Abstract: An area storage for storing vehicle bodies, the longitudinal extension of which equals at least one and a half times the transverse extension thereof, having a storage area having at least two storage spaces and two associated vehicle body receptacles, wherein the storage area is designed such that vehicle bodies can be stored on the storage area in a plane on the at least two storage spaces on one of the vehicle body receptacles in each case, at least one multi-track industrial vehicle, which can be coupled to the vehicle body receptacle. The industrial vehicle is designed for omnidirectional travel, such that the direction of conveyance can be chosen independently of the orientation of the industrial vehicle and the industrial vehicle having the coupled vehicle body receptacle can carry out a conveyance direction change without changing the relative orientation of the vehicle body receptacle and industrial vehicle. A method for conveying vehicle body receptacles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ride system includes a vehicle configured to travel along a first ride path. The ride system also includes a coaster that travels along a second ride path that overlaps with the first ride path at an overlapping portion of the ride system. The vehicle disengages from a first portion of the first ride path and engages with the coaster when the coaster is positioned at the overlapping portion, such that the coaster transports the vehicle along the second ride path to a second portion of the first ride path after engaging with the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular system for an automotive vehicle configured to permit removal of a removable structural module from and reattachment to an automotive vehicle is described. The system includes a removable structural module comprising a body, a support structure configured to receive and support the removable structural module and to permit the removable structural module to be releasably attached to an automotive vehicle, a sensing arrangement configured to permit confirmation of secure attachment of the removable structural module to the automotive vehicle and configured to permit identification of a predetermined type of the removable structural module, and a computer configured to identify the predetermined type of the removable structural module from among multiple possible predetermined types of removable structural modules. The removable structural module comprises multiple connecting structures that permit the removable structural module to be releasably secured to the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling narrow rolls includes a flow-through warehouse, which includes an inlet end and an outlet end. The narrow rolls are handled such that the narrow rolls are fed into the inlet end in a first direction. The flow-through warehouse further includes at least two rack rows having a second direction transverse to said first direction, at least two isles having the second direction and carriages that move the narrow rolls into a rack and from a rack and also carry them in the second direction. At least one carriage moves along each isle, at least two isles include carriages that are capable of sorting the narrow rolls, and at least one carriage is sorting the narrow rolls for forming a customer stack. The customer stack is formed of several narrow rolls and delivered from the outlet end to be transported to a customer.

Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system including a multilevel storage array is provided. Each aisle has a set of storage levels and each level has storage locations distributed along the aisle. The guideway network extending through the multilevel storage array is configured for autonomous vehicles to move along the guideway network within the multilevel storage array. The guideway network including an inter-aisle guideway spanning at least two of the multiple aisles and a set of guideway levels extending in an aisle of the multiple aisles and disposed so that each guideway level is at a different one of the storage levels and the vehicles on the guideway level can access the storage locations distributed along the aisle. Each set of guideway levels is connected to the inter-aisle guideway forming a common guideway path so that a vehicle can move between inter-aisle guideway and each guideway level along the common guideway path.

Abstract: A distance detection apparatus including: a light output unit which outputs a light; a computation unit which computes a distance to a detection target by using a time until when the light output from the light output unit is received in a light receiving unit; a deblurring optical system which is driven based on a detection result of a blurring and through which the output light is transmitted; a detection unit which detects a position of the deblurring optical system; a storage unit which stores a predetermined range; a determination unit which determines whether the position detected by the detection unit is included in the predetermined range; and a control unit which controls a light output by the light output unit in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored in an inventory storage unit (ISU), one item per bin. Controller logic allows items to be stored in, and retrieved from, arbitrarily-assigned storage locations. The bins hang on rails within drawers. Configuration of the rails facilitates bins of variable height.

Abstract: A method for transporting inventory items includes moving a mobile drive unit to a first point within a workspace. The first point is a location of an inventory holder. The method further includes docking the mobile drive unit with the inventory holder and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to a second point within the workspace. The second point is associated with conveyance equipment. The method further includes moving the inventory holder to a third point within the workspace using the conveyance equipment.

