Abstract: A method for storing and transferring containers comprises the steps of a container information-receiving step for receiving information of the containers transmitted from a loading/unloading unit while the containers stacked in the container ship are unloaded by means of the loading/unloading unit, a transferring unit-moving step for moving a transferring unit to the loading/unloading unit having transmitted the information of the containers so that the containers are loaded onto the transferring unit, a storage-determining step for analyzing the received information of the containers to determine whether the containers placed on the transferring unit are to be moved to a stacking unit so that the containers can be stored or are to be moved to a taking-in/taking-out unit so that the containers can be removed from a container terminal, and a container-transferring step for moving the transferring unit to a position selected on the basis of the determination as to whether the containers are to be stored or not

Abstract: A method for rapid loading of stacks of cartons aboard vessels is provided which may include sliding the stacks of cartons from a pallet onto a carrier having fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck, lifting the carrier into the hold of a ship, removing the stacks of cartons from the carrier using a second load push lift truck and stowing the stack of cartons in a stowage location using the second load push lift truck. The carrier may be used to insert slings about palletless stacks of cartons positioned thereon and the stack of cartons may be moved into the hold of the ship by the ship's gear or other crane. The slings may be withdrawn from about the stack of cartons by releasing one end of the slings and using, for example, the ship's gear to draw the other slings out from around the stack of cartons.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a standard sized shipping container that is submersible, such that it may be towed behind a seagoing vessel as well as loaded and stored on the deck of a sea going vessel. Various embodiments of the invention allow standard shipping containers to be towed behind seagoing vessels and containers to be sealed and submerged in order to prevent tampering during transit.

Abstract: A method for rapid loading of stacks of cartons aboard vessels is provided which may include sliding the stacks of cartons from a pallet onto a carrier having fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck, lifting the carrier into the hold of a ship, removing the stacks of cartons from the carrier using a second load push lift truck and stowing the stack of cartons in a stowage location using the second load push lift truck. The carrier may be used to insert slings about palletless stacks of cartons positioned thereon and the stack of cartons may be moved into the hold of the ship by the ship's gear or other crane. The slings may be withdrawn from about the stack of cartons by releasing one end of the slings and using, for example, the ship's gear to draw the other slings out from around the stack of cartons.

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: 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 terminal structure (1) for storing and transferring a cargo (51), the terminal structure (1) being separated from a first quay at which cargo (51) is unloaded from and loaded onto ships (50) by a transitional buffer zone (20) i which the cargo (51) is temporarily stored, the terminal structure (1) comprising a storage and transfer area for storing cargo and loading/unloading cargo onto/from land transport devices (60-62), such as for example trucks, railcars or inland navigation vessels, a transfer side (11) for transferring cargo to and from the transitional buffer zone (20), a plurality of third cargo transferring devices (4A-4I), each adapted to travel in a first direction between the transfer side (11) and the storage and transfer area and to pick up, carry and deposit a cargo (51) between a location at the transfer side (11) and a location within the storage and transfer area, and a plurality of fourth cargo transferring devices (10A ), each adapted to travel in a second direction non-parallel to the f

Abstract: A container transportation system and method which includes a number of enclosed containers adapted to contain freight and protect the freight in a marine environment, a vehicle adapted to lift, transport, orient and place the containers on a support surface, a marine vessel having a container storage deck with sufficient strength to support the vehicle when the vehicle is transporting a fully loaded one of the containers, and a ramp shaped to extend from an associated dock to the deck and having sufficient strength to support the vehicle when the vehicle is transporting a fully loaded one of the containers, and having sufficient strength such that an angle of inclination of the ramp suspended between the deck and an associated dock allows the vehicle to traverse the ramp without slipping. The vehicle engages a single one of the containers on the associated dock, then proceeds to transport the container over the ramp to desired, predetermined locations on the deck for transportation by the marine vessel.

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: The invention is a method for lifting and transporting a heavy load comprising using a heavy lift vessel with at least two heavy lift cranes adapted to operate simultaneously; mounting a deep water deployment system on each crane adapted to increase hook travel the crane; shifting the load from the first location to over a second location on the heavy lift vessel; placing the load on the second location; moving the heavy lift vessel to a second position; using a conventional mooring system to maintain the heavy lift vessel at the second position; picking up the load from the second location using the cranes simultaneously; shifting the load from a second location to over a third location; and placing the load on the third location.

