Abstract: A compound contour vacuum track, and an automated fastening machine using the track, for automation of final assembly inside an aircraft fuselage. The track is mounted at an angle to a surface, such as an inside surface of the fuselage, wherein the surface has one or more holes through which fasteners are inserted. The automated fastening machine is mounted on the track to traverse the track while performing fastening functions and steps. The automated fastening machine includes a carriage, arm, and end effector, wherein the arm is mounted on the carriage and the end effector is mounted on the arm. The carriage is attached to the track for positioning the arm and end effector, the arm is attached to the carriage for positioning the end effector, and the end effector is attached to the arm for installing the fasteners into the holes of the surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a rack apparatus, a delivery carriage and the automated storage and distribution system thereof. In the rack apparatus, there are only two racks at both sides of the rack apparatus extending in a generally vertical direction. And in the carriage, there are only two driving wheels. Therefore, both the rack apparatus and the carriage simplify the structure of the rack apparatus and the carriage and reduce the installation accuracy and the failure points thereof, but still provide new improvements to keep the carriage body horizontal with the ground.

Abstract: A transport carriage for transporting workpieces, the transport carriage being movable on a mounting rail in a transport direction. The transport carriage has a transport carriage chassis which supports at least one drive roller that can roll on a drive running surface of the mounting rail and can be driven by a drive motor, the drive motor being carried along with the transport carriage chassis. The transport carriage additionally includes at least one securing device for at least one workpiece. The transport carriage carries along an autonomous power supply device which can supply the drive motor with power. A system is additionally provided for transporting workpieces, having a rail system which has at least one mounting rail and includes at least one such transport carriage which can be moved on the mounting rail in a transport direction.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a universal splicing track and a toy car, comprising a plurality of I-shaped track bodies which can be assembled end to end and a toy car mounted on the track bodies, wherein a first step surface of a base is overlapped with a second step surface of another base, an upper end of the track body is provided with a bar-shaped block, one end of the bar-shaped block is provided with a spherical body, and the other end is provided with a connecting groove matched with the spherical body; and both sides of the bar-shaped block are provided with racks, a power mechanism is provided with output gears meshing with the racks at the two sides of the bar-shaped block, and one end of the output gear is provided with a guide wheel for clamping the bar-shaped block.

Abstract: Provided are a suspension device of a monorail crane and a monorail crane. The suspension device includes a suspension box and at least one set of suspension wheels; the suspension box is provided with a receiving groove for receiving at least one set of the suspension wheels; the receiving groove is provided with a first suspension wheel and a second suspension wheel; a first gap is formed the first suspension wheel and the second suspension wheel; the monorail includes at least a first track on which the first suspension wheel is placed and a second track on which the second suspension wheel is placed; a spacer is provided between the first track and the second track; the first gap can accommodate at least the spacer; the suspension devices each further includes a braking mechanism fixed to the suspension box.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for fixing a gantry crane rail in a factory building and a gantry crane system using the same. The device comprises a main body, which comprises a top portion, a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The top portion is fixed to a bottom surface of a beam of the factory building, and the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel to the crane rail. The device further comprises a first protruded support positioned on the first surface and a second protruded support positioned on the second surface.

Abstract: A compound contour vacuum track, and an automated fastening machine using the track, for automation of final assembly inside an aircraft fuselage. The track is mounted at an angle to a surface, such as an inside surface of the fuselage, wherein the surface has one or more holes through which fasteners are inserted. The automated fastening machine is mounted on the track to traverse the track while performing fastening functions and steps. The automated fastening machine includes a carriage, arm, and end effector, wherein the arm is mounted on the carriage and the end effector is mounted on the arm. The carriage is attached to the track for positioning the arm and end effector, the arm is attached to the carriage for positioning the end effector, and the end effector is attached to the arm for installing the fasteners into the holes of the surface.

Abstract: A tractor unit system includes a tractor unit that has a travel drive gear. The travel drive gear includes a drive gear portion and at least one drive roller portion. The system also includes a guide track that has a track gear. The track gear includes a track gear portion and at least one land portion. The at least one drive roller portion and the at least one land portion are configured such that the at least one drive roller portion contacts the at least one land portion when the drive gear portion is engaged to the track gear portion. In some embodiments, a diameter of the at least one drive roller portion is equal to a pitch diameter of the drive gear portion. If the track gear portion is curved, in some embodiments a diameter of the at least one land portion equals a pitch diameter of the track gear portion. In other embodiments, if the track gear portion is straight, a dimension of the at least one land portion equals a pitch line of the track gear portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of a support assembly comprises an elongated rail, a support sleeve slidable along the elongated rail, a handle attached to the support sleeve and having a central axis, a first grip and a second grip on opposite sides of the central axis and each grip being connected to the other by first and second connecting members that combine with the first and second grips to form a handle frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring an object from a lower accessible position to a higher storage position, which is particularly useful on vehicles. The present invention also relates to a method of transferring an object from a lower accessible position to a higher storage position.

