Abstract: A cargo system is provided. The cargo system may comprise a floor panel, a cargo sled configured to move across the floor panel, and a cargo restraint configured to translate relative to the floor panel. The cargo restraint may comprise a longitudinal restraint rod configured to protrude from the floor panel in a deployed position. The cargo restraint may also comprise a restraint surface disposed on the longitudinal restraint rod. The cargo restraint may enable the cargo sled to pass over the restraint surface in a stowed position. An electromechanical actuator may be mechanically coupled to the longitudinal restraint rod and configured to deploy and stow the cargo restraint.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a versatile fluid treatment system which includes: a mobile device; a track system connected to the mobile device; one or more treatment vessels removably attached to the track system, each treatment vessel comprising a treatment material disposed inside the treatment vessel, at least one fluid inlet, and at least one fluid outlet; an input conduit that receives a fluid to be treated, the input conduit in fluid communication with the fluid inlet on the treatment vessel; and an output conduit in fluid communication with the fluid outlet on the treatment vessel, the output conduit receives treated fluid from the treatment vessels via the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A centerline restraint includes a conventional center guide/restraint and a pair of a overrideable guide/restraint at either end. Each overrideable guide/restraint is lockable into one of three rotational positions about a common axis: a retracted position, an erect position and an overridden position. The overrideable guide/restraint has a yoke-shaped body with a pair of legs rotatably mounted on an axle which, in turn, is mounted on a base of the centerline restraint. Lift handles, each operatively connected to a spring-loaded plunger are used to adjust the overrideable guide/restraint between the three positions. A head of the spring-loaded plunger abuts one or more stops formed on the legs of the overrideable guide/restraint to lock the overrideable guide/restraint in various predetermined positions. Lift handles operatively connected to the plungers, when operated, cause the overrideable guide/restraint to switch between positions.

Abstract: A coupling part (10) is provided for connecting two containers stacked on top of one another, in particular on board ships, at their corner fittings (13). The coupling part (10) includes two coupling projections (11, 12) facing in opposite directions. One projection (11) engages in the corner fitting (13) of one container and the other projection (12) engages in the corner fitting of the other container. It is ensured that the coupling part (10) can be mounted in the corresponding corner fitting such that locking lugs (18) of the coupling part (10) always face in the same direction on an end face of the container, i.e. that no coupling part (10) is inadvertently inserted the wrong way. One of the coupling projections (11) of the coupling part (10) is asymmetrical. The coupling part (10) can only be inserted into and mounted on the corner fitting (13) in a specific direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of securing freight containers on a deck of a large ship, and a spring lashing bar, a space adjuster and a securing system used in the method. In the method of the present invention, a movable lift is installed on a rail provided on a lashing bridge so as to be movable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. Freight containers are aligned with each other using tensile force generated in a horizontal direction by a container aligning device provided on a work table provided on the movable lift. The freight containers are coupled to each other using twistlocks in a vertical direction. Subsequently, adjacent left and right containers are coupled to each other using couplers and variable type coupling devices such that the freight containers are integrated with each other along an entire width of the ship or some width thereof.

Abstract: A cargo loading system capable of retaining a pallet along a centerline of a cargo aircraft and outside the wingbox area of the aircraft includes a number of devices. Included among these are first and second centerline end restraints mounted on the centerline, at least one caster panel mounted on one side of the cargo hold and across the centerline from a side door of the aircraft, and a plurality of mechanical restraints mounted on a floor of the cargo hold on either side of the centerline and outside the wingbox area. The first and second centerline end restraints each have at least one retractable lockhead configured and dimensioned to engage an end of a pallet. The at least one caster panel includes at least one retractable guide formed at a first end thereof, and at least one retractable guide formed along a first side thereof.

Abstract: A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises an actuating unit in an upper corner fitting of a container, a mechanical connecting means connected to the actuating unit, and guides to route the connecting means from the actuating unit 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 actuating unit. The connecting means is in turn urged thereby causing the locking leg to rotate.

