Abstract: A vehicle having at least one cargo pod. The cargo pod may be rolled into and out of a cargo area of the vehicle. The cargo pod may include at least one battery. The battery may be selectively connectable to a vehicle power network. The battery may be disposed proximate a base of the cargo pod.

Abstract: An unmanned rail vehicle for surveillance, inspection, and/or maintenance of an industrial site is provided. The rail vehicle includes at least two carry rollers adapted for engaging on an upper rail side of a rail, wherein the center of gravity of the rail vehicle is vertically below the upper rail side; and at least one support roller connected to the chassis and adapted for rolling against a lateral rail side of the rail to laterally displace the center of gravity of the rail vehicle with respect to the upper rail side.

Abstract: A method for loading a vehicle, wherein, based on a digital loading station map of a loading station and a digital transport vehicle map of a transport vehicle, the vehicle drives autonomously from the loading station onto the transport vehicle or vice versa. A loading management system, a loading station, and a computer program are also described.

Abstract: A laterally sliding type opening/closing gate of a torsion structure of reasonable cost is implemented. The gate includes: the torsion structure having a closed cross-section consisting of a thin wall installed such that it may cross a sluice and be composed such that its cross-section may make an in-plane rotation around a restriction point on the cross-section and that a torsion moment generated by an applied load and reaction force on the restriction point is transmitted to its terminal due to its torsion rigidity; and a rail that is installed such that it may cross the sluice; and a plurality of axle type supports that has a function of a restriction point and moves along the rail.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including: a vehicle having a cargo bed and a plurality of electrical contacts provided in the vehicle bed constructed and arranged to be connected to electrical contacts on a module having a battery. A number of variations may include a method comprising: providing a vehicle having a cargo bed and a plurality of electrical contacts provided in the vehicle bed constructed and arranged to be connected to electrical contacts on a module having a battery, the vehicle including an electric motor for propelling the vehicle; providing at least one module, the module including a module battery and an electrical contact connected to the module battery and constructed and arranged to engage one of the electrical contacts provided in the vehicle bed; charging the module battery and loading the module with the charged module battery on the vehicle bed, and supplying power to the electric motor of the vehicle from the module battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-extraction safety device comprising, for each roller (13, 14), a rotatably fixed, preferably enveloping, shroud element (32, 33) forming a one-piece functional mechanical assembly with its counterpart. The base of the shroud elements has an extension (46, 47) which extends beneath the projecting flanks (21, 22) of the head of the guiding rail (19) in order to prevent any extraction of the guide assembly. At the front, the base of the shroud