Abstract: Self-climbing device for vertical and quasi-vertical concrete surfaces with main body equipped with a main beam by way of displacement rail, and several self-motorized frames, independent of each other and separately controllable, displaceable along the main beam of the main body, all with a characteristic operating method. The present invention provides the main advantage of allowing going up or climbing any structure, device or machine, such as a crane or a working platform, being applicable and usable on both vertical and quasi-vertical surfaces, flat or curved, free geometry and with variable slope, and with advances or displacements unit of variable length, adapted to the structure or area to climb.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator shaft dimensions measurement device including: a plurality of 3-D distance image sensors which are arranged on a circumference of the same circle, facing the direction of the center of the circle and inclined at an elevation angle with respect to a horizontal plane, and which output measurement data by capturing an image of a pattern irradiated onto the inner walls of an elevator shaft that are imaging objects; and a computer which integrates the measurement data output from the plurality of 3-D distance image sensors at a plurality of height positions in the elevator shaft, generates first integrated measurement data covering 360 degrees in the horizontal direction, aligns the first integrated measurement data to create second integrated measurement data after the alignment, and calculates the dimensions of the elevator shaft on the basis of the second integrated measurement data after the alignment.

Abstract: An elevator system, including at least one first guide rail, which is oriented in a first, in particular vertical, direction, at least one second guide rail, which is oriented in a second, in particular horizontal, direction, a plurality of rotatable rail segments, wherein at least one thereof is transferable between an orientation in the first direction and an orientation in the second direction, at least one elevator cab, which is transportable along the guide rails and which, via the rotatable rail segments, is transferable between the different guide rails, at least one third guide rail, which is oriented in a third, in particular horizontal, direction, and wherein at least one of the rotatable rail segments is transferable between an orientation in the first or second direction into an orientation in the third direction.

Abstract: A conveyance device has a drive route part wherein conveyance carriages travel at predetermined intervals, which is connected to a storage route part having a drive conveyer chain that supports the conveyance carriages for free travel. The drive route part has a drive conveyer chain including spaced carriage propulsion claw parts. The conveyance carriages have moved pins that horizontally extends in the left/right direction and which are freely detached/re-fitted in the up/down direction with the carriage propulsion claw parts. The conveyance device has a carriage-positioning mechanism which positions a conveyance carriage at a fixed position wherein the moved pin is positioned immediately before a guide ring for a corresponding one of the carriage propulsion claw parts, and has a carriage pushing-out mechanism which pushes out the conveyance carriage positioned at the fixed position, at a timing when the moved pin is fitted to the carriage propulsion claw part.

Abstract: Each overhead transport vehicle in an overhead transport vehicle system includes a winding drum to wind a hoisting material, attached to a lift stage to transfer goods, by lap winding, and a controller that controls an amount of rotation of the winding drum to control a height of the lift stage. The amount of rotation of the winding drum corresponding to an overall length of the hoisting material, unique to each overhead transport vehicle, is stored, and the amount of rotation of the winding drum corresponding to the corresponding one of a plurality of transfer heights is calculated from the amount of rotation unique to each overhead transport vehicle.

Abstract: A winch apparatus includes a frame; a support coupler mounted to the frame at a support end; an axle mounted to the frame; a sensor connected to the axle, detecting strain in the axle, and outputting a corresponding signal; a spool rotatably disposed around the axle and including a ratchet wheel and a receiving surface; an elongate flexible member received on the receiving surface and secured to the spool; a handle to actuate the spool and increase tension on the elongate flexible member and including a grip end and a mounting end rotatably mounted to the frame; and a pawl mounted to the handle and positioned to actuate the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for automatic elevator installation includes marking each door opening in the elevator shaft with door reflectors, and creating a reference coordinate system of the elevator shaft with a robotic total station positioned at a bottom of the elevator shaft, measuring the position of the door reflectors with the robotic total station, fitting straight door lines to the measurements in order to form virtual plumb lines for the doors in the elevator shaft, marking predetermined guide rail positions on the bottom of the elevator shaft and installing lowermost guide rails manually to the shaft based on the guide rail positions, forming vertical guide rail lines, i.e.

