RAM Spreaders Automatic Twistlock Handling Machine (PinSmart) automate the handling of twistlocks in a container terminal. Designed to handle 20ft, 40ft, 45ft and Twin 20ft containers, the PinSmart machine improves productivity by efficiently removing the twistlock cones.
RAM Spreaders?new 4000 series PinSmart Automated Twistlock Handling Machine brings innovative high standards of safety and performance to container handling. The machine automates the task of manually removing or fitting twistlocks to shipping containers a task that is performed by hand in container terminals worldwide over a billion times per year.
With ports and terminals worldwide under pressure to further increase container throughput, the new RAM PinSmart machine provides a potential break-though to higher levels of productivity for shipside container handling.
The RAM PinSmart 4000 series Automated Twistlock Handling Machine is an electro-hydraulic operated machine for removing or fitting the interconnecting twistlocks used with shipping containers in a container terminal. The machine is capable of fully automating the discharge process and semi automating the loading process.
The machine:
The RAM PinSmart machine comprises a welded steel structure for supporting the shipping container; a system of gather guides for positioning the container accurately onto the machine; robotic corner handling modules at each corner for manipulating the twistlocks and an on-board computer control system with operator friendly interface utilising touch screen controls.
The main structure is designed to withstand the heavy shock loads and vibration that occur during container handling operations. It is fitted with eight side and two end steel gather guides. These guides are fitted with a shock damping elastomer to reduce shock from containers and reduce vibration.
The frame is fitted with eight robotic corner handling modules. These are used to manipulate the twistlocks to or from the lower corner castings of the shipping container.
Each corner handling module is capable of handling a wide range of twistlocks through the use of specially designed attachments that have been developed to cater for the popular twistlocks used by shipping lines.
The operation:
During discharge a container with twistlocks fitted is lowered onto the machine. The machine senses that the container is in position and then the robotic corner handling modules automatically remove the twistlocks. Once this has happened the crane can hoist the container off of the Pinsmart machine. The twistlocks are then automatically discharged into the storage bins adjacent to each corner handling module.
During loading, the stevedore places a twistlock at each corner handling module. Once the placement of the twistlocks is completed, the stevedore moves away from the machine. A container or containers can then be lowered onto the machine and the twistlocks will be automatically fitted to the container(s).
The machine can handle a range of different container configurations. A single 20 ft or 40ft or 45ft container or twin 20ft containers. For the 45 ft container the machine is designed to handle twistlocks at the 40ft corner casting position.
The RAM PinSmart machine is lifted and moved by a standard telescopic spreader at the 20ft position and can be quickly and easily transferred from bay to bay by a ship to shore crane or straddle carrier.
The setting-up of the machine for the type of twistlock to be handled is via a HMI ?Human Machine Interface using a heavy duty touch screen. Selection of the container size to be handled and the twistlock type automatically configures the machine. The operator controls the machine by a small portable control.
Interaction with the machine and the ship to shore crane is managed by two sets of green and red RAM LoadLite LED indicator lights that indicate to the operator the machines status and when it is safe to lower or hoist. A hoist interlock linking the machine with the crane is available for additional safety.
Revealing the strategy behind the introduction of the new RAM PinSmart Automated Twistlock Handling Machine, RAM Spreaders?Product Manager Cameron Hay expanded on the importance of safety in dockside operations.
"Shipping containers are secured on board container ships vessels using twistlocks. These twistlocks are manually handled at the port every time a container is loaded and discharged from the vessel.
There are over one billion twistlock�s removed annually by hand in the worlds ports.
The task of manually handling twistlocks is a slow, arduous and expensive operation that can be dangerous and may result in stevedores incurring injury, which in some cases can be fatal.
The RAM PinSmart automates the task thereby reducing the need for workers to be in these hazardous situations.
RAM has utilised its 30 years of experience in designing spreaders operating in onerous conditions to now produce a machine that automates the task of handling twistlocks.
| Model | Container Sizes | Tare Weight | Capability |
| 4010 | 1 x 20ft container 1 x 40ft container 1 x 45ft container 2 x 20ft containers | 15,000 Kg | Discharge ?fully automated Load ?75% reduction in manual work. |
| 4020 | 1 x 20ft container 1 x 40ft container 1 x 45ft container 2 x 20ft containers | 20,000 Kg | Discharge ?fully automated Load ?75% reduction in manual work Fixed to crane Movable bogie. |
Operating Speeds:
| Function | Speed |
| Twistlock | - 3 sec. |
| Telescope 20?-40?/td> | - 2 sec. |
| Telescope 40??45?/td> | - 6 sec. |
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