Two Tread Patents (Class 104/107)
  • Patent number: 11926492
    Abstract: A linear transport apparatus includes a transport cart, a first roller that rotates about a first rotation shaft extending from the transport cart along a first direction, a second roller that rotates about a second rotation shaft extending from the transport cart and forming an acute angle with the first rotation shaft, and a rail sandwiched between the first and second rollers to extend along a track on which the transport cart moves. The rail includes a first contact portion coming contact with the first roller and restricting movement of the transport cart in a second direction perpendicular to a direction in which the rail extends and the first direction, and a second contact portion that comes into contact with the second roller and is parallel to the second rotation shaft, and the rail includes a portion in which curvature of the track moves is different from another portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuma Nakamura, Shin Sakai, Masaoki Iwase, Kazuhiko Fukushima
  • Patent number: 11745961
    Abstract: A linear motor conveyor system including: at least one track section comprising: electronic circuitry housed within the track section; and a rotatable segment comprising an end profile that abuts another track section to form a stepped groove sealed by a gasket. A moving element for a linear motor conveyor system including: a body; a first set of bearings attached to the body and angled to abut against a first guide rail of a conveyor system having a protrusion with opposing angled profiles; a second set of bearing attached to the body and designed to abut against a flat profile of a second guide rail of the conveyor system. A dry lubricant provided to the body and configured to lubricate a bearing surface of the linear motor conveyor system supporting the first set of bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Louis Ian Cameron, Albert Kleinikkink, Roger Hogan, Martin John Juritsch, Bradley James Woodward, Blake Robert Lambert
  • Patent number: 10137654
    Abstract: A tire building machine for applying an apex to a bead to form a bead-apex assembly for a green tire, including a bead holder for holding the bead, wherein the tire building machine includes a first gripper and a second gripper for engaging and moving the apex in a direction of conveyance towards the bead, wherein the first gripper is moveable between a first start position and a first end position and the second gripper is moveable between a second start position and a second end position, wherein the tire building machine is provided with wedges, wherein the grippers are biased to a closed state in which the grippers are arranged to engage the apex, and wherein the wedges are arranged for countering the bias of the grippers when the grippers are at one of the start positions or the end positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: VMI HOLLAND B.V.
    Inventors: Marco Slot, Gerard Johannes Van Laar
  • Patent number: 10072416
    Abstract: A tubular joist structure. The joist structure includes a tubular top chord; a tubular bottom chord; and, a plurality of diagonals extending between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The diagonals may also be tubular. The diagonals are arranged in a zig-zag formation between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. A doubler plate may be affixed to the bottom surface of the top chord and/or the top surface of the bottom chord such that at least one of the diagonals is affixed to the doubler plate. The joist structure may include at least two joist segments spliced together. A method of constructing a joist assembly includes assembling at least two joist segments each including a top chord, a bottom chord, and a plurality of diagonals extending between the top chord and bottom chord and splicing the joist segments together to form a joist structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventors: Scott F. Armbrust, Scott A. Armbrust
  • Patent number: 10045698
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus (20) for detecting a presence of breast cancer in a patient disposed in a testing position. The diagnostic apparatus (20) includes a housing (44) and a camera assembly (58) that is supported by the housing (44) for recording images of the breasts of the patient. A rail (76) is supported by and extends from the housing (44) and terminates at a pair of rail ends (80). A trolley (88) interconnects the camera assembly (58) and the rail (76) and is slideable along said rail (76) for providing movement of the camera assembly (58) along the rail (76) between the rail ends (80) for allowing the camera assembly (58) to consecutively record images at different positions along the rail (76) and to record images of the lymph nodes of the patient when the camera assembly (58) is disposed adjacent to the rail ends (80) in alignment with the sides of the breasts of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: First Sense Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Angott, Pavan Vempaty, Steven Henke, Ajay Mudunuri
  • Patent number: 9856096
