Abstract: A double pulley device which has a pair of sheaves arranged in line inside a reverse U-shaped metal support flange-plate, each sheave being mounted rotating free on a fixed spindle of the flange-plate. At least one orifice for the passage of a snap-hook, is situated between the two spindles of the sheaves, so that the fixing point of the snap-hook is positioned above the point of contact of the sheaves with the cable. One of the wings of the flange-plate is arranged to enable the mobile finger of the snap-hook to be opened when the double pulley device is fitted onto the cable.

Abstract: Elevated train comprised of one or more wagons (1) that move suspended from a rail (2) or the like. This rail is provided at the train stops with at least two transverse gaps that determine a segment (5) from which said train is suspended, with this segment in turn suspended from elevation means (7) that allow its displacement in a vertical sense together with said train between an upper position for circulation and a bottom one in which it rests on or is next to the ground.

Abstract: A transport system has at least one track, preferably hung on supports or hanging from cables, on which transport cars may travel, by at east one trolley. Several running wheels are provided in the trolley and the trolley may be actively rotated about the axis of the track relative to the transport car. Branchings are provided in the track, in which the track divides into two track branches. In the vicinity of the branching lies an intersection of the outer surfaces of the track branches, such that on each of the upper side and the lower side there are two grooves due to the intersection, which meet in the vicinity of the gusset, between the two track branches. Between the grooves, on both the upper and lower side, is a tapering web, the surfaces of which are part of the surface area of the track branches.

Abstract: A patient mobility system. The system includes a patient support assembly with which a user interfaces much as with traditional crutches. The patient support assembly provides handgrips and under-arm support members on either side of the patient's body, as well as a standby seat member upon which a user can transition from waling to sitting at any time while engaged with the patient support assembly. The seat member is detachable from the remainder of the patient support assembly, and configured for reversibly docking with a chair, whereby a user can first sit in the chair, engage the seat member with the remainder of the patient support assembly, and then, under assistance of a wench which raises and lowers patient support assembly, move from a sitting to a standing position for walking or therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved transportation system which includes a plurality of upright supports (1) which elevate at least one track (2). A plurality of cabs (3) are adapted to move along the track or tracks (2) provided where the cabs (3) suspended from a track (2) so that the centre of mass of the cabs (3) is located below the track (2). A single track (2) provides a pair of rail elements on opposite sides of the track (2) where the first rail element is adapted to support cabs (3) moving in substantially the opposite direction to cabs (3) supported by the second rail element of the same track (2).

Abstract: A transportation system is provided that accommodates varying angles of slope along the path of its movement, while maintaining a level transportation platform without the need of mechanical leveling devices or systems. The platform may be connected to the rail by wheels, the closest of which to the platform is above the rail, and the other below the rail. Accordingly, the platform is torqued downward to maintain contact between the wheels and the rail. As the slope of the terrain, and thus the rail, increases, the rail is widened to maintain the platform at level. As the slope decreases, the rail is narrowed to the same effect. The platform also may be tilted for loading or unloading by this rail-widening method, as may be desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to support structures. The present invention in particular relates to a telescopic track as well as a telescopic mast assembly which may for example be exploited in the context of a person (e.g. patient) handling system.

Abstract: The device for securing people against a fall has a rail which is fastened by means of holders, and a runner which is guided along the rail. The rail is held movable in its longitudinal direction in the holders. The rail preferably has a closed hollow profile with roughly square cross-section and with flanges pointing away from each other on each of two opposite-facing side surfaces of the cross-section profile, the cross-section profile of the rail being symmetrical about the horizontal and the vertical axis. At least one end of the rail is preferably held in a path force limiter, which opposes a pre-set resistance to a movement of the rail.

Abstract: A toy model transportation system has a track. mounted on a ceiling of a room where the system is to be installed. The track is comprised of a tubular member which has a channel which runs along a length of the track. A pair of contact strips are coupled within the tubular member. A power supply is coupled to the pair of contact strips. A caddy is positioned within the tubular member and is coupled to the contact strips and is powered by the power supply through the contact strips.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes an elongate track or rail and a number of trolleys used to store and/or convey various items along the track or rail. In cross-section, the rail is generally crescent shaped with a hollow interior, having an upwardly convex upper surface and an upwardly concave lower surface. The trolleys consist of an elongated trolley bar or support suspended on one or more trolley pendants which movably engage and travel along the rail. The trolley pendants are generally U-shaped having a central bight or body to which the trolley bar is coupled, and two spaced apart arms which project from the bight. The arms of the trolley pendant are spaced from each other by a distance selected greater than the lateral width of the rail. The arms of the trolley pendant define a throat portion between the arms. A bearing member is spaced towards the end of each arm, projecting inwardly towards each other part way into the throat.

