Abstract: An aerial ropeway wherein oppositely located first and second sheave trains are supported on a crossarm wherein first and second sheave train supporting apparatus are pivotally mounted at fixed spaced apart locations on the crossarm and the first and second sheave train supporting apparatus are each pivotally connected to an elongated member extending therebetween.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor includes a rotator system for rotating a work piece as it travels along a conveying track. A carrier movable along the track is propelled by an endless conveyor chain disposed within said track. The carrier is detachably connected to the chain and includes an uncoupling assembly for detaching the carrier from the chain. A support post extends upwardly from an upper surface of the carrier and an upper portion of the support post is attached to an upper arm of a C-shaped load arm. The C-shaped load arm is provided with a lower arm having a rotatable platter attached thereto. A camming pin is fixedly attached to said platter and a camming assembly is affixed to an underside of the track wherein the track is provided with flanges to receive said camming pin. Upon engagement of the camming pin with the flanges of the track, the platter is rotated a preselected amount.

Abstract: The installation for moving persons from a mountain station to a valley station has a supporting cable which is guided via supporting pylons or the like. Carriages, to which there are attached transport assemblies, can be displaced along the supporting cable. Each transport assembly accommodates at least one person. The transport assembly may be a cabin, a chair, a supporting harness, or the like. A supporting and guide rail is fastened on the supporting cable and the carriage can be displaced along the supporting and guide rail from the mountain station into the valley station.

Abstract: The installation conveys passengers along a self-contained track which extends between two end stations and has at least one intermediate station between the end stations. Traveling devices, such as cablecars or carriages can be moved along the track by a self-contained traction cable which are guided in the end stations about drive pulleys and deflecting pulleys. The traveling devices are moved through the stations at such a speed that passengers can embark and disembark. The intermediate station is situated at an equal distance from the respectively adjacent stations, the traveling devices, which are optionally arranged in groups, are coupled onto the traction cable at a spacing distance equal to twice the distance between the stations. Subsections of the track allow the traveling devices to move in opposite directions only in the stations.

Abstract: A running roller for the traveling-gear mechanism of the transport assembly of a cableway system has a pulley-type roller body. The roller body is produced from a metal, in particular from steel, and it is provided along the periphery of the roller body with a running surface which encloses the roller body and which is produced from a plastic material.

Abstract: The installation conveys persons from a valley station to a mountain station and for carries individuals from the mountain station to the valley station via carriages that are guided along a track formed by a running rail. The installation has a cableway system with a haulage cable and transport assemblies that can be coupled thereto and are intended for persons and for conveying devices that convey the carriages from the valley station to the mountain station. The haulage cable is guided over cable-deflecting pulleys in the valley station and in the mountain station. Guide rails are provided in the valley station and in the mountain station along which the conveying devices and transport assemblies, uncoupled from the haulage cable, are guided around the cable-deflecting pulleys with conveying wheels. Bypass rails are connected to the guide rails via diverters both in the valley station and in the mountain station.

Abstract: A diverter for a suspended conveying apparatus in which conveyable-article carriers provided with running rollers are guided on running rails. A diverter tongue is connected to a running-rail section via an articulated arrangement so as to be pivotable between two diverter positions. The articulated arrangement includes a bridging element that connects the running profile of the running-rail section to the running profile of the diverter tongue and is mounted to be pivoted about an axis on the running-rail section as well as about an axis on the diverter tongue. In a transition region between the running-rail section and the bridging element, in each case one running-roller guide surface of the running-roller section and one running-roller guide surface of the bridging element run one beside the other in the conveying direction to respectively support a running roller of a conveyable-article carrier.

