Abstract: A friction-drive carriage type conveyor includes a carriage 1 so supported as to run in a running direction along a track, which includes a linear path and a turning path 18. The carriage 1 has a frictional surface 6a continuing linearly along its whole length. The conveyor is fitted with first friction drive rollers 15 for contact with the frictional surface 6a, which are positioned near the linear path. The conveyor is also fitted with second friction drive rollers 15A–15C for driving the carriage 1 smoothly and reliably even along the turning path 18. The second friction drive rollers 15A–15C are spaced at intervals along the turning path 18, which are shorter than the frictional surface 6a. The second friction drive rollers 15A–15C are so supported that each of them can move between an advance limit position and a retraction limit position. The advance limit position is on the locus described by the frictional surface 6a when the carriage 1 passes along the turning path 18.

Abstract: A friction-drive carriage type conveyor includes a carriage 1 so supported as to run in a running direction along a track, which includes a linear path and a turning path 18. The carriage 1 has a frictional surface 6a continuing linearly along its whole length. The conveyor is fitted with first friction drive rollers 15 for contact with the frictional surface 6a, which are positioned near the linear path. The conveyor is also fitted with second friction drive rollers 15A-15C for driving the carriage 1 smoothly and reliably even along the turning path 18. The second friction drive rollers 15A-15C are spaced at intervals along the turning path 18, which are shorter than the frictional surface 6a. The second friction drive rollers 15A-15C are so supported that each of them can move between an advance limit position and a retraction limit position. The advance limit position is on the locus described by the frictional surface 6a when the carriage 1 passes along the turning path 18.

Abstract: A transport system having (i) electrical movers for moving in a travel direction along a guide rail, each having (a) a drive wheel, (b) a brakeless electric motor for rotating the drive wheel, (c) a photoelectric switch adapted to sense the proximity of an object, (d) a contact member for stopping movement of the electric mover at a predetermined location, the photoelectric switch being disposed in the travel direction ahead of said contact member for switching the supply of electrical power to the motor upon sensing or ceasing to sense a previously sensed proximity of an object, and (ii) a stopping mechanism located along the guide rail for stopping the movement of an electric mover, including (a) a stopper adapted in an operative position thereof to stop a moving electrical mover by contact with the contact member, and to allow movement of the electrical mover when the stopper is not in its operative position, (b) a shifter for shifting the stopper in and out of its operating position, and (c) a detectable