Abstract: A method for automatically steering an agricultural machine on an agricultural area that is to be worked. The method includes optically detecting a first region of the area that is to be worked lying in a direction of travel of the agricultural machine in a first recording via a first optical sensor in a first position with a first viewing direction. The method further includes optically detecting a second region of the area that is to be worked lying in the direction of travel of the agricultural machine in a second recording via a second optical sensor in a second position with a second viewing direction. The method additionally includes detecting a tramline in the first recording and detecting a tramline in the second recording, determining a first trajectory and a second trajectory, and determining a steering signal based on the first trajectory and/or the second trajectory.

Abstract: A station for a cable transportation system comprising a plurality of transporting units supported and driven outside the station by at least one cable, the station comprising an inlet and an outlet for the transporting units; a guiding device for guiding the transporting units uncoupled from the cable inside the station; an advancing auxiliary device for moving the transporting units along the guiding device; a control unit configured for controlling the advancing auxiliary device so that the advancing auxiliary device can switch, with no service interruption, from a first configuration, wherein the transporting units are individually arranged equidistant from each other and the boarding and landing occur inside the station without stopping the advancing movement, to a second configuration, wherein the transporting units are arranged in equidistant compact groups of at least two units and the boarding and landing occur inside the station by temporarily stopping the transporting units, and vice versa.

Abstract: A toy vehicle booster is presented herein. The toy vehicle booster includes a booster assembly that is integrated into a lid of a track storage container so that the toy vehicle booster forms a portion of a storage container for a track set. In some instances, the booster assembly includes a first booster and a second booster. The first booster may accelerate toy vehicles along a first pathway and the second booster may accelerate toy vehicles along a second pathway. In at least some of these embodiments, at least the second booster may be reversible so that the second booster can accelerate toy vehicles along the second pathway in a first direction or a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An amusement ride such as a roller coaster, more in particular to booster drives mounted on a track of such a ride, are disclosed. The booster drives each include at least one booster drive motor for driving booster wheels, and for engaging a drive fin of a passenger vehicle to propel that vehicle along the track. The booster drive further includes a base mounted to the track structure, a frame that supports the at least one booster drive motor and the two booster wheels, and a mobile carrier that connects the frame to the base via a left and a right carrier arm. These carrier arms are non-flexible arms pivotably connected to the base and the frame or they are flexible arms, such that in use they enable movement of the frame relative to the base. A biasing device resiliently forces the frame towards a predetermined position.

Abstract: A device for turning over molds is provided that can reduce the wear of turning over wheels and supporting rollers even when the speed for transporting a flask or the speed for turning it over increases. A pair of turning over wheels (5) are attached to respective sides of a turning over roller conveyor (4), on which a metal flask (3) is mounted. The outer surfaces of the wheels are supported by respective pairs of supporting rollers (6). A driving roller (9) is provided on one or both of the wheels. The supporting rollers are flangeless. Two pairs of side rollers (10) abut the side surfaces of the wheels so as to prevent them from moving in the direction in which the flask is transported. The side rollers are preferably configured so that their surfaces that contact the wheels are formed as arcs.

Abstract: High speed rail transportation systems are provided for improving transportation costs, speed and convenience for passengers, owners and operators. The high speed rail transportation system may include a high speed propulsion segment assembly, a segment of rails and a load station for transporting vehicles independent from each other and at high speed. In an embodiment, the high speed propulsion segment assembly may include a propulsion cylinder, a free cylinder and a cable assembly movably connected to the propulsion cylinder and the free cylinder.

Abstract: Conveying equipment with utilization of a conveying traveling body includes a conveying traveling body which includes a plurality of trolleys in a traveling direction and a load bar connecting these trolleys and a friction drive section which is provided in the traveling path of the conveying traveling body. The load bar is provided immediately below a pair of left and right guide rails for supporting and guiding the conveying traveling body, and a friction drive wheel which is pressure-contacted with a side surface of the load bar to propel the conveying traveling body in the friction drive section is arranged below the guide rails.

Abstract: A rail system including a rail-bound vehicle, which is able to be moved along a rail track, the rail track being made up of rail components, in particular, the rail-bound vehicle having an electric motor, with the aid of which the rail-bound vehicle is able to be driven, in particular moved along the rail track in the rail direction, one or more pole wheel piece assembly/assemblies being situated in a stationary manner, i.e., connected to the rail track, the rail-bound vehicle having a reaction part, which is able to be brought into operative connection with the pole wheel piece assembly, in particular for the purpose of generating a reaction force generated by eddy currents.

Abstract: A conveying-traveling-body-utilizing conveying device links conveying traveling bodies to each other where load bars are continuous to each other. A linked part is provided at one end of the load bar, and a linking hook is provided at the other end which can engage with and disengage from the linked part. The linking hook is pivotally supported and is vertically movable between a pre-engagement orientation separated upward from the linked part, with respect to an engaged orientation of covering the linked part from above, and a standby orientation tilted to a lowering limit from the engaged orientation by an urging force. When the linking hook is in the standby orientation, longitudinally adjacent conveying traveling bodies can approach each other to a connected state, where the respective load bars are abutted against each other, without the linking hook in the standby orientation and the linked part contacting each other.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor apparatus includes: a holding unit configured to hold a work; a transport path configured to transport the holding unit holding the work downstream; and a return path provided above the transport path and configured to return the empty holding unit upstream. The overhead conveyor apparatus may further include: a first lift unit provided upstream of the transport path and configured to lower the holding unit to transfer the holding unit from the return path to the transport path; and a second lift unit provided downstream of the transport path and configured to raise the holding unit to transfer the holding unit from the transport path to the return path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for use on a cable, particularly to a power line or cable inspection and/or monitoring apparatus or robot. The apparatus typically comprises a power module to power the apparatus, a pair of links serially coupled via at least one joint, a gripper arrangement coupled to each link for attaching the apparatus to the cable, wherein each gripper arrangement is controllable to grip and/or release the cable as an end effector, and grip the cable as a base in a serial manipulator fashion; and a control arrangement configured at least to control displacement of the links and the gripper arrangements to grip and/or release the cable. The invention also extends to a method of inspecting and/or monitoring a cable; an inspection and/or monitoring system for inspecting a cable; and to a method of operating an apparatus on an elongate cable to avoid an obstacle.

Abstract: A cable railway system has a conveying cable, which in the two end stations of the system is guided over a respective deflection pulley. Transport vehicles, which can be coupled to the conveying cable and are configured with a clamping device and with a running gear. The vehicles are coupled to the conveying cable along the route and are guided in the stations by way of the running gear along guide rails. There, the passengers disembark and board. The movement of the vehicles in the stations is governed by control tires, which are drivingly coupled to one another by gear mechanisms. The drive power of the control tires is taken from at least one support roller for the conveying cable, which support roller is located in the station. The support roller for the conveying cable via which the drive of the control tires is derived from the conveying cable by way of at least one drive belt is elastically mounted on a rigidly fastened axle.

Abstract: A lightweight pallet for supporting and carrying workpieces along an overhead transfer conveyor. A metallic conveyor carrier is adapted to be carried by the overhead transfer conveyor, and a lightweight, non-metallic base is connected to the conveyor carrier. A first lightweight, non-metallic support member is connected to and extends downward from the base. The first support member is substantially planar and is adapted to support the workpiece. A first lightweight, non-metallic brace member is connected to the base and the first support member for stabilizing and supporting the first support member. The first brace member is substantially planar, wherein the first brace member extends substantially perpendicular to the first support member, and the first support member and the second support member cooperate to define a substantially T-shaped structure that extends downward from the base.

Abstract: A mass transit system includes a plurality of pedestal-mounted rings which provide a support through which a vehicle travels. The pedestals are spaced apart on the ground, but no rail or connecting structure on or above ground is required. An underground conduit carries electrical and communications cable that connects the pedestals together. The rings include a plurality of rollers to drive, guide and stabilize the vehicle at lower speeds. For higher speeds flywheels are mounted on the pedestals. The flywheels are preferably driven by an electrical motor, which engages a friction or clutch plate on the vehicle separate from the rings. The friction plate or linear clutch is mounted separate from the rings on the vehicle and is lowered to engage and disengage the flywheel. The flywheel is also mounted on a shock absorber to smooth the travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: Drive sheaves are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a drive sheave includes a tire portion wherein the tire portion comprises an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface. The tire portion also includes a first surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface and a second surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, the second surface being oppositely disposed relative to the first surface. At least one hole in the tire portion extends between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A drive sheave equipped with a deformable tire is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the drive sheave comprises a tire portion wherein the tire portion comprises an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface. The tire portion also comprises a first surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface. In addition, the tire portion comprises a second surface extending between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, wherein the second surface is oppositely disposed relative to the first surface. At least one opening in the tire portion extends between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A hanger system provided with a hanger drive device for driving a hanger for conveying a conveyance object. The hanger drive device includes a drive wheel facing a bar provided to the hanger, a pinch roll, and a cylinder for pushing the pinch roll toward the drive wheel. The hanger moves when the bar is pushed towards the drive wheel by the pinch roll. When the pinch roll returns to a stand-by position, the bar is separated from the drive wheel, and the movement stops.

