Pusher Patents (Class 104/162)
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Patent number: 12195197Abstract: A cargo handling system is configured to load and unload a cargo container with respect to a cargo holding area of a vehicle. The cargo handling system includes parallel roller tracks extending from a floor. The roller tracks are separated by a clearance space. The roller tracks include rollers that are configured to rotatably support the cargo container. A mobile cargo mover is configured to move within the clearance space. The cargo mover is configured to engage the cargo container to move the cargo container on the roller tracks. The cargo mover is configured to disengage the cargo container to move away from the cargo container.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2020Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Douglas Alan Brown, William Robert Clos, Karen L. Hills, Avery Riddle, Cynthia A. Vandewall
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Patent number: 12145012Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes: a storage grid having storage columns arranged in rows, in which storage containers are stacked one on top of another; a rail system having a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane having a plurality of adjacent grid cells; at least one container handling vehicle configured to move on the rail system, including a wheel arrangement configured to guide the at least one storage container vehicle along the rail system in at least one of the first direction and the second direction; and a service vehicle for movement on the rail system.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2022Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: AutoStore Technology ASInventor: Trond Austrheim
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Patent number: 12128941Abstract: A handling system for a receptacle space in a vehicle for storage for containers. A linear guide is on an inner wall of the receptacle space. The linear guide guides at least one carrier element in the movement direction of the container, wherein the storage position of the container is provided having the rear wall thereof in the region of the rear wall of the receptacle space. The removal position is provided in the region of an insertion opening, arranged opposite the rear wall. The at least one carrier element is operatively connected to at least one spindle nut of a spindle drive. The container is thus moved linearly from a stowage and storage position to a removal position and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2021Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Roland Lange, Andreas Wietzke, Jan Lehnert, Artjom Sotnikov, Mika Sachse
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Patent number: 11987459Abstract: A method of transporting a vehicle engine wire harness from a component preparation location to a component pick location is provided. The method includes placing the vehicle engine wire harness on a hook of a component hanger. The component hanger with vehicle engine wire harness is directed along a supply track assembly through a heated enclosure to the component pick location at a vehicle assembly line.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Lloyd R. Holland, Bradley J. Garcia, Scottie L. Foster, Michael C. Greenlee, Eric F. Cornett, Randall L. Johnson, Michael P. Meyer, Steven R. Johnson
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Patent number: 11702050Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and computer readable medium including program instructions for controlling the braking of one or more vehicles in a vehicle system positioned for unloading/loading of cargo. The vehicle system includes a designated head-end and a tail-end and each of the one or more vehicles is equipped with an electronic braking system in communication with a central control via a communication network spanning across the vehicle system. A dynamic unloading/loading braking profile can be set on at least one electronic braking system on at least one vehicle. During unloading/loading of the cargo from one or more vehicles in the vehicle system, the braking on at least one of the vehicles in the vehicle system is controlled via the dynamic unloading/loading braking profile.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventors: Charles L. Wolf, Wynand Jacobus Coetzee Jordaan
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Patent number: 11613426Abstract: In an aspect, there is provided a correlator for guiding a vehicle onto a vehicle conveyor. The correlator includes a wheel support surface defining a receiving end of the correlator and a conveyor-interfacing end of the correlator. The wheel support surface is positioned to support a wheel of the vehicle as the wheel rolls thereon. The correlator further includes at least one guide structure positioned to guide a wheel of the vehicle laterally during travel of the wheel on the wheel support surface from the receiving end towards the conveyor-interfacing end. The wheel support surface has a surface region having surface properties selected such that a coefficient of friction between the surface region and tire rubber is sufficiently low to prevent the wheel from having sufficient traction on the surface region to enable climbing of the wheel onto the at least one guide structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Stephenson Technologies Inc.Inventor: Robert Roy Stephenson
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Patent number: 11484736Abstract: The invention concerns a service vehicle (2) for movement on a rail system (108). The service vehicle (2) comprises a container vehicle handling part (8) for mechanical interacting with a container handling vehicle (300) operating on the rail system (108), an operational part (3) for controlling operations of the service vehicle (2) and caterpillar tracks (6) for allowing movement of the service vehicle (2) on the rail system (108) during operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Trond Austrheim