    Abstract: A transporting arrangement (1) includes at least one guide system having a fixed guide rail (4) and supporting elements (6) which are guided on the guide rail (4), in particular ones designed in the form of rollers and/or sliders, also comprising at least one transporting unit (5), which can be moved in a movement direction (8) and on which the supporting elements are fastened, wherein the transporting unit (5) is guided on the guide rail (4) by the supporting elements (6), and further comprising a linear motor drive arrangement having a fixed stator unit (3) and at least one magnetic element (15), in particular a permanent magnet, on the transporting unit (5), wherein a vertical guide plane (16) is defined, this running parallel to the movement direction (8) and through the center of the guide system, wherein a vertical motor plane (17) is defined, this running parallel to the movement direction (8) and through the center of the linear motor drive arrangement, and wherein a basic body (11) of the transportin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Hanisch, Alfred Wipf, Hansruedi Wanner, Philipp Kathan, Daniel Schwarz
  • Patent number: 9829025
    Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-track beam for use in modular assembly systems for office and industrial work stations. The embodiments have four corner tubes, bars, or channels arranged in a rectangular pattern in cross-section and connected in ways that provide improved ability to transmit torque along a long axis of the multi-track beam while providing improved resistance to bending under the forces of the torque. Fastening devices such a jam nuts may be inserted into the tracks to secure accessories to the multi-track beam or to other multi-track beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Clifford Bollman
  • Patent number: 9816272
    Abstract: A purlin mounting system for use in a flat roof structure includes a purlin with a flat mounting wall and an upright wall extending perpendicularly from the mounting wall. First and second mounting shelves are attached to the upright wall and extend outwardly in opposite directions. Each mounting wall is positioned to receive an edge of a roof section thereon. The flat mounting wall and the upright wall define a vertical mounting channel extending from a lower surface of the flat mounting wall a distance less than the distance of the first and second mounting shelves from the mounting wall. A purlin positioning and mounting device is designed to be attached to a roof beam and includes a vertically extending support wall designed to extend upwardly from a supporting roof beam when attached to the supporting roof beam and to nest within the mounting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: John Powers, III
  • Patent number: 9643783
    Abstract: A rail-led conveying device includes a conveying vehicle with at least three runner rollers for rolling conveying along a rail guide. Rotation planes of the at least three runner rollers are arranged at an angle of greater than 0° and smaller than 180° relative to one another. The associated conveying installation includes a plurality of such conveying devices as well as a corresponding rail guidance with a rail body. The rail body includes a rail body longitudinal section with three runner surfaces that are arranged on the outer periphery of the rail body and are for the at least three runner rollers of the conveying device. The surface normals of the three runner surfaces are arranged at an angle to one another of greater than 0° and smaller than 180°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventors: Roberto Fenile, Simon Guhl
  • Patent number: 9512617
    Abstract: A purlin mounting system for use in a flat roof structure includes a purlin with a flat mounting wall and an upright wall extending perpendicularly from the mounting wall. First and second mounting shelves are attached to the upright wall and extend outwardly in opposite directions. Each mounting wall is positioned to receive an edge of a roof section thereon. The flat mounting wall and the upright wall define a vertical mounting channel extending from a lower surface of the flat mounting wall a distance less than the distance of the first and second mounting shelves from the mounting wall. A purlin positioning and mounting device is designed to be attached to a roof beam and includes a vertically extending support wall designed to extend upwardly from a supporting roof beam when attached to the supporting roof beam and to nest within the mounting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: John Powers, III
  • Publication number: 20150135982
    Abstract: Track assemblies and track assembly kits for children's ride-on vehicles, as well as children's ride-on vehicle systems, according to the present disclosure are configured for assembly and disassembly of a track assembly. Track assemblies may include elongate rail members, couplers that are configured to couple together two elongate rail members, and optionally tie members that include one or more couplers. Generally, track assemblies comprise a left rail (including longitudinally aligned elongate rail members) and a right rail (including longitudinally aligned elongate rail members) in a spaced-apart and parallel relationship. Elongate rail members, couplers, and/or tie members are configured to releasably and repeatedly couple together. In the disassembled state, the component parts may be stored and/or shipped compactly. In the assembled state, the track assembly may define a track path, and the track assembly may be configured to guide the children's ride-on vehicle along the track path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. DeRubes, Kevin M. Gastle
  • Publication number: 20140224147
