Inter-box connector (IBC) installation and removal system

An inter-box connector (IBC) installation and removal system for a quay crane comprising

• at least one predetermined placement position for a cargo container during container loading and unloading operations for installation and removal of IBCs,
• said placement positions being movable so that they can be repositioned as said quay crane is moved along the dockside,
• a pair of conveyors disposed parallel to said position disposed on opposite sides thereof and having carriers formed thereon for transporting and positioning individual IBCs proximate to the IBC receptacles formed in a cargo container when a container is disposed on said position, said conveyor belt carriers are provided with individual IBC receptacles having openings at the bottom thereof to permit said jacking means to penetrate therethrough and to engage an IBC disposed in a particular receptacle and raise it into engagement with a cargo container or to project through a carrier to engage an IBC engaged with a container and lower it into said carrier when it has been disengaged from a cargo container, and
• a jacking means for lifting IBCs being transported in said carriers into engagement with said receptacles or lowering IBCs from engagement therewith into said carriers, said jacking post being disposed within a guide sleeve which keeps said post vertically oriented during the raising and lowering cycles of said jacking means.