Abstract: In a method of automating the loading and unloading of container ships in container terminals, a stowage plan of a ship cargo compartment to be handled by a container crane is transmitted from a harbor-side master computer via a data link to a PC of a crane automation system which renders the container crane operative in response to the stowage plan for transporting containers between a container ship and a repository location in a container storage area of the container terminal. The stowage plan is displayed on a touch screen of the crane automation system, whereby a next following repository location to be handled in the stowage plan is indicated on the touch screen, e.g. through a change in color.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cargo transfer. The method and apparatus encompass a shipping terminal with a marine-side and a land-side and a computer-controlled multi-level cargo-sled storage structure placed between the two sides. Cargo is received on the land-side from a land vehicle, transferred onto a cargo sled, which is then stored in the cargo-sled storage structure. When ready for shipping, the cargo sled is retrieved from the storage structure and stuffed into a cargo container on the marine-side, which is then loaded onto a ship. Method and apparatus reduce by up to a factor of eight the required number of cargo containers required to efficiently service shipping vessels.

Abstract: Cargo slings for lifting sacks of particulate material and slinging jigs for aiding the formation of stacks of cartons to be lifted by such cargo slings are described. Methods of using the cargo slings and jigs are likewise explained. One such cargo sling comprises two loop portions (eyes) adjacent its two ends, and has two strap portions connected directly or indirectly to the loops. The two straps form cargo lifting portions of the sling, and may be positioned under a stack of sacks of particulate materials such that the straps are spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A method for rapid depalletizing and lifting of stacks of cartons aboard vessels is provided which may include sliding the stacks of cartons from a pallet onto a transport surface at a loading end, moving the stack of cartons along the transport surface to a lifting station having fork channels extending across the lifting station for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck, and lifting the stack of cartons from the lifting station. The transport surface may comprise a plurality of rollers. The stack of cartons may be lifted by cargo slings into the hold of a ship, or lifted from the lifting end on the blades of a load push lift truck. The pallet may be retained on the blades of a load push lift truck while the stack of cartons carried by the pallet is pushed from the pallet by a restraint. The empty pallet may then be carried to and deposited in a pallet accumulation location by the lift truck.

Abstract: Cargo slings for lifting sacks of particulate material and slinging jigs for aiding the formation of stacks of cartons to be lifted by such cargo slings are described. Methods of using the cargo slings and jigs are likewise explained. One such cargo sling comprises two loop portions (eyes) adjacent its two ends, and has two strap portions connected directly or indirectly to the loops. The two straps form cargo lifting portions of the sling, and may be positioned under a stack of sacks of particulate materials such that the straps are spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A loading device for ISO containers in a container terminal is arranged below the land-side boom in the rear area of the container bridge and cooperates with container transport vehicles. The loading device comprises at least two bridge members which are movable on the ground independent from one another transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boom, and are oriented parallel to one another and to the boom. Each bridge member forms a loading station for an ISO container and carries in the area of its longitudinal center a receiving platform for an ISO container which can be set down and picked up by load-carrying means, this receiving platform being rotatable about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A method for rapid loading of stacks of cartons aboard vessels is provided which may include sliding the stacks of cartons from a pallet onto a carrier having fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck, lifting the carrier into the hold of a ship, removing the stacks of cartons from the carrier using a second load push lift truck and stowing the stack of cartons in a stowage location using the second load push lift truck. The carrier may be used to insert slings about palletless stacks of cartons positioned thereon and the stack of cartons may be moved into the hold of the ship by the ship's gear or other crane. The slings may be withdrawn from about the stack of cartons by releasing one end of the slings and using, for example, the ship's gear to draw the other slings out from around the stack of cartons.

Abstract: A load push lift truck includes a push plate with sufficient clearance over its blades such that it can push a stack of cartons from a standard pallet when the blades of the lift truck are inserted in the four-way channels of the pallet. The clearance may be provided by a gate at the lower edge of the push plate that can be raised and lowered to increase or reduce the clearance of the push plate relative to the blades. A side shift mechanism may be provided to facilitate lateral positioning of cargo carried by the blades of the lift truck. A pallet retainer mounted on the lift truck to retain the pallet on the blades when the stacks of cartons are pushed from the pallet. A pallet stop mounted at the rear portions of the blades may be positioned to prevent a pallet from being pushed back on the blades beyond the face of the push plate.

Abstract: A method for buffer crane operation for supplementing a quay crane operation and formed to operate thereunder with a landing deck for supporting a multiple of cargo containers in buffer operation above dockside cargo transport operations and for moving cargo containers therebetween by means of a dedicated crane engaged with said landing deck.