Abstract: A fuel assembly and a method of providing fuel is disclosed. The fuel assembly includes a frame, a first fuel storage tank sized to fit within the frame and configured to store one of a liquid and a gaseous fuel, and a fuel control assembly configured to regulate delivery of the gaseous fuel to an external power unit. The fuel control assembly includes a first fuel assembly memory module having stored thereon identifying information of the interchangeable fuel assembly.

Abstract: A transport system according to the invention comprises a guide device having a first guide rail in the form of a first pipe (11) and a second guide rail in the form of a second pipe (12). The transport system comprises a toothed driving disk (330), which is engaged with an engagement element (340) extending along the lower pipe (12) and forms a positive drive. The engagement element (340) comprises counter-toothing, disposed along the pipe (12).

Abstract: A balancer hoist has an electric servomotor driving irreversible gearing in turn driving a hoist chain drive. A float mode and a manual mode are provided using two independent load sensors for sensing the load weight and force applied to a control grip. A traversing control is produced by a tractor carriage rolling on tracks defined by bottom flanges of an overhead rail connected to a trolley also traveling on the rail and supported on upper hoist assembly.

Abstract: An interlocking precision flexible rail system for carrying a positionable machine tool employs a first rail element having a first step on a lower surface extending from a first end to a termination at a predetermined length and a second rail element having a mating step on an upper surface extending from a second end to receive the first step. A pair of first clips is removably affixed to a top surface of the first rail element adjacent the first end with a first pin and to the second rail element with a second pin in each clip. A pair of second clips is removably affixed to a bottom surface of the second rail element adjacent the second end with a third pin and to the first rail element with a forth pin in each clip. Alignment holes to receive the pins have tolerances defined in conjunction with the predetermined length of the step, the length of the step allowing a reduced tolerance. The first and second pairs of clips and associated pins laterally secure the rail elements in mated engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an elderly or physically limited individual in walking or carrying items up or down a stairway includes a guide rail assembly fixedly positioned along the wall of a stairway. A handle is connected to a support bar assembly, and the support bar assembly attaches to the guide rail assembly. The guide rail assembly typically has a tubular inner rail fixedly housed within a tubular outer rail, the outer rail typically includes a guide track along its length, and the inner rail typically includes a pin slot which aligns with the guide track. To operate the apparatus, the user grasps the handle while supporting the upper body on the support bar and moves the support bar assembly along the guide track while walking along the stairway. The handle and support bar assembly can be placed into a braking position as needed while moving along the stairway.

Abstract: A television mount assembly includes an elongated railing has a first end and second end. The railing is attached to a ceiling with a plurality of brackets. A pole has a top end and a bottom end. The pole has a pair of bends therein so that the pole includes a first arm, a second arm and a middle section extending between the first and second arms. A mounting is attached to the top end and secures the pole to the railing. The pole is movable along the railing. A first motor is mounted on the pole and a drive wheel is mechanically coupled to the motor. The drive wheel is in communication with the railing. The first motor is configured to selectively rotate the drive wheel in a first direction or a second direction so that the top end of the pole is moved along the railing.

Abstract: An interlocking precision flexible rail system for carrying a positionable machine tool employs a first rail element having a first step on a lower surface extending from a first end to a termination at a predetermined length and a second rail element having a mating step on an upper surface extending from a second end to receive the first step. A pair of first clips is removably affixed to a top surface of the first rail element adjacent the first end with a first pin and to the second rail element with a second pin in each clip. A pair of second clips is removably affixed to a bottom surface of the second rail element adjacent the second end with a third pin and to the first rail element with a forth pin in each clip. Alignment holes to receive the pins have tolerances defined in conjunction with the predetermined length of the step, the length of the step allowing a reduced tolerance. The first and second pairs of clips and associated pins laterally secure the rail elements in mated engagement.

Abstract: A self-levelling lift system is provided, to transport payloads in dynamic settings. The lift comprises a superstructure, first and second support members, a carriage and a drive. The superstructure has rails along which the carriage moves. The support members allow for the superstructure to change angle in response to a changing relationship between a first surface and a second surface, such as the shore and a boat. Also provided is a use of the system for concurrently transporting a payload and allowing for pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A cutting tool and mounting system includes a tool carrier arranged to be mounted onto a workpiece, a cutting tool assembly carried by the tool carrier, and a tracking assembly connected to the cutting tool assembly and positioned to follow the contour of an outer surface of the workpiece. The cutting tool assembly includes a cutting tool arranged to be rotated about a longitudinal axis and a tool driving system connected to and arranged to transmit rotary input motion to the cutting tool. The cutting tool is secured by the tool driving system to be fed along its axis of rotation and transversely of its axis of rotation for cutting a workpiece through a wall thickness of the workpiece to impart a beveled surface to a severed end portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A rail system for positioning a toolhead above a workpiece uses a rack cut into one edge of the rail and driven by a pinion gear whose shaft is approximately perpendicular to a workpiece to couple the rail to the toolhead. Multiple rollers placed on the toolhead allow contact between the toolhead and the rail to be effectively continuous despite the cutting away of as much as or more than two-thirds of the rail edge to provide rack teeth. Separating thickness axis containment from transverse with a square rail edge and separate thickness axis and transverse rollers allows the toolhead to follow a rail as the rail flexes over a curved surface with minimal position error. Several variations in rail, bearing, and rack implementation can realize comparable results.

