Abstract: An intermodal terminal control system determines characteristics of cargo containers scheduled for receipt into and/or travel out of an intermodal terminal connected with both rail routes and automobile routes, determines characteristics of cargo handling equipment within the intermodal terminal, determines characteristics of rail vehicles scheduled for one or more of entry into or travel out of the intermodal terminal, and determines characteristics of automobile vehicles scheduled for entry into or travel out of the intermodal terminal. The system also determines constraints on cargo handling operations and a plan for the cargo handling equipment to transfer the cargo containers between the different modes of transportation within the intermodal terminal. The plan designates a sequence of operations to be performed in moving the cargo containers with the cargo handling equipment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle frame for a mobile crane having a frame, in particular having a middle frame part that extends in the longitudinal vehicle direction, and having at least one sliding beam box for a support apparatus that is releasably bolted to a front-face rear end of the frame, wherein the bolting between the frame and the sliding beam box comprises at least two pins extending in the longitudinal vehicle direction and at least two pins extending transversely to the vehicle direction.

Abstract: An article transport assembly includes a lift cart and one or more carriers. The lift cart includes a main body and a table disposed on the main body. The carriers are disposed on a surface of the table. Each carrier is configured to support an article and includes a panel and at least two wheels attached to an underside of the panel. The carriers are operable to move along a surface of the table.

Abstract: A rail transport system comprising at least two runners having a shaped profile, a transport rail, and a transport carriage, the runners with a shaped profile being extended over a staircase or over a flat section and the transport carriage being moved along the transport rail. The transport carriage is provided with at least one electric motor. The runners having a shaped profile and the transport rail are stored in the transport carriage. A method for constructing a rail transport system and for transporting at least one container for loading or unloading the galley of an airplane, and a system for simultaneously loading and/or unloading the galley of an airplane.

Abstract: An automatic truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including boxes, within a detection space, and dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: A combination skid for supporting a plurality of skid-supported loads comprises a base having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of docking stations, each to receive a skid-supported load along a loading directional axis. The loading directional axis of the plurality of docking stations is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base. In a system aspect, a system for supporting one or more loads is provided. The system comprises a base having a longitudinal axis, at least one skid for supporting the one or more loads and at least one docking station to receive the at least one skid along a loading directional axis. The each of the loading directional axis is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base.

Abstract: A handling system for ISO containers having a gantry crane and a loading and unloading area, in which transport vehicles can be driven in and out. The crane comprises a first traveling crane having a first crane boom on which a first crane trolley having a first toad receiving means can travel between a section on the water side and a section on the land side of the first crane boom, and a second traveling crane having a second crane boom disposed below the section on the land side of the first crane boom, on which a second crane trolley having a second load receiving means can travel, wherein containers can be transferred between the first and second traveling cranes. A passive transfer station is disposed on the second crane boom and the container can be transferred between the transfer station and a transport vehicle located in a loading and unloading area.

Abstract: A grain moving system providing for single point unloading of harvesters to a grain cart. There are a plurality of harvesting machines including a first harvesting machine and a second harvesting machine. The first harvesting machine being configured to deliver grain to the grain cart. The first harvesting machine receiving grain from the second harvesting machine. The first harvesting machine being configured for the coordination of grain transfer.

Abstract: A technique is provided to limit the number of vehicles required during a well project involving a plurality of well construction related procedures. The technique utilizes a modular unit, e.g. a vehicle, and a plurality of modules that may be interchanged on the modular unit according to the scheduled well procedure. A separate crane unit can be used to move the modules to and from the vehicle as required for specific phases of well construction.

Abstract: A system and method for automated trailer loading that utilizes an automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path and is stacked as product columns which are presented to an industrial robot which places the product columns within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly, which provides for forward and reverse movement as well as traverse movement between so that product may be loaded within multiple trailers without interruption.

Abstract: A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.