Abstract: In the cargo hold of an aircraft, a cargo deck is known on which several mounting profiles are installed in the long direction of the aircraft. In the mounting profiles functional elements, in particular rollers, ball elements, latches, power drive units (PDUs) or the like can be mounted. In the present invention it is proposed that the mounting profiles be disposed at identical distances from one another over a width of the cargo space, so that identical structural floor elements can be mounted between them and will fit exactly.

Abstract: An interbox connector having a body with upper and lower cone portions and a flexible handle extending from the body for operating the cones. The flexible handle includes a continuous section of flexible wire and a plurality of sleeves which surround and are secured about the wire.

Abstract: A centerline restraint includes a conventional center guide/restraint and a pair of a overrideable guide/restraint at either end. Each overrideable guide/restraint is lockable into one of three rotational positions about a common axis: a retracted position, an erect position and an overridden position. The overrideable guide/restraint has a yoke-shaped body with a pair of legs rotatably mounted on an axle which, in turn, is mounted on a base of the centerline restraint. Lift handles, each operatively connected to a spring-loaded plunger are used to adjust the overrideable guide/restraint between the three positions. A head of the spring-loaded plunger abuts one or more stops formed on the legs of the overrideable guide/restraint to lock the overrideable guide/restraint in various predetermined positions. Lift handles operatively connected to the plungers, when operated, cause the overrideable guide/restraint to switch between positions.

Abstract: A flexible system for holding articles such as propane tanks. Straps are arranged around and over three tanks in order to support the outer tanks in a cantilevered fashion over another row of tanks which only has two tanks. Spacers may be inserted between the three tanks to adjust the necessary dimensions for truck. The straps may take a number of configurations and may be held by different locking devices for holding the straps. The straps may also include hooks for attachment to eyes on the tanks.

Abstract: A racking system for transporting motorcycles and ATVs in an upright position in the bed of a vehicle. The system includes a pair of floor plates that are firmly secured in position in the bed of a vehicle. A rack is removably secured to the floor plates. The rack has a pair of spaced legs on each side thereof, the legs being removably secured to the floor plates. The legs are interconnected at top by a transverse rail with a second rail extending parallel to the first rail interconnected to one of each pair of legs below the first rail. Vertical spacing bars extend between the first and second rails adjustable therealong. In this manner, the wheels of a motorcycle, bicycle or ATV or the like may be fixedly secured between the vertical bars.

Abstract: A munitions trailer for transporting long bodied munitions items such as bombs and missiles from a storage location to a flight line for loading on a combat aircraft. The trailer has forward, middle and aft decks. The forward and middle decks are separated by a forward deck opening. The middle and aft decks are separated by an aft deck opening. The middle deck can be divided into forward and aft middle deck sections separated by a middle deck opening. The deck openings are covered by sets of doors. In the closed position the doors cover the deck openings whereby a flat main deck in available for general transport purposes. The main deck is convertible to one of a choice of open deck configurations by opening one or more of the door sets. When a door set is opened, the deck opening that is uncovered provides clearance for loading and unloading of long bodied munitions items from the deck.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo carrier restraint device that is constructed so that it cannot be accidentally moved from extended, pallet locking position to a retracted position. The device embodies locking pawls of unique design that positively preclude movement of the pawls into a retracted position unless a specific sequence of operation is followed. One of the locking pawls includes a locking notch and the other of the locking pawls includes a locking protuberance, which is closely received within the locking notch so as to positively prevent accidental downward movement of the pawls into their lowered position.

Abstract: A cargo hold down system to quickly restrain and unrestraint vertical movement of transportation pallets of uneven shapes within a transportation bay employs a plurality of cams having upwardly oriented circular geared portion and downwardly oriented extended portion mounted onto the sides of the bay. A pallet is inserted into the bay with the outboard edges under the cams urging the downwardly oriented extended portions to turn to accommodate distortions of the outboard edges, rotating the cams. Once the pallet is fully inserted into the bay, locking levers with linear gears along the bottom mesh with the circular gears on portions of the cams preventing the cams from rotation. The extended portions of the cams with shock absorbing bumpers lie on the upper surface of the pallet restraining the vertical movement of the pallets. An alarm to detect the status of the locking levers is also provided for.