Abstract: An improved bypass device for a fall arrest system that is not impeded by cable supports as it is pulled along a flexible and/or rigid cable. The bypass device has a gate which can be quickly and easily removed from a frame of the bypass device to reveal an opening which allows the bypass device to be positioned on the cable. Once the bypass device is positioned on the cable, the gate may be reattached to the frame to partially close the opening. A portion of the opening remains unblocked by the gate so that the bypass device will pass over one or more cable supports when it is pulled along the cable. The cable supports act to guide the cable along a desired workpath. The supports are also constructed to withstand the force exerted on the cable in the event someone or something connected to the bypass device falls.

Abstract: A passenger carrying monorail bullet train which travels in a loop at between about one hundred and one hundred fifty miles per hour across country between major metropolitan cities, and which does not stop to board and egress passengers. The bullet train is suspended above ground by a monorail supported by towers therealong. Passengers are shuttled from a station in a passenger shuttle module carried by an engine powered passenger shuttle vehicle along standard railroad tracks which merge with the monorail at a passenger transfer zone. The railroad tracks are elevated in the transfer zone to raise the passenger shuttle vehicle and passenger transport module towards a special passenger transfer module into which the passenger transport module is secured, while passengers leaving the bullet train are housed in a separate passenger transport module in the passenger transfer module which lowers with the passenger transport vehicle on the back side of the ramp for transport back to the station.

Abstract: A process for creating a curved rail for use by a trolley by providing a rail having a first side, a second side, a third side, a first edge located between said first side and said second side, and a second edge located between said second side and said third side. The process comprises pinching the first edge and second edge with sufficient force to provide a substantially constant curvature across a majority of said second side. The pinching is not only inexpensive, but also hardens the surface of the rail.

Abstract: A system to automate distribution of materials and tooling to production machines, where a very simple cross-section track, such as a circle or an X, is anchored to the equipment and to load/unload stations for materials and tooling, and where simple one or two wheeled robotic cars, where the wheels need not be mounted with yaw pivots to the cars, transport the materials or tooling. A control system keeps controls the motor or motors that drive one or two wheels to minimize pitch of the cars as they move along the track.

Abstract: The installation enables the downhill transportation of passengers from a higher station to a lower station along a rail. Cars that are guided along the rail are equipped with the first of two interacting elements of an electromagnetic braking device, in particular with one or more permanent magnets, and the guide rail being equipped with the second elements, in particular braking strips made from an electrically conductive nonmagnetizable material, such as copper or aluminum, which interact with said first elements of the braking device. Each car is equipped with one or more first elements with an operating brake that is adjustable as a function of its load, and with one or more first elements of a safety brake that is activatable during downhill travel.

Abstract: An autonomous transport system is disclosed, formed by four main subsystems: a channel subsystem; a vehicle subsystem; a wheel guide subsystem and central control station subsystem. The system is designed for the transportation of people or goods, to be used in tall buildings and in small and large scale urban environments. It comprises unitary vehicles that may move in different directions: horizontal, steeply sloped and also vertical tracks, thanks to novel traction wheel assemblies that roll on carefully designed wheel tracks. The system's cabin maintains the horizontal level/position regardless of the changes of track direction or slanting thanks to pendulum based automatic level control and may rotate up to 180° under normal conditions and even a full 360° turn respect to the wheel assembly in space restricted positions. The cabin is mounted on a cantilever, thereby displacing its center of gravity respect of the wheel guides.

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: 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: 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 transportation system for transporting a load into and out of a serviced area. The transportation system comprises near and far support lines and a cross support line suspended from the near and far support lines. A trolley assembly traverses the cross support line, and the trolley assembly is adapted to carry the load from the area to harvested. A transfer track may be used to allow the trolley to traverse the near and/or far support lines.

