Abstract: A carrier conveyor system wherein carriers are disengaged from a main conveyor in advance of a work station and re-engaged beyond the work station. A transfer conveyor is positioned such that it receives the carriers as they are disengaged from the main conveyor, transfers them as required to the work station, removes them from the work station after the work is performed, and returns them to the main conveyor. The transfer conveyor comprises a plurality of transfer assemblies arranged in succession along the carrier travel path, and each include right and left hand mirror-imaged belt modules that are mechanically drivingly cross-connected to each other.

Abstract: A pair of side-by-side track assemblies are provided and each track assembly has a wheeled, dragster simulating and occupant riding vehicle mounted thereon for guided movement longitudinally therealong. Each track assembly includes bungee cord vehicle accelerating structure for rapidly accelerating the corresponding vehicle along the track assembly toward the other end thereof and each track assembly other end includes bungee cord vehicle decelerating structure operative to engage the corresponding vehicle and to gradually increasingly decelerate the same as the vehicle moves along the track other end portion. In addition, the bungee cord decelerating structure is further operative, after decelerating the corresponding vehicle and terminating its movement toward the track structure other end portion, to accelerate the vehicle back toward the first end of the track assembly.

Abstract: A transit system including a vehicle (21), an elongated flexible traction belt (22) coupled to the vehicle (21) to apply a traction force sufficient to propel the vehicle along a transit path (23), and a drive assembly (24) coupled to displace the traction belt (22). The traction belt (22) is oriented with sides (33) in a substantially vertical plane so that the vehicle (21) can be coupled to one edge (38) of the belt and the other edge (39) used to guide the vertical position of the belt. Intermediate the edges ( 38,39 ) drive assemblies (36,37) can be periodically provided along the length of the transit path (23) to frictionally engage and drive the traction belt without interference from either the guiding surfaces (56,57,58) or the vehicle coupling assembly (51). A method of propelling a vehicle (21) and a traction member-based transit system is provided including a step of applying a traction force to the vehicle ( 21 ) through a traction belt ( 22 ) while the belt is vertically oriented.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is a platen drive unit that propels the platens of vehicles moving along a track. The platen drive unit may be readily used at any portion of the track, since it acts as a castor about a kingpin assembly, thereby substantially reducing the effects of roller scrub in curved track portions. A self energizing structure balances a dual-pivot arrangement of frames, such that the drive roller of the unit is balanced to intersect the conveyance plane without imposing a "bump" or lurch upon a vehicle that first engages the drive roller. Additionally, the drive roller is preferably a dual-rate tire which features a compliant range, within which the tire is readily deformed, but which continues to drive the platen with a large normal force. Beyond the compliant range, the tire is not compliant to deformation. The dual-rate tire may be created by constricting the circumference and filling the deformed tire with a urethane filler, which is allowed to cure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive apparatus that is compact in size, low in cost, allows the attaining of a high degree of accuracy as well as high-speed driving, suppresses the production of noise, and demonstrates favorable ease of assembly when incorporating within machine tools and so on. The present invention is able to obtain the effects of reduction of costs, high accuracy and high-speed driving as a result providing a torque generation device on a slider guided by a track rail, attaching a drive roller to the output shaft of the torque generation device, and said drive roller rolling along the track rail. In addition, the above-mentioned effect of improved ease of assembly is obtained by attaching the torque generation device facing horizontally on the side of the slider.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a support rail with travel surfaces for driven support wheels of vehicles, such as suspended or elevated trolleys or the like. An additional rail is provided for additional wheels which apply contact pressure to the support wheels. Such a conveyor system with a plurality of vehicles and a small number of ascending and descending paths is simplified by supporting the additional rail directly or indirectly through springs on the support rail.

