Abstract: A sequencing system and a robotic storage and picking system include a plurality of containers disposed in stacks beneath a grid having a first set of tracks and second set of tracks, the first and second sets of tracks being disposed substantially perpendicular to each other. Plural load handling devices are operable on the grid, the load handling devices lifting and depositing containers from and to the stacks. The load handling devices can deposit containers on to conveyor belts into predetermined positions, the positions being fillable in any random order and multiple positions being fillable at any one time.

Abstract: Described herein is a hoisting block for a crane. The hoisting block includes an engaging element such as a load hook, to which a lifting tool such as a sling or a hoisting frame can be coupled. The hoisting block is provided with winches, outgoing winch cables of which are configured to carry the lifting tool to the engaging element and couple it to the engaging element. Also described herein is a crane provided with the hoisting block. The hoisting block can be applied for carrying a lifting tool to an engaging element and coupling it to the load-bearing means, or for stabilizing an engaging element relative to a support structure.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for manipulating and securing containers. In one example, a method includes attaching a tool to a first corner fitting of a first container and a second corner fitting of a second container; applying a torque to the rotatable pinion in order to cause the first corner fitting to engage the second corner fitting; and removing the tool from the first corner fitting and the second corner fitting.

Abstract: An augmented reality based tidal current display device for superimposing tidal current information on an image displayed on a display screen includes an image information terminal configured to receive the image captured by an image sensor, and output image data for displaying on the display screen; an image sensor information terminal configured to receive and store image sensor information of the image sensor; a tidal current information terminal configured to receive and store tidal current information of the water surface; and processing circuitry configured to: select tidal currents, calculate a corresponding display position and direction of each selected tidal current on the display screen based on the tidal current information and the image sensor information, generate a symbol to indicate the corresponding display position and direction on the display screen, and superimpose the symbol at a respective display position to the corresponding display position on the image.

Abstract: A high rise structure multi-level delivery system comprises a vertical conveyor belt system having a plurality of trays configured to carry a specific delivery parcel to a specific floor of a high rise structure. The conveyor is mounted such that a bottom of the conveyor resides in a ground floor room of the high rise structure and a top resides in a roof room on a roof of the high rise structure. The conveyor is capable of being accessed via an interior room located at each level of the high rise structure.

Abstract: Systems, devices, articles, and methods, described in greater detail herein, including robotic systems which include at least one rangefinder, at least one manipulator, and at least one processor in communication with the at least one rangefinder, and methods of operation of the same. The at least one processor obtains rangefinder pose information which represents, at least, the at least one manipulator in a plurality of poses. The at least one processor obtains manipulator pose information, optimizes a model of mismatch between the rangefinder pose information and the manipulator pose information, wherein the model of mismatch includes a plurality of parameters, and updates at least one processor readable storage device with the plurality of parameters based at least in part on the optimization.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a system for controlling operation of a crane, and a crane. The method includes: scanning dynamically, by a 3D imaging device, a plurality of objects within an operating range of the crane to obtain 3D spatial information of each of the plurality of objects, wherein the plurality of objects includes the crane and an obstacle, the 3D spatial information includes 3D spatial coordinates; determining a distance from the obstacle to a preset position of the crane based on the 3D spatial coordinates of the crane and the obstacle; judging whether the distance from the obstacle to the preset position is less than a preset distance corresponding to the preset position; and performing an alarm if the distance from the obstacle to the preset position is less than the preset distance corresponding to the preset position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

Abstract: A method, system, and terminal are provided for controlling travel of transport vehicles within a transfer zone. The transfer zone connects an automatic region for automatically guided transport vehicles to a manual region for manually guided transport vehicles. The transport vehicles travelling through the transfer zone in order to deliver or pick up containers in the transfer zone are granted or refused authorization to enter the transfer zone in order to travel through the transfer zone. In the absence of granted authorization for entry of a manually guided transport vehicle into a transfer region of the transfer zone, an intervention is automatically implemented in a controller of the transport vehicle in such a way that at least full entry, but optionally even partial entry, to the transfer zone is prevented.