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Patent number: 11174896Abstract: In a motion guiding device including a track body, and a moving body provided to be movable along the track body, the track body includes a groove formed along a longitudinal direction of the track body and a plurality of rolling surfaces formed inside and outside the groove. The moving body includes a plurality of rotating bodies that roll on the plurality of rolling surfaces, and adopts a configuration in which respective contacts in which the plurality of rotating bodies are in contact with the plurality of rolling surfaces are disposed on the same straight-line in a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the track body.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: THK CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinji Aoki, Takeshi Shimamura
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Patent number: 11124365Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a plurality of conveyor elements forming a conveyor chain for conveying hanging goods, wherein the conveyor chain extends along a conveyor path. A plurality of hanging elements are movable along and mounted on a guide which extends at least in sections parallel to the conveyor path. The hanging elements comprise an engaging section configured to contact in each case one of the conveyor elements to receive a driving force from the conveyor element which is directed along the guide. The engaging section of the hanging elements is tiltable between a conveying position and an accumulating position, wherein the engaging section is straightened in the conveying position to receive the driving force, and is tilted away in the accumulating position to evade the driving force. The engaging section presses into its conveying position.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Vanderlande Industries B.V.Inventor: Ralf Ferdinand Schneuing
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Patent number: 11066258Abstract: This invention relates to a control system and method for rotary car dumpers comprising a positioning car, silos and feeders. Such control system comprises three integrated and communicating controls in closed grid, that is, the positioning car control, the silos level control and the feeder flow control. In this way, with the data of these controls, the rotary car dumpers control system is configured to maintain the level of silo at maximum, performing changes in the cycle time by controlling the positioning car to maintain the level of silos and thus achieve maximum productivity of the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: VALE S.A.Inventors: Bruno Eduardo Lopes, Celson José De Resende Neto, Waldinir Lima Castro Silva
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Patent number: 10814982Abstract: A cargo handling system is configured to load and unload a cargo container with respect to a cargo holding area of a vehicle. The cargo handling system includes parallel roller tracks extending from a floor. The roller tracks are separated by a clearance space. The roller tracks include rollers that are configured to rotatably support the cargo container. A mobile cargo mover is configured to move within the clearance space. The cargo mover is configured to engage the cargo container to move the cargo container on the roller tracks. The cargo mover is configured to disengage the cargo container to move away from the cargo container.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Douglas Alan Brown, William Robert Clos, Karen L. Hills, Avery Riddle, Cynthia A. Vandewall
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Patent number: 10464752Abstract: A conveyance facility for conveying a bag includes a carrier including a support supporting the bag, and traveling wheels. A conveyance path includes a straight section and a curve section. In the curve section, a pulley rotatable along the curve section and in frictional contact with the support; and a guide rail guiding the traveling wheels are provided. The guide rail includes a rotation guide rail guiding one traveling wheel of a pair of the traveling wheels, and rotating with the pulley; a fixed guide rail guiding another traveling wheel of the pair of traveling wheels, and being provided along the rotation guide rail; and an upper guide rail and a side guide rail guiding the support.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2019Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.Inventors: Masashige Iwata, Hiromichi Ikeuchi
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Patent number: 10260814Abstract: A conveyance device for a heat treatment device presses a conveyed body to convey the conveyed body in a linear direction, and includes a cylinder mechanisms having a retractable rod that presses the conveyed body, in which: an abutting member is disposed at a tip part of the rod of the cylinder mechanism so that the abutting member abuts locations, which are different from each other in a circumferential direction, on an outer peripheral surface of the conveyed body; a guide rail configured to guide the abutting member is provided; and the abutting member is provided with a traveling roller that travels on the guide rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignees: IHI CORPORATION, IHI MACHINERY AND FURNACE CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiko Katsumata, Kaoru Isomoto, Gen Nishitani, Akira Nakayama, Takahiro Nagata, Yuusuke Shimizu