Abstract: A pulling system for pulling or moving a large object, such as pulling components of an offshore oil/gas production platform onto an adjacent barge that is subsequently transported to the installation site. This pulling system incorporates a single elongated rod that is connected between the object to be moved and a puller unit that pulls the object along a track. During operation, the puller unit causes a gripping unit to grip the rod so that the puller unit can move the object. Afterwards, the gripping unit releases its engagement of the rod, repositions itself with respect to the rod, and regrips the rod so that movement of the object may again be initiated by the puller unit.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor system including a plurality of carriers for conveying objects in suspended condition traveling on spaced, parallel rails, and a friction drive wheel located between every two of the carriers wherein the drive wheel is shiftable between a neutral position and first and second operating positions where it is in frictional engagement with one of the carriers.

Abstract: A transfer system comprising a closed rail circuit and pallets circulating on the rails of the circuit. Each pallet comprises at least two wheels which are designed to be supported by the rails of the circuit and are driven by a belt. The respective wheels comprise an axle to which a first roller is mounted and a second roller is rotatably mounted on the periphery of the first roller by a bearing. The system reduces the wear of the drive belt and the rollers when the pallet is stationary by permitting the first rollers to be rotated by the continuously moving belt when the pallet is stopped.

Abstract: Transfer apparatus having a pallet which is advanced along rails by a rotating shaft disposed between and parallel to the rails. The pallet has a roller frictionally engaging the shaft with its rotary axis adapted for adjustment between a position parallel to the shaft axis and a position transverse to the shaft axis such that the steeper the transverse angle, the faster the pallet is driven. The driven roller is mounted for gyratory adjustment by a lever having a forward end projecting from the pallet with a first roller to engage a stop plate on the preceding pallet which may actuate the lever to displace the roller axis towards the parallel position and thereby reduce the speed of the pallet and eventually stop the same as the pallet approaches the preceding pallet. A second roller is mounted on the lever to depend below the pallet so that it may engage a stop element fixed in the path of the second roller but out of the path of the remainder of the pallet.

Abstract: An adjustable seating system particularly adapted for use in a passenger aircraft, where there are a pair of tracks mounted in the floor of the aircraft, and a plurality of seating units mounted to these tracks. Each seating unit has a pair of interconnected traction wheels which have positive engagement with the tracks, so as to avoid skewing of the seating units as these are moved along the tracks. Pivotally mounted locking members lock the rear leg portions of the seating units to the tracks at selected locations. Telescoping track cover members cover the track sections that extend between adjacent seating units.

Abstract: In a transfer apparatus in which a pallet is stationary when the crossing angle between the axes of rotation of a driven roller and a driving shaft is zero, and the pallet may be driven when the angle is greater than zero, a stop-start apparatus comprising a cam follower roller supported by a support member of said driven roller, a stopper block guided and supported at a stop position of the pallet so as to move to and fro in the directions of the transfer and having a notch into which said cam follower roller fits so as to keep said angle zero, a cam the proximal end of which is pivotally supported at a forward position of said stop position having a cam surface on which said cam follower roller makes a rolling contact, a spring urging said cam to a predetermined position, the distal end of said cam, in said predetermined position, being near said notch and said cam being so shaped as to increase said angle from zero to 45 degrees from said distal end toward the proximal end.

Abstract: A system for anually and/or automatically processing and/or machining parts includes at least one work station or module, together with substantially rectangular pallets movable through such work station or module under the action of friction between pallets and one or more drive strands of an endless belt or the like. The system includes a base or floor and each of the pallets includes both swivel wheels suitable for running on the base or floor and a resilient friction traction member disposed at each of its corners and suitable for pressing resiliently against drive strand(s) to obtain continuous drive for the pallet and to enable it to change direction with or without changing its absolute orientation.

