Abstract: Roller guide comprising at least one guide rail, which has at least one first and one second planar region, and comprising a first and a second roller, which are each in contact with the guide rail and roll thereon, wherein the first and the second roller are mounted so that they are rotatable about a common axis of rotation and are formed rotationally-symmetrically about the axis of rotation and a radius of the first roller is smaller than a radius of the second roller, the first roller has a first circular-segment-shaped surface rolling region and the second roller has a second circular-segment-shaped surface rolling region and a centre point of the first surface rolling region and a centre point of the second surface rolling region are arranged on the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A foldable conveyer system is disclosed appropriate for loading and unloading an airplane using two people. In one embodiment, the foldable conveyer system is formed of a plurality of foldable sections, where each section has a first half and a second half foldably connected to each other. Each first half and each second half has reversible tension-controlled conveyer belts for moving luggage into or out of an aircraft. When fully deployed, and thus operating flat along the interior of an aircraft, the foldable conveyer system operates to move luggage and other objects placed on the foldable conveyer system in a selected direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a roller guide, wherein the roller guide has at least one at least partially laterally open guide rail and at least one running roller rolling in the guide rail and connected to parts of the vehicle seat by means of at least one axle, wherein the guide rail comprises a roller bottom-side inner wall arranged parallel to a central axis of the running roller, extending parallel thereto a roller top-side inner wall and a roller outer-side inner wall arranged perpendicularly to the central axis, wherein at least one lower transition inner wall is arranged between the roller bottom-side inner wall and the roller outer-side inner wall and at least one upper transition inner wall is arranged between the roller top-side inner wall and the roller outer-side inner wall, wherein the transition inner walls are configured free from a right-angled portion and in directions from the roller top-side inner wall and the roller bottom-side inner wall towards the roller outer-side inne

Abstract: A conveyor installation for the transportation of articles along a predefined path includes a running rail, at least one running carriage which is freely movable along the running rail, and a driven engagement device which extends at least in sections along the running rail and which includes a multiplicity of engagement elements movable along the running rail. Reliable and quiet operation is achieved in that the engagement elements are movable back and forth between two stable positions, wherein, in the first stable position, the engagement elements can be moved relative to the at least one running carriage past the running carriage without entering into engagement with the running carriage (non-engagement position), and wherein, in the second stable position, the engagement elements, during a movement relative to the at least one running carriage past the running carriage, compulsorily enter into engagement with the at least one running carriage (engagement position).

Abstract: The present invention is a movable pallet for loading and securing goods into and out of a shipping container. The dimensions of the movable pallet can be conveniently and selectively adjusted both in length and in width. These adjustments can be further secured by removable locking devices at various locations along the side of the movable pallet, as well as around all of its corners. The versatile adjustment mechanism of the present invention allows goods to be securely transferred among containers of various dimensions during maritime and land transportation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide for a cargo power drive unit (PDU) with a water extraction mechanism. According to one aspect, a PDU includes a PDU housing that is configured for installation within the cargo floor. A PDU drive wheel is positioned within a drive wheel compartment of the PDU housing. A water barrier is positioned around a top portion of the PDU housing. A water extraction mechanism is configured to transfer water from a sump portion of the drive wheel compartment to the cargo floor outside of the water barrier.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a vehicle line comprising at least two rails which are parallel to each other and fastened to a substructure and on which plate-shaped elements are arranged, characterized in that in the lateral lower portion the plate-shaped elements respectively comprise downwardly projecting bearing blocks which are supported in a vertically adjustable manner on holding elements which are respectively fastened to one of the rails.

Abstract: A synthetic benchmark for a computer program and a method and computer program product for creating a synthetic benchmark for a computer program. The synthetic benchmark is created using statistical information that is collected about an executing program, and some hints about the machine on which the benchmark will be run. When executed, the synthetic benchmark exhibits behavior similar to the computer program to permit computer performance to be accurately measured.