Abstract: A method for loading and unloading of a solid substance having a high degree of water content from a cargo hold of a bulk carrier is disclosed. The degree of water content of the solid substance is such that a layer of liquid is formed above the solid substance. In accordance with the method, a predetermined volumetric ratio of solid substance and water is pumped out of the cargo hold by a pump that is seated on a float freely movable on the layer of liquid, at the same time as water is fed into the cargo hold at a volumetric rate substantially the same as the volumetric rate of water being pumped out.

Abstract: An inter-box connector (IBC) installation and removal system for a buffer crane formed to operate under a quay crane for supplementing operation thereof by semi-automating the previously “by hand” IBC installation and removal procedures.

Abstract: A loading device for ISO containers in a container terminal with a container bridge for the loading and unloading of ships and with automatic incoming and outgoing transfer of the containers by means of automatic guided vehicles, with at least one container load suspension device in the form of a spreader and devices for the intermediate positioning of the container within the loading device to allow the installation or removal of the twistlocks, and with platforms for the workers performing this task. The loading device consists of a polar bridge crane, which can rotate around its center vertical axis, and which is designed as a bridge crane with a trolley capable of traveling on a crane bridge supported on a circular track located in the rear area of the land-side rail of the container bridge.

Abstract: A method for rapid loading of stacks of cartons aboard vessels is provided which may include sliding the stacks of cartons from a pallet onto a carrier having fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck, lifting the carrier into the hold of a ship, removing the stacks of cartons from the carrier using a second load push lift truck and stowing the stack of cartons in a stowage location using the second load push lift truck. The carrier may be used to insert slings about palletless stacks of cartons positioned thereon and the stack of cartons may be moved into the hold of the ship by the ship's gear or other crane. The slings may be withdrawn from about the stack of cartons by releasing one end of the slings and using, for example, the ship's gear to draw the other slings out from around the stack of cartons.

Abstract: A method for loading substrates in a processing system is provided. In one embodiment, a method for loading substrates utilizes a substrate loader that generally includes a wall having an exterior side with one or more apertures formed therethrough and a related method of loading a processing system. A door assembly is movably coupled to the wall in each of the apertures and is adapted to temporarily retain the substrate. A first portion of the door assembly substantially closes the aperture when the door assembly is in a first or closed position, and a second portion of the door assembly substantially closes the aperture when the door assembly is in a second or open position. A robot for transferring a substrate in a processing system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for transporting larger cargo units, for example containers (5), said method and arrangement comprising standardized individual cargo trolleys (1a, 1b, . . . , 1n) for each pallet (4a, 4b . . . , 4n), and one correspondingly standardized pallet for each cargo unit (5), so as to form a train of a plurality of similar trolleys matching with a similar train of standard pallets, said train of trolleys being further provided with automatic locking and securing means as well as means for running said trolleys through curves and slopes.

Abstract: A method for rapid transportation and loading of stacks of cartons aboard vessels is provided which may include the mounting of slings about the stacks of cartons, transporting the cartons to the dock using a flatbed vehicle, hoisting the stacks of cartons off the flatbed vehicle and into the hold, depositing the cargo onto a landing pad, lifting the cargo off the landing pad with a lift truck, preferably a load push type lift truck, and depositing the cargo in the hold at the appropriate location. A sling pallet and a landing pad for use with the method are also disclosed. The method provides the advantages of improving the quality of the product by, inter alia, reducing the risk of thawing or spoilage, reducing costs by eliminating labor, eliminating the need to remove pallets and debris from within the vessel, reducing the likelihood of injury to workers, saving demurrage charges and speeding the transportation to and loading of the vessel.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a horizontal framework, a pair of extension assemblies, a pair of upper, middle, and lower telescoping mast assemblies, and two pairs of fork tine assemblies is provided. Each pair of the extension assemblies, the telescoping mast assemblies, and the fork tine assemblies is identical to the other one in structure and function. The horizontal framework is coupled to an overhead bridge crane and is accessible to any load located within a minimum amount of aisle space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoisting frame, specifically for hoisting containers, including a longitudinally adjustable beam having a plurality of outer pickup elements arranged at ends of the beam and inner pickup elements arranged near a center of the beam. The inner pickup elements are connected to the beam and moveable in longitudinal direction. The inner pickup elements are moveable along the beam in pairs and are arranged in pairs on a saddle placed transversely on the beam and slideable therealong. The invention also relates to a method for transporting containers by use of such a hoisting frame. The method steps include picking up at least two adjacent containers at a first location, lifting the containers and moving them through the air to a second location and lowering the containers at the second location. Additionally, at least one of the containers is moved in a longitudinal direction relative to the hoisting frame between lifting and lowering thereof.