Abstract: A transport device for use when mounting interior component modules in an aircraft includes an undercarriage and an interior component module carrier unit. The interior component module carrier unit is supported on the undercarriage and is adapted to be connected to an interior component module, which is preassembled outside of the aircraft, in order to transport the interior component module with the aid of the transport device into a final assembly position in an aircraft fuselage element. At least a part of the interior component module carrier unit is movable relative to the undercarriage such that an interior component module connected to the interior component module carrier unit is movable horizontally and vertically relative to the undercarriage.

Abstract: A ride system for efficiently utilizing a simulator(s) or immersive environment assembly. The ride system includes a closed-loop track and a plurality of passenger vehicles each configured for traveling along a ride path defined by the closed-loop track. The ride system includes a simulator positioned adjacent to the closed-loop track. The ride system also includes a vehicle transfer mechanism. This mechanism is typically positioned along the track (or to provide part of the track) near the simulator. In operation, the transfer mechanism receives or captures a first one of the vehicles and transfers the first vehicle a distance away from the ride path and into the simulator and its immersive entertainment environment. The transfer mechanism is configured such that a second one of the vehicles trailing the first vehicle travels along the ride path past the simulator while the first vehicle is positioned within the simulator.

Abstract: A battery powered raise climber system is provided that uses Lithium ion batteries to drive a single or double electric drive for an existing raise climber. The batteries offer a faster, safer, quieter and cleaner way to move workers and their equipment to and from the work face in a raise and eliminates the need for adding lengths of hose as the raise climber ascends and eliminates the emission of harmful inhalants. The battery powered system also enables high efficiency area lighting to be used at the work face, and as the raise climber descends in the raise, the electric drives can reverse operation to recharge the batteries.

Abstract: A system for transferring railroad cars from incoming receiving tracks to classification tracks for building outgoing trains includes a plurality of incoming receiving tracks, a plurality of outgoing classification tracks and one or more transfer tables for moving railroad cars from the incoming receiving tracks to designated outgoing classification tracks. Each transfer table has a plurality of track segments. Incoming railroad cars are received on a plurality of incoming receiving tracks. A first car is uncoupled from a following second car on each of the receiving tracks having cars. The uncoupled first car is moved from the incoming receiving track onto a corresponding track segment on the transfer table. The transfer table is moved to align a selected track segment with an appropriate classification track for the corresponding railroad car. The transfer table is moved and aligned with appropriate classification tracks until each railroad car has been transferred to the appropriate classification track.

Abstract: A rail system for a powered pallet conveyor, which comprises alternative pathways having an electric cable provided on at least one of n parallel rails defining a travel pathway, wherein n?2, whereby the rail system includes a switch for switching between m alternative travel pathways, wherein m?2, and allowing the vehicle to continuously move across the switch after switching. The switch comprises a first actuator for selectively positioning (m*n) rigid rail portions bridging the distance between rail ends at (i) n joining points where the n parallel rails of each of the m alternative travel pathways subject to switching converge, and (ii) (m*n) continuation points where each alternative pathway subject to switching diverges downstream from the joining points A second actuator selectively positions [m(n?1)] rigid rail portions bridging the distance between rail ends, where each alternative pathway is discontinued downstream from the corresponding continuation points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for handling and/or transporting work rolls (2, 3) and/or support rolls (4, 5) of a roll stand (6), by which the work rolls (2, 3) and/or support rolls (4, 5) can be brought from the roll stand (6) into a roll workshop (10) by means of a locomotive (9) movable on a track (7, 8). In order to be able to handle and transport different rolls using just one locomotive, without complicated coupling mechanisms, according to the invention at least two tracks (7, 8) disposed at different heights (h1, h2) are provided, on which a roll (2, 3, 4, 5) can be moved by means of the locomotive (9), and a lifting table (11) is available, which is intended and suitable for raising or lowering the locomotive (9) to one of the at least two different heights (h1, h2) in order to bring it onto the respective track (7, 8).