Abstract: An improved motive structure for transporting workpieces (wafers, chip, packages, etc.) between processing stations or tools in a manufacturing operation. The structure includes a first circular crankshaft assembly connected to center axles disposed at right angles to the transport motion. A second such crankshaft assembly is located some distance along the path of motion. Three driverods are connected between the first and second crankshaft assemblies, each affixed 120.degree. apart on the circular crankshafts so that each driverod is moved upward, then forward along the transport direction, then downward and backward to its original position as the crankshafts go through a complete 360.degree. rotation. The structure is disposed beneath transport rails which hold movable containers for holding the workpieces. As a driverod moves up and forward, it contacts a spring-loaded element on the movable container and drives it forward by friction contact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cargo handling system including cargo containers (10) having recesses (68) extending through the lower central region of the containers. The containers straddle and are transported over a route that is formed by four types of conveyor modules: lateral transfer modules (16) which move cargo along a straight line path; turntable/elevator modules (20) for transfer of containers between modules that are horizontally and vertically displaced from one another; ship connector modules (26) for linking shore-bound modules to shipboard modules (28); and shipboard modules for stowage of the containers during transit on a ship.

Abstract: A mobile robotic platform and guide means therefor having a carriage with one or more uniquely constructed drive rollers having radially-extending metal filaments embedded in a complaint material and which coact with a track defining the guide means which has a length of textured material, such as wire mesh secured thereto. The coaction provides an infinite pitch rack drive. The mobile robotic platform can have the carriage thereof provided with two or more tractor units pivotally mounted thereto and each of which carry a pair of the aforesaid drive rollers whereby the carriage can follow guide means of varying contours with controlled travel and continuous operation of an operative device carried by the carriage.

Abstract: There is provided specialized conveying apparatus for transporting articles which are confined to a tube or chamber within which the cleanliness is maintained at extremely high levels by utilizing existing precipitator and other apparatus, the motion of the pallet on which the articles to be processed are carried being produced by a motor-driven truck which is isolated pneumatically from the article-carrying pallet but which is coupled magnetically to elements on that pallet so that the pallet is levitated in the controlled atmosphere and caused to move by the moving of a truck in the isolated driver portion of the apparatus, all of the dust and other contaminants which are produced in the frictional process of driving the truck being isolated from the clean chamber in which the article is being processed by reason of a nonmagnetic wall separating the driver portion from the conveying portion of the apparatus, the result being the ability to obtain previously unachievable, high levels of cleanliness in the cl

Abstract: An adjustable seating system particularly adapted for use in a passenger aircraft, where they are a pair of tracks mounted in the floor of the aircraft, and a plurality of seating units mounted to these tracks. Each seating unit has a pair of interconnected traction wheels which have positive engagement with the tracks, so as to avoid skewing of the seating units as these are moved along the tracks. Pivotally mounted locking members lock the rear leg portions of the seating units to the tracks at selected locations. Telescoping track cover members cover the track sections that extend between adjacent seating units.

Abstract: Single-sided linear induction motors (SLIMs) suspended in proximity to the rail of a locomotive are energized to increase the effective adhesion between the locomotive drive wheels and the rail in response to the detection of an operating condition in which the tractive effort of the locomotive traction motors is limited by less than optimal adhesion. The SLIMs are energized in relation to the reserve power capability of the power source and the limit of tractive effort improvement. One method further employs sand dispensing units activated if the suboptimal operating condition is not alleviated by activation of the SLIMs. Another method uses the sand dispensing units first, and only activates the SLIMs if the suboptimal operating condition is not alleviated by activation of the sand dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A conveyor line with pallets for conveying heavy loads has a guide member (3) with a U-shaped cross section in which there runs a conveyor belt (2), which can be guided rectilinearly or in curves and comprises links of glidable material. Pallets (6) carrying objects are conveyed along the line. The pallets have two guide segments (11) swivelable about vertical axes (x--x) in tandem in the conveying direction and via support rollers (8) said segments bear against separate support members (7), one on either side of the guide member (3). The guide segments have glide shoes (20) mounted coaxially with the axes (x--x) for yieldingly engaging against the belt (2) so that the pallet accompanies the belt in its movement. The segments have guide rollers (30) following opposing, parallel walls (4,4) of the U section guide member for positioning the guide segments along the straight and curved portions of the line.

