Abstract: A shock absorber for an end of a steel or cast-iron container for the transport of spent-fuel elements is in the form of a casing with a recess receiving the end of the container and having, in turn, a stepped-pyramid element which decreases in wall thickness from the region surrounding the container end of a free end of the stepped pyramid.

Abstract: An air cushion assembly made up of a prefabricated air bag with a rubber air bladder secured between opposed circular metal plates, a rectangular backing member secured to one of the opposed circular plates, a pair of rigid U-shaped members secured to the other of the opposed circular plates, and an inflating valve and hose positioned between the rigid members. The air cushion assemblies are particularly disposed for use in connection with a cargo crate of the type intended to be shipped in sea cargo containers. The cargo crates bearing the air cushion assemblies have a plurality of the assemblies spaced apart and connected to the bottom of the crate through the pair of rigid members, and at least one of the assemblies connected through the backing member to each of the side walls.

Abstract: A cargo carrying flatrack used as an intermediate separate unit between a cargo container and a ISO vehicular load carrier. The flatrack provides longitudinal impact protection for containerized cargo, through an upper frame carrying the cargo which moves against a cushioning device which absorbs impacts engaged to a lower frame on the ISO carrier. The upper frame is movable within limits in the longitudinal direction allowing the upper frame to stroke with the loaded container at sudden impacts.

Abstract: A device for fastening containers and shifting platforms onto railroad cars using container pins fixed in a movable frame. The frame is fixed on the floor of a railroad car by a double-acting cushioning means.

Abstract: While the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, is is particulary well suited for use in loading elongate loads, such as hollow concrete utility poles, onto railroad cars. The system of the present invention protects the load, as well as the car, from damage when the car is coupled at either end to a locomotive or another car. The system includes a floating support beam which extends across the car and onto which the load is attached. The beam is held to the car by a plurality of cables or springs so that it can move if a shock is applied to either end of the car. The load may also be secured to the car using conventional strapping techniques, so long as any such technique permits limited longitudinal movement of the load on the car.

Abstract: A device for supporting a container on a chassis of a vehicle and for coupling the supported container to the chassis. The device has a basic frame defined by a pair of longitudinal, substantially parallel beams interconnected by cross-beams. At least two bridges are supported by the basic frame and are movable towards and away from the basic frame by a lifting mechanism. The bridges and basic frame have complementary shapes to facilitate proper positioning of the bridges with respect to the basic frame.