    Abstract: Handling system of a cabin of transportation (20) movable along a “U” portal (10), of the overhead type that connects two stations of departure (A) and arrival (B), which includes columns (11, 12, 13, 14) and guide beams (15, 16) to which the said cabin (20) is bound by means of slide means (200) apt to make the horizontal movement with respect to the guide beams (15, 1 6), with carriage means (300) apt to perform the vertical movement with respect to the guide columns (11, 12, 13, 14) said carriage means (300) being of the type engageable with said slide means (200) to accomplish said vertical movement with respect to the guide columns (11, 12, 13, 14), said cabin (20) moved in the vertical and horizontal way by a closed ring chain (100) to which is bound the slide (200), said chain (100) driven by a motor (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Tarciscio Scomparin
  • Patent number: 8672091
    Abstract: Personnel safety apparatus is provided on a machine to prevent users from falling while moving between access points on the machine. The apparatus includes a rail having a first end positioned adjacent a first user access point and a second end positioned adjacent a second user access point to define a rail path that spans a vertical elevation. A carrier is movably coupled to the rail and has a first mode, in which the carrier engages a fixed position on the rail, and a second mode, in which the carrier is permitted to move relative to the rail. A tether extends between a harness on the user and the carrier to secure the user to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Rainey, Joshua Charles Bedyk, Dennis D. Wetterich
  • Patent number: 8146507
    Abstract: Disclosed is a crane rail made from a roll-formed steel sheet strip. Said crane rail altogether comprises a top flange and a bottom flange. A support flange that has a triangular cross-section is additionally embodied on the top flange. The edges of the steel strip are laser-welded to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Konecranes Plc
    Inventor: Wilfried Hess
  • Publication number: 20110303114
    Abstract: A slide rail includes an outer rail and an inner rail. The inner rail includes a top face portion, main-portion side walls, outer deck portions, and end-portion side walls. The outer rail includes a bottom wall and a storage portion. The main-portion side walls and the end-portion side walls are both provided adjacently on both sides of the top face portion in a width direction thereof, and bent toward outer rail. The main-portion side walls are provided in a portion other than one end portion in the longitudinal direction. The end-portion side walls are provided in the one end portion. Each outer deck portion extends outward in the width direction to be continuous to an edge of each main-portion side wall opposite the top face portion. The storage portions are provided adjacently on both sides of the bottom wall in the width direction and bent toward the inner rail to cover the outer edge portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Syuichi Katogi
  • Patent number: 7997207
    Abstract: A joint connector for the lower flanges of adjoining running rails is assembled from two abutment pieces that each is seated in a lower flange of a respective rail that forms the joint. By use of centering devices, the correctly aligned positioning of the two abutment pieces is assured, wherein the abutment pieces transfer their aligned positioning to the lower flanges that meet each other without offset at the joint and the positioning cannot be negatively affected by transverse forces. The connection also provides a positive-fit in a transverse direction of the rails. Another joint connector arrangement connects the two running rails in the region of the top side. Abutment pieces in this case are seated as riders on a support rib and are connected to each other by tension rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Stahl CraneSystems GmbH
    Inventor: Wilfried Hess
  • Patent number: 7878123
    Abstract: A single rail film dolly and slider includes a substantially V-shaped rail arrangement and a guide arrangement. The V-shaped rail arrangement is adapted to be secured to a tripod. The guide arrangement includes a plurality of wheels, wherein a first portion of the plurality of wheels frictionally engages an interior side of the V-shaped rail arrangement and a second portion of the plurality of wheels frictionally engages an exterior side of the V-shaped rail arrangement. The guide arrangement is adapted to accommodate a camera mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Jackson
  • Patent number: 7850411
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit includes wheels for engaging the continuous track for selective movement along the track. A conveyor apparatus is used to selectively move the storage units along the length of the continuous track between uppermost positions of adjacent columns, so as to support the storage unit as the storage unit passes gaps in the upper rail due to intermediate vertical rails extending downwardly intermediate ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Worthwhile Products
    Inventor: Stanley B. Solomon
  • Patent number: 7845285
    Abstract: Rail for self-propelled electric trucks, with the rail (2) having a base part (6) and C-shaped side flanks (8, 10) which engage over side wheels (12) of the truck (4). In order to improve the rail, each C-shaped side flank (8, 10) has a central running area (14), which is offset outwards, for side guide rollers (16) of the truck (4) and upper and lower supporting services (18, 20) which run at an angle to the wheel (12) for the side wheels (12), with the running area (14) and the supporting areas (18, 20) being used alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Swisslog Telelift GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Hast
