Abstract: There is provided shipping container handling systems and methods that maximize the number of containers that can be stored on a predetermined property, as well as increasing the efficiency of the transfer of containers between transshipment vehicles, such as cargo ships/barges, trucks, airline, rail systems and the like.

Abstract: An object handling system is described, the system having two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a grid above a workspace, the workspace having a plurality of stacked containers. The system includes a series of robotic load handling devices operating on the grid above the workspace, the load handling devices having a body mounted on wheels. The robotic devices can move around the grid under instruction from a computing device, the robotic devices being moved to a point on the grid above a stack of containers and then, using a lifting device, engage and lift a container from the stack. The container is then moved to a point where the objects in the container can be accessed. Modifications to the workspace and grid are described that allow vehicles and roll cages to be used to move stacks from the workspace to a point outside the workspace or from outside the workspace into the workspace.

Abstract: A system and method for handling shipping containers is described. The container handling system comprises a crane, the crane comprising crane load handling devices. The container handling system further comprises conveyance means, the conveyance means further comprising transversal load handling devices. The system further comprises storage and sortation means for storing the containers in a series of stacks disposed beneath a grid, the grid comprising a series of load handling devices operable thereon. The crane load handling device removes a container from a ship, transports it to transversal load handling means operable on a conveyor. The container is moved on the conveyor to a transfer point where it is collected by a robotic load handling device for transport to the storage and sortation area.

Abstract: An example operation may include one or more of: receiving, via an input/output interface, an encrypted RF signal from an RF identification device; decrypting, via a processing unit, the received encrypted RF signal to generate decrypted data; modifying, via the processing unit, the decrypted data to generate modified data; maintaining, via a memory, a cryptographic distributed ledger based on the decrypted data and the modified data; encrypting, via the processing unit, the modified data to generate encrypted data; updating, via the memory, the cryptographic distributed ledger based on the encrypted data; and transmitting, via the input/output interface, an updated encrypted RF signal, based on the encrypted data, to the RF identification device.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a crane and a plurality of blocks, where the crane is operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation (via stacking of the blocks) to store electrical energy as potential energy of the blocks, and then operable to move blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation (via unstacking of the blocks) to generate electricity based on the kinetic energy of the block when lowered (e.g., by gravity). The energy storage system can, for example, store electricity generated from solar power as potential energy in the stacked blocks during daytime hours when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the stacked blocks into electricity during nighttime hours when solar energy is not available, and deliver the converted electricity to the power grid.

Abstract: A system and method for handling shipping containers is described. The container handling system includes a crane, the crane having crane load handling devices. The container handling system includes a conveyance device, the conveyance device including transversal load handling devices. The system provides storage and sortation for storing the containers in a series of stacks disposed beneath a grid, the grid having a series of load handling devices operable thereon. The crane load handling device removes a container from a ship, transports it to transversal load handling device operable on a conveyor. The container is moved on the conveyor to a transfer point where it is collected by a robotic load handling device for transport to the storage and sortation area.

Abstract: An object handling system is described, the system having two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a grid above a workspace, the workspace having a plurality of stacked containers. The system includes a series of robotic load handling devices operating on the grid above the workspace, the load handling devices having a body mounted on wheels. The robotic devices can move around the grid under instruction from a computing device, the robotic devices being moved to a point on the grid above a stack of containers and then, using a lifting device, engage and lift a container from the stack. The container is then moved to a point where the objects in the container can be accessed. Modifications to the workspace and grid are described that allow vehicles and roll cages to be used to move stacks from the workspace to a point outside the workspace or from outside the workspace into the workspace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a container transfer installation (2, 102) for placing containers into and removing containers from or transferring containers (1) in high-rack or block storage arcs (3, 15) of a seaport or inland port within a container transfer installation (2, 102) having an integrated, fully automatic container transport system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for loading/unloading stackable cargo units (101) such as boxes (101) from a cargo space, such as a sea container (102). Such a device (100) comprises a movable arm (104) with a head (110), comprising an array with downwardly directed gripping bodies (e.g. suction cups (211)). According to the invention there is a second grip section (220) with which the cargo units (101) can be gripped at the sides thereof. Hereby also cargo units (101) of a top row can be unloaded quickly. The invention also relates to a method for the loading/unloading of a cargo space.