Abstract: A delivery rack system for transporting a dolly. The delivery rack system includes a frame disposed on a plurality of wheels. The frame includes a side rail and first and second transverse rails disposed proximate the side rail. The side rail, the first transverse rail, and second transverse rail cooperate to define a compartment adapted to receive the dolly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inline terminal, hub and distribution system (200). It comprises the steps of; transporting (202) a first container with a cargo via an inbound railroad car to a terminal having a plurality of train rails; carrying (204) the first container from the railroad car to a track side location in proximity to the plurality of train rails; moving (206) the first container via a tractor truck to an inbound dock of a distribution warehouse; emptying (208) at least some of the cargo in proximity to the inbound dock in the distribution warehouse for sorting; loading (210) a second container located at an outbound dock of the distribution warehouse; trucking (212) the second container from the outbound dock via the first or a second tractor trailer to a desired location.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing, packing, and transporting a plurality of computers, including the steps of assembling a plurality of computers, providing a rack adapted to support the computers, and positioning the computers onto the rack. The method continues by loading the rack onto a transport vehicle at a first location (e.g., at the manufacturing facility), moving the loaded transport vehicle to a second location (e.g., at the buyer's facility), unloading the rack from the transport vehicle, and removing the computers from the rack. The providing step can include the step of placing a shock-absorbing pad on the rack, and the positioning step can comprise positioning the computers onto the shock-absorbing pad. In addition, a shock-absorbing pad can be positioned above and on the sides of the plurality of computers.

Abstract: A method, and system, for refuse removal from a collection site. The method comprises transporting multiple containers in an inverted stack to the collection site. Engaging a first container of the multiple containers with a rotating fork lift truck. Lifting the first container from the inverted stack with the rotating fork lift truck. Rotating the first container with the rotating fork lift truck.

Abstract: A conveyor conveys palletized articles to a loading dock. A bogie movable along rails between different loading docks, supports an independently movable carriage, which may roll out of the bogie once the latter reaches a desired loading dock. The carriage then loads with a forklift provided on the carriage, the articles from the conveyor into a semi-trailer located at the loading dock. The carriage is provided with a linkage pivotally installed on its main frame, the linkage carrying four lateral guide wheels which protrude laterally beyond all other structural elements of the carriage. The linkage integrally links the guide wheels into a common pivotal displacement, with the guide wheels remaining symmetrically disposed relative to the carriage frame. A hydraulic piston biases the guide wheels towards an outer limit position at all times, and the guide wheels are forcibly pivotable, against the bias of the piston, towards an inner limit position.

Abstract: In a transshipment system for combined transport, a drop-bed freight car, with a frame mounted on bogies and at least one onboard or stationary mounting which can be moved transverse to the longitudinal axis of the freight car, is used for a transporting unit. The mounting moves under the transporting unit, for example a semitrailer, brings it onto the freight car and lower it down there.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing, packing, and transporting a plurality of computers, including the steps of assembling a plurality of computers, providing a rack adapted to support the computers, and positioning the computers onto the rack. The method continues by loading the rack onto a transport vehicle at a first location (e.g., at the manufacturing facility), moving the loaded transport vehicle to a second location (e.g., at the buyer's facility), unloading the rack from the transport vehicle, and removing the computers from the rack. The providing step can include the step of placing a shock-absorbing pad on the rack, and the positioning step can comprise positioning the computers onto the shock-absorbing pad. In addition, a shock-absorbing pad can be positioned above and on the sides of the plurality of computers.

Abstract: A railway maintenance vehicle exchanges worn crossties for new ones. Worn ties are collected and stored in open-top gondola cars, preferably progressing longitudinally. New ties are simultaneously unloaded from the gondola cars for distribution along the-track. Flange-wheeled tie transport vehicles such as a mobile crane and a bundle clasping transport travel on rails atop the gondola cars to move worn and new ties between collection and distribution devices and the respective storage and unloading locations. Gaps between the cars are bridged by hinged telescoping rail sections. The travel distance between the storage or unloading location and the collection or distribution points change over time. To improve efficiency, at least one intermediate temporary storage basket is moved along the cars and can be passed over by the transport vehicles.

Abstract: This is a top-lifting rotary loader and system for cargo containers and is especially suited for loading and unloading double-stacking container well cars and single level railway cars, semitrailers, etc. This loader has a vertical pivot post about which turns a parallelogram linkage connecting a mast vertically supported on one or more wheels to revolve about the post and a second parallelogram linkage extending from the mast out to support a depending parallelepiped linkage frame pivotally supporting a loadspreader having depending aligning columns adjustable to align transversely both a railway and a highway vehicle, and cylinder or cam track means for lifting or lowering the the second parallelogram linkage arms to transfer a load. The loader can be automated to various degrees with cam tracks.

