Marine Loading Or Unloading System Patents (Class 414/137.1)
  • Patent number: 11873099
    Abstract: A load carrying assembly for carrying a load with a rotary wing aircraft. The load carrying assembly includes a cargo cable and a load engaging system. The cargo cable may have a first end that is attachable to a hoist or a cargo hook arrangement. The load engaging system may include a first attachment that is attached to the second end of the cargo cable, a second attachment that is adapted for receiving a load, a connecting apparatus that connects the first attachment with the second attachment, and at least two first and second thrust producing devices that are attached to the connecting apparatus and produce thrust in a direction that is orthogonal to the cargo cable extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Behrens, Heiko Brosinger
  • Patent number: 11351905
    Abstract: A gate assembly comprising of a track comprising a vertical portion and two angular portions on opposing sides of the hopper. A pair of rectangular gates each comprising a longitudinal edge and opposing lateral edges slidingly engaged on the track allows the gates to move between a lowered, closed position and a raised, open position. A hinge combines the longitudinal edge of each of the pair of rectangular gates and allows them to pivot toward and away from each other during closing and opening, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: CEI Equipment Company, LLC
    Inventor: Justin Walker
  • Patent number: 11242229
    Abstract: An arrangement of a gantry lifting device for handling containers, in particular ISO containers, having a sensor device for the navigation of the gantry lifting device and having a clearance profile which is formed such that the gantry lifting device can move across a container, and of a row of spaced-apart marking elements such that the gantry lifting device can be moved along the row of marking elements by means of raster navigation, where the row of marking elements can be read by the sensor device of the gantry lifting device. The sensor device, in an operating position, is arranged outside the clearance profile on the gantry lifting device so as, in the operating position, to read the row of marking elements for the navigation of the gantry lifting device, where the row of marking elements is arranged next to the clearance profile of the gantry lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Konecranes Global Corporation
    Inventors: Armin Wieschemann, Heiko Schulz, Jan-Philipp Schmidt-Ewig, Stefan Aldejohann, Heinz-Christoph Eichner, Mohammad Ahmadian
  • Patent number: 10612692
    Abstract: The invention provides a modular system for use in an offshore pipelay operation, and apparatus and a method of use. The system comprises a plurality of pipe storage modules, each comprising a rack for accommodating a plurality of pipeline sections. The pipe storage modules are configured to be assembled together to form an integrated structure on a deck of a vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CORTEZ SUBSEA LIMITED
    Inventors: Alasdair Cowie, Charles Hughes
  • Patent number: 9481553
    Abstract: A system or method, for controlling at least two automated non-passing rail mounted gantry cranes, has, for each crane, a crane control unit for ensuring execution of at least one work order received by the respective crane from an external scheduling system, and may have a rescheduling unit which performs a rescheduling of the at least one work order based on an expected trajectory along the rail determined for each work order. The rescheduling can be achieved by splitting at least one of the work orders into at least two new work orders and by re-sequencing and re-allocating resulting work orders to reduce the number or duration of situations, where the expected trajectory of one crane blocks the expected trajectory of another crane and/or to reduce a workload imbalance between the cranes. The rescheduling unit operates in parallel with the crane control units, and dynamically updates these original work orders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Sleman Saliba, Bjoern Henrikson, Henrik Noren, Stefan Israelsson Tampe, Susanne Schmitt, Alessandro Zanarini, Kerstin Muxfeldt
  • Patent number: 9336505
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for the rapid inspection of shipping containers during transport and for intelligent data gathering for risk analysis are provided. More specifically, a portal based scanner is disclosed which includes a plurality of sensors positioned to create a target zone so that the shipping containers can be automatically scanned during loading and offloading operations. According to one aspect of the invention, the scanner is capable of wirelessly communicating with the containers, gathering data about each container, and reporting data to a Data Fusion Center for risk profile analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GlobalTrak, LLC
    Inventor: Richard C. Meyers
  • Patent number: 8899902
    Abstract: A container handling system comprising a crane and a plurality of base elements. The base elements are designed for resting on containers and the crane is designed for being supported on containers or base elements. Containers can be transported on the base elements, which are preferably arranged to form a path. Also cranes, other base element etc. can travel on the paths. Base elements may be provided with rollers or the like and may comprise a turning unit for turning containers etc. about a vertical axis. The system may handle containers stored in a three-dimensional array by arranging base elements on top of containers, lifting containers onto base elements and moving containers across or along base elements to another location in the array. The array may be in a container yard or on a carrier vessel, where the handling system is part of its onboard equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jens-Christian Herold
  • Patent number: 8863341
    Abstract: A ramp assembly for deplaning passengers from and boarding passengers on an airplane includes a level deck having a front deck edge, at least one bridge connector assembly carried by the level deck at the front deck edge and at least one floating upper bridge carried by the at least one bridge connector assembly. The at least one bridge connector assembly facilitates horizontal pivoting movement, vertical pivoting movement and side-to-side movement of the at least one floating upper bridge relative to the level deck. A passenger deplaning and boarding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: William Floyd Keith, Christa Keith
  • Patent number: 8864420
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for limiting structural damage to an affected offshore platform and preventing damage spread from the affected offshore platform to another platform during an accident or an emergency condition. An offshore platform arrangement includes a mobile offshore production unit (MOPU), a mobile storage platform and a mobile offloading platform which are disposed at a clearance distance from one another. The platforms are fluidly connected by pipes to allow hydrocarbon fluid transfer therebetween. The pipes are adapted to cease fluid communication of hydrocarbon fluid between platforms for preventing damage spread therebetween. Also disclosed is an offloading system for hydrocarbon fluid transfer which includes a lifting system having an extendable lifting arm and a spreader frame platform rotatably coupled to the lifting arm. The spreader frame platform is operable to support a transfer skid and allow angular adjustment of the transfer skid in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Kok Seng Foo, Wen Sin Chong, Alex Kah Keong Tan, Xiao Xia Sheng, Asbjørn Mortensen
  • Patent number: 8826839
    Abstract: A method for constructing an FPSO comprises (a) assembling and integrating a plurality of modules to form a module assembly for installation on the FPSO. In addition, the method comprises (b) supporting the module assembly with one or more ballast adjustable pontoons. Further, the method comprises (c) positioning the module assembly over a deck of a vessel after (a) and (b). Still further the method comprises (d) de-ballasting the vessel and/or ballasting the one or more pontoons to load the module assembly onto the deck of the vessel after (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Horton do Brasil Technologia Offshore, Ltda
    Inventors: Luiz Germano Bodanese, Edward E. Horton, III, James V. Maher, IV, Rafael Louzada Bodanese, Xavier Castello, Rodrigo M. R. Guimares
  • Patent number: 8806690
    Abstract: A ramp assembly for deplaning passengers from and boarding passengers on an airplane includes a level deck, at least one bridge connector assembly carried by the level deck and at least one floating upper bridge carried by the at least one bridge connector assembly. The at least one bridge connector assembly facilitates horizontal pivoting movement, vertical pivoting movement and side-to-side movement of the at least one floating upper bridge relative to the level deck. A passenger deplaning and boarding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: William Floyd Keith, Christa Keith
  • Patent number: 8793013
    Abstract: A method is provided for handling loads in a warehouse for containers that may be automatically stored and removed from storage by a container stacking crane, between a storage area and a truck or other vehicle parked in a parking space of a loading and unloading area To optimize the throughput performance and safety of handling loads in a warehouse for containers, it is proposed that after the truck drives into the parking space and after the driver of the truck leaves the parking space, the parking space is secured against the presence of persons including the driver, before a release signal is given to the container stacking crane for the automatic loading or unloading process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Gottwald Port Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Ronald Kleine
  • Publication number: 20140205398
    Abstract: A device for providing information on the positioning of a moveable coupling which is located on a movable end of a fluid transfer line of a marine loading system and is adapted for connection to a target duct, the other end of the fluid transfer line being fixed to a base. The device comprises a first apparatus for providing information on the positioning of the coupling. The first apparatus is positioned on the coupling or on a member Immediately neighboring the coupling and includes a first GPS device which provides information on the absolute positioning of the coupling in space. The device comprises a second apparatus adapted to cooperate directly with the first apparatus and provides information on the positioning of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FMC Technologies SA
    Inventors: Renaud Le Devehat, Nicolas Sylard
  • Publication number: 20140086708
    Abstract: There is described an equipment for unloading a bulk carrier, comprising a plurality of structures fastened to a fixed platform, the plurality of structures is fastened to the fixed platform mutually parallel, each structure comprising a mobile element endowed with fastening elements which are associated to a projection of at least a removable hold of a bulk carrier, the mobile element being displaced from a first position (A) to a second position (B) so as to tilt at least a removable hold onto an apron feeder and then to a system of conveyor belts. There is also described a bulk carrier, comprising at least a removable hold which consists of a compartment for transporting bulk products, endowed with a plurality of projections disposed in a longitudinal line and mutually parallel at a first end of the removable hold and an articulation mechanism disposed along a second end of the removable hold parallely opposite the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Tertuliano Francisco De Freitas, Warlley Soares Santos