Abstract: A universal cross belt sorter system (1) consisting of four major components: a monorail track (26), a drive car (20), multiple cross belt cars (24) and system controls. The drive cars (20) pull multiple cross belt cars (24) along the track (26). The cross belt cars (24) are typically loaded with material, which is then discharged into outlets. An outlet may be a chute, a bin, a conveyor, a truck, etc. Sortation systems are typically used to consolidate material according to selected parameters, such as zip code, customer order, to replenish a specific store and many other identifying information. The cross belt cars (24) are loaded with material at induction areas (3). The types or methods of inducting material onto the cross belt cars (24) range from manual to semi-automatic to fully automatic.

Abstract: A conveyance device using a carriage having an object support base movable vertically controlled by cam rails on the floor side, has an automatic lock for locking the object support base at a rising limit position. Unlocking cam follower rollers of the automatic lock are provided higher than a conveyance carriage supporting level of a carriage traveling path. A cam follower roller for elevating the object support base is positioned higher than the conveyance carriage supporting level when the object support base is at the rising limit position. In an area in which the carriage traveling path and the aisle cross each other, a crossing aisle floor member is laid at the same level as the conveyance carriage supporting level, and the conveyance carriage can pass through this aisle crossing area in a state that the object support base is locked at the rising limit position by the automatic lock.

Abstract: A storage system for containers including a plurality of cells for reception of containers and means of transferring containers within and outside of the cells. The transfer means include shuttles for translation between the cells and ensilage trolleys which are carried by the shuttles to face a cell and which are motorized to enter and exit from the cell and transfer containers between the cell and the shuttle. The ensilage trolleys are fitted with at least one transport unit made up of a base frame with motorized wheels for running on rails for the entrance and exit movement and with loading platform arranged above the base frame and designed to support a container. Between the platform and the base frame there are fluid hoisting sets distributed longitudinally to the trolley for controlled hoisting of the platform and which also realize elastic attenuation parts.

Abstract: A motor driven transporter for transporting a moving toy object over an interruption in a slot track system where the interruption is between an incoming track segment and an outgoing track segment. The transporter includes a dock having a holding member for holding the toy object on a track surface of the dock and a restraining member for restraining the toy object from moving forward and backward on the dock, and a motor for moving the dock linearly or through an arc of up to 180° between the incoming track segment and the outgoing track segment.

Abstract: An unmanned tactic platform (UTP) mounted on a two-stage locomotive system of which a first locomotive stage is a significantly high-speed travel stage where the UTP reaches an arena, and a second locomotive stage is a tactical maneuver stage in which the UTP maneuvers at the arena for executing a mission.

Abstract: A universal cross belt sorter system (1) consisting of four major components: a monorail track (26), a drive car (20), multiple cross belt cars (24) and system controls. The drive cars (20) pull multiple cross belt cars (24) along the track (26). The cross belt cars (24) are typically loaded with material, which is then discharged into outlets. An outlet may be a chute, a bin, a conveyor, a truck, etc. Sortation systems are typically used to consolidate material according to selected pa-rameters, such as zip code, customer order, to replenish a specific store and many other identifying information. The cross belt cars (24) are loaded with material at induction areas (3). The types or methods of inducting material onto the cross belt cars (24) range from manual to semi-automatic to fully automatic.

Abstract: A ground handling system for an airship which comprises a first track system to allow a plurality of docking carts to move from a hangar to a weathervane/launching/landing ring R. The docking carts are configured to complete a second track system. Carried by each of the docking carts is a mooring cart that carries a mooring structure. Upon the completion of the second track system by each of the docking carts, the mooring carts are able to move about the second track system. Thereby allowing the airship to be oriented in a desired manner to facilitate its launch or landing.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting printing paper rolls includes a frame for accommodating a printing paper roll, and a moving mechanism having a plurality of running wheels mounted on the frame and supporting the frame on a floor. The wheels can be aligned for travel in a first direction on a pair of first running rails on the floor, parallel to a printing press. When the frame is lifted by a lifting device so that the wheels are above the first rails, the wheels can be adjusted for travel in a second direction on a pair of second running rails which extend perpendicular to the first running rails.

