Abstract: A method for using an obstruction detection device, residing on an automated conveyance vehicle, as an input device for supplying a plurality of predetermined control codes to a controller for the vehicle. Each code is related to predetermined vehicle behavior regulated by the controller. Such codes are used for commencing forward movement, commencing backward movement and stopping the vehicle. Furthermore, included within the collection is a subset of codes to be input exclusively by maintenance personnel. That is, the codes within the subset are highly unlikely to occur in the normal course of vehicle operation.

Abstract: A computer-controlled conveying system is provided for use in transporting materials between different locations. The system includes a plurality of carriages for receiving and holding the materials and a track along which the carriages move in transporting the materials. Each of the carriages has a unique identifier, which is used by a system controller to monitor and control the movement of the carriage. A number of transfer units, and corresponding transfer unit controllers, are provided along the track. The transfer unit controllers communicate with a system controller and, in conjunction with the transfer units and information received from the system controller, act to provide the desired path for end of the carriages.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system capable of transporting a delivery container around a sharp bend or corner without the need for conduit disposed on a large radius of curvature. A first conduit and a second conduit communicating with the first conduit are provided along with a blower system for creating a pressure differential in the conduits. The first conduit is designed to receive a delivery container, which is transported to a pneumatically movable capsule, disposed within the second conduit. A first port is provided in the capsule for causing the pressure differential to act on the capsule when the delivery container is placed therein to transport the capsule to a receiving station, and for causing the pressure differential to act on the delivery container at the receiving station for discharging the container from the capsule. A second port is provided for causing downstream pressure to pass to the atmosphere when the delivery container is not disposed within the capsule.

Abstract: The minimum and maximum values attained by an analog data signal in each of successive sampling periods are determined by alternately operative amplitude detectors which produce and store a corresponding minimum and maximum signal for each of these periods. A generator produces a ramp signal which repeats in each period in synchronism with the sweep of the beam of a fiber optics strip cathode ray tube along the strip thereof. A record sheet is advanced at right angles to this strip. Comparators are operative in each period to compare the stored detector signals of the immediately preceding period with the ramp signal, and to produce an output when the ramp signal exceeds either of the detector signals. An EXCLUSIVE OR gate receives these outputs and unblanks the normally blanked tube beam for a time in each period to produce a line on the sheet extending along the strip between points representing the minimum and maximum signal values for the preceding period.