Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for seamless disengagement of shuttles powered by electromagnets. An example system may include a frame coupled to a track, a first conveyor disposed along the first side of the track, a second conveyor disposed along the second side of the track, and an actuator configured to drive the first conveyor and the second conveyor, where the first conveyor and the second conveyor are configured to engage a first bar disposed on a lower surface of the shuttle. The system may be configured to (i) move the shuttle from a first location along the track to a second location along the track, and (ii) pause movement of the shuttle between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: A middle guide is located between a first transporter and a second transporter in a width direction in an area of a conveyor device extending in a transportation direction including a joint connecting to a support conveying device to guide a bottom middle portion of a bottom surface, and the bottom middle portion is a portion of the bottom surface between a bottom first portion and a bottom second portion in the width direction. The middle guide has a middle guide surface to guide the bottom middle portion, and the middle guide surface is located in a reference plane at the joint and inclined further downward at a greater distance from the joint.

Abstract: A transport device includes a carriage that travels along a traveling path that is predetermined; a transfer mechanism provided on the carriage and transfers an article in a transfer space set in the traveling path; a first movable element that is a rod shaped component attached to the carriage, extends in a traveling direction of the carriage, and operates by magnetism to drive the transfer mechanism; and a first stator fixedly disposed with respect to the traveling path, has a partially cutout ring shape, and causes the first movable element to operate by magnetism when part of the carriage is positioned outside the transfer space.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for passive braking systems for container shuttles. An example system may include a track having a first portion and a ramp portion disposed at an angle, a first electromagnet disposed along the first portion, a shuttle with a permanent magnet that is configured to interact with the first electromagnet to propel the shuttle along the track, and a first metal block disposed along the ramp portion. The shuttle may enter the ramp portion at a first speed and exit the ramp portion at a second speed due to an eddy current induced in the first metal block by the permanent magnet.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for a sensor carrier, and intelligent track infrastructure for the navigation and operation of the sensor carrier are described. The sensor carrier is an autonomous robot navigating a track. The carrier holds cameras and other sensors to receive horticultural images and telemetry for plants in a grow operation. The carrier reads embedded signals in the track including Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tags, embedded positioning magnets, and drilled hole patterns for a beam breaking system to determine navigation and operation. For tracks placed at sharp angles, a transfer station with wall guards to prevent the carrier from falling enable safe transfers from different track segments. Additional features include an emergency stop (e-stop) switch and power management for autonomous sensor carriers.

Abstract: A conveyor system for translating objects is disclosed, each object with vertical protrusions extending upward and/or downward from one or more sides of the object. The conveyor system can accommodate structural members such as roof truss members, on which connector plates are affixed and from which the connector plates protrude vertically up, down, or both. The conveyor system may have a slide or some other support for the objects. The slide or other support may be narrow. The slide or other support can be tall, relative to an object. The conveyor system may have an engagement tool driven by an overhead carriage to translate the objects along the slide or other support. The engagement tool may be narrow. The engagement tool can be tall, relative to an object.

Abstract: A camera mounting system for inspection is intended to be used with lights and a camera connected to a data transmission system to allow temporary installation of the mounting system upon a barge hatch to allow for visual confirmation via a camera or other digital imaging system of the interior space of the barge. The system is intended to be used to reduce personnel exposure to the interior of barges. The camera mounting system is portable and may be folded. The camera mounting system allows use with hatches generally rectangular at the access hatch as well as hatches having rounded or sweeping ninety degree type access hatches with the mounting system providing multiple positions for placement of the camera for either hatch type to ensure repeatability of the visual confirmation between various barge and barge configurations.

Abstract: A method for reducing the consumption of fuel by passenger aircraft in an air transportation system which includes at least two airports between which there is at least one flight route, having the following steps: a) retrieving flight data F relating to the airports from a first memory; b) determining a flight route along which a number of n?2 flights, whose departure times are in a first time window T1 by means of n first passenger aircraft are carried out, from the flight data F; c) determining a total number of passengers Z of the n flights and storing the total number of passengers Z in a second memory; d) selecting m?n?1 second passenger aircrafts with a total capacity of Gm?Z for carrying out m flights; e) retrieving passenger data P of the n flights from a third memory and storing the passenger data P in the second memory; f) configuring equipment features Mm of the m second passenger aircrafts taking into account the passenger data P; g) carrying out the m flights along the determined flight route wi