Abstract: A conveyor arrangement for conveying a workpiece carrier in a conveying direction, the carrier having two opposite sides, and a guide for laterally guiding the carrier in this direction, the guide comprising a drive associated with one of the carrier sides for advancing the carrier in the conveying direction, the drive including a succession of entrainment elements engaging the one carrier side, and a guide track having two sides spaced apart in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and extending in the conveying direction, one of the guide track sides being opposite the drive in the transverse direction and the drive being biased towards the one guide track side, and guide elements mounted on the carrier and guided without play along the one guide track side.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for exchanging metal molds for a molding machine that employs such molds. The apparatus includes a mold carriage capable of mounting thereon at least two metal molds and a mold transfer and exchange unit capable of transporting the mold to be exchanged from the carriage to the molding machine and to give and receive the molds horizontally. The apparatus includes a guide rail and an extension of said guide rail which pivots in a horizontal plane to effect the exchange of said molds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conveyor apparatus which has rails laid at a predetermined interval in parallel with each other; a truck movable by means of wheels on the rails; a conveying belt moving in parallel with the rails; a unit roller mechanism mounted on the truck and having two rollers arranged longitudinally along the direction of the belt; and springs for pressing the rollers of the unit roller mechanism to the belt so that the rollers are in contact with each other; thereby operating to isolate one roller from the belt when the truck is stopped. The conveyor apparatus can thus remarkably reduce the line pressure at the accumulating time of a truck and reliably operate to readily restart the truck at the stopper releasing time, and the conveyor apparatus is inexpensive by virtue of its employment of a system for accumulating the truck without disengaging the truck from contact with the belt of a conveying strip member.

Abstract: An accumulation system for driverless vehicles of the type which are propelled along a track by contact between the drive wheel and a rotating drive shaft. Accumulation being caused by contact between a swing arm extended from the front end of a driverless vehicle. The swing arm pivots towards the front end of the driverless vehicle causing a corresponding rotation of the drive wheel with respect to the rotating drive shaft. The change in position of the drive wheels with respect to the axis of the drive shaft causes a deceleration of the driverless vehicle and/or accumulation of the vehicle with respect to the adjacent driverless vehicle on the track.

Abstract: A vehicle transfer system for use in a vehicle assembly line comprises a first conveyor which transfers a vehicle while supporting the vehicle on its chassis with the tires being floated, and a second conveyor which transfers the vehicle body while supporting the vehicle on its tires. A ride-over table is disposed between the first and second conveyors so that the tires of the vehicle are caused to ride over the ride-over table and the chassis is lifted away from the vehicle supporting table of the first conveyor. A movable receiving table is disposed on the receiving side of the second conveyor to be movable back and forth in parallel to the second conveyor and is moved forward in synchronization with the first conveyor.

Abstract: An electric power supplying system for a continuous transit system by magnet (CTM) in which magnets attached to under parts of a certain number of cars comprising the trains and energized regularly are attracted to magnetic belts of a plurality of magnetic belt conveyor units arranged at predetermined intervals along a running track thereby successively drawing and running the trains. There is provided a trolley wire which is divided at least into a certain number of insulated sections at intervals of a predetermined block section length and a predetermined no-load current is supplied to the insulated sections of the trolley wire. When the current flowing to each insulated section of the trolley wire is within a predetermined range, the magnetic belt conveyor unit group corresponding to a block section following the insulated section with respect to the direction of train movement is operated.

Abstract: An endless loop conveyor system is disclosed wherein a plurality of carriers are moved to one or more work stations and one or more buffer stations so that a product may be assembled on each carrier at the work stations. Power is extracted from a continuously moving belt by holding the belt against a power wheel with an L-shaped member. A variable ratio transmission having a pair of power transmitting wheels, one contacting the power wheel, the other contacting a drive wheel, uses the extracted power to accelerate or decelerate each carrier depending on the locations of contact. A non-contacting position is provided for rest at a work station.