Abstract: A load bearing material handling system including a rail having a hanger portion, a body portion defining a conduit extending for at least a portion of the length of the rail and a flange portion adapted to movably support a trolley thereupon. The flange portion includes at least one runway surface and at least one kick up surface disposed in spaced relationship with respect to the runway surface so as to define a mounting surface disposed therebetween and which is adapted to support an electrical bus along at least a portion of the length of the rail. The rail supports a pneumatic trolley having a pair of opposed frame members and a housing extending therebetween and which is adapted to supply air to a pneumatically actuated tool which is movably supported by the trolley along the rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at rails for exhaust extraction devices, which are adapted for removal of exhausts from vehicles. The rail (2) consists of several rail members (5) which are put together or assembled by means of coupling elements (6). The coupling elements (6) are wedge-shaped and the shape of spaces (9) in rail members (5) for the coupling elements (6) corresponds with the wedge-shape of said coupling elements (6). Mounting means (10) are provided for downward movement (arrow A) relative to the rail members (5) and thereby, for pulling the coupling elements (6) upwards (arrow D) relative to said rail members (5) such that said coupling elements (6) and rail members (5) are secured by wedge to each other.

Abstract: An overhead support system. A riding surface is located over a space and supports at least one overhead cart from which a load is supported by a tension element. A plurality of spherical elements are positioned between the riding surface and overhead cart and are attached to either the cart or the riding surface. The load can be moved horizontally in the space by applying a horizontal force to the load causing the cart to move over the riding surface while carrying the load in the horizontal direction. In preferred embodiments the riding surface is an array of spoked rimless wheels. In other preferred embodiments the riding surface is a slot track, or the riding surface may be a combination of the array and slot tracks. In other preferred embodiments a hoist assembly is used to raise and lower the load. In a preferred embodiment the hoist assembly is located below the riding surface. In another preferred embodiment, the hoist assembly is located above the riding surface.

Abstract: A profile rail joint for use for example in light crane systems has connecting ends of profile rails to be joined, provided with jointing sleeves arranged on side surfaces of the rails, the sleeves comprising through holes for locking devices of the joint, and at least two of the sleeves being situated in profile recesses of the rails. The joint also includes guide elements extending over the joint surface for aligning the connecting ends. At least two jointing sleeves provided in the profile recesses are arranged such that the bottom of the recess and the side wall of the jointing sleeve are spaced apart at least over a section of the sleeve's length, the guide elements for the joint being placed in resulting intermediate spaces.

Abstract: A conveyor intended to conduct components to different work stations, the conveyor including: a bearing and guide rail positioned on the work site so as to conduct the products to be conveyed to the work stations, a traction member carried by the rail the member being driven by a drive unit, and a multitude of trolleys movable on the rail and to which the components are attached, each trolley having two wheels running on the rail and two arms bearing the load to be conveyed. The wheels of the trolley include a central core and an outer band both made of composite material and positively connected by fixing element which immobilize the outer band with respect to the central core in order to absorb tensile or compressive stresses and shocks, thereby reducing the noise, wear and lubrication of the elements of the conveyor.

Abstract: A suspension system for suspending a tool from a pair of parallel rails. The suspension system consists of a support structure, a tool mounting interface and exactly three trolley assemblies. The support structure has three trolley assembly mounting structures with a first one of the trolley assembly mounting structures positioned on a first side of the support structure and the remaining trolley assembly mounting structures are positioned on the opposite side. The tool mounting interface is adapted to couple the tool to the support structure. Each of the trolley assembly mounting structures is coupled to a trolley assembly. Each trolley assembly has at least one trolley set with a plurality of wheels adapted to roll on one of the parallel rails. The three trolley assemblies collectively adapted to exert a reaction force onto the pair of parallel rails equal to the weight of the suspension system and the tool.

Abstract: A balance control mechanism for an overhead traveling carrier includes a movable section disposed on a carrier body at a position below the fulcrum of a traveling wheel of the carrier such that the movable section can be moved laterally of the carrier body to thereby displace the center of gravity of the movable section laterally of the carrier body, a gravity center moving unit for moving the center of gravity of the movable section with respect to the carrier body, and a balance control unit for calculating a balancing position at which the center of gravity of the movable section is to be placed so that the moment of a centrifugal force turning around the fulcrum with an axis lying in a direction of travel of the carrier and applied to the carrier in its entirety upon travel of the carrier over a curved portion of the rail is counterbalanced by the moment of gravity, and then controlling the gravity center moving unit to cause the center of gravity of the movable section to be moved to the balancing positi

Abstract: An improved trolley for use on a track. The improved trolley is of a sandwich construction having a wear resistant interior and a pair of metal end plates. The wear resistant material is preferably plastic or other material designed to avoid damaging a track along which the trolley rides. The end plates are preferably stainless steel and of a diameter greater than the diameter of the center wheel to prevent the trolley from becoming dislodged from a track. By providing a sandwich of long wearing and non brittle materials, the longevity of the trolley is increased and corrosion concerns associated with prior art devices is substantially alleviated.