Abstract: A multi-headed camera assembly includes a base comprising a plurality of tracks, a plurality of image sensor assemblies each comprising a support mechanism configured to allow a quick and efficient assembly of a lens assembly within a housing and each removably coupled to the base by a corresponding support frame among a plurality of support frames. Each support frame comprises a guide member for guiding tilt movement of a corresponding image sensor assembly and a support base movably coupled to a corresponding track so as to accomplish pan movement of the corresponding image sensor assembly. The multi-headed camera assembly further includes a surface mount mechanism, an in-ceiling mount mechanism, or a pendant mount mechanism so that the multi-headed camera assembly can be removably mounted to a surface, mounted into a ceiling, or connected to a pendant base.

Abstract: A conveying and sorting apparatus has a plurality of tilting conveyor units in a row in the conveying direction. Each tilting conveyor unit is able to switch between a horizontal conveying orientation and a tilted orientation for ejecting the object being conveyed, by means of gravity, laterally with respect to the conveying direction and has a belt conveyor with a plurality of ridge portions which extend in the width direction on the inside surface, and on the outside surface the ridge portions which extend in the width direction are provided an equivalent intervals in the length direction of the belt. A plurality of recessed grooves which engage with each of the ridge portions on the inside surface of the belt are provided to the peripheral surfaces of a front pulley and a rear pulley of the belt.

Abstract: A passenger seat system for a cabin of a means of transportation includes: a passenger seat having a seat frame having a holding section and a plurality of supporting elements for coupling to a floor; and, a slide device spaced apart from the holding section and having a base and a retaining device, to be detachably fastened to the base and be coupled to a supporting element. The base has a contact surface for laying onto a cabin seat rail, a locking device for locking the base on the seat rail, and a holding device for releasably holding the retaining device. The slide device is designed to lock the retaining device on the holding device selectively in a first or a second position or to release the retaining device and, when the retaining device is released, to permit motion of the retaining device between the first and the second positions.

Abstract: A transport seat system, in particular aircraft seat system, includes at least one first seat, with at least one mounting module that is configured, for the purpose of mounting the seat, to be connected on a guide rail, and with at least one second seat, which is arranged behind the first seat with at least one mounting module that is configured, for the purpose of mounting the seat, to be connected on the same guide rail, the two seats being configured, for the purpose of implementing a usage position and a stowage position of at least one of the seats, to be displaced on the guide rail relative to one another, wherein at least one mounting module of at least one of the seats includes a seat foot unit, which is movably supported relative at least to a portion of the mounting module.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides rotors for long-stator linear motor systems, having at least two rollers for mounting the rotors on parallel guide rails of the long-stator linear motor system, wherein the rotors comprise at least one rotatable bolster, on which at least one roller, in particular at least one pair of rollers, of the at least two rollers is rotatably mounted, and/or at least one roller with a steering rotational axis with integrated castor, wherein the roller is mounted on a roller axle by means of a bolt, via an asymmetric and/or sloping bore, and further comprises a pendulum ring which is mounted on the bolt and has an external ball or slide bearing.

Abstract: The baggage/parcels handling system is an automated system that can reduce the use of manpower for baggage/parcels handling and easily adapt to an airport or any baggage/parcels handling organization's process. This system has four different types of structures which can be functioning manually and automatically uploading and downloading luggage (baggage). Transporting and stocking baggage/parcels from one location to the other location are also included in this system. The system has transport vehicle comprises robot, conveyor, laser measurement and an optical reader to recognize the baggage/parcel's size and shape at the time of uploading and downloading. Baggage/parcels transfer cart and stocker system have been installed in the system to transfer or hold a large number of the baggage/parcels and capable of navigating from one location(s) to the other location(s) manually or automatically or pulled by baggage transport vehicle. The system is remotely controlled and monitored through a control room.

Abstract: An auto-leveling drive axle device for a wheel tractor, and leveling method. The device comprises a transmission device and a leveling device. The device of the present invention changes only a vertical position of a drive axle with respect to a wheel, and a wheel shaft distance and wheel center spacing are not changed, thus improving traveling stability of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling a variable production line using a skid-type variable workbench and an apparatus for the same. According to the method, a process group including multiple variable workbenches may be organized based on a design, each of the multiple variable workbenches may be mounted on an upper part of a skid board, the skid board may be loaded on a powered line that moves at a regular speed in a fixed direction, the skid board may be moved in consideration of a position of a worker responsible for each process and a work state of the process group, and movement of a target variable workbench may be stopped by removing a skid board, on which the target variable workbench corresponding to an unload instruction in the process group is mounted, from the powered line when the unload instruction is input by a worker.

