Abstract: A gantry crane for containers with at least one raised horizontal beam, comprising ship-side spreaders supported on a first section of said horizontal beam, container land-side spreaders supported on a second section of said horizontal beam, and a horizontal transport carriage, mounted displaceably along the beam so that it is susceptible to being placed under the containers lifted by the ship-side spreaders, and arranged to support the containers and displace them to a position below the land-side spreaders, said horizontal transport carriage comprising anchoring means for separably anchoring the containers.

Abstract: A crane system is for a cantilever belonging to a jack-up rig. The crane system has a crane with a suspension member, the suspension member being arranged over the crane. A skid beam is attached to a lower portion of the cantilever, the skid beam being displaceably connected to a plurality of slides arranged on the jack-up rig, the crane hanging on the skid beam. A method is for using the crane system.

Abstract: A method and assembly for operating at least two lifting gears in a group operation, where each lifting gear has a hoist via which a respective cable or chain can be raised or lowered. The hoists are first operated in a synchronous operating mode to perform a common lifting procedure to move a load supported by the hoists. At least one of the hoists involved in the common lifting procedure is then deactivated to switch from the synchronous operation into an individual operation or a multi-operation, with at least one of the hoists remaining activated to carry out a lifting or lowering process relative to each deactivated hoist. A load value is then determined for the at least one deactivated hoist and compared to a predetermined threshold value of the at least one deactivated hoist.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for at least holding an object with a crane having a bridge spanning between and movable on the spaced apart rails, an upper platform movable longitudinally on the bridge, and a hoist mounted to the platform, the hoist having a rope and a lifting member disposed at a remote end of the rope. The method includes engaging and moving a positioner to a selected location on the bridge or the upper platform using the hoist; securing the positioner to the bridge at the selected location or the upper platform; securing the positioner to an object; holding the object with the positioner; releasing the object from the positioner; releasing the positioner from the bridge or the upper platform; and engaging and moving the positioner away from the selected location on the bridge or the upper platform using the hoist.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are disclosed for stacking containers in an automated storage and retrieval system. The system includes a plurality of storage stacks establishing a grid of storage locations and a plurality of buffering stacks. Each buffering stack having a hand-over location for holding containers near a surface of a grid and at least one intermediate holding location for holding the containers to be transported to processing stations or storage locations within the grid. An overhead load handler is configured to lift or lower containers from/to the top of a storage stack or the hand-over location of a buffering stack.

Abstract: A bridge or gantry crane, in particular for handling ISO containers, includes a crane cart that can move along a crane support in the direction of travel of the cart. The cart supports at least one mast that can move in a vertical lift and lowering direction, and a load supporting means for containers being suspended at the mast. In order to optimize the handling rate of a bridge or gantry crane, at least one second mast is provided including a second load supporting means disposed behind and at a distance from a first mast as seen in the direction of travel (K) of the cart.

Abstract: A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).

Abstract: A plant (1;20) for transferring cargo (23) to and from a ship (24), said plant comprising an elevated rail structure (2) and a crane unit (3) where the elevated rail structure (2) is arranged on one side of the ship (24) and comprises a longitudinal rail (6) which extends essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship and where the crane unit is arranged to transfer a load or a group of loads to and from said ship, is supported by said longitudinal rail and is displaceable along said longitudinal rail. The crane unit furthermore comprises a boom (10) and a trolley (21) where the boom of said crane unit extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal rail such that one end of the boom extends over the ship; and where the boom of said crane unit comprises a transverse rail (13) which extends in a direction which is essentially transverse to the longitudinal rail and essentially parallel to the centre line of the boom.

Abstract: A trolley control system for a gantry crane having a multiple trolley arrangement such as a first and second trolley. The control system including a trolley beam connected to the gantry crane with a first and second drive device connected to the trolley beam. The first drive device is powered by a first drive system while the second drive device can be powered by either the first drive system or the second drive system. A first trolley is connected to the first drive device while a second trolley is connected to the second drive device.

Abstract: A platform container transfer terminal (10) functions as an efficient hub port. Sea Point™ Transfer station modules (21, 22, 23) can be moved intact across oceans for rapid erection in remote or strategic locations to provide high speed loading and unloading of large container vessels (31, 32) to lighters or feeder vessels (41, 42, 43, 44, 45) and/or to facilities adjacent. A gantry crane (510) combined with one or more rotating boom cranes (11, 12, 17, 18) increases cargo productivity economically. There can be two luffing boom cranes attached to the gantry and two slewing boom cranes attached to the gantry. One can retrofit an existing gantry by attaching a boom crane and frame to a ship-to-shore gantry.

