Methods and systems are described that use multiple node-enabled autonomous transport vehicles on a single logistics operation having multiple legs performed by different transport vehicles with enhanced transfer of the item being shipped between such vehicles. A first or primary master node on a first node-enabled autonomous transport vehicle detects a signal from the second master node on a second transport vehicle, navigates to the second transport vehicle based on the detected signal and its direction, and may dock in a transfer configuration. At least one item (or a container with an item) is transferred as payload from the first to the second vehicle using one or more object manipulation systems on respective ones of the first and second transport vehicles. The second vehicle then detects a signal from another node, and navigates to that node as another leg in the multi-leg operation.

Methods and systems are described that use multiple node-enabled autonomous transport vehicles on a single logistics operation having multiple legs performed by different transport vehicles with enhanced transfer of the item being shipped between such vehicles. A first or primary master node on a first node-enabled autonomous transport vehicle detects a signal from the second master node on a second transport vehicle, navigates to the second transport vehicle based on the detected signal and its direction, and may dock in a transfer configuration. At least one item (or a container with an item) is transferred as payload from the first to the second vehicle using one or more object manipulation systems on respective ones of the first and second transport vehicles. The second vehicle then detects a signal from another node, and navigates to that node as another leg in the multi-leg operation.

A heated slurry transport system for receiving, transporting and unloading a cuttings slurry in a non-frozen manner in cold weather environments. The heated slurry transport system generally includes a portable tank having an interior surface, at least one wall, and a rear door. A layer of insulation surrounds at least a portion of the portable tank to help retain heat within the portable tank. A heating unit is attached to the portable tank and adapted to heat a fluid that is transferred through at least one heat loop attached to the portable tank to heat the interior of the portable tank and the contents of the portable tank.

A dual storage and disposal device with components combined in a specific way to provide a device capable of providing both on-site storage and disposal capability. The device includes a front wall with attachment apparatus, side walls, bottom, and a rear wall capable of opening as a door and a dividing wall. The device achieves its dual roles by comprising both a storage facility portion and a dumpster portion capable if independent operation.

To avoid or reduce the necessity of loading a cargo container on a container carrying vehicle, for example, a cargo container 100 includes: engaging portions 101b disposed at four corners of each of upper and lower surfaces of a shell 101 and each engageable with a spreader of a container crane; and a wheel 113 capable of supporting the cargo container 100 such that the cargo container 100 is allowed to run. The wheel 113 is switchable between a runnable state where at least a lowermost portion is located below a bottom surface 101c of the cargo container 100 and supports the cargo container 100 such that the cargo container 100 is allowed to run, and a loaded state where the wheel 113 moves inward from the bottom surface 101c and the bottom surface 101c is allowed to make contact with a mount surface of the cargo container 100.

To avoid or reduce the necessity of loading a cargo container on a container carrying vehicle, for example, a cargo container 100 includes: engaging portions 101b disposed at four corners of each of upper and lower surfaces of a shell 101 and each engageable with a spreader of a container crane; and a wheel 113 capable of supporting the cargo container 100 such that the cargo container 100 is allowed to run. The wheel 113 is switchable between a runnable state where at least a lowermost portion is located below a bottom surface 101c of the cargo container 100 and supports the cargo container 100 such that the cargo container 100 is allowed to run, and a loaded state where the wheel 113 moves inward from the bottom surface 101c and the bottom surface 101c is allowed to make contact with a mount surface of the cargo container 100.

Methods are described that perform dispatched store-to-consumer logistics operations for an ordered item using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. A dispatch command is received from the dispatch server. The different modular components of the bot assembly are verified to be compatible with the dispatched operation and the ordered item is received in a payload area of a modular cargo storage system. The bot assembly autonomously moves from an origin location to a destination location and notifies the delivery recipient of the approach delivery. When delivery recipient authentication input is received that correlates to the authentication information, selective access is provided to the ordered item within the cargo storage system at the destination location. The bot apparatus monitors unloading, and autonomously moves back to the origin location after the ordered item is detected as removed from the cargo storage system.

Methods are described that perform dispatched store-to-consumer logistics operations for an ordered item using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. A dispatch command is received from the dispatch server. The different modular components of the bot assembly are verified to be compatible with the dispatched operation and the ordered item is received in a payload area of a modular cargo storage system. The bot assembly autonomously moves from an origin location to a destination location and notifies the delivery recipient of the approach delivery. When delivery recipient authentication input is received that correlates to the authentication information, selective access is provided to the ordered item within the cargo storage system at the destination location. The bot apparatus monitors unloading, and autonomously moves back to the origin location after the ordered item is detected as removed from the cargo storage system.

A modular multiple mobility base assembly apparatus is described for transporting an item being shipped having a base adapter plate and two cooperating and coordinating modular mobility bases that are each coupled to the bottom of the base adapter plate and collectively support the base adapter plate. One of the modular mobility bases operations a master autonomous mobile vehicle, while the other operates as a slave autonomous mobile vehicle that receives propulsion and steering control signals from the master while providing feedback sensor data to the master for use in coordinated and cooperative movement of the assembly apparatus. Each of the modular mobility bases also including respective wireless transceivers through which at least the control signals and sensor data are provided between mobility base units.

A modular multiple mobility base assembly apparatus is described for transporting an item being shipped having a base adapter plate and two cooperating and coordinating modular mobility bases that are each coupled to the bottom of the base adapter plate and collectively support the base adapter plate. One of the modular mobility bases operations a master autonomous mobile vehicle, while the other operates as a slave autonomous mobile vehicle that receives propulsion and steering control signals from the master while providing feedback sensor data to the master for use in coordinated and cooperative movement of the assembly apparatus. Each of the modular mobility bases also including respective wireless transceivers through which at least the control signals and sensor data are provided between mobility base units.