Abstract: A winch system for driving an output includes a gear connected to the output, an electric motor connected to the gear, and a hydraulic motor connected to the gear. The electric motor and the hydraulic motor are distribute energy via the gear to the output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

Abstract: In some examples, a vehicle includes a controller configured to receive information of a characteristic relating to transport of a cargo transportation unit (CTU), the information sent by the CTU, and determine, based on the received information, whether the vehicle is able to transfer the CTU to a destination of the CTU.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, apparatus, methods, products, and other implementations, including a method that includes obtaining, by a lock system, environmental data representative of characteristics of an environment at which a lock device, configured to control access to a structure, is located, with the lock device including a lock controller in electrical communication with a lock mechanism. The method further includes controlling the lock mechanism of the lock device based on a comparison of at least one of the characteristics of the environment to corresponding pre-determined data associated with the lock device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for palletizing cargo on a rack for shipment are provided. The system generally includes a tiered rack having a base tier, a support framework extending from the base tier, and a second tier adjustably attached to the support framework. The system may further include a plurality of lower frame support members positioned longitudinally across the bottom of the base tier, and a plurality of pneumatically actuated rollers spaced to cooperatively engage the plurality of lower frame support members, the rollers being selectively extendable from a plurality of raised tracks positioned longitudinally along a floor of the railcar, where the rollers are configured to pneumatically extend past an upper surface of the track when actuated and allow for linear motion thereover.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed associated with processing information involving terminal operating systems. According to one illustrative implementation, an exemplary method for processing information involving terminal operating system herein may include processing data in a TOS format associated with a TOS type, converting the data into a TOS agnostic format, and performing processing using the TOS agnostic data.

Abstract: An arrangement of coils of varying widths and diameters in a warehouse having an automated crane wherein: the coil axes are parallel; the coils are arranged in lines, the coil widths in each line falling within a first predetermined range associated with the line, the coil diameters in each line falling within a second predetermined range associated with the line and the coil axes in each line being orientated perpendicularly to said each line; the lines define (i) rows of coils; (ii) a bottom layer of coils; and (iii) one or more upper layers of coils; each upper layer coil is supported by a pair of lower layer coils in a line; the first and second predetermined ranges associated with the line in which said each coil is arranged are the same as those associated with the line in which the supporting coils are arranged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for lifting an object (1) from the sea floor, comprising the steps: coupling of the object (1) to a buoyancy balloon (10), and a buoyant motion of said buoyancy balloon (10) with the object (1), the buoyancy balloon (10) being filled with a buoyancy liquid such as, for example, water, the temperature of which is higher than the temperature of the sea water surrounding said buoyancy balloon (10). The invention also relates to a balloon device (100) which is configured for lifting an object (1) from the sea floor.

Abstract: A method of overboarding and lowering a load from a vessel is disclosed. The method uses a vessel-mounted crane to lift the load from a deck of the vessel, to move the load off the deck into an outboard over-water position, and to lower the load from the outboard position into the water. The method further includes placing at least one guide member acting in compression between the load and an upstanding supporting structure of the crane to restrain horizontal movement of the load relative to a boom of the crane. Then, lowering the guide member occurs to continue restraining horizontal movement of the load while lowering the load from the outboard position into the water. A related guide apparatus includes at least one guide member that is movably connected to a mount for movement relative to the mount around and parallel to a slewing axis of the crane.

Abstract: A method for offshore overboarding a structure on a vessel for subsequent lowering the structure to the sea floor, is using a crane (13) to lift the structure at its storage place on a deck of the vessel and move it by means of the crane to a position free of the vessel before lowering it into the sea. During at least a part of the overboarding movement of the structure (1), the structure (1) is forced to follow a track (2) along the deck of the vessel. Two apparatus for performing the method are also presented.