Abstract: A mass transit system includes a plurality of pedestal-mounted rings which provide a support through which a vehicle travels. The pedestals are spaced apart on the ground, but no rail or connecting structure on or above ground is required. An underground conduit carries electrical and communications cable that connects the pedestals together. The rings include a plurality of rollers to drive, guide and stabilize the vehicle at lower speeds. For higher speeds flywheels are mounted on the pedestals. The flywheels are preferably driven by an electrical motor, which engages a friction or clutch plate on the vehicle separate from the rings. The friction plate or linear clutch is mounted separate from the rings on the vehicle and is lowered to engage and disengage the flywheel. The flywheel is also mounted on a shock absorber to smooth the travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mass transit system includes a plurality of pedestal-mounted rings which provide a support through which a vehicle travels. The pedestals are spaced apart on the ground, but no rail or connecting structure on or above ground is required. An underground conduit carries electrical and communications cable that connects the pedestals together. The rings include a plurality of rollers to drive, guide and stabilize the vehicle at lower speeds. For higher speeds flywheels are mounted on the pedestals. The flywheels are preferably driven by an electrical motor, which engages a friction or clutch plate on the vehicle separate from the rings. The friction plate or linear clutch is mounted separate from the rings on the vehicle and is lowered to engage and disengage the flywheel. The flywheel is also mounted on a shock absorber to smooth the travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mass transit system includes a plurality of pedestal-mounted rings which provide a support through which a vehicle travels. The pedestals are spaced apart on the ground, but no rail or connecting structure on or above ground is required. An underground conduit carries electrical and communications cable that connects the pedestals together. The rings include a plurality of rollers to drive, guide and stabilize the vehicle at lower speeds. For higher speeds flywheels are mounted on the pedestals. The flywheels are preferably driven by an electrical motor, which engages a friction or clutch plate on the vehicle separate from the rings. The friction plate or linear clutch is mounted separate from the rings on the vehicle and is lowered to engage and disengage the flywheel. The flywheel is also mounted on a shock absorber to smooth the travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor or transport system is disclosed where at least one carriage is supported on a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted in fixed overhead locations spaced along a path of travel. At least one motor is provided for driving a portion of the plurality of rollers in rotation along at least one segment of the path of travel. Each carriage has at least one elongate support member operably engagable with the rollers for movement along the path of travel in response to rotation of the rollers. The elongate support member is continuously engagable with at least two rollers simultaneously while the corresponding carriage is moved along the path of travel. Each carriage or carrier hangs downwardly below the rotational axis of the overhead rollers.

Abstract: A car type conveyor includes a guide rail 3 extending along one edge of a running path. The running path is fitted with a friction driver including a frictional wheel 32. A runner 2 is guided by and moves along the guide rail 3. The runner 2 has a frictional surface 29 formed on it for compressive contact with the frictional wheel 32. A carriage 1 includes wheels 8 and 9 and moves along the running path. The runner 2 and one of the right and left sides of the carriage 1 are connected together in such a manner that the top of the runner 2 is higher than the position at which the carriage 1 supports a body. The carriage 1 may be foldable toward the runner 2.

