Abstract: A plurality of driverless vehicles are pivotably connected together to form a train. Each vehicle has a drive wheel connected to the drive wheel on the next adjacent vehicle by a flexible member extending therebetween so that the drive wheel on the second vehicle is a slave to the drive wheel on the first vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the angular position of a drive wheel on a driverless vehicle. The apparatus includes a speed control device movable between two positions and having a lost-motion coupling to a shock absorber so that the device moves rapidly toward the second position for part of its movement and then moves slowly for the remainder of its movement.

Abstract: The track for driverless vehicles has a low profile with a rail extending along one side edge portion of the track structure and a drive shaft extending along the opposite side edge portion of the track structure. The drive shaft performs the dual function of supporting wheels on one side of a driverless vehicle and driving the vehicle by frictional contact with said wheels. The rail and the periphery of the drive shaft at the 12 o'clock position thereon are substantially the same elevation.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle having a plurality of shelves is provided with at least one trough supported by the shelves and separate therefrom. Each trough is open at the top and is open at each end thereof. A discrete puller member extends between side walls of the trough at each end thereof to facilitate pulling a trough and any merchandise therebetween toward one side of the vehicle to facilitate unloading the vehicle.

Abstract: A driverless shuttle vehicle transfers driverless vehicles between first and second parallel tracks. The shuttle vehicle has a track thereon adapted to be aligned with each of the first and second tracks. A motor adjacent each end of the first and second tracks is adapted to selectively move the shuttle vehicle track horizontally toward the end of its associated track for loading and unloading of a driverless vehicle.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle turntable includes a table pivotably mounted for movement about a vertical axis. The table has tracks and a drive tube as well as drive wheels. An arcuate drive tube assembly is arranged for frictional contact with the drive wheels.

Abstract: A precision stop assembly is provided for causing a driverless vehicle to stop at a predetermined location with an accuracy .+-.0.005 inches in three planes. The assembly includes structure for slowing a vehicle down and then elevating the vehicle so that its support wheels lose contact with tracks while simultaneously guiding the vehicle to a precise orientation.

Abstract: The speed of a driverless vehicle is controlled along the length of the module from an incoming high speed to an outgoing low speed or vice versa. The module includes first, second and third aligned drive tubes between tracks adapted to support a vehicle. A first motor is coupled to the first drive tube for driving the same at a first high speed. A second drive motor is coupled to the third drive tube for driving the same at a second low speed. Clutch means are provided for enabling only the first motor to drive said first and second tubes and then enable only the second motor to drive the second and third tubes.

Abstract: The lane loading apparatus includes a wheeled frame reciprocal along the loading end of shelves. The frame supports a main carriage for vertical movement with respect to the shelves. The main carriage supports an auxiliary carriage for reciprocation toward and away from the loading end of the shelves. A lane actuator is supported by the auxiliary carriage for retracting an endless member and associated pusher in a lane to a reloading position.

Abstract: In a driverless vehicle conveyor system wherein a driverless vehicle rides on tracks, two straight sections of the tracks have adjacent ends spaced by a gap. A transfer vehicle is provided in the gap for supporting and transferring driverless vehicles across the gap. The transfer vehicles are mounted for oscillation about an upright axis from a receiving position adjacent one end of the gap to a discharge position adjacent the other end of the gap.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus including a generally vertical plate is disclosed for contacting and pushing articles along a generally horizontal surface. The plate is connected to a movable endless cable which is carried about the periphery of a pair of spaced wheels. A hollow dividing rail is supported upon the horizontal surface. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of dividing rails are supported on the surface and divide the surface into a plurality of lanes. A pair of said wheels are rotatably mounted within each hollow rail adjacent opposite longitudinal ends thereof.

Abstract: A conveyor system such as one having chain propelled driverless vehicles is interfaced with a conveyor system such as one having rotating shafts propelling a driverless vehicle. The last mentioned driverless vehicle is provided with a contact arm which extends transversely of its vehicle and is selectively operated so as to cause both vehicles to move at the same speed. While both vehicles are moving at the same speed, one or more events may take place such as transferring goods from one vehicle to another on the fly.

Abstract: A friction driven driverless vehicle includes a frame with support wheels adapted to ride on rails. A drive wheel on the frame is provided for frictional contact with a drive shaft parallel to the rails. A motor driven cam is provided on the frame for controlling the position of the drive wheel relative to the drive shaft. The cam is coupled to the drive wheel by a cam follower and linkage.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle is supported by wheels adapted to ride on a floor whereby the conveyor system does not include rails for supporting the vehicle. Guide rollers are provided on one side of the vehicle for contact with a guide on a floor mounted frame. The frame includes a drive shaft for driving a drive wheel on the vehicle. The drive wheel can oscillate about a generally horizontal axis between a drive position and an accumulation position. The floor supported frame includes pivotally mounted sections so that the vehicle can traverse 90.degree. angles.

Abstract: First and second tracks of a conveyor system intersect at right angles. A drive shaft is associated with each set of tracks. Driverless vehicles ride on the tracks and are provided with first and second sets of drive wheels. The sets of drive wheels are used alternatively and each set has an operative position and an inoperative position. A device is provided on the vehicle for moving the first set of drive wheels from a drive position to an accumulation position and thereafter moving the second set of wheels from an accumulation position to a drive position.

Abstract: Straight sections of track each having a drive tube are coupled together by a curved track section. Between the tracks at the curved section, there is provided a series of drive shafts whose ends are not aligned with the ends of the drive shafts in the straight track sections. Driverless trucks are provided with at least two drive wheels for frictional contact with drive shafts in the straight track sections and a discrete drive wheel for cooperation with the drive shafts in the curved track section.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle for riding on a track has a drive wheel driven by a drive tube. The drive wheel is coupled to a substrate which in turn is coupled to the deck so that a portion of the load is transmitted to the drive wheel and the remainder of the load is transmitted through a separate substrate to the support wheels.

Abstract: The conveyor track of a conveyor system is provided with an access way so that persons or vehicles may traverse the tracks without interfering with movement of driverless vehicles along the conveyor. A shuttle is suspended from above and supported for reciprocatory movement across a gap in the track. The vehicles traverse the gap by way of the shuttle.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle has at least one drive wheel for cooperation with a drive tube. The vehicle has two actuators coupled to the drive wheel for rotating the drive wheel to an accumulation position. Each actuator can be selectively rendered inoperative. The vehicle can be propelled by way of the drive wheel and drive tube in opposite directions along a track with either end of the vehicle being the front end.

Abstract: The selector pin for a tow truck is comprised of first and second tubes aligned end to end with a spring confined within the tubes and under tension to maintain the tubes in end-to-end alignment, while permitting one tube to pivot relative to the other tube through an arc up to 90.degree..