Abstract: A straddle carrier for transporting and stacking freight containers, with automatic steering, is made up of two chassis beams having steerable wheels, for traveling over the container stack. At least one laser scanner measures the distance to a container wall from different angles, and passes the measurement signals to an electronic control, which calculates a steering angle reference value for the electronically regulated vehicle steering from the measurement signals.

Abstract: A mast includes two support columns each having nonuniform strength in a height direction. Both of upper and lower end portions of the mast have the highest strength, intermediate portions of the mast have the intermediate strength, and shoulder portions of the mast, between the central portion and both of the upper and the lower end portions, have the lowest strength.

Abstract: A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).

Abstract: A trolley control system for a gantry crane having a multiple trolley arrangement such as a first and second trolley. The control system including a trolley beam connected to the gantry crane with a first and second drive device connected to the trolley beam. The first drive device is powered by a first drive system while the second drive device can be powered by either the first drive system or the second drive system. A first trolley is connected to the first drive device while a second trolley is connected to the second drive device.

Abstract: A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).

Abstract: The invention is a container lifter which is able to lift two 40 foot containers at a time. It includes two sets of the crane main lifting mechanisms with the wire rope winding systems being separate. Pulleys arranged at the crane upper frame cooperate with two lifting pulley groups arranged on the carrier. The first crane lifting mechanism and the second crane lifting mechanism are equipped with a barrel, a crane lifting mechanism motor, a brake and a crane lifting reduction gear box respectively The two sets of the crane lifting mechanisms are synchronously operated. By using the container lifter of the invention, the efficiency of the load and unload is increased, high repayment is obtained with less increasing the equipment cost, the larger beneficial result is occurred, also it has the wider applicable prospect.

Abstract: A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in carrying a load particularly in theatrical performances comprising a supported guide rail, with a first and second carriage movably mounted on the guide rail, the first carriage being adapted to carry a movable lift line for carrying the load, and a compensator system linking the first and second carriage and being arranged such that on movement of the first carriage or the second carriage, the other carriage moves in the same direction and the second carriage moves a shorter distance than the first carriage. Lifting and lowering of the load may be achieved independently of travel along the rail and a load may be transported at a constant height.

Abstract: A trolley assembly (200) comprising means for supporting a spreader assembly (300), said means including cables (20), said spreader assembly (300) adapted to engage at least one freight device; a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion; the supporting means adapted to connect the spreader assembly (300) to at least one of said carrier portions and; a trolley separation means for selectively varying the relative position of the first and second carrier portions wherein the adjustment of the trolley separation means is such that the cables (20) are maintained in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A quadrail ergonomic apparatus includes two or more pathways designed to permit movement in two or more directions mounted to a static object above a surface. One or more carriages designed to move in two or more directions are disposed within the pathways. Each carriage is suspended above the surface from the pathways and capable of maintaining a workload in place and permitting movement of the workload in at least four directions.

Abstract: A gantry stacker for transporting and stacking freight containers consists of two chassis beams with steerable wheels, supports, a hoist, an overhead frame, a lifting beam a driver's cab and engines. There are at least two spreaders that are movable in a horizontal direction independent of each other and are disposed in a side-by-side relationship on a lifting beam. Containers deposited directly side-by-side with no gap there between may be gripped, transported and separated or that spaced-apart containers with an alley may be gripped, transported and moved toward each other so that they may be readily transported further, using multispreader systems. Containers of different heights may be gripped and transported. The lifting height allows for straddling containers standing on the floor with attached and lifted containers.

Abstract: A single wire rope reeving system for a twin lift cargo container handling crane for hoisting and lowering a pair of containers in side-by-side relation independently or simultaneously.

Abstract: A dual trolley, single boom crane system for loading and unloading containers from ships moored at a dock that effectively doubles the rate of container loading and unloading of conventional prior art single boom crane systems. The present invention also concerns a novel method for retrofitting conventional prior art single boom crane systems to convert them to dual trolley systems, while at the same time retaining the basic geometry of the prior art system so that the same number of multiple cranes may be positioned over the dock side.

Abstract: A multiple axis gantry for providing movement along multiple axis is provided. The multiple axis gantry includes a pair of horizontal tracks and a vertical track to which a work piece carriage is attached. One drive motor provides an input for horizontal movement of the vertical track and a second drive motor provides an input for vertical movement of the work piece carriage. The vertical track of the gantry is driven proximate both ends to prevent cocking or binding during horizontal movement. Furthermore, the multiple axis gantry is configured such that manufacture of a gantry having custom dimensions for the horizontal tracks and vertical track is simple and cost effective.

Abstract: A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).