Abstract: A track and linkage device for a locomotive designed to run on a track and powered by a turbofan engine comprises a track defining a channel having an open upper end and a plurality of ball bearings in the channel such that at least a portion of the ball bearings project through the open upper end of the channel. The ball bearings are at least partially coated with a material for reducing friction. A connector is associated with locomotive and has a slide surface thereon which slides on the ball bearings in the track. The slide surface includes a material on at least a portion of thereof for reducing friction when moving over the ball bearings.

Abstract: A track and linkage device for a locomotive designed to run on a track and powered by a turbofan engine comprises a track defining a channel having an open upper end and a plurality of ball bearings in the channel such that at least a portion of the ball bearings project through the open upper end of the channel. The ball bearings are at least partially coated with a material for reducing friction. A connector is associated with locomotive and has a slide surface thereon which slides on the ball bearings in the track. The slide surface includes a material on at least a portion of thereof for reducing friction when moving over the ball bearings.

Abstract: This invention concerns a processing machine, particularly for panel-shaped workpieces of wood or wood materials, which consists of: one or more processing stations which essentially lie in the same plane; at least one working unit which can travel over the work stations in three axes perpendicular to one another, and, a number of bearing rails upon which the displaceable carriage units are arranged in the plane of the work stations. The bearing rails have electrical and pneumatic supply interfaces for the carriage units and the supply interfaces are arranged linearly along the longitudinal direction of the bearing rail.

Abstract: A track and rail-form slider combination includes a rail-form slider having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sides extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. Four corners are formed where the top surface meets the sides and the bottom surface meets the sides. A track is provided which includes a plurality of roller supports. At least four rollers are secured to each roller support. Each roller engages the rail-form slider solely at one of the corners.

Abstract: An inline processing system for processing a batch of pallets, including a first magazine for supporting a predetermined number of unprocessed pallets. A load chamber for receiving and supporting the first magazine and for indexing the magazine to present individual ones of the unprocessed pallets to a transport position. One or more process chambers located inline with the load chamber and with each process chamber including a pair of valves at opposite ends of each process chamber to control the passage of individual ones of the pallets between each process chamber and the adjacent chamber. A second magazine for supporting the predetermined number of pallets after processing. An unload chamber for receiving and supporting the second magazine and for indexing the magazine to receive individual ones of the processed pallets from a transport position.

Abstract: A bicycle monorail system is provided and consists of a series of bicycles which are to be peddled by riders to run about an elevated monorail track having an irregular continuous path. Each bicycle includes a structure thereon to prevent another bicycle from behind to bump into it.

Abstract: A roll-way is assembled from roll blocks to permit frictionless displacement of goods or vehicles placed thereupon. The roll blocks contain a base body having a roll surface into which there is embedded a multitude of rolling balls that are closely spaced from each other and located in associated spherical cavities. The rolling balls protrude from the associated spherical cavities by less than half of their circumference and are embedded in a rollingly movable manner in the roll surface.

Abstract: A device for moving or positioning an object makes use of a track on a base and a circular groove on the platform. The platform holds the object. Balls are captured between the platform and the base which permit independent translation and rotation of the platform with respect to the base, by the simultaneous rolling and sliding of the balls. A mechanism for preloading and interlocking the base and the platform is also provided. The mechanism includes a shaft passing between the platform and the base and two channels formed in the platform. Elements disposed in the channels urge the shaft in opposite directions or selectively locking and disengaging of the platform and the base.

Abstract: A materials handling system which includes a deck on which is mounted a number of rollers, a motor for rotating the rollers in either sense, a pair of rails for a tracked vehicle, and at least one cover which is pivotal to expose or overlie the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved arrangement for transferring heavy workpieces from a transport or storage position to at least one machining position or reverse. According to the invention this is achieved by means of a pair of arms (13) which are telescoptically extendable for bridging the distance between the positions and by means of support apparatus (14, 15) which, in the fully or partly extended position for the arms (13), engage and support the arms adjacent their outer ends.