Abstract: Handling system of a cabin of transportation (20) moveable along an overhead type “U” portal (10), that connects two stations of departure (A) and arrival (B), the system includes columns (11, 12, 13, 14) and guide beams (15, 16) to which the cabin (2) is bound by a slide (200) apt to make the horizontal movement with respect to the guide beams (15, 16), with a carriage (300) apt to perform the vertical movement with respect to the guide columns (11, 12, 13, 14). The carriage (300) being engageable with the slide (200) to accomplish the vertical movement with respect to the guide columns (11, 12, 13, 14). The cabin (20) is moved in the vertical and horizontal direction by a closed ring chain (100) to which is bound the slide (200), and the chain (1100) is driven by a motor (110).

Abstract: Connection system, with self-alignment, for elevator guides, in which the front surfaces thereof maintain a perfect 90° angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (e) of each guide (1) and there is a connection plate (2) that forms through-holes (241) that are offset and in correspondence with holes (141) in the wings (14), such that, when connection means (3) are mounted therein, a front self-alignment pressure is created between the two guides (1).

Abstract: A method for implementing an overhead rail guided transport system includes the following steps: a vehicle transport system is provided, which includes an upper rail guided transport system, a lower rail guided transport system, a vehicle exchange equipment, and a plurality of vehicles operating in the upper and lower rail guided transport system; respective vehicle utilizing rates in the upper and lower rail guided transport systems are provided; the vehicle exchange equipment is used to interchange the vehicles respectively operating in the upper and lower rail guided transport systems in order to equilibrate the respective vehicle utilizing rates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lift guide with a symmetry axis OY, consisting of a mushroom-shaped element and two flanges, each side of the mushroom element being provided with a side braking and guiding surface for the lift-braking and -guiding elements. The invention is characterized in that the mushroom element includes a head which limits movement of the braking and/or guiding elements along the axis. The head of the mushroom element has: two side braking and/or rolling surfaces, on either side of the symmetry axis, which converge toward one another in the direction of the interior or exterior of the mushroom element; and larger dimensions along the OX axis than the side braking/guiding surfaces.

Abstract: A device for using technical equipment underwater includes at least one guide rail configured to extend vertically underwater on an edifice from above a waterline. At least one device carriage is provided and includes a basic unit having a reception flange configured to couple the technical equipment thereto, and at least one running unit that abuts against the guide rail via guide rollers. A press-on unit is disposed on a first side of the device carriage and includes a lever pivotable on an axis of the device carriage so as to generate a pressing force of the device carriage against the guide rail. The lever includes a support roller at a first end and a weight packet at a second end so as to exert a downward drifting force underwater that is greater than a buoyancy of the device carriage. At least two spacers are each disposed at a first end on the at least one device carriage and abutting the edifice at a second end.

Abstract: An offshore structure for deploying and retrieving underwater electrical power generators that converts energy derived from water currents into electrical energy. The offshore structural platform includes a pair of vertical guide rails to guide a propulsion device lowering said generator underwater onto a seabed propulsion device. The seabed propulsion device is engaged on an underwater seabed rail system and transports the generator onto one of many unique frames specifically designed to support underwater generators. Securing devices are utilized to ensure the generators remain anchored to each propulsion device and to the unique frame. Rail transferring elements are also utilized for a smooth and safe transition during the transport process.

Abstract: A overhead transport service vehicle system includes a carriage frame structured and arranged to carry a user. A hoisting mechanism utilizes at least one lifting device for lifting and lowering the carriage frame and at least one moving device for causing movement of the hoisting mechanism along one of a track or rail. A control controls at least one of the at least one lifting device and the at least one moving device.

Abstract: An elevator installation includes a guide rail and brake equipment for guiding, holding and braking the elevator installation. The brake equipment has a brake lining which co-operates with a brake surface, advantageously with the brake surface of the guide rail, for the purpose of the braking and holding. The brake surface has at least one longitudinal wedge groove or wedge elevation which is oriented in the braking direction and on which the brake lining acts in case of need. An amplification of the braking force is achieved by the longitudinal wedge groove or wedge elevation.