Abstract: The invention concerns an overhead crane track which includes at least one crane track rail (1) and at least one carriage (2) guided on the crane track rail (1). The crane track rail (1) is composed of a plurality of portions of a hollow profile member. The carriage (2) is guided on a runway formed within the hollow profile member. The carriage (2) includes at least one electric drive which is supplied with power by way of a power feed provided within the hollow profile member. The carriage (2) is arranged displaceably by way of drive means arranged completely in the interior of the hollow profile member within same.

Abstract: A cutting tool and track system includes a multi-segment track assembly configured to be removably attached to a surface of a workpiece, a carriage assembly configured to ride along the track assembly, a carriage drive mechanism arranged to drive the carriage assembly along the track assembly, a cutting tool assembly connected to the carriage assembly, and a tool driving system connected to the cutting tool assembly. The cutting tool assembly rotatably supports an end mill type cutting tool that may be driven in a radial cutting plane about the axis of a tubular workpiece or along a workpiece surface. A method is provided for cutting a workpiece wherein a cutting tool assembly rotatably supports an end mill mounted for travel along a predetermined transport path in a cutting plane about a central axis of the workpiece wherein the end mill is first fed through the wall thickness of the workpiece and the cutting tool assembly is moved along the transport path in the cutting plane to cut the workpiece.

Abstract: A pallet conveyor system includes a rail assembly and a pallet assembly. The rail assembly including parallel and spaced-apart rail supports that each has a cylindrical rail disposed thereon. An intermediate support is positioned between the rails and includes a removable stop bar. The pallet assembly engages the rails and is adapted for forward or reverse motion along the rails. A first and second sensor are secured to the pallet assembly and adapted to detect the stop bar as the pallet moves along the rails. When the first sensor detects the stop bar, the pallet assembly is slowed. Thereafter, as the second sensor detects the stop bar, the pallet assembly is stopped. Therefore, by simple movement of the stop bar, a pallet assembly may be easily and precisely positioned at any location along, a conveyor line without the need to reprogram the pallet assembly.

Abstract: A pallet conveyor system includes a rail assembly and a pallet assembly. The rail assembly including parallel and spaced-apart rail supports that each has a cylindrical rail disposed thereon. An intermediate support is positioned between the rails and includes a removable stop bar. The pallet assembly engages the rails and is adapted for forward or reverse motion along the rails. A first and second sensor are secured to the pallet assembly and adapted to detect the stop bar as the pallet moves along the rails. When the first sensor detects the stop bar, the pallet assembly is slowed. Thereafter, as the second sensor detects the stop bar, the pallet assembly is stopped. Therefore, by simple movement of the stop bar, a pallet assembly may be easily and precisely positioned at any location along a conveyor line without the need to reprogram the pallet assembly.

Abstract: A track and carriage system is provided for moving a work piece along a flexible track (10). The system includes a track (10) having at least one track segment (12), the track segment (12) including a rack assembly (16) formed by a plurality of spaced rack members (18) mounted on the track segment (12). A carriage assembly (40) is configured to move along the track (10). The carriage assembly (40) includes a first carriage (42) and a second carriage (44) which may be removably mounted on the track (10). A link assembly (48) extends between the two carriages (42, 44) to connect the two carriages as they Cove along the track (10).

Abstract: A stairlift has a vertically displaceable load-receiving device on which a platform, hinged ramps and barriers are disposed, vertically movable barrier-actuating bars, which protrude downward over the load-receiving device and individually link the barriers, a spring-loaded pretensioning device for the platform, which forces the platform upward, a tilt lever on the platform, which interacts with a tilt stop of the guide body and swings the platform up and down in the unloaded state, and two lifting bars linked to the platform, for interaction with rotating stops of the barriers in order to move the barriers out of the lowermost into the horizontal position as the unloaded load-receiving device is lowered.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for traveling on a closed track on the surface of a wall in which the moving platform can circuit along a rail forming a closed track while being maintained in the same orientation. To this end, a crawling-type moving apparatus is configured with a moving platform 4 moving along a guide rail 2 disposed on a wall surface W provided with supporting units 8A to 8D which can slide on the guide rail, a rotational member provided on the moving platform, to be driven to rotate by a driving mechanism, and a plurality of mating units for generating a driving force by mating with guide faces, which are curved in a cycloidal shape, of driving guides disposed on the wall surface, the mating units being disposed around the rotational member at the same distance from each other.

Abstract: A guidance system with a truck guided on a rail (1) has available laterally arranged guiding surfaces (2.1, 2.2) for guide rollers of the truck. A rack (4) is preferably constructed on the rail (1) such that a dividing line (6) of a gearing (5) of the rack (4) constantly runs through a median perpendicular (7) of the cross-section of the rail (1). Each truck has, for example, two wheel frames. The wheel frames are preferably so constructed that the swivel axis (22) runs through a power application point (14) of the dividing line (6). The guiding elements form a three-point guidance system.