an upper portion of the container so it does not depend upon the floor for support. Placing a cargo within the container on the liner. Removing a bottom portion of the bulkhead and attaching an end of the liner located at the back opening to an unloading apparatus which has been detachably connected to the rear of the container, and then pulling the liner out, and as the liner is pulled out, the cargo on the liner is unloaded from the container.

Abstract: A mobile cargo discharge device which moves across the floor of a container, pulling cargo under vacuum pressure into a discharge opening in the front of the device and outputting cargo into a conventional discharge conduit such as a pneumatic or screw conveying device. The device may also have a fluidizing mechanism on the forward wall which disturbs the cargo and enhances cargo flow through the discharge opening. The fluidizing mechanism is implemented through vibration or through jet streams of air emitted from the forward wall of the device. The device can be used in containers with or without liners.

Abstract: An air permeable pad to help load a bulk cargo into or unload a bulk cargo from a cargo container including a body and a hose. The body, in turn, includes a first, gas permeable layer and a second, gas impermeable layer. The two layers of the body are connected together and form an interior and a seal extending around that interior. The hose is connected to the body of the pad in communication with the interior thereof to conduct gas into or out from that interior. In use, one or more of these pads is installed in or on a cargo container or vehicle to help load a bulk cargo into the container and/or to help unload a bulk cargo from the container. More specifically, to help load a bulk cargo into a container, air is drawn from that cargo, via the air permeable pads and associated hoses, to compact the cargo therein, reducing the volume of space occupied by a given mass of the bulk cargo.

Abstract: A humidity control system for cargo containers. The humidity is controlled by one or more panels having a supply of desiccant or moisture absorbing material which can be initially installed in the dry state to reduce humidity. The panels can be installed on the ceiling, floor and/or walls of the container. For particular types of cargo which require higher humidity, the panel can be saturated with water prior to transporting the cargo. The saturated panel will release water vapor gradually to maintain a higher humidity. The panel can be a single panel or be made from several smaller panels. The panel can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be installed as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit which can optionally hold the liner in place for loading and unloading.

Abstract: A bulk liquid container constructed of semi-rigid material which has an integral outer wall to limit leakage. A single endless inner seal and an optional dual outer seal reduces the risk of leakage. The container is constructed with a single layer of material and is suitable for a wide variety of uses including food transport. Stability of the container is enhanced by a self forming convex upper layer designed to reduce surging of the liquid when the container is transported. The container can be completely filled under pressure by venting air from a vent near the apex of the convex upper layer. The semi-rigid nature of the material further acts to reduce the surging motion of the liquid when the vehicle containing the bulk liquid container is in motion. The use of retaining straps is not required. An optional bulkhead designed for rapid installation and removal, as well as remote vent, fill and empty lines for ease of use and worker safety are also provided.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to cargo containers; and more specifically, to cargo containers of the type from which bulk cargo is discharged by pulling a bottom or floor liner out from the container.

Abstract: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit.

Abstract: A cargo container comprising a container body defining an interior cargo space, a flexible and expandable liner secured inside the container body, a bulkhead positioned in the container body and held against the liner, and bracing apparatus to brace the bulkhead in the cargo container. A first embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of vertical beams connected to a floor of the container body, horizontally spaced apart and vertically extending upward against the bulkhead; and a multitude of cross beams connected to the vertical beam to held hold those beams upright. A second embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of upwardly extending straps and a plurality of laterally extending straps.