Abstract: A friction drive system trolley conveyor includes a conveyor rail having a circular cross-section, laid along a conveyor line, multiple J-shaped rail suspension members that bear the undersides of the rail at intervals in the longitudinal direction, multiple, inverted J-shaped hook members that move along the rail, engaging the upper side of the rail, a driven bar hung between hook members for suspending a conveyed article, and a friction drive embracing the driven bar on both sides to effect conveying movement. The friction drive system trolley conveyor is able to convey heavy articles in a stable manner with minimum noise and without roll, is easily constructed, installed and maintained.

Abstract: A trolley for track systems with essentially right-angled intersections is equipped with raisable and lowerable rollers which can be lowered to engage with, and raised to disengage with, one of the pairs of tracks. A common actuator (76,78) simultaneously lowers, in relation to the trolley, the rollers associated with one pair of tracks and raises the rollers associated with the intersecting pair of tracks.

Abstract: A rail support plate for use in a rail support system. The plate has an open slotted hole on one side and a hole on its other side. This plate is placed over a set of opposed holes in a support structure. One of these opposed holes has a fixedly secured anchor bolt that can be easily engaged by the open slotted hole of the plate. A securing bolt is inserted into the hole of the plate and into the aligned hole of the support structure. This arrangement permits easy removal and/or addition of a rail support plate from underneath a rail without the need to remove the rail from the support structure. Several rail support plates can be used along the length of the rail whereby the anchor bolts are arranged in a staggered pattern relative to the other.

Abstract: The present invention offers a universal guide device capable of using the sliders of conventional straight guide devices intact. The universal guide device does not need a different slider for each different radius of track rail. The universal guide device can be manufactured at lower cost than normal. This universal guide device in accordance with the invention comprises a track rail and sliders mounted to the rail via balls circulating through endless circular paths. The rail has at least one straight region and at least one curved region shaped in an arc with a given radius of curvature. Each of the sliders is of saddlelike cross section. The sliders span the rail. The sliders have ball-rolling surfaces shaped linearly. The curved region of the rail is set narrower than the straight region of the rail.

Abstract: A load bearing material handling system including a rail having a hanger portion, a body portion defining a conduit extending for at least a portion of the length of the rail and a flange portion adapted to movably support a trolley thereupon. The flange portion includes at least one runway surface and at least one kick up surface disposed in spaced relationship with respect to the runway surface so as to define a mounting surface disposed therebetween and which is adapted to support an electrical bus along at least a portion of the length of the rail. The rail supports a pneumatic trolley having a pair of opposed frame members and a housing extending therebetween and which is adapted to supply air to a pneumatically actuated tool which is movably supported by the trolley along the rail.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for traveling on a closed track on the surface of a wall in which the moving platform can circuit along a rail forming a closed track while being maintained in the same orientation. To this end, a crawling-type moving apparatus is configured with a moving platform 4 moving along a guide rail 2 disposed on a wall surface W provided with supporting units 8A to 8D which can slide on the guide rail, a rotational member provided on the moving platform, to be driven to rotate by a driving mechanism, and a plurality of mating units for generating a driving force by mating with guide faces, which are curved in a cycloidal shape, of driving guides disposed on the wall surface, the mating units being disposed around the rotational member at the same distance from each other.

Abstract: A length-variable sliding rail element enables a roller chain to be easily guided. Two complementary sliding rail elements fit together. Each of the sliding elements may be comprised of two or three segments. These various segments interengage each other to form a sliding rail element that is shiftable between collapsed and extended position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a trolley for rail tracks (3) that are branched by means of switch points. To avoid a switch point jam, while simultaneously saving power and maintenance effort, the trolley is equipped with moveable hooks and the switch points are designed as passive switches without any moveable parts, where the hooks can engage the guide rails (12) of the passive switch points in accordance with the desired travel direction.