Abstract: A high-speed high-capacity transportation system is composed of an elevated inverted U-shaped electrified guideway that provides traction and capture surfaces for wheeled motive modules that ride within. Payloads are suspended below the motive unit using a narrow flange. Motive units use flat wheels which ride on flat surfaces of the guideway. The wheels and electric power pickups constitute the only mechanical contact between the vehicle and guideway. Sensors on the motive unit provide position information to an electronic control subsystem which directs the steering of the motive units wheels so as to maintain the desired path through the guideway. As an option, one or more auxiliary wheels can be brought into contact with running surfaces located at the top of the inverted U for additional traction and stability. The payload unit is connected to a the motive unit by way of a hinge that allows the payload to swing laterally.

Abstract: A device for the suspension of a rail, especially of a hollow-section rail which opens downward in a suspension crane, includes a carrying apparatus with a traction element which has two ends. One of the ends of the traction element may be fasten to the rail. To provide a rigid suspension of a rail in which horizontal forces, especially pulse-like horizontal forces, are extensively damped, the device includes a rubber-metal element connected between the carrying apparatus and the traction element with two substantially horizontal metal carriers arranged at a distance from one another. A rubber or elastic element is fastened to the inner surfaces of the metal carriers, which inner surfaces face one another. The carrying apparatus is fixedly connected with the lower metal carrier and the other end of the traction element is fixedly connected with the upper metal carrier.

Abstract: A proximity sensor (22), which generates an alternating current magnetic field in the direction of a guide rail (B) and detects a detection object by a loss of energy caused by a current which this alternating current magnetic field generates to flow to the detection object, is provided at the front end of each transport mover (V); a rear-end collision prevention detection plate (23), which enters between the guide rail (B) and the proximity sensor (22), is provided at the rear end of each transport mover (V); and a stopping device (W), which faces toward the proximity sensor (22) and forms a resonant circuit resonating at the generation frequency of the proximity sensor (22), is provided at a mover stopping location on the guide rail (B).

Abstract: The invention involves a suspended trolley line, particularly an electric monorail line with at least one undercarriage movable along running rails and with a running wheel that may be driven along the rail. At least two frictional wheels are spaced from each other and positioned on the running wheel. The frictional wheels are guided on the undercarriage by a connecting element and are braced against each other by a spring element, such that the frictional wheels additionally contact the supplemental rail and impinge upon the running wheel with pressure when in an operating position. The supplemental rail is located at least partially parallel to the running rail and spaced therefrom. The driven undercarriage is simple in its construction and has improved traction characteristics and therefore is particularly capable of being used in ascending and descending sections of the trolley line. The frictional wheels, the connecting element and the spring element form an assembly unit lying on the running wheel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a suspension for the running rail of a lifting mechanism at a girder, with a cable connecting the girder and the running rail. The ends of the cable are detachably connected with one another by a connection element. To prevent tearing of the redundant suspension or to prevent the cable clamps from damaging the cables in the event of sudden loading, for example, if the primary running rail fastening system tears or breaks, the connection element formed of two wedge locks connected to one another are arranged in such a way that one wedge lock is rotated by 180 degrees relative to the other wedge lock. Accordingly, the working directions of the wedges clamping the ends of the cable are oppositely directed. The ends of the cable which run in from opposite directions can be guided back in the direction opposite to their running-in direction after deflection around the wedges of the wedge locks such that they can be clamped by the wedges, at least under load.

Abstract: An overhead trolley track system has extruded aluminum track sections having tubular portions, adjacent track sections connected end to end with plates attached to a central upright flange portions formed on each track section. Sealing tubular fittings are slidably received in each end of the rubular portions adjacent sections held by the plates to allow air pressure to be distributed. Air pressure fittings are inserted in drilled holes along the track sections, held in by brackets. The trolleys have rollers engaged with opposite upper sides of the tubular portions, the trolley rollers separable to allow removal from the track sections.

Abstract: This invention concerns a processing machine, particularly for panel-shaped workpieces of wood or wood materials, which consists of: one or more processing stations which essentially lie in the same plane; at least one working unit which can travel over the work stations in three axes perpendicular to one another, and, a number of bearing rails upon which the displaceable carriage units are arranged in the plane of the work stations. The bearing rails have electrical and pneumatic supply interfaces for the carriage units and the supply interfaces are arranged linearly along the longitudinal direction of the bearing rail.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated monorail track section (104, 105) can be bent vertically quickly and easily, without using any special tools, so as to effect any of a number of desired incremental inclination changes in the rail section (104, 105) and without plastically deforming the rail section (104, 105). The rail section (104, 105) incorporates one or more slots 242 about which the rail can be bent to effect the desired inclination change. A filler block (248, 306, 314) is positioned in the slot (242) after bending (and possibly during bending under some circumstances) and mounted in place to maintain rail integrity and to permit conveyance devices to travel over the rail section without interference from the slots (242).

Abstract: An overhead support system. A riding surface is located over a space and supports at least one overhead cart from which a load is supported by a tension element. The load can be moved horizontally in the space by applying a horizontal force to the load causing the cart to move over the riding surface while carrying the load in the horizontal direction. In preferred embodiments the riding surface is an array of spoked rimless wheels. In other preferred embodiments the riding surface is a slot track, or the riding surface may be a combination of the array and slot tracks. In preferred embodiments casters are mounted on the top of the riding surface to permit easy horizontal movement of the cart over the casters. In other preferred embodiments the riding surface is flat and casters are mounted on the bottom of the overhead cart.

Abstract: A traveling mechanism for a lifting device, especially for a lifting device having a laterally cantilevering boom, is movable on rails with at least two running wheels. A connection element for attaching a load to said traveling mechanism is supported in the rail by the running wheels which are arranged on both sides of the connection element. The connection element has, at the region projecting down out of the rail, at least one running roller which is freely rotatable about a horizontal axis and rolls on a horizontal outer running surface of the rail. To effectively divert horizontal forces and uniformly distribute the vertical forces to the running wheels, running wheel axles are rigidly connected with a running wheel carrier, and the running wheel carrier and connection element are swivelably connected by a universal type joint. In addition, at least one support roller is rotatably mounted at the connection element in the interior of the rail.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the noise generated by colliding conveyor carriers is disclosed which comprises urethane bumpers and a method of attaching same to portions of the carriers that do not make contact with other carriers when the carriers are accumulated. The bumpers extend from the carriers a sufficient distance to contact a similar bumper on an adjacent carrier when one carrier rolls up against another. The bumpers do not prevent the normally contacting portions of the carriers from coming into contact, but merely absorb a portion of the kinetic energy of the moving carrier to reduce the noise generated when the contacting portions of the trolleys do meet, and the presence of these bumpers does not adversely affect the spacing of the carriers in the accumulation line.

Abstract: An overhead support system. An array of spoked rimless wheels are located over a space and supports at least one overhead cart from which a load is supported with a tension element. The load can be moved horizontally in the space by applying a horizontal force to the load causing the cart to move over the array of spoked rimless wheels carrying the load in the horizontal direction. The spoked rimless wheels rotate permitting the tension element to pass horizontally through the array of spoked rimless wheels. In preferred embodiments the spoked rimless wheel has the general shape of a star or a daisy and is referred to as a star wheel or a daisy wheel and the cart has a circular bottom surface. In preferred embodiments casters are mounted on top of the star wheels or daisy wheels to permit easy horizontal movement of the cart over the wheels. In other preferred embodiments the daisy wheels are flat on top and casters are mounted on the circular bottom of the cart.

Abstract: A product carrier for carrying products includes a suspending member for suspending said products, a transporting device for transporting the suspending member in a direction of travel, a protecting plate associated with the suspending member for protecting the products, and a spacer element projecting from the protecting plate for maintaining the protecting plate in a spaced relation from an adjacent product carrier so as to protect the product from the adjacent product carrier.

Abstract: An amusement device includes a guide structure forming an endless track, along which a vehicle capable of accommodating at least one person can travel, and where a person present in the vehicle extends substantially parallel to the track during operation. The person present in the vehicle lies with his back towards the track and with his face directed away from the track. The person's view is not impeded by other vehicles and he can only see the track itself when he turns his head.

Abstract: An underground, on-ground or over-ground public transportation train-like vehicle that can move both on steep-slope terrain and horizontal or semi-horizontal terrain along a straight line or almost straight line route when seen from above, while remaining always in the same train configuration, enabling so the passengers to stay all the time in the same vehicle while moving between any two points at the same or different levels of a hilly city using the shortest in distance and time route, independently of weather conditions. A mobile cabin-to-cabin attachment enables the cabins of said train-like vehicle to vertically displace each with respect to the other and to horizontally rotate each with respect to the other, making thus possible for the passengers to remain in always-upright position and for the vehicle to move on a terrain with constantly changing slope, even when this change is abrupt, and not only along an ideally straight line. A 45.degree.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor comprises two conveyor circuits which circulate in opposite directions. The circuits are arranged on opposite sides of an additional conveyor path, where the conveying directions of the path and circuits are the same at their point of coincidence. Roller devices for carrying objects (a, b, . . . , n), are entrained by a pushing or pulling mechanism of the conveyor circuits. A controllable switch arranged between the conveyor circuits, for transferring the objects individually from one of the conveyor circuits to the other, is adapted to transfer the objects selectively from the conveyor path to either of the conveyor circuits and vice versa. The switch is also adapted to selectively allow the objects to travel past the switch without leaving the respective conveyor circuit in which the objects are present. The suspension conveyor is additionally a sorting installation for sorting numerous different individually conveyed objects (a,b, . . . n).

Abstract: A person mover for moving a seated dairy farmer from cow to cow in a barn when the cows are arranged in two rows with their rear ends facing each other, the person mover allowing the farmer to milk the cows while seated.

Abstract: A device for joining two spaced confronting fixed ends of two adjacent rails which are misregistered in a vertical, a horizontal or a longitudinal direction without forming a step therebetween. In one form the joint device includes a universal joint rail 1C disposed between two spaced fixed ends 2A, 2B and joined with them via universal joints 5. In another form, the joint device includes an expansion joint rail 3A disposed longitudinally between the fixed ends via a longitudinally movable connecting bar 8 and a resilient member 10.

Abstract: Aircraft with full flight capability are connected to structural cables by an electrically powered drive element traveling inside the structural cables. Electricity distribution cables, part of a power distribution grid, connect to the structural cable along its length and provide power to the drive element. A linear series of annular electromagnets in the structural cable encircle a linear array of circular electromagnets in the drive element. A centralized computer controls a constantly changing phase shift in the electromagnets along the structural cable causing the drive element electromagnets to move through the structural cable without contacting the structural cable. The aircraft is connected by cables or rods to the drive elements. Retractable delta wings, an airfoil body, and a controlled angle of attack create lift maintaining the aircraft in flight as the drive element moves through the structural cable.

Abstract: A trolley includes a track having first and second ends. A pivot is located between the first and second ends of the track so that movement of the first end of the track causes opposite movement of the second end of the track. A counterweight is located near the first end of the track so as to apply downward force. A trolley is movable along a portion of the track located between the pivot and the second end of the track. The trolley has a handle or carriage for a user. The combined weight of the user and the trolley overcomes the counterweight so as to move the second end of the track downward causing the trolley to move along the track toward the second end of the track. The counterforce is sufficient to move the second end of the track upward and to return the trolley to the starting position when the weight of the user is released from the trolley. The trolley moves between a first platform located near the starting position and a second platform lower than the first platform.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes; a plurality of article carriers; a process conveyor for supporting and transporting the article carriers past the given location at a first speed; an overhead power and free transport conveyor for transporting the article carriers from a loading area at a second speed that differs from the first speed; and a load conveyor adapted for engaging the article carriers and for transporting the engaged article carriers from the transport conveyor to the process conveyor at a speed that is varied during transport by the load conveyor in such a manner that the article carriers are so positioned on the process conveyor that there is a predetermined separation distance between adjacent positioned article carriers. A reroute conveyor is coupled to the process conveyor for retransportation by the process conveyor. Transport by the conveyors is interrupted when a measured speed of article carrier movement past the given location is outside of a given range.

Abstract: A linear motor driven transport system of an improved design is presented. The conventional roller configuration for holding the transport vehicle on the rail track has been replaced with a spring-loaded design so as to maintain the contact between the roller and the rail surface regardless of the curvatures in the routing track. Weighing device of an improved direct-loading design is adopted to improve the ruggedness of the device. Devices for controlling the positioning of the transport vehicle, including the carrier, have been simplified and the number of component pieces reduced to lower the cost of manufacturing the transport system. The container and track configurations have also been modified to enable efficient track set-up and loading/unloading of goods in complex track routing in a limited space.

Abstract: An aircraft which rolls along a guide rail at low speeds and attains aerodynamically airborne flight guided along the rail at high speeds. The guide rail structure includes I beams suspended end to end from spaced apart arches. The guide rails are mounted on the lower ends of the I beam and include flat bottom surfaces and curved upper surfaces that receive the wheels of the aircraft in the low speed operating mode. The upper surfaces are portions of elliptical surfaces to assure proper positioning of the aircraft wheels. In the high speed airborne mode of operation, proximity sensors on the aircraft sense the distance to the guide rail. Controls receive inputs from the sensors and adjust the flight path accordingly.

Abstract: A trolley system is provided which includes a powered tow trolley that travels along a rail, an end trolley that is fixed to an end of the rail, and several intermediate trolleys that travel along the rail between the tow and end trolleys. All trolleys are interconnected with a flexible tow line. Each intermediate trolley is provided with an individual mechanical brake for preventing movement along the rail until the brake is actively released by either a pulling or pushing force exerted on the corresponding trolley. The trolleys may include saddles for supporting for example, a load of cables or hoses festooned between the trolleys that are used for powering a moving machine connected to the tow trolley.

Abstract: A system and method for aiding physically-impaired persons in moving between different positions employs a longitudinally-extending elongate track, an upper body support assembly movably mounted on the track, and a motor for driving the support assembly along the track. The support assembly, which preferably comprises a handgrip extending transversely from the track, can be placed adjacent a toilet, chair, bathtub or bed to aid a disabled person in rising or seating himself. Preferably, the support assembly is selectively detachable from the track and transferable matingly to another such track or tracks located elsewhere for similar purposes, or to a similar but longer track located alongside a stairway or level surface such as a hallway.

Abstract: A conveyor track support system includes an elongated support rail with an upper horizontal planar support surface removably connected to a plurality of hangers, and preferably suspended from a ceiling above the ground. Each hanger includes a bar projecting outwardly from the lower end and a sleeve slidably journaled on the bar with set screws to adjustably retain the sleeve on the bar. A pair of ears on the top of the sleeve are spaced apart and have set screws which will selectively retain the support rail on the sleeve. The rail itself has a generally "l" shaped cross-section with an upper plate, lower plate and vertical web. A pair of vertical forward and rearward walls along the forward and rearward edges of the upper plate have inwardly directed lips along an upper edge thereof to form an upper channel above the upper plate. An upper surface of the lips forms the support surface on the top of the rail.

Abstract: A curved guide rail for passenger and material transportation systems in which sheet-metal plates (3), wedged against one another, are arranged in a row on a prestressed rope (2) and the spaces in-between are bridged by an overlapping tooth construction (5), so that the guide rail can be curved as desired prior to being braced.

Abstract: A linear motor driven transport system of an improved design is presented. The conventional roller configuration for holding the transport vehicle on the rail track has been replaced with a spring-loaded design so as to maintain the contact between the roller and the rail surface regardless of the curvatures in the routing track. Weighing device of an improved direct-loading design is adopted to improve the ruggedness of the device. Devices for controlling the positioning of the transport vehicle, including the carrier, have been simplified and the number of component pieces reduced to lower the cost of manufacturing the transport system. The container and track configurations have also been modified to enable efficient track set-up and loading/unloading of goods in complex track routing in a limited space.