Abstract: The speed of a driverless vehicle is controlled along the length of the module from an incoming high speed to an outgoing low speed or vice versa. The module includes first, second and third aligned drive tubes between tracks adapted to support a vehicle. A first motor is coupled to the first drive tube for driving the same at a first (high) speed. The second drive motor is coupled to the third drive tube for driving the same at a second (low) speed. The second drive tube is maintained out of mechanical engagement with the first and third drive tubes. A variable speed motor is coupled to the second drive tube to drive the second tube between the first (high) and second (low) speeds, independently of the first and second motors.

Abstract: A small article moving system is disclosed, having an upper plate spaced from a lower plate. The upper and lower plates each have vertically aligned guide channels. An article support rod is inserted into the guide channels at either end and is powered by two pivoting drive arms, each having an elongated slot. The slots intersect at a common opening through which the support rod lies. The arms can be controlled to vary the direction and speed of the rod through the channels.

Abstract: A conveyor arrangement for conveying a workpiece carrier in a conveying direction, the carrier having two opposite sides, and a guide for laterally guiding the carrier in this direction, the guide comprising a drive associated with one of the carrier sides for advancing the carrier in the conveying direction, the drive including a succession of entrainment elements engaging the one carrier side, and a guide track having two sides spaced apart in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and extending in the conveying direction, one of the guide track sides being opposite the drive in the transverse direction and the drive being biased towards the one guide track side, and guide elements mounted on the carrier and guided without play along the one guide track side.

Abstract: A robotic tractor that travels on rails forming a grid over a crop field and automatically performs tasks in the field is described. The tractor is supported on extendable legs that carry dual tandem perpendicular wheel sets. A rotary implement bed supported by the tractor is adapted to carry implements.

Abstract: A system for transfering discs, such as integrated circuit wafers during manufacture, from a location at atmospheric pressure into a vacuum chamber of an electron microscope or the like with a minimum of vacuum loss to the chamber. A wafer is placed on a moveable holder in a small sealable chamber having a sealable top door and which is mounted to the outer surface of the vacuum chamber at the position of a small gate through the chamber wall. The wafer holder carries a magnet that is magnetically coupled to a second magnet outside of the sealable chamber and which is motor driven to transfer the wafer through the gate and into the vacuum chamber and upon a stage that has a three-point grasping mechanism operated by the leading end of the moving wafer holder. The wafer holder includes a solenoid operated clip that engages the leading edge of a wafer during pick-up of the wafer for its removal from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A carrier system having a carrier movable along a path as defined by a trackway and driven from a rotatable drive tube by means of one or more drive wheels which can be adjustably angularly related relative to the drive tube for determining the direction and speed of carrier travel. The carrier has a multi-function accumulation rod operable in both accumulation of carriers as well as at a stop station along the path of travel. The accumulation rod is movable to control the angular position of the drive wheel to achieve stopping of the carrier at the stop station as well as to cause accumulation of one carrier behind another. The accumulation rod is operable in either direction of travel of the carrier to affect accumulation.

Abstract: A track for a suspended combined electric current collection and traction system including a base (22) and a resilient shield (26, 28) together defining an elongate space divided into two halves by a resilient beam (32), each of which contains a conductor (33). Spaced contact members in the form of bars (34) forming a rack on each side of the track or two rows of Z shaped contacts (82) extend through the shield and are normally spaced from the conductors. Embedded in the base are two parallel flexible metallic cables (40; 70) connected together by connectors (42; 74) by which the track may be suspended. In use, the reaction wheels (60) of a locomotive engage the tops of the cables (40; 70) thus drawing a current pick-up member (52; 86) into contact with the contact segments pressing them against the conductors (33) to pass electric current to an electric motor.

Abstract: An improved conveyor system for a so-called drive-in bank through which cash, deposit slip or the like are safely transferred from the customer station to the teller station and vise versa is disclosed. To assure that each of customers who reach the bank is visually recognized from the teller room a plurality of vertical hollow columns at the customer station are arranged one after another in a spaced relation in the direction of reaching of customers' cars and a plurality of vertical hollow columns at the teller station are centralized in a small area adjacent to the teller room. A plurality of horizontally extending hollow beams are fixedly mounted on the top end parts of the vertical hollow columns at both the customer and teller stations in such a manner that the former are turned by a predetermined angle relative to the latter as seen from the above.

