Patent ID: 6694215
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: B65G,B66C

Abstract:
A method for reducing time delays during loading and unloading of a cargo to a yard from a ship, the method comprising:moving a container, between the ship and an elevator located in the yard adjacent the ship at a ship conveying position, using a trolley crane and a first spreader; identifying properties of the cargo when moving the container between the ship and the ship conveying position; moving the container vertically on the elevator between upper and lower positions, the lower position being adjacent a horizontal conveyor; moving the container horizontally on the horizontal conveyor between the elevator and an orthogonal coordinates crane and second spreader adjacent a trailer in the yard, moving the container horizontally comprising tilting the container at a slant with a cylinder at the lower position of the elevator; moving the container between the horizontal conveyor and the trailer using the orthogonal coordinates crane and second spreader; and sensing the position of the trailer and identifying properties of the cargo when moving the container between the horizontal conveyor and the trailer, whereby the steps of moving the container between the ship and elevator, moving the container vertically and moving the container horizontally can be done whether the trailer is present or missing.