Abstract: A truck transport apparatus comprises a trolley running rail 11, a front trolley 32 and a rear trolley 33 arranged along the rail 11 in a truck running direction, a truck body 35 connected to the front trolley 32 and the rear trolley 33 at a lengthwise intermediate portion of each trolley so as to permit each trolley to pivotally move horizontally, a driven rod 38 having a front end connected to a rear end of the front trolley 32 so as to make the front trolley 32 free to pivotally move horizontally and a rear end connected to a front end of the rear trolley 33 so as to make the rear trolley 33 free to pivotally move horizontally, and a pair of transport rollers 84, 87 for holding the driven rod 38 therebetween from opposite sides thereof to give the rod a propelling force. The driven rod 38 is extended when the truck is about to move into a curved path of movement from a straight path of movement, while the rod 38 is contracted when the truck is about to move into the straight path from the curved path.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises a plurality of carriages 2, each including a deck 7 having a friction surface 20a for a primary drive, which is formed on or near one side of the deck 7, and is parallel to the direction in which the carriages travel. Each carriage also includes a bar 10 fitted on the underside of the deck 7 and extending on the centerline of the deck. The bar 10 has a friction surface 21a for a secondary drive. The travel path includes a linear primary travel line 1 and a secondary travel line 5 for carriage return. A primary drive 3, is arranged for contact with the friction surfaces 20a. The secondary travel line 5 is fitted with a plurality of drives 6A and 6B at intervals, for secondary propulsion in the return direction.

Abstract: A friction drive system trolley conveyor includes a conveyor rail having a circular cross-section, laid along a conveyor line, multiple J-shaped rail suspension members that bear the undersides of the rail at intervals in the longitudinal direction, multiple, inverted J-shaped hook members that move along the rail, engaging the upper side of the rail, a driven bar hung between hook members for suspending a conveyed article, and a friction drive embracing the driven bar on both sides to effect conveying movement. The friction drive system trolley conveyor is able to convey heavy articles in a stable manner with minimum noise and without roll, is easily constructed, installed and maintained.

Abstract: A truck transport apparatus comprises a trolley running rail 11, a front trolley 32 and a rear trolley 33 arranged along the rail 11 in a truck running direction, a truck body 35 connected to the front trolley 32 and the rear trolley 33 at a lengthwise intermediate portion of each trolley so as to permit each trolley to pivotally move horizontally, a driven rod 38 having a front end connected to a rear end of the front trolley 32 so as to make the front trolley 32 free to pivotally move horizontally and a rear end connected to a front end of the rear trolley 33 so as to make the rear trolley 33 free to pivotally move horizontally, and a pair of transport rollers 84, 87 for holding the driven rod 38 therebetween from opposite sides thereof to give the rod a propelling force. The driven rod 38 is extended when the truck is about to move into a curved path of movement from a straight path of movement, while the rod 38 is contracted when the truck is about to move into the straight path from the curved path.

Abstract: A factory preassembled drive module is assembled between opposed spaced apart ends of load beams and opposed rotatable shafts supported by the load beams are assembled drivingly to a rotatable drive shaft coupling of the drive unit or module in a job site where the overhead conveyor is installed. The drive unit module includes a motor driving a transmission, in turn driving pulleys that drive belts in turn driving the rotatable portion of the drive shaft coupling. The drive motor and transmission are mounted on a bracket with lost motion permitting tension adjustment of the belts, and the bracket is formed with flanges to respectively abut and overlap correspondingly shaped portions of the adjacent load beams for connection thereto.

Abstract: Persons and/or goods are transported in a plurality of vehicles with runn wheels rolling on a track, such as on rails. A continuously moving, endless traction cable drives the vehicles on the track, and a clamping assembly selectively disconnects the vehicles from and connects the vehicles to the traction cable. The vehicles are disconnected from the traction cable in boarding stations, where deceleration wheels and acceleration wheels come into contact with a contact surface on the underside of the vehicles. The deceleration wheels and acceleration wheels rotate about substantially horizontal axes and they decelerate and accelerate the vehicles, respectively, upon being brought into contact with the contact surface. The deceleration and acceleration wheels are rotatably supported on a free end of swivel arms which are pivotally supported about an axis which extends substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the track.

Abstract: The chairs or the cabins of an overhead cable transport installation are driven on a transfer rail in a station by means of friction sheaves staggered along the travel circuit and interconnected by a belt drive arrangement. The rotational movement of the friction sheaves is derived from a cable support sheave by means of a movement take up module, having a girder like box secured adjacent to the girder which supports the friction sheaves.

