Abstract: A vertical lift conveyor for lifting materials between different vertical levels. The vertical lift conveyor includes a pair of spaced uprights and a carriage that moves vertically along the spaced uprights. The vertical lift conveyor includes a drive assembly including a drive motor coupled to a drive shaft. Each end of the drive shaft includes a first sprocket and a second sprocket that each engages one of a pair of lift chains. The first and second sprockets each include a plurality of teeth (N). The first and second sprockets are offset from each other 180/N°. The offset between the first and sprockets creates sinusoidal velocity profiles for the two chains that are out of phase with each other. A connection block is used to connect the pair of lift chains to each side of the carriage combines the lift chain velocities into a linear vertical velocity for the carriage.

Abstract: A vertical lift conveyor for lifting materials between different vertical levels. The vertical lift conveyor includes a pair of spaced uprights and a carriage that moves vertically along the spaced uprights. The vertical lift conveyor includes a drive assembly including a drive motor coupled to a drive shaft. Each end of the drive shaft includes a first sprocket and a second sprocket that each engages one of a pair of lift chains. The first and second sprockets each include a plurality of teeth (N). The first and second sprockets are offset from each other 180/N°. The offset between the first and sprockets creates sinusoidal velocity profiles for the two chains that are out of phase with each other. A connection block is used to connect the pair of lift chains to each side of the carriage combines the lift chain velocities into a linear vertical velocity for the carriage.

Abstract: A vertical lift conveyor for lifting materials between different vertical levels. The vertical lift conveyor includes a pair of spaced uprights and a carriage that moves vertically along the spaced uprights. The vertical lift conveyor includes a drive assembly including a drive motor coupled to a drive shaft. Each end of the drive shaft includes a first sprocket and a second sprocket that each engages one of a pair of lift chains. The first and second sprockets each include a plurality of teeth (N). The first and second sprockets are offset from each other 180/N°. The offset between the first and sprockets creates sinusoidal velocity profiles for the two chains that are out of phase with each other. A connection block is used to connect the pair of lift chains to each side of the carriage combines the lift chain velocities into a linear vertical velocity for the carriage.

Abstract: A vertical lift conveyor for lifting materials between different vertical levels. The vertical lift conveyor includes a pair of spaced uprights and a carriage that moves vertically along the spaced uprights. The vertical lift conveyor includes a drive assembly including a drive motor coupled to a drive shaft. Each end of the drive shaft includes a first sprocket and a second sprocket that each engages one of a pair of lift chains. The first and second sprockets each include a plurality of teeth (N). The first and second sprockets are offset from each other 180/N°. The offset between the first and sprockets creates sinusoidal velocity profiles for the two chains that are out of phase with each other. A connection block is used to connect the pair of lift chains to each side of the carriage combines the lift chain velocities into a linear vertical velocity for the carriage.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving a shopping cart between a first location and a second location. The conveyor including a movable conveyor that is adapted to engage and move the shopping cart along a path, and a gate assembly including a door that is movable between an open position allowing passage of the shopping cart along the path, and a closed position inhibiting passage of the shopping art along the path. The door is adapted to move from the closed position to the open position as the shopping cart approaches, and is adapted to move back to the closed position before the shopping cart has passed the door.

Abstract: A multi-level vehicle lift comprising a first platform mounted for movement between a lowered position and a raised position. A second platform is positioned below the first platform and is coupled to the first platform by a lift member such that movement of the first platform above a first raised position causes movement of the second platform. A third platform is positioned below the second platform and coupled to the first platform by a lift member such that movement of the first platform above a second raised position causes movement of the third platform A pit may be positioned below the platforms, and the lower-most platform is in the pit when the first platform is in the lowered position. Preferably, the pit is recessed into a ground surface, and an upper surface of the first platform is substantially flush with the ground surface when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving a shopping cart between a first location and a second location. The conveyor including a movable conveyor that is adapted to engage and move the shopping cart along a path, and a gate assembly including a door that is movable between an open position allowing passage of the shopping cart along the path, and a closed position inhibiting passage of the shopping art along the path. The door is adapted to move from the closed position to the open position as the shopping cart approaches, and is adapted to move back to the closed position before the shopping cart has passed the door.

Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor system is designed to shut the system down in the event that a shopping cart becomes jammed. The system includes a track operable to guide a shopping cart between a first location and a second location, and a drive assembly for moving a shopping cart along the track. The drive assembly includes engagement members movable relative to the track and operable to engage and move a shopping cart from the first location to the second location, and a drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) operable to provide movement to the engagement members. A force sensor detects a parameter (e.g., motor current) of the drive assembly corresponding with a force required to move the engagement members. A controller receives information regarding a frequency of change in the parameter and compares that information to a known value (e.g., a frequency of the engagement members).

Abstract: A storage retrieval machine comprising an input area, an array of storage locations, an output area, a carriage assembly adapted to hold a product when being transferred to and from the storage locations, and a drive mechanism positioned to move the carriage assembly. The drive mechanism includes a flexible element (e.g., a chain) tensioned between two points and having a plurality of spaced recesses, and a toothed element mounted to the carriage assembly and engaging the flexible element. Preferably, the flexible element is pre-tensioned to a certain percentage of the rated load of the flexible element (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of the rated load). It is also preferred that the pre-tensioned load on the flexible element is greater than the service load that is anticipated to be applied to the chain during normal operation.

Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor system that moves a shopping cart from one location to another along a path. The system includes a frame, a track coupled to the frame, and a conveyor coupled to the frame and having an engagement member (e.g., multiple engagement members) adapted to engage a shopping cart. The engagement member is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the track from a first position, where the engagement member will engage and move the shopping cart along the path, and a second position, where the engagement member is capable of releasing engagement of the shopping cart. Preferably, the engagement member is biased toward the first position (e.g., by a resilient member). In one embodiment, the engagement member includes an engagement surface adapted to engage the shopping cart and defining an engagement angle between the engagement surface and a reference axis parallel to the path.

Abstract: A multi-level vehicle lift comprising a first platform mounted for movement between a lowered position and a raised position. A second platform is positioned below the first platform and is coupled to the first platform by a short collapsible lift member such that upward movement of the first platform above a first raised position causes upward movement of the second platform. A third platform is positioned below the second platform and coupled to the first platform by a long collapsible lift member such that upward movement of the first platform above a second raised position causes upward movement of the third platform. In another aspect of the invention, a pit is positioned below the platforms, and at least the lower-most platform is at least partially in the pit when the first platform is in the lowered position. Preferably, the pit is recessed into a ground surface, and an upper surface of the first platform is substantially flush with the ground surface when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A vertical lift including a support, a carriage that is mounted for vertical movement relative to the support, a drive system including an actuator that is coupled directly to the carriage, and a synchronizer that is coupled between the carriage and the support

Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor system is designed to shut the system down in the event that a shopping cart becomes jammed. The system includes a track operable to guide a shopping cart between a first location and a second location, and a drive assembly for moving a shopping cart along the track. The drive assembly includes engagement members movable relative to the track and operable to engage and move a shopping cart from the first location to the second location, and a drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) operable to provide movement to the engagement members. A force sensor detects a parameter (e.g., motor current) of the drive assembly corresponding with a force required to move the engagement members. A controller receives information regarding a frequency of change in the parameter and compares that information to a known value (e.g., a frequency of the engagement members).

Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor system that moves a shopping cart from one location to another along a path. The system includes a frame, a track coupled to the frame, and a conveyor coupled to the frame and having an engagement member (e.g., multiple engagement members) adapted to engage a shopping cart. The engagement member is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the track from a first position, where the engagement member will engage and move the shopping cart along the path, and a second position, where the engagement member is capable of releasing engagement of the shopping cart. Preferably, the engagement member is biased toward the first position (e.g., by a resilient member). In one embodiment, the engagement member includes an engagement surface adapted to engage the shopping cart and defining an engagement angle between the engagement surface and a reference axis parallel to the path.

Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor that inhibits the loading of a non-compliant shopping cart onto the conveyor. In one aspect, the invention provides a conveyor comprising a track operable to guide the shopping cart between a first location and a second location, a gate assembly including a door movable between a closed position inhibiting entry to the track and an open position allowing entry to the track, a lock for securing the door in the closed position, and a sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a radar sensor, an infrared sensor, an RFID reader, a magnetic sensor, and a mechanical sensor) positioned to detect the presence of a shopping cart. In another aspect, the conveyor is configured to move the gate from the closed position to the open position when the sensor detects the presence of a shopping cart. Preferably this is done using a drive mechanism coupled to the gate.

Abstract: A vertical conveyor that includes a frame, a carriage, and a drive mechanism. The frame includes a vertical support member, and the carriage is coupled to the frame to carry a load. The carriage is mounted for movement along the vertical support member. The drive mechanism includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator includes a cylinder and a rod that extends from the cylinder to raise the carriage. The second actuator includes a cylinder and a rod each having lengths greater than lengths of the cylinder and rod of the first actuator. The rod of the second actuator extends from the cylinder of the second actuator to raise the carriage and the cylinder of the first actuator.

Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly including a flexible belt body with a plurality of spaced flexible teeth and at least one hardened tooth coupled to the belt body. The flexible belt body and flexible teeth comprise a resilient material. The hardened tooth comprises hardened plastic or metal. The flexible belt body also includes at least one reinforcing member within the belt body. A guide member is coupled to the flexible belt body and the hardened tooth to assist in transporting objects on the conveyor belt assembly. A pivotable clamping device clamps the ends of the belt body together to form a continuous belt. The clamping device clamps the reinforcing member to ensure a strong connection.

Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly including a flexible belt body with a plurality of spaced flexible teeth and at least one hardened tooth coupled to the belt body. The flexible belt body and flexible teeth comprise a resilient material. The hardened tooth comprises hardened plastic or metal. The flexible belt body also includes at least one reinforcing member within the belt body. A guide member is coupled to the flexible belt body and the hardened tooth to assist in transporting objects on the conveyor belt assembly. A pivotable clamping device clamps the ends of the belt body together to form a continuous belt. The clamping device clamps the reinforcing member to ensure a strong connection.

Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly including a flexible belt body with a plurality of spaced flexible teeth and at least one hardened tooth coupled to the belt body. The flexible belt body and flexible teeth comprise a resilient material. The hardened tooth comprises hardened plastic or metal. The flexible belt body also includes at least one reinforcing member within the belt body. A guide member is coupled to the flexible belt body and the hardened tooth to assist in transporting objects on the conveyor belt assembly. A pivotable clamping device clamps the ends of the belt body together to form a continuous belt. The clamping device clamps the reinforcing member to ensure a strong connection.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic drive mechanism for a vertical conveyor. The conveyor comprises a pair of upright supports or columns and a carriage to support a load or cargo is guided for vertical movement on the columns. The drive mechanism includes a pair of first hydraulic cylinder units and a pair of second hydraulic cylinder units that preferably have twice the length of the first cylinder units. The first or shorter cylinder units are connected between a movable cross beam and the carriage, while the second cylinder units are connected between the movable beam and the upper end of the frame. At a lower level both the first and second cylinder units are in an extended condition, while at an upper level both cylinder units are retracted.