  • Patent number: 8632274
    Abstract: A deployment method and system for ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) includes providing a plurality of circular shaped, wireless, self-contained OBS units. The circular shaped OBS units are loaded into a carrier and transported from a surface vessel to the ocean floor where a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is utilized to individually place the plurality of circular OBS units on the ocean floor. Placement of each OBS unit is accomplished by utilizing suction mechanism attached to a robotic arm. The suction mechanism is defined about an axis and employs a suction cup to individually engage each circular shaped OBS unit so that the suction mechanism is coaxially aligned with the OBS unit, and move the OBS unit from a first location to the ocean floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fairchild Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Thompson, Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Roger L. Fyffe
  • Patent number: 8596951
    Abstract: Systems, equipment and processes involving one or more aspects such as extending the scope of automation in port container facilities, increasing port capacity within fixed land resources, increasing operational productivity, increasing safety, increasing the velocity and reliability of goods movement, increasing freight security, reducing negative environmental impacts, and/or reducing the overall cost of goods movement are disclosed. In some implementations, storage areas may be accessed by automated guided vehicles which receive and unload containerized loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Marine Terminals Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ward, Kai Stuart Martin
  • Patent number: 8591161
    Abstract: A maneuvering autonomous rotorcraft cargo attachment system for engaging two mating elements of a coupling mechanism includes a first system on a ship deck to position a first coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands and a second system attached to a rotorcraft hoist cable to position the second coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands. A controller calculates and issues the positioning commands to the first and second positioning systems thereby effecting engagement of the two coupling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Roger D. Bernhardt
  • Publication number: 20130233224
    Abstract: A method for constructing an FPSO comprises (a) assembling and integrating a plurality of modules to form a module assembly for installation on the FPSO. In addition, the method comprises (b) supporting the module assembly with one or more ballast adjustable pontoons. Further, the method comprises (c) positioning the module assembly over a deck of a vessel after (a) and (b). Still further the method comprises (d) de-ballasting the vessel and/or ballasting the one or more pontoons to load the module assembly onto the deck of the vessel after (c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: HORTON DO BRASIL TECHNOLOGIA OFFSHORE, LTDA.
    Inventors: Luiz Germano Bodanese, Edward E. Horton, III, James V. Maher, IV, Rafael Louzada Bodanese, Xavier Castello, Rodrigo M.R. Guimares
  • Patent number: 8529187
    Abstract: A storage area is accessed by automated guided vehicles which receive and unload containerized loads. On the waterside, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and ships using quay cranes. On the ground transportation side, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and truck or rail carriers using semi automated or automated remote-controlled bridge cranes. Within the storage area, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and the storage facilities using automated stacking cranes. The vehicles are adapted to receive a cassette storage platform which in turn receives standard ISO containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Marine Terminals Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ward, Kai Stuart Martin
  • Patent number: 8505140
    Abstract: A movable passenger bridge for embarking and disembarking a ship includes sections, each pair of adjacent sections connected at respective ends by shorter transfer sections, arranged so that passengers can walk from section to section. The sections and the transfer sections are supported by a framework of steel beams. The sections are displaceably arranged relative to the framework, forming an angle relative to the horizontal plane, accommodating a height difference between first and second ports. The framework is supported by wheel arrangements that abut against a quay. An entry module by the first port, on the one hand is connectable to a first of the sections, on the other hand is connected to the transfer section which is located closest to and lying in the same vertical plane as the entry module, whereby a connection can be established from the entry module directly into the second transfer section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: FMT International Trade AB
    Inventor: Nils-Erik Anderberg
  • Patent number: 8447426
    Abstract: An installation includes a machine (2) for packaging products (8) and of a robotic palleting station, both arranged in a same enclosure (1) that is provided with a door (7) that offers access to the palleting station. The installation includes a device which limits the range of movement of the robot (15) in the closed enclosure (1) in order to concentrate the displacements of its gripping head (17) in a restricted space which does not overlap with a safety space, which is defined according to a minimum distance measured from the immaterial barrier located in the enclosure in the vicinity of the door (7). The limiting device includes an electric cam that limits, under the control of the steering control of the robot, the amplitude of the movement of the robot (15) around its main axis and reduces its movement speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Didier Mougin, Christophe Alix
  • Publication number: 20120275883
    Abstract: A method of preparing a dry bulk carrier for sand transportation and fluidized unloading including disposing within a utility hold, fluidizing pipes having inflow openings and also a slurry inlet for fluidized sand, wherein the method further includes disposing a slurry pump connected between a slurry inlet and an unloading pipe, and where the slurry pump is placed in a hold adjacent to the utility hold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Tore Hansen-Tangen
  • Patent number: 8215028
    Abstract: A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20120024214
    Abstract: A carrier frame on a vessel for local water motion includes a carrier frame (2); an actuator system (4, 5, 6) adapted for translating the carrier frame (2) along a z-axis and rotating the carrier frame around an x-axis and an y-axis; a sensor system (8) for sensing z-axis translational movement and x-axis and y-axis rotational movements of the vessel; and a control system (9) generating control signals for driving the actuator system in response to the sensor signals. The actuator system includes at least three cylinder-piston-units each having a longitudinal axis (14), which longitudinal axes are mutually parallel in a rest position. Each cylinder-piston unit has an upper support (15) for supporting the carrier frame on said cylinder-piston-unit and a lower support (16) for supporting the cylinder-piston-unit on a base. The upper support and/or lower support allows for rotational movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: BARGE MASTER IP B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Martijn Koppert
  • Patent number: 8087464
    Abstract: A system for installation of a subsea module of great length by means of a vessel, using a cable for its installation and/or retrieval, and methods applied therein. The system allows transporting the subsea module on the vessel to a location in the sea and descending the subsea module into the sea at a vertical position for installation on the seabed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras
    Inventors: Roberto Rodrigues, Luiz Eduardo Peclat Bernardo, Robson Soares Junior, Giovani Colodette, Romulo Cobe Vasconcellos, Sergio Luis Uliana, Orman Salvador Toscano
  • Publication number: 20110243689
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (10) for handling bulky articles (such as a PLET or ILT (12)) on a deck (14) of a vessel at sea. The apparatus (10) includes a cradle (16) which supports the bulky article (12?), first translational movement means (32 42, 46) provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16) and second translational movement means (20, 31, 35, 37) moveable along the deck (14). The first translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) to be moved from a storage area and transferred to the second translational movement means, and the second translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) on its cradle (16) to be moved toward an operational location (F). An actuator (26) is also provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16), in order to adjust the orientation of the bulky article (12) relative to the deck (14), when in the operational position. A method of handling bulky articles on a deck of a vessel at sea is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Pose
  • Patent number: 7972102
    Abstract: A storage area is accessed by automated guided vehicles which receive and unload containerized loads. On the waterside, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and ships using quay cranes. On the ground transportation side, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and truck or rail carriers using semi automated or automated remote-controlled bridge cranes. Within the storage area, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and the storage facilities using automated stacking cranes. The vehicles are adapted to receive a cassette storage platform which in turn receives standard ISO containers. The vehicles also are adapted to receive one or more alternative platforms including a coning platform for workers to manage container coning, a reefer access and maintenance platform, and a worker transport platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Marine Terminals Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ward, Kai Stuart Martin
  • Patent number: 7931431
    Abstract: A material handling system for use in storing and moving goods within multi-level storage warehouses, ocean going vessels and the like wherein storage areas are provided on at least one of the levels and wherein goods are automatically transferred to and from the storage areas and between the various levels by self-propelled load transfer vehicles. The load transfer vehicles move across the surface of the various levels and are also movable under their own power within open vertical trunks between the levels to thereby move goods to any desired area within the system, warehouse or vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: BEC Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Benedict, Brian G. Pfeifer, Christian A. Yates, Scott K. Bladen, James R. Dobbs
  • Patent number: 7908988
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from an ocean floor or seabed employs a subsea debris basket. The basket eliminates the absolute necessity of a cargo barge or any other supporting vessel that might be required to remain in a field until the objects on the ocean floor can be lifted. The present invention provides a non-weather sensitive solution. The present invention affords the safe operation in that all lifting and lowering is performed in a subsea environment next to the ocean floor or seabed. The present invention enables operation to be completed with the use of an ROV or remotely operated vehicle. The present invention provides improved offshore efficiency, less time being required to recover debris from the seabed to the underwater salvage basket or debris basket. The present invention enables the possibility of use of an A-frame or simple crane to lower debris into a subsea basket. The basket can be reused or redeployed in the field if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jon Khachaturian