Abstract: A transport drive system for use in a sputtering apparatus, particularly an in-line sputtering apparatus, is disclosed. The system transports a plurality of planar substrates and includes a plurality of transport beams having a C-shaped cross-section. Each transport beam has a first and second end, a first and second sides, a top surface, and a channel, disposed under the top portion, and forming a portion of the C-shaped cross-section. The transport beam includes a substrate carrier which secures the substrate or pallet at the top portion of the substrate or pallet, and which is mounted in an alignment with an off-center relationship with respect to the center of the transport beam. In addition, the system for transporting includes a plurality of drive beams. Each drive beam includes a plurality of horizontally-oriented guide wheels disposed on a top surface of the drive beam, the drive wheels engaging the channel of the transport beam.

Abstract: A transportation system including a vehicle support structure (21), a vehicle (22) supported thereon, and elongated semi-rigid fin (44) attached to the vehicle (22) and a plurality of drive assemblies (45) positioned along the support structure (21) to frictionally engage and drive the fin (44). The fin (44) is sufficiently rigid for support of compressive loads, for example, in braking and acceleration, without lateral buckling, and moreover, the fin (44) is sufficiently rigid to assist in steering of the vehicle (22). The fin (44) preferably is not a continuous or endless member, but extends several vehicle lengths in front of the vehicle (22) for steering and most preferably several vehicle lengths behind the vehicle (22) for propulsion and braking. A flexible traction belt (86) optionally can be coupled in tandem with the fin (44) to provide an endless loop propulsion system.

Abstract: A conveying system provided with a rail system, with a trolley or the like, which is movable along the rail system, and with a switch device, by which a trolley can be diverted from one rail track to another rail track connected to the first rail track. The trolley or the like is provided with two guides, which are arranged some distance apart and which cooperate during operation with a fixed guide extending in the longitudinal direction of a rail track. The trolley is furthermore provided with two further guides, which are arranged some distance apart and which are furthermore arranged in staggered relationship with respect to each other, transversely to the intended direction of movement, for cooperation with the guides, which form part of the switch device, for diverting the trolley from one rail track to the other, which guides are disposed near the connection between the two rail tracks.

Abstract: A movable member supported for movement on a track has a pressure receptor portion which faces laterally outward. An accelerating device in a horizontally held particular track portion of the track, at the upstream side thereof, acts upon the pressure receptor portion to apply high speed transport force to the movable member. A decelerating device at the downstream side of the particular track portion acts upon the pressure receptor portion to decelerate the movable member. The accelerating device acts upon the pressure receptor portion at the downstream side of the particular track portion, whereby high speed transport force is applied to the movable member so that the movable member may be transported at high speed on the horizontally held particular track portion. The decelerating device acts upon the pressure receptor portion of the movable member being transported at high speed, whereupon the movable member is decelerated.

Abstract: A transit system including a vehicle (21), an elongated flexible traction belt (22) coupled to the vehicle (21) to apply a traction force sufficient to propel the vehicle along a transit path (23), and a drive assembly (24) coupled to displace the traction belt (22). The traction belt (22) is oriented with sides (33) in a substantially vertical plane so that the vehicle (21) can be coupled to one edge (38) of the belt and the other edge (39) used to guide the vertical position of the belt. Intermediate the edges ( 38,39 ) drive assemblies (36,37) can be periodically provided along the length of the transit path (23) to frictionally engage and drive the traction belt without interference from either the guiding surfaces (56,57,58) or the vehicle coupling assembly (51). A method of propelling a vehicle (21) and a traction member-based transit system is provided including a step of applying a traction force to the vehicle ( 21 ) through a traction belt ( 22 ) while the belt is vertically oriented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive system for a suspended or ground based roller coaster. Each vehicle has an attached drive fin. A plurality of pairs of drive wheels (pinch rollers) are disposed about the track and sequentially engage the drive fin to provide driving force. The drive wheels have a special linkage arrangement that permits the wheels to operate on curves or in a straight path. The linkage also provides self adjusting of the tension applied by the drive wheels to the drive fin to reduce wear and prevent slippage. The present invention uses pivots and tie bars to allow the system to articulate to accommodate the chording effects of the driven vehicle in a curve or helix. The self adjusting drive wheels operates during contact with the drive fin. The turning of the drive wheels in contact with the drive fin causes the drive wheels to generate a pinch force in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle drive fin.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is a platen drive unit that propels the platens of vehicles moving along a track. The platen drive unit may be readily used at any portion of the track, since it acts as a castor about a kingpin assembly, thereby substantially reducing the effects of roller scrub in curved track portions. A self energizing structure balances a dual-pivot arrangement of frames, such that the drive roller of the unit is balanced to intersect the conveyance plane without imposing a "bump" or lurch upon a vehicle that first engages the drive roller. Additionally, the drive roller is preferably a dual-rate tire which features a compliant range, within which the tire is readily deformed, but which continues to drive the platen with a large normal force. Beyond the compliant range, the tire is not compliant to deformation. The dual-rate tire may be created by constricting the circumference and filling the deformed tire with a urethane filler, which is allowed to cure.