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Patent number: 10065664Abstract: A control system having a controller is configured to operate a vehicle indexing system that moves one or more vehicles in a vehicle system into a position to one or more of unload cargo off of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto the one or more vehicles. The controller is configured to determine a power setting of the vehicle indexing system that is used by the vehicle indexing system to move the one or more vehicles in the vehicle system into the position. The controller also is configured to determine a vehicle power setting for the vehicle system based on the power setting of the vehicle indexing system for controlling the vehicle system to provide additional tractive effort to the vehicle indexing system to move the one or more vehicles into the position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Adam Charles Hausmann, Derek Kevin Woo, Peter Idema
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Patent number: 9745137Abstract: An indexing or ratcheting conveyor configured to advance a load includes a frame defining the inlet end and the outlet end of the conveyor, a first device with a gravity rocking pushers and a powered member configured to advance the load in a direction from the inlet end to the outlet end of the conveyor. The conveyor can also include a second device configured to move the load, disposed at the outlet end only, in a direction from the outlet end to the inlet end prior to discharge of the load outwardly from the outlet end. The conveyor can be used as a component of an oven configured to cook or bake dough in containers with electrical resistance.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: ZME, LLCInventors: Matthew Robert McCafferty, Zachary Gerald Soles
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Patent number: 9701324Abstract: A chain and hydraulic motor-driven low dog railcar indexer is disclosed which is operable along a curved track section. The system includes left and right track side indexing railcar-moving arrangements, each of which includes an indexer track and a chain-return trough. The indexer tracks and chain return troughs are segmented to accommodate the curved railroad track section and wear pads are provided to enable chain operation in the curved section.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Calvin J. Brandt
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Patent number: 9440156Abstract: A method of operating a ride system to provide passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that have a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas J. Comorre
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Patent number: 9272719Abstract: A railcar handling system is disclosed that includes an indexing unit having a plurality of dog carriages, serially aligned in fixed spaced relation, each carriage carrying a railcar axle-engaging dog and a railcar wheel sensor and a hydraulic operating system including a hydraulic cylinder for moving the plurality of dog carriages in unison in a reciprocating ratcheting manner and operating said axle-engaging dogs. A control system is provided to coordinate the operation of the railcar handling system.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Calvin J. Brandt
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Publication number: 20150083017Abstract: A railcar handling system is disclosed that includes an indexing unit having a plurality of dog carriages, serially aligned in fixed spaced relation, each carriage carrying a railcar axle-engaging dog and a railcar wheel sensor and a hydraulic operating system including a hydraulic cylinder for moving the plurality of dog carriages in unison in a reciprocating ratcheting manner and operating said axle-engaging dogs. A control system is provided to coordinate the operation of the railcar handling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: CALBRANDT, INC.Inventor: Calvin J. Brandt
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Patent number: 8985029Abstract: A car wash dolly of the type used in connection with multi-tier car wash conveyors comprises, in mirror image arrangement, first and second pairs of stainless steel journals having external bearing surfaces and polymeric rollers mounted for rotation on said bearing surfaces wherein the journals are nitro carburized and mechanically polished prior to assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Belanger, Inc.Inventor: Barry S. Turner
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Patent number: 8961262Abstract: An elongated flexible open coil spring with spaced apart coils adapted to engage a guide pin on a slot car is placed in the slot of a model slot car track. Cars are positioned with their depending pins engaging the open coil spring to be carried around the track by a powered car held by and moving the open coil spring along the slot.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: George S. Hudimac, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140261056Abstract: A railcar indexer system is disclosed that includes a design that enables extremely high loads to be moved without exceeding present railcar limitations. The railcar handling system of the present invention employs hydraulically-operated indexers that divide the load between consecutive dog carriages that, in turn, operate to apply force to railcar bogey frames or axles on consecutive railcars. This transfers a large amount of force to be applied to a lead railcar and enables a much larger amount of force to be applied to the next railcar and a larger total force to be applied to a string of railcars.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Bradley J. Goldbeck
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Patent number: 8708770Abstract: An elongated flexible sliding member with spaced apart coils, slots, or holes to engage a guide pin on a slot car is placed in the slot of a model slot car track. Cars positioned where the flexible sliding member engage the coils, slots, holes or detents in the sliding member to be carried around the track by a powered car held by the flexible sliding member.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: George S. Hudimac, Jr.