Abstract: A trailer recovery vehicle is provided for transporting a trailer towed by a tractor. The trailer recovery vehicle includes a generally horizontal wheeled support platform for mounting underneath the trailer for supporting the trailer in a horizontal position and a wheel brace for engaging a wheel of the trailer to prevent lateral shifting when the trailer is carried by the carrier support platform. The trailer recovery vehicle also includes a pivotable connector for connecting the support platform to the tractor while the trailer is connected to the tractor via a fifth wheel connector, enabling the support platform and trailer to be transported simultaneously so that the trailer mounted to the tractor is supported above the road surface and transported by the trailer recovery vehicle when the tractor pulls the trailer recovery vehicle.

Abstract: A jet ski trailer locking apparatus for use with a jet ski trailer having a plurality of horizontally oriented longitudinal supports which define a platform. Also included is at least one jet ski with a seat portion. A securement mechanism is included with a horizontally oriented bar. Further provided is at least one securement pin for coupling the securement mechanism to the trailer. By this structure, the securement mechanism may be coupled to the trailer via the securement pins so as to abut the seats of the jet skis thereby precluding the theft of the jet skis.

Abstract: A flooring system positionable in an aircraft is disclosed. In one embodiment, the flooring system includes a floor platform and at least three tracks positioned about a top surface of the floor platform, the tracks being adapted to receive support members. In particular, three parallel tracks form two track pairs which are capable of receiving one of a first and second support member.

Abstract: A trailer for selectively transporting either a first or second substance is disclosed. The trailer includes a substantially flat bed and has two containers disposed thereon, each of which is capable of storing a different type of substance. An operator may choose to transport materials in either one of the two containers. Accordingly, the container to transport the substance is shifted toward a balanced load distribution point along the trailer while the empty container is moved to one end of the trailer. In the preferred embodiment, the two containers are coupled together so that the movement of one container along the trailer automatically causes a corresponding movement in the other. One container moves along the trailer by virtue of a plurality of wheels while the other slides along rails separated by a bearing.

Abstract: A work transportation apparatus including a base member having a supporting base on which a work is placed and moving to a predetermined direction, a fixed stop disposed on the base member and projecting above the base member to a predetermined height to hinder movement of the work on the supporting base, a moving stop protruding on the base member and vertically movable over a range from an upright position to hinder movement of different types of work to a withdrawing position moved down in the vicinity of a height of the supporting base, and a counterweight for exerting a force sufficient to lift the moving stop to the upright position.

Abstract: A bridge fitting (10) for anchoring containers, stacked especially on ship's decks or hatches, is provided with two operatively connected connecting pieces (12, 13) which are arranged at a variable distance to one another and which determine the effective length of the bridge fitting (10). These connecting pieces (12, 13) engage container corner fittings (11) of two adjacent containers and the effective length of the bridge fitting (10) can be adjusted by a steplike shiftability und lockability of at least one of the two connecting pieces (12, 13).

Abstract: A removable motor vehicle boot insert (1) comprises two rigid insert portions (2, 3) which overlap at 10, 11 on assembly within a boot A to follow the contour of the boot A. Flexible wing portions (15, 16) of a side wall (6) of each insert portion (2, 3) urge the insert portions (2, 3) into engagement on assembly within the boot. Retainers (31) for releasably anchoring a container (30) to the insert comprises a screw (33) having an enlarged head (34) defining a cam surface and an extension defining a handle (35) for turning the screw. The cam surface of the screw head (34) engages in a groove (40) in opposed end walls of the container (30) to anchor the container in a desired position on the insert.

Abstract: A container stacking apparatus for use in supporting a pair of cargo containers in stacked relation on at least one first cargo container, the container stacking apparatus comprising an elongated frame adapted to be supported on the at least one first cargo container, the elongated frame including a mechanism for supporting the pair of cargo containers in end-to-end relation thereon, a mechanism for releaseably locking the frame down on the first cargo container, and a mechanism for releaseably locking the pair of cargo containers down on the frame.

