Abstract: A system for operating a vehicle storage conveyor is disclosed in which a programmable digital computer system is used to automatically control the operation of the conveyor, to monitor the safeties of the storage conveyor and to cease operation thereof upon the detection of an unsafe condition, and for controlling a plurality of electromagnetic radiation beam transmitting and detecting devices systematically located throughout a loading area of the storage conveyor so as to detect the presence of a vehicle or a person and to distinguish between them. The system prevents operation of the vehicle conveyor until the vehicle is properly positioned thereon and the person who drove the vehicle is detected as leaving the conveyor loading system.

Abstract: A pair of conveyor pan immobilizing subassemblies are disclosed for engaging the opposite sides of a conveyor pan to stabilize the pan in a first direction transverse to the conveyed direction of the pan. In one embodiment, each subassembly is comprised of a plurality of pan engagement assemblies, each pivotally mounted for depression in a vertical axis by an off-centered pan, and each spaced further from the conveyor pan in the first direction, such that the pan is serially engaged by the assemblies as a result of pan movement resulting from, for example, loading or unloading of the pan. In another embodiment, the subassembly comprises a roller rotatably mounted for rotation by a pan being moved in the conveyed direction and resiliently mounted for depression by an off-centered pan.

Abstract: An emergency overspeed brake is depicted which is mountable onto a shaft rotatable at low speeds in either direction for stopping the shaft when an overspeed condition is obtained. In one embodiment of the invention, the brake features two pawls mounted for movement of the entire pawl in an outward, radial direction in response to centrifugal force acting on said pawl. An annular outer hub rigidly mounted to a stationary frame has a central orifice through which the shaft extends. Two inwardly depending stops are integrally mounted onto an axial flange of the outer hub and engaged by one end of a corresponding pawl when the pawl has been thrown outwardly due to the centrifugal force. A spring member engages each pawl to prevent the outward movement of the pawl until after a predetermined speed has been attained, after which the pawls are thrust rapidly outwardly.

Abstract: A pair of conveyor pan immobilizing subassemblies are disclosed for engaging the opposite sides of a conveyor pan to stabilize the pan in a first direction transverse to the conveyed direction of the pan. In one embodiment, each subassembly is comprised of a plurality of pan engagement assemblies, each pivotally mounted for depression in a vertical axis by an off-centered pan, and each spaced further from the conveyor pan in the first direction, such that the pan is serially engaged by the assemblies as a result of pan movement resulting from, for example, loading or unloading of the pan. In another embodiment, the subassembly comprises a roller rotatably mounted for rotation by a pan being moved in the conveyed direction and resiliently mounted for depression by an off-centered pan.

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation object position detection system and method are disclosed for detecting when an object is located in the path of a powered sliding gate. In a preferred embodiment, polarized microwave radiation is emitted from a source fixed relative to the sliding gate. This radiation is projected along and spaced ahead of the leading edge of the sliding gate by a redirecting means which moves with the gate. A second redirecting means also moves with the gate and redirects the radiation back to a detector fixed relative to the sliding gate which provides a signal when this radiation is detected. The presence of an object in the path of the sliding gate is indicated by the blockage of radiation in the beam moving with the leading edge of the sliding gate.

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation position detection system and method are disclosed for detecting when a movable object is located at a predetermined position. In a preferred embodiment, polarized microwave radiation emitted from a source fixed relative to the movable object is rotated when the object is in an aligned position and a detector fixed with respect to the movable object and located opposite the fixed source provides a signal when substantially only the rotated, polarized radiation is detected. In one particular embodiment, a plurality of conveyor pans which are part of a car parking tower is the movable object and each pan carries a waveguide which rotates the microwave radiation propagated therethrough. The conveyor pan also has a wheel well with a switch located therein and which, when depressed by the tire of a properly located car on the conveyor pan acts to block the radiation from being detected.

Abstract: A fluid metering and transfer system is disclosed in which, in a preferred embodiment, a fluid contained in a reservoir is transferred in small amounts by a dipper wire to a conduit extending through the bottom of the reservoir. The fluid is then distributed by gravity flow through the tube to the desired location. The dipper wire is rigidly mounted onto a pivotable shaft. When the present invention is used for transferring lubricating liquid to machines, the shaft of the present invention can be coupled to a shaft of the machine so that the present invention only transfers and distributes the lubricating liquid when the machine is operating.