Abstract: A method for positioning a straddle carrier for containers and a container to be placed behind a container that has already been placed. The straddle carrier is moved by means of travel supports, travel drives, and a controller that interacts with same, and measurement signals from sensors arranged on the straddle carrier are processed by the controller in order to move and position the straddle carrier and the container to be placed.

Abstract: A straddle-type multimodal transportation interworking system at least comprises: a rail system (30), a cargo vehicle (140), a transfer apparatus (32) and a processor. The cargo vehicle (140) can be movably provided on a rail beam (170) of the rail system. The transfer apparatus (32) is used for transferring a goods loading device (33) from a transportation tool to the cargo vehicle (140) and loading the same onto the cargo vehicle or unloading the goods loading device (33) from the cargo vehicle (140) and conveying the same onto the transportation tool. The processor is connected to the cargo vehicle and the transfer apparatus.

Abstract: Method and system for transferring standard cargo holders, especially ISO containers and swap bodies, between railways and roads. The standard cargo holders are loaded onto driverless transport vehicles by means of handling equipment or are received by said transport vehicles, and the driverless transport vehicles transport the standard cargo holders between the handling equipment and a loading and unloading zone. Alternatively, a driving zone for driverless transport vehicles for transporting standard cargo holders to or from the handling equipment adjoins the handling equipment, and a loading and unloading zone for transporting standard cargo holders adjoins the driving zone.

Abstract: A transfer method (600) is disclosed. It includes: delivering (602) a container via a rail car on train rails to a terminal; assigning (604) a corridor as to where to deliver the container, the corridor including a plurality of pathways in proximity to a track side location, each pathway including a containment cavity configured to receive a first handoff of the container from a crane to a first pathway and provide a second handoff of the container from the first pathway to a hauler, the plurality of pathways being substantially adjacent, aligned and in parallel and being configured at an angle of about 15 degrees or more to the train rails; picking (606) with a crane the container from a rail car and placing the container in the containment cavity comprising the first handoff in the corridor; and handing-off the container in the containment cavity of a pathway to a hauler comprising the second handoff, for facilitating transporting the container from the terminal to a desired remote destination via a hauler.

Abstract: A rail-car unloading apparatus and method for the same configured to move over a surface. The rail-car unloading apparatus comprises a frame structure, having opposite first and second sides, hydraulic arms and hydraulic legs. The hydraulic arms are coupled to the frame structure with at least two of the hydraulic arms extendable from the first side of the frame structure and at least two of the hydraulic arms extendable from the second side of the frame structure. The hydraulic legs are coupled to the hydraulic arms and configured to extend transverse from the arm portions. The hydraulic legs are operable to move the frame structure between a non-elevated position and an elevated position. With this arrangement, the hydraulic arms are configured to move the frame structure laterally toward the hydraulic legs disposed on one of the first side and second side of the frame structure while the frame structure is in the elevated position.

Abstract: An exemplary method for using a mobile plating system is provided that includes locating the mobile plating system at a desired location for plating, positioning an external vacuum pump from an interior position of a mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system to an exterior position, and coupling the external vacuum pump to a vacuum chamber within the mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system using a flexible piping segment, rigid coupling with a dampening effect, or other arrangement operable to reduce and/or eliminate the mechanical vibrations within the vacuum chamber due to the operation of the external vacuum pump.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary method for using a mobile plating system is provided that includes locating the mobile plating system at a desired location for plating, positioning an external vacuum pump from an interior position of a mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system to an exterior position, and coupling the external vacuum pump to a vacuum chamber within the mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system using a flexible piping segment, rigid coupling with a dampening effect, or other arrangement operable to reduce and/or eliminate the mechanical vibrations within the vacuum chamber due to the operation of the external vacuum pump.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system is provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating as substrate. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control circuitry to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile plating system and method are provided for performing a plating process using virtually any known or available deposition technology for coating or plating. The mobile plating system may include a vacuum chamber positioned in a mobile storage volume, an external vacuum pump, and a control module to control the operation of some or all of the operations of the external vacuum pump. The external vacuum pump is positioned in the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is in transit, and is positioned external to the mobile storage volume when the mobile plating system is stationary and in operation. The external vacuum pump may be mounted on a skid, and, in operation, the external vacuum pump couples with the vacuum chamber to assist with producing a desired pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A device has lift arms (42) with links (46,46D) connected to ends of a loadspreader (40) or the links (46,46D) are swivelly connected to the lift arms (42) and aligned to hook special containers (20D). The lift arms (42) are pivotally connected to a hub (44,44B) to swing vertically. Each hub is mounted to rotate on a vertical support shaft (38) central between the ends of the loadspreader (40) or hooking and lifting links (46,46D) for each end of a load. A hydraulic cylinder (48) or ropes (168) connects each lift arm to its hub to lift and lower the arms (42) together to lift and lower the loadspreader (40) substantially level or oppositely to end dump special containers. The hubs (44,44B) can be rotated relatively horizontally to move the loadspreader (40) sidewise parallel and/or turn it to align a load.