Abstract: A lifting method comprising supporting a payload (20) using a first lifting apparatus (18); and activating an emergency lifting apparatus (14) to raise the payload a predetermined distance in response to an emergency signal. The emergency lifting apparatus is configured to be activated to lift the payload a predetermined distance in response to an emergency activation signal. The method and apparatus are particularly useful in the event of a failure of the first lifting apparatus: the emergency lifting apparatus may be activated to lift the payload a relatively small distance sufficient to clear adjacent structures. This may be particularly advantageous in offshore operations, where the first lifting apparatus is supported on a floating vessel which will experience heave.

Abstract: A multi purpose hoisting device for use on a floating vessel having a deck, including: a load bearing structure to be mounted on the vessel; a main hoisting mechanism for raising/lowering an object above the deck and including: at least one main hoisting winch; an upper cable pulley block supported by the load bearing structure; a travelling cable pulley block; a main hoisting cable associated with the at least one main hoisting winch and passed over pulleys of the upper cable pulley block and of the travelling pulley block in a multiple fall configuration, such that the travelling cable pulley block is moveable relative to the load bearing structure by using the at least one main hoisting winch; a main hoist heave compensation mechanism associated with the main hoisting cable for damping the effect of sea-state induced motion of the vessel onto an object supported by the main hoisting cable.

Abstract: A subsea payload such as an AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) or an AUV garage is lifted from an underwater location by flying a latch unit through the water to the payload. The latch unit carries a lift line toward the payload. The latch unit is then attached to the payload and the payload is lifted using tension applied through the lift line via the latch unit. The latch unit can also be used on a lift line to lower a payload and then to release the payload at an underwater location. The lift line is supported by a heave-compensating winch on a surface vessel that effects z-axis movement of the latch unit. The winch maintains tension on the lift line to prevent the lift line falling on the payload. Movement of the latch unit on x- and y-axes is effected by on-board thrusters.

Abstract: A system and method for offshore loading of large cargo vessels, or motherships. The system includes a plurality of mooring stations, which may be mooring buoys, positioned in an offshore mooring field proximal an onshore cargo loading facility. A mothership is positioned within the mooring field and moored via bow and stern lines to two or more different mooring stations. Environmental data, including wind, wave, and current data, as well data regarding the physical characteristics of the mothership and movement (roll/pitch/heave) of the mothership are collected by remote transmitting and sensing devices. This data is processed by numerical analysis in a digital processor, namely a computer, to determine optimum mooring line length and tension, and mooring station locations, in order to minimize mother ship movement and create an optimum “lee” loading area adjacent the mothership. Cargo is transferred to the mothership by a trans-shipper moored to the mothership.

Abstract: The method of loading a loading space (1) of a vessel with dredging materials includes a) loading a slurry including of dredging materials and water into the loading space (1), and b) generating at least one pressure wave through the slurry inside the loading space (1) to enhance the formation of a settled bed (5) of the dredging materials.

Abstract: There is provided a method for loading or unloading a liquid cargo for a water-borne vehicle. An exemplary method comprises distributing liquid cargo to a first storage compartment of the water-borne vehicle to a first level. The exemplary method additionally comprises distributing liquid cargo to a second storage compartment of the water-borne vehicle to a second level different from the first level so that a natural period of the first storage compartment is separated relative to a natural period of the second storage compartment to reduce sloshing of the liquid cargo. An exemplary water-borne vehicle and method of producing hydrocarbons are also provided.

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.

Abstract: A system associates change in the state of an asset to an event trigger within a monitored environment. This environment includes a plurality of assets and a tag transmitter positioned on each asset and operative for transmitting a wireless RF signal based on an event trigger based on one of at least the change in state of an asset and change in location of the asset. A plurality of spaced apart access points receive an RF signal transmitted from a tag transmitter. A processor is operatively connected to the access points and collect possible candidates as assets associated with the event trigger and assigning a numerical score to each candidate to determine which asset is best associated with the event trigger.