Abstract: In a method and a device for vertically lifting a horizontally arranged cylindrical object, especially a rocket (50), from a base (40) by means of one or more lifting yokes (61) which are suspended in a lifting device (70), preferably comprising one or more lifting wires (71) which are suspended from a crane beam (24), the lifting yoke (61) is placed above the object (50) and connected thereto, jacks (62) are provided between the base (40) and the lifting yoke (61), the lifting yoke (61) with the object (50) are lifted up with the jacks (62) from the base (40) to a critical height for the lift, the tension in the lifting wires (71) is increased, thus transferring the weight of the lifting yoke (61) and the object (50) from the jacks (62) to the lifting wires (71), and the lifting yoke (61) with the object (62) are lifted up from the jacks (62) by means of the lifting wires (71).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for moving and transporting materials utilizing specialized transporting containers. These containers, which can be transported over land utilizing specialized haulage equipment such as tractor-trailers or railroad "rail-trucks," can be floated and moved on water either as single units or as a large tow whereby a tugboat can move these containers on inland waterways and a short distance off shore into larger bodies of water where these containers would be loaded onto self-loading oceangoing transport ships for transport to some distant point for off-loading. Utilizing containers as floating transport vessels eliminates the need for extensive dockage and port facilities. Specifically, the process of the present invention may be employed wherever loaded containers can be put into the water, or alternatively loaded while they are in the water, and moved by tugboat to an oceangoing transport ship where the containers can be loaded onto oceangoing transport ships.

Abstract: A distribution method is for transporting goods from a loading port for a ship or some other collection site, such as a storage room or centralized handling plant, to cabins or other operation sites on a ship. The steps include placing the goods on a transport pallet at the collection site; moving the transport pallet, including the goods, by an internal vertical conveyor belt on the ship to the cabins or operation sites. The method also includes performing the steps in the reverse order to transport the goods from the operation sites to the collection site.

Abstract: Bulk material is loaded at a marine transfer station into a plurality of inter-modal containers that have removable top lids and are received side by side in the hopper of a barge. A gantry carried by the barge removes the lids from the containers and moves them to a storage rack on the barge, where they reside while the containers are loaded with material trucked to the facility and dumped into the open containers from a tipping floor. After the containers are loaded and, if desirable or necessary, the material in them leveled and compacted, the gantry replaces the lids on the containers. The barge is then moved over a waterway to a container handling facility, where the containers are transferred to rail cars or roadway tractor trailers for transport overland.

Abstract: A method for rapid transportation and loading of stacks of cartons aboard vessels is provided which may include the mounting of slings about the stacks of cartons, transporting the cartons to the dock by a flatbed vehicle, hoisting the stacks of cartons off the flatbed vehicle and into the hold, depositing the cargo onto a landing pad, lifting the cargo off the landing pad with a lift truck, preferably a load push type lift truck, and depositing the cargo in the hold at the appropriate location. A sling pallet and a landing pad for use with the method are also disclosed. The method provides the advantages of improving the quality of the product by, inter alia, reducing the risk of thawing or spoilage, reducing costs by eliminating labor, eliminating the need to remove pallets and debris from within the vessel, reducing the likelihood of injury to workers, saving demurrage charges and speeding the transportation to and loading of the vessel.

Abstract: An intermodal container positioning system for facilitating loading or positioning of intermodal containers via overhead crane or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for positioning, in a precision matter, an intermodal container or the like upon the deck, or in the hold, of a ship or the like, or another transportation vehicle or storage area, wherein there is provided an array of electromagnets in various, alternative positions in the vicinity of the container, such that the electromagnets may be selectively utilized to engage adjacent structure, or other containers, in the vicinity of the container lock down or storage area, in such a manner as to manipulate the position of the container, to align same with other containers, a container holding area, lock down area, or the like.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting material from an approach conveyor on to an elongate transport device such as a ship. The ship being positioned at a predetermined orientation, preferably on against a set of docking piers, relative to the approach conveyor. The system and method uses at least one slewing conveyor with a first end and a second end, the slewing conveyor being capable of pivoting about a pivot point and accepting material at the first end and conveying the material to the second end, the second end of the slewing conveyor being capable of discharging the material on to the ship while the ship is at the predetermined orientation.