Abstract: A system is described for the automated transfer of wafer carriers containing semi-conductor wafers, to various work stations and processing units along a process line. The system includes tunnel and track segments which are joined to provide a path of desired length. A semi-conductor carrier rides on a cart, which is in one tunnel and is magnetically coupled to a motorized cart which is in a separate tunnel to keep contaminants away from the wafer carrier. The tunnel enclosing the wafer carrier is also purged with nitrogen or filtered air to keep contaminants away from the carrier.

Abstract: An improved cable following apparatus especially suitable for use in replacing an existing underground cable is disclosed herein. This apparatus utilizes a telescopically configured main body disposed around a cable in question and front and rear cable gripping mechanisms which alternatively grip the cable so as to cause the telescopic body to slide along the latter in a forward direction. The cable following apparatus also includes a technique for releasing both of the gripping mechanisms from the cable at the same time in order to be able to pull the entire apparatus rearwardly in the event it becomes necessary or desirable to do so.

Abstract: A guide rail and follower wheel construction for a monorail are disclosed. The monorail vehicle follower wheel has a radially directed, circumferential groove shaped to fit over a raised track portion, and the cross sectional shape of the wheel groove and the track over which it fits are such that the uppermost portion of the track contacts the radially innermost portion of the wheel groove. The wheel is mounted on the system comprising: a shaft and wheel includes opposed side-plates mounted for rotation on the shaft and a center disc mounted on the shaft between the side-plates and having a diameter less than that of the side-plates so as to form the groove. The side-plates are shaped to taper in diameter towards the center disc so that the uppermost track portion contacts only the disc. The side plates are rotatable on the shaft independently of the disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for the assembly and/or machining of parts manually and/or automatically, comprising a multiplicity of work stations with means for the displacement of the part-carrying pallets to the interior of a station and from one station to another by one or more carriages in continuous movement in which the movement of a pallet by a carriage occurs along one edge.

Abstract: An installation for assembling and/or machining parts manually and/or automatically, the installation comprising a plurality of stations or modules through which part-carrying platens move along a path comprising successive horizontal path portions extending at right angles to one another. The platens are driven along successive path portions by successive belts which at least partially support the platens, the improvement being that each module has as many belts (93, 99, 118) as it has perpendicular path portions, with each belt comprising an endless loop having a driving portion (95) and a return portion (94).

Abstract: A fluid-jetting apparatus includes a carriage member and an actuator member which are movable relative to each other depending upon the setting of respective brakes associated with the carriage member and actuator member and the actuation of a cylinder mounted on the carriage member having a piston rod extending therefrom and being connected to the actuator member. The movement of the carriage member and the actuator member is remotely controlled by a control mechanism including a dual timer and valve circuit contained in a housing. The control mechanism causes the carriage member and the actuator member to be alternately moved in increments along a support member on which the carriage member and the actuator member are mountable. The traversing of the support member can be in either direction.

Abstract: Rack segments are formed with teeth to mesh with drive gears of a mining machine to propel it along a conveyor. The drive gears are spaced apart and mounted on a drive shaft with a sleeve member therebetween to engage the top surface of a rack segment. The rack segment has a rectangular body with arch-shaped upper and lower surfaces. Opposite end portions have a vertical hole to receive a support member which is anchored in place by a pin passed through an opening transversely thereto and arranged along a horizontal plane of symmetry. Attachments forming gear teeth project at uniformly-spaced intervals from opposite lateral sides of the rack body. The attachments have involute-like flanks extending upwardly and downwardly from the horizontal plane of symmetry such that a worn rack segment can be continually used by inverting its position 180.degree..