Abstract: Applicants' automated data storage system includes a first media storage library having a first rail system, a garage having a movable rail system, said garage being disposed adjacent the media storage library, and a plurality of accessors movably disposed on either the first rail system or the movable rail system. In another embodiment, Applicants' automated data storage system further includes a second media storage library, having a second rail system, disposed adjacent the garage, such that the plurality of accessors is movably disposed on the first rail system, the second rail system, or the movable rail system. Applicants' invention further includes a method to move an accessor from the first media storage library into the garage, or from the first media storage library, through the garage, and into the second media storage library. Applicants' invention further includes a method to balance the workload of a plurality of data drives disposed within Applicants' automated data storage system.

Abstract: A conveyance storage apparatus includes an annular turntable having an outer circumference and a central opening defining a support surface therebetween for supporting a plurality of conveyances, particularly aircraft, on parking spaces thereon. The turntable is supported on a foundation, and a rotation assembly is positioned between the turntable and the foundation for permitting rotation of the turntable on the foundation between storage and enter/exit positions. A stationary core is positioned within the central opening of the turntable and the turntable is mounted for rotation around the stationary core. The turntable can be positioned within an enclosure having an opening sized to permit only a single conveyance to enter or exit the enclosure at a time. The rotation assembly is electronically programmable to respond to a predetermined access code by moving a predetermined parking space to a conveyance entrance/exit position in relation to the enclosure opening.

Abstract: A trolley for track systems with essentially right-angled intersections is equipped with raisable and lowerable rollers which can be lowered to engage with, and raised to disengage with, one of the pairs of tracks. A common actuator (76,78) simultaneously lowers, in relation to the trolley, the rollers associated with one pair of tracks and raises the rollers associated with the intersecting pair of tracks.

Abstract: An amusement ride, such as a roller coaster, installed in an amusement park and the like, is adapted to allow a vehicle to travel on a track. The amusement ride has an arrangement such that the track has different track portions, and the vehicle having a passenger car and a detachable car carrier. The vehicle is adapted to be supported on the car carrier during traveling on one of the track portions, and detached from the car carrier for traveling onto another one of the track portions. During a ride, passengers on the vehicle may be seized with fear that the vehicle is out of control, thus increasing the thrill of the ride.

Abstract: An improved intermodal transport system combining trucking and railway technology for the transport of passengers and freight. The present system includes a so-called Super Rail Train which incorporates an automotive truck drive system and components in a fuel efficient power vehicle which replaces the conventional locomotive. The present system also includes a plurality of secondary power units having an automotive truck drive system which are operated only during peak load conditions. The present system features a self-powered tandem device which replaces the conventional railroad dolly or bogie used in the transport of highway semi-trailer containers by rail and permits movement of a partially assembled train without a switching engine. A further feature of the present invention provides a switching ramp which is installed at truck/train terminals to facilitate the efficient assembly and breakdown of the train upon arrival at a destination for rerouting semi-trailer containers to highway use.