  • Patent number: 7752978
    Abstract: A guide assembly, a guide rail for a guide assembly, and a method for forming guide assemblies are provided. The guide rail includes a plurality of facets angularly spaced from one another such that guide wheels for use with a guide carriage can ride on the guide rails in varying angular orientations. The guide rail preferably includes a pair of running rails that include at least four facets that extend the longitudinal length of the guide rail. The method includes providing a plurality of identical guide rails and a plurality of different carriages that have different characteristics, such as the orientation at which the guide wheels of the carriages engage the guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Pacifiic Bearing Company
    Inventor: Jonathan R. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7607395
    Abstract: An auto-laundry conveyor of three-tier design using upper, lower and intermediate track rails with a narrow slot between them. Dollies are provided in an endless loop conveyor chain and each dolly comprises a combination of a center link, a pair of reversely similar tire engaging rollers, a pair of reversely similar track engaging rollers outboard of the tire engaging rollers and a pair of reversely similar stabilizing rollers outboard of the track engaging rollers. The stabilizing rollers are effectively larger in diameter; i.e., higher than the track engaging rollers so as to prevent rolling contact between the stabilizing rollers and the track surface and to receive the tread surface of an off-center tire and keep the tread surface from interfering with rolling movement of the track engaging rollers. The conveyor is manufactured in 10-foot lengths except for the entry and exit sections which are of lengths X and Y wherein X plus Y equals 10 feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti
  • Publication number: 20090064891
    Abstract: Rail for self-propelled electric trucks, with the rail (2) having a base part (6) and C-shaped side flanks (8, 10) which engage over side wheels (12) of the truck (4). In order to improve the rail, each C-shaped side flank (8, 10) has a central running area (14), which is offset outwards, for side guide rollers (16) of the truck (4) and upper and lower supporting services (18, 20) which run at an angle to the wheel (12) for the side wheels (12), with the running area (14) and the supporting areas (18, 20) being used alternately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Hast
  • Patent number: 6564722
    Abstract: A transport system includes a traveling rail (1) which constitutes a transport route and a transport body (3) which is capable of traveling on the traveling rail in the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail. Flexible drive tubes (5) are arranged on the traveling rail in the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail. The transport body includes a traveling wheel (4) which is capable of rolling on the traveling rail and drive wheels (2) which are capable of rolling on the drive tubes upon receiving the rotational drive power generated by pressure of a pressure medium supplied to the drive tubes while depressing the drive tubes. The traveling rail includes a plurality of transport sections and the transport body is capable of receiving a rotational drive force from the drive tubes at every transport sections. If necessary, a transport route changeover switch which changes over the transport route can be provided between the transport sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Shooter Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanji Kurosawa, Bunichiro Koga, Hideki Ito, Shigeru Kiriyama, Shizuo Higuchi
  • Patent number: 6543118
    Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, aligned ties, a loader for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning a tie at each station during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Coastal Timbers Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald D. Girouard, Sr., Gerald D. Girouard, Jr., Donald Darcey
  • Patent number: 5809896
    Abstract: A running gear, in particular for chain hoists, load carrying and/or trailing cable, which includes a running rail comprising flange parts and a web part. Running wheels which are located opposite one another are supported on the flange parts of the running rail and guide rollers which are arranged on both sides in front of and behind each running wheel are vertically supported on the web part of the running rail. The guide rollers are rotatably supported in lateral wheel carriers connected below the running rail, at least one of the wheel carriers having a load suspension device connected thereto. Trapezoidally-shaped guide grooves conduct the guide rollers as the running gear moves longitudinally along the rail. The guide rollers have rounded edges which contact only a portion of the guide groove. Thus, the running gear moves steadily along the rail while the pitching and swaying movements which typically accompany the pendulum-like movement of the load are not transferred to the running gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Udo Gersemsky
  • Patent number: 5768998