Abstract: A high density narrow-profile storage system, comprising the steps of: unloading a container from a train car; storing the container in a storage yard substantially adjacent and parallel to a track; loading the container on a buffer in proximity to the storage yard; lowering the container on a chassis of a tractor trailer; and transporting the container away from the buffer. The system can include: a crane; a narrow-profile storage yard substantially adjacent and parallel to a train track; a buffer adapted to receive and raise or lower a container from or onto a chassis of a tractor trailer; and a tractor for transporting the container to or from the buffer.

Abstract: A lifting device constructed as a frame or gantry vehicle which is supported on four movable vertical supports. The gantry vehicle further comprises a crane trolley which is horizontally movable along a frame on a plurality of rails. Two vertically arranged lifting cylinders are rigidly fastened at the trolley in a plane parallel to the vertical longitudinal center planes of the load carrying means and trolley trolley such that at least their synchronously telescoping piston rods project into the space below the trolley and support a load carrying arrangement at their free ends.

Abstract: Freight is transferred between a car of a train riding on rails extending in a travel direction and a stationary street vehicle while the train is moving slowly in the travel direction by displacing a grab into a position above the rails, identifying the piece of freight and moving the grab in the travel direction synchronously with the train above the piece of freight on the train, and then engaging the grab with the piece of freight while the grab moves synchronously with the train. The piece of freight is then lifted with the grab off the train and the grab are displaced in a transfer direction transverse to the travel direction while the grab moves synchronously with the train until the piece of freight is clear of the train. Movement of the grab in the travel direction is then arrested and the grab and the piece of freight are moved in the transverse transfer direction and the piece of freight is deposited on a stationary support. The piece of freight is then moved from the support to the street vehicle.

Abstract: For the transloading of loaded goods units (82), such as containers, interchangeable containers, semi-trailers or the like by means of transloading lifting gear (18) from or onto a slowly travelling train (6) formed by container cars (48), there is initially associated with each container car (48) to be unloaded and/or loaded a reference-point (R) the position of which, is continuously measured in relation to a fixed measuring section (40). Subsequently there is measured, in relation to the fixed measuring section (40)in the case of a unit (82) to be unloaded, the position, of at least one load attack point (81 ), andin the case of a unit (82) to be loaded, the position of locating elements (93) of the container car (48).

Abstract: The present invention provides a nestable intermodal container for hauling materials. In one embodiment, this container includes a bottom wall; a plurality of sidewalls sloped generally outwardly from the bottom wall, the sidewalls and bottom wall defining an interior of the container, and the sidewalls having an upper perimeter defining an opening that is larger that the bottom wall; lifting members attached to at least two opposing sidewalls, each of the lifting members being adapted to engage a crane and a vertical wall of a rail car. The bottom wall, sidewalls and lifting members are desirably configured so that the container may be substantially received in another substantially similar container. In a method of the invention, a number of such containers can be used. These containers are filled at a collection site, transported to a processing site located remotely from the collection site for at least a distance on the back haul leg of a rail route and emptied at the processing site.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent rail car tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one rail car on a first of the rail car tracks and placing the load on another rail car on a second of the rail car tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected rail cars.

Abstract: A method for sequentially exchanging selected consecutive groups of old ties for groups of new ties while retaining groups of old ties between the selected old ties in a railroad track consisting of two rails fastened to the ties supported on ballast, which method comprises advancing at least one elongated bridge-like work vehicle along the track, sequentially operating a succession of different individual devices mounted on the advancing work vehicle to remove rail fastening elements whereby the selected ties are detached from the rails, to remove tie plates positioned between the detached ties and the rails, to withdraw the detached ties laterally from the track, to scarify the ballast where the detached ties have been withdrawn whereby shaped recesses are formed in the ballast under the rails, to insert new ties in the shaped recesses, to place new tie plates between the new ties and the rails, to tamp ballast under the new ties, and to fasten the rails to the new ties.