Abstract: A vehicle seat transporter cart device for facilitating the removal of a rear vehicle seat from a typical van or utility/sport-type vehicle and transporting the same to a desired storage location including a base member having a plurality of wheel members associated therewith for readily moving the overall cart device from one location to another, an upright support structure removably attachable to the base member, a platform member removably attachable to the upright support member for receiving and holding the vehicle seat thereon, the height of the platform member being adjustable relative to the base member so as to be compatible with the height of the rear bed area of the particular vehicle in question, and an additional support mechanism for supporting the platform member in a substantially horizontal position above the base member when a vehicle seat is positioned thereon, the additional support mechanism preferably comprising the standard vehicle jack which accompanies the particular vehicle in quest

Abstract: A wheeled utility cart includes a rigid rectangular basket component formed of molded plastic or a wire basket weave configuration. The wheels are relatively large, to permit use of the cart on rough, soft, and/or uneven surfaces, unlike the conventional small diameter casters provided on shopping carts. The wheels support the cart at a convenient height and the front and rear wheels are independently and automatically retractable, to permit the cart to be inserted into the back of a motor vehicle, such as a van, station wagon, or sport utility vehicle having a back door or gate. Lockable brakes are also provided for at least the rear wheels, to prevent the cart from rolling on a slope. The brake operation is by means of a high mounted lever, to preclude operation or disengagement by small children. A track is provided beneath the cart, which engages a mating track installed in the rear floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: An extensible arm is located in the bed of a truck or a trailer and is selectively operable to assist in the stacking or unstacking and unloading of a stacked palletized load from the elevated bed to the ground level using a load lift on the truck or trailer and a pallet jack. The stacked load is moved from the bed onto the load lift with a pallet jack or other load transporter, and the load lift is lowered to a position where the extensible arm can be extended below the pallet of an upper load portion of the stacked load. After the arm is extended, the load lift is lowered to the ground leaving the upper load portion on the extended arm and moving the lower load portion of the stacked load to the ground, thereby unstacking the load. Thereafter, the lift is raised to engage the upper load portion, the arm is retracted, and the lift is lowered to lower the upper load portion to the ground.

Abstract: A collapsible utility cart apparatus (10) including a basket device (11) having a generally vertical first side wall second side wall (13, 13'), and spaced-apart support wheels (14, 15 and 14', 15') rotatably mounted to a bottom wall (12) of the basket device (10). A first and a second frame member (16, 16') are mounted to a respective side wall (13, 13') of the basket device (11) for pivotal movement of the frame members (16, 16') in a respective plane substantially parallel to and adjacent the side walls (13, 13') between a deployed position and a stored position. In the deployed position, the basket device (11) is vertically supported by the frame members (16, 16') to position the bottom wall (12) and the support wheels (14, 15 and 14', 15') off the ground a predetermined height. In the stored position, the respective frame members (16, 16') are positioned substantially adjacent the side walls (13, 13'), respectively, for storage.

Abstract: A rotatable printing machine includes a horizontal exchangeable cylinder which is held between two sidewalls of a machine frame by a holding and driving arrangement which enables disengagement. To remove the cylinder, a carriage arrangement is positioned in the frame and can include a movable trolley for receiving the cylinder and sliding it in a horizontal plane onto a hand cart. One embodiment includes a movable table for raising and lowering the cylinder from the path of the trolley to the operating position. Another embodiment positions rails for the trolley immediately underneath the operating position of the cylinder and includes an arrangement for raising and lowering supports for the cylinder relative to the cylinder. A third embodiment includes a fixed track mounted immediately adjacent the cylinder and utilizing position adjustment means for the drives of the cylinder to lower the cylinder onto the track.

Abstract: A system for handling iron and steel products, such as, in particular, slabs, blooms, billets and similar products, which have intersecting translation movements. These include apparatus for gripping, handling and transporting iron and steel products and adapted for being driven in a translation movement along a running path, and a transfer carriage on which the apparatus for gripping and carrying a product is positioned. The transfer carriage is capable of being displaced along a running path, according to a translation movement perpendicular to the translation movement of the gripping apparatus in order to bring the product to any desired location.

Abstract: A self propelled steerable vehicle for transporting a wheelchair bound passenger between two separate locations, such as between a terminal and an aircraft parked on a ramp, includes a lift assembly mounted on said vehicle for movement from a lowermost position to an operator selectable upper position. The vehicle is provided with an operator's compartment containing steering, braking, motive and lift assembly controls. An internal combustion engine powers a hydraulic system for both moving the vehicle and powering the lift assembly. A passenger's compartment carried by said lift assembly is provided with a pair of ramps which are movable from a loading position to a traveling position. In the loading position, hand rails are automatically extended. Gas cylinders between the hand rails and the ramp assist the operator is raising the ramps. In the traveling position, the ramps act as gates for the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An access and support apparatus for loading and unloading gondola railroad cars using a crane-type crawler, which system includes a trailer-mounted ramp for disposition in close proximity to a gondola railroad car and multiple pallets adapted for spanning the top width of the gondola railroad car and supporting the crane-type crawler. The crane-type crawler is unloaded from the trailer and traverses the ramp to the pallets. In a first preferred embodiment the pallets are characterized by fixed pallets having no adjustable feature. In a second preferred embodiment the pallets are adjustable to accommodate a characteristic bulge in the center of the gondola railroad cars for a higher degree of safety. The pallets are typically sequentially moved from the rear to the front of the crane-type crawler as the crawler loads or unloads the gondola railroad cars and traverses the length of the cars.