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Patent number: 8113124Abstract: A car wash dolly that uses a single shaft having two camshaft lobes and a series of snap ring grooves. The bolt-less design of the dolly includes a stronger camshaft and minimized component count. The center link and wheels may be mounted directly on the shaft to produce a sturdy design for the dolly. Grooves and snap rings are provided to “lock” wheels in their place on the shaft and to keep wheels physically close to one another to prevent dirt or other debris from getting between the wheels. Optional thrust washers also may be provided between plastic wheels and snap rings to reduce friction between the wheels during operation of the dolly in a car wash facility. The dolly according to the present disclosure is intended to roll, via a conveyor chain, on a slotted track of an auto-laundry system. Because of rules governing Abstracts, this Abstract should not be used to construe the claims in this patent application.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventors: Daniel D. Smock, Jeffrey A. Sizer
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Patent number: 8028628Abstract: A roller assembly call up mechanism for a vehicle wash conveyor having an endless chain with a plurality of spaced roller assemblies attached thereto for pushing a vehicle along a slotted track, is located below the track and includes a power cylinder, a crank arm connected to the power cylinder and an axle connected to the crank arm for rotation with the axle. A ramp in the form of a pair of spaced forks is connected to the axle for rotation therewith. A slotted link is pivotally connected at one end to the ramp and at an opposite end to the entrance trap door whereby when the power cylinder is actuated the ramp and the trap door are pivoted upwardly.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventor: G. Thomas Ennis
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Patent number: 7934457Abstract: A railcar positioning system operable as either an indexer or progressor is disclosed which includes a pair of spaced trackside railcar movers positioned outside and parallel to the rails of a railroad track. Each railcar mover includes a spaced trackside guideway located next to one of the railway rails, a plurality of spaced connected dog carriages mounted for operation together in the guideway, each dog carriage carrying a pusher dog mounted on the carriage, a reciprocating hydraulic cylinder associated with the plurality of spaced, connected dog carriages. A hydraulic power unit is connected to operate each of the cylinders individually or together and a control system is associated with the power unit for controlling the operation of the positioning system such that said positioning system may be optionally operated as an indexer or as a progressor.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Calvin J. Brandt
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Publication number: 20110036263Abstract: A car wash roller and a manufacturing method are provided. The roller includes a body with first and second apertures and a shaft disposed in the first aperture. The body further includes a third aperture extending from a top surface to the first aperture. The shaft has an aperture that is aligned with the third aperture. The roller further includes a locking member disposed in both the third aperture and the aperture of the shaft that prevents the shaft from rotating relative to the body. The roller further includes first and second plastic sleeves that are disposed on the shaft, such that the sleeves do not rotate relative to the shaft. The roller further includes first and second plastic wheels that are rotatably coupled to the first and second plastic sleeves, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: VAUGHAN INDUSTRIES INC.Inventor: Andrew Vaughan Balash
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Patent number: 7845286Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer system, and particularly to a self-driving trailer system for a radiation imaging inspection system and a method for inspecting a vehicle by radiation imaging of a vehicle through the trailer system. The self-driving trailer system comprises two trailers symmetrical in structure. Each of the trailers comprises a driving device, running wheels, a trailer body, a carrying device, a lift cylinder, a balance wheel, and two pairs of guide wheels. The driving device, the running wheels, and the balance wheel are coupled with the trailer body. The carrying device is coupled with the trailer body through the lift cylinder. A front carrying arm and a rear carrying arm can clamp front wheels of a vehicle under inspection, and move upwards and downwards by the lift cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignees: Nuctech Company Limited, Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Bin Hu, Wanquan Shen, Zhizhong Liang, Hua Peng, Shangmin Sun, Nan Jiang, Quanwei Song, Weirong Huang, Zhenbin Guo, Sheng Tang, Guang Yang
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Publication number: 20100258025Abstract: A railcar positioning system operable as either an indexer or progressor is disclosed which includes a pair of spaced trackside railcar movers positioned outside and parallel to the rails of a railroad track. Each railcar mover includes a spaced trackside guideway located next to one of the railway rails, a plurality of spaced connected dog carriages mounted for operation together in the guideway, each dog carriage carrying a pusher dog mounted on the carriage, a reciprocating hydraulic cylinder associated with the plurality of spaced, connected dog carriages. A hydraulic power unit is connected to operate each of the cylinders individually or together and a control system is associated with the power unit for controlling the operation of the positioning system such that said positioning system may be optionally operated as an indexer or as a progressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Calvin J. Brandt