Abstract: A length-variable sliding rail element enables a roller chain to be easily guided. Two complementary sliding rail elements fit together. Each of the sliding elements may be comprised of two or three segments. These various segments interengage each other to form a sliding rail element that is shiftable between collapsed and extended position.

Abstract: An elongated housing in the general shape of an inverted “U” having a lengthwise slot in a lower portion which includes six inner elongated conductor strips. Disposed within the housing and extending through the lower slot is a trolley with four sets of three conductive contact brushes each in linear alignment, with each set of three conductive contact brushes engaging one of four input power conductor strips. The trolley includes two additional brushes each in contact with a respective control conductor strip in the housing. The trolley is coupled to and controls the operation of a mobile machine such as used in automatic storage/retrieval systems. Springs urge the conductive contact brushes into intimate contact with a conductor strip, while support wheels on the trolley engage a lower, inner portion of the elongated housing for distributing the load and providing smooth passage over expansion joints or through transfer guides.

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 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: In an apparatus for tapping current from a busbar by means of a roller which is arranged, for example, on a trolley, the one roller is also intended to have associated with it at least one further roller, adjacent to it and at a distance from the same busbar. In addition, at least one further busbar is provided parallel to said busbar on which further rollers for tapping current roll. In addition, each roller is assigned a connection to an electrical load and a contact spring leads from the connection to the roller circumference and makes contact at the roller circumference.

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: 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: 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 article transport assembly which is particularly designed for the conveyance of articles such as printing products, and which comprises a guide rail, and a plurality of article transport devices mounted for movement along the guide rail. Each transport device comprises a U-shaped transport body having a base leg and the two upright side legs, and with a gripper for engaging a printing product attached to the base leg. The two side legs each mount a pair of guide rail engaging members, with the two pairs of guide rail engaging members being positioned to engage both sides of the guide rail at two longitudinally spaced apart locations, and so as to permit the guide rail engaging members to move along the guide rail essentially free of play.

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: A playground shuttle device includes a track having an upper surface and a lower surface and a support structure connected to and supporting the track. The shuttle device includes a shuttle having a housing defining a chamber through which the track traverses and a transport assembly carried by the housing. The transport assembly includes a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted thereto and positioned so as to ride along the upper surface of the track. The transport assembly includes a brake assembly operably connected thereto by a biasing element. The brake assembly includes at least one brake element that is engagable with the track. The brake assembly is movable relative to the transport assembly between a brake position wherein the brake element engages the track and a free-roll position wherein the brake element is disengaged from the track.

Abstract: A running gear, in particular for chain hoists, load carrying and/or trailing cable, which includes a running rail comprising flange parts and a web part. Running wheels which are located opposite one another are supported on the flange parts of the running rail and guide rollers which are arranged on both sides in front of and behind each running wheel are vertically supported on the web part of the running rail. The guide rollers are rotatably supported in lateral wheel carriers connected below the running rail, at least one of the wheel carriers having a load suspension device connected thereto. Trapezoidally-shaped guide grooves conduct the guide rollers as the running gear moves longitudinally along the rail. The guide rollers have rounded edges which contact only a portion of the guide groove. Thus, the running gear moves steadily along the rail while the pitching and swaying movements which typically accompany the pendulum-like movement of the load are not transferred to the running gear.

Abstract: An energy supply train for under-ground mining has several universal transport unit frames (UTU frames) (1) inter-connected by drawbars and useful as elements of a suspended monorail. At least one of the U68TU frames carries a heavy-duty transformer and at least another UTU frame carries a compact station (4, 5) arranged in a pressure-resistant housing (2, 3) with switchgear (13, 14, 15, 16) for supplying electric energy to underground working means and with electric connection devices (10, 11) at the input and output side of the pressure-resistant housing (2, 3). Each UTU frame (1) carries two compact stations (4, 5) mechanically interconnected by a box (6) and electrically interconnected by electric lines (17) that extend through said box (6) so as to form a single device. The electric connection devices are verified by means of authorised power outlets directly arranged on the walls of the pressure-resistant housings (2, 3) of the compact stations (4, 5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a traveling carriage moveable on a guide rod (14), wherein a traveling body (10) of the traveling carriage partially embraces the guide rod (14) with a gap opening remaining on one side, the gap opening being formed by a fixed projection (16) and a moveable projection (18) and, in the closed and locked operating condition, being smaller than the smallest cross section of the guide rod (14) which can be taken into consideration and, in the opened and unlocked removal condition, being larger than the largest cross section of the guide rod (14) which can be taken into consideration. This traveling carriage serves, for example, to mount a spotlight in a recording studio.

