US3858728A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radio control crane and spreader system for handling containers
Assignee: Midland Ross Corp
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Filing: 1974-01-11
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Granted: 1975-01-07
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Expires: 1994-01-11
Abstract
Abstract Described herein is equipment comprising a crane and a cargo container spreader combination wherein the spreader is constructed as a repository for a self sufficient portable power unit adapted for quick connection with power consuming service mechanisms of the spreader. The power unit is equipped with UHF radio-actuated controls in the power transmission connections between the power generating facilities of the unit and the power consuming service facilities of the spreader. The crane is equipped with UHF radio transmission apparatus for radio projection of a sufficient variety of signals to effect the various radio controlled functions of the spreader.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack E Fathauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 05:44
CPC Classifications
B; B66; B66C; B66C13/00; B66C13/18; B66C13/40; B66C1/00; B66C1/10; B66C1/62; B66C1/66; B66C1/663; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S294/00; Y10S294/905
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
288 words
Equipment for handling cargo containers comprising: a spreader having a frame and power consuming service mechanism comprising latching means for interlocking with corner portions of a container, said spreader frame providing a mounting statiOn; crane means including adjustable hoisting means connected to the spreader; a self contained power unit detachably received in said mounting station comprising a frame, fuel storage means, combustion engine means connectd in fuel-receiving relation with said storage means, power converting and transmitting means in intermediate connected relation with said power consuming service means and said engine means, electrical control means contained in said transmitting means, ultra high frequency radio receiving and signal amplifying means electically connected with said control means and having an antenna, said control means being electrically connected to said receiving and amplifying means for response to signals therefrom; said power converting and transmitting means including electrical generating means in driven relation with said engine means and in power supplying relation with all of said electrical means carried on said power unit; ultra high frequency radio transmitting means including an antenna mounted on said crane means in substantially structurally unobstructed relation with said first mentioned antenna; said mounting station is an upward facing platform having surfaces complementary to undersurfaces of said frame of the power unit; said power unit frame and said spreader frame comprise cooperating fastening means for securing said power unit to said platform; and said power converting and transmitting means comprises service lines extending from the power unit to said power consuming service means of the spreader, and quick disconnect couplings in said lines and manual signal means electrically connected with said radio transmitting means for operating said power consuming service mechanism through said radio transmitting and receiving means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
288 words
Equipment for handling cargo containers comprising: a spreader having a frame and power consuming service mechanism comprising latching means for interlocking with corner portions of a container, said spreader frame providing a mounting statiOn; crane means including adjustable hoisting means connected to the spreader; a self contained power unit detachably received in said mounting station comprising a frame, fuel storage means, combustion engine means connectd in fuel-receiving relation with said storage means, power converting and transmitting means in intermediate connected relation with said power consuming service means and said engine means, electrical control means contained in said transmitting means, ultra high frequency radio receiving and signal amplifying means electically connected with said control means and having an antenna, said control means being electrically connected to said receiving and amplifying means for response to signals therefrom; said power converting and transmitting means including electrical generating means in driven relation with said engine means and in power supplying relation with all of said electrical means carried on said power unit; ultra high frequency radio transmitting means including an antenna mounted on said crane means in substantially structurally unobstructed relation with said first mentioned antenna; said mounting station is an upward facing platform having surfaces complementary to undersurfaces of said frame of the power unit; said power unit frame and said spreader frame comprise cooperating fastening means for securing said power unit to said platform; and said power converting and transmitting means comprises service lines extending from the power unit to said power consuming service means of the spreader, and quick disconnect couplings in said lines and manual signal means electrically connected with said radio transmitting means for operating said power consuming service mechanism through said radio transmitting and receiving means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
The equipment of claim 1 wherein: said service mechanism of the spreader comprises independently operable service devices and said manual signal means comprises corresponding separate control elements for initiating eletrical signals for selectively operating said devices; and said ultra high frequency transmitting and receiving means comprise complementary multiplexing circuit means for the radio transmission of separate signals between said control elements and corresponding service devices.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The equipment of claim 1 wherein: said power consuming service mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder piston assembly for actuating said latching means, and said power conversion and transmitting means includes a hydraulic pump in driven relation with said engine means and in fluid communication with said assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
The equipment of claim 2 wherein: said power conversion and transmitting means includes a hydraulic power supply in driven relation with said engine means; said power consuming service means includes retractable container engaging guides pivotally mounted at the periphery of said spreader, and hydraulic motors in mechanical connection with said guides for the raising and lowering thereof, said hydraulic motors being connected in fluid communication with said pump.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
The equipment of claim 1 wherein: said power consuming service mechanism includes movable service elements, at least one electrical switch positioned for actuation by one of said elements, and an electrical warning device, said switch and said warning device being in circuit relation with said generating means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The equipment of claim 1 wherein: said power consuming service mechanism of the spreader comprises electrically operated means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-06 | 1978-07-08 | 1979-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-06 | 1982-07-08 | 1983-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-06 | 1986-07-08 | 1987-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |