GB1188793A - Improvements in or relating to Cargo-Ships incorporating Article-Storage Apparatus. - Google Patents

Abstract

1,188,793. Storage apparatus. GENERAL ELECTRIC & ENGLISH ELECTRIC COMPANIES Ltd. 13 June, 1967 [16 June, 1966], No. 26976/66. Heading B8E. [Also in Division B7] A cargo ship incorporates an article storage apparatus for moving articles between a loading position beneath a hatch and storage positions on a deck in the ship's hold and spaced from the loading position, the apparatus comprising an article carrier member on which is movably supported a transfer member adapted to support the articles and transfer them between the carrier member and the storage positions. The hold is divided into superposed storage chambers S each having a hatch 3, the hatches being in alignment. Each deck has rails 4 on which runs a carrier member 5 having rails 6 for supporting a transfer member 7 which has a vertically movable frame 9 for supporting articles in the form of containers. At each side of the rails 4 are storage positions having rails 10 for receiving the member 7 and plinths 11 for supporting articles transferred thereto by the member 7. Containers may also be stored between the rails 4. Operation may be automatic or semi-automatic. In a second embodiment, Fig. 4 (not shown), each deck has two carrier members respectively associated with two transfer members, and being serviced through a common hatch. In a third embodiment, Fig. 5 (not shown), the carrier member is a turntable which may be formed as a lift to service superposed decks. Alternatively, each deck may have a turntable, the turntables being aligned and each, other than the lowest, being provided with an aperture which can be aligned with an upper hatch.