Abstract: A live steam locomotive carrier/portable steaming bay for a miniature train which would include a flat base portion of sufficient width and length to accommodate a standard miniature sized steam locomotive; a pair of parallel slots formed in the base portion from one end to the second end, for allowing the wheels of the locomotive to be placed into the slots so that the locomotive may be rolled along the length of the base portion; a peg member insertable into ports on both the first and second ends of the slot so that after the locomotive is in place the locomotive cannot inadvertently roll off of the first or second ends of the base portion; a pair of handle members extending upward from the base portion and each pair of handle members including a transverse portion for grasping by a person to carry the base portion in a substantial horizontal position with the steam locomotive thereupon; an indexing groove on at least one end of the base portion so that when the base portion is placed at the end of a track

Abstract: A powered pallet assembly (10) for use on two intersecting trackways (11 and 13). The pallet assembly (10) includes: a pallet frame (23) having an upwardly facing surface (12) formed for support of a load thereon; a first plurality of load-supporting wheels (16a, 16b) rotatably mounted to frame (23) for movement of pallet assembly (10) in a first direction on the first trackway (11); a second plurality of load-supporting wheels (18a, 18b) rotatably mounted to frame (23) for movement of pallet assembly (10) in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the second trackway (13) intersecting the first trackway (11); a power drive assembly carried by pallet frame (23) and coupled to drive at least one wheel of first wheels (16a, 16b) and coupled to drive at least one wheel of second wheels (18a, 18b).

Abstract: A carrier cell is provided for use in a high-speed sortation system having an I-beam monorail with vertically spaced upper and lower horizontal plates connected by a web. The carrier cell includes a cover having a horizontally-extending top surface above the rail, and a downwardly extending, tapered side panel with a lower edge which extends adjacent to the lower plate of the rail. A pair of upper wheel assemblies are mounted in the cover. Each upper wheel assembly includes a load wheel mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis to provide driving support for the cell along a top surface of the upper plate, a semi-spherical housing for each load wheel, and a support associated with each housing. The supports are mounted to the upper cover surface and shaped to allow the housings to rotate within the supports. A plurality of upper guide wheels are mounted for rotation about vertical axes in contact with a side of said upper plate.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections may include electrical connections for power and communication and they are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. Transfer vehicles operate to transfer loads between the carrier vehicles and storage positions and may be controlled to move in either of two transverse directions or to rotate in a turntable operation. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. Front and rear bogies of the vehicles pivot about front and rear vertical turn axes and carry direction control wheels that cooperate with guide ribs along tracks for selective control of movement to either of two exits from a Y junction. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A transport, storage, monitoring, and retrieval system for casks including intermediate storage of spent fuel rods from nuclear power plants. The system consists of a powered rail transport car which carries a cask standing on its end. A cross-ways traveling powered rail "under car" unit carries the rail transport car and loaded cask transversely on rails underneath to align with a bay rail which the powered rail car traverses to the cask storage location. Bridge cranes off-load the casks and with monitoring equipment perform remote cask inspections. Bay rails and a pair of cross-ways traveling "under car" units serve for movement of both the transport car and the bridge units. Casks are located automatically at specific addresses for inventory control and data logging of radioactive emissions. The system may operate remotely and cask conditions are monitored from automated retrieved collected at an off-site data base.

Abstract: A high-density type cultivation equipment has an improved mechanism to transfer cultivation beds from one main rail track to the adjacent main rail track, in which transfer rail tracks 1 that connect ends of main rail tracks 3 consist of two pairs of parallel feed rollers 1' that are rotated in a common direction at an identical velocity, are arranged with a track gauge related to the distance between wheels which cross said main rail tracks with an angle declined from a right angle by a feed angle .alpha. at substantially the same height with said main rail tracks. The wheels 15 of cultivation beds B have the axles 15a thereof fixed in direction to be perpendicular to the central axes of the main rails. As means to drive said cultivation beds B along the main rail tracks 3 in a cyclic path, hook means 4 that detachably engage with structural members 10 of said cultivation beds B are provided to be driven in the direction parallel to the main rail tracks 3.

Abstract: In order to reduce operating costs while enhancing the overall operating efficiency of an industrial plant, a method for automating a plant or warehouse using portable gantry robots is provided. Work stations for the robots are organized along rows in various parts of the plant where work is present. An overhead rail system is provided over the work stations wherein at least some overhead rail system have sections of displaceable rails. A transporter is provided for transporting the portable robots between rail systems or locations within a rail system. The transporters have a section of transfer rails which are identical in size to the displaceable rail section. A displaceable rail section is displaced following which the transfer rail section is locked into plance. The transfer rail section may also be aligned at one end of an overhead rail system. The robots are then added or removed from the overhead rail system while the transfer rail section is aligned with the overhead rail system.

