Abstract: A gantry stacker having a spreader for containers and including a locating system arranged on the gantry stacker that determines a position of the gantry stacker. To permit a more precise receiving or depositing of containers in a predefined position in a container terminal, sensors are arranged on the gantry stacker, with the sensors and the locating system being connected to a control unit, and the control unit determines a position of the spreader, of a container to be received or of a deposit site from the position of the gantry stacker using the signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A rotating device for an at least partially opened gas turbine, is designed for being mounted on a parting line of the housing of the at least partially opened gas turbine by way of at least one connecting portion, wherein the rotating device has at least one first fastening portion, which is designed for mechanically interacting with a force-transmitting connection, in particular at least one traction cable, in order to pass on mechanically a rotating movement of at least one component of the at least partially opened gas turbine, wherein it has at least one sleeve, which has at least one second fastening portion, wherein the sleeve is designed for being connected non-positively to the gas turbine rotor.

Abstract: Patient lift systems and lift accessories for the same are disclosed. In one example, a system may include a rail having a carriage support channel formed in the rail, the channel having a width, the rail has a working load rating; a carriage slidably disposed in the rail for relative movement to the rail, the carriage comprising a shaft having a length; and a lift unit coupled to the carriage and operable to raise and lower a lifting strap, wherein the lift unit has a working load rating; wherein the length of the shaft of the carriage is less than the width of the channel when the working load rating of the lift unit is equal to or less than the working load rating of the rail. In this manner, lift units that are incompatible with the working load rating of the rail cannot be connected with the rail.

Abstract: An automatic steering device for self-propelled straddle carriers for lifting and transporting manufactures, includes a spatial portal structure (1) resting on the ground on a plurality of steering wheel units (4) connected by a fifth wheel (14) to the structure above, where each wheel unit (4) includes two tyred wheels (8, 8?) each of which is associated with its own electric motor unit (10, 10?) independently with respect to the other; each electric motor is supplied by its own vector frequency converter controlled by a control unit provided with a control microprocessor; angular rotation of each wheel unit (4) is measured by an incremental encoder integral with the upper structure and with the fifth wheel (14) and connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: An agricultural traction system having a) two agricultural machineries, respectively one left-handed machinery and one right-handed machinery, each machinery having a rectilinear frame having four corners, four wheels, each attached to one of the four corners of the rectilinear frame, a driving and reversible control unit mounted on the frame between two adjacent wheels of the four wheels, a hoist connected to the frame and provided with a safety clutch, jacks arranged on one side of the frame and configured to steady the machinery, counterweights, arranged on another side of the frame, opposite to the side of the frame on which the jacks are arranged, and means, provided inside the control unit, for independent and remote automatic driving, b) a cable configured to wind and unwind around respective hoists of the two machineries, c) an agricultural tool that moves along the cable as the cable winds and unwinds around the hoists; and d) a telescopic arm attached to the agricultural tool and configured to exten

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 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: An inventory storage and retrieval system and method are provided for a shipping or storage facility. In an embodiment, the system includes: (a) a mobile computer and radio on a load-handing vehicle; (b) sensors on the vehicle to determine the ground location and orientation of the vehicle; (c) encoders that determine the position of a lifting mechanism relative to a chassis of the vehicle; and (d) a base computer and radio that communicates with the vehicle. The system maintains an inventory database of items and their respective storage locations in three dimensions as a result of the loading activity of the vehicle. The data can be used to guide the vehicle for ground movement generally to a storage location, appropriately orient the vehicle, and then to move the lifting mechanism of the vehicle to deposit or retrieve the item at a particular storage location.

Abstract: A mobile cargo container handling buffer crane having a bridge crane mounted thereon for transferring cargo containers between a ship and land transportation with nonintrusive inspection apparatus located at an intermediate transfer position past which a container can be longitudinally translated on a shuttle and thereby non-intrusively inspected.

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: An inventory storage and retrieval system and method are provided for a shipping or storage facility. In an embodiment, the system includes: (a) a mobile computer and radio on a load-handing vehicle; (b) sensors on the vehicle to determine the ground location and orientation of the vehicle; (c) encoders that determine the position of a lifting mechanism relative to a chassis of the vehicle; and (d) a base computer and radio that communicates with the vehicle. The system maintains an inventory database of items and their respective storage locations in three dimensions as a result of the loading activity of the vehicle. The data can be used to guide the vehicle for ground movement generally to a storage location, appropriately orient the vehicle, and then to move the lifting mechanism of the vehicle to deposit or retrieve the item at a particular storage location.