Abstract: A system for storing and picking storage units including a rack arrangement having a plurality of racks, a plurality of rack-bound vehicles adapted to travel in a rack aisle for storing and retrieving the storage units into and from the storage locations in a transversal direction, wherein a rack-integrated lifter includes a load-handling device for transferring storage units between a rack-integrated handing-over location and at least one rack-integrated buffer location arranged only vertically beneath, or only vertically above, the handing-over location and at a transferring device for exchanging storage units between a feeding/discharging conveyor and the handing-over location.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting drivers of Bomb Carts and Shuttle Carriers to position their vehicles appropriately for loading and unloading containers at a gantry crane. The system uses laser scanners mounted at various levels on the gantry crane sill beams to determine the type, position, orientation and skew angle of the vehicles as well as whether the vehicles are in a loaded or unloaded condition. In addition, the system provides indicator devices to direct drivers how to move their vehicles.

Abstract: This invention is a floating docking port that allows ships to dock within the port structure and be loaded, unloaded, and refueled, while converting the energy generated from wave motion into a usable source of power. The docking port isolates the vessels from waves and adverse sea currents, which allows for more effective cargo transfer. The docking port is extremely large and functions as a storage and distribution center for naval vessels. The loading and unloading of cargo and containers is accomplished by a container handling system that utilizes hoists, railed carriages, and cargo elevators to facilitate efficient loading and unloading of containers.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the automatic detection of load cycles of a machine for the transferring of loads, wherein the machine includes a lifting apparatus for the raising of the load and a transport apparatus for the horizontal movement of the load, comprising: a load change detection for the automatic detection of a load change at least on the basis of the output signals of a lifting force measurement apparatus, a load position detection which detects the position of the load in at least a horizontal direction and a load cycle detection for the automatic detection of a load cycle, wherein the load cycle detection takes place at least on the basis of the output signals of the load change detection and of the load position detection.

Abstract: Provided are a container terminal and a control method thereof that enhance a cargo handling efficiency by reducing a movement of a yard crane to a minimum possible extent. A first transfer area 44 is provided outside one end portion of a storage lane 20, and a transfer stand 50 is provided to the first transfer area 44. The transfer stand 50 transfers a container k between a circulating transport vehicle 31 and a shuttle vehicle 32. The shuttle vehicle 32 transports the container k between the transfer stand 50 and a yard crane 13 or 14 provided to the storage lane 20 by moving back and forth in a field adjacent to the storage lane 20.

Abstract: A multi-track handling and storage apparatus includes at least two main tracks, at least two cranes and an intelligent integrated logic system. The main tracks are arranged separately, and every two adjacent main tracks are connected by at least one switching track. Bottoms of the cranes are slidably disposed on the main tracks. The intelligent integrated logic system includes a command receiving unit, a database unit, an analyzing unit, a crane dispatching unit and a route selection unit which are integrated with each other. The above-mentioned main tracks, switching tracks and cranes are controlled by the units of the intelligent integrated logic system. The present invention further provides a multi-track handling and storage method.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically locating a container in a stowage location of a container ship for loading and unloading of the container ship in container terminals. The method includes the following steps: obtaining the position information of the container ship from container ship positioning units, obtaining the position information of the container from container positioning units when the container is in its stowage location, and determining the stowage location of the container in the container ship by first computing a relative position of the container in the container ship based on both the position information of the container ship and the position information of the container and then correlating the relative position with a stowage plan of the container ship.