Abstract: A land-based shipping container handling system includes at least one transfer stack region. Each transfer stack region includes a rail mounted gantry (RMG) defining a three-dimensional operating region. At least one rail line and at least one row of shipping containers are maintained in the operating region. An elevated platform is disposed at one end of the operating region at an upper portion thereof. Attribute sensing equipment is mounted on the elevated platform.

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).

Abstract: A transfer device is configured for transferring bulk material from a barge floating on a body of water into at least one receiving device. At least one lifting lock is provided by way of which the barge can be raised, while floating, to a tilting height above the surface of the body of water, and at least one tilting device is provided by way of which the barge can be tilted such that the bulk material is poured from the barge into the receiving device.

Abstract: A method for deploying a marine riser includes: assembling a rotating control device (RCD) spool with the marine riser; lowering the RCD spool through a rotary table of a drilling rig and into a moonpool of an offshore drilling unit; connecting a hose to an upper and lower adapter of the RCD spool in the moonpool; and lowering the RCD spool and the connected hose through the moonpool.

Abstract: A vessel for e.g. well intervention or deep sea lowering, comprises a moon pool and a hoisting arrangement for lowering and retrieving items, in particular equipment, tools, and/or supplies or modules comprising the same, through the moon pool, into respectively from the sea and onto respectively from the seabed or an installation on the seabed. The vessel further comprises one or more guides for laterally retaining items inside the moon pool, preferably at least two guides positioned on opposite sides of the moon pool.

Abstract: An ocean freight method and arrangement handles goods in a number of transport modes, such as containers, with the same transport in a cargo hold of an ocean vessel with cranes. The transport has a platform with a width corresponding to two regular containers to be loaded and unloaded by two parallel cranes enabling transportation of heavy and over wide units.

Abstract: A counter-rotating wet gas compressor for deployment and operation on the sea floor is described. The compressor has alternating rows of impellers, with each successive row of impellers being mounted a central hub or to an outer sleeve. According to some embodiments, no static diffusers are positioned between the alternating counter-rotating rows of impellers such that the design is structurally robust, compact and capable of compressing fluids that contain significant portions of liquid phase.

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: Provided are a container terminal and a control method therefor that enhance a cargo handling efficiency by reducing a movement of each yard crane to a minimum possible extent. The container terminal is provided with a first transfer area 44 outside one end portion of a storage lane 20, and a second transfer area 47 outside the other end portion. When a circulating transport vehicle 31 and a shuttle vehicle 32 transfer a container k therebetween via a first yard crane 13 in the first transfer area 44, the shuttle vehicle 32 transports the container k to a second yard crane 14, and the second yard crane 14 handles the container in an unloading container area 46 of the storage lane 20.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck.

Abstract: A transportable watercraft stabilization apparatus includes a stability device configured to impart a stabilizing torque to a watercraft when mounted on the watercraft and a transportable containment device containing the stability device therein. The transportable containment device includes a first attachment apparatus for releasably attaching to a transporting means and a second attachment apparatus for releasably attaching to a coupling device onboard a watercraft. Furthermore, the transportable watercraft stabilization apparatus includes a power source configured to provide power to the stability device for generating the stabilizing torque. The watercraft stabilization apparatus is transportable between a first watercraft and a second watercraft for providing on-demand stabilization to the second watercraft.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a system for transporting drill cuttings from an offshore drilling platform. In a representative embodiment, a bulk material storage and conveying system for a waterborne vessel comprises a first conveyor system including one or more upper conveyors extending lengthwise of the vessel. The system also comprises a plurality of containers located below the first conveyor system arranged in one or more rows, and a second conveyor system including one or more lower conveyors located below the one or more containers. The first conveyor system is configured to selectively dispense bulk material into the one or more containers, and the plurality of containers are configured to selectively dispense bulk material onto different locations along the length of the one or more lower conveyors. The system can further include an offloading conveyor assembly configured to convey drill cuttings from the lower conveyors to trucks on land.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic system for a crane with at least one hydraulic circuit, which comprises at least one hydraulic consumer, and a constant pressure network, wherein the at least one hydraulic circuit is coupled with the constant pressure network via at least one pressure reducer, whereby a higher volume flow with low pressure as compared to the constant pressure network can be generated in the hydraulic circuit.

