Abstract: A hoist for transferred materials in an underground auxiliary transportation system and a method thereof. The hoist includes a hoist body, guiding plates mounted at two ends of the hoist body through bolts, twist locks mounted at four ends of the hoist body, a driving unit configured to drive twist locks to rotate, transmission assemblies configured to connect the twist locks with the driving unit, ejector pins configured to prevent the twist locks from rotating mistakenly, and a sensor configured to control the hoist to operate and provide protection safety.

Abstract: A container spreader for coupling a container with a hoisting installation has a number of assemblies of a guiding plate and a displacing device connected thereto, for displacing the guiding plate between an active position A and an inactive position B. The displacement device has a hydraulic swivel motor provided with an output shaft which is connected to the guide plate via connecting elements. A hydraulic unit is coupled to the swivel motor via coupling device for supplying and discharging hydraulic oil from and to the swivel motor. By applying a hydraulic swivel motor, a final transmission can be omitted and no valves are required for keeping the hydraulic motor at pressure. As a result, an energy-efficient and inexpensive assembly has been obtained.

Abstract: A gripper arrangement adapted for gripping a cleanroom container, such as a FOUP, FOSB or reticle container and a method therefore, includes: a gripper adapted to grip the cleanroom container; a lifting unit comprising a first motor for lifting the gripper; at least one cord connecting the gripper with the lifting unit, wherein the at least one cord is driven by the first motor; a second motor for rotating at least a portion of the gripper with respect to the lifting unit around the vertical axis; wherein the gripper comprises engagement elements and the lifting unit comprises complementary engagement elements adapted to engage with the engagement elements for preventing a rotation around the vertical axis of the gripper with respect to the lifting unit; wherein the gripper comprises an upper gripper element and a lower gripper element; wherein the lower gripper element is adapted for supporting the top flange of the cleanroom container; and the lower gripper element comprises an opening that can be passed ov

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting and collapsing a collapsible cargo container includes a frame, and vertical guides for aligning the actuator with the cargo container. First and second pusher assemblies engage the end walls of the container to pivot the end walls against the ceiling of the container, where uplocks retain the end walls in a stowed away position. Foldable side walls are then buckled by the weight of the ceiling with assistance from the actuator, until the side walls occupy a predominantly horizontal position between the ceiling/end wall combination and a floor of the cargo container, resulting in a compact configuration. The actuator unfolds the container using steps discussed above in a reverse order.

Abstract: A detachable attachment assembly has a receptacle unit and a carrier unit. The receptacle unit includes a housing defining a receptacle slot and a piston having a profile substantially matching the receptacle slot. The piston is movable between an engaged position, proximal the receptacle slot, and a retracted position, distal to the receptacle slot. A biasing member biases the piston toward the engaged position. A flange of the carrier unit has a width greater than the length of the receptacle slot. A lock tab is offset from the flange and is configured to pass through the receptacle slot. A first angle of the carrier unit lets the lock tab move the piston from the engaged position to the retracted position. A second angle prevents passage of the lock tab through the receptacle slot. An accessory is attached to the carrier unit.

Abstract: A transport facility includes a track, and first and second transport vehicles that travel along the track. In order to supply electric power to the transport vehicles, a flexible first cable guide which includes a front-end attached to the first vehicle and a base-end fixed to the track, is folded back in a U-shape between the base-end and the front-end, is provided on a first side of the track, and supplies electric power to the first vehicle, and a flexible second cable guide which includes a front-end attached to the second vehicle and a base-end fixed to the track, is folded back in a U-shape between the base-end and the front-end, is provided on a second side of the track, and supplies electric power to the second vehicle. Thus, the first and second flexible cable guides are compactly installed while preventing interference therebetween.

Abstract: This application describes fabric storage totes, as well as techniques for use of fabric totes in an infrastructure that uses mechanical systems to transport the fabric totes and/or access inventory items in the fabric totes. The fabric totes may include a fabric base and side walls, with a hardened material support structure. Additionally, the fabric totes may include two handles made of a substantially hard material. The fabric totes may be accessed and transported, manually and/or mechanically, via interaction with the handles.