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Patent number: 7464651Abstract: A railcar moving or positioning system incorporating relatively simple mechanical bogey frame side member sensing systems mounted on each dog carriage of a railcar indexing system is disclosed. Each sensing system is used to control the operation of a dog mounted on the same carriage. A mechanical follower device is employed to sense the underside of an encountered bogey frame side member. Deflection of the follower is used to operate a hydraulic valve which, in turn, is used as a control cylinder to raise or lower an adjacent dog member.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Calvin J. Brandt
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Publication number: 20080229965Abstract: A low weight corrosion resistant car wash roller includes a plastic body. The roller also includes a shaft with a sleeve arranged thereon. A set of plastic rollers are arranged on the shaft in contact with the sleeve. A second removable fastener is arranged in the body and has a plastic idle wheel arranged on each end thereof. The roller also includes a carrier link rotatably secured to the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventor: Andrew Vaughan Balash
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Patent number: 7377219Abstract: A single-carriage reversing train positioning system which includes an extending spike-type car engaging member for engaging and moving one or more railcars. An extending chuck assembly may be provided with the ability to operate gates in bottom-discharging railcars. The system uses a single self-propelled carriage with an on-board carriage drive system that includes a drive motor which operates the car along a fixed chain situated along a guideway. A generally horizontally disposed, laterally extendable pin car-engaging assembly is mounted on the car-moving carriage for aligning with and engaging a hook loop on a railcar for moving the car. A gate-operating assembly which includes a laterally extendable chuck system which aligns with, engages and rotates gate-operating capstans on bottom discharging railcars may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Calvin J. Brandt
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Patent number: 7302894Abstract: A vehicle tire entry guide for transitioning vehicles into a car wash lane comprises a pair of smoothly-curved, reversely similar tire guide rails covered with plastic. Each curved guide rail comprises a curved angle iron with stanchions which can be bolted to the car wash floor and an extruded polyethylene cover which eliminates the need for moving parts and smoothly transitions into a conveyor tire guide lane. A roller grid or the like may be floor-mounted between the curved guide rails.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Belanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner
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Patent number: 7185744Abstract: A roller system for moving a load a predetermined distance includes a chock frame having a pair of spaced chocks connected between a pair of rigid siderails and a freely moveable roller unit. The roller unit includes a plurality of rollers and is positioned between the siderails and freely moveable between the pair of spaced chocks. The load may then be moved in inchmeal fashion by slowly advancing the roller unit while shuffling the chock frame on the ground at a similar pace.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Triodyne Safety Systems, L.L.C.Inventor: Ralph Lipsey Barnett
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Patent number: 7051660Abstract: A railroad car positioning apparatus for positioning a railroad car along a railroad track includes a battery-powered and radio-controlled carriage assembly and first and second dog members mounted on the carriage assembly. The apparatus includes a main control unit for controlling the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is controlled via radio communication between the carriage assembly and the main control unit. The dog members are generally extendable to an axle height of the railroad car to be acquired for contacting one of the axles of the railroad car. The apparatus further includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for moving the carriage assembly in a forward or reverse direction on a guide way disposed between the railroad tracks on which the railroad cars travel. The batteries on the carriage assembly may be remotely recharged using a contactless power transfer device, which includes a battery recharging device situated on the guide way.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Metso Minerals Industries, Inc.Inventors: Samuel P. Insana, Duane B. Swartz
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Patent number: 6889615Abstract: A power driven conveyor having a drive means and a carrier supported for movement along a path of travel parallel to the path of movement provided by the drive means. The carrier has a contact surface adjacent to the drive means that is movable between a first position wherein the contact surface is disengaged from the drive means and a second position wherein the contact surface is frictionally driven by the drive means so as to cause the carrier to move from a first station to a second station along the path of travel provided by the drive means. An actuator is operatively associated with the carrier for causing the contact surface to move between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Bridgewater Products, Inc.Inventors: William Johnson, Paul Bridgewater
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Patent number: 6837168Abstract: The present invention provides a reversing train positioning system for engaging and moving a railroad car or trip of cars by engaging a bogey wheel truck frame. The train positioning system includes a dog carriage having a drive motor mounted on the dog carriage which operates to propel the dog carriage back and forth along a single tension chain in a carriage guideway provided alongside a railroad track. The carriage is supplied with electric power and hydraulic fluid from an attached flexible power track system which has a fixed end connected to a source of high pressure hydraulic fluid and a return sump and a source of electric power and a free end attached to move with the carriage. Alternatively, the entire hydraulic system may be carried on board the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventors: Bradley J. Goldbeck, Calvin J. Brandt, Kenneth D. Fritz
