Abstract: The flippers consist of a new type of flippers which operate as a rigid assembly in the usual operation thereof, but which elastically yield against impacts and overloads, recovering the usual operation afterwards. This flexibility is achieved two ways, which exclusively affect the flipper itself, not the connection thereof with the spreader or the possible driving system thereof. Mainly: use of elastic materials and use of geometries which are stable against service loads but are readily deformed against impacts.

Abstract: A flipper assembly for guiding a spreader to engage a container is provided, the flipper assembly comprising a flipper hingedly mounted to the spreader, said flipper moveable between an open and closed position about said mounting; a motor mounted to the spreader distal from said flipper; a spacing assembly located between the motor and the hinged mounting of the flipper, wherein said spacing assembly is capable of transmitting a torque from the motor to the hinged mounting so as to move the flipper between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A component engagement apparatus for use in automated systems is provided. The engagement apparatus includes a main body and at least one retaining member coupled to the main body. The retaining member is configured to couple a component to the engagement apparatus such that the component is retained within the component engagement apparatus in a first predefined position. A plurality of alignment members are coupled to the main body such that each of the alignment members are positioned a predefined distance from the retaining members. The alignment members are each configured to align the component within the engagement apparatus when the component moves, via gravity, from the first predefined position to a second predefined position.

Abstract: A flipper assembly for guiding a spreader to engage a container, the flipper assembly comprising a flipper (25) hingedly mounted to the spreader, said flipper (25) moveable between an open and closed position about said mounting; a motor (31) mounted to the spreader distal from said flipper (25); a spacing assembly (40) located between the motor (31) and the hinged mounting of the flipper (25), wherein said spacing assembly (40) is capable of transmitting a torque from the motor (31) to the hinged mounting so as to move the flipper (25) between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: In embodiments, a spreader frame for hoisting a container having a lifting block is provided which includes a rigid frame structure, a twist lock received by the rigid frame structure, the twist lock being rotated relative to the rigid frame structure between a locked position to engage the lifting block and an unlocked position to disengage from the lifting block, and a safety feature which cooperates with at least one of the rigid frame structure and the twist lock to retain the twist lock in the locked position from being rotated relative to the rigid frame structure absent personnel changing a position of the safety feature.

Abstract: In a load handling device for use with a load having a lifting attachment, the lifting attachment being so attached to the load that, when the load is suspended by means of the lifting attachment, the load is free to pivot relative to the lifting attachment about at least one axis, the load handling device comprises means for engaging the lifting attachment, raising means for raising the load, so that it is suspended by the lifting attachment, and for lowering it, and a stabiliser movable between a retracted position in which it is substantially clear of the load and an extended position in which it contacts the load on either side of the said axis to limit or control pivoting movement of the load about that axis. The stabiliser may be moveable by a plurality of hydraulic rams connected in a closed loop system. Restriction of the flow of the hydraulic fluid between the rams acts to damp movement of the load.

Abstract: A guide for stacking containers (6) on top of one another with the aid of a container derrick (1). The container derrick supports four arms that pivot up and down at the container derrick where each when in a swung-down position with its lower, essentially L-shaped end (11) extends under the bottom of the container (6) carried by the container derrick (1) and encloses the sides of a lower corner of the container and that (9) when in a swung-up position is located above the container and within its horizontal projection.