Abstract: A material handling car and track assembly is presented. The assembly comprises a car having a chassis portion, travel wheels mounted on the chassis portion, and a track having two parallel rails, the travel wheels being adapted to roll on the rails to facilitate movement of the car along the track. Frame portions depend from an underside of the chassis portion, the frame portions comprising first and second frame walls spaced from each other. First and second spindles are mounted between the rails, and contact wheels mounted on the spindles, the contact wheels being in a plane normal to the spindles. Bands are on the peripheries of the contact wheels for engaging the frame walls, the contact wheels being operative to modify the speed of the car in accordance with the selected rotational speed of the contact wheels.

Abstract: Chairlift or gondola lift with a carriage supporting a gondola or a chair, the carriage including a detachable grip for coupling on a continuously moving cable. In the terminal, the carriage is uncoupled from the cable and it runs on a transfer rail. This transfer rail is equipped with friction drive sheaves for engaging a friction plate rigidly secured to the carriage. The sheaves are driven at a different speed with respect to the direct neighboring sheave so as to decelerate or to accelerate the carriage. The friction plate has a high friction coupling zone and a low friction coupling zone which permits a slip engagement with the friction sheave. The high friction coupling zone of the plate is shorter than the distance betwen two successive sheaves.

Abstract: In the by-pass zone of a car transfer track, in a terminal station of a detachable gondola lift or chairlift, the cars are driven by tired wheels. Transmission between two successive wheels comprises two toothed bevel pinions, wedged onto the wheel spindles, which engage with an inverter bevel pinion inserted between adjacent toothed benel pinions.

Abstract: As drive shoe assembly (50) for a transportation system in which transport units (31) are propelled along a path by frictional engagement of the drive shoe assembly (50) by a drive assembly (36). The drive shoe assembly (50) includes frame members (54) and a plurality of resiliently flexible traction members (52) disposed therebetween defining a resiliently flexible traction surface (60). The traction surface (60) is coupled to the frame members (54) and, further, is positioned to be frictionally engaged by a plurality of drive wheels (36) in a sequence situated along the path to propel the transport unit (31) forward. Upon engagement between the drive wheels (36) and the traction surface (60), the resilient traction surface (60) is sufficiently deflected such that any ice accumulation on the resilient members (52) will crack and fall away.

Abstract: A loading and unloading airlock apparatus for a vacuum treatment chamber which includes an airlock chamber, a transport mechanism inside the chamber to transport a substrate holder arranged to have substrates detachably mounted thereon, an exhaust port to evacuate the chamber to a vacuum, a gas inlet port to introduce a gas to bring the evacuated chamber back to atmospheric pressure, a rectifying plate provided in the chamber adjacent to and at a predetermined distance away from the substrate holder on that side of the substrate holder upon which the substrates are detachably mounted, and a gas introduction pipe having a gas ejection outlet in said chamber for introducing additional gas in a space defined by the predetermined distance to flow along the surfaces of the substrates and the substrate holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying travelable bodies which are provided no driving source, on a fixed path. A plurality of travelable bodies can travel on the fixed path while aligned substantially in close contact with each other. Traveling power is transmitted to one of a plurality of travelable bodies which is positioned on at least one end of the alignment. The traveling power drives the travelable body with frictional force while pressing one side surface of the travelable body, and is transmitted to the travelable body while backing up the other side surface of the travelable body. A device to transmit traveling power is arranged on only a part of the fixed path.