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Publication number: 20040194655Abstract: A railroad car positioning apparatus for positioning a railroad car along a railroad track includes a battery-powered and radio-controlled carriage assembly and first and second dog members mounted on the carriage assembly. The apparatus includes a main control unit for controlling the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is controlled via radio communication between the carriage assembly and the main control unit. The dog members are generally extendable to an axle height of the railroad car to be acquired for contacting one of the axles of the railroad car. The apparatus further includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for moving the carriage assembly in a forward or reverse direction on a guide way disposed between the railroad tracks on which the railroad cars travel. The batteries on the carriage assembly may be remotely recharged using a contactless power transfer device, which includes a battery recharging device situated on the guide way.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Samuel P. Insana, Duane B. Swartz
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Patent number: 6668730Abstract: A reversing chain-operated, dual carriage train indexer is provided with a chain tension control that acts directly on the chain and a retraction-biased, two-position carriage connection cylinder in conjunction with a spring biased linkage system allows indexer operation in either direction with dogs up or down in dual force ranges controlled by the chain tension control.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Bradley J. Goldbeck
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Patent number: 6644210Abstract: An inclined conveyor for transporting shopping carts between an upper floor and a lower floor. The inclined conveyor includes a continuous conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced drive lugs that engage a shopping cart. The moving conveyor belt transports the shopping cart between the upper and lower floors. The inclined conveyor includes a jam detector that interrupts operation of the conveyor upon detection of a jam along the conveyor. The inclined conveyor further includes a front wheel alignment and turning system for rotating at least one of the front wheels 180 degrees to place both front wheels in a common aligned position so as to prevent unnecessary operation of the jam detector along the conveyor belt. The inclined conveyor further includes a cart travel correction device for maintaining proper engagement between a portion of the cart and one of the drive lugs on the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Pflow Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Pfleger, Michael H. Sohn, Craig S. Schmidt
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Patent number: 6622636Abstract: A device for automatically moving vehicles along guide ways of lifts is constituted by a pusher carriage movable horizontally with a corresponding actuator on a guide that is longitudinally fixable to at least one of the guide ways and is provided with at least one pair of arms that are articulated thereto and rotate in a scissor-like fashion on a horizontal plane flush with the upper resting surface of the guide way, from an active position, in which they are parallel one another and adjacent to at least one wheel and lie transversely above the wheel, to an inactive position, in which they are divaricated and aligned parallel to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Giuliano S.r.l.Inventor: Fabrizio Bonacini
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Patent number: 6553916Abstract: The present invention provides a low clearance, compact guideway, train positioning system that can be installed in close quarters alongside an existing railroad track. The system is chain driven and features an improved over/under or vertical sprocket carriage drive system in which parts normally exposed to the elements are protected while, at the same time, horizontal space requirements alongside the track are reduced. The system employs a vertically oriented chain drive which employs enclosed vertically mounted drive and idler sprocket units and a chain tube enclosing the lower chain strand which further minimizes exposure of the mechanism chain to the elements by totally enclosing the lower chain path in the over/under arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Bradley J. Goldbeck
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Publication number: 20030010249Abstract: The present invention provides a low clearance, compact guideway, train positioning system that can be installed in close quarters alongside an existing railroad track. The system is chain driven and features an improved over/under or vertical sprocket carriage drive system in which parts normally exposed to the elements are protected while, at the same time, horizontal space requirements alongside the track are reduced. The system employs a vertically oriented chain drive which employs enclosed vertically mounted drive and idler sprocket units and a chain tube enclosing the lower chain strand which further minimizes exposure of the mechanism chain to the elements by totally enclosing the lower chain path in the over/under arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: Motion Controls, Inc.Inventor: Bradley J. Goldbeck
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Patent number: 6490979Abstract: An inclined conveyor for transporting shopping carts between an upper floor and a lower floor. The inclined conveyor includes a continuous conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt including a plurality of spaced drive lugs that engage a shopping cart. The moving conveyor belt transports the shopping cart between the upper and lower floors. The inclined conveyor includes a jam detector that interrupts operation of the conveyor upon detection of a jam along the conveyor. The inclined conveyor further includes sensors that prevent operation of the conveyor assembly if a person is present at either the unloading end or loading end of the conveyor assembly. At least one cart arrester is positioned along the length of the inclined conveyor to prevent uncontrolled descent of a shopping cart along the length of the inclined conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Pflow Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Pfleger, Michael H. Sohn, Craig S. Schmidt