Abstract: An overhead trolley track system has extruded aluminum track sections having tubular portions, adjacent track sections connected end to end with plates attached to a central upright flange portions formed on each track section. Sealing tubular fittings are slidably received in each end of the rubular portions adjacent sections held by the plates to allow air pressure to be distributed. Air pressure fittings are inserted in drilled holes along the track sections, held in by brackets. The trolleys have rollers engaged with opposite upper sides of the tubular portions, the trolley rollers separable to allow removal from the track sections.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated monorail track section (104, 105) can be bent vertically quickly and easily, without using any special tools, so as to effect any of a number of desired incremental inclination changes in the rail section (104, 105) and without plastically deforming the rail section (104, 105). The rail section (104, 105) incorporates one or more slots 242 about which the rail can be bent to effect the desired inclination change. A filler block (248, 306, 314) is positioned in the slot (242) after bending (and possibly during bending under some circumstances) and mounted in place to maintain rail integrity and to permit conveyance devices to travel over the rail section without interference from the slots (242).

Abstract: A laser putter system for a conventional putter golf club of the type having a club head with a golf ball striking face and an upper surface, a shaft connected to the upper surface of the club head and a grip on the shaft. The laser putter system comprises a laser pointer/range finder. A mounting means is for mounting the laser pointer/range finder onto the shaft of the conventional putter golf club over the upper surface of the club head. The laser pointer can project a laser beam away from the golf ball striking face of the club head to provide the golfer with a visible target being a hole to putt a golf ball into. The range finder will interpret the distance between the laser pointer and the hole to visually give the golfer a calculated distance to the hole, so as to gauge the proper force required for a successful putt.

Abstract: A rail is arranged along a predetermined route of a movable body. The movable body is moved by electric power fed through an electric cable wired along the rail. The rail is constituted by a plurality of rail segments. Each segment includes a body having a predetermined length and a channel-like cross section and an electric cable segment supported by the body extending in the axial direction of the body. The electric cable segment is one of a plurality of segments obtained by dividing the electric cable.

Abstract: Connection of rails (11, 11, 15, 15) or manufacturing of yoke members can be facilitated and necessity of a special bending device can be eliminated by configuring end yoke members (21) and intermediate yoke members (20) to have the same planar plate form. Welding lines can be shortened and the rails (11, 15) can be connected speedily by welding predetermined locations of the yoke members (20, 21) to predetermined surfaces of the rails (11 and 15). By interposing intermediate members (24) filling welding margins (L) at a stage to couple the end yoke members (21) with each other by way of coupling implements (26), coupling forces are directed to act on the intermediate members (24) and not to act between end surfaces (11b, 11b) of the rails or between end yoke members which are liable to be deformed.

Abstract: A track system for roller-equipped carriers to run along a straight and/or curving guide rail, which includes two pairs of opposed parallel plain lanes, a pair of oppositely directed parallel V edges intermediate the two pairs of plain lanes, and narrow lubricating grooves along each V edge. Each carrier has a frame and roller assemblies, each having a pair of ball bearings mounted on a journal, spaced apart from each other and beveled oppositely on their adjacent outer race corners, so that the base areas of V edges engage between the beveled corners, and the top areas of V edges remain free within the space between the outer races in each pair, the outer races mostly rolling on the plain lanes. Each curving rail segment is provided with straight extensions formed on both ends to be connected to straight rail segments.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible dolly and track system is movably supporting a tripod which retains a camera or the like thereon. Once the dolly and the track have been assembled, the dolly is positioned on top of the track. A tripod is positioned on the dolly, and thereby the dolly with the tripod will roll along the track in a horizontal plane with the camera thereon for filming a scene or taking photographs. The track comprises a pair of opposite longitudinal parallel rails arranged in a space apart relationship by three pivotable transverse bars. The pair of rails are comprised of a plurality of cylindrical tubes. The plurality of cylindrical tubes are held together with a unique BUNGEE cord type joining member in order to enable them to be very quickly and efficiently assembled and set into place and then disassembled for storage. The track can be folded for storage by withdrawing the ends of the plurality of cylindrical tubes from each other.

Abstract: A device for joining two spaced confronting fixed ends of two adjacent rails which are misregistered in a vertical, a horizontal or a longitudinal direction without forming a step therebetween. In one form the joint device includes a universal joint rail 1C disposed between two spaced fixed ends 2A, 2B and joined with them via universal joints 5. In another form, the joint device includes an expansion joint rail 3A disposed longitudinally between the fixed ends via a longitudinally movable connecting bar 8 and a resilient member 10.