  • Publication number: 20100021272
    Abstract: A system, equipment, and processes for extending the scope of automation in port container facilities, and thereby increasing port capacity within fixed land resources, increasing operational productivity, increasing safety, increasing the velocity and reliability of goods movement, increasing freight security, reducing negative environmental impacts, and reducing the overall cost of goods movement. A storage area is accessed by automated guided vehicles which receive and unload containerized loads. On the waterside, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and ships using quay cranes. On the ground transportation side, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and truck or rail carriers using semi automated or automated remote-controlled bridge cranes. Within the storage area, loads are exchanged between the vehicles and the storage facilities using automated stacking cranes. The vehicles are adapted to receive a cassette storage platform which in turn receives standard ISO containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ward, Kai Stuart Martin
  • Patent number: 7610869
    Abstract: A method and an installation for loading and unloading compressed natural gas on ships, said ships being suitable for sea navigation and the ships having receivers. The compressed natural gas is storable in tubes, installed on the receivers. The installation comprises fixed containers for housing tubes, supports for holding a container supported above the sea surface at a given height, devices operable for lowering the receivers, such as to carry each receiver below a fixed container and to lift the receivers so as to lift the fixed container above the given height to support the containers on the receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventor: Pierre-Armand Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080289560
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a standard sized shipping container that is submersible, such that it may be towed behind a seagoing vessel as well as loaded and stored on the deck of a sea going vessel. Various embodiments of the invention allow standard shipping containers to be towed behind seagoing vessels and containers to be sealed and submerged in order to prevent tampering during transit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin Stremel
  • Publication number: 20080240900
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval system that includes a carrier and a drive member. The carrier includes a guide member rotatable with respect to a support surface from a first position to a second position such that the carrier is movable in a first direction when the guide member is in the first position and the carrier is movable in a second direction when the carrier is in the second position. The drive member includes a portion coupled to the guide member. The portion of the drive member is selectively rotatable from a first orientation to a second orientation such that the drive member is configured to move the carrier in the first direction when the portion of the drive member is in the first orientation, and the drive member is configured to move the carrier in the second direction when the portion of the drive member is in the second orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Reisenauer
  • Patent number: 7289876
    Abstract: A container crane includes a movable trolley and a load-carrying frame pendantly connected to the trolley and comprised of a spreader and a head block, for transfer of a container from or to a transport vehicle. Plural optical detectors are mounted on the trolley for identifying longitudinal and transversal edges of the head block or spreader and the transport vehicle. Operatively connected to the detectors is a processing device for determining a spatial position of the edges and calculating a position of longitudinal and transversal center lines of the head block or spreader and the transport vehicle and their spatial positions in relation to one another. In this way a possible offset of the center lines of the head block or spreader with regard to those of the transport vehicle in longitudinal and transversal directions as well as a rotation angle of the center lines can be determined, whereby a detected offset or rotation angle is compensated by displacing the spreader relative to the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sven Lüssen, Ernst Sparenborg, Karl-Heinz Tschierse, Stephan Wöbse
  • Patent number: 7278811
    Abstract: A multi-modal system for transport of particulate material includes a plurality of ship based hoppers mounted within the hold of a ship. Each such hopper includes a container for particulate material, a container inlet by which particulate material can be loaded into the container by entrainment, and a container outlet through which particulate material can be unloaded from the container by entrainment. The system also includes a product loading internal manifold located within the hold of the ship and connected to a container inlet for a plurality of ship based hoppers, and a product unloading internal manifold located within the hold of the ship and connected to a container outlet for a plurality of ship based hoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: The Heil Company
    Inventors: Bryan Yielding, Joe Calonge
  • Patent number: 7181312
    Abstract: A method and system for a quay container crane with container code recognition of a container identified by a container code with container positional identification is disclosed. The system and method are capable of performing these tasks without the use of non-standard container tagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Paceco Corp.