Abstract: A monorail access system for making a boat handicapped accessible. More specifically, a battery powered chair assembly is suspended from an overhead monorail track system, whereby by activating a control mechanism an individual may maneuver anywhere in the boat where the track is installed. Once an individual is seated in the chair assembly, the monorail system allows the individual to travel to the cabins, flying bridge, downstairs to the galley, outside to the rear deck for sunbathing or fishing or over the side to a dock.

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

Abstract: A transport system for moving a load, particularly for use in connection with servicing the surfaces of a building, comprising an elongated rail section (1) which is affixed to a stationary structure, and a travelling crab (3, 4; 5) provided with traversing wheels (2; 2.sup.1, 2.sup.2, 2.sup.3, 2.sup.4) with which the load (6, 7) is connected, and the travelling crab being movable with traversing wheels carried on the rail section in the longitudinal direction thereof. The system comprises a first travelling crab (3, 4) to which is connected a first load (6) and a second travelling crab (5) to which is connected a second load (7); the rail section (1) comprises a first guide surface (8) for carrying the first travelling crab upon the rail section and a second guide surface (9) for supporting the second travelling crab, suspended from the rail section; and the first and second travelling crabs are separately and independent of each other movable, carried by one and the same rail section (1).

Abstract: A travelling mechanism for hoisting equipment, especially for hoisting equipment which runs on monorail flange beams that have, along with straight sections, elevated and/or laterally curved sections. The travelling mechanism has side shield members located across from one another and on each of which at least one travelling wheel is mounted as are pairs of side guide rollers between which the travelling wheels are arranged. A travelling drive and curve travelling device, which travelling device can be positioned against the monorail flange beam by springs, are also connected to the travelling mechanism. The travelling device is provided on at least one side shield member as a rotatably-mounted sprung one-armed pivot lever on an end of which an auxiliary side guide roller is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A wheel head and rail assembly comprises a contra-rotatable wheel assembly (20) and associated rails (16, 18). Successive wheels (42, 44, 46) on the assembly contact, alternately, the rails (16, 18) on opposite sides thereof. The wheel head can provide a mounting for a carriage which carries, for example, a dropleg (22) with a spray nozzle for use on an agricultural crop sprayer.

Abstract: A monorail transportation system has an elongated, overhead monorail (12) with a vehicle (14) having a coupler (16) that movably travels along the upper surface of monorail (12) and a drive wheel (20) that engages the lower surface or underside of monorail (12) to propel vehicle (14) therealong. The coupler (16) and drive wheel (20) are recessed in the top of the vehicle (14) during road travel and extended for travel along the monorail (12). The vehicle includes a movable sled (130) that carries the vehicles batteries (56) to balance the vehicle (14) about its longitudinal centerline during travel along the monorail (12).

Abstract: An improved monorail-type track section for use in a material handling and sortation system in which one or more train-type trolleys or cars runs along the track between various sortation and handling stations. The track section comprises a substantially hollow, vertical support member terminating at an upper end in an upper transverse leg defining upper wheel bearing surfaces on each side of the support, and terminating at a base end in a transversely extending base leg defining lower wheel bearing surfaces on each side of the vertical support. The upper and lower wheel bearing surfaces are angled to trap upper and lower wheel assemblies on a trolley in a torsionally stable mounting arrangement. The spacing of the upper wheel bearing surfaces is less than that of the lower wheel bearing surfaces, such that removal of the upper wheel assemblies allows the entire trolley to be lifted vertically off the track section with clearance for the lower wheel assemblies.

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 rail conveyor, including an I-shaped main rail, a trolley guided at the I-shaped rail and having lateral guide rollers, a running wheel rolling on the rail, a counter-wheel and an extra rail for the counter-wheel for increasing frictional engagement of the running wheel with the main rail, the extra rail extending parallel to the main rail, the extra rail being arranged laterally adjacent to the rail, the running wheel and the counter-wheel each having an axle that lies in a plane aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the main rail.