Abstract: An overlay for a elevator guide rail extends over the joints between segments to provide a seamless engagement surface for the guide rail. The overlay separates the engagement surface from the joints between adjacent segments to minimize vibration and improve the comfort of the ride. In one embodiment, an elevator includes a guide rail having a support formed from multiple segments joined end to end and an overlay encompassing a portion of the support. The overlay defines the engagement surface for the guide shoes of the elevator.

Abstract: A splice plate for monorail track sections includes a mechanism for drawing the sections together and for leveling the top surfaces of the track with respect to one another. A hanger bracket which is used to attach the track to a support structure connects to the track without the use of through bolts thus eliminating the need to predrill holes in the track in order to receive such bolts. The supports themselves are commercially available hardware items and thus are less expensive than supports which are specifically designed for monorail track.

Abstract: An overlay for a elevator guide rail extends over the joints between segments to provide a seamless engagement surface for the guide rail. The overlay separates the engagement surface from the joints between adjacent segments to minimize vibration and improve the comfort of the ride. In one embodiment, an elevator includes a guide rail having a support formed from multiple segments joined end to end and an overlay encompassing a portion of the support. The overlay defines the engagement surface for the guide shoes of the elevator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a longitudinal transfer system made out of rail sections for guiding transport cars from one processing station to another, two adjacent rail sections being connected with one another mechanically and electrically. A connecting part and section strips are connected with one rail section incapable of sliding and with the other rail section with play but only so tightly that motion of the second rail section is possible, in particular as a result of expansion.

Abstract: A linear drive system has a guide rail and a transport device that is moveable along the guide rail. At least one tubular, flexible hollow body is positioned along the extension of the guide rail. The hollow body consists essentially of an elastomeric material and has a first and a second end. The at least one hollow body is loadable with a pressure medium from the first or the second end. At least one squeezing roller is rotatably connected to the transport device for forcing sealingly the at least one hollow body against a counter element. The guide rail consists essentially of a flexible elastomer.

Abstract: An assembly line system has a pallet travelling along a work top of a work table section. The table section has a track along which a cardanic chain moves to convey pucks connected to the underside of the pallet in spring-loaded manner, by means of frictional engagement between the chain and pucks. The pallet is provided with a set of castors having resilient wheels. Passageways convey the pneumatic supply necessary for operating various items of equipment along the assembly line. The assembly line system also includes an adjustable track bend. In a modification the pucks are locked in the track.

Abstract: A system for moving a work element along a work surface for performing work thereon includes an elongated track of flexible plastic material formed with gear teeth along one edge thereof. A carriage having a drive motor and a drive wheel driven thereby, is moved along the track by the drive wheel engaging the gear teeth. The drive wheel is connected to the drive motor by an eccentric cam mechanism. The work element is carried by the carriage and preferably is a high-pressure fluid cutting device. The track is formed of a flexible plastic material such as a linear high density polyethylene, enabling it to bend and conform to the work surface, and has a second elongated strip of plastic material movably secured to the track and extending longitudinally therealong. A series of magnets are mounted on the track for adhering the track to the work surface. The magnets are attached to the track by fasteners extending through slotted openings in the second strip of the track when conforming to the work surface.

Abstract: A curved guide rail for passenger and material transportation systems in which sheet-metal plates (3), wedged against one another, are arranged in a row on a prestressed rope (2) and the spaces in-between are bridged by an overlapping tooth construction (5), so that the guide rail can be curved as desired prior to being braced.

Abstract: Two mutually adjoining profile pieces (1a) of equal cross-section are connected by means of a coupling piece (16) which overlaps both of them and is situated in a coupling groove (15). The convexly arched floor of the latter is formed by the underside of a crossbar (5), the top side of which forms a running surface (6) for bearing rollers of running mechanisms. In the downward direction, the coupling groove (15) is limited by lateral holding strips (18a,b) exhibiting flat, inwardly inclined holding surfaces (19a,b), which point towards the floor of the said coupling groove and against which are pressed corresponding contact strips (20a,b) of the coupling piece (16), which coupling piece is braced against the holding strips (18a,b) of each of the profile pieces (1a), by means of, in each case, two tapping screws (17b) pressing against the floor of the coupling groove (15). At the bottom, the coupling groove (15) is adjoined by a guide groove (9) for receiving guide rollers.