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).

Abstract: A method includes attaching a storage unit to a removable frame assembly. The storage unit is then locked to the removable frame assembly. A flow conduit may be connected from the frame assembly to the storage unit and provided with a flow of material between the flow conduit and the storage unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dumping material onto an underwater bottom or installation, such as a pipeline. The device comprises a vessel, provided with a fall pipe through which the material is dumped on the underwater bottom; a steering device adapted to control the motion of the fall pipe relative to the underwater bottom; first monitoring means adapted to monitor the state of the underwater bottom; second monitoring means adapted to monitor the position of the steering device; and computing means adapted to compute, control signals for moving the steering device. The invention also relates to a method for dumping material onto an underwater bottom or installation.

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.

Abstract: The conductivity test jig includes: a jig main body; a holding member; a conductivity test unit; a conductivity member; an air cylinder; a jig main body; and a second air cylinder. The jig main body has a hole for receiving the connector. The holding member holds the connector in the hole. The conductivity test unit is detachably attached to the connector. When the conductivity test unit moves close to the connector, the conductivity member is electrically connected to the terminals of the connector. The air cylinder makes the conductivity test unit contact the connector, and removes the conductivity test unit from the connector. The push-out member is interposed between the connector and the jig main body in an insertion direction of the connector in the hole. The second air cylinder moves the push-out member in the insertion direction.

Abstract: A system for collecting and communicating data associated with a waterborne vehicle, includes at least one sensor configured to provide signals indicative of data associated with a parameter related to a waterborne vehicle. The system further includes a communication module configured to receive the signals and communicate with a user interface located remote from the vehicle. A method for loading material onto a waterborne vehicle, includes conveying material onto the waterborne vehicle. The method further includes monitoring the draft of the waterborne vehicle using at least one sensor, and discontinuing conveying the material onto the waterborne vehicle when the draft of the waterborne vehicle reaches a predetermined draft as indicated by the at least ore sensor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for capturing a target object from a body of water. A first rail is proximate to a second rail. A first gap portion is formed between at least a portion of the first and second rail. The first gap portion is configured to align and receive at least a portion of the target object as a distance between the first gap portion and at least the portion of the target object decreases. A second gap portion is formed between at least the portion of the first and second rail. The first and second rail are further configured to align and receive at least the portion of the target object with the second gap portion as a distance between the second gap portion and at least the portion of the target object decreases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marine load raising and lowering system for use on a vessel, comprising: i. a first winch comprising first driving means for raising or lowering a first cable from the first winch; ii. a second winch comprising second driving means for raising or lowering a second cable from the second winch; iii. operating means connected to the first and second driving means of respectively the first and second winch for synchronising the driving means so as to perform synchronous raising or lowering of the first and second cable; iv.

Abstract: Crane arm, preferably to be employed on pillars, comprising a plurality of connecting links, each connecting link exhibiting a predetermined height, preferably being oriented in the direction of the force of gravity, whereby each connecting link in a longitudinal direction, preferably rectangular to the direction of the force of gravity, exhibits a first end portion and a second end portion, and at the first end portion provided with at least one first means for providing a rotary connection with a successive connecting link and at the second end portion provided with at least one second means for the receiving of the first means for providing a (the) rotary connection with the preceding connecting link enabling rotation in a direction around the pillar preferably being oriented rectangular to the direction of the force of gravity.