A storage system is disclosed where goods can be stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of rails (e.g., tracks) on which load handling devices can run. To take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensors, and data logging devices. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, can allow for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

A vehicle tilting device for tilting a delivery vehicle for increasing access to items from a storage container transported on the delivery vehicle. The vehicle tilting device comprises a base structure and a tiltable platform connected to the base structure, wherein the tiltable platform comprises guiding features adapted to guide the delivery vehicle onto the tiltable platform. The tiltable platform is arranged to be connected to a delivery grid cell of a delivery rail system such that that there is a path to and/or from the tiltable platform for the delivery vehicle via the delivery grid cell. The invention is also related to an access station, a delivery system and a method of accessing a storage container.

A container terminal operation method for a container terminal including a storage area in which a storage block is vertically arranged, wherein: a container conveying vehicle orbits through the storage block, apron, etc.; a container is handed over between the container conveying vehicle and the storage block on a lateral side thereof in a longitudinal direction; a handover area for handover of the container between the container conveying vehicle and an external vehicle, is defined in an area closer to a land than a land-side end; an external traveling lane is defined for the external vehicle; and the handover of the container in the handover area is carried out in a state where the container conveying vehicle and the external vehicle are both directed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the storage block.

A system is configured to move a group of containers including at least five containers simultaneously between a vehicle and a platform. The system includes a container support frame configured to support the group of containers, at least one hoist, and a conveyor. The at least one hoist is configured to raise and lower the container support frame and the containers when the containers are secured to the container support frame. The conveyor is configured to move the container support frame and the containers between the vehicle and the platform.

A lift system for an automated storage system of the type where storage containers are stacked in storage columns arranged in a grid, and where automated container handling vehicles retrieve and replace containers from a top level of the grid. The lift system has a platform vertically movable adjacent to a face of the grid, arranged for receiving and transporting one or more containers. A dedicated mechanical device is arranged for grabbing, lifting and moving the storage containers from a staging area at the top of the grid and placing containers on the platform and vice versa.

A system (100) for handling and storage of containers (200), system (100) comprising a structure (102) having storage cells (104) therein. Cells (104) are configured to store a container (200). Cells (104) are arranged in a rectangular prismatic array comprising a plurality of arrays (A.sub.1, A.sub.2 . . . A.sub.16). Each array comprises columns (C.sub.1, C.sub.2 . . . C.sub.15) and rows (R.sub.1, R.sub.2 . . . R.sub.18). Arrays (A.sub.1, A.sub.2 . . . A.sub.16) are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of void areas (V.sub.1, V.sub.2 . . . V.sub.8), each of which extends vertically and horizontally through the structure (102). Each cell has a container access opening (106) communicating with its associated void area (V.sub.1, V.sub.2 . . . V.sub.8). Container cranes (108) are provided for each void area (V.sub.1, V.sub.2 . . . V.sub.8). Container engagement assemblies (108c) are releasably engaged with respective opposite longitudinal ends of carrier (108a) of cranes (108). Upon movement into a cell (104), assemblies (108c) engage and are vertically supported by horizontal members (102c) at the top of the cell.

A loading/unloading system for a quay type full-automatic container terminal includes a plurality of shore cranes, an operation lane area between two rails of the shore cranes, an operation area from a rear side of a landside rail of the shore cranes to a yard, an automatic container yard area, an operation lane area of the yard, and facilities behind the yard. The shore cranes are disposed in parallel at a front edge of a container terminal to autonomously complete shipping and unshipping operations of containers, and autonomously complete loading/unloading processes of artificial intelligence transportation robots through information interaction with an artificial intelligence transportation robot system. The operation lane area between two rails of the shore cranes includes: a lambdoidal reverse operation area of inner container trucks, a ship lofting operation area, and a loading/unloading operation area of the inner container trucks, which are physically isolated by fences.

According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises a first well component supported by a first railcar truck and a second railcar truck. The first well component is disposed between the first railcar truck and the second railcar truck. The length of the first well component is restricted to transport an intermodal shipping container no longer than twenty feet in length. In particular embodiments, the first well component is configured to transport a double stack of twenty-foot intermodal shipping containers. Each twenty-foot shipping container of the double stack may be loaded to maximum weight of 67,000 pounds. Particular embodiments include an articulated railcar with two or more twenty-foot well components.

An automatic storage and retrieval system includes: a delivery vehicle; a storage container carried by the delivery vehicle; and an unloading station for unloading an item from the storage container while it is being carried by the delivery vehicle. The unloading station includes: an unloading device; and a destination conveyor configured to convey the item to a target destination, wherein the unloading device is configured to move the item through a side opening of the storage container to the destination conveyor.

An apparatus to support a proppant container includes a frame to receive and support the proppant container. The frame has a top surface that receives and positions the proppant container in an elevated position. The apparatus also includes a box guide assembly positioned on the top surface a box guide assembly connected to the top surface of the frame for defining a cradle section having four corners. The box guide assembly including a box guide positioned at each of the corners. Each box guide has a corner member extending upwardly from the top surface along a peripheral edge of the frame and a guide member extending adjacent the corner member. The guide member include an inclined face for aligning the proppant container in the cradle section. The box guide assembly guides the proppant container into the cradle section when loaded onto the frame in the elevated position.