A system for the transfer, storage and distribution of intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The system comprises a first storage area comprising a first plurality of shafts arranged in a grid pattern along a first and second axis, a plurality of gantry cranes slidably disposed along the first axis and extending beyond the storage area, a roof structure disposed at a distance above the plurality of shafts, and a plurality of overhead cranes slidably associated with the plurality of tracks. The shafts disposed in rows along the first axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The shafts disposed in a given row along the second axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a corresponding length. The plurality of gantry cranes are each configured to attach to and transport an intermodal container from a first location to one of a plurality of platforms slidably disposed along the first axis. The platforms delivering the intermodal container to one of the rows of the shafts along the first axis are based on the length of the intermodal container. The roof structure comprises a plurality of tracks corresponding to the rows of the shafts along the second axis. The overhead cranes are each configured to attach to and transport the intermodal container from the platforms to either one of the shafts or to a second location.

A system for managing shipping containers and twist lock connectors is described. The system includes multiple stations. Each station includes a container platform and a pallet station. The container platform is able to accommodate various container sizes and/or multiple containers at one time. The container platform includes connector changers, handlers, and gantries that are able to automatically engage connectors with a container and disengage connectors from a container. The station includes a shuttle able to transfer connectors between the platform handlers and pallet station handlers and gantries. The pallet station includes a pallet with multiple receptacles for storing connectors. The pallet station and/or the container platform may include one or more magazines and/or one or more conveyors.

A station for a hyperloop transportation system includes a tube comprising a low-pressure environment, a plurality of tracks within the tube, each track adapted to carry a hyperloop capsule, and a turntable joined to an end of the tube, adapted to rotate a capsule one hundred and eighty degrees. The station also includes a platform disposed on a side of the tube, adapted to hold a plurality of people, and a plurality of gates disposed in one side of the tube. Each gate includes a door forming a barrier between the low-pressure environment of the tube and an exterior of the tube, and a sealing mechanism adapted to form a seal with a hyperloop capsule.

A method of monitoring tube integrity of a high-speed transportation system. The high-speed transportation system includes at least one tube structure having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube structure between a plurality of stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the structure, and a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the structure. The tube structure is maintained as a low-pressure environment. The method includes directing a vehicle having at least one sensor along a tube path; and detecting a plume of air leaked from the low-pressure environment using the at least one sensor.

Methods and systems are disclosed for the deployment and operation of shipping container scanning systems that enables scanning of containers passing through a modern, highly automated port without impeding the flow of commerce. Locating the scanners where container dwell time is already longest, and configuring scanners to scan up to several containers in parallel but under separate scanning control, minimizes any delay associated with scanning. Operationally integrating scanning systems with the automated logistical port systems ensures smooth, delay-free operation. Controlling the flow of information so that scanning results, including but not limited to images and assessments of the presence or absence of threat material or contraband, are sent only to government Customs and/or security facilities adjacent to but separate from the port insulates port operators from involvement in activities that could slow container throughput.

The present disclosure provides a system for controlling a mobile hoisting apparatus, a method for controlling a mobile hoisting apparatus, a server, and a mobile hoisting apparatus, capable of improving efficiency and reducing cost of hoisting operations. The system for controlling a mobile hoisting apparatus includes: an environment sensing module configured to detect environment information, and transmit the environment information to a server; a positioning module configured to determine a location of the mobile hoisting apparatus to obtain location information of the mobile hoisting apparatus, and transmit the location information to the server; and the server configured to plan a travel route from a current location of the mobile hoisting apparatus to a hoisting operation location of the mobile hoisting apparatus, determine a perception result based on the environment information, determine travel decision information based on the perception result and the travel route, control the mobile hoisting apparatus to move to the hoisting operation location along the travel route based on the travel decision information, and control, at the hoisting operation location, a hoisting arm of the mobile hoisting apparatus to place goods to be transported to a corresponding target location.

An off-shore port system includes a land-based port infrastructure area, an off-shore cargo ship docking area located in a body of water, and a transportation system having at least one tube connecting the land-based port infrastructure area and the off-shore cargo ship docking area.

The present disclosure is directed to loading a helical conveyor for underwater seismic exploration. The system includes a case and a first conveyor having a helix structure provided within the case to support one or more ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) units. The case can include a first opening at a first end of the first conveyor and a second opening at a second end of the first conveyor. The system can include a base to receive at least a portion of the case. The system can include a second conveyor positioned external to the case that can move an OBS unit into the first opening at the first end of the first conveyor. The first conveyor can receive the OBS unit and direct the OBS unit towards the second opening at the second end of the first conveyor.

The present invention is directed to a cargo scraping apparatus for a cargo carrier having a cargo hold. The cargo scraping apparatus includes a gantry, at least one scraper blade adapted to substantially span a width of the cargo hold, means to connect the at least one scraper blade to the gantry, and means to raise or lower the at least one scraper blade relative to the gantry. Moving the gantry relative to the cargo hold causes the at least one scraper blade to push or sweep cargo towards one or more regions of the cargo hold. The invention is also directed to a system for unloading cargo from a cargo hold, a system for assisting in loading cargo into a cargo hold, and a system for loading and unloading cargo into and from a cargo hold.

A system and method for intermodal container transport that utilizes swarm intelligence and the autonomous locating, lifting, supporting and moving via robots working in conjunction. A port central command locates and releases robots to the container location and then transports the container to its destination.