Abstract: An all-steel winged pallet has a deck formed of hollow steel tubes welded at each end to a support member. The support members extend perpendicular to the deck tubes and parallel to each other and have generally U-shaped cross-sections that are mirror images to each other. The inner side of the U is welded to the tubes at a location spaced inwardly from the respective end of the tube, and the outer side is bent outwardly to form a shelf and is then bent upwardly to be welded to the end region of the tubes. The shelf includes a roller contact area under the outermost part of the deck tubes to ride on rollers of a gravity-flow rack system and a guide that extends longitudinally along the shelf to provide a surface against which the rollers can bear.

Abstract: A floor conveyance system for transporting goods along a preselected conveyance path includes a drag chain conveyor defining a first surface and a skid conveyor having one end adjacent to the drag chain conveyor and defining a second surface disposed at a higher level than the first surface of the drag chain conveyor. A conveying frame is operatively engageable with the drag chain and skid conveyors for supporting goods thereon and includes front and rear pairs of wheels to permit for rolling movement of the conveying frame across the first surface and a pair of elongated parallel skid members mounted interiorly with respect to the front and rear pairs of wheels and each having a longitudinal length less than the separation dimension between the front and rear pairs of wheels. The parallel skid members establish sliding contact with the second surface when the conveying frame is conveyed along the skid conveyor.

Abstract: An elongated oscillating live-roller conveyor is disposed between a pair of horizontal guide rails which project upwardly above the conveyor rollers for slidably guiding skids unidirectionally along the conveyor. A pair of one-way holding mechanisms are mounted on opposite sides of the skid and cooperate with the upper surfaces of the guide rails for causing the skid to be unidirectionally stepped along the conveyor as it reciprocates back and forth. The one-way holding mechanism includes an elongated dog which is swingably mounted on the side of the skid and has a lower edge which slides along the top surface of the guide rail during forward advance of the skid, and grippingly engages the top surface during retraction of the conveyor so as to prevent retraction of the skid.

Abstract: A heliostatic solar energy conversion system in which a plurality of multi-faceted heliostats are supported on one or more platforms that move in a segment of a circular path about a central receiver as a center. The heliostats are mounted in frames that pivot on the platform on an edge of each heliostat. In one embodiment the platforms are supported in a concave spherical depression in the ground. The heliostats of the invention are constructed with a plurality of intersecting beams and stringers, and the stringers are formed with parabolic flanges which support the facets so that the angle of incidence between the sun and the focal point of the central receiver is generally in the center of each facet. A vernier adjustment is provided for each heliostat.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for engaging the relative elevation of two intersecting trackways for conveying and transferring freight goods in two conveying directions. One of the conveyors has rollers for engaging the flat bottoms of the freight bins and the other has flat tracks for receiving the wheels which project a short distance below the bottoms of the bins. The flat tracks are disposed at an elevation which is high enough to use the flat bottoms of the bins to clear the rollers in the intersecting conveyor. The portion of the tracks which intersects the roller conveyor is movable downwardly on eccentric cams a sufficient distance to drop the bins on the rollers to accomplish the transfer. Raising the flat track portion on the cams accomplishes transfer in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An aircraft pallet is equipped with one or two telescoped pilot plates delineating maximum actual load overhang, to be not more than the roller track can handle.

Abstract: A passenger loading method and installation is provided by means of which passengers are mechanically propelled and accelerated to a velocity substantially the same as that of a main transport structure onto which they can be loaded without the necessity of stopping or slowing movement of the main transport structure. The invention is particularly applicable to ski-lifts and enables an increase in hourly carrying capacity of such lifts.

Abstract: A system for placing items, preferably for parking motor vehicles in a garage, comprises shiftable carrying plates, which carry the items and occupy a plurality of respective carrying plate positions arranged thoughout the available area in rows, which are transverse to each other and preferably at right angles to each other and may be disposed in a plurality of stories, if desired. The carrying plates occupy all but at least one of said carrying plate positions. Shifting means are provided for shifting each carrying plate between each carrying plate position and an adjacent one forwardly and rearwardly in the directions of said rows.