Abstract: The baggage/parcels handling system is an automated system that can reduce the use of manpower for baggage/parcels handling and easily adapt to an airport or any baggage/parcels handling organization's process. This system has four different types of structures which can be functioning manually and automatically uploading and downloading luggage (baggage). Transporting and stocking baggage/parcels from one location to the other location are also included in this system. The system has transport vehicle comprises robot, conveyor, laser measurement and an optical reader to recognize the baggage/parcel's size and shape at the time of uploading and downloading. Baggage/parcels transfer cart and stocker system have been installed in the system to transfer or hold a large number of the baggage/parcels and capable of navigating from one location(s) to the other location(s) manually or automatically or pulled by baggage transport vehicle. The system is remotely controlled and monitored through a control room.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving objects, comprising a plurality of individually movable transport movers for transporting the objects, comprising a track system for the transport movers, said transport movers being movable in a transport direction along at least one specified track in said track system, and comprising a controller for controlling the movements of the transport movers in the track system. Each of the transport movers comprises at least one slide which interacts with the track system and at least one object support attached to the slide. The support is at least temporarily arranged in a protruding position in which at least an object receiving region of the support protrudes laterally.

Abstract: A transport and storage system, for servicing of a number of treatment and care areas in a hospital, is provided. The system connects each treatment and care area to a first transport route reserved for transport of clean goods to or from the treatment and care area, and a second transport route reserved for transport of non-clean goods to or from the treatment and care area, the first and second transport routes being separated. In the system, a partition is provided between the transport routes and the treatment and care areas, with a lock gate being included in the partition. The transport routes include a conveyor to containers, with the conveyor being connected to the lock gate and the containers having a container brim enclosable by an opening in the lock gate.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional automated storage and retrieval system is provided herein that enables the space-efficient storage of containers within a three-dimensional lattice structure. Each container includes one or more drivers to engage with rails of the three-dimensional lattice structure, enabling the container to slide along the rails based on a propulsion system. A control device is provided to selectively engage each container to a desired rail of the lattice structure, and to provide power to the propulsion system, thereby moving the container to a desired location within the lattice structure. Due to the high storage efficiency of the disclosed automated storage and retrieval system, the system may be utilized in space-sensitive applications, such as vending machines for physical goods or in cargo vehicles such as trailers.

Abstract: Provided is a moving unit capable of easily mounting and dismounting a movable body to and from track rails. The moving unit includes the pair of track rails, which are laid on a fixed portion at an interval therebetween, and respectively have guiding surfaces on surfaces opposed to each other, a plurality of moving blocks, which are accommodated and arranged in an accommodating space sandwiched between the pair of track rails, and are configured to travel on the guiding surfaces of the respective track rails, and the movable body, which is arranged so as to be opposed to the fixed portion across the accommodating space, and is retained by the moving blocks. The movable body includes a mounting and dismounting mechanism, which is configured to change the interval between the moving block to be assembled to one of the track rails and the moving block to be assembled to another one of the track rails to cancel a contact state between the moving blocks and the respective track rails.

Abstract: An assembly line may include a first pallet elevator, a second pallet elevator, an upper track, and a lower track. The upper track may be connected between the first elevator and the second elevator, and may be configured to transport pallets between the first pallet elevator and the second pallet elevator. The lower track disposed below the upper track, and may be configured to transport pallets between the second pallet elevator and the first pallet elevator. A lower track drive system may be connected between the first pallet elevator and the second pallet elevator, and may be configured to engage a first set of a plurality of pallets. An upper track drive system may be configured to engage at least one of the plurality of pallets and to drive a second set of the plurality of pallets via the at least one pallet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a workpiece carrier for a workpiece conveying device for the transportation of workpieces, especially for heavy workpieces, having a conveyor chain for conveying the workpiece carriers by transmitting friction forces and having a guide track for guiding and supporting the conveyor chain and the workpiece carriers. The conveyor chain runs in a U-shaped guide track, wherein support surfaces extend next to the U-shaped guide track and the workpiece carriers are supported with guide rollers on said support surfaces. The workpiece carriers are equipped with a front and a rear carriage which are provided with an entrainer for engagement into the U-shaped cut-out, and wherein the entrainers are designed via a foot part with an adjustable contact force to overcome the sliding friction, with a display serving the visualization of the set contact force in accordance with the present disclosure.