Abstract: A dual trolley, single boom crane system for loading and unloading containers from ships moored at a dock that effectively doubles the rate of container loading and unloading of conventional prior art single boom crane systems. The present invention also concerns a novel method for retrofitting conventional prior art single boom crane systems to convert them to dual trolley systems, while at the same time retaining the basic geometry of the prior art system so that the same number of multiple cranes may be positioned over the dock side.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible engine support apparatus. The device is attachable to the fender or firewall of the vehicle and is mountable either transversely or longitudinally above the engine compartment. A pair of primary load bearing metal angles are secured on opposite sides of the open engine compartment on either the fender or firewall. A pair of upstanding posts approximately centrally positioned on the upward facing surface of the angle, each of the upstanding posts including connection means adapted to lockingly receive horizontal support bars. A central connector allows for adjustment of the spacing between the metal angles. A flexible, adjustable attachment means depends from the central connector, the attachment means adaptable for engagement with the main engine hold. Adjustment of the attachment means to a desired tension ensures a high degree of positional stability of the engine when performing major repairs.

Abstract: A bridge crane, especially a container loading bridge, having a portal, a boom, a track system laid on the boom and crane trolleys which travel on the tracks, in which the track system comprises a working track, whose two rails have a mutual spacing corresponding to the wide spacing of the running wheels of the crane trolleys in a working position and a return track, whose rails have a mutual spacing corresponding to the narrow spacing of the running wheels of the crane trolleys in a return position is provided. Two arched pieces are arranged about the area of the ends of the boom where the working track and return track meet. The two wheel suspension mechanisms of the crane trolleys are constructed so as to rotate freely about a vertical axis. The two rotation axes of the crane trolleys are arranged with a spacing with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof corresponding to half the mutual spacing of the two rails of the return track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transporter container-loading bridge comprising a two-armed traveling support, a lifting gear, a traveling mechanism and at least one portal, characterized in that at least two trolleys travel on individual tracks of the traveling support on the transporter container-loading bridge with their paths crossing. According to the invention, the running track of one trolley is located above and inside the track of the other trolley, wherein both trolleys travel along both sides of their running tracks. The invention provides the advantage that several trolleys can travel independently from each other without having to transfer, rotate or surrender their load.

Abstract: A rotatable shuttle transfer unit for transferring a workpiece from a first work station to a second work station along a predetermined path of travel wherein a pair of spaced carriages carry the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel and rotate the workpiece from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation with respect to an axis of rotation. Preferably, the carriages rotate the workpiece while carrying the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel. The carriages are transported along a guiderail which extends between the first and second work stations. A continuous drive belt reciprocally drives the carriages along the guiderail wherein the continuous drive belt extends from one end of the guiderail to the opposite end of the guiderail. A vertical lift portion reciprocally moves the workpiece in a direction substantially normal to the predetermined path of travel. In addition, the carriages provide releasable power clamps for engaging and securing the workpiece.

Abstract: The plant is mainly designed to increase the productivity of freight handling operations--for instance containers, in any kind of depot--to simplify the engineering works supporting the mobile crane (1) having a transversal boom (2), to eliminate stressing working conditions for the operator of the mobile crane (1) and to make essentially automatic the freight handling operations; the mobile crane (1) runs on a track (11) placed at the top of a fixed longitudinal frame (10) having stanchions (20) which transmit the loads to the ground at fixed positions constituted advantageously by foundation plinths (21) on piles (22); the cabin (12) is independent of the upper trolley (3) of the mobile crane (1); an intermediate trolley (13) receives the containers (7) from a shuttle trolley running longitudinally on a shelf (9) of the frame (10) and transfers them onto lorries (16) and trolleys (17, 162) of a conveyor ring (18, 154) of the depot assisted by bridge cranes; in maritime depots, the hold covers of ships may b

Abstract: A freight loading/unloading crane (10) comprises a crane bridge (16) with two lifting units (26, 28) displaceable in their longitudinal direction with a lifting system (26b, 28b) and associated load receiving device (26c, 28c) and a transfer unit (32) with at least one load receiving region (32o, 32u). To prepare for a load exchange with one of the lifting units (26, 28), the transfer unit (32) is stopped adjacent to the lifting unit in question, so that this can continue to raise or lower its lifting system (26b or 28b) independently of the position of the transfer unit (32). The actual load exchange takes place by means of an operating device (36o, 36u), without further movement of the transfer unit (32).

