Trolley system, apparatus and method

Abstract

Example embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods of the present disclosure may allow for the use of a mechanized platform or trolley to move containers into and out of a service compartment. In one example, a station may include a service bay and two lift bays located on opposite sides of the service bay. In one example, a trolley may travel on tracks between lift compartments. The trolley may hold two containers positioned side by side. In one example, a technician may work on a container placed below a service compartment. Meanwhile, another container placed on the trolley in the lifting partition area can be dragged away through the lifting type carrying vehicle. The technician may instruct the trolley to move away a container located below the service compartment and replace the moved away container with another container located on the trolley.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 17 / 943,010, filed on September 12, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Intermodal containers (also known as shipping containers, freight containers, cargo containers, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or non - ISO containers, and / or other containers or other objects for holding and / or transporting items that need to be held or transported) are large standardized marine boxes or containers designed and built for intermodal freight transportation. This means that these containers can be used in different modes of transportation, such as from ship to rail to truck, without unloading and reloading their cargo. Intermodal containers are mainly used for efficiently and safely storing and transporting materials and products in, for example, the global containerized intermodal freight transportation system.

[0004] There are many types and a variety of standardized sizes of intermodal containers. There are roughly six types of intermodal containers: dry containers, insulated containers, open - top containers, flat - rack containers, refrigerated containers, and tank containers. The most common general - purpose containers carry all types of goods without any specific specifications. Most of the global container fleet consists of "dry" or "general - purpose" containers. These containers are durable enclosed rectangular boxes made of rust - resistant Corten steel; almost all are 8 feet (2.44 m) wide and have standard lengths of 20 feet or 40 feet (6.10 m or 12.19 m). The standard heights worldwide are 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 m) and 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m). Summary of the Invention

[0005] Containers (such as intermodal shipping containers or ISO containers) can be used to transport materials and products in the global containerized freight transportation system. Once the cargo of a container is emptied, the next destination can be, for example, a container depot. In some examples, the container depot provides one or more services, such as, for example, storage, inspection, cleaning, and / or repair, to maintain the container and prepare it for another shipment.

[0006] In some examples, the infrastructure within a container depot may include workshop stations, cleaning stations, and / or other stations (hereinafter referred to as "stations" or "station systems"). Each station may perform one or more services on the incoming containers, such as repairing or cleaning the containers. In one example, a station may house one or more service bays, such as locations where containers can be staged, loaded, unloaded, cleaned, or some other service can be performed. The containers can be moved under or near the service bays, and technicians can, for example, clean, repair, or service the containers.

[0007] Most containers are heavy, and to move the containers within the container depot, heavy equipment can be used. An example of heavy equipment can be a lift truck or a forklift. In some exemplary container depots, the demand for lift trucks is high and they are sometimes constantly moving to support the operational activities. Additionally, these lift trucks may break down, or there may not be enough operators to operate them. In other words, there is a relative shortage of lift trucks and / or the drivers operating these lift trucks.

[0008] In these exemplary container depots, sometimes the rate at which the service bays repair, clean, and / or service the containers is faster than the rate at which these service bays receive the containers from the lift trucks (because, for example, the demand for lift trucks is high and they are heavily used for various operations, the lift trucks break down, or there are no drivers to operate these lift trucks). In these cases, the productivity of a single service bay may depend on the time taken to tow away the serviced container and place another container within the service bay. Thus, in these examples, the slow rate of swapping one container for the next may have a negative impact on the efficiency of the service bay.

[0009] Example embodiments of the systems, devices, equipment, and methods of the present disclosure may relate to using a mechanized platform or trolley to move containers into and out of service bays. A trolley refers to any mechanism that can be configured to receive, transfer, or otherwise carry a certain type of container. In one example, a station may include a service bay and two lift bays located on opposite sides of the service bay. For example, there can be a lift bay, a service bay, and another lift bay. The trolley can run on tracks (or guide rails) between the lift bays. A track or guide rail refers to any structure or other mechanism configured to guide or maneuver or otherwise assist in the transfer or movement of the trolley. In one example, the trolley can connect the lift bays by passing through the service bay.

[0010] In one example, the carriage can hold two containers positioned side by side. In one example, the carriage can travel on a track between lift bays. In one example, the movement can be transverse or lateral to the longitudinal axis of one or more of the containers. Alternatively, the movement can be up or down relative to another axis of one or more of the containers. In one example, the track length can be approximately three service bays. Other track lengths are possible. In one example, the carriage width can be approximately two service bays. In one example, when the carriage is docked at either end stop (i.e., the lift bay), one container can be in a service bay and an adjacent container can be accessed by a lift truck in the lift bay. In one example, the carriage can include a motor for sliding the carriage on the track. The motor can communicate with a control unit using a transceiver. The carriage can also optionally include a processor and a memory for receiving instructions from the control unit. In one example, the carriage can receive wireless communication from the control unit.

[0011] In one example, a technician can remove a serviced container and replace it with a new container in a single action. For example, the technician can instruct the carriage to move to quickly and safely move the serviced container from the service bay to the lift bay. By moving the serviced container, another container can move into the service bay as the carriage moves. The lift bay can allow a lift truck to access the carriage to remove the serviced container and replace it with another container in the queue.

[0012] In one example, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can eliminate the downtime of the service bay during a swap-out operation. This exemplary increased efficiency can potentially double the productivity of the service bay. Additionally, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide flexibility and strain relief for lift trucks and other container-related operations in a container warehouse. Further, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide operational efficiency because, in some embodiments, the service equipment can be permanently placed in the service bay. This can eliminate interference with the movement of containers and lift trucks.

[0013] In one example, some containers (such as liquid tank containers) may require rear end and top side entrances for performing certain services such as inspections, cleaning, and repairs. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a fixed walkway structure to span the top of the container. The exemplary structure can be designed to prevent falls. This exemplary design can be contrasted with less desirable and riskier systems, and this exemplary design implements fall protection. For example, in some embodiments, the present system and method can be implemented to have top side and / or rear entrances such as handrails. These and other fall protection mechanisms may be superior to other systems and methods that attempt to minimize injuries using, for example, helmets, nets, and similar protection mechanisms.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a system, apparatus, and method that includes: a station that includes a service compartment, a first lifting compartment, and a second lifting compartment; a set of tracks that connect the first lifting compartment to the service compartment and the second lifting compartment; a carriage that is configured to slide on the set of tracks and receive a first container and a second container; and a control unit for activating a motor of the carriage; wherein, in a first operating mode, the carriage is configured to be located in the service compartment and the first lifting compartment, and in a second operating mode, the carriage is configured to be located in the service compartment and the second lifting compartment.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the service compartment includes a fixed platform.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein, in the first operating mode, the first container is located below the service compartment, and in the second operating mode, the second container is located below the service compartment.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein, in the first operating mode, the first container is accessible through the fixed platform, and in the second operating mode, the second container is accessible through the fixed platform.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the service compartment includes an entrance ramp.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the service compartment includes a top plate.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein one side of the carriage is approximately twice the width of the service compartment.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the length of the set of tracks is approximately three times the width of the service compartment.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system in which a control unit is configured to receive data from sensors and use the data to activate a motor for a trolley.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system in which a control unit is configured to run a machine learning model.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system in which the machine learning model is trained using data including the past performance of technicians.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system in which the machine learning model is configured to predict when a service being performed on at least one of a first container and a second container will end.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system in which the machine learning model is configured to contact a lift truck for transporting a container to a trolley.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system in which the machine learning model is configured to contact a lift truck for removing at least one of a first container and a second container from a trolley.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system in which at least one of a first container and a second container is an intermodal container.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system in which at least one of a first container and a second container is a tank.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system in which the lift truck is configured to place at least one of a first container and a second container on or remove it from a trolley.

[0031] Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure are described in connection with container compartments, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to container warehouses. Those of ordinary skill in the art also recognize that in some embodiments, mobile devices other than trolleys can be used to move containers between lift compartments.

[0032] The present invention content is provided to introduce in a simplified form some concepts that will be further described in the specific embodiments below. This invention content is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description and / or the appended claims, and some will be apparent from the detailed description, the appended claims, or can be learned by practicing the teachings herein. The features and advantages of the present disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the tools and combinations particularly pointed out in the detailed description and / or the appended claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] To describe the manner in which the above-described advantages and features, as well as other advantages and features, can be obtained, a more specific description of the subject matter briefly described above will be provided by reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings only depict typical embodiments and should not be considered as limiting the scope. The embodiments will be described and explained with additional features and details by using the drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 A front view of an exemplary station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 A side view of the station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 3 A perspective rear view of the station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 4 Another perspective rear view of the station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 5 Another side view of the station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 A front perspective view of the station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 7 Another front perspective view of the station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 8 Another side view of the station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 9 A schematic side view of the station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 10 Shows another schematic side view of a station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 11 Shows a schematic top view of a station system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 12 Shows exemplary hardware components of a control unit. Detailed Description

[0046] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to illustrate the various features of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather to provide examples of the components, uses, and operations of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 1 Shows a front view of an exemplary station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary station system 100 may include one or more compartments. In this example, the illustrated exemplary station system 100 may include three compartments, such as (a), (b), and (c). In this example, the compartments may include two lifting compartments 110 and a service compartment 120. Thus, the station system 100 may include service compartments 120(a), 120(b), and 130(c). Similarly, the station system 100 may include lifting compartments 110(a), 110(b), and 110(c). In one example, the front portion of the station system 100 may include a set of lifting compartments, such as 110(a)(1), 110(b)(1), and 110(c)(1), and the rear portion of the station system 100 may include another set of lifting compartments, such as 110(a)(2), 110(b)(2), and 110(c)(2). See, for example Figures 2 - 6 .

[0048] In one example, the compartments in the station system 100 may include carts 112 and tracks 111 for the carts 112. The carts 112 may hold containers 113 and / or 114. The tracks 111 may extend between the lifting compartments. For example, the tracks 111 may start at a lifting compartment in the front portion of the station system 100 (such as 110(a)(1)), pass through the service compartment (such as 120(a)), and continue to a lifting compartment in the rear portion of the station system 100 (such as 110(a)(2)). In Figure 1 the exemplary embodiment, there may be three carts 112(a), 112(b), and 112(c). In one example, a forklift 115 may place a container (such as 113 or 114) on the cart 112. Similarly, the forklift 115 may remove a container from the cart 112.

[0049] In one example, the station system 100 may include a top plate 121 for covering the service compartment 120. Additionally, the station system 100 may include an access ramp 122 for technicians to enter the service compartment 120. The station system 100 may further include a fixed platform 123 on which technicians can work and access the container placed below the service compartment 120.

[0050] In one example, the station system 100 may include a control unit. The control unit may transmit signals to one or more trolleys 112, for example, to instruct the trolleys to move from one position to another. Additionally, the control unit may receive instructions from technicians, such as to move a specific trolley 112. In one example, the control unit may receive sensor data and provide instructions to the trolley 112 based on the sensor data. The sensor data may include, for example, closing the door of the container, no longer receiving liquid waste from the container, exceeding the threshold time of the container at the service compartment, closing the water pipe for cleaning the container, etc.

[0051] In one example, the control unit may predict the operational performance of a specific compartment (or service compartment) and provide instructions to the operator of the forklift 115 to, for example, preferentially replace the container at the specific compartment (or service compartment). For example, the control unit may predict that service compartment (a) will complete its service in 10 minutes, but service compartment (b) will complete its service in 20 minutes. In this example, the control unit may provide instructions to the operator of the forklift to replace the container at service compartment (a) before service compartment (b). Such prediction may be based on, for example, the type or service to be performed on the containers in service compartments (a) and (b), the past performance of the technicians working on each compartment, the size of the containers in each compartment, the type of the containers in each compartment, etc.

[0052] In one example, the trolley 112 may move between the front lifting compartment and the rear lifting compartment. The size of the trolley may be twice the width of the service compartment 120. In an exemplary embodiment, in one operating mode, a part of the trolley 112(a) may be located in the front lifting compartment 110(a)(1), while the remaining part of the trolley 112(a) may be located in the service compartment 120(a). In an exemplary embodiment, in a second operating mode, a part of the trolley 112(a) may be located in the rear lifting compartment 110(a)(2), while the remaining part of the trolley 112(a) may be located in the service compartment 120(a). Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the trolley 112 may operate in multiple operating modes.

[0053] In one example, due to the size of the carriage 112 (i.e., approximately twice the width of the service bay 120) and the size of the track 111 (i.e., approximately three times the width of the service bay 120), a portion of the carriage 112 always remains in the service area, and a portion of the carriage 112 remains in the front lift bay 110(a)(1) or the rear lift bay 110(a)(2). Thus, when the carriage 112 moves between the first operating mode and the second operating mode, at least one of the containers 113 and 114 (placed on the carriage 112) remains accessible by the service bay 120. Figure 1 An example embodiment is shown, in which the container 113 is located in the lift bay 110(a)(1), and the container 114 is located in the service bay 120(a).

[0054] Figure 2 A side view of the station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this example embodiment, the container 113 is located in the lift bay 110(a)(1), and the container 114 is located in the service bay 120(a). A technician can use the access ramp 122 to enter the service bay 120(a) and clean or repair the container 114 while the container 114 is located below the service bay 120(a). In this example, a portion of the carriage 112(a) is located in the lift bay 110(a)(1), and another portion of the carriage 112(a) is located in the service bay 120(a). The carriage 112(a) is not located in the lift bay 110(a)(2). In this example, if the technician has serviced the container 113, the container 113 can be lifted using the forklift 115. On the other hand, if the technician has not completed servicing the container 114, then once the servicing of the container 114 is completed, the technician can instruct the control unit to move the carriage 112(a) to access the container 113. Thus, when the servicing of the container 114 is completed, the technician does not need to wait to receive a new container from the forklift.

[0055] Figure 3A perspective rear view of a station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, portions of the carts 112(a) and 112(b) are respectively located in the lifting compartments 110(a)(2) and 110(b)(2). In other words, the carts 110(a)(2) and 110(b)(2) are in the second operating mode. The cart 112(c) is not located in the lifting compartment 110(c)(2), that is, this cart is in the first operating mode. Each of the service compartments 120(a), 120(b), and 120(c) includes a container, such as the container 113. When technicians are located in the service compartment, they can service the container. For example, when the control unit sends a communication to the operator of the lift truck 115, each of the carts 112(a) and 112(b) can receive the container.

[0056] Figure 4 Another perspective rear view of the station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the lift truck 115 has placed the 114 containers on the cart 112(a). Thus, once the service of the container 113 is completed, the technician working in the service compartment 120(a) can use the control unit to instruct the cart 112(a) to tow away the container 113. Once the container 113 is towed away (i.e., the cart is moved to the first operating mode), the technician can work on the container 114. In this example, once the container 113 is towed away from the service compartment 120(a), the technician can immediately work on the container 114. In this example, the station system 100 can allow technicians to access the top and sides of the container 113 (and the same applies to the container 114 when it is moved to the service compartment 120(a)). Additionally, in this exemplary embodiment, the service equipment can be placed in the service compartment 120(a), that is, the service equipment is fixed, for example, there is no need to move the equipment. This exemplary configuration can minimize any possibility of interference between the service equipment and the lift truck 115 and the cart 112(a).

[0057] Figure 5Shows another side view of the station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the technician has activated the control unit to move the carriage 112(a) from the second operating mode (i.e., a part of the carriage 112(a) is located in the lifting compartment 110(a)(2)) to the first operating mode (i.e., a part of the carriage 112(a) is located in the lifting compartment 110(a)(1)). Thus, the technician can now work on the container 114, and the reach truck 115 can replace the container 113 that may have been serviced. Since the container 114 is available for the technician to use, the technician does not need to wait for the reach truck 115 to replace the container 113. Instead, even if the container 113 has not been towed away, the technician can start working on the container 114.

[0058] Figure 6 Shows a front perspective view of the station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the carriage 112(a) and the container 113 in the first operating mode can be picked up by the reach truck 115. Figure 6 Also shows the tracks on which the carriage 112(a) can move between the lifting compartments 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2). Figure 7 Shows another front perspective view of the station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the reach truck 115 is lifting the container 113 to pick up the container. Figure 8 Shows yet another side view of the station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the container 113 has been towed away by the reach truck 115. The carriage 112(a) is in the first operating mode and is ready to receive a new container. The technician can service the container 114 located below the service compartment 120(a).

[0059] Figure 9 Shows a schematic side view of the station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary schematic diagram, the technician can be located on the fixed platform 123 and work on the container 113 in the service compartment 120(b). The reach truck 115 can place the container 114 on the carriage 112(a). The carriage 112(a) can be in the second operating mode. After finishing the work on the container 113, the technician can activate the control unit to move the carriage 112(a) to the first operating mode. Figure 10Shows another schematic side view of the station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the trolley 112(a) has moved to the first operating mode, and a technician can access the container 114 for servicing. The trolley 112(a) has moved the container 113 to the lifting compartment 110(a)(1). The forklift 115 can now remove the container 113 that has been serviced by the technician.

[0060] Figure 11 Shows a top view schematic of the station system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 Shows the compartments 105(a), 105(b) and 105(c) for the station system 100. In this example, each compartment may include a trolley 112, and each trolley may hold two containers, such as containers 113 and 114. One or more of the trolleys 112 can move between the first operating mode and the second operating mode of each trolley according to instructions from the control unit, and respectively allow access to the containers in the service compartment 120.

[0061] Features of the control unit

[0062] In one example embodiment, the control unit may include a machine learning model. In this example, the control unit can receive data and, based on this data, make predictions about the operation of the station system. For example, the data may include the services performed on the containers, the past performance of the technicians working on the containers (e.g., the time taken to perform a specific task), the size of the containers, the type of the containers, the number of containers received in a given day, the calendar day on which the containers are serviced, the suppliers of the containers, the weather and temperature when servicing the containers, the parts used to service the containers, the cost of servicing the containers, the type of access required for the containers, etc. The control unit can use the machine learning model to use this data to predict how long it will take to service a specific container, and thus predict when and how often the containers should be replaced in a given compartment (or service compartment). As another example, the machine learning model can predict the parts that should be ordered for the container warehouse. As yet another example, the machine learning model can predict the cost of completing the service of a specific number of containers. As yet another example, the machine learning model can predict the optimal number of forklifts and / or forklift operators for a given day or the number of containers to be serviced.

[0063] In an example embodiment, a machine learning model can predict one or more service bays that will complete their current work on a container before other service bays. Such prediction can be based on, for example, the type of service to be provided to the container, the work history of the technicians working on the container, the goods previously shipped in the container, the model and construction of the container, etc. The control unit can receive some of this information from a central repository. The control unit can also receive some of this information from the technicians. Such prediction can also be based on sensor data received from the service bays, such as sensor data indicating that a technician has closed a particular door of the container, a technician has left the container, the weight or change in weight of the container, or a technician has not worked on the container for more than a threshold time. The machine learning model can determine a priority list for the service bays receiving the container. Subsequently, the control unit can transmit the list to one or more of the operators of the lift truck. For example, the control unit can assign one or more of the operators to remove the container from the lift bay associated with the service bay and replace these containers with other containers.

[0064] Technical implementation of the control unit

[0065] Figure 12 Exemplary hardware components of a control unit (or computer system) are shown. The computer system 1200 or other similarly configured computer systems can include and execute one or more subsystem components to perform the functions described herein, including the steps of the various processes described above. Similarly, mobile devices, cell phones, smartphones, laptops, desktops, notebooks, tablets, wearable devices, servers, etc. (which include some of the same components as the computer system 1200) can run applications (or software) and perform the above steps and functions. The computer system 1200 can be connected to a network 1214, such as the Internet or other network, to receive queries, obtain data, and transmit information and incentives, as described above.

[0066] The computer system 1200 generally includes a memory 1202, an auxiliary storage device 1204, and a processor 1206. The computer system 1200 can also include multiple processors 1206 and be configured in multiple configurations such as blade servers or other known server configurations. The computer system 1200 can also include a network connection device 1208, a display device 1210, and an input device 1212.

[0067] The memory 1202 may include a RAM or a similar type of memory, and it may store one or more application programs executed by the processor 1206. The auxiliary storage device 1204 may include a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, or other types of non-volatile data storage. The processor 1206 executes application programs stored in the memory 1202 or the auxiliary storage device 1204 or received from the Internet or other network 1214, such as those described herein. The processing performed by the processor 1206 may be implemented in software (such as software modules executed by a computer or other machine). These application programs preferably include executable instructions to perform the functions and methods of the system and subsystem components described above and shown in the drawings herein. The application programs preferably provide a graphical user interface (GUI) through which the user can view and interact with the subsystem components.

[0068] The computer system 1200 may store one or more database structures in the auxiliary storage device 1204, for example, for storing and maintaining the information required to perform the above functions. Alternatively, such information may be stored in a storage device separate from these components.

[0069] In addition, as mentioned, the processor 1206 may execute one or more software applications to provide the functions described in this specification, specifically to execute and implement the steps and functions in the above process flow. Such a process may be implemented in software (such as software modules executed by a computer or other machine). The GUI may be formatted as, for example, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), or any other suitable form of web page to be presented on the display device according to the application program used by the user to interact with the computer system 1200.

[0070] The input device 1212 may include any device for inputting information into the computer system 1200, such as a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a cursor control device, a microphone, a digital camera, a video camera, or a portable video camera. The input and output device 1212 may be used to input information into the GUI during the execution of the above method. The display device 1210 may include any type of device for presenting visual information, such as, for example, a computer monitor or a flat screen display (or a mobile device screen). The display device 1210 may display the GUI and / or the output from the subsystem components (or software).

[0071] Examples of computer system 1200 include dedicated server computers such as blade servers, personal computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, palmtop computers, network computers, mobile devices, or any processor-controlled device capable of executing a web browser or other types of applications for interacting with the system.

[0072] Although only one computer system 1200 is shown in detail, the system 1200 can use multiple computer systems or servers to support users as needed or desired, and can also use backup or redundant servers to prevent network downtime in the event of a failure of a particular server. Additionally, although computer system 1200 is depicted as having various components, those skilled in the art will understand that the system can include additional or different components. Additionally, although aspects of the embodiments consistent with the above are described as being stored in memory, those skilled in the art will understand that these aspects can also be stored on or read from other types of computer program products or computer-readable media, such as auxiliary storage devices, including hard disks, floppy disks, or CD-ROMs; or other forms of RAM or ROM. The computer-readable media can include instructions for controlling computer system 1200 to perform a specific method, such as the methods described above.

[0073] Embodiment

[0074] A system, comprising:

[0075] A station, which includes a service compartment, a first lifting compartment, and a second lifting compartment;

[0076] A set of tracks that connect the first lifting compartment to the service compartment and the second lifting compartment;

[0077] A trolley configured to slide on the set of tracks and receive a first container and a second container; and

[0078] A control unit for activating the motor of the trolley;

[0079] Wherein, in a first operating mode, the trolley is configured to be located in the service compartment and the first lifting compartment, and in a second operating mode, the trolley is configured to be located in the service compartment and the second lifting compartment.

[0080] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the service compartment includes a fixed platform.

[0081] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein, in the first operating mode, the first container is located below the service compartment, and in the second operating mode, the second container is located below the service compartment.

[0082] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein, in the first operating mode, the first container is accessible via the fixed platform, and in the second operating mode, the second container is accessible via the fixed platform.

[0083] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the service compartment includes an entrance ramp and a top plate.

[0084] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein one side of the trolley is approximately twice the width of the service compartment, and wherein the length of the set of tracks is approximately three times the width of the service compartment.

[0085] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the control unit is configured to receive data from sensors and use the data to activate a motor for the trolley.

[0086] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the data includes the weight or weight change of the container in service.

[0087] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the data includes a signal indicating that the door of the container has been closed.

[0088] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the data includes a signal indicating that a technician has not been working on the container for more than a threshold time.

[0089] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the control unit is configured to run a machine learning model.

[0090] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the machine learning model is trained using data including the past performance of technicians.

[0091] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the machine learning model is configured to predict when the service being performed on at least one of the first container and the second container will end.

[0092] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the machine learning model is configured to interface with a reach truck for transporting a container to the trolley.

[0093] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the machine learning model is configured to interface with a reach truck for removing at least one of the first container and the second container from the trolley.

[0094] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one of the first container and the second container is an intermodal container, a tank, or a combination thereof.

[0095] The system according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the reach truck is configured to place at least one of the first container and the second container on the trolley or remove the same from the trolley.

[0096] A method for facilitating the movement of containers within a system, comprising:

[0097] employing one or more trolleys to facilitate the movement of two or more containers, wherein the one or more trolleys are configured to slide on a set of tracks between a lifting compartment and a service compartment; and

[0098] configuring the system such that a first of the two or more containers undergoes a service step while a second of the two or more containers undergoes a movement step.

[0099] The method according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the service step includes cleaning.

[0100] The method according to any one or more of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the tracks include one or more guide rails.

[0101] The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described in this application, which are intended to illustrate various aspects. Obviously, many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. In addition to the methods and devices listed herein, functionally equivalent methods and devices within the scope of the present disclosure are obvious from the foregoing representative description. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended representative claims. The present disclosure is limited only by the full scope of the appended representative claims and equivalents of such representative claims. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: A station, which includes a service compartment, a first lifting compartment, and a second lifting compartment; A set of tracks that connect the first lifting compartment to the service compartment and the second lifting compartment; A trolley configured to slide on the set of tracks and receive a first container and a second container; And A control unit for activating the motor of the trolley; Wherein, in a first operating mode, the trolley is configured to be located in the service compartment and the first lifting compartment, and in a second operating mode, the trolley is configured to be located in the service compartment and the second lifting compartment.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The service compartment includes a fixed platform.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, In the first operating mode, the first container is located below the service compartment, and in the second operating mode, the second container is located below the service compartment.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein, In the first operating mode, the first container can be accessed through the fixed platform, and in the second operating mode, the second container can be accessed through the fixed platform.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein The service compartment includes an entrance ramp and a top plate.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, One side of the trolley is approximately twice the width of the service compartment, and wherein the length of the set of tracks is approximately three times the width of the service compartment.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to receive data from sensors and use the data to activate the motor for the trolley.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein The data includes the weight or weight change of the container in service.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The data includes a signal indicating that the door of the container has been closed.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The data includes a signal indicating that the technician has not been working on the container for more than a threshold time.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The control unit is configured to run a machine learning model.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The machine learning model is trained using data including the past performance of the technician.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The machine learning model is configured to predict when the service being performed on at least one of the first container and the second container will end.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein The machine learning model is configured to contact a forklift for transporting the container to the trolley.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The machine learning model is configured to contact a forklift for removing at least one of the first container and the second container from the trolley.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first container and the second container is an intermodal container, a tank, or a combination thereof.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein, A forklift is configured to place at least one of the first container and the second container on the trolley or remove it from the trolley.

18. A method for facilitating the movement of containers within a system, comprising: Employing one or more trolleys to facilitate the movement of two or more containers, wherein the one or more trolleys are configured to slide on a set of tracks between a lifting compartment and a service compartment; and Configuring the system such that the first of the two or more containers undergoes a service step, while the second of the two or more containers undergoes a movement step.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The service step includes cleaning.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein The tracks include one or more guide rails.

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