Abstract: A gantry crane has a rigid open three-dimensional truss cross-beam. A lower I-beam and parallel upper X-beams are interconnected with angular gussets and angle irons forming a triangular open beam bounded by three trusses. Angular gussets on the sides are as parallel members to provide maximum strength. One end support is rigid, with upper ends of legs having plates bolted to one end plate extending between the X-beams. Outrigger legs have an upper plate bolted to a sloped plate at an extended end of the I-beam. Vertical support legs at the other end have a strengthening cross-member and upper vertical plates which are bolted to the end plate on the X-beams. The unusual cross-beam structure and the unusual rigid leg structure and rigid interconnection provide rigidity of the entire crane. The vertical support legs accommodate variations in tracks.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a crane including a hoisting (i.e., load-lifting) mechanism is provided with a variable-speed load-dependent control system and method for operating functions of the crane. An exemplary control system includes an actuator subsystem for performing at least one function of the crane, a sensor for detecting the magnitude of the load lifted by the hoisting mechanism and a controller that communicates with the sensor, wherein, relative to a load signal from the sensor, the controller transmits a speed signal to vary an operating speed of at least one actuator of the actuator subsystem.

Abstract: An inventory storage and retrieval system and method are provided for a shipping or storage facility. In an embodiment, the system includes: (a) a mobile computer and radio on a load-handing vehicle; (b) sensors on the vehicle to determine the ground location and orientation of the vehicle; (c) encoders that determine the position of a lifting mechanism relative to a chassis of the vehicle; and (d) a base computer and radio that communicates with the vehicle. The system maintains an inventory database of items and their respective storage locations in three dimensions as a result of the loading activity of the vehicle. The data can be used to guide the vehicle for ground movement generally to a storage location, appropriately orient the vehicle, and then to move the lifting mechanism of the vehicle to deposit or retrieve the item at a particular storage location.

Abstract: A sway dampener is provided for reducing sway motion of a gantry crane spreader that is suspended from hanger chains. The sway dampener is configured to resist motion of the hanger chain relative to the spreader, thereby retarding sway. The dampener includes first and second portions that are movable relative to each other in a resistive fashion, for example a piston-cylinder structure. The first portion is mounted to the spreader and the second portion is mounted to the hanger chain at an attachment point located a vertical distance above a point at which the hanger chain is pivotally mounted to the spreader so that horizontal sway motion of the attachment point relative to the spreader displaces the first and second portions.

Abstract: A gantry crane has first and second side support frames spaced by a pair of trolley beams. A load lifting mechanism is connected to the trolley beams and includes a lift frame for engaging a load to be lifted. An operator cab is mounted on the first side support frame and is vertically moveable between a lowermost position and an uppermost position in an operational plane defined by the first side support frame. A cab lift cable has a length and a first end fixed to the operator cab and a second end fixed to the side support frame. A hydraulic cylinder urges the cable between its fixed first and second ends in a direction transverse to a portion of its length. In another embodiment of the invention, an operator cab is adapted to be horizontally moveable. The elevating operator cab of the present invention can be configured to move horizontally. The elevating operator cab is lifted by a carriage beam vertically moveable along vertical legs of the first side support frame.