    Abstract: A suspension conveyor system includes a rail network and a roller apparatus adapted to travel along it. The rails comprise at least two sectional running girders each with upper and lower running surfaces and at least one sectional support girder. The running girders extend side by side and are interconnected through strips spaced from each other so as to form a guide slit. The roller apparatus has a carriage comprising two bearing rollers and which is supported by the upper surfaces of the girders. The lower end of the roller apparatus is equipped with a load carrier, arranged below the guide slit. Below the bearing rollers, at least two stabilizing rollers are arranged on either side of the travelling axis of the bearing rollers. The roller apparatus further includes two lateral guide rollers spaced from each other in the travelling direction of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: MTS Modulare Transport Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Robby Enderlein, Johann Robu, Hansjorg Geiger
  • Patent number: 5738016
    Abstract: A light rail and wheel carriage system (11) includes first and second rail assemblies (10, 12) held in spaced parallel disposition by a plurality of support members (14), and cooperating wheel carriage assemblies (42) that mount rail cars onto the rail assemblies. Each rail assembly includes upper and lower elongate tubular rail members (16, 18), vertically spaced by a vertical flange (20). In a preferred embodiment, each rail member has a circular configuration and is bifurcated internally by a received longitudinal edge of the vertical flange. Each wheel carriage assembly includes a carriage frame (48), first and second elongate pivot shafts (52, 54), a set of upper and lower rollers (66, 68, 74, 76), and a compressible strut (82). In a preferred embodiment, a set of upper and lower rollers is pivotally secured to opposite ends of the first pivot shaft. A second set of upper and lower rollers is also pivotally secured to opposite ends of the second pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Charles Scott
  • Patent number: 5601026
    Abstract: A linear drive system has a guide rail and a transport device that is moveable along the guide rail. At least one tubular, flexible hollow body is positioned along the extension of the guide rail. The hollow body consists essentially of an elastomeric material and has a first and a second end. The at least one hollow body is loadable with a pressure medium from the first or the second end. At least one squeezing roller is rotatably connected to the transport device for forcing sealingly the at least one hollow body against a counter element. The guide rail consists essentially of a flexible elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fritz Rothemeyer, Harald Kranz, Stefan Wode, Wolfgang Kleiner, Rainer Alles, Roland Merten, Dieter Landweer
  • Patent number: 5598784
    Abstract: An improved conveyor track system is provided wherein the track segments are provided with longitudinal channels of T-shaped cross-section which are offset from the centerline of the track and which accept rectangular splice bars that are used to secure the track segments together. The system is provided with a series of yokes which are connected to the track segments by means of bolts and rectangular connectors disposed in the longitudinal channels of the track segments, and whose position on the track segments is adjustable in both a horizontal and vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventors: Robert Kubsik, Robert Goryca, James P. Johnson, Eric T. Nemeth
  • Patent number: 5555814
    Abstract: An improved monorail-type track section for use in a material handling and sortation system in which one or more train-type trolleys or cars runs along the track between various sortation and handling stations. The track section comprises a substantially hollow, vertical support member terminating at an upper end in an upper transverse leg defining upper wheel bearing surfaces on each side of the support, and terminating at a base end in a transversely extending base leg defining lower wheel bearing surfaces on each side of the vertical support. The upper and lower wheel bearing surfaces are angled to trap upper and lower wheel assemblies on a trolley in a torsionally stable mounting arrangement. The spacing of the upper wheel bearing surfaces is less than that of the lower wheel bearing surfaces, such that removal of the upper wheel assemblies allows the entire trolley to be lifted vertically off the track section with clearance for the lower wheel assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Symorex Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Burkhalter, Ron Cailey
  • Patent number: 5553947
    Abstract: In a guide rail (14) for railborne load carriers comprising a support (13) and at least one running rail (15) arranged in a groove (2) of the support (13), this support (13) is an extruded hollow profile. This results in a simple manufacturing method and a small material requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: INA Walzlager Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Frank Scheib, Michael Brunk, Rainer Kleber
  • Patent number: 5012746