Abstract: A stanchion is provided with a latch system which is operable from the tractor which positions the trailers such that a gate on the tractor locks and unlocks the latch to appropriately reposition the stanchion during the position of the trailer. The tractor also includes a hook which engages the stand to raise the stand during loading of the trailer from its lowered to its raised position to engage and secure the tractor and also to reposition the unlocked stand during unloading of the trailer.

Abstract: Heavy articles such as metal coils are transferred to and from storage locations in a storage area by a system of tracks and carriages including non-powered carriages which transport the articles directly and self-propelled carriages which move perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the non-powered carriages. The non-powered carriages are moved off and onto the self-propelled carriages by feeders carried by the self-propelled carriages. In one form of the invention, the above-mentioned self-propelled carriages are transferred to and from tracks in a parallel track array by an additional self-propelled carriage movable along a track extending perpendicular to the tracks of the parallel track array.

Abstract: Load-lifting apparatus includes a pair of elements moveable on air bearings laterally toward and away from one another. Each element carries an inflatable bladder for lifting a load. A rack is also provided for receiving various loads, for example, automotive vehicles. The elements have cutouts at longitudinally spaced positions such that, upon disposition of the elements below the rack, the elements can be moved laterally away from one another with the cutouts registering with the wheel wells. The bladders may be inflated to lift the rack and load carried thereby for movement into a container. The process may be reversed to remove the rack and load from the container.

Abstract: The apparatus, for an aircraft comprising a platform provided with balls for receiving loads in the region of a lateral door, comprises a foldable rolling track (1), a device (6) for shifting the rolling track transversely of the luggage compartment, in synchronism with the opening of the door (5), from a first folded storage position (32) in the luggage compartment in the region of the door to a second folded position (32') entirely outside the aircraft in which it is articulated by one end to the threshold of the door (5), and vice versa, guide devices (18) which are carried by the platform (12) and in which the rolling track is guidedly mounted, devices (9, 10, 34) for lowering and raising the rolling track (1) in the second position (32'), and a pulling device (39, 40) connected to the platform (12).

Abstract: In a storage facility for heavy coils or the like, coils are transported to and from stationary rests by a first carriage which include a hydraulic lift. The first carriage is carried by a second carriage which moves perpendicularly to the path of the first carriage and which has its own heavy article-supporting rest. Transfer of heavy articles from rest to rest takes place by operation of the hydraulic lift in conjunction with lateral movement of the first carriage. The second carriage is self-propelled, and also carries a hydraulic pump unit for powering the lift through a flexible coupling which allows limited movement of the first carriage away from the second carriage. A third carriage, which is self-propelled and movable perpendicularly to the path of the second carriage, receives the second carriage to carry the second carriage, with a first carriage on it, to and away from the storage facility. The second and third carriages are movable independently of each other.

Abstract: A system for loading and transporting wheeled vehicles on a transporting vehicle, such as a ship or rail car, comprises supporting a plurality of wheeled vehicles on each of a plurality of frames in vertically-spaced relation to each other and then inserting the respective frames and their supported vehicles matingly into respective enclosures. The enclosures, with their frames and vehicles inside, are loaded onto the transporting vehicle by compactly stacking the enclosures one atop the other in weather-exposed positions, the enclosures nevertheless serving to protect the vehicles from external hazards.

Abstract: As automated loading/unloading system is shown, which uses a lift truck 10 for loading and unloading cargos and adpated to travel between a container 90 and a coneyor 50, a rotatably disposed turntable 60 for rotation about a vertical axis, the turntable being rotated when the lift truck 10 is on top thereof so as to turn the lift truck to face the container 90 or conveyor 50. A transport passage 80 installed between the turntable 60 and container 90 to permit the lift truck 10 to reach the container 90. An external power unit 100 is employed for controlling the lift truck and the turntable 60. Guide rails 70 and 81 are provided to extend along the turntable 60 and the transport passage 80 along one edge. The lift truck 10 is designed so as to urge its body to one side in its movement so that the movement of the lift truck is guided by the rails 70 and 81 and the inside wall of the container on the same side of the rails.