Abstract: An automatic guidance system and method are provided for a gantry crane to permit accurate tracking along a path, including a curved path. The position of the crane is determined from two spaced apart GPS receivers fixed to the crane. A guidance controller determines a plurality of error measurements from respective front, center and rear points of the crane relative to a current tracking line, which is a line tangent to the path at a current position of crane. In an embodiment, the system includes a base station that can be used to transmit data to the crane to specify a particular destination location of the drive path, or to transmit data representing the drive path itself.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a vehicle for handling coils (2), particularly sheet metal coils, or the like. According to the invention, the vehicle comprises a bridgelike frame structure (1) which forms a tunnel (3) all along the vehicle, for the passage of coils (2) while they lay on the ground, having height and width dimensions slightly greater than the corresponding dimensions of the coils (2), means (18) for griping the coils (2) and means (10) for lifting the coils (2). In accordance with an advantageous improvement, the tunnel (3) is at least partly upwardly open, to allow the coils (2) to be lifted above the height of the tunnel (3). The invention also addresses a combination of the vehicle with a store for coils (2), wherein coils (2) are arranged axially side-by-side on rows (A, B, C, D), whose distance from each other depends on the wheel gauge of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for handling cargo that includes a motorized electric pallet truck (12) to which a tower (30) having two or more legs (32) is attached, the tower (30) includes a transverse member (34) connected to the two or more legs (32), and at least one mast (36) that extends from the transverse member (34) opposite the two or more legs (32), the mast (36) includes a chamber therein, at least one mechanical arm (40) is operably attached to the mast (36) and includes at least one pneumatically operated device (44) having lifting capability and an electric pump (50) is electrically connected to the electric power supply of the pallet truck (12) and provides pneumatic pressure to the interior of the tower (30).

Abstract: In a gantry crane having a vertically movable, horizontal stabilizer beam spaced between upright columns, a shock absorbent bumper assembly is mounted to ends of the stabilizer beam to prevent direct contact against the columns. The bumper assembly includes an elastically deformable bumper body made of resilient material and a wear pad made of wear resistant material, the wear pad being secured to the bumper body so that the wear pad faces the column. The wear pad resists wear due to sliding contact against the column and the resilient bumper body absorbs energy from impacts as the stabilizer beam shifts in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A rail-borne handling machine for handling containers and bulk materials in seaports and inland harbors includes a framework for carrying load bearing means and includes gantry supports arranged on the framework. Rail-based traveling gears are connected to the gantry supports of the framework via articulated connections for supporting the framework on rails. Balancers connected to the gantry supports via articulated connections and at least four steerable tire-based traveling gears are connected to the framenwork via the balancers. The at least four steerable tire-based traveling gears are symmetrical to a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of said handling machine. Tho handling machine is maneuverable via the at least four steerable tire-based traveling gears when the rail-based traveling gears are raised from the rails.

Abstract: A buffer crane for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a slewing jib crane secured to one edge of said landing deck.

Abstract: A railroad car wheel changer assembly (10), adapted to be mounted on a gantry crane (12), is provided. The railroad car wheel changer assembly (10) includes a base assembly (60), a beam member (62) and a grappler assembly (64). The base assembly (60) is adapted to be attached to the gantry crane(12). The beam member (62) is attached to the base assembly (60). The grappler assembly (64) is adapted to engage a railroad car wheel assembly (100) and is attached to a first end of the beam member (62). The beam member (62) is articulatable to move the wheel assembly (100).

Abstract: A hydraulic system for actuating opposed arms of a grappler for a gantry crane dampens swaying motion of the arms. Within a conduit which carries pressurized fluid to and/or from actuators to pivot the arms, a dampener includes a restrictor having an orifice to restrict the flow in at least one direction. Each of the dampeners can include a respective check valve to permit free flow through one direction of the conduit and to direct reverse flow through the orifice. In a specific embodiment, a load is received between opposed arms of the grappler to seat upon shoes which extend inwardly from the arms. To urge the shoes to remain in secure lifting contact under the load, flow is restricted when the swaying load moves the arm outwardly, permit free motion of the arm when the swaying motion pulls the arm inwardly.

Abstract: A method for buffer crane operation for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers in buffer operation above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a dedicated crane engaged with said landing deck.

Abstract: A buffer crane for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a bridge crane mounted on framework rails which extend past the lateral edges of said landing deck.

Abstract: A universal traversing assembly for legs of cranes or the like comprises: a platform provided with a series of driving wheels and supporting wheels which are aligned and are adapted to roll on a long underlying rail for the traversing motion of the leg; a box-like tunnel which rests on the ground, is open in an upward region, and has a portion of the rail fixed to its base; at least one pair of idler wheels, which are freely mounted on the platform, are mutually coaxial and are arranged below a pair of upper guides which are fixed on the tunnel at the upper opening; a rack which is fixed to the side of the rail portion and is adapted to mesh with pinions which are rigidly coupled and coaxial with respect to the driving wheels; at least one motorization unit which is rigidly coupled to the platform and is coupled to at least one of the driving wheels and pinions; at least one stabilizer which comprises at least one ground resting foot which has an adequate surface, can slide vertically and is adapted to move f