    Abstract: A conveying system comprised of a rail and at least one transport hanger which can travel back and forth along the rail on rollers, the rollers having horizontal axes of rotation, the rail having horizontal conveyer support projections which are located at the bottom of the rail and along which the rollers are positioned for travel back and forth along the rail carrying the transport hanger with them, trolley wires which are insulated from one another being located on the rail to the side of the path of motion of the transport hanger, the rail having guideways for rollers of a trolley carriage at the side of the path of motion of the transport hanger for facilitating support and movement of the trolley carriage back and forth at the side of the transport hanger and independently thereof, the trolley carriage having sliding contacts for engagement of the trolley wires for powering a tool that may be carried by the trolley carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Wampfler GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Bormann, Ekkehard Matzko, Dieter Gorner
  • Patent number: 4936223
    Abstract: A subsidiary work station loop for a work station conveyor system has a gravity fed rail assembly for trolleys shunted from the main conveyor. An elevator returns the trolleys from the lower end of the rail assembly. Four rail segments define this rail assembly and three of the four are supported by a single bracket and a single fastener. The rail segments are coupled by a pin and slot connection that permits limited angular rotation of one segment relative to the other, but which prevents relative axial misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Gerber Garment Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Billings, Richard Kuchta
  • Patent number: 4860662
    Abstract: A linear motor truck apparatus including: a truck having pairs of wheels rotatably mounted thereon; a supporting mechanism, having a rail extending along a line of travel of the truck, for supporting and guiding the truck along the line of travel by engaging the wheels with the rail; and a drive mechanism, including the linear motor, for driving the truck so that the truck may travel along the line of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Matsumoto, Shigeru Udagawa
  • Patent number: 4825769
    Abstract: An improved rail assembly and method of construction thereof is disclosed herein that is particularly adapted for use with a crane trolley in a hot cell environment which is exposed to airborne and liquidborne radioactive contaminants. The rail assembly is generally comprised of a support wall having an elongated, rail-housing recess having a floor, side wall and ceiling. The floor of the recess is defined at least in part by the load-bearing surface of a rail, and is substantially flat, level and crevice-free to facilitate the drainage of liquids out of the recess. The ceiling of the recess overhangs and thereby captures trolley wheels within the recess to prevent them from becoming dislodged from the recess during a seismic disturbance. Finally, the interior of the recess includes a power track having a slot for receiving a sliding electrical connector from the crane trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Ralph E. Watts
  • Patent number: 4779537
    Abstract: The invention relates to a track rail for a suspension conveyor system particularly for the convenience of materials in the textile industry, having a cross-sectional configuration comprising a pair of roof-shaped converging legs each formed with a roller track surface for one of a pair of track rollers on its upper side, and connected to a carrier rail by an upper carrier web extending in the symmetry plane, said track rollers of said track roller pair defining a derail gap and being mounted in a common yoke with their axes in oblique alignment relative to one another, permitting them to be detached from said track rail by lifting said yoke and tilting it transversely of said track rail. Known track rails are formed as a welded construction composed of continuous steel sections and web sections as the carrier web. They are heavy and permit only the use of center-suspension track roller pairs to travel thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Veit GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Josef Hafner, Werner Bergmeier, Rolf Schoenenberger
  • Patent number: 4762069
    Abstract: A rail suspension arrangement including suspending member and a rail of I beam configuration, the I beam having a web and upper and lower cross bars, one side of the web having claws for connection with conductor holders, and claws on the other side of the web that have portions facing each other to define a channel with internal overhung portions against which fastening screws are clamped. The suspending member has projecting surfaces bearing against support surfaces of the web, and has a plate from which the fastening screws extends. A supplemental rail may be interposed between the web and the suspending member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johannes G. Spoeler, Manfred Grapentin
  • Patent number: 4607574
    Abstract: A conveyor for carrying roofing debris to the edge of a roof which may be easily assembled on a roof with any pitch, moved from area to area as the work of tearing off old roofing material progresses and disassembled. A track, an assembly of track sections, is supported on a number of H frames which are braced and adjustable to accommodate any slant to the roof, by legs slidably adjustable in sleeved attachments to horizontal supporting bars. A winch, attached toward the loading end of the track, with cable attached to the winch and cart, controls descent of the cart down the track and may also be used to draw the cart back toward the loading end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: Gerard B. Richards