Abstract: A retention device for retaining cylindrical containers in upright condition for transport, such as in a truck trailer. The retention device includes a plurality of vertically oriented container retention posts supported by upper and lower support rails. The retention posts are laterally spaced relative to each other such that a plurality of containers may be positioned in predetermined side-by-side relation with each container being disposed against a respective pair of retention posts and with additional containers being stacked outwardly thereof. Adjustably engageable straps are provided for releasable engagement with selected of the retention posts for encompassing the positioned containers within the rack and for retaining the containers firmly against the support posts and against each other.

Abstract: An articulated railroad flat car for single-level loading of containers has five units or platforms. End trucks are disposed at the ends of the two end units and four shared trucks are disposed intermediate the five units at articulated connections between the units. Each unit has a center sill with bolsters at either end mounting outer container retention devices. Alternate units further include intermediate cross-bearers, with intermediate container retention devices mounted on the cross-bearer. This arrangement allows loading of full length containers (40, 45 or 48 feet in length) on each unit and either full length or 20 foot containers on alternative units. A container floor safety system includes a plurality of cross-ties connected to the center sill with longitudinal stringers fastened to the outer ends of the cross-ties. The container floor safety system prevents container lading from falling to the track in the event of a container floor failure.

Abstract: A railroad car for transporting horizontal shipping containers includes (1) a vertical transition box from the car center sill to the end wall of a well portion capable of receiving one or more shipping containers, (2) car body bottom side sills in the form of an inverted T-member, (3) shear plates at the bottom ends of the well portion, (4) a longitudinal plate in the car body well portion bottom joined to a shear plate at each end, and (5) reinforcement of the car body central portion so that it can transport two end-to-end abutting containers in the well.

Abstract: A rail car is adjustable in length to accommodate the mounting thereon of cargo containers of various lengths and widths, such as the presently employed 20 foot, 40 foot, 45 foot and 48 foot lengths and 96 and 102 inch widths. Length adjustment is effected either by forming the rail car frame in two telescopic end sections, or by providing an extensible coupling tongue on one or both ends of the rail car frame. The rail car also may incorporate a collapsible fifth wheel connector for the king pin of a cargo container trailer chassis to accommodate transport of a trailer-mounted cargo container. The rail car also includes structure by which it may be manipulated by external lifting equipment to stack a plurality of the rail cars one atop another, either for stationary storage in a rail yard or for transport in a train to another location.

Abstract: A railroad car for transporting horizontal shipping containers includes (1) a vertical transistion box from the car center sill to the end wall of a well portion capable of receiving one or more shipping containers, (2) car body bottom side sills in the form of an inverted T-member, (3) shear plates at the bottom ends of the well portion, (4) a longitudinal plate in the car body well portion bottom joined to a shear plate at each end, and (5) reinforcement of the car body central portion so that it can transport two end-to-end abutting containers in the well.

Abstract: A bomb handling system includes a plurality of mobile frames, each having a pair of rails and carrying members on the rails. Each pair of carrying members supporting corresponding ends of a bomb and there being locking mechanisms with separate, common actuators at particular locations along the lengths of the rails selectively to arrest a pair of carrying members in transversely aligned positions at a location and to allow such pair to travel past a location. The mobile frames may be attached in a train with their pairs of rails in end-abutting relation and including blocking mechanisms which releasably prevent transfer of a pair of carrying members from one frame to the next. A mobile frame may include a mechanism to elevate its rails so that loaded and positioned bombs may be raised for attachment to an aircraft.

Abstract: A hold down device is provided to engage and hold down adjacent ends of containers on a flat bed vehicle. The hold down device includes four twist locks being two longitudinally spaced pairs of twist locks, each pair being two laterally spaced twist locks which hold down each end of a container. The twist locks are spring loaded so that they will be continuously biased into a protruding operative position, yet capable of being automatically recessed when a long container is set down over the hold down device. A connecting apparatus is provided to inter-connect all four twist locks for simultaneous movement between a locked and unlocked position and an over-center spring is provided to hold the twist locks in the currently selected position.

Abstract: Device for securing together, in end-to-end relationship, a pair of containers each provided with apertures of predetermined sizes and locations adjacent the corners of the end walls thereof, including a female member having a hollow body portion and a locking portion pivotally mounted on the body portion and having a surface forming a continuation of the bore through the body portion. A male member of the securing device includes a shaft portion for location within the bore of the female member and provided with a surface thereon co-operating with that on the locking portion of the female member in the operative position of the securing device to prevent relative movement between the male and female members and to secure the containers together between flange flanges on the male and female members.