Abstract: A port storage and distribution system for facilitating the transfer and/or storage of international shipping containers between container ships and ground transport carriers wherein an overhead grid guide track structure is provide that permits overhead transfer units to selectively engage and convey containers as required between the various ships, carriers and storage area without requiring multiple transfers of containers between different handling equipment. The system provides for container scanning and is either fully automated or partially manually controlled.

Abstract: The present invention is typically embodied to exert active control of two same-shipboard cranes performing joint lifting of a payload. Sensory signals indicative of ship motion, and of luff angle and hoist line length of both cranes, are transmitted to a computer. The sensory signals are processed by the computer using a ship motion cancellation algorithm, which solves for values of the respective luff angles and hoist line lengths of both cranes, such values achieving static equilibrium (e.g., zero motion horizontally, vertically, and rotationally in the same vertical geometric plane) of the suspended payload. Inverse kinematic control signals in accordance with the mathematical (e.g., minimum norm) solutions are transmitted by the computer to respective luff angle actuators and hoist line length actuators of both cranes so that the suspended payload tends toward steadiness. Inventive control thus acts on a continual basis to significantly reduce pendulation during the two-crane lifting operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include quayside cranes and yard cranes related by a low elevated transfer system and a ground transportation carrier system. The low elevated transfer system includes low elevated transfer subsystems having low elevated rails, the low elevates rails include low elevated crane rails and low elevated flat carrier rails, low elevated cranes are disposed on the low elevated crane rails and low elevated flat carriers are disposed on the low elevated flat carrier rail. The ground transportation carrier system includes ground transportation carrier rails and transportation carriers moving along the ground transportation carrier rails. Embodiments of the present invention transport the containers by rails and use municipal electric as the power supply. A three-dimensional low elevated transfer system and a ground transportation carrier system are provided to implement three-dimensional transportation of containers.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the position of a plurality of containers in a block, including at least one crane configured to move the containers is provided. A crane control unit (CCU) is provided in which the following steps are performed: identifying a selected container to be moved from a current position CP within a sub-section of said block to a new position NP within the sub-section; calculating a number of container moves required facilitating the move of the selected container in previous step; arranging the required number of container moves in a queue for each crane; and performing the container moves as arranged in the queue by controlling said at least one crane. Also provided is a computer program, a computer-readable medium encoded with the computer program, and a system for optimizing the position of a plurality of containers in a block.

Abstract: A system and process for improving container flow within a port facility, including improved equipment and software for controlling operation and flow of the equipment in the part facility. The system may include a port facility geographically arranged to separate land operations and water operations. Land operation's such as over-the-road missions and rail missions may use landside access areas positioned at one end of a yard including rows of container stacks. Water missions such as loading/discharging a vessel may use waterside access areas positioned at the opposite end of the yard. Automated cranes linked with a terminal operating system may pick/drop/shuffle containers and/or refrigerated containers (“reefers”) within the container stacks. Shuttle trucks may be used to pick/drop containers at quayside access points and the waterside access areas. The shuttle trucks may utilize shared wheelpaths. Software systems may be used to implement various principles of the disclosure.

Abstract: To provide a container inspection/cargo-handling system capable of efficiently inspecting import/export containers. In order to solve the aforesaid problem, a container inspection/cargo-handling system of the present invention includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV) 18 that travels in circulation in a quay area. Further, on a circulation travel line of the AGV 18, provided are a quay crane 16 loading/unloading a container 14 to/from the AGV 18, a radiation inspection device 20 inspecting a cargo in the container 14 loaded on the AGV 18, and a container transfer means 22 for transferring the container 14 between the AGV 18 and a manned transport vehicle (container transport vehicle) 24.

Abstract: A device for inserting and removing securing fittings for twist-lock containers includes a support plate for containers, which is provided with a pneumatically or hydraulically driven screwing mechanism with a slot gripper for each expected position of a securing fitting for the twist-lock container.