Abstract: Carrier system for a mobile device positionable in various directions in space, such as a directive light source, including a trolley which can move along a guide ramp. The ramp includes two helical rails turning about a given longitudinal axis, and the trolley includes a pair of axles with parallel axes holding the ramp therebetween. Each axle is provided with a central body engaging with an associated face of the ramp by wheels capable of running the ramp and guiding the axles when the wheels move along the ramp, with which the wheels are held in contact by an elastic connecting member pulling them towards each other. The light source is fixed to the central body of one axle, and the central body is coupled in rotation with the wheels of the axle.

Abstract: A material handling car and track assembly, the assembly comprising a track having a pair of opposed U-shaped rails, and a car having a chassis with four wheel assemblies mounted on the chassis, each of the wheel assemblies comprising a first generally vertical travel wheel movable along a bottom plate portion of the rail, a second generally horizontal travel wheel engagable with a side wall portion of the rail, and a wear block engagable with a top plate portion of the rail.

Abstract: A single-line parts coating system comprises plural coating sections each housing plural coating booths, horizontally-movable nonflexible rails located in the respective coating sections, a first fixed nonflexible rail for introducing parts to be coated into a first coating section, intermediate fixed non-flexible rails located between the coating sections, a last fixed nonflexible rail for discharging the parts from a last coating section, and horizontally-flexible rails located between the nonflexible rails to connect the nonflexible rails. Each flexible rail comprises rail pieces and connecting plates connecting the rail pieces together. The rail pieces are in contact with each other. Each connecting plate is fixed to one of adjacent rail pieces, and is pivotally connected to the other rail piece. Thus, the rail pieces, together with the connecting plates fixed thereto, are capable of horizontal arcing motion relative to adjacent rail pieces.

Abstract: A flexible conveyor line comprises (i) an integrally-formed central nonflexible rail which is movable in a horizontal plane, (ii) a first integrally-formed outer nonflexible rail which is immovable, (iii) a second integrally-formed outer nonflexible rail which is immovable, (iv) a first horizontally-flexible rail connected between the first outer nonflexible rail and the central nonflexible rail, and (v) a second horizontally-flexible rail connected between the central nonflexible rail and the second outer nonflexible rail. Each flexible rail comprises rail pieces and connecting plates connecting the rail pieces together. The rail pieces are in contact with each other. Each connecting plate is fixed to one of adjacent rail pieces, and is pivotally connected to the other rail piece. Thus, the rail pieces, together with the connecting plates fixed thereto, are capable of horizontal arcing motion relative to adjacent rail pieces.

Abstract: A horizontally-flexible rail which comprises rail pieces and connecting plates connecting the rail pieces together, the rail pieces being in contact with each other, each connecting plate being fixed to one of adjacent rail pieces, and pivotally connected to the other rail piece, the rail pieces, together with the connecting plates fixed thereto, being capable of horizontal arcing motion relative to adjacent rail pieces, the connecting plates serving to limit the arcing motions to a relatively small range.

Abstract: A portable equipment handling apparatus comprises a track assembly that can be laid out in any desired configuration throughout a manufacturing plant, on a construction site or other desired facility. A movable platform is mounted on the track assembly and receives the equipment or supplies that are to be moved through the facility from an old location to a new location. The tugger puller is secured at the new location and the movable platform is loaded with the equipment or supplies at the old location. The activation of the tugger puller pulls the movable platform from the old location, along the track assembly, to the new location at which the equipment or supplies can be offloaded from the movable platform, if desired. The track assembly can include straight and curved segments to allow the track to be laid out in the desired path. The track can be disposed along floors, up and down stairs, along vertical walls and across ceilings.

Abstract: A flexible rail comprises rail pieces arranged in line, laterally opposed side plates, and laterally opposed connecting plates. Each rail piece includes a generally I-shaped member and a shelter member which is fixed to a top of the I-shaped member. The opposed side plates are fixed to respective side walls of the shelter member. The side plate overlaps one side of the rail piece. The connecting plate is fixed to a rear one of adjacent side plates, and is connected to the front side plate for pivotal movement. Thus, the rail piece, the side plates fixed thereto, and the connecting plates fixed to the side plates, as one body, are capable of pivotal movement.

