Automatic discharge cargo lifting apparatus

Abstract

There is disclosed an automatic cargo transport apparatus for moving cargo between different vertical levels in which endless chains are synchronized to move along vertical ascending and descending paths in an elevator gantry. Laterally extending cargo loading and cargo discharge conveyors are located at different vertical levels to transfer boxes of cargo to and from pairs of cradles moving respectively in ascending and descending vertical directions within the gantry. Discharge sensors detect unwithdrawn units of cargo at the cargo unloading space and inhibit further operation of the cargo transport until this condition is corrected. Loading sensors detect the ascending movement of cradles at the cargo loading station and synchronize the interpositioning of cargo loads at the cargo loading space. The vertically oriented elevator system is suspended from a supporting framework positioned on the coaming of the hold of a ship so that the elevator system hangs in pendulum fashion, and retains a vertical orientation despite movement of the ship. The chains carrying the cradles include guide blocks that ride within vertically extending channels to prevent twisting of the chain links at the cradle connections. Vertically extending rails define elevator shafts so that units of cargo are laterally restrained and cannot become dislodged and fall. The vertically extending elevator framework is constructed in modular sections so that the cargo transport apparatus can be lengthened or shortened. Also, a cargo loading rack and a unloading rack are provided to respectively receive the laterally extending cargo loading and unloading conveyors, and can be selectively positioned along the vertically extending framework so cargo transport between different levels may be achieved.