  • Patent number: 4567334
    Abstract: A track for a suspended combined electric current collection and traction system including a base (22) and a resilient shield (26, 28) together defining an elongate space divided into two halves by a resilient beam (32), each of which contains a conductor (33). Spaced contact members in the form of bars (34) forming a rack on each side of the track or two rows of Z shaped contacts (82) extend through the shield and are normally spaced from the conductors. Embedded in the base are two parallel flexible metallic cables (40; 70) connected together by connectors (42; 74) by which the track may be suspended. In use, the reaction wheels (60) of a locomotive engage the tops of the cables (40; 70) thus drawing a current pick-up member (52; 86) into contact with the contact segments pressing them against the conductors (33) to pass electric current to an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas W. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 4561359
    Abstract: The present invention provides that an overhead suspension system is provided with at least two suspension rails which are parallel, and at least one trolley which runs on the rails, the trolley having respective rollers which respectively engage the rails for the firm mounting of the trolley on the rails.In a particular example, there is provided a novel form of roller head which comprises three rollers with their axes parallel, and the roller head is carried by a suspension bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Stockrail Services Limited
    Inventor: Edward Duce
  • Patent number: 4531460
    Abstract: A material handling system of the monorail and crane type is adaptable to carry relatively heavy loads and light loads through convenient structural modification using common component parts. The system is comprised of a double track 40 for heavy loads, formed of two track parts 54, 55 that alone are suitable for light-load applications. Carriers 42, 204 are comprised of drive heads 74 and idler heads 78, each with a single load support wheel 70, 71 or 70', 71'. A drive head 74, 74' and an idler head 78, 78' can be releasably interconnected in tandem by a load bar 206 to run along a single track, or in face-to-face opposition with wheels 70, 71 coaxial to form a drive unit 44 adapted to run along a double track. In the latter arrangement two additional heads, such as two idler heads 78b, 78c, are also interconnected in face-to-face opposition to form an idler unit 46 and connected in tandem with the drive unit 44 by a load bar 52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl A. Pamer
  • Patent number: 4524698
    Abstract: A modular rail member facilitates the translation of load-bearing carriages on an overhead track and comprises a vertical wall formed with two sections of different lengths which are spaced apart from and connected to each other by a flare having a vertical web. The two spaced-apart sections have ends curved in the same direction, and a vertical plane passing through the horizontal outer edges of the curved ends is set back relative to the vertical web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Etablissements Tourtellier S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Tourtellier, Roger Schoen
  • Patent number: 4489659
    Abstract: A girder for supporting a movable body has a truss structure of a cross-sectional shape forming an isosceles triangle with a horizontal base. The truss structure is formed of three main tubes of a circular cross section that are located in positions corresponding to respective corners of the triangle and extend continuously over the length of the girder. A plurality of branch tubes of circular cross section are fixed at their ends to respective pairs of the main tubes by joint pieces, such that three branch tubes lie in a plane extending through the respective joint pieces perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the main tubes so as to form the isosceles triangle. A rail support is secured to each main tube of the base of the isosceles triangle at a position disposed upwardly and outwardly of the center thereof, and a rail, along which the movable body is traversable, is supported on each rail support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Kamohara, Minoru Imamura, Hiroshi Higaki, Yuji Yoshitomi, Syuzo Uno, Kazuhiro Makino, Hiroshi Nomura, Kyozo Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 4473291
    Abstract: In a large, track mounted industrial camera or projector, a leveling arrangement for maintaining the track rails level when their support beams deflect under the influence of the weight of the camera and the rail mounted carriage which carries the camera toward a subject holder at one end of the track. Each rail is mounted on a rail base held down on the underlying support beam by a series of hold down screws. Adjustment screws are threaded through the rail bases and rest on the beams at their lower ends to control the distance of the rail bases above the beams. Each adjustment screw can be independently adjusted to compensate for beam deflection under actual loading conditions and for the variation in beam deflection along the length of the track. The overall track structure is stiffened to reduce beam deflection by an internal cable support structure secured to the rails and by a canopy secured to the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Assignee: Opti-Copy, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph H. Wally, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4464997
