Abstract: A rail section for use in a rail switch and method for assembling same are provided. The rail section is connected to a switch mounting by inserting a portion of the switch mounting through an aperture provided in the rail section and then applying a double weld. Similarly, a gate operating mechanism is connected to the rail section by inserting a portion of the gate operating mechanism through an aperture provided in the rail section and then applying a double weld. A receptor portion of the rail section that is reinforced to withstand a greater load is also provided. A plurality of gate retention mechanisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rail switch for a conveyor assembly is provided. The rail switch includes a switch mounting for mounting rail sections. The rail switch includes a first rail section having a first end, a second end, a first face and a second face, as well as a receptor portion for receiving a first gate, an aperture located between the first end and second end through which a first connecting portion of the switch mounting is inserted, and a first weld mounting on the first face and a second weld mounting on the second face of the first rail section securing the first rail section and switch mounting together.

Abstract: A rail mounted patient lift comprises a ceiling mountable rail 10, a carriage 16 mounted for displacement along the rail, a flexible elongate support element and power operated lifting means for extending and retracting the support element relative to the carriage. The rail 10 comprises a plurality of rail sections 10a, 10b which in use are suspended from a ceiling with a gap 13 therebetween at a position where the rail 10 is to cross the path of a curtain 14. Each rail section has at least one pivotable flap 19 engageable by the carriage 16 as it moves along the rail. The flap 19 of one of a pair of adjoining rail sections is pivotable by the carriage as it moves in one direction to bridge the gap between the two sections and the flap of the other of the pair of adjoining rail sections is pivotable by the carriage as it moves in an opposite direction to bridge the gap between the two rail sections.

Abstract: A system for switching rails that rotates in a horizontal plane about a pivot to direct a vehicle traversing a system of rails along alternate paths is provided. The rail switching system also has a main line connector for providing one vehicle path between two segments of a main line. The rail switching system has a branch line connector for providing an alternate vehicle path between a segment of the main line and a branch line segment. The main line connector and branch line connector are fixed relative to one another and rotate about the pivot as a single unit.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for use with an overhead rail system including a main rail track and a branch rail track to support and move product thereon, the switching mechanism comprises a first switching member and a second switching member including a first switching element and a second switching element respectively coupled together by a branch rail positioning means wherein the second switching element is selectively movable between a first and second position such that the product is transported on the main rail track when the second switching element is in the first position and the product is transported from the branch rail track to the main rail track when the second switching element is in the second position.

Abstract: An improved switch for an overhead trolley track system, which is adaptable to be inserted between intersecting tracks and adjustable for handling trolley movement from one track to another. The improved switch includes a unique pivot and shaft assembly whereby the hub member attached to the track lift piece rotates or pivots freely about an outer shaft without applying force to an inner shaft mounted to the track, thereby avoiding constant maintenance, malfunctions, and system interruption.

Abstract: A conveyorized transport apparatus has an overhead rail system for transporting articles on a suspended trolley from one location to another. A moveable rail section in the system has a pivotal connection with an adjacent rail section to pivot the moveable section from a conveying position and a diverted position in which articles are delivered closer to a work station disposed laterally of the rail system.

Abstract: A conveyorized transport apparatus has an overhead rail system for transporting articles on a suspended trolley from one location to another. A moveable rail section in the system has a pivotal connection with an adjacent rail section to pivot the moveable section from a conveying position and a diverted position in which articles are delivered closer to a work station disposed laterally of the rail system.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system for transporting workpieces, in which each workpiece is placed on a load carrier, each workpiece and load carrier being marked with an identifier. A central computer is loaded with data relative to each given workpiece, its respective load carrier, and work to be performed on such workpiece, and predetermines a path to be followed by such load carrier. The load carrier is placed on a main path, its identifier is read, and if work is to be performed on a workpiece carried thereon, a switch is thrown to divert the load carrier to an auxiliary path and then to a work station. The load carrier may be diverted to the work station by a swing-out device or by a spur path, for example. After such work, the load carrier is returned to the main path and its identifier is read again to determine whether it again is to be diverted to an auxiliary path for performing further work on a workpiece carried thereon.

Abstract: A switch for controlling the movement of trolleys on overhead tracks, which comprises a plurality of tracks intersecting with each other, wherein the switch is adaptable to be inserted between intersecting tracks and adjustable for handling trolley movement from one track to another. The switch is adaptable to be inserted between straight and curved tracks, curved and curved tracks, and to automatically handle the movement of the trolleys in one direction, and includes a unique cable transmission system for controlling trolley movement which provides positive movement of said lift pieces without relying on gravitational forces, thereby avoiding malfunctions.

Abstract: A trolley stop device for use in an overhead track and trolley system in which there is a track switch such as those frequently used in slaughter houses and the like. Such systems include a main track and a branch track with a track switch by which a trolley may move along the main track in one direction and pass through the switch when it is in one position and the trolley then reversed and passed through the switch when in its other position for movement of the trolley onto the branch track as is well known in this field of endeavor. The trolley stop is a spring biased stop pivotally mounted on the main track adjacent the portion thereof which has a notch or cut-out receiving the track switch elements so that at any time one or the other of the switch elements are not in their operative or closed position, the trolley stop will prevent the trolley from rolling off the main track at the open end thereof defined by the notch or cut-out.

Abstract: An article transport system comprising a plurality of article carrying trolleys which are movably supported by a pair of rollers on a pair of rails suspended within a trailer, the trolleys being stacked on the rails at a diagonal to the longitudinal axes of the rails. Means is provided on the forward portion of the rails to automatically advance one trolley roller onto one rail ahead of the other trolley roller moving onto the other rail in order to facilitate the diagonal stacking of the trolleys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an overhead trolley switching system which is operative in both manual and automatic modes. The switching system is particularly suited for the storage of overhead trolleys and includes a secondary rail spaced from the main rail along with a switching rail adapted to divert one wheel assembly from the main rail. The trolleys can, if desired, be stored in a diagonal position.