    Inventors: Toru Takehara, Maxwell W. King, Chingyei Chung
  • Patent number: 7033124
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting oil drill cuttings using a vessel having a lower conical portion where the cone has an angle which provides for mass flow of the drill cuttings when there is an application of compressed air on the surface of the drill cuttings in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignees: CleanCut Technologies Limited, InBulk Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Brian Snowdon
  • Patent number: 6964552
    Abstract: The invention is a method for lifting and transporting a heavy load comprising using a heavy lift vessel with at least two heavy lift cranes adapted to operate simultaneously; mounting a deep water deployment system on each crane adapted to increase hook travel the crane; shifting the load from the first location to over a second location on the heavy lift vessel; placing the load on the second location; moving the heavy lift vessel to a second position; using a conventional mooring system to maintain the heavy lift vessel at the second position; picking up the load from the second location using the cranes simultaneously; shifting the load from a second location to over a third location; and placing the load on the third location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Richard L. Krabbendam
  • Patent number: 6857821
    Abstract: A device for lifting a seagoing construction such as a drilling rig, which device comprises one or more floater bodies, one or more beam-like lifting members supported movably on a floater body and running parallel or practically parallel to each other, wherein the or each lifting member is supported on at least two support points of the floater body, at least one of which is adjustable in height direction, and the end part of the lifting member lying outside the floater body has a pressure point which is in contact with the construction for lifting, this such that the seagoing construction can be easily connected to the end of the lifting member without this construction suffering damage as a result of the sea swell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Excalibur Engineerng B.V.
    Inventors: André Luur Jan Steenhuis, Martin Arie Schenkel
  • Patent number: 6836746
    Abstract: Mass of a payload delivered to a water-borne vessel is provided with high accuracy and without the need for human measurement or the need for personnel to enter the water. The draft of the vessel in an unloaded or empty condition is compared to a loaded or loading condition. A plurality of sensors positioned about the perimeter of the vessel's deck at a height above the waterline produce signals representative of their height above the waterline. These signals are then transmitted to a processor, which calculates the volume and mass of the payload utilizing volumetric equations and the payload's known density. In one embodiment, the sensors are coupled to radio transmitting devices that transmit the signals to the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Control Stuff, Inc.
    Inventors: James Richard Coder, Joshua Lars Coder, Caleb Theodore Coder
  • Patent number: 6811368
    Abstract: A process for equipment transfer between two moving transfer stations, such as ships, effected by moving a shuttle to a point adjacent to one transfer station, transferring a load onto the shuttle, moving the shuttle to a point adjacent to the other transfer station and transferring the load to the second transfer station. A machine for accomplishing this process having at least two beams disposed between two moveable stations, connections between the beams that provides constant spacing without substantially increasing the structure's torsional stiffness, a transfer shuttle that can transverse the length of the beams thereby allowing equipment transfer without the need for a continuous deck, and a motor and transmission for moving the transfer shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Design Consulting USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Basil Eric Blank, Alexander Khosro Deyhim
  • Publication number: 20040165971
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a barge with an open top container for receiving a cargo mounted on the deck characterised in that the container is pivotally mounted on the deck such that cargo (e.g. marine sand) can be discharged from the barge by tilting of the container about the pivotal axis. The barge is particularly useful for use in land reclamation projects and the invention further relates to a method of reclaiming land utilising such barges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Siew Fai Loke
  • Publication number: 20040096298
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for conveying drill cuttings employing a compressed conveyance gas to induce movement of the non-free flowing drill cuttings in a vessel without employing a non-pneumatic means for causing movement of the drill cuttings in the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Snowdon
  • Publication number: 20040086360
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting oil drill cuttings using a vessel having a lower conical portion where the cone has an angle which provides for mass flow of the drill cuttings when there is an application of compressed air on the surface of the drill cuttings in the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Snowdon
  • Patent number: 6709217