Abstract: Disclosed is a turbulent waterway having boats guided in a trough extending between an uphill starting point and a downhill terminus, a chain conveyor having a series of links extending on a slope between said starting point and said terminus and adapted to travel upwardly therebetween, at least one locking bar with transverse grooves is adapted to mesh with the links of said chain conveyor supporting said links for sliding therealong.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus for the controlled movement of goods on pallets having wheels for engaging intersecting rails, movable track sections in the intersecting rails underlying the wheels to selectively permit movement of the pallets in two angular directions, and a drive engaging the pallets for selective movement along either of the two intersecting rails. The drive includes a direction control for orienting a pinion to drive the pallet along either of the intersecting rails and a direction control locking device for locking the pinion in position to drive the pallets along either of the two intersecting rails.

Abstract: A tow wheel attachment for an automobile and which is used in conjunction with an underground conveyor system comprising a tubular metal frame having a base, a pair of legs extending divergently outwardly from the base and a horizontal crossbeam interconnecting the legs intermediate their ends; a wheel rotatably mounted on the base; a pair of brake disks disposed on appropriate sides of the wheel; a pair of mounting brackets affixed to the outer ends of the legs for the purpose of attaching the frame to the lower surface of the automobile; and a hydraulic cylinder connected at one end to the frame and at its other end to the center of the crossbeam for the purpose of lowering and raising the frame.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying trays containing articles has a positive drive for enabling extreme angles of inclination of the conveyor system. The conveyor system includes a plurality of spaced apart drive rollers, each having an annular row of teeth. The tray has a row of teeth that engages the teeth of the drive rollers. A drive system, which is preferably a belt having teeth on its outer surface, rotates the drive rollers. The drive rollers have cylindrical portions on each side of the teeth of lesser diameter than the teeth. The teeth on the bottom of the tray are located in a recessed channel, with flat surfaces on either side that engage the cylindrical portions. This enables the tray to be used also on a conventional conveyor system.

Abstract: A belt conveyor transportation system includes a plurality of belt conveyor units each having an endless belt whose main constituent element consists of a magnetic material so as to be magnetically attractive with magnets, and the conveyor units are continuously arranged lengthwise along a desired transportation network layout to form a conveyor line. The conveyor units of the conveyor line drive their magnetic belts separately or in groups each including a number of the units at an independent speed. A moving body or bodies are arranged to move along the conveyor line, and the moving member includes a magnet system. By virtue of the magnetic attraction between the conveyor units and the magnet system, the moving member travels along the conveyor line while being hauled by the magnetic belts of the conveyor units at their respective speeds.

Abstract: Transporter or material handling apparatus for the controlled movement of goods includes two pairs of intersecting rails, a pallet for supporting the goods, a first group of wheels mounted on the pallet for rolling on one pair of intersecting rails, a second group of wheels mounted on the pallet for rolling on the other pair of intersecting rails, and a directional interchange in each of the intersecting rails permitting movement of the pallet in two angularly disposed directions therefrom. The movement of the pallet may be effected by a drive which engages the pallet for selectively propelling it in either of the two directions.

Abstract: Conveying system for roll containers (7,8) having no more than one fixed axis on which wheels are aligned and at least one swivel wheel. The system has a track constituted by a transversely sloping floor. Over the lower side of the floor there is a conveyer (3) which--by friction--moves along any roll containers (7,8) standing on the floor and leaning against the conveyer (3).

Abstract: A chainless haulage system having at least three pairs of sprocket wheels, each pair disposed on a separate axle with opposed wheels on each axle aligned in a pair of parallel planes. Two pairs of sprocket wheels are disposed laterally offset from each other and serve as follower sprocket wheels, while a third pair is driven by conventional means. A pair of endless drive chains each having adjacent chain links in generally perpendicular planes respectively engage sprocket wheels disposed in the parallel planes to form a double strand of drive chain. The two endless drive chains are interconnected by a plurality of crossbars, each of which is formed of a pair of opposed chain links integrally connected by a connecting bar, the chain links of the cross bar inserted in series with the links of the endless drive chain. A hollow cylindrical roller is loosely disposed around the connecting bar of the cross bar.