A dual-purpose tank container is provided, designed for transporting unrefined or refined fluid within the same internal space, eliminating unproductive deadheading. The tank container includes an inner tank in a frame, and outer insulation shell, the tank being equipped with at least one diaphragm so that a fluid, for example crude oil or diesel fuel, can occupy inner space without risk of contamination from a residual fluid. The high viscosity unrefined fluid can be almost completely drained using fluid draining channels present on the diaphragm surface, increasing transportation economy and eliminating any residual fluid pockets. At least one inlet present on the upper tank body supplies a solvent vapor/fluid to condition the space between the diaphragm and the tank wall, thereby preventing sticking of the diaphragm to the tank inner surface.

A storage silo for storing granular material has a container supported by a base, the container having a roof and at least one side wall for defining a storage space beneath the roof. The storage silo includes: (a) a feed port for receiving the granular material at a feed-port height lower than the roof; (b) an auger for moving the granular material toward the roof within the storage space, the auger receiving the granular material via the feed port; and (c) first and second auger motors for cooperatively driving the auger, the first and second auger motors being disposed at opposing ends of the auger. A processor determines power levels for the first and second auger motors to minimize torsional strain on the auger. Granular material can be discharged from a first storage silo into a second storage silo positioned for cascading with the first storage silo.

A storage silo for storing granular material has a container supported by a base, the container having a roof and at least one side wall for defining a storage space beneath the roof. The storage silo includes: (a) a feed port for receiving the granular material at a feed-port height lower than the roof; (b) an auger for moving the granular material toward the roof within the storage space, the auger receiving the granular material via the feed port; and (c) first and second auger motors for cooperatively driving the auger, the first and second auger motors being disposed at opposing ends of the auger. A processor determines power levels for the first and second auger motors to minimize torsional strain on the auger. Granular material can be discharged from a first storage silo into a second storage silo positioned for cascading with the first storage silo.

An apparatus, a vehicle and a method for securing intermodal cargo containers is provided. Couplers include pins and bottom supports to engage apertures and bottom surfaces of corner fittings for intermodal cargo containers. The couplers may also include sidewall supports to engage forward facing side surfaces of the corner fittings. The pins, bottom supports, and sidewall supports hold an intermodal cargo container in place through a relatively large range of acceleration forces without damaging the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers. The couplers are selectively movable from a retracted position to an extended position to engage the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers.

An apparatus, a vehicle and a method for securing intermodal cargo containers is provided. Couplers include pins and bottom supports to engage apertures and bottom surfaces of corner fittings for intermodal cargo containers. The couplers may also include sidewall supports to engage forward facing side surfaces of the corner fittings. The pins, bottom supports, and sidewall supports hold an intermodal cargo container in place through a relatively large range of acceleration forces without damaging the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers. The couplers are selectively movable from a retracted position to an extended position to engage the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers.

A transport container for transporting a hub and vanes of a fan prior to assembly of the fan includes a body having a floor and defining an interior having a top opening. The transport container also includes a lid that removably covers the top opening. A divider wall is positioned within the interior so that the interior is divided into first and second internal compartments that hold the vanes of the fan. A hub post is positioned within the interior of the body. The hub post has a bottom end portion attached to the floor and a top end portion that is inserted into a central opening of the hub of the fan.

A transport container for transporting a hub and vanes of a fan prior to assembly of the fan includes a body having a floor and defining an interior having a top opening. The transport container also includes a lid that removably covers the top opening. A divider wall is positioned within the interior so that the interior is divided into first and second internal compartments that hold the vanes of the fan. A hub post is positioned within the interior of the body. The hub post has a bottom end portion attached to the floor and a top end portion that is inserted into a central opening of the hub of the fan.

A shipping container is configured to transport goods from a distribution center, to a retail location, and onto the sales floor of the retail location. The shipping container glides on wheels and is stackable. The shipping container is configured to receive forklift forks from multiple sides. At least one of the channels includes a surrounding framework to safeguard against tilting. The lid is selectively mountable in two orientations to close the container or to provide handles for propelling and/or steering the shipping container. An expandable storage location for empty packaging is provided at an exterior of the shipping container.

An improved automated inventory system is herein disclosed. The improved automated system (AIS) can comprise an enclosure for storing one or more items, one or more RFID readers, and a control system. Each of the items are tagged with an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag. The enclosure can comprise a plurality of of interior surfaces that defines an interior space within said enclosure. The enclosure can also comprise one or more access points within the interior surfaces that allow access to the items within the enclosure. Each of the RFID readers can be capable of reading the RFID tag. The control system can be in communication with the one or more RFID readers.

A low profile holding tank capable of being evacuated to a pressure differential of at least about 10″ of mercury, the low profile holding tank including at least one support structure, an upper outer layer and a lower outer layer each constructed from mild steel that is no thicker than about ¼ inches and a peripheral wall, the upper outer layer, the lower outer layer and the peripheral wall cooperate to define a space, the at least one support structure is connected to the upper outer layer at an upper connection point and the at least one support structure is connected to the lower outer layer at a lower connection point, wherein at least one of the upper connection point and the lower connection point is made from outside of the space.