GWR
24-11-07, 12:31 AM
http://en1.endiva.net/AEPCO/images/literature/2168.4628_2006ASCC_SeaPig_web.jpg
[Photo: http://www.aepco.com/]
'Swimming cargo container' to begin trials
Friday, November 23, 2007
CNA
WASHINGTON, Taiwan -- A new invention, which provides an apparatus, method and system for delivery of commercial cargo containers shore side without container terminals, is expected to begin trial runs in several months, its inventor said Wednesday.
The invention, known as an "autonomous swimming cargo container," which has already been granted a U.S. patent, is the latest product developed by Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Advanced Engineering & Planning Corporation, Inc. (AEPCO) founded by Taiwan-born inventor-entrepreneur Dr. James Whang.
Whang, a graduate of Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University who obtained his Ph.D in environmental engineering from the University of Maryland, said this high-tech invention not only helps prevent cargo container operators from sustaining injury in stormy weather, it could also be a great help in terms of global rescue and relief efforts after major natural disasters.
According to Whang, the invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, a motor and navigation and steering controls, which allows for rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of individual cargo containers by water.
With ballast units, deployment systems and remote control units also enclosed, the arrangement allows the containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, to approach a shore autonomously according to a preplanned or remote-controlled route to a specific location and in a specific order of arrival, thereby reducing the number of cargo handlers required, increasing the speed of delivery to shore, and eliminating the need for high-tech pier-side equipment, Whang said. It also allows for the transfer of cargo at primitive shore sites as well as modem pier facilities, and expedites the delivery of cargo wherever needed, Whang added.
According to Whang, this invention, winner of several high technology innovation prizes, has won research subsidies from the U.S. Navy as well as Congress and has attracted interest and inquiries by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and American National Red Cross.
Whang, who established AEPCO Inc. in 1979, just last month had a prestigious Outstanding Overseas Taiwanese Small-and Medium-Enterprise Award conferred on him by the Taiwanese administration.
Whang was conferred the 2006 Monte Jade Technology CEO of the Year Award for the mid-Atlantic area, and the United States, for his ongoing outstanding contributions to a number of high technology disciplines.
He has also been appointed by the secretary of the U.S. Army to serve as a consultant to the Army Science Board (ASB).
AEPCO, Inc. has a long history of providing advanced logistical support and integrated materials management services to both the U.S. Army and Navy. It provides high-quality hands-on analytical and management support (including logistics support, information engineering and multimedia communications) services and products to government and commercial entities, both in the U.S.and internationally.
AEPCO Inc. has been ranked among the Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, as well as one of the Top 200 International Design Firms.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2007/11/23/132054/Swimming%2Dcargo.htm
Here's some patent info:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7096811.html
And AEPCO's site:
http://www.aepco.com/
[Photo: http://www.aepco.com/]
'Swimming cargo container' to begin trials
Friday, November 23, 2007
CNA
WASHINGTON, Taiwan -- A new invention, which provides an apparatus, method and system for delivery of commercial cargo containers shore side without container terminals, is expected to begin trial runs in several months, its inventor said Wednesday.
The invention, known as an "autonomous swimming cargo container," which has already been granted a U.S. patent, is the latest product developed by Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Advanced Engineering & Planning Corporation, Inc. (AEPCO) founded by Taiwan-born inventor-entrepreneur Dr. James Whang.
Whang, a graduate of Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University who obtained his Ph.D in environmental engineering from the University of Maryland, said this high-tech invention not only helps prevent cargo container operators from sustaining injury in stormy weather, it could also be a great help in terms of global rescue and relief efforts after major natural disasters.
According to Whang, the invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, a motor and navigation and steering controls, which allows for rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of individual cargo containers by water.
With ballast units, deployment systems and remote control units also enclosed, the arrangement allows the containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, to approach a shore autonomously according to a preplanned or remote-controlled route to a specific location and in a specific order of arrival, thereby reducing the number of cargo handlers required, increasing the speed of delivery to shore, and eliminating the need for high-tech pier-side equipment, Whang said. It also allows for the transfer of cargo at primitive shore sites as well as modem pier facilities, and expedites the delivery of cargo wherever needed, Whang added.
According to Whang, this invention, winner of several high technology innovation prizes, has won research subsidies from the U.S. Navy as well as Congress and has attracted interest and inquiries by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and American National Red Cross.
Whang, who established AEPCO Inc. in 1979, just last month had a prestigious Outstanding Overseas Taiwanese Small-and Medium-Enterprise Award conferred on him by the Taiwanese administration.
Whang was conferred the 2006 Monte Jade Technology CEO of the Year Award for the mid-Atlantic area, and the United States, for his ongoing outstanding contributions to a number of high technology disciplines.
He has also been appointed by the secretary of the U.S. Army to serve as a consultant to the Army Science Board (ASB).
AEPCO, Inc. has a long history of providing advanced logistical support and integrated materials management services to both the U.S. Army and Navy. It provides high-quality hands-on analytical and management support (including logistics support, information engineering and multimedia communications) services and products to government and commercial entities, both in the U.S.and internationally.
AEPCO Inc. has been ranked among the Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, as well as one of the Top 200 International Design Firms.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2007/11/23/132054/Swimming%2Dcargo.htm
Here's some patent info:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7096811.html
And AEPCO's site:
http://www.aepco.com/