Abstract: The disclosure describes trench-confirmable geothermal reservoirs that can snugly abut trench walls (that may be of virgin, compacted earth) for facilitating heat exchange and flow liquid from one lower end to an opposing top end, and vice versa, depending on desired heat exchange. The direction can be reversed for summer and winter heat/cooling configurations. A series of the reservoirs may be used for appropriate heat transfer. The water volume of the reservoirs is relatively large and slow moving for good earth heat conduction.

Abstract: A container yoke for lifting of at least one container, including a base frame, two travelling beams, which are telescopically displaceable in the base frame and on whose outer end portions are arranged transverse beams provided with locking members, so called twist locks, for engagement in, and locking to, the corner boxes of a container. The container yoke includes cables arranged to displace a respective travelling beam into the desired position in the frame of the container yoke. The cables, for displacement of a travelling beam, are simultaneously reeled up and unreeled with the aid of one and the same cable drum. Two cable drums of the container yoke are driven by a common actuator, and the cables are fastened in the end portion of a respective travelling beam via spring-loaded cable tensioners.

Abstract: A container yoke for simultaneous lifting of two containers placed in a row one after the other, i.e., containers that are placed with end portions facing each other, comprising a base frame coupled to a lifting device, for instance a crane or an industrial truck, outer cross beams arranged on the base frame and provided with outer lock members for engagement in, and locking of, the outer end portions of the two containers facing away from each other, essentially centered saddles arranged on the base frame and having lock members for engagement in, and locking of, the two containers at the end portions thereof facing each other.

Abstract: A spreader includes inner and outer locks connectable to the corner castings of a single container and to two containers connectable in twin relation to the spreader. The outer lock is carried in pairs in the ends, respectively, of extendable beams telescopically supported in a main beam. The inner lock is moveable in pairs on the main beam exterior. In each set of associated pairs of inner and outer locks, the pair of inner locks is operable for displacement through a second drive which is separate from a first drive that is operative for displacement of the outer lock through extension or retraction of the extendable beam.

Abstract: A container-lifting spreader includes locking pins insertable into seats formed at the corners of a container and upon rotation about their longitudinal axes are brought in locked engagement therewith. The locking pins are in pairs associated with a common drive effecting simultaneous rotation of the pins between locking and unlocking positions. The drive includes a reversible motor and a power transmission that includes two push rods respectively, each of which is hinged at one end to a locking pin, and at the other end to an operating lever included in the power transmission, such that a driven movement of the lever is transferred via the push rods to rotational movements of the pins. The lever acts as a pivoting arm supported on a rotatable shaft, the arm cooperating with fixed stops that mechanically limit the movement of the lever within an angular space determined by the e distance between the stops.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for either securing twist-locks (400) to shipping containers (402) or releasing them therefrom or both, comprises a cradle (11) adapted to receive at least one shipping container and at least one manipulation device (14) operative to secure a twist-lock to the shipping container or release it therefrom, the manipulation device comprising an engagement device (27) operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom. The manipulation device may form part of a twist-lock handling assembly (12) which includes a storage system for twist-locks (16) and a guide assembly (15) for feeding twist-locks into and out of register with the manipulation device (14).

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: A rigging device includes a fixture having opposed first and second ends, opposed upper and lower faces, and a bracket extending away from the upper face of the fixture between the opposed first and second ends of the fixture to engage a hoist line of a crane. A support is mounted to the fixture proximate each of the opposed first and second ends on either side of the bracket extending away from the lower face of the fixture terminating with an engaging element movable between a disengaging position and an engaging position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in intermediate- or extension pieces, which are often designated for example middle yoke, frame, etc., for interconnection with a goods handling or hoisting device which is often designated, for example, yoke, 5 spreader etc. so as to permit handling or hoisting of goods platforms which are often designated flats, flat racks, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting and collapsing a collapsible cargo container includes a frame, and vertical guides for aligning the spreader with the cargo container. First and second pusher assemblies engage the end walls of the container to pivot the end walls against the ceiling of the container, where uplocks retain the end walls in a stowed away position. Foldable side walls are then buckled by the weight of the ceiling with assistance from the spreader, until the side walls occupy a predominantly horizontal position between the ceiling/end wall combination and a floor of the cargo container, resulting in a compact configuration. The spreader unfolds the container using steps discussed above in a reverse order.

Abstract: A hoisting frame that can be connected at an upper side to hoisting cables and have a device on an underside for picking up a secondary hoisting frame. The hoisting frame may be adjustable between a retracted position, in which its transverse dimension is equal to that of the secondary hoisting frame, and an extended position. Pick-ups are adapted to pick up a single secondary hoisting frame in the retracted position and to pick up two mutually adjacent secondary hoisting frames in the extended position. A method for transferring containers may include picking up one load at a first location when the hoisting frame is retracted, or two loads when the hoisting frame is extended, lifting, displacing to a second location and then lowering the hoisting frame with the picked-up load(s), uncoupling the load(s) from the hoisting frame, lifting the hoisting frame, moving the hoisting frame from one to another position. A secondary hoisting frame may be coupled or uncoupled and the steps repeated.

Abstract: A container lift intended to lift two containers arranged longitudinally that comprises a primary frame (4), external transverse beams (7, 8) arranged on the primary frame (4) with external locking means (9) for locking the short sides of the containers that face away from each other, saddles (5, 6) arranged on the primary frame (4) such that they can be displaced, locking means (9) arranged on the lower surfaces of the saddles (5, 6) for locking two containers with their short sides facing towards each other. At least one of the saddles (5, 6) intended to lock the short sides of the containers that are facing each other can be displaced in a principally sideways direction relative to the primary frame in order to be able to lift displaced containers or containers that are twisted relative to each other.

Abstract: A device for gripping containers from above, which includes a frame which has a number of corners, twist-locks arranged close to each of the corners of the frame for gripping an upper corner of the containers, and contact elements connected to the frame, which elements are biased to a position located at least partly under the frame and which are adapted to brake the movement of the frame in the vicinity of a container when the frame is placed on the container. The presence of these contact elements allows loads on the frame to be reduced and noise nuisance to be minimized. The contact elements, which may be arranged in or on the frame and may protrude through openings formed in the frame, may be elastically deformable or may be pivotally connected to the frame. Compression springs and/or hydraulic cylinders may be arranged between the frame and the contact elements.

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: A device for lifting oversized pieces of material. The device includes a spreader bar capable of attaching to a lifting vehicle. At least two cross members are attached to the spreader bar along with at least one cross-member power source. The at least one cross-member power source is connected to at least one drive mechanism which in turn is connected to at least one of the at least two cross members. A load-pick power source is attached to each of the at least two cross members and well as to at least one load-pick drive mechanism. The at least one load-pick drive mechanism is connected to each of the at least two load pick points, and the cross-member and the load-pick power sources are each electrically connected to an operating or control panel in a cab of the lifting vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in intermediate- or extension pieces, which are often designated for example middle yoke, frame, etc., for interconnection with a goods handling or hoisting device which is often designated, for example, yoke, 5 spreader etc. so as to permit handling or hoisting of goods platforms which are often designated flats, flat racks, etc.

Abstract: A lid locking device enables engagement of a container lid for handling, particularly for an intermodal container, and also enables locking and unlocking of the lid to the container. The lid has fittings disposed at each of its four corners, with recesses for rotatable twistlocks carried on a lifting spreader. The lid and the intermodal container have corresponding twistlock fittings, preferably operated in opposite directions, configured to engage so that the container twistlock can be locked and unlocked using an actuator attached to the spreader twistlock, which likewise can be locked an unlocked. The lid is initially engaged to the spreader using the spreader twistlocks, and the spreader is used to move the lid into position on top of the container. As the lid is placed on the container, the container twistlocks insert into the recesses in the lid fittings. The actuator is rotated, concurrently locking the lid to the container and unlocking the lid from the spreader.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spreader system without electric cables for lifting goods containers. The spreader system comprises a spreader and two pulley sets. Each pulley of the pulley sets is fitted with a geared ring, and gears are fixed on the headblock of the spreader. A tapered coupling is fixed on a gear shaft and is connected to planetary speeder, which is, in turn, connected to a bi-directional plunger pump. Through a hydraulic circuit, the bi-directional plunger pump is connected to a hydraulic accumulating power station which comprises a hydraulic accumulator, a nitrogen bottle connected to the hydraulic accumulator through a pipeline, an oil tank, an electric generator, a battery, and an oil motor connected to the electric generator and controlled by a magnetic valve. On the spreader, there is a remote control transmitter in order to transmit signals to the remote control receiver in the cab of a container crane.

Abstract: A latch mechanism (7) includes a latch member (8) movable between a release position and a latched position, an operating member (34) movably coupled to the latch member (8), the operating member (34) being movable between a first position and a second position and the latch member (8) being in the release position when the operating member (34) is in the first position and the latch member (8) being in the latched position when the operating member (34) is in the second position. An actuating member (32) movable from a first position to a second position. Movement of the actuating member (32) from the first position to the second position causing the operating member (34) to move from the first position to the second position. A lock member (41) locks the operating member (34) in the second position and the lock member (41) moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position when the operating member (34) is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the telescopic movements of two telescopic beams moving inside a spreader frame, and the locking movements of the twistlocks in the telescopic beams. The telescopic movement of the telescopic beams are held in position at a desired place in relation to the frame with locking members. The system has a joint multi-rope lever system for performing the telescopic movement of the telescopic beams and the locking movements of the twistlocks. The system has an actuator operating the multi-rope lever system. The system also includes a control system supervising and controlling the actuator and the lever system.

Abstract: An apparatus for a locking unit of a container spreader having at least a pair of telescopic beams comprising a housing, a twistlock head partially inside the housing and partially protruding out from the housing, an elastic impact absorption element and a toothed coupling to transmit the necessary engagement torque to the twistlock head. The locking unit is equipped with a coupling that has been arranged to allow the movement of the twistlock head in all directions on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the twistlock head.

Abstract: A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises a plate and spring housed in an upper corner fitting of a container, a cable connected to the plate, and guides to route the cable from the plate to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twist lock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the plate and spring in the upper corner fitting downward. The cable is pulled downward by the depression of the plate, accordingly pulling the locking leg, causing it to rotate to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A latch sensor for a pod transport gripper for transferring semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The transport gripper has a left bar and a right bar, as well as a cross bar connecting the left and the right bars. The gripper also has a left clamp and a right clamp disposed on interior sides of the left bar and the right bar, respectively, to clamp a pod, such as a front-opening unified pod (FOUP), for transport. A number of latches are disposed on the cross bar, and correspond to a number of latch holes of the pod. The gripper has at least one latch sensor disposed on either the left bar, the right bar, or both, to determine whether the latches have properly engaged the latch holes of the pod.

Abstract: A lifting device (1) for goods containers (35) includes a body member (2). Four inner pickup elements (7, 8, 9, 10) are movably mounted on the body member (2). Two first extendable members (3, 4) are movably mounted on the body member (2) for movement between a first position in which the first extendable members (3, 4) are not extended from the body member (2) and a second position in which the first extendable members (3, 4) extend from opposite ends of the body member (2). Two second extendable members (5, 6) are provided with one second extendable member (5, 6) being mounted on each of the first extendable members (3, 4). Each second extendable member (5, 6) is movably mounted on the respective first extendable member (3, 4) for movement between a first position in which the second extendable member (5, 6) is not extended from the first extendable member (3, 4) and a second position in which the second extendable member (5, 6) is extended from the first extendable member (3, 4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with a pneumatically driven locking mechanism and more specifically a container. One disadvantage of conventional containers is that when they are stacked on top of each other, it is not possible to raise and transport several of such containers at the same time. Another disadvantage is that stacked containers have hitherto needed to be locked manually, resulting in a considerable safety risk for dock workers and ship workers. The aim of the invention is to provide a container which is fitted in such a way that it can be locked with other similar containers without the need for manual activity and enable several stacked containers to be transported simultaneously. This is achieved by providing the container with corners having pneumatically driven, rotatable and displaceable locking devices arranged therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gripping containers from above, comprising a frame which has a number of corners, means arranged close to each of the corners of the frame for gripping an upper corner of the containers, and contact elements connected to the frame, which elements are biased to a position located at least partly under the frame and which are adapted to brake the movement of the frame in the vicinity of a container when the frame is placed thereon. The presence of these contact elements allows loads on the frame to be reduced and noise nuisance to be minimized. The contact elements, which may be arranged in or on the frame and may protrude through openings formed in the frame, may be elastically deformable or may be pivotally connected to the frame. Spring means and/or damping means may be arranged between the frame and the contact elements.