Abstract: A crane provided with a trolley, a hanging member, a rope member, and a hoisting device. The crane includes a horizontal position displacement detection unit which detects a horizontal positional displacement between at least two corners of the cargo and a landing place of the two corners; and a horizontal position displacement correction unit which corrects a horizontal positional displacement between the at least two corners of the cargo and the landing place of the two corners when the two corners have landed based on a detection signal from the horizontal position displacement detection unit. The horizontal position displacement correction unit corrects the position of a corner of the cargo so that the corner lands at the landing place of the corner, and then corrects the position of another corner so that the corner lands at the landing place of the corner.

Abstract: A cask transporter for engaging, lifting and safely transporting casks containing nuclear waste material. The cask transporter comprises a gantry structure including a plurality of extendible telescoping boom assemblies coupled to a beam. A platform is coupled to and supports the gantry structure and couples the gantry structure to a driven tread mechanism. Couplers couple the beam to a cask to be transported, and cushioned restraints restrain a cask from colliding with the cask transporter.

Abstract: In an aspect, the invention features a base structure and a main column vertically attached to the base structure, the main column having a mounting plate affixed above the base structure, the mounting plate adapted to attach to an engine. A rod is connected to the plate and positioned through the main column, the rod having a terminal handle opposite the plate to provide rotational movement to the plate. A boom is horizontally and pivotally attached to a top of the center beam. A trolley assembly is attached to the boom, a position of the trolley assembly along the boom controlled by a cable joined to a motor on the boom. A piston and cylinder assembly fixedly attached between the main column and boom.

Abstract: A gantry crane including a lifting grappler is provided with a hoist locking mechanism to prevent undesired downward drifting of the grappler, especially during periods when the crane is parked and not in operation. The hoist locking device can selectively secure the grappler in a raised position, maintaining a maximum clearance under the raised grappler. The crane includes a hoist line, such as a chain or cable, that suspendably supports the weight of the grappler, and a hoist actuator for moving the hoist line, thereby lifting or lowering the grappler. In an embodiment, the hoist locking device is selectively operable to secure the hoist line in a predetermined position, preventing the grappler from lowering. For example, an embodiment of the hoist locking device includes a hook-shaped latch member movably mounted to the frame for engagement with a catch member fixed relative to the hoist line. The catch member may, for example, be a projection from a clevis mounted to the hoist actuator.

Abstract: A gantry crane is provided which is equipped with standard wheels having rubber tires for free maneuverability on a road surface, such as asphalt, gravel, pavement, etc., wherein the crane is additionally equipped with a plurality of railwheels to provide auxiliary support one or more rails in the loading area. In a first mode, the crane is supported only on rubber tires for driving on a paved surface, and in other modes, one or both sides of the crane are supported via the railwheels on rails. In an embodiment, a railwheel may be securely mounted coaxially to the steel rim of the respective steel wheels, forming a dual or combination wheel. The railwheels are sized relative to the tires of the standard wheels so that the railwheel does not impair non-rail loading operations, i.e., the railwheel vertically clears the ground even when the tires deflect as the crane is fully loaded. Railwheels may be provided on one or both sides of the crane.

Abstract: A crane is disclosed, with one or more moveable components. Manually-articulable controls (such as joysticks) are provided for controlling movement of the components. First, second, and third control circuits responsive to varied positions of the control are optionally connected to the control to provide first, second, and third sets of control signals each with differing responses to the control in a given position so as to move the components in a manner which mitigates instability or inaccuracy due to the physical acuity of the operator.

Abstract: A gantry crane is provided which is equipped with standard wheels having rubber tires for free maneuverability on a road surface, such as asphalt, gravel, pavement, etc., wherein the crane is additionally equipped with a plurality of railwheels to provide auxiliary support one or more rails in the loading area. In a first mode, the crane is supported only on rubber tires for driving on a paved surface, and in other modes, one or both sides of the crane are supported via the railwheels on rails. In an embodiment, a railwheel may be securely mounted coaxially to the steel rim of the respective steel wheels, forming a dual or combination wheel. The railwheels are sized relative to the tires of the standard wheels so that the railwheel does not impair non-rail loading operations, i.e., the railwheel vertically clears the ground even when the tires deflect as the crane is fully loaded. Railwheels may be provided on one or both sides of the crane.