Abstract: A mobile cargo container handling buffer crane having a bridge crane mounted thereon for transferring cargo containers between a ship and land transportation with nonintrusive inspection apparatus located at an intermediate transfer position past which a container can be longitudinally translated on a shuttle and thereby non-intrusively inspected.

Abstract: A port storage and distribution system for facilitating the transfer and/or storage of international shipping containers between container ships and ground transport carriers wherein an overhead grid guide track structure is provide that permits overhead transfer units to selectively engage and convey containers as required between the various ships, carriers and storage area without requiring multiple transfers of containers between different handling equipment. The system provides for container scanning and is either fully automated or partially manually controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for automated handling, transferring and storing conventional cargo storage containers on a cargo ship wherein the containers are stored in a multi-tier cell system and are manipulated by powered transfer units which are selectively moveable along an intersecting overhead track system such that containers may be simultaneously retrieved from, moved or placed within any of the cells of the ship. The transfer units are equipped both with hoists, which control spreader beams which are selectively secured to the cargo containers, and guide stabilizers, which prevent undesirable movement of the cargo containers when they are elevated above the cell structures such that the containers may be manipulated even during rough sea conditions such that the system is essentially continuously operable as a floating supply distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an arrangement scheme of a container wharf, in which the containers positioned in the yard is arranged in a direction being perpendicular to the direction of the containers positioned in the ship, comprising: a quayside container crane for loading/unloading containers in the first direction; a low elevated system including low elevated track, low elevated system lifting trolley and low elevated system plane carriers, the low elevated system plane carrier can be operated by the low elevated system lifting trolley and the low elevated system can be operated by the quayside container crane; a transportation carriers system including transportation carrier track along the second direction and transportation carriers being able to rotate 90 degrees together with container put thereon, the transportation system can be operated by the low elevated system; a yard crane having a yard crane track along the second direction for loading/unloading the containers with the yard.

Abstract: A mobile cargo container handling buffer crane having a bridge crane mounted thereon for transferring cargo containers between a ship and land transportation with an intermediate transfer position at which a suspended container can be noninvasively inspected by a longitudinally reciprocating container traversing nonintrusive inspection apparatus.

Abstract: A buffer crane for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for facilitating simultaneous multiple cargo container handling by the quay crane.

Abstract: A plant (1;20) for transferring cargo (23) to and from a ship (24), said plant comprising an elevated rail structure (2) and a crane unit (3) where the elevated rail structure (2) is arranged on one side of the ship (24) and comprises a longitudinal rail (6) which extends essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship and where the crane unit is arranged to transfer a load or a group of loads to and from said ship, is supported by said longitudinal rail and is displaceable along said longitudinal rail. The crane unit furthermore comprises a boom (10) and a trolley (21) where the boom of said crane unit extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal rail such that one end of the boom extends over the ship; and where the boom of said crane unit comprises a transverse rail (13) which extends in a direction which is essentially transverse to the longitudinal rail and essentially parallel to the centre line of the boom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include quayside cranes and yard cranes related by a low elevated transfer system and a ground transportation carrier system. The low elevated transfer system includes low elevated transfer subsystems having low elevated rails, the low elevates rails include low elevated crane rails and low elevated flat carrier rails, low elevated cranes are disposed on the low elevated crane rails and low elevated flat carriers are disposed on the low elevated flat carrier rail. The ground transportation carrier system includes ground transportation carrier rails and transportation carriers moving along the ground transportation carrier rails. Embodiments of the present invention transport the containers by rails and use municipal electric as the power supply. A three-dimensional low elevated transfer system and a ground transportation carrier system are provided to implement three-dimensional transportation of containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a cargo space, such as a maritime container, which contains stackable cargo units. The apparatus comprises a frame which is provided with an active conveyor track having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the dimensions of at least a part of the frame with the conveyor track are such that it can be brought into the cargo space, the frame near the distal end is provided with a movable arm, wherein the movable arm is provided with a head for picking up at least one stackable cargo unit. According to the invention the head comprises an array with vertically directed suction cups, which array can be moved in the vertical direction for picking up at least one stackable cargo unit at its upper side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple trolley container crane having at least two trolley tracks (6, 7) disposed one on top of the other, on which trolleys (8) having running wheels, drive devices, and lifting devices move. Characterized in that running wheels (20) that can be laterally retracted and extended, and an integrated lifting system (21, 22, 24, 25, 26) are disposed on the trolleys (8) on the trolley tracks (6, 7), with which they support themselves on or next to the trolley tracks (6, 7) and thereby get from the lower to the upper trolley tracks (6, 7) and vice versa. The invention is suitable for fast loading and unloading of container ships, where several containers are supposed to be loaded and unloaded from them at the same time (Figure).

