Embodiments include a system configured to process location information for objects in a site comprising an imaging device configured to take a picture of an object, the picture containing a unique identifier of the object; a global positioning system (GPS) component associated with the imaging device and configured to tag the image of the object with GPS location information of the object to generate a tagged image; a communications interface configured to transmit the tagged image to a server computer remote from the imaging device over an Internet Protocol (IP) network; and a processor of the server configured to perform Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the picture and to create an indicator code corresponding to the identifier of the object, wherein the processor is further configured to create a processed result containing the indicator code and the location to locate the object within the site.

Embodiments include a system configured to process location information for objects in a site comprising an imaging device configured to take a picture of an object, the picture containing a unique identifier of the object; a global positioning system (GPS) component associated with the imaging device and configured to tag the image of the object with GPS location information of the object to generate a tagged image; a communications interface configured to transmit the tagged image to a server computer remote from the imaging device over an Internet Protocol (IP) network; and a processor of the server configured to perform Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the picture and to create an indicator code corresponding to the identifier of the object, wherein the processor is further configured to create a processed result containing the indicator code and the location to locate the object within the site.

A spreader for lifting a transport container comprises a main frame (26) suspended in a main frame suspension arrangement (36) to enable translation along a longitudinal axis (L). The main frame (26) is vertically supported by the main frame suspension arrangement (36) along a support line extending between a first support end (68a) and a second support end (68b), and the main frame suspension arrangement (36) carries the weight of a suspension arrangement load comprising the main frame (26), container connector arrangements (28a, 28b), and any container(s) attached to the container connector arrangements (28a, 28b). A detector arrangement is configured to detect if a centre of mass of the suspension arrangement load is positioned at a longitudinal position along the support line which is beyond a limit position.

A lifting attachment for lifting one or more containers, comprising a lifting attachment frame and an arm on each end of the lifting attachment frame, wherein the arm comprises an upper locking mechanism and a lower locking mechanism. Each arm further comprises a pivotable extension connected to an actuator, wherein a proximal end of the extension comprises a pivot point connecting the extension to the arm and a distal end of the extension comprises a support portion, wherein in a resting position the distal ends of the extensions are turned to move the support portions to each other and in an operating position the distal ends of the extensions are turned downwards for supporting the container from its side.

A lifting and gripping device including a solid, non-tubular construction, a beveled or wavy washer and rotating head to retard rotation under a design movement force, an automatic release safety lift latch to lock and unlock the gripping arms in the open and closed positions, two receiving slots for the forks of a fork lift, and a forklift safety chain to prevent the device from slipping off the forklift forks. The beveled or wavy washer of the rotating head is designed to prevent unnecessary rotation of the lifted object upon movement of said object by the forklift. The two receiving forklift fork receiving slots are designed to accommodate the forks of a forklift which upon lifting of the fork, actuates the lifting and gripping arms to close around the base of the object to be lifted. The safety latch is actuated by the forklift operator to initiate the gripping upon lifting. Once the lifted object is placed, the gripping arms open to release pressure on the object and simultaneously actuate the locking mechanism such that if the device is then lifted again, the gripping arms will not close unless and until the safety lock is re-engaged.

Methods and devices for picking up containers using a lifting-container device are disclosed. The container-lifting device may include a lifting fork, a friction contact surface, and a passive lifting mechanism. The passive lifting mechanism is coupled to the lifting fork and the friction contact surface on the two ends. The friction contact surface is configured to lift a target container. The lifting fork is configured to slide underneath the target container when the container is lifted. The passive lifting mechanism may transfer a fraction of a forward momentum of the container-lifting device into an upward momentum, and the friction contact surface may lift the target container by applying an upward friction force to one or more sides of the target container as a result of the upward momentum.