Abstract: A loader includes a sleeve support which will carry in a raised position a lightweight open-centered sleeve, of the type which is capable of holding a plurality of automobiles. An automobile support, capable of carrying the automobiles which will comprise one level when loaded into the sleeve, is located below the sleeve. A lifting device moves the sleeve support and the automobile support together to insert the automobiles into the sleeve from its bottom. Latching mechanisms which attach the automobiles to the sleeve are movable between loading positions, where the automobiles can be inserted past them, and latching positions where they will engage the automobiles' tires. The loader is capable of removing the sleeves from cargo containers for loading and/or unloading and then placing them back into the containers when this procedure is completed. The apparatus also is capable of folding the sleeves to their collapsed position and of expanding them to their erected position.

Abstract: A system for transporting cargo between a storage area and a cargo carrier. The system includes a bridge (13) and boom (15) spanning between the storage area and the cargo carrier. A first elevator (14) is located at one end of the bridge (13) proximate to the storage area. A second elevator (16) is located at the distal end of the boom (15) positionable relative to the cargo carrier. Trackways (20, 21, 22 and 23) along the bridge (13) and boom (15) interconnect the first and second elevators (14 and 16). Independent cars (24) are provided to carry the cargo. Each car (24) is movable on the first and second elevators (14 and 15) and further along the trackways (20, 21, 22 and 23).

Abstract: Load-lifting apparatus includes a pair of elements moveable on air bearings laterally toward and away from one another. Each element carries an inflatable bladder for lifting a load. A rack is also provided for receiving various loads, for example, automotive vehicles. The elements have cutouts at longitudinally spaced positions such that, upon disposition of the elements below the rack, the elements can be moved laterally away from one another with the cutouts registering with the wheel wells. The bladders may be inflated to lift the rack and load carried thereby for movement into a container. The process may be reversed to remove the rack and load from the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loading motor vehicles into a standard cargo-carrying enclosure, such as a container or van, for transport therein. The vehicles are loaded onto a frame exterior of the enclosure so as to be supported thereby in multiple columns of vertically-spaced vehicles in end-to-end relation to one another. Thereafter the frame and vertically-spaced vehicles are inserted in unison matingly into the cargo-carrying enclosure for transport to a destination where the frame and vehicles are withdrawn from the enclosure for unloading purposes. Positioning of the vehicles on the frame prior to insertion into the container is accomplished by a powered gantry which successively detachably engages each of a plurality of different vehicle-support assemblies and lifts them and their associated vehicles separately relative to the frame into elevated positions where the support assemblies are retained against downward movement by locking to the frame.

Abstract: Freight is shipped from a production center to a railhead by loading the freight at the production center onto railroad boxcars which are water-borne, i.e. carried by railroad barges or railroad ferries. The track-carrying vessel which carries the boxcars is provided with a loading platform onto which forklift trucks carrying palletized freight can drive from a dockside warehouse facility and from which the forklift trucks can move via removable runways into boxcars arranged in multiple rows.

Abstract: A carton supporting platform mounted on a vehicle for rotative movement about a vertically extending axis. Rigid side walls are provided on two opposite sides of the platform and are movable between an upright position and an outwardly diverging retracted position. In the upright position the side walls retain parallelepiped produce cartons placed on the platform in a unitized entity during transportation of the same. In order to unload the unitized entity from the carton supporting platform without adversely affecting the integrity of the unitized entity, the platform is pivoted 90.degree. to permit access by a fork lift truck from the side of the vehicle and the side walls are pivoted outward to release the unitized entity. Mechanism for locking the rotative position of the platform and for moving the side walls is provided. Also provided is a method for effecting formation of the unitized entity and for transporting the same without adversely affecting the integrity of the unitized entity.

Abstract: In an apparatus for automatically handling stacks of bags, initially the bags are formed into stacks, each stack is moved onto and along a conveying track and then unloaded from the track to a loading surface. The support surface on the conveying track for the stacks of bags has a number of recesses into which a prong-shaped support member can be inserted for lifting a stack from the track without using a pallet. The prong-shaped support member includes a stripping plate so that by moving the support member transversely of the plate, the stack on the support member can be displaced onto a loading surface. A carriage movable over the conveying track provides the support surface of the stack of bags. The conveying track includes upper rails for moving the carriage from the stack-forming end to the unloading end and lower rails for returning the carriage to the stack-forming end.