Abstract: A motorized dolly includes an elongated frame, a first and second arc-shaped rail, a first and second pulley, a continuous belt, a motor, a platform, a first and second set of rollers or wheels, a fastener and one or more controls. The first arc-shaped rail has a first radius to a point in space. The second arc-shaped rail has a second radius greater than the first radius. The first and second pulleys are attached to the elongated frame proximate to each end. The continuous belt is moveably attached to the first pulley and the second pulley. The motor is operably engaged with the first pulley, the second pulley or the continuous belt. The first and second set of rollers or wheels are attached to the platform and moveably engaged with the first and second rails, respectively. The fastener securely is attached to the platform and the continuous belt.

Abstract: A motorized dolly includes an elongated frame, a first and second arc-shaped rail, a first and second pulley, a continuous belt, a motor, a platform, a first and second set of rollers or wheels, a fastener and one or more controls. The first arc-shaped rail has a first radius to a point in space. The second arc-shaped rail has a second radius greater than the first radius. The first and second pulleys are attached to the elongated frame proximate to each end. The continuous belt is movably attached to the first pulley and the second pulley. The motor is operably engaged with the first pulley, the second pulley or the continuous belt. The first and second set of rollers or wheels are attached to the platform and movably engaged with the first and second rails, respectively. The fastener securely is attached to the platform and the continuous belt.

Abstract: A cable transportation system has rails and a draw cable, both extending along a transportation path, a drive member for driving the draw cable; at least one vehicle, which moves along the transportation path and has wheels which roll along the rails, and a coupling device for connecting the vehicle to the draw cable, at least one passenger station where the vehicle is stopped and an electric machine located on the vehicle and driven by the wheels to generate electric power.

Abstract: A cable transportation system has rails and a draw cable, both extending along a transportation path, a drive member for driving the draw cable; at least one vehicle, which moves along the transportation path and has wheels which roll along the rails, and a coupling device for connecting the vehicle to the draw cable, at least one passenger station where the vehicle is stopped and an electric machine located on the vehicle and driven by the wheels to generate electric power.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive-in aid for a conveying device provided for transporting a vehicle to be treated in a transport direction through a vehicle treatment system, having a lane running in the transport direction for tires of the vehicle, a base plate movable transversely to the transport direction and two guide elements converging at least partially above the movable base plate in the transport direction, and a corresponding vehicle treatment system. The drive-in aid and vehicle treatment system allow the tires of the vehicle to be treated to be positioned without damage and centrally with respect to the desired lane of the conveying device. The drive-in aid is characterized in that the guide elements are movable to and fro between an approach position, in which they converge in the transport direction and extend into the lane and a drive-through position, in which they define the lane laterally.

Abstract: A motorized dolly includes an elongated frame, a first and second arc-shaped rail, a first and second pulley, a continuous belt, a motor, a platform, a first and second set of rollers or wheels, a fastener and one or more controls. The first arc-shaped rail has a first radius to a point in space. The second arc-shaped rail has a second radius greater than the first radius. The first and second pulleys are attached to the elongated frame proximate to each end. The continuous belt is movably attached to the first pulley and the second pulley. The motor is operably engaged with the first pulley, the second pulley or the continuous belt. The first and second set of rollers or wheels are attached to the platform and movably engaged with the first and second rails, respectively. The fastener securely is attached to the platform and the continuous belt.

Abstract: An overhead mounted friction drive conveyor assembly including a biasing section for biasing objects such as car doors. The conveyor assembly includes a conveying rail and a biasing rail extending in spaced and parallel relationship with the conveying rail. The conveyor assembly also includes at least three trolleys and at least two tow bars extending between and interconnecting the trolleys. A biasing mechanism allows at least two of the trolleys to remain on the conveying rail and guides at least one trolley onto the biasing rail so that one of the tow bars extends between the biasing rails. The object is disposed on the tow bar extending between the biasing rails. A plurality of friction drivers are disposed on the conveying rail for only driving the tow bar extending between the trolleys on the conveying rail.