Abstract: A overhead transport service vehicle system includes a carriage frame structured and arranged to carry a user. A hoisting mechanism utilizes at least one lifting device for lifting and lowering the carriage frame and at least one moving device for causing movement of the hoisting mechanism along one of a track or rail. A control controls at least one of the at least one lifting device and the at least one moving device.

Abstract: An installation conveys individuals by way of a transporting device along a track located above the ground and borne by supports. The installation further has a base station, an apparatus for conveying the transporting device from the base station to a top station, and a running rail for the transporting device which starts from the top station and runs predominantly downward. The running rail extends along curves and loops from the top station to the base station. Provided in the region of the base station, in which the boarding location for the passengers is located, is a conveying tower configured with an upward-conveying apparatus for the transporting device. Located in a region of the top station is a transfer location at which the transporting device occupied by passengers is transferred from the upward-conveying apparatus to the running rail, along which they descend to the base station.

Abstract: A overhead transport service vehicle system includes a carriage frame structured and arranged to carry a user. A hoisting mechanism utilizes at least one lifting device for lifting and lowering the carriage frame and at least one moving device for causing movement of the hoisting mechanism along one of a track or rail. A control controls at least one of the at least one lifting device and the at least one moving device.

Abstract: A grain bin has a vertical side wall and an inclined roof and a personal lift system is provided for lifting a person to the roof which comprises an upstanding support post or posts tied to the vertical wall with a pulley and cable for lifting a cage containing the person. A counterweight is provided allowing the power for lifting to be provide by the person pulling on the cable. A rail system is provided which allows the cage to move from a lift portion of the rail system at the support post onto the rail to travel horizontally to one or more bins arranged in a row.

Abstract: The invention is a system that is movable along a guide. It includes housing having a center of mass, a first wheel and a second wheel, each connected to the housing and configured to rotate about a respective axis. Each axis is displaced from the center of mass to create a rotating moment that biases the first wheel and second wheels into frictional engagement with the guide. The invention also includes a rotator, and controls in communication with the rotator and positioned at a location remote from the housing. The housing moves relative the guide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rescue assembly including a vehicle that rides upon a track operated by a network of pistons set in a left to right array and connected by slanted bridges for control of said capsule. The vehicle, track, and piston network is all contained within a tube and is continuous vertically the entire height of a tall building or structure. The capsule is powered by an independent power source with regards to the building's or structure's power supply and is controlled via straight aerodynamic controls.

Abstract: A sound-damping and/or vibration-damping fastening element for elevator guide rails includes an anchor rail connected by a damping medium with a support rail. The anchor rail supports the elevator guide rail and is partially embedded in the damping medium. The anchor rail extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the support rail and the anchor rail and the support rail are spaced apart by at least one slot filled by the damping medium.

Abstract: Inserts (10 or 10A) for mounting rails (302) for rollers (301) on a cab in a shaft (300) of an elevator are described. Also, insert 10A is particularly useful for mounting flooring in the elevator shaft (300). The insert can be used as a support for a hoist or winch (310).

Abstract: Transport system with a transport track (1) along which one or more transport elements (2) (cabins) are moveable, said track (1) running over a substantial horizontal distance, and at least two horizontally spaced stations, for loading and unloading persons and/or goods from the cabin, said stations being at a different vertical level of at least several meters, and the transport track brigdes the said level difference through a relatively steep course and preferably the transport track (1) and/or the cabin are mutually adapted such that the passenger comfort is secured along the part of the track where the level difference is bridged.

Abstract: A rail survey unit (130) measures the relative profile of an elevator guide rail (132) at a series of equally spaced points (a.sub.o -a.sub.n) along the rail (132).

Abstract: A transportation system comprises a continuous stationary track having a pair of opposed rigid bearing surfaces, and a plurality of discrete cantilevered load-carrying vehicle units movable beside said track. Each vehicle is coupled to the track by a bogie having a linear arrangement of bogie wheels running between the bearing surfaces. The bogie wheels are mounted on mutually articulated frames and have a diameter slightly less than the separation of the opposed bearing surfaces to allow limited pivoting movement of the frames within the track. The adjacent articulated frames are forcibly urged to pivot in opposite directions within the track between the bearing surfaces such that bogie wheels carried thereby forcibly and alternately engage the respective opposed bearing surfaces at at least three points to ensure a pro-loaded positive coupling between the bogie and the track.