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Patent number: 6435099Abstract: A powered pushing unit transfers ads no greater than a predetermined magnitude in one direction along the length of a load transfer system. The pushing unit includes a frame and a source of power for moving the pushing unit back and forth along the length of the load transfer system. A dog for engaging a load is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame. A restricting mechanism applies a load engaging force to hold the dog at a load transfer range of positions until the load is greater than the predetermined magnitude. A toggle joint is mounted between the dog and the frame. The toggle joint forms an angle in a first angular direction to lock the dog in a load engaging position during engagement of a load under the predetermined magnitude. The toggle joint further shifts to form an angle in a second angular direction upon engagement of a load in excess of the predetermined magnitude, thereby allowing the dog to pivot away from the load which is in excess of the predetermined magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.Inventor: James M. Gunter
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Patent number: 6422153Abstract: A car wash conveyor including a simplified and improved track structure using cut out flat support plates for mounting three tiers of tracks. The support plates allow equal widths of an intermediate and lower track, and incorporation of integral stanchions for support of tire guide rollers. The chain take up mechanism and the roller control mechanism together form an assembly able to be installed into the conveyor or removed for service as a single unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Gilbert J. Reitsch, Jr.
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Patent number: 6389984Abstract: A dog carriage for a railway car indexing system for positioning a railway car or a trip of coupled railway cars having railway wheels mounted in and carrying bogey wheel truck frames by engaging and pushing against the bogey wheel truck frames using dogs includes a dog carriage frame moveable along a railroad track, a pair of spaced opposed dogs pivotally attached to the dog carriage frame for pivoting between a lowered position and a raised position to engage a bogey wheel truck frame in the raised position by movement of the dog carriage frame. A bogey wheel truck frame sensing device is carried on the dog carriage and a dog operating system is provided for controlling the position of each of the dogs individually between the lowered and the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Calbrandt, Inc.Inventor: Calvin J. Brandt
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Patent number: 6374747Abstract: A sound abatement method includes applying a sound abating material to at least one area of at least one component of the moving trolley. A sound abatement conveyor trolley includes a trolley body having at least one wheel for traveling in a track and one or more component cooperatively associated with the trolley body, which the components each include a sound abating material applied to the area for sound abatement. An element used in a conveyor trolley includes at least one area and a sound abating material applied to the area for sound abatement.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Jervis B. Webb CompanyInventors: Deepak Devnani, Christopher M. Ariss, Craig R. Smith
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Publication number: 20010035106Abstract: A powered pushing unit transfers loads no greater than a predetermined magnitude in one direction along the length of a load transfer system. The pushing unit includes a frame and a source of power for moving the pushing unit back and forth along the length of the load transfer system. A dog for engaging a load is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame. A restricting mechanism applies a load engaging force to hold the dog at a load transfer range of positions until the load is greater than the predetermined magnitude. A toggle joint is mounted between the dog and the frame. The togglejoint forms an angle in a first angular direction to lock the dog in a load engaging position during engagement of a load under the predetermined magnitude. The toggle joint further shifts to form an angle in a second angular direction upon engagement of a load in excess of the predetermined magnitude, thereby allowing the dog to pivot away from the load which is in excess of the predetermined magnitude.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.Inventor: James M. Gunter
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Patent number: 6267059Abstract: A train positioning system for moving railroad cars by engaging bogey frames from one side includes a dog carriage guideway spaced from and parallel to a railroad track, a dog carriage mounted to operate along the guideway, a first dog pivotally attached to the dog carriage to pivot in a generally horizontal plane between a retracted position and an extended position. The first dog is positioned to engage a bogey frame in a first direction and be deflected by the bogey frame in a second direction in the extended position. A second dog may be mounted in opposed spaced relation to the first dog also to pivot in a generally horizontal plane between a retracted and an extended position. The second dog is configured to engage a bogey frame in the second direction and be deflected by the bogey frame in the first direction. A system is provided for reversibly operating the dog carriage along the guideway.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Motion Controls, Inc.Inventor: Calvin J. Brandt