Abstract: In a gantry crane having a movable grappler adapted for lifting standard containers, a system is provided to aid in positioning the grappler relative to the container. The grappler is equipped with at least two corner video devices located near corners of the grappler for viewing the corner locking holes of a container below. In an embodiment, an additional distal video device is mounted to a side of the grappler opposite the cab to view the relative orientation of a side of the container relative to the side of the grappler. In an embodiment, a plurality of alignment sensors are mounted to respective sides of the grappler to detect the relative position of corresponding sides of the container vertically below. In an embodiment, a pair of height sensors are mounted to the grappler to measure a height of the grappler above the upper surface of the container. Additionally, indicators are provided in the cab to indicate information transmitted from the alignment sensors and/or height sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus for the handling of truck trailers or transport containers and more particularly to an apparatus and method for a variable elevating cabin apparatus operable for controlled vertical movement within the framework of a gantry crane, wherein an operator positioned in the cabin may observe and control visual observation requirements for handling a work load from any elevation between ground level and the top of the crane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for turning a pair of wheels in a crane (1) moving on rubber-tired wheels or the like. The crane comprises an electric motor (28) with gearing (16), the electric motor functioning as traversing gear. When the wheels of the crane are turned, the locking device (15) prevents the wheels from turning is released, the crane is driven by the desired angle, and the locking device (15) preventing the wheels from turning is locked. Only one of the wheels (4a) in the pair of wheels is affected by the traversing gear of the crane, the other wheel (4b) being allowed to rotate freely.

Abstract: Apparatus for the handling of truck trailers or transport containers and more particularly to an apparatus and method for a variable elevating cabin apparatus operable for controlled vertical movement within the framework of a gantry crane, wherein an operator positioned in the cabin may observe and control visual observation requirements for handling a work load from any elevation between ground level and the top of the crane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traversing gear arrangement for a crane moving on rubber-tired wheels or the like. The crane having an electric motor functioning as the traversing gear and including gearing and wheels arranged in pairs. The wheels in each of the pairs of wheels are connected to each other by a hollow pipe shaft such that one of the wheels is a drive wheel, while the other is a free wheel. The traversing gear connected to the drive wheel is mounted inside the pipe shaft.

Abstract: A retractable traversing trash rake is provided for cleaning weedscreens or bar grates at an installation for generating power, filtering water, or the like. The trash rake includes a frame carrying a troney movable from a position inside the frame to a position outside the frame. The trolley carries a trash rake which may be lowered to clean the weedscreen, and the trolley may be moved to a position within the frame, where the trash rake may be opened to deposit collected debris into a hopper. The hopper is pivotally mounted for tilting in opposite direction to provide multiple dumping options. A method of cleaning weedscreen by using a retractable traversing trash rake is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gantry crane 10 is provided having a gantry structure 12 with a pair of front support legs 18 and 20 and a pair of rear support legs 26 and 28. A lift frame 14, having opposed first and second ends 14a and 14b, is suspended from the gantry structure 12. A stabilizing beam 68 operatively connects the lift frame 14 to the gantry structure 12 to prevent sway of the lift frame 14. The stabilizing beam 68 is positioned between the pair of front support legs 18 and 20 and the pair of rear support legs 26 and 28. Preferably, the stabilizing beam 68 is connected proximate a longitudinal center of the lift frame 14. The stabilizing beam 68 is connected to vertical guides 70 and 72 that are connected to the gantry structure 12 so as to be vertically moveable along the guides 70 and 72. A four corner cross-reeving/clutch system 79 is provided to dampen rotational sway of the ends 14a and 14b of the lift frame 14.

Abstract: An adjustable system for lifting and transferring load containers which comprises a frame, a container lifting device, and a cable attached to the frame and lifting device. A first actuator is provided for raising and lowering the lifting device, which lifting device has a plurality of remotely controllable latches for engaging and disengaging latchable portions of the containers, to permit grasping and lifting of containers by the lifting device. New features of adjustability are provided, to permit the system to lift containers of varying sizes. Also, the lifting device preferably carries an electrically operated location sensing device for sensing and signalling to the operator a proper location of the latches relative to the latchable portions, to permit such latching.

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.