Abstract: A lift device having shielded bearings and a strap-like rail that are designed to screw fit in each other. The shielded bearings are mounted in a circumferential thread fashion at a proper pitch on at least three pillars provided inside an outer shell cylinder. A short cylinder has a strap-like rail curvedly wound around its outer circumference so as to screw fit into the bearings. The short cylinder is rotated by a motor mounted on a frame to support the short cylinder at a vertically central position by thrust bearings. Side iron plates are provided on the frame which surround sides of the pillars and the shielded bearings. The iron plates form a cam groove which is slidably engaged on the pillars to stop rotation of the frame around the pillars when the frame moves vertically with the short cylinder, as well as maintaining the short cylinder at the vertically central position.

Abstract: A self-propelling transport having utility as an elevator system in a high rise building, the transport having a vehicle unit that rides on a track unit that includes a stationary drive chain that is engaged by a sprocket wheel assembly on the vehicle unit, the vehicle unit having a suspended passenger cab and a propulsion unit that engages the chain to retain the vehicle unit against the track during movement with the drive chain being magnetically retained on the track unit by electromagnets that are demagnetized where the drive chain is engaged by the sprocket wheel assembly.

Abstract: A conveying system is provided for conveying lap rolls between different stories of a building. The conveying system includes an elevator and a transfer station on each story. A control unit controls the elevator and transfer stations independently of the operation of the machines on the two stories for the conveyance of the lap rolls as well as other intermediate products.

Abstract: A lift installation provided with a vertically moveable lift cage having an entrance. The lift cage is rotatably connected to a supporting structure adapted to rotatably couple to a helical guide formed into or connected to the shaft wall. The shaft structure rotates relative to the shaft wall causing the support structure, and thus the lift cage, to move vertically. The lift cage is rotatable about the vertical axis such that the entrance can be rotated with respect to the shaft wall.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for conveying work pieces along a path defined by a track that can have ascending and descending sections. An elevator mechanism is pivotally supported relative to a drive mechanism that cooperates with the track for moving work pieces from one place to another. The pivotal support of the elevator mechanism permits the articles being transported to be maintained in a horizontal position regardless of whether or not the device is ascending or descending. In addition, a shock absorbing mechanism acts upon the pivotal connection so as to avoid swinging movement caused by starting and stopping.

Abstract: A part conveyor includes a series of slide bars of equal lengths. Each bar is movable in a pair of parallel rails and in transfer rails at the ends of the parallel rails. The slide bars have upwardly opening U-shaped members projecting from the rails. A push rod simultaneously moves the slide bars through the rails to advance the bars. A cross rod rests in an aligned member for movement of the crossbar and part with the slide bars. A transfer rail unit is provided at the ends of each run for moving of the slide bars from the rails. In an over/under line, transfer rails receive and move the slide bars. A U-shaped carriage is mounted on vertically movable tracks for movement between and end of the rail run and a load source. The parallel rails drop below the top of the carriage sides and drops the cross rod onto the carriage. The carriage moves to a load source and the tracks are lowered to unload the cross rod and receive another cross rod. The tracks are raised and returned.

Abstract: Guide rails for a cantilevered elevator are mounted in the elevator hoistway on structural components of the building. The mounting assembly provides for an increased number of guide rail securement points in the hoistway without the need for increasing the number of structural components directly built into the building. Increased resistance to lateral deflection of the guide rails is thus achieved without requiring heavier than normal guide rails.

Abstract: A lifting device which includes an outer rail composed of an outer vertical section, and an outer inclined section, an outer horizontal section; an inner rail composed of an inner vertical section, an inner inclined section, and an inner horizontal section; the outer and inner rails forming a railway; a carrier having four rollers fitted between the outer and inner rails; and the relationship between the rollers and the railway being such that the carrier keeps a constant posture while it is being guided along the railway.