    Abstract: A method for transporting oil drill cuttings using a vessel having a lower conical portion where the cone has an angle which provides for mass flow of the drill cuttings when there is an application of compressed air on the surface of the drill cuttings in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignees: CleanCut Technologies Limited, Inbulk Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Brian Snowdon
  • Patent number: 6702539
    Abstract: A method for conveying a non-free flowing paste where the non-free flowing paste is loaded into a vessel or container having a conical lower portion designed to provide mass flow of the paste. A gas is applied to the vessel to cause the paste to flow out. The paste may be transported to another vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where it may be stored. The paste may then be discharged using a gas to transport the paste to a third vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where the loaded vessel itself may be transported, such as by boat, to another destination, such as the shore. The third vessel may be disposed vertically or horizontally on the boat. Thereafter, the paste may be transported to a fourth vessel for further transport or the third vessel may be moved from the boat to a truck for further transport. A frame, the size of a shipping container may enclose a vessel or the frame enclosed vessel may be coupled to other frame enclosed vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: CleanCut Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Brian Snowdon
  • Publication number: 20040015264
    Abstract: In an apparatus for verifying a container number of a container during unloading and loading of ships by a container crane in a container terminal, a camera system is mounted to the container crane for optically ascertaining a container number imprinted on an upper right-hand corner of a container sidewall to generate an image. Operatively connected to the camera system is an image evaluation system for identifying the container number that has been shot by the camera system. The image evaluation system cooperates with an administrative computer, which is provided in the container terminal, in such a manner that the identified container number is compared with a stored container number in the administrative computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, Munchen, Germany
    Inventors: Maarten Holland, Wolfgang Wichner
  • Patent number: 6665585
    Abstract: A radio IC number tag (10) having a container number (1a) inputted is applied on a container (1); a radio document tag (14) having container (1) physical distribution information inputted is set to a trailer (2); and a radio antenna (11) is arranged at a gate of a container terminal. Upon passage of the trailer (2) through the gate, the radio antenna (11) receives the physical distribution information transmitted from the radio IC document tag (14) while reading the container number from the radio IC number tag (10) applied on the container (1). Such information is sent to a physical distribution information center (31). A computer (31a) in the physical distribution information center (31) checks up the container number (1a) with the physical distribution information and the like for confirmation and data-processing to send a command signal for a storage address to the trailer (2) through the radio antenna (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Ishikarajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Kawase
  • Publication number: 20030202847
    Abstract: A method for conveying a non-free flowing paste where the non-free flowing paste is loaded into a vessel or container having a conical lower portion designed to provide mass flow of the paste. A gas is applied to the vessel to cause the paste to flow out. The paste may be transported to another vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where it may be stored. The paste may then be discharged using a gas to transport the paste to a third vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where the loaded vessel itself may be transported, such as by boat, to another destination, such as the shore. The third vessel may be disposed vertically or horizontally on the boat. Thereafter, the paste may be transported to a fourth vessel for further transport or the third vessel may be moved from the boat to a truck for further transport. A frame, the size of a shipping container may enclose a vessel or the frame enclosed vessel may be coupled to other frame enclosed vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Snowdon
  • Publication number: 20030202864
    Abstract: A method for conveying a non-free flowing paste where the non-free flowing paste is loaded into a vessel or container having a conical lower portion designed to provide mass flow of the paste. A gas is applied to the vessel to cause the paste to flow out. The paste may be transported to another vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where it may be stored. The paste may then be discharged using a gas to transport the paste to a third vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where the loaded vessel itself may be transported, such as by boat, to another destination, such as the shore. The third vessel may be disposed vertically or horizontally on the boat. Thereafter, the paste may be transported to a fourth vessel for further transport or the third vessel may be moved from the boat to a truck for further transport. A frame, the size of a shipping container may enclose a vessel or the frame enclosed vessel may be coupled to other frame enclosed vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Snowdon