Abstract: This invention relates to transfer machines, wherein the circulation trackway has at least two segments defining a given angle and a module for orientation of motorized carriages. Each carriage has at least one lateral group of rollers located on a median trasnverse axis of the carriage which are adapted to cooperate with the lateral guide slideway. The invention is applicable to transfer machines with motorized, free carriages.

Abstract: A pallet exchanging apparatus for machine tool used for exchanging the pallet loaded with the machined workpieces with the pallet loaded with the workpieces to be machined. The pallet exchanging apparatus has a transmission device for shifting the pallet between a work position on a table of the machine tool and a waiting position for exchanging the pallets. The transmission device is driven either by the movement of the table or the movement of the driving mechanism for the table and is adapted to output the rotational movement. The output of the transmission is used for driving a speed-up device. The speed-up device is adapted to move the pallet linearly with higher speed and larger stroke than those of the linear movement of the table.

Abstract: A compost handling machine comprising a carriage to support the machine for movement along a composting bay, and a compost agitating and conveying assembly to agitate compost in, and to move the compost along the bay. The agitating and conveying assembly includes a conveyor subassembly and a drum subassembly. The conveyor subassembly includes a plurality of lifting cleats that, in use, are moved around a closed path to lift compost in the bay and move the compost rearwardly therein. The drum subassembly includes an agitating drum extending between and supported by a pair of support arms, and the drum is rotated to agitate and comminute the compost in the bay.

Abstract: A movable platform system is provided, comprising a basin, defined by a bottom and a sidewall, the basin containing a liquid; a plurality of support structures, extending upward from the bottom, the support structures being aligned in rows, the rows being perpendicular to each other; a plurality of platforms each having a top surface and an underside, the platforms being floatable in the liquid, each of the platforms having a plurality of guides attached to the underside, for guiding movement of the platforms in the basin, at least one of the guides being aligned perpendicular to another, wherein a plurality of the support structures extend into the guides; and a plurality of bearing devices, attached to the support structures so as to support the underside of the platforms within the guides and allow the platforms to move parallel to the bottom along some of the rows of the support structures.

Abstract: A pallet exchanging apparatus for machine tool used for exchanging the pallet loaded with the machined workpieces with the pallet loaded with the workpieces to be machined. The pallet exchanging apparatus has a transmission device for shifting the pallet between a work position on a table of the machine tool and a waiting position for exchanging the pallets. The transmission device is driven either by the movement of the table or the movement of the driving mechanism for the table and is adapted to output the rotational movement. The output of the transmission is used for driving a speed-up device. The speed-up device is adapted to move the pallet linearly with high speed and larger stroke than those of the linear movement of the table.

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 bomb handling system includes a plurality of mobile frames, each having a pair of rails and carrying members on the rails. Each pair of carrying members supporting corresponding ends of a bomb and there being locking mechanisms with separate, common actuators at particular locations along the lengths of the rails selectively to arrest a pair of carrying members in transversely aligned positions at a location and to allow such pair to travel past a location. The mobile frames may be attached in a train with their pairs of rails in end-abutting relation and including blocking mechanisms which releasably prevent transfer of a pair of carrying members from one frame to the next. A mobile frame may include a mechanism to elevate its rails so that loaded and positioned bombs may be raised for attachment to an aircraft.

Abstract: A transportation system, particularly for handling containers for transport by rail vehicles, lorries or ships, includes an elevated guideway comprising a plurality of spaced parallel longitudinal tracks connected by tranverse tracks which are movable along the longitudinal tracks. Vehicles travel along the tracks and are equipped with hoists for lifting containers beneath the guideway into the vehicles. Each vehicle is equipped with lower wheels which run on rails on the longitudinal tracks and upper wheels which run on high level guides on the transverse tracks. When it is wished to transfer the vehicle from one track to another at a junction this may be effected by stopping the vehicle at the junction engaging the appropriate wheels with the guides or rails, as the case may be, on the other track and then continuing movement along that other track.