Abstract: A variable height workstation includes a trolley delivery apparatus for controllably moving a rail section from a gap formed in a subsidiary loop rail to a workstation located remotely from the loop. A pivotal cam is controllably rotated by an actuator and moves with the rail section and arrests travel of a trolley on the moveable rail section so that rail section may be removed toward the workstation while carrying the trolley. The pivotal cam is also capable of accelerating a trolley off the rail section either after the rail returns to its normal bridging position or from the rail section without it being lowered. The trolley delivery apparatus is employed in a subsidiary loop system whereby a preworkstation indexer is located upstream of it to advance individual diverted trolleys onto the moveable rail section.

Abstract: A variable height workstation includes a trolley delivery apparatus for moving a rail section from a gap formed in a subsidiary loop rail to a workstation located remotely from the loop. A pivotal cam moves with the rail section and arrests travel of a trolley on the movable rail section so that rail section may be moved toward the workstation while carrying the trolley. As the rail section moves upwardly toward the gap formed in the subsidiary loop, the cam rotates and accelerates the trolley off the rail section. The trolley delivery apparatus is employed in a subsidiary loop system whereby a first escapement device is located upstream of it to advance selected one of the diverted trolleys onto the moveable rail section.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for the centering of a movable rail section relative to a stationary rail section of an overhead trolley conveyor, notably a lifting station of a trolley conveyor. There is at least one centering body attached to the stationary or to the movable rail section. The centering body has a recess. At the movable rail section and at the stationary rail section, respectively, a centering piece is provided which can be moved into the recess. The centering piece can be rotated within the recess about an axis which extends in the direction of the rail so that it comes into engagement with at least one of the walls of the recess.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled system of aerial transport for industrial installations. This system is characterized by the combination of the following parts: (a) a main circuit, (b) a group of carts, (c) stations, (d) a group of points, (e) an ascent group, (f) identification readers, (g) control cards and (h) central unit, and, furthermore, the main circuit is composed of a structure of tracks and carrier columns, over which tracks the group of carts may travel; the carts are able to have access to the stations through the action of the points, and the central unit is based on a microcomputer which knows and controls the evolution of the system by directing its operation according to a predetermined programming, changeable at any time, and making decisions according to criteria with which it has been programmed, all of the operations being a function of the information which is supplied to the microcomputer by the control cards and the group of identification readers.

Abstract: A device for transport of a cable in vertical shafts, in which the cable is attached to a number of sliding means at regular intervals and arranged to slide or roll along a vertical guiding rail. The sliding means are also rigidly attached to a lifting wire at regular intervals.

Abstract: An amusement ride system according to the present invention comprises a pair of rails extending at a fixed distance from each other, and a passenger car located between the rails and traveling along the rails. A plurality of wheel units are provided on either side portion of the car, along the rails. Each wheel unit includes a set of wheels, which are in rolling contact with each corresponding rail, so as to hold it between them. The middle portion of the rail pair is twisted around a central axis between the rails, thus forming at least one twist region. As the car runs past the twist region of the rails, therefore, it is rotated around the central axis, following the twist of the rails.

Abstract: A device for lifting and lowering a rail track section in between two rail tracks mounted in different vertical levels and including an elevator carrying the rail track section is improved by means of a latching structure at each end of that section, each including a rotatable latch element with rounded ends, for cooperating with abutment and counter latch surfaces respectively at ends of the rail tracks, at least an upper one of the tracks has passage ways and openings for the latch element to pass through from below; and the latch elements are keyed together for turning so that they will rest on the respective counter latch surfaces and thereby hold the rail track section in an aligned disposition for one or the other of the two rail tracks.

Abstract: A gravity powered part transfer system in which parts are suspended on a rotating member from a declining track or rail. The rotating member is associated with a viscous fluid in a manner which permits the active fluid to be altered in thickness in response to increase or decrease of weight. The greater the weight, the less the thickness of the fluid acting on the rotating member and the greater the retardation torque.