Abstract: A hoist assembly is provided for an overhead crane adapted for pivoting wide panels and the like between horizontal and vertical positions. The hoist assembly is supported on an elevated horizontal beam and includes a main trolley, supporting a main lifting cable, and an auxiliary trolley, supporting an auxiliary lifting cable. The main trolley is mounted for positively drivable movement along the horizontal beam, while the auxiliary trolley is freely slidable along the horizontal beam. The freely slidable auxiliary trolley automatically moves along the beam in response to a horizontal force component of cable tension when a load is being pivoted, so that the auxiliary trolley maintains a substantially vertical position over its lifting point on the load. A method for pivoting a load with the hoist assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling the motion of a crane lifting carriage, or trolley, a load suspended from it, a swing damping system, and/or an operator control cab whereby an ideal sequence of accelerations for moving the lifting carriage is defined that will bring the load to a swing-free condition at the end of the sequence of accelerations, and corresponding lifting carriage speed change signals are developed. A pendulum swing angle of the load corresponding with the ideal sequence of lifting carriage accelerations is calculated. The swing angle calculation and a geometric model of the swing damping system are used to determine a swing damping system control signal which makes the swing damping system follow the swing angle of the load.

Abstract: A lifting and transport apparatus for containers has a fixed rigid horizontal beam on the lower flange of which two wheeled carriages are displaceable either together or separately to allow, in the latter case, a change in the distance between the carriages and, in the former case, displacement of the container. A cross beam on each of the carriages can carry at its ends fixed columns which guide respective lifting elements having claws at their ends engageable with the container. The entire assembly is free from cables or the like which can introduce sway.

Abstract: A cargo loading crane (10) comprises a crane bridge (16) having two hoist units (26, 28) with hoisting gear (26b, 28b) and assigned cargo pick-up devices (26c, 28c), a transfer unit (32) with at least one cargo pick-up region (32o, 32u) and a conveyor unit (64). Division of the horizontal transport path between the transfer unit (32) on the one hand and the conveyor unit (64) on the other shortens the duration of the operating cycle for loading and unloading a cargo carrier (18).

Abstract: An Improved Catenary Wire Rope Tensioning and Reeving System for Cargo Container Handling Cranes wherein the wire rope reeving for the catenary wire rope support trolleys is passive by being dead-ended to weights whereby it is continuously active.

Abstract: A system for building, testing, and repairing gas turbine engines and for transporting gas turbine engines from one location to another includes a transporter and a build cell. The build cell is a frame structure supported by a plurality of pedestals for mounting the gas turbine engine thereon and is transportable by the transporter to allow assembly and disassembly of the gas turbine engine at any location. The transporter removes the gas turbine engine from either a build cell or another type of a structure at a first location and transports the gas turbine engine either with or without the build cell to a second location and loads the gas turbine engine onto either a build cell or a second structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vertically telescoping an automatic shuttle used for cargo container transfer in a cargo container handling gantry crane for reducing container handling cycle times.

Abstract: The invention is a crane system for a building for the assembly of a gas bag for a lighter-than-air vehicle, the building having a floor and a roof thereover with a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis. In detail, the crane assembly includes a plurality of crane carriage rail assemblies in the form of arches aligned with the lateral axis of and mounted within the building. The carriage rail assemblies are in a spaced relationship along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of crane carriages are movably mounted on each of the crane rail assemblies with each carriage including a winch mounted thereon having an extendible and retractable cable. A control system is provided for moving the crane carriages by rows aligned with the longitudinal axis of the building along the crane carriage rail assemblies to specific locations along the lateral axis and for adjusting the length of the cables of the winches in each of the rows as a function of the distance of each of the rows along the lateral axis of the building.

Abstract: An ambulatory support system for providing support for a patient. The support system includes an overhead system which allows a support carrier to travel within its confines so that it may be located above a patient at any time. The support system supplies a passive fall interruption device which restrain freefalling of a patient. The restraint system allows a patient, once falling, to be lowered slowly to the ground. In addition, the overhead support system of the present invention provides an accessory mount in which folding tables, IVs, monitors, and the like may be suspended from the ceiling and may be moved anywhere in the region underneath the overhead system.

Abstract: The lifting bridge is used to install and remove motor vehicle parts and is provided with a support frame (1), which has support straps (7) with support feet (5, 6), by which the support frame can be supported at the edges of an engine space opening (43) of the car body, at both ends of a telescopically extendable support rail (8, 18). The support frame is provided with two lifting devices (10), which are guided individually displaceably on the support frame (8, 18) and each has a lifting member (12), which can be raised and lowered by a rotating actuation and can be stopped in its position by automatic interlocking. The support frame (1) consists of two telescopically extendable support rails (8, 8', 18, 18'), which extend in parallel to and at laterally spaced locations from one another, and on which the lifting devices (10) are guided by means of guide tubes (11) in a positive-locking manner.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent rail car tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one rail car on a first of the rail car tracks and placing the load on another rail car on a second of the rail car tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected rail cars.

Abstract: Containers are transported by movement of upper and lower trolleys along vertically spaced travel paths established by laterally spaced rails formed in a boom supported in a horizontal position by suspension cables attached to a frame assembly through which the boom extends horizontally between container receiving and delivery locations.