Abstract: An overhead hoist transfer (OHT) apparatus and a differential overhead trolley thereof are provided. The OHT apparatus includes a rail module and a differential overhead trolley. The rail module includes a main rail and a first rail, and defines a turning path extending from the main rail to the first rail. The differential overhead trolley is movably disposed on the rail module, and includes a walking mechanism and a carrying body that is hung on the rail module by being connected to the walking mechanism. The walking mechanism includes two differential wheels and a driving unit that is connected to the two differential wheels. When the differential overhead trolley is moved along the turning path, the driving unit is configured to drive the two differential wheels to move along the first rail by different rolling velocities.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a device in a semiconductor manufacturing environment that includes a controller configured to determine a distance travelled by the device within the semiconductor manufacturing environment, where the device has a feature that selectively engages a carrier configured to carry a semiconductor wafer such that the device moves the semiconductor wafer to different processing stations within the semiconductor manufacturing environment. The system also includes an inspection component configured to inspect the device responsive to the distance traveled by the device exceeding a distance threshold, a repair component configured to repair the device responsive to a repair indication from at least one of the controller or the inspection component, and a cleaning component configured to clean the device responsive to a clean indication from at least one of the controller or the inspection component.

Abstract: An article sorting facility includes a plurality of storage members each configured to store one or more articles, a plurality of article transport vehicles each capable of traveling in at least a portion of a preset travel lane with one or more support members on board, each support member being configured to support one or more articles; a plurality of work areas each configured to allow work to be performed to transfer articles between one or more storage members and at least one of the one or more support members on board an article transport vehicle in the travel lane, wherein each of the work areas is located adjacent to one or more storage members and to the travel lane, wherein the plurality of work areas are arranged one adjacent to another along the travel lane, and wherein two or more article transport vehicles are in the travel lane simultaneously to travel in a line.

Abstract: A closed loop system for growing vegetation is provided. The closed loop system includes at least a first transport conveyor and a second transport conveyor. Each of the first and second transport conveyors includes a front end opposite a rear end. The present invention further includes at least a first transfer conveyor. A lighting system is positioned to emit light towards the first transport conveyor and a second transport conveyor. The present invention further includes at least one terrace structure. The first transport conveyor transports at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end, the first transfer conveyor transfers the at least one terrace structure from rear end of the first transport conveyor to the front end of the second transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor transports the at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end.

Abstract: A receptacle runner assembly including a pair of opposed sub-assemblies configured to be arranged in a spaced relationship at opposed sides of the receptacle, each sub-assembly including a runner configured to be carried along a first track to be movable in a first direction, a first linkage being pivotally connectable to each of the receptacle and the runner, a bearing securable relative to the receptacle, and a bearing surface configured to be arranged, in use, to extend transverse to the first direction to allow carrying the bearing, wherein the bearings and bearing surfaces are configured to cooperate to displace the receptacle in a direction perpendicular to the first direction while the runners are moving in the first direction.

Abstract: A conveyor system that utilizes a curved, closed-loop pathway defined by a profiled track and a plurality of wheel cars movably contained within and guided by the profiled track. The wheel cars have an attachment side facing towards an open side of the profiled track, and the track is arranged such that its open side faces into a substantially horizontal direction and such that the attachment side of the cars is oriented substantially vertically in any position along the pathway. One or more carriers, each having a carrier rack adapted to support a food product to be transported, are mounted to the attachment side of a respective one of the wheel cars. The carriers can pivot about an axis perpendicular to the attachment side of the corresponding car so as to maintain the carrier rack in a horizontal position as the carrier travels along the pathway.

Abstract: A tube storage and transport device for a textile machine producing cross-wound packages, which has a plurality of similar workstations arranged side-by-side on both longitudinal machine sides, having a central tube magazine and two empty-tube conveyor belts arranged in the region of the longitudinal machine sides is provided. To improve the known tube storage and transport devices, and in particular to optimize the clock times that can be achieved during the empty-tube delivery, the tube magazine has at least two elevator units, that the elevator units have stacked and vertically displaceable holders for empty tubes, that the holders are designed for the empty tubes to be set down in a manner oriented the longitudinal direction of the machine, and that each of the elevator units is connected to one of the empty-tube conveyor belts and is designed in such a way that empty tubes are removed from the elevator units from the longitudinal machine side and transferred onto the empty-tube conveyor belts.

Abstract: Asynchronous conveyor networks serving as inter-process transport mechanisms eliminate transport capacity constraints of vehicle-based systems in integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing environments. Demand variability may be buffered without the use of off-line-storage such as stockers. The variability in wait times for transport service is also eliminated. Overall factory cycle times are thus reduced while manufacturing capacity is simultaneously increased. An autonomous conveyor network automated materials handling system combines clean frictionless conveyor principles with a unique network layout to fulfill the logistics requirements of IC manufacturing environments. Mechanical conveyor-to-tool interfaces, also referred to as equipment delivery interfaces (EDi's), bridge the conveyor network to individual tools. An operating software module integrates the functionality of the conveyor network and EDi's. The result is a full capability factory logistics system.

Abstract: There is used a data flow control order generating apparatus that includes: a sensor side metadata acquisition unit acquiring sensor side metadata as information related to a sensor that outputs sensing data; an application side metadata acquisition unit acquiring application side metadata as information related to an application that provides a service by using the sensing data; a matching unit performing matching between the sensor side metadata and the application side metadata to extract the sensor capable of providing the sensing data that satisfies the request of the application; and an instruction unit transmitting a data flow control order that identifies the sensor extracted by the matching unit and the application to a sensor managing apparatus that manages the sensor.

Abstract: A roller carriage for the reception of a sliding door includes a roller module for the displaceable affixing at a roller running path and a basic body for the attachment to the sliding door. The roller module is configured of a first material and the basic body of a second material. The first material conducts structure-borne sound in a first sound conducting range and dampens the structure-borne sound in a second sound conducting range. The second material dampens structure-borne sound in the first sound conducting range and conducts structure-borne sound in the second sound conducting range.

Abstract: An overhead carrier for transporting an article on a ceiling of an article conveying system can travel on curves with various curvatures so as to increase the layout flexibility of traveling rails. Driving wheels that move an overhead carrier along traveling rails and non-driving wheels that are rotated separately from the driving wheels are provided on the right and left of the transport direction of the overhead carrier. In a linear section, the driving wheels on the right and left sides are supported by the traveling rails. In a curved section, the inner non-driving wheel is supported by the inner traveling rail while the outer driving wheel is supported by the outer traveling rail.

Abstract: A robotic gantry (10) for conducting farming operations. The robotic gantry has a bridge (12) which is moved by propulsion mechanisms (14), one or more farming implements (16), a controller (38), and one or more devices (28, 30) to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of crop rows (40). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (20) and, optionally, to a liquid supply system (22), which may be implemented as festoon systems. The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the farming implements. The height of the frame may be adjusted by height adjustment frames (18) to accommodate crops of different heights and at different times during a growing season.

Abstract: A locking device and apparatus is disclosed. The locking device is particularly suitable for use in combination with a device such as a track mounted gangway and safety cage to reduce the ability to reposition the gangway and safety cage along a track surface while in the lowered access position. The locking device preferably includes a lever assembly and a pivot assembly having a friction pad connected to the lever assembly. When the lever assembly and/or gangway device is adjusted in a first direction, the friction pad applies pressure on the track surface and moveability between the gangway and the track surface is reduced.

Abstract: A transporting space of an article transport facility is divided into a first space and a second space by a wall having an opening. A first movable body that travels along a first travel rail in the first space and a second movable body that travels along a second travel rail in the second space are provided. A relay portion which can support an article without interfering with the shutter that can open and close the opening is provided in the first space. The first travel rail is arranged to extend adjacent a first space side transfer position for transferring articles between the first mobile body and the relay portion, and the second travel rail is arranged to extend adjacent a second space side transfer position for transferring articles between the second mobile body and the relay portion through the opening.

Abstract: Zip track systems and systems for extending zip track systems are provided. An extension mechanism for a zip track system illustratively comprises a crossover unit, configured to attach to a zip track. The crossover unit illustratively comprises a crossover arch and two crossover support poles, wherein each of the support poles connects to an end portion of the crossover arch such that the support poles are configured to stand perpendicular to the zip track. The extension system further illustratively comprises a connection mechanism configured to connect the crossover arch to the zip track system such that the crossover unit distributes the weight of the track through the crossover arch and the crossover support poles.

Abstract: A bifurcation method and system for a passive continuous belay system that allows for a user to select multiple pathways using intermediate tracks. A main track and the intermediate tracks provide a linear passive continuous belay using an anchor mechanism that is configured to grasp the outside of the structural member track, using rolling elements and/or low-friction sliding. The user may select multiple pathways using intermediate lateral tracks to provide Cartesian movement at designated (e.g., perpendicular) transition or junction points. Desired tracks may be selected by a user via sliding along a support plate or track in a junction box and/or by rotating a portion of the junction box. Amusement attraction activities that include non-harnessed play may be intertwined or located adjacent to activities utilizing harnessed play.

Abstract: A rail guided vehicle system includes a rail that includes a first main rail, a second main rail, and a connection rail, and vehicles. Each vehicle includes a diverging roller supporting member that supports a pair of first and second diverging rollers such that the first and second diverging rollers shift, and a position stabilizing roller supporting member that supports position stabilizing rollers such that the position stabilizing rollers do not shift. The rail includes a first diverging guide configured to guide the first diverging roller, a second diverging guide configured to guide the second diverging roller, and a position stabilizing roller guide configured to guide the position stabilizing rollers in the no-guide zone where the diverging guide is absent.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a primary anchoring element, a beam mount movably connected to the primary anchoring element, a beam connected to the beam mount, a vessel mount movably connected to the beam, a vessel connected to the vessel mount, the vessel being movable along at least a vertical axis, and a control unit within the vessel. The control unit is configured to accept control input from a passenger within the vessel and transmit at least one control signal to cause the beam to move relative to the primary anchoring element, the vessel mount to move relative to the beam, and the vessel to move relative to the vessel mount independently.

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

Abstract: A patient positioning system and a rail for use in the system. According to one embodiment, the system includes first and second stationary rails arranged parallel to one another. First and second sets of mounting assemblies are used to fix the first and second stationary rails, respectively, to a ceiling. A traverse rail is slidably coupled to the stationary rails. The system also includes a harness for holding a patient and a motorized assembly for raising and lowering the harness, the harness being slidably coupled to the traverse rail.

Abstract: An article transport facility in which driving electric power can be supplied from an electricity supply line to an article transport vehicle so that it can travel through a crossing portion properly regardless of whether it is traveling along a first path or a second path. The switching device of the article transport facility is configured to switch a position change rail to a first position and a second position. The electricity supply line is supported by a first travel rail such that electric power can be supplied to the article transport vehicle traveling along the first travel rail and along the position change rail in the first position and is supported by the second travel rail such that electric power can be supplied to the article transport vehicle traveling along the second travel rail and along the position change rail in the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and system whereby a first member can move along a cable track and then on a glide track to then move in another direction and back on a glide track. The first member has a secondary retention system disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention includes a track (1, 101) of a track system with straight, transition, curved, and switch track sections. The invention further comprises bogies (40) for vehicle cabins suspended under the track. Track sections of the track have an upper rail (1) and one or two lower rails (101, 201). Further, a bogie (40) has fore and aft sets of upper guide and switch wheels (151, 251, 154, 254), and one set of lower guide and switch wheels (152, 153, 252, 253, 156, 157, 256, 257). The bogies (40) also have one left and/or one right load bearing wheel (150, 250) and one drive wheel facing upwards and engaging a downwards directed drive wheel running surface (15) of the upper rail. Each set of lower guide wheels consist of left and right wheel pairs (152, 153, 252, 253) so that transition sections can be passed without moving any parts of the bogie (40).

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a primary anchoring element, a beam mount movably connected to the primary anchoring element, a beam connected to the beam mount, a vessel mount movably connected to the beam, a vessel connected to the vessel mount, the vessel being movable along at least a vertical axis, and a control unit within the vessel. The control unit is configured to accept control input from a passenger within the vessel and transmit at least one control signal to cause the beam to move relative to the primary anchoring element, the vessel mount to move relative to the beam, and the vessel to move relative to the vessel mount independently.

Abstract: A transport system having multilayer tracks is presented. The system has a bottom track and at least one top track disposed above on the bottom track. Shuttle carriages are moving along the top and bottom tracks. The shuttle body of each shuttle carriage has a first locking portion on the top end thereof, and has a second locking portion on the bottom end thereof. The second locking portion of the shuttle carriage on the top track can be locked with the first locking portion of the shuttle carriage on the bottom track. Therefore, the two transports on different tracks are locked so that the object can be transported between the top and bottom tracks.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a trailer that hangs when not in use and on which material may be transported. The apparatuses include a trailer having a single wheel bracket attached to at least one wheel and a trailer body. The trailer body has a first end and a second end and is attached to the single wheel bracket near the first end. The trailer body has a first coupler at the first end and a second coupler at the second end, the first coupler to attach the trailer to a second trailer and the second coupler to attach the trailer to a third trailer such that the trailer hangs by only the single wheel bracket from the first rolling surface of the beam-type rail when the trailer is not attached to the third trailer.

Abstract: An exemplary guideway mechanism includes two branches, a plurality of branches each including two parallel rails, a plurality of groups of connecting blocks including four connecting blocks arranged at four corners of an imaginary square, and a plurality of supporting brackets each connecting one corresponding group of connecting blocks. Adjacent ends of the rails of each branch respectively connect two adjacent connecting blocks. Each of two ends of each rail connects one corresponding connecting block. Two adjacent rails respectively located in two adjacent branches are perpendicular to each other and connected together by a respective connecting block of one corresponding group of connecting blocks. The other two rails respectively located in the two adjacent branches connect another two respective connecting blocks of the one corresponding group of connecting blocks. The whole guideway mechanism is in the form of a grid.

Abstract: An exemplary guideway mechanism includes four branches each including two parallel rails, four groups of connecting blocks each including four connecting blocks arranged at four corners of an imaginary square, and four supporting brackets each connecting one corresponding group of connecting blocks. Adjacent ends of the rails of each branch respectively connect two adjacent connecting blocks. Each of two ends of each rail connects one corresponding connecting block. Two adjacent rails respectively located in two adjacent branches are perpendicular to each other and connected together by a respective connecting block of one corresponding group of connecting blocks. The other two rails respectively located in the two adjacent branches connect another two respective connecting blocks of the one corresponding group of connecting blocks. The whole guideway mechanism is frame-shaped.

Abstract: A travel guide member which forms travel paths for an article transport vehicle is provided on a ceiling side. The travel guide member defines a plurality of travel paths along which the article transport vehicle travels in the same direction such that the travel paths are spaced apart from each other in a path lateral direction and defines a first diverging path and a second diverging path for connecting with each other a first travel path that is one of a pair of adjacent travel paths among the plurality of the travel paths and a second travel path that is the other of the pair of the adjacent travel paths. The first diverging path and the second diverging path are formed such that both extend in directions that are slanted with respect to the travel path in plan view and such that they intersect each other in plan view.

Abstract: A rail guided vehicle system includes a rail that includes a first main rail, a second main rail, and a connection rail, and vehicles. Each vehicle includes a diverging roller supporting member that supports a pair of first and second diverging rollers such that the first and second diverging rollers shift, and a position stabilizing roller supporting member that supports position stabilizing rollers such that the position stabilizing rollers do not shift. The rail includes a first diverging guide configured to guide the first diverging roller, a second diverging guide configured to guide the second diverging roller, and a position stabilizing roller guide configured to guide the position stabilizing rollers in the no-guide zone where the diverging guide is absent.

Abstract: A rail system (9) for an overhead hoist system (1) suspended from the rail system (9), and wherein the rail system (9) includes a primary rail (7) which is a four-edged profile with hollow cross-section (17) and a longitudinal slot (18) at the bottom, which the slot (18) and the hollow cross-section (17) are adapted for receiving and supporting part of the suspended hoist system (1), wherein the rail system (1) includes at least one angular secondary rail (19) which on one leg (20) thereof is provided connecting means (21) that interact with connecting means (22) at the side of the primary rail (7), and which on its other leg (23) is provided a support surface (24) for supporting an adjacent ceiling board (25).

Abstract: A hoist apparatus includes branch guide rails with a branch point, the branch point defining a branching point between first and second traveling rails, and the branch guide rails including first guide rails having a cross-section in a first direction, and second guide rails having a cross-section in a second direction and connected to the first guide rails, and a traveling unit configured to travel along the branch guide rails, the traveling unit including first auxiliary wheels configured to roll and contact a first side of the second guide rails.

Abstract: A side buffer includes a bottom portion on which a FOUP may be placed, a restriction portion, an article receiving portion, and a link portion. The restriction portion is movable between a restricting position and a retracted position. At the restricting position, the restriction portion restricts an inclination of the FOUP on the bottom portion. At the retracted position, the restriction portion allows the FOUP to move between the bottom portion and a position directly above the bottom portion. The article receiving portion is disposed so as to receive a force from the FOUP placed on the bottom portion. The link portion moves the restriction portion from the retracted position to the restricting position with the received force.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tray cart for serving refreshments in an airplane. The tray cart having: a load bearing railing coupled with a fuselage portion of the airplane, the railing stretching from a first end of the airplane to a second end over an aisle portion of the airplane; and a trolley for carrying the refreshments, the trolley being suspended from the railing by means of one or more suspension wires, the trolley being slidable over the railing by means of one or more geared wheels. The trolley is suspended to a predetermined length above a floor of the aisle portion of the airplane, the suspension length permitting removal of the refreshments placed in the trolley by an attendant without having to bend down.

Abstract: A mass transportation system for efficiently transporting a plurality of passengers along a predetermined path from a loading station to an unloading station. The transportation system generally includes a support structure, a track positioned above ground level via the support structure, and a carrier vehicle operable along the track. A first control module operable by a passenger is located outside the carrier vehicle upon a loading station for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at the loading station and a second control module operable by the passenger is located inside the carrier vehicle for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at an unloading station.

Abstract: An overhead wafer transport system includes an over head transportation (OHT) rail and at least one shuttle. The OHT rail includes a main track and two lateral tracks, each having a hollow transverse cross-section, each lateral track being in corresponding connection with the main track through the two sides thereof, constituting an approximate tri-directional branch form. The shuttle has a track-interface assembly and a docking unit, the track-interface assembly being adapted to travel along the OHT rail. The track-interface assembly being arranged at the junction of the two lateral tracks and the main track, wherein the track-interface assembly is adapted to selectively travel along at least one of the main track and the lateral tracks. Therefore, the overhead wafer transport system can be applied to a clean room with higher transfer efficiency and clean room space utilization.

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: The article transport facility includes a plurality of article transport vehicles which can travel on a travel path defined by rails installed in the ceiling. The travel path includes a loop-shaped primary path, and secondary paths each arranged to extend along and by at least one article transport location, a first connecting path that connects the primary path and the secondary path, and a second connecting path, provided independently from the first connecting path, with one end portion connected to the secondary path located on one side of the primary path, and the other end portion connected to the secondary path located on the other side of the primary path.

Abstract: Means and methods for optimizing the utilization of monorail-based vehicles carrying a work-in-progress in a clean manufacturing environment. The method includes increasing the number of pick up and drop off points on a primary or secondary monorail transportation network, to amplify the number and frequency of pick up and drop off events per vehicle per circumnavigation of the network or loop. By increasing the number of pick up and drop off events, the empty run or idle time of the corresponding vehicle will decrease, improving utilization and throughput.

Abstract: A rail transport system includes a rail assembly having at least two rail modules; at least one angled tongue element disposed at an end of the at least two rail modules; at least one angled groove element disposed at an end of the other one of the at least two rail modules, the at least one angled groove element for receiving the at least one angled tongue element when the at least two rail modules are assembled together; and at least one transport device for running along the rail assembly and transporting articles from one location to another. The rail transport system may further include first and second chain-wrench assemblies for securing the at least two rail modules to one another.

Abstract: A material handling system includes a first independent track assembly configured to transport a forward trolley along a first path, and a second independent track assembly configured to transport a trailing trolley along a second path. The second path is substantially parallel to the first path. A carrier is configured to support an article and has a first end pivotably supported by the forward trolley and a second end pivotably supported by the trailing trolley. The material handling system also includes a third independent track assembly configured to transport the forward trolley and the trailing trolley along a third path. Each of the first independent track assembly, the second independent track assembly, and the third independent track assembly includes an independent drive system for independently moving a respective one of the forward trolley and the trailing trolley and a station control system including a microprocessor in communication with the independent drive system.

Abstract: A head component for an anchor assembly for mounting a load bearing track to a hanger component attached to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure), the track comprising a rail element and a mounting element, the mounting element comprising one or more retaining formations, each retaining formation defining a holding cavity and an (cavity) opening communicating with the holding cavity, the holding cavity being sized larger than the (cavity) opening communicating therewith, the head component comprising a support member and a flarable member, the flarable member being attached to and flarable from the support member, the head component being sized and configured such that the head component is able to pass through the (cavity) opening into the holding cavity wherein the flarable member is able to flare (i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transferring a transport car which can be displaced on a track system from a first track section of the track system that is arranged on a first level, to a second track section of the track system that is arranged on a second level different from the first level. The device comprises at least one first and one second transfer carriage which can carry at least one respective transport car to be transferred and which can be displaced in opposite directions on two different levels. The invention further relates to a conveyor system for transporting articles.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle having a cargo area that includes an internal surface. A longitudinally extending bar is located within the cargo area of the vehicle. A bag configured to hang onto and slide along the longitudinally extending bar. A movable rail assembly is attached to the internal surface and includes: a rail moveable between extend and retract positions with respect to the cargo area; a bearing engageable with the rail to assist moving the rail between the extend and retract positions; and a bracket attachable to the bearing to suspend the bearing and the rail in the cargo area and away from the internal surface.

Abstract: A suspended patient-carrier/transport apparatus of the type including an overhead rail forming a horizontal track terminating at a track-end, and a carrier device supported by a carriage having a plurality of aligned rollers rideable along the track. The inventive suspended transport apparatus has a locking safety mechanism including the carriage having a main carriage portion and a forward carriage portion. A track-end detector is at the forward carriage portion and movably secured with respect thereto such that the track-end detector moves downwardly when it runs beyond the track-end. A locking device is operatively connected with respect to the track-end detector such that downward movement thereof causes the locking device to engage the rail thereby stopping the carriage on the track.

Abstract: An air cushion or wheeled overhead guideway mass transit system is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection element for running rails of a suspended track for receiving the running rails (2, 2?) and a securing device for securing the running rails (2, 2?) against being pulled out of the cavity (H, H?) and a running rail system having multiple running rails (2, 2?), which can be connected by connection elements (1; 11). The invention solves the problem of allowing simple and rapid tool-free mounting with a simultaneous secure connection of running rails of the running rail system in that the securing device of the connection element has at least one spring-elastic first connection claw (8; 12; 15), which projects diagonally in an insertion direction (E) of a first running rail (2) into the cavity (H) in the relaxed state, and/or by a running rail system having connection elements (1; 11) implemented in this way.

Abstract: The article transport facility includes a plurality of article transport vehicles which can travel on a travel path defined by rails installed in the ceiling. The travel path includes a loop-shaped primary path, and secondary paths each arranged to extend along and by at least one article transport location, a first connecting path that connects the primary path and the secondary path, and a second connecting path, provided independently from the first connecting path, with one end portion connected to the secondary path located on one side of the primary path, and the other end portion connected to the secondary path located on the other side of the primary path.

Abstract: A docking station for a monorail carrier system is provided. The carrier system includes a trolley that is configured to repositionably support a payload, and is adapted for interactive movement along a transfer bridge. The docking station includes a receiver plate having a rail-side portion perpendicularly oriented with a first interface portion that has one or more magnets attached thereto. A clamp assembly is attached to the rail-side portion, and operates to fasten the receiver plate to the transfer bridge at a predetermined location. The docking station also includes a docking plate having a trolley-side portion configured to securely attach to the trolley, and a second interface portion perpendicularly oriented with the trolley-side portion. The second interface portion is configured to magnetically cooperate with the first interface portion and thereby temporarily suspend the trolley at the predetermined location.

Abstract: The present invention prevents an obstacle from entering a running route of an overhead carriage to allow the carriage to run smoothly, increasing carrying efficiency. The present invention provides a carrying system including a carriage 1 having a hoist 7 that elevates and lowers an article in a vertical direction and a running portion 2, and a track 12 which internally houses the running portion 2 and which is suspended from a ceiling. The carrying system has a cover 13 placed parallel to the track 12 to prevent entry of an obstacle into the track; the cover 13 is provided below the track 12 so as not to hinder the elevation and lowering of the article executed by the hoist 7.