Abstract: A palletized cylinder distribution system facilitates the transportation and distribution of gas cylinders. The system includes a network of members and cross members, this network being mounted on the rear of a truck. A walkway is disposed on the network, the walkway dividing the network into at least two regions. The surface of the walkway is raised from the level of the network. Pallets of gas cylinders are placed on the network, forming rows on either side of the walkway. The pallets have base portions which include laterally extending tabs. The tabs hold the pallets in place by engagement with a flange defined by the walkway, and with another flange disposed on side rails attached to the network, on the other side of the pallet. The truck has no flatbed of its own; the bases of the pallets, together with the surface of the walkway, define the bed of the truck. Access to the cylinders is obtained through the walkway.

Abstract: A positioning cone for positioning containers stacked one upon another on a ship or the like engages the containers without the need of turning a separate external lever. This arrangement saves time required to clamp the containers to one another and ensures secure and accurate positioning work by the use of a cooperative latch and locking pin.

Abstract: The floor in an aircraft having a cargo space is provided with a conveyor system comprised of roller type tracks and an array system of rails superimposed upon the conveyor system. Latch elements positionable in relation to and connectable to the rails in variable positions are provided for sliding on the rails and being fastened thereto in selective positions. The latch elements are constructed for engaging pieces of freight, such as containers and pallets, for latching them into positions as predetermined by the positions of the rail elements.

Abstract: A cargo lock for aircraft cargo loading such as a pallet, designed for optional tension release, in which a detent and toggle detent are mounted for independent pivotal movement relative to a fixed mount and are connected together by a sheer pin for movement of the detent to cargo release position while the toggle detent remains in locked position. When locked, an over-center toggle device prevents releasing movement of the pivoted toggle detent, and a positive locking cam retains the toggle device in locking position. Step-by-step release is provided for a series of lock units upon incremental movement of an elongated control rod.

Abstract: Two containers are mounted on telescoping chassis sections and moved toward each other. Mating coupler structure at juxtaposed lower corners of the containers rigidly connect the containers horizontally. At least one spacer member at the juxtaposed upper ends of the containers space the containers from each other. Cables connected to the ends of the coupled containers may be utilized to lift the containers as a unit off the chassis sections for loading into a container ship.

Abstract: The driver's cab and the rearloading, trash compactor of a conventional compactor vehicle are mounted on an elongated frame to provide a central, longitudinally-extending, space for separated discards collection apparatus. A single vehicle, small crew and a single stop thus enables both resource recovery and refuse collection. A power telescopable paper rack, is located between a power dump glass bucket and a power dump can bucket on one side of the space with access at curbside level and a glass bin and can bin are roll supported on the other side of the space for off loading laterally when filled.

Abstract: A lock for a pallet to be discharged from aircraft in flight by deploying a parachute connected to the pallet behind the aircraft. The loaded pallet or container is locked in place by one or more abutments until the tension applied by the opened parachute reaches a predetermined value. Each abutment is maintained in locked position by pressure responsive lock mechanism. This lock mechanism may be in the form of a punch and penetrable fuse plate, or a compressible or deformable fuse adapted upon predetermined loading to yield a predetermined amount. The lock mechanism is carried by a rail extended longitudinally of the aircraft which is adapted to move between an upright operating position in which it overlies an edge of a pallet, and a lowered position in which it is beneath the pallet supporting surface.

Abstract: A lifting and stowage system for lifting and stowing containers within a ited magazine area. The system provides a sway bracing feature during lifting which also functions as a stowage member when completely assembled. The system also includes a pair of guide rails attached vertically to the bulkhead and a carriage that travels up and down the guide rails. A strongback is attached to the carriage and is located over the container that is positioned by a forklift. The system employs a lifting mechanism consisting of a power source, a pulley and cable system, a snatch block which attaches to the carriage, a stowage system which restrains the stack of containers in all directions and deceleration buffers. In operation, the strongback is attached to the container and the snatch block is attached to the carriage. The container is lifted to allow vertical clearance for the next container. The lower container is positioned by a forklift and the upper container is lowered onto it.