Abstract: A floor conveyor junction seal gap closure includes a closure member pivotally mounted on and resiliently connected to a bracket extending upward from a conveyor switch mechanism. The floor conveyor includes a main line and a diverging branch line, both adapted to carry load trolleys connected by posts to load carriers positioned above the floor level. Floor slots are provided to clear the connection posts, and the slots are closed by split resilient seals. The seals are opened by the connection posts moving through them and resiliently close behind the posts. A seal gap is formed at the area of divergence of the branch slot from the main slot. The closure plate is positioned below the seal gap to normally close the seal gap. The resilient mounting of the closure plate allows it to be deflected to allow a connection post to pass through the seal gap and afterward returns the closure plate to its neutral position to close the seal gap.

Abstract: A track expanding device is employed in a conveyorized transport system to spread apart adjacently disposed sections of track thereby tensioning an endless chain travelling with these track sections. The expanding device comprises a splice and an expander having a threaded member for engaging with the splice with each of the splice and the expander being connected to an associated one of the adjacently disposed track sections thereby tensioning the endless chain as the threaded member is rotated.

Abstract: In order to service work stations of either spinning or doubling machines of the type having several service units travelling alongside their work stations, whenever an inspection of a given service unit becomes necessary, the given service unit to be inspected is brought from an operative condition into an inspection position. Such position is crosswise to the usual operative direction of travel of the service unit, and its side to be inspected (and which is otherwise turned towards the machine) is preferably thereby rendered accessible. Also, its normal work path is opened to use by another service unit. Such other service unit then travels into the opened work path and takes over the task of servicing the work station or stations in the assigned operative work area of the given service unit being inspected until same is brought back from its inspection position into its work path upon completion of the inspection, and again assumes the task of servicing work stations of its assigned work area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor rail intended for handling individual objects. The rail is composed of straight and curved modules consisting of quadratic sections (1), preferably of aluminium, with chain guides (4, 5, 6, 7) arranged on each side, This enables a single type of curved profile to be utilized for curves in any direction.

Abstract: A wear resistant track for the rollers of an overhead door to roll against includes a pair of uniform longitudinally extruded members such as an insert and a channel and locking means for releasably interlocking the members together whereby a planar surface of the insert is flush with portions of the channel and positioned for the rollers to bear against. In one arrangement the insert was of a polymer such as nylon and the channel was of aluminum.

Abstract: Overhead crane apparatus is disclosed incorporating an extruded aluminum alloy rail structure for runway and bridge girder applications. The relatively light weight and low cost rail structure is shaped to provide a trolley passageway protected from the ingress of deleterious substances, and is further contoured to provide a shaped cavity for ready reception of novel clamp means facilitating the imposition of increased loads on existing crane apparatus. The rail structure during the extrusion process may also be formed with fluid passages in the side walls thereof.

Abstract: A tool reaction balancing mechanism consisting of a fluid-pressure reaction and balancing system and an articulated arm wherein the arm is suspended from dual overhead rails by a travelling bridge. The novel articulated arm has two pivotally connected arm sections. One of the arm sections is pivotally mounted at an end of the arm, to a portion of the bridge and the other arm section has means for holding a tool at an opposing end of the arm such that the articulated arm permits a tool fastened in the means for holding a tool to be displaced along a linear path. Biasing means urge the articulated arm toward a rest position wherein the arm sections of the articulated arm are folded in on each other.

Abstract: A track is provided by a series of rigid or semi-rigid members supported solely or principally at their ends to extend across the track at spaced locations along the track. A load-transfer device is provided to engage with the track for movement along the track. The device comprises at least one rotary wheel having several equally spaced recesses provided in its periphery and a guide member mounted on the wheel, the wheel and guide member having cooperating relatively rotatable surfaces to allow rotation of the wheel relative to the guide member. The rigid or semi-rigid members are received in respective recesses in the wheel when the device moves along the track and the wheel rotates relative to the guide member to allow such members to pass through the device with at least one of those members being located with respect to the wheel by the guide member at any one time.