Abstract: Storage arrangement for truck conveyor trolleys is provided wherein trolley units are designed to run within a conveyance path defined by a trolley rail. The trolley units are engageable with a truck for receiving articles to be carried and can be attached and detached from the truck by positioning the trolley units on segmented rail portions integrally formed as part of the trolley running rail. By raising or lowering the scissioned rail segments with the trolley units positioned thereon, the trolley units will automatically engage with and disengage from the truck. Once disconnected from the truck, the trolley units can be stored in large numbers in a storage place, either on the rail segments or on separate storage rails.

Abstract: A flipper assembly has a flipper plate and an aligned guide rail both of which provide a support surface for a movable assembly. The flipper plate is movable into and out of the plane of the support surface. An extension arm is mounted on the guide rail for movement in a horizontal plane thereon and for movement in a vertical direction at the location of the flipper plate if permitted by the position of the flipper plate. The flipper plate is counterbalanced to an open position permitting the carrier arm to be moved vertically at that location, but is automatically positioned in a down closed position supporting the carrier arm in the plane of the guide rail support, by an automatic camming action as the slide arm moves toward and onto the flipper plate. In the preferred embodiment, the flipper plate safety device is utilized in a multistation work processing conveyor apparatus and is mounted on a vertical elevator.

Abstract: A facility for maintaining and servicing multiple units of equipment such as jet engines, after removal from an aircraft by conventional procedures, makes use of a multiple number of service bays serving as maintenance stations disposed on opposite sides of a central delivery way. An under hung bridge crane travels back and forth throughout the length of the central delivery way. Screw jacks at four corners of the crane are attached to and operate to elevate and lower a twin rail lifting bridge on which a jet engine unit is slung. The unit is supported by fixtures attached to trolleys which roll on the twin bridge rails. There is a mating twin rail lifting bridge in each bay with which the lifting bridge of the crane can temporarily interlock, so that the engine unit can be pushed on its trolleys from one lifting bridge to the other. Four corner located screw jacks also lift and lower the lifting bridge in each bay.

Abstract: In an elevated railway system having a track comprising upper and lower rails extending longitudinally along one side of a beam structure, and passenger cars traveling on the track having doors on their sides adjacent the beam structure, a passenger station comprising an elevator shaft structure, including an elevator car, which extends up from ground level through a gap in the beam structure. A track section with upper and lower rails in continuity with the rails on the beam structure extends alongside the elevator shaft structure at the bottom and top of the door of a car stopped at the station, permitting passenger egress from and ingress to the passenger car and the elevator car between the rails at the station.

Abstract: For use in a work processing line for workpieces, a workpiece storage system including a topologically closed loop track means having downwardly sloping surfaces coupled with elevators and lowerators in the loop, and work holding, gravity-operated pallets to run on said tracks having track engaging wheels equipped with retarding means responsive to wheel angular velocity and utilizing wheels of different diameters on the track depending on the loaded or unloaded condition of the pallets to control the speed of the pallets. Auxiliary track means, pallet loaders and unloaders, and switching mechanisms are incorporated in the system with elevators and lowerators to allow the storage system to function between multiple work processing lines, between single and multiple lines or between multiple and single lines to increase the flexibility of a work processing activity and reduce downtime.

Abstract: A two rail overhead conveyor device for meat processing is disclosed comprising an eviscerating platform conveyor, an entrance or feed rail, a lower rail for smaller carcasses and an upper rail for larger carcasses running parallel to each other above the eviscerating platform, a sensor to detect carcass size, a first rail switch connected to the sensor to direct the carcasses to either the upper or lower rail, an incline conveyor to raise the larger carcasses to the upper rail level, an indexing switch to regulate the flow of carcasses to the eviscerating area, a conveyor chain to propel the carcasses along the rails, and a second rail switch and detector to coordinate the transfer of eviscerated carcasses from the upper and lower rails to the exit rail.

Abstract: A station for a transport system comprising a track, an entry level, a transit level vertically spaced from the entry level and at which vehicles or trains may be stopped and two pairs of lifts arranged one pair on each side of the track, the lifts being arranged so that successive lifts arrive at the transit level on opposite sides of the track. A method of synchronizing the passenger lifts and train arrivals and departures is disclosed.