Abstract: A transport system according to the invention comprises a guide device having a first guide rail in the form of a first pipe (11) and a second guide rail in the form of a second pipe (12). The transport system comprises a toothed driving disk (330), which is engaged with an engagement element (340) extending along the lower pipe (12) and forms a positive drive. The engagement element (340) comprises counter-toothing, disposed along the pipe (12).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A dolly contains a main center link having two arms extending from a central portion. A pair of tire engaging rollers and a pair of track engaging rollers are supported on the arms. Bolts are provided and engage in offset bores formed in the arms. A pair of tire stabilizing rollers is supported on the bolts. The tire stabilizing rollers, the track engaging rollers and the tire engaging rollers each have a different effective diameter to a tangent point of tire contact. The effective diameter of the tire stabilizing rollers is greater than the effective diameter of the track engaging rollers. The effective diameter of the tire engaging rollers is greater than the effective diameter of the tire stabilizing rollers. The tire engaging rollers and the tire stabilizing rollers prevent the tire from engaging the tracking engaging rollers during operation of the dolly.

Abstract: A rack bar haulage system including a plurality of rack bars, each having spaced apart gear teeth extending between cheek sections at opposite sides of the rack bar. The haulage system also includes a clog including two spaced apart sidewalls, and openings through the sidewalls. One cheek section has a clog wall receiving cavity adapted to receive one of the clog sidewalls, the clog wall receiving cavity being defined by spaced apart cheek section flanges. The cheek section flanges each have an opening there through, and the cheek section flange openings are aligned with the clog sidewall openings. A pin is insertable through the sidewall openings and the openings in the cheek section flanges, and the spaced apart cheek sections are positioned so that the envelope formed by the gear teeth is at the same level on the rack bar as the pin for retaining the rack bar in the clog.

Abstract: There is provided a differential propulsion mechanism including two or more concentric and mutually counter-rotating first wheels (4, 6, 8, 10), mutually reacting and balancing the torque of a motor drive (20) interacting with the wheels. The motor drive has a stator attached to one of the first wheels to power a first wheel over a first track (12, 14, 16, 18), a rotor coupled to a mechanical link, at least indirectly connecting the rotor with a second of the two or more first wheels to power the second wheel over a second track, and a concentric connecting device affixed for coupling a payload thereto or for coupling the mechanism itself to another device.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a conveyor is provided. The switch assembly includes a rail section forming a portion of the conveyor assembly. The switch assembly has a first gear assembly pivotable about a first pivot axis and carrying a first gate and a second gear assembly pivotable about a second pivot axis and carrying a second gate, the second pivot axis being positioned below a plane extending perpendicular to the rail section from the first pivot axis. A trolley stop assembly for a conveyor is also provided. The trolley stop includes a body having a first side portion and a second side portion arranged to be disposed on first and second sides of a rail section. A pivot member extends through the body and at least a portion of the rail section. A stop member is carried by an upper portion of the body and a weighted member is also carried by the body arranged to position the stop member for engagement with a trolley. A conveyor assembly including a switch assembly and trolley stop is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular friction drive system and method for use with a palletized conveyor. The drive system includes drive assemblies located at opposite sides of both a load end and unload end of the palletized conveyor. Each drive assembly comprises at least one drive unit and at least one take-up unit, which are connected by a drive belt. One or more idler units may reside between the drive unit(s) and take-up unit(s). Each drive assembly is provided with an actuating means for pressing the drive belt tightly against the side walls of associated conveyor pallets. Each of the drive unit, take-up unit, and idler unit is preferably modular in nature and can, therefore, be added to or removed from a drive assembly independently of the other unit(s).

Abstract: A correlator system for automatic car wash has roller assemblies for supporting the front left and right wheels of a vehicle entering a car wash line. A set of guide rails or bars cooperate with the roller assemblies to adjust axial displacement and angular misalignment between the vehicle's front end and a conveyor track transporting the vehicle through the car wash facility. The rollers in the roller assembly rotate freely with minimal friction, axially displacing the front end of the vehicle and adjusting the angular misalignment of the front wheels. The low friction, easy-to-rotate rollers are provided with a plurality of braking elements that generate friction against the rollers, retarding their rotation when a worker steps thereon. The friction generated by the braking elements is insufficient to prevent roller rotation during alignment of the front end with the conveyor track.