Abstract: A suspended rail assembly, especially for monorail vehicles, comprises a plurality of support masts bridged by a suspension cable from which a rail is supported by suspenders. In an unloaded state, an upward bow is imparted to the rail and each mast is provided with a beam elastically mounted therein and pivotal about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the rail for rounding out the rail.

Abstract: An overhead monorail conveyor whose inverted U-shaped rail has flanges provided with inwardly extending lower marginal portions to provide tracks for the wheels of a vehicle having an inverted U-shaped frame which surrounds a portion of the rail. The wheels are mounted on brackets which extend at a level below the marginal portions of the flanges and thereupon upwardly into the interior of the vehicle frame. The motor which drives the vehicle is mounted in the frame in the interior of the rail, the same as the conductors which supply electrical energy and the toothed rack or racks which mate with several gears driven by the motor. The interior of the rail further confines and shields other sensitive components of the conveyor, such as electric switches, proximity detectors, contacts which slide along bus bars, centering rolls for the frame of the vehicle, and devices for biasing the motor-driven gears against the toothed racks.

Abstract: A carriage guidance system is disclosed which employs an endless track defining upper and lower parallel track-ways adapted to receive guide rollers mounted on a carriage for rotation about vertical coplanar axes. The track also defines an intermediate track-way adapted to receive horizontal support rollers mounted on the carriage plate. The track-ways and carriage rollers cooperate in a manner to increase the allowable manufacturing and assembly tolerance range, and facilitate relatively easy removal of the carriage plate from the guide track.

Abstract: A trolley conveyor comprising a hollow guide rail within which an endless conveyor chain is centrally supported by guide rollers. A plurality of spaced U-shaped hangers supported by said chain extend through a longitudinal opening in one side of the guide rail spaced above the bottom of the rail. The lower side of the guide rail below the opening is inclined outwardly and serves to contain foreign matter present within the guide rail as well as to catch matter falling from above. The hangers each include a projection adjacent the longitudinal opening which serves to prevent the splashing of foreign matter from the interior of the guide rail out through the opening.

Abstract: A conveyer system having a pair of spaced roller chains driven by chain wheels and having carriages disposed between the chains and pivotally coupled thereto by means of shafts. The carriages while normally maintaining horizontal positions, each include a pair of horizontally disposed rollers and a pair of vertically disposed rollers for cooperation with fixed guides for maintaining the carriages horizontal whether travelling through horizontal, vertical or inclined paths. The system also includes guide means coupled to the carriage shafts for engaging wheels having recesses therein to hold the carriages horizontal while the chains travel about the supporting chain wheels.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for supporting load bearing, sharply curved girders, particularly for use in a transportation system. The sharply curved girders are supported only at their ends, even for those of substantial length, so as to reduce the number of vertical supports for the girders. This is achieved by providing a relatively short cross-support for the girder extending from the vertical support through the girder at each end thereof, with that cross-support or console having one end bearing on the vertical support and the other end forming a portion of a pivot bearing positioned on the inside of the curve of the girder. A crossbeam rigidly connected to the vertical support also extends transversely of each girder end and forms the opposite portion of the pivot bearing. Thus, torsional forces tending to twist the outside of the curve of the girder downwardly under load is compensated by the pivot bearing which provides a twisting force in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Hollow rolling element for a handling equipment comprising at least two assembled profiles forming a tubular section opened at its lower part and receiving one or several pony trucks or crane crabs, characterized in that it comprises two sheeting piles located with their concavities confronting each other on both sides of a vertical plane, the lower edges of said sheeting piles being spaced from each other in order to provide a lower elongated opening whereas the upper edges are rigidly fixed on both sides of at least one spacing member.

Abstract: This invention provides a conveyer comprising overhead rails mounted on pendant supports, and a load carrying device running on the rails. The supports each have a pair of downwardly extending arms which carry bolts that are fixed to the rails. Each rail has a groove opening on the side opposite to the guiding surface. Each pair of arms has inwardly projecting horizontal extensions at their lower ends. Each rail has at least three horizontal limbs and a vertical limb, the first limb having its upper surface serving as a bearing surface for the load carrying device and its lower surface bearing on an extension of one of the arms; the other horizontal limbs carrying flanges to contain T-shaped heads on the bolts which can be inserted at right angles to the length of the rails.