Abstract: A plurality of passenger cars are hung at equal intervals along an endless parallel chain and continuously travel in one direction between two horizontal platforms which are vertically spaced from each other and are maintained stationary with respect to the traveling of the cars. Guard plates are pivotably mounted to the outer wall surfaces of each car facing each the adjacent cars so that the plates can be rotated to fill the space between cars. Only when the cars horizontally travel along the platforms do the guard plates swivel to substantially hide spacings between the adjacent cars.

Abstract: Propelling mechanism for forwarding a carrier of a power and free conveyor from the delivery end of a first carrier supporting track onto a track section of an elevator and thence onto the receiving end of a second carrier supporting track. The elevator includes a carriage to which the track section is attached and which is movable longitudinally to permit the track section to be extended from the elevator into registry with either the first or second carrier supporting track. A propelling member, consisting of a pair of roller chains connected in spaced side-by-side relation, is equipped at one end with a carrier pusher, is connected at the other end to an endless output chain of a reversible drive mounted on the carriage, and is supported and guided by tracks which extend parallel to the track section from the entrance end thereof and into a storage path parallel to the path of the endless output chain.

Abstract: In a food delivery system for restaurants, a conveyor tray adapted to receive a food container and to move along an overhead conveyor track from a central station along a loop including a series of delivery stations at patrons tables, an elevator including an elevator tray at each of the stations, trip mechanism at each station operable when actuated to remove the food container from the conveyor tray to the elevator tray at the station, the trip mechanisms being selectively actuated from a central location, mechanism operable by the reception of the food container on the elevator tray to lower said elevator tray to a position within reach of the patron, and to reset the trip mechanism, and mechanism operable by removal of the food container from the elevator tray to re-elevate the tray into operative relation with the conveyor.

Abstract: A hoist mechanism is activated to elevate a trolley hanger from a lowered position to a predetermined position adjacent and above a conveyor rail after which the hanger is stabilized and the rail-engaging wheel of the trolley hanger is positioned in vertical alignment with the rail. The rail engaging wheel is then landed on the rail, the stabilizing force is removed and the hoist mechanism descends to a lowered position.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous flow elevator system wherein a plurality of cabs or cars are contained in a single shaft with means for switching the cabs from a set of continuous flow rails to a set of alternate rails associated therewith. There is also disclosed a supporting apparatus or bogie system permitting rotational movement of cabs in the above-mentioned elevator system.

Abstract: A composite transfer device for conveying material used in the construction of high tower-like structures, from a loading position at the base of the structure to a working platform which is raised as building proceeds. The device includes portions giving horizontal and vertical movement of a container, and includes a first transport unit at the loading level, a vertical hoist, and a second transport unit mounted on the working platform. The second transport unit includes a radial track movable around the working platform to deliver materials from the hoist, which is centrally situated, to different working areas around the structure. A special feature of the device is the use of a carrier frame which is square in plan view and which is supported on two hoist ropes attached to opposite corners of the frame, and which is also guided by guide tubes connected to the remaining two corners of the frame and which are located by downwards travelling reaches of the hoisting rope.