Abstract: A gravity-type roller conveyor having plural rollers mounted on an elongated support member which is movably positioned within an elongated frame member. The upper edges of the frame member have sidewardly extending flanges which define braking surfaces. An elongated hose is positioned in the bottom of the frame member and, when inflated, causes the support member and rollers to raise upwardly so that the rollers project above the braking surfaces. The hose, when at least partially deflated, causes the support member to move downwardly so that the rollers are positioned below the braking surfaces, whereby the articles supported on the rollers are lowered into engagement with the braking surfaces. A control device provides pressurized air to the hose in a pulsating manner to cause periodic raising and lowering of the rollers for controlling movement of the articles.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system in which a continuous overhead rail extends through a plurality of transport stations. Transport tubes are arranged along the rail for high-speed travel of a vehicle which is suspended therefrom. Between the transport tubes, the vehicle rests upon driven rollers which propel the vehicle into the tubes and receive the vehicle after it leaves the tubes. In the stretches provided with these rollers, the rail approaches the rollers so that the vehicle rests upon the rollers and is only guided laterally by the rail. Within the tubes themselves, however, the vehicle is suspended from the rail generally out of contact with the walls of the tubes and is displaced through the latter by a pressure differential generated by suction devices.

Abstract: Mechanism for removing containerized freight from a beached watercraft and ransporting same to a waiting tractor-trailer located on firm terrain. The mechanism is designed to transport heavy freight containers across muddy or loose sandy terrain without allowing the containers to sink or otherwise become bogged down in the terrain. Principal application is in military battlefield operations wherein it might sometimes be required to deliver containerized freight from large ships dispersed offshore to overland transport vehicals without the aid or necessity of sophisticated cranes and dock facilities.

Abstract: Substrate transfer apparatus for a vacuum coating or processing system of the multiple compartment type, comprising a rectangular platform for carrying substrates to be coated, the platform being moveable through the compartments over and between supporting and guide rollers respectively, and having a gear rack on one side extending in the direction of motion, and driving means for the platform including an electric variable speed d.c. motor connected respectively, through individual one-way running clutches to a plurality of pinion gears, each pinion gear being independently biased for separately meshing with the rack, and limit switches positioned within the compartments and operable by the platform for controlling the electric motor.

Abstract: A four-way pallet is of rectangular shape and is unitarily formed inwardly f each of its longitudinal edges with a row of three edge bosses projecting and tapering from one of the faces of the pallet. These bosses constitute feet for the pallet and define a pair of parallel ways across the plate at the one face and perpendicular to the longitudinal edges of the pallet. The plate is further formed between and parallel to the edge rows with a row of two middle bosses projecting and tapering from the one pallet face and each formed with apertures in line with the ways. Thus tines of a lift fork can pass under the pallet standing on the bosses between the edge bosses and through the apertures of the middle bosses. Such an arrangement of staggered bosses on the pallet provides continuous support therefor when rolling on a roller-type conveyor in a direction parallel to the longitudinal edges. The pallet is of uniform thickness throughout and the feet have flat faces and sides formed as isosceles trapezoids.

Abstract: This invention relates to pallets employed in materials handling on wheel conveyors, also known as skate or skatewheel conveyors, and more particularly to a pallet which is self-guiding along the conveyor.

Abstract: A vehicle path controller has a plurality of cylindrical support rollers arranged in section(s) with each roller axis (of rotation) substantially parallel to and along the prescribed path. An entrance ramp is positioned adjacent the initial roller section and facilitates the driving of the vehicle onto same. The rollers are rotatably connected to framework and are conveniently arranged in two separate paths, one path for the left wheels and one path for the right wheels. Guide rollers are also connected to the framework but have an axis of rotation elevated with reference to the vehicle support rollers.