Abstract: A mobile air-equipped transfer table and method of using the transfer table is disclosed. The transfer table includes a perforated top and an air system to provide uniform quantities of pressurized air at the table top openings. Gearmotor drives are mounted at each end of the transfer table to rotate frictional, floor contacting drive wheels. In use, the transfer table is moved to a position adjacent to a stationary, air-equipped table and the pressurized air systems of both tables are energized. A boundary layer of pressurized air is formed at each table top to allow a single operator to move heavy loads from one table to the other. In a preferred arrangement, spreading, cutting and bundling tables are arranged in side by side juxtaposition and the transfer table is moved in tracks into longitudinal alignment with each of the tables to serially advance a layered fabric spread from table to table.

Abstract: A guided vehicle, which follows a guidepath into and out from a work station, is provided with an article carrying table that includes a plurality of cone shaped mounting plates each disposed upon a ball transport unit to provide for relative movement between the article carrier, any article carried thereby, and the body of the vehicle. Each side, of two opposed sides, of the article carrier mounts a number of guide wheels; including entry guide wheels larger in diameter than side guide wheels, with the entry wheels disposed proximate carriers of the carrier and side wheels disposed therebetween. Guide rails disposed at the work station cooperate with the guide wheels to effect relative movement between the article carrier and vehicle body if the vehicle enters the work station out of a centered alignment therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a vehicle so that it can be moved sideways by manual force. The apparatus includes a floor part having a pair of spaced, generally parallel grooves. Each groove has a pair of roller members coupled to it, and the roller members of the two grooves are alignable with each other so that a vehicle can be driven onto the roller members and be supported thereby. Each roller member has a lower extension or lip extending into a respective groove so that, when a sideways force is applied to the vehicle, the vehicle is moved sideways as the roller members are guided by the grooves. The invention is suitable for moving vehicles from one lane to an adjacent lane when the lanes are in side-by-side relationship to each other.

Abstract: A vehicle transfer system for use in a vehicle assembly line comprises a first conveyor which transfers a vehicle while supporting the vehicle on its chassis with the tires being floated, and a second conveyor which transfers the vehicle body while supporting the vehicle on its tires. A ride-over table is disposed between the first and second conveyors so that the tires of the vehicle are caused to ride over the ride-over table and the chassis is lifted away from the vehicle supporting table of the first conveyor. A movable receiving table is disposed on the receiving side of the second conveyor to be movable back and forth in parallel to the second conveyor and is moved forward in synchronization with the first conveyor.

Abstract: The disclosed sterilizing apparatus makes use of mobile cars containing a quantity of packages. The cars are continuously intermittently advanced to a package loading position, to an inlet lock where pressurizing and preheating of the car and its contents occur, to a sterilizing chamber for a sufficient period of time to effect sterilization, to a discharge lock that depressurizes and partially cools the car and its contents, to an atmospheric cooling station, to a water discharge station and then to a package unloading station.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient and economical way for indexing products from a continuously moving chain conveyor to a stationary position for robotic operations and then returning the product to the moving chain conveyor. Indexing is achieved by a moveable shuttle carriage which is propelled along the axis of a main drive shaft through the engagement of a follower, located beneath the shuttle carriage, with a helical recess in the circumference of the shaft. Controlled acceleration, deceleration and positioning are accomplished by varying the rotational speed of a uniform helical drive shaft or by the use of a variable helical drive shaft rotated at constant speed. The shuttle carriage picks up a product carrier by engagement of a drive dog with the carrier to propel the carriage and carrier in unison to an operating station along tracks in parallelism with the axis of the shaft.