Abstract: A load carrier is designed for use with a work piece conveying apparatus, the work piece conveying apparatus including a conveyor chain for conveying a plurality of load carriers via transfer of friction forces onto the load carriers and a guiding rail for guiding and supporting the conveyor chain and the load carriers, the conveyer chain running in a recessed track of the guiding rail and the guiding rail having a supporting surface laterally extending on both sides of the recessed track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for volume-specific treatment of ground and plants as required. The aim of the invention is to improve a method and system as above, such that the distribution of plants is scanned with complete spatial coverage and the treatment of the ground or plant condition is efficiently controlled, by simultaneously taking account of morphological, plant physiological, equipment performance and specific local properties.

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: A mass transit vehicle traction motor control system includes an automatic control block for receiving and processing a tachometer signal having a first resonance signal superimposed thereon to produce a rate request signal having a corresponding second resonance signal superimposed thereon. A filter is provided for decreasing an amplitude of the second resonance signal whereupon the rate request signal is isolated therefrom. A communication and control block and a propulsion and control block co-act to process the isolated rate request signal to produce a speed control signal that is configured to cause a traction motor of a mass transit vehicle to provide motive force to the mass transit vehicle at a rate related to the value of the speed control signal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system to control the movement of carts in an airplane. It has a set of tracks in which a set of roller wheels is placed. The roller wheels are attached to the bottom of a typical cart. A releasable locking system is used to control the cart as before. In one embodiment, the system has a cart release mechanism to remove it from the tracks for servicing and storage. The system uses a “pop-up” ramp that is embedded in the bottom of the track at specific locations. At these locations, the top of the track is large enough to allow the wheels to pass out of the track. Thus, to remove the cart, the ramps are deployed and the cart is pushed up the ramps until all four wheels have come out of the track.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pair of rail members have upward wheel supporting surfaces and inward roller guide surfaces, respectively. A fixed path includes linear path portions and a branching-and-joining path portion. Linear-side guide members extending along the linear path portions and a branching-and-joining-side guide member extending along the branching-and-joining path portion are provided in a branching-and-joining section. A moving body is provided with wheels and side guide rollers supported and guided on a wheel supporting surface and a roller guide surface, respectively. A direction restricting member guided by sideward guide sections of the guide members is driven by a lateral-movement unit to move freely in a lateral direction between a location corresponding to the linear-side guide member and a location corresponding to the branching-and-joining-side guide member.

Abstract: A hybrid carrying truck is disclosed which has merits of both of a skid carrier and a carrying truck such that it can successively and smoothly transfer between different carrying lines to carry a work whatever the carrying lines are and can secure a removing position from the carrying line to a refuge area freely and with safety. The hybrid carrying truck includes traveling wheels mounted at front and back positions on the left and right sides of a truck body for being rolled on a pair of rails to allow the truck body to travel along a carrying line, a pair of left and right skid members mounted on a bottom face of the truck body and elongated in a carrying direction of the hybrid carrying truck, and a truck hauling engaging member mounted at a central position of the bottom face of the truck body in a widthwise direction of the truck body.

Abstract: The conveyor comprises a carriage (2) movable on four support wheels along the guides (3) of a support structure (4) guided by a further two directional wheels engaged in a track or channel between the guides; the carriage has a transmission shoe (45, 46) adapated to couple by friction with a belt (24) movable parallel to the guides; the guides may be arranged on the ground, resting on the floor, or may be suspended, supported by suitable frames, and are constructed as modular components (8) which can be interconnected in various ways to form straight horizontal courses with upward or downward slopes and curved paths; the belt (24) is tensioned between two pulleys (25, 26) located at the ends of each module (8), of which one is a drive pulley, being connected to its own electric motor mounted on the module itself; the carriage carries attachment members for transporting a pallet or for supporting a load; the belt (24) may be toothed as may also the transmission shoe (45, 46) to achieve a secure grip on the be

Abstract: A transport apparatus comprises two rails 14, 17 arranged side by side for supporting respective right and left metal wheels 21, 22 of a truck 18 thereon. At least one of the two rails 14, 17 is a truck transport movable rail 17 movable longitudinally thereof. A portion of the entire movable rail 17 including at least a rail tread is made of an elastic material.