Abstract: A device for hanging loads and transporting them along a suspended cable or rod constructed of a housing having two parallel side walls, a bottom wall with a longitudinal slot, a top wall and two end walls and containing a plurality of identical pulley-like wheels each having a groove in its peripheral face and a breadth, depth and shape allowing it to accommodate the cable or rod, the housing defining inside it a circumferential path which is essentially filled with wheels which freely move in a plane parallel to that of the side walls and around a core member, the arrangement is such that the wheels located in the lower portion of said path which is adjacent to the bottom rest on said cable or rod.

Abstract: A transport system having a first electric rail car adapted to be propelled over a guide rail, a rail car stopping device being disposed separately from the first rail car along the guide rail, the first rail car having a brakeless motor, an electric power supply circuit for the motor, a wheel driven from the electric motor, a first limit switch, a second limit switch, the first and second limit switches being in the electric power supply circuit for selectively cutting off the supply of electricity to the motor, a stop engaging member, and stopping control device for a second electric rail car following the first electric rail car, the stopping control device having an elongated member projecting rearwardly from the first electric rail car for opening a second limit switch of the second electric rail car when the second electric rail car approaches the first electric rail car closer than a predetermined distance to prevent a collision between the first and second electric rail cars, the stopping control devi

Abstract: A detachable monorail system is provided for conveying articles between workstations wherein carriers may be disengaged and moved independently from the monorail. A carrier is provided with a load retainer, a hook, and a roller. A chain having a plurality of load bar assemblies is provided for supporting a pin extending transverse to the length of the chain. A guide track vertically adjacent the chain extends along a portion of the length of the chain. A disengagement station is defined at a location where the chain and the guide track converge vertically so that the hook disengages the load bar assembly as the roller contacts the guide track. An engagement station is defined at a location where the chain and the guide track diverge vertically so that the hook engages the load bar assembly to lift the roller off of the guide track.

Abstract: A self-propelled overhead track-mounted moving system includes an elongated support rail attachable to an overhead support structure, a carrier trolley mounted for undergoing movement along the support rail, an actuation unit supported on the support rail and on one side of the trolley, and a drive unit mounted on an opposite side of the trolley and coupled to the actuation unit. The support rail has a pair of top guide tracks and a bottom guide track. The trolley includes a housing having a pair of opposite lateral sides and a pair of front and rear ends.

Abstract: Track sections of industrial conveyor systems are joined in end-to-end relationship using alignment devices that ensure that the internal running surfaces of the rail flanges of the track are free from irregularities at the track joints. Tubular bushings are located at the ends of the sections on adjacent external surfaces of the rail flanges out of running contact with the moving conveyor components. When the bushings are brought into register and united to form a connection, proper alignment is achieved and maintained without the need to weld the track sections together at each joint. This provides a modular track configuration to facilitate the installation and maintenance of conveyor track systems.

Abstract: A rail truck for use in an elevated closed beam having a slot in the bottom surface for clearance of a car body support member. The passenger car body is hung beneath the beam and elevated above the ground with the trucks running inside the beam. The flanged wheels run on a pair of parallel rails with an electric power rail located above the center of the two running rails. The suspension permits restrained swinging of the passenger car in the lateral and longitudinal directions. A safety wheel is mounted to the frame to prevent upward movement of the frame to the extent that the wheel flanges on the running rails could climb over the top of the running rails. A pair of auxiliary climbing rails are mounted parallel to the power rail and above the running rails. Auxiliary climbing wheels on the truck are mounted on actuators which permit a controlled elevation of the auxiliary climbing wheels.

Abstract: A seat apparatus used by a worker when effecting a job on an automobile is disclosed. The seat apparatus includes: a two-axis support device located above a horizontal feed path of an automobile body, for supporting a suspension carriage such that the carriage is movable in a substantially horizontal plane; a hanger arm attached to the suspension carriage; and a seat member provided on a lower end portion of the hanger arm which can enter the automobile body through its side opening, in a direction perpendicular to the feed path of the body. The seat member on which the worker sits is movable with the suspension carriage in the direction perpendicular to the feed path, and is thus selectively located in a retracted position outside the automobile body, or a working position inside the automobile body, at which the worker is able to effect the job.