Abstract: A materials handling system primarily for use in tunneling operations for transporting extracted material from a tunnel is disclosed comprising an overhead track from which are suspended an elongated conveyor and a train of mine cars or other transport units. The conveyor conveys materials from a loading zone to a discharge zone. The suspension arrangement for the conveyor and the train of mine cars is such that one mine car can be positioned at a materials receiving station beneath the conveyor for receiving materials discharging therefrom at the discharge zone while the remaining mine cars wait at a queuing station beneath the conveyor for movement in turn to the materials receiving station.

Abstract: A train of railroad cars for receiving, transporting and discharging bulk material, comprising a succession of cars coupled together for movement along a track in an operating direction, each one of the cars having a frame and a last one of the cars in the operating direction constituting a loading station for the bulk material. A plurality of transport containers for the bulk material is arranged on the car frames, a continuous track extends on the frames of the succession of cars along the train in said direction laterally of the containers, and a mobile gantry crane is mounted on the track for movement therealong to the loading station. A first elongated conveyor for respective ones of the containers is mounted on the last car between the track.

Abstract: A load handling apparatus includes a vehicle, a pair of mounting frames each hingedly mounting a pedestal for movement from an inoperative position, in which the pedestals are folded down horizontally about hinges so as to lie lengthwise of the vehicle, to an operative upright position. Each pedestal mounts a respective transverse foldable track which in use extends horizontally and on which a respective carriage is movable. Each carriage mounts a vertical telescopic mast with a head and chains, such that telescopic operation of the masts raises or lowers top lift beams for handling a load. The apparatus includes laterally movable jacks for use as stabilizers. In the inoperative position with the pedestals, tracks and masts folded down horizontally and lengthwise, the vehicle is of compact height and width.

Abstract: An arrangement for assembling and conveying a number of elongated cylindrical loads such as aerial bombs, the loads being collectively supported in a carrier, includes an elongated single load supply track for delivering single ones of the loads to a collecting location. A positioning device at the collecting location arranges three of the loads from the supply track in a triangular configuration so that the axes of the single loads extend parallel to one another. The positioning device includes first and second load stands each arranged to support a different one of the single loads at the same level as the single loads on the supply track. A third load stand between the first and second load stands supports a third single load, and a mechanism associated with the third load stand lowers the third load from the level of the supply track to a certain level below that of the loads supported on the first and second stands.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating transport vehicles movable along a track carried by a train of railroad cars to and from a transfer station for loading the vehicles comprises a signalling arrangement including an emitter of perceptible stop-and go-signals for a respective transport vehicle. The signal emitter is positioned at the transfer station within the range of perception of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: Assembled track sections are replaced with a mobile apparatus moving along the track and having an elongated overhead girder extending above a transport vehicle or vehicles and projecting beyond an end thereof. A guide track extends in a transport plane along the girder and a trolley is mounted on the guide track for movement therealong, the trolley including a vertically adjustable hoist for lifting and lowering a respective track section and for conveying it along the guide track in the transport plane. Gantry supports for the girder project laterally beyond the longitudinally extending sides of the vehicle(s) for leaving therebetween a transverse space for permitting the passage of an assembled track switch section therethrough, the gantry supports including supports mounting the girder on the vehicle(s) and vertically adjustably supporting the projecting part of the girder on the ballast bed.

Abstract: A track renewal train of a plurality of track-bound freight cars storing ties removed from an old track section and ties to be laid for a new track section comprises a work car whose front frame end is pivotally supported on a last freight car. Elongated conveyors are mounted on the work car for conveying the old ties from a tie removing device and the new ties to a tie laying device. A tie transfer vehicle has front and rear gantry undercarriages, the front gantry undercarriage being movable only on the last freight car and the rear gantry undercarriage being movable only on the work car. The tie transfer vehicle includes two tie gripping devices arranged successively in the working direction of the train for simultaneously receiving the old ties and delivering the new ties while the ties are positioned transversely to the old track section.

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.