Abstract: An inter-box connector (IBC) installation and removal system for a freight container having four bottom corner fittings, with each corner fitting being capable of receiving an IBC. The system comprises an IBC handling device having at least one elongated magazine, wherein the magazine has an opening at least one end thereof and being adapted for receiving and supplying IBCs through said opening. The handling device also includes a transport mechanism adapted to move the magazine into IBC receiving and supplying positions such that in each of said positions the opening of the magazine is proximate to one of the respective corner fittings.

Abstract: A crane apparatus installed on a pier, wharf, bulkhead wharf or other foundation directly transships containers from a vessel moored alongside the foundation to another transportation mode without ground placement of the containers. The crane apparatus includes a parent crane displaceable along the foundation for unloading containers from the vessel and placing them on a first platform of the parent crane, and a sibling crane displaceable along the foundation independently of displacement of the parent crane for loading containers from the first platform directly onto over-the-ground vehicles or onto another vessel moored alongside the foundation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer plant, especially for loading and unloading ISO containers from container ships at seaports, comprising a vertical support which is propped up on the land side and on which a horizontal extension arm is braced. Said horizontal extension arm, along which a horizontal conveying device can be displaced, protrudes across the ship that is to be unloaded on the sea side. The horizontal conveying device cooperates with hoisting and lowering devices which pick up and put down the containers. The aim of the invention is to create a redesigned transfer plant and a method for loading and unloading containers, preferably ISO containers, from container ships in seaports, which allow the transfer rate to be significantly increased and consequently the lay times of the container ships at the pier to be substantially reduced. Said aim is achieved by disposing at least two horizontal conveying devices (9, 10) on the horizontal extension arm (1.4, 1.5, 1.

Abstract: This patent discloses embodiments of a crane system that provide for high-capacity failure proof operation. For example, an overheard crane system may include a trolley configured to translate between a first position and a second position. The crane system may further include a lift mechanism carried by the trolley or a support span portion of the trolley and be configured to releasably translate a chain between a support position and a lift position. The lift mechanism, in turn, could include a fixed latch configured to engage a first link of the chain, the fixed latch having an open position and a closed position, and a traveling latch movably aligned relative to the fixed latch and configured to engage a second link of the chain, the traveling latch having an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A crane apparatus is installed on a pier, wharf, bulkhead wharf or other foundation extending into the water for directly transshipping containers from a vessel moored alongside the foundation to another transportation mode without necessity of ground placement of the containers. The crane apparatus includes a parent crane displaceable along the foundation for unloading containers from a vessel moored alongside the foundation and placing the containers on a first platform of the parent crane, and a sibling crane displaceable along the foundation beneath the parent crane independently of displacement of the parent crane for loading containers from the first platform onto over-the-ground vehicles.