    Abstract: A conveyor comprising a track formed by a pair of longitudinally extending track members providing a pair of transversely spaced supporting surfaces and a pair of transversely spaced guide surfaces; and a trolley having a body on which supporting wheels and guide rollers are rotatably mounted. The trolley body includes a shield member that is disposed adjacent to the guide rollers, extends radially outwardly of the periphery thereof, and overlaps the guide track surfaces engaged thereby. A socket, formed in the trolley body and having one end closed by the shield member, movably supports a driving dog which has a stem portion projecting into the socket and engaged therein by rollers and wear plates carried by the trolley body. The shield member is located above the trolley and forms a cover that protects the moving parts of the trolley from contamination and decreases the possibility of a foreign object becoming wedged between the guide rollers and guide track surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventor: Clarence A. Dehne
  • Patent number: 4454818
    Abstract: A coupling trolley is provided for a rail or runway beam that is longitudinally translatable relative to a member located above and extending transversely of the rail or runway beam. The trolley has rollers to engage and support the rail or runway beam via upper flanging thereof, and has first and second supporting engagers for the member, specifically lower flanging thereof. The trolley is movable with the rail or runway beam and relative thereto. When the trolley is stopped by its first engager reaching said member as the rail or runway beam is advanced with the trolley, the second engager of the trolley is movable by the end of the rail or runway beam, from non-engagement towards and into securing engagement with the member where it is held by cooperation with the upper surface of the rail or runway beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: A. Monk and Company Limited
    Inventors: Barry C. Eccleston, Alexander S. Sinclair, Michael Elliot
  • Patent number: 4245561
    Abstract: A controllable distributing conveying system for transporting people or goods is provided with stations which are arranged on a passive rail network and which include container loading-on positions, container off-loading positions, and container depots. Self-propelled controllable conveying units are movable between the stations and are fitted with pairs of running wheels for normal travel and for travel when being switched in and out and also have container-carrying surfaces separate from the drive section which are coupled by a universal joint member. Containers are loadable onto and off-loaded from the conveying units by means of loading and off-loading arrangements which have active locking members and unlocking members. These containers are held secure in all directions during travel, and are conductable to their destination by the shortest path by means of passive switching-in and switching-out arrangements, and these latter arrangements comprise rails, which the conveying units hold onto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Inventor: Hans J. Krug
  • Patent number: 4172423
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle system comprises a load-carrying vehicle formed by two bogies each of which has two co-axial rollers, the two bogies being connected by an articulating spindle carrying a centering roller arranged to bear against the internal sides of the track. Each bogie preferably carries a steering roller rotatable about a vertical axis and situated substantially in the same plane as the centering roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Inventor: Maxime Monne
  • Patent number: 4171670
    Abstract: A rail having an upper supporting edge and a lower braking edge, and a traction unit for riding on the rail and adapted to be connected to a carrier so as to suspend the carrier from the rail. This traction unit has a power-driven wheel to ride on the rail upper edge, and a plurality of braking wheels positioned close enough to the lower edge of the rail to prevent the traction wheel from jumping off the upper edge thereof, and a brake system for each brake wheel. A substantially C-shaped arm is pivotally connected to the traction unit near the top thereof and extends downwardly and around the rail and has a lower end extending across the plane of the rail, to which the carrier is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: H. Arnold Seed
    Inventor: Richard A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4036147
    Abstract: A transit system for urban and inter-urban use is provided which comprises a plurality of electrically energized helicopters which are tethered to and powered from a pair of rails. The rails are supported in a track structure which is constructed to extend above the normal traffic on the streets and roadways. Power is supplied to each helicopter through a flexible cable which also serves to tether the helicopter to the track and which allows the helicopter a measure of vertical and horizontal movement. The cable is supported on a trolley which moves along the track, and the cable is retractable, so that it moves in and out of the helicopter, or trolley, as the helicopter is maneuvered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Inventor: Wayne A. Westling