Abstract: A drive-shoe assembly (30) and method for accelerating/decelerating a carrier unit (14) along a rail (12) or the like. The drive-shoe assembly (30) includes a rigid shoe segment (36) which frictionally engages the adjacent acceleration/deceleration drive wheels (22) operating at different speeds, and a movable segment (38) which supports the weight of the carrier unit (14) yet does not impart any significant velocity to the carrier unit (14). The movable segment (38) includes a plurality of roller elements (35) which are in rolling contact with higher or lower speed drive wheels adjacent to the drive wheels (22) controlling the carrier unit velocity so as to minimize drive wheel wear and insure smooth carrier unit acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transporting rove bobbins between a flyer frame and a spinning frame wherein transporting operation of rove bobbins can be assured for a long period of time. The system comprises a plurality of driving devices provided at fixed positions along a transport rail. A carrier for hanging rove bobbins thereon is smoothly moved along the transport rail by way of a mechanical engaging structure which establishes motion transmission between the carrier and a successive one of the driving devices.

Abstract: At each station of the overhead cable transport installation the vehicles which have been released or unclamped from the conveying cable are decelerated or accelerated by pneumatic wheels. Between the V-belt drive and the hub of each pneumatic wheel there is arranged a free-wheeling clutch or slip coupling equipped with a pre-biased restoring or return spring. The free-wheeling clutch transmits in one direction the torque or rotational moment from the V-belt drive to the pneumatic wheel without play. In the opposite direction such free-wheeling clutch rotates against the restoring moment of the pre-biased restoring spring. As a result there is eliminated the slip and the resultant wear of the pneumatic wheels upon the friction plate with which they come into contact during such time in which two neighboring pneumatic wheels engage with the friction plate.

Abstract: Parts transport system for factory operations and the like comprising arranged length sections (1) defining a transport path, workpiece supports (20) riding on the path and drive wheels (24) along the path for engaging the supports, corner drive members (18) and an effective modularity using integrally multiplied length sections in combination with the corners which are a basic unit of such integral multiplication series.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of spacing detachable passenger carrier units along the length of a moving haul rope in an aerial tramway system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor system which has a spacing section that is operated at a speed which is reduced by a speed factor determined by the geometry of the passenger carrier units and the geometry and operating parameters of the particular tramway line on which the units are to be spaced. Additionally, the speed of the spacing section is varied in accordance with the number of units which are selected to be spaced along the length of the line as compared to the maximum capacity of the tramway. Input of the selected number of units to a controller programmed with the particular tramway operating parameters and geometry will automatically slave the spacing section so as to discharge units to a launching system at an interval which insures even spacing.

Abstract: An automatic, rail-based passenger and cargo transportation system which is particularly well suited for use as a moderate speed people mover is disclosed. The system includes a rail structure on which passive carrier cars are movably supported from opposite sides of the rail. In one aspect a plurality of drive wheels are rotatably mounted to the rail assembly and span across the width of the rail structure so as to drive the carrier cars along the rail in opposite directions on opposite sides of the rail. In another aspect of the invention, the carrier cars are cantilever supported from the sides of the rail so as to cause gravity biasing of the cars inwardly such that a shoe is forced into driving engagement with alternating toothed and smooth drive wheels mounted in the rail framework and sufficiently spaced so that only one toothed drive wheel interengages with the shoe assembly at any time.

Abstract: A conveyor arrangement for conveying a workpiece carrier in a conveying direction, the carrier having two opposite sides, and a guide for laterally guiding the carrier in this direction, the guide comprising a drive associated with one of the carrier sides for advancing the carrier in the conveying direction, the drive including a succession of entrainment elements engaging the one carrier side, and a guide track having two sides spaced apart in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and extending in the conveying direction, one of the guide track sides being opposite the drive in the transverse direction and the drive being biased towards the one guide track side, and guide elements mounted on the carrier and guided without play along the one guide track side.

Abstract: Chairlift or gondola lift with a carriage supporting a gondola or a chair and having a detachable grip for coupling on a continuously moving cable. In the terminals the carriage is uncoupled from the cable and it runs on a transfer rail. This transfer rail is equipped with friction drive wheels disposed along the carriage travel path for engaging the friction face of a running plate rigidly secured to the carriage so as to brake, accelerate or drive the carriage on the rail. During the night or bad weather periods a cover plate covers the friction face of the carriages disposed on the line and this cover plate is raised away in the terminals to clear the friction face. For removing the snow or ice which covers the friction face and hinders the correct friction drive of the carriage a brushing or rubbing device may be disposed along the carriage travel path so as to brush the friction face.