Abstract: A mobile loader is driven to a dockside location underlying the spreader bar of a marine terminal crane. A delivery vehicle such as a train or a truck is driven into the loader at such dockside location so that containers maybe transferred between the delivery vehicle and a platform located within the loader in lateral adjacency to the delivery vehicle. Motorized devices are provided for respectively transferring containers between the delivery vehicle and the platform, aligning the platform below the spreader bar, elevating the platform toward the overlying crane spreader bar to reduce its required descent for attachment to the container and aligning the crane spreader bar as it descends onto a container.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotary-type electric flat trolley for container transportation comprising a base frame; a set of wheels provided on both sides of the base frame; wheel driving means provided on each set of wheels for driving the set of wheels; a rotary platform mounted on the base frame via rotary supporting means; a rotary mechanism connected with the rotary supporting means; and rotary driving means for driving the rotary mechanism. Thus, the container transportation from the frontside to the backside is accomplished, and the turning of the 90 degrees between the arrangement direction of the containers on the ship and that on the yard is also accomplished, which greatly increases the speed of horizontal transportation between the bank-side crane and the yard crane in the container terminal, and solves the problem of 90 degrees rotation.

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.

Abstract: In one example, a radiation scanning system and method rotates a cargo conveyance after removal from a ship for proper orientation with respect to a scanning source and detector, for scanning. A movable carriage may be provided on a crane system, to rotate the cargo conveyance. A rotating flywheel on the carriage rotates in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the cargo conveyance, to counterbalance angular momentum generated by the rotating conveyance, to avoid or minimize twisting of the carriage. Feedback is provided to control the rotation of the flywheel. Once the cargo conveyance is in the predetermined position, the conveyance is moved between the radiation source and detector for scanning by a vertically extending radiation beam.

Abstract: A method for nonintrusive scanning of cargo containers quay side while the containers are being transferred between ship and land transportation utilizing a mobile cargo container handling buffer crane having a bridge crane mounted thereon for transferring cargo containers between a ship and land transportation with an intermediate transfer position whereby a suspended container can be noninvasively inspected by a longitudinally reciprocating container traversing radiation emitter apparatus.

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.

Abstract: A wheeled platform is positioned between the legs of a marine terminal crane for reception thereon and departure therefrom of a motor truck from which a container is transferred by the crane onto a dockside positioned ship. The container is supported by the platform on tables that are automatically positioned and maintained in operative alignment with the crane spreader bar through which the container is transferred to the crane boom in response to location indicating signals from a sensor grid on the platform.

Abstract: An empty container store for the temporary storage of empty ISO containers, in particular in fully automatic container terminals of sea ports or river ports includes a gantry bridge crane which spans the empty container store. The gantry bridge can be moved on an elevated craneway and has a traveling crab which can be moved thereon in the longitudinal direction thereof. A vertical lifting column is fastened to the traveling crab for lifting and lowering a load receiving means for the empty container. The load receiving means includes a spreader on a spreader support which is arranged on a spreader carriage which is guided on the lifting column by rollers on a spreader support.

Abstract: To increase the safety of a transfer assembly for hydrocarbon products, particularly liquefied natural gas from a production site to a transport vessel (8) (such as a shuttle tanker), the invention proposes to provide the production site with an outrigger structure (10) with at the distant end thereof a compacted length of a flexible product transfer hose (20).

Abstract: An operating method for container quay cranes used to load and unload container ships aided by a PC with a monitor in a crane driver's cabin. The crane driver operates a touchscreen on the monitor, thereby enabling the crane to reach its specified target in a fully or partially automatic manner. Several operating modes, including a training mode, are provided.

Abstract: A wheel supported conveyor having a central platform crane section disposed between opposite end crane sections is positioned in underlying relation to a container holding spreader of a dockside terminal crane for transfer of containers to and from the chassis of trucks moved into loading positions without obstruction along parallel spaced passage lanes formed in the end crane sections. Sections of a roller track are respectively associated with each of the conveyor crane sections for displacement of the containers laterally between a common track path and the truck passage lanes. Container spreaders are slidably mounted on the end crane sections effecting said lateral displacement of containers between the truck passage lanes and the common roller track path.