Abstract: A pallet restraint system for use in the cargo bay of an aircraft in an air drop sequence. The system assures an equal application of the parachute extraction force and simultaneous release of all load sensitive latches by means of hydraulic interconnectors between the latches to vary their position.

Abstract: The device is a cargo restraint mechanism for restraining cargo pallets. The mechanism includes two links rotatably attached to a frame member, and a latch member pivotably attached to the links. One link is provided with a lever and the latch includes a cargo restraint lip. The mechanism is erected by pressing the lever thereby raising the restraint lip above the plane of the top surface of the frame and into a cargo pallet engaging position. A downward force delivered to the top surface of the restraint lip retracts the restraint mechanism beneath the plane of the top surface of the frame. A helper leaf spring follows a cam surface on the other link causing a snap-type action in the mechanism. The frame may include an additional mechanism such as a separately actuatable and retractable seat pallet guide.

Abstract: A corner post locking assembly for locking together two cargo containers placed one upon another; the assembly including an upper activating unit and a bottom twist lock and shear pin unit installed inside each vertical corner of the container; the upper activating unit being engagable by a bayonet of a hydraulically powered, container handling, spreader; the bayonet turning the upper activating unit which thus transmits rotation to the bottom twist lock and locks the shear pin to a container therebelow.

Abstract: A retractable center guide and vertical and lateral load restraint for a cargo carrying aircraft. The devices are mounted along the center line of the aircraft and in erect position include laterally extending arms adapted to overlie the edges of load carrying structure such as pallets. The devices are pivoted for swinging about axes extending transversely of the aircraft so that if a device is in the path of an advancing load carrying structure, it will be pivoted to retracted position, thus avoiding damage to the device or load carrying structure. Resilient means are provided effectively to maintain the device either in erect or in retracted position, or the resilient means may restore the device to an erect position if it is released after being moved to retracted position. The series of devices together with guide surfaces at the side of the aircraft, constitute an elongated guideway along which load carrying structure may be advanced.

Abstract: A connector for use in the securement of a first member, such as a cargo container, to a base support includes a base member, a post member extending from the base member in one direction and an attaching means for attaching the connector to the base support extending from the base member in the other direction. Restraining means provides vertical restraint to the container when the post member is positioned to extend into the opening of the web of the corner casting thereof and the container is restrained from movement in at least one horizontal direction. In one form, a restraining surface for the container is located on a cam pivotally mounted by the post member and in a second form, a restraining surface for the container is on the post member itself.

Abstract: A corner casting of the type used for lifting and moving containers is mounted to auxiliary apparatus such as a spreader for holding deckloading cargo. The corner casting is configured for actuating a crank upon the penetration of the lifting hook. When the hook penetrates at the top hole of the corner casting, a pedal pad is depressed. The pedal pad in turn is attached to a lever arm having a pivot at one end, the pedal pad at the other end and a pivotally attached spring bias rod therebetween. Upon twistlock penetration, the spring biased rod produces crank rotation at a protruding eccentric from a crank. By using the spring biased rod rotary motion can be imparted to the crank so that lifting of the spreaders effects automated container release in the case of the disclosed equalizer.

Abstract: A deck container restraint system is disclosed which unitizes discrete containers against vertical movement in modules of three-wide, typically four-high stacks or columns to prevent overboard loss due to static and dynamic load conditions experienced at sea. A three-wide, one-high bottom tier of containers is secured against side to side and vertical movement by deck cones having locking devices. The overlying three-wide second tier is secured against side to side and vertical movement by cones having locking devices at the top of the first tier. Finally the three-wide, two-high top third and fourth tiers of containers are loaded, first by being tied vertically together by cones having locking devices and second, by being lifted in vertically tied pairs onto stacking fittings at the second-third tier interface. The stacking fittings restrain side to side movement at the second-third tier interface only.

Abstract: A selectively operable stacker key locking device adopted to secure containers either in a vertical or horizontal stacked relation or to secure a container to a base support.