Abstract: The invention describes a system for locking and unlocking containers truck chassis, railroad cars, airplane cargo decks, each other when loaded onto ships or in container yards and to other bases. The invention uses the energy exerted by lifting devices including lifting spreaders and fork lifts to create tension on a connecting line which rotates a locking leg housed in the lower corner fitting of a container to unlock the container from a base beneath it. The invention is comprised of a plate and spring housed in an upper corner fitting of a container, a line connected to the plate and guiding eyes to route a line from the plate to a locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of a container. When the twist lock of a lifting spreader mates with the upper corner fitting of a container it forces the plate and spring in the upper corner fitting downward.

Abstract: A spreader has an elongate main-frame (1) arranged to be suspended in cables from a crane, and twist locks are arranged in the ends of the spreader for simultaneously connecting to two containers (4, 5) arranged in side by side relation. Two pairs of twist locks (3) are arranged in each end of the spreader, the twist locks of each pair having a fixed lateral distance (a) and the pairs of twist locks being laterally movable and controlled for adjustment of a lateral distance (b) between the pairs of twist locks. A method for processing two containers in side by side relation in a single lowering/lifting step, and for adjustment of a lateral distance and/or lateral, relative angle between the two containers during transfer and lowering to release the containers in side by side relation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus (1) for transporting a load carrier, having a main frame (2) and two sliding carriers (3), with a sliding carrier (3) being seated so as to be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the main frame, ending at each long-side end of the main frame (2). The sliding carriers (3) are provided at their free long-side ends with receptacles for coupling to the load carrier. Stilt legs (10) are seated to pivot on the sliding carriers (3), each being able to pivot into a first end position, in which the receptacles on the sliding carriers (3) for coupling to a load carrier are exposed. The sliding carriers (3) [sic] can also be pivoted into a second end position, in which the stilt legs (10) project from the undersides of the sliding carriers (3), so the stilt legs (10) can be coupled to a load carrier by receptacles provided at their free ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus (1) for transporting a container, said device comprising a main frame (2) and two shuttle booms (3). Respectively one shuttle boom (3) that ends on one longitudinal-side end of the main frame (2) is positioned such that it can be displaced in longitudinal direction of the main frame (2). Holders for attaching the container are provided at the free longitudinal-side ends of the shuttle booms (3). The shuttle booms (3) are operated with the aid of drum motors (44). The shuttle booms (3) are guided by means of roller bearings in the main frame (2).

Abstract: A stationary frame is in the form of a box body by which mutually telescopic lateral extension frames are slidably supported, thereby providing a spreader which is light in weight and has no bent or torsion of the extension frames. Support of the extension frames by the support rollers mounted on the opposite ends of the stationary frame reduces the drive force upon extension or contraction of the extension frames, and provision of the rail and cushioning member between the extension frames and the stationary frame reduces the impact load applied on the extension frames when the spreader is hoisted down onto the container.

Abstract: A stationary frame is in the form of a box body by which mutually telescopic lateral extension frames are slidably supported, thereby providing a spreader which is light in weight and has no bent or torsion of the extension frames. Support of the extension frames by the support rollers mounted on the opposite ends of the stationary frame reduces the drive force upon extension or contraction of the extension frames, and provision of the rail and cushioning member between the extension frames and the stationary frame reduces the impact load applied on the extension frames when the spreader is hoisted down onto the container.

Abstract: A stationary frame is in the form of a box body by which mutually telescopic lateral extension frames are slidably supported, thereby providing a spreader which is light in weight and has no bent or torsion of the extension frames. Support of the extension frames by the support rollers mounted on the opposite ends of the stationary frame reduces the drive force upon extension or contraction of the extension frames, and provision of the rail and cushioning member between the extension frames and the stationary frame reduces the impact load applied on the extension frames when the spreader is hoisted down onto the container.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a horizontal framework, a pair of extension assemblies, a pair of upper, middle, and lower telescoping mast assemblies, and two pairs of fork tine assemblies is provided. Each pair of the extension assemblies, the telescoping mast assemblies, and the fork tine assemblies is identical to the other one in structure and function. The horizontal framework is coupled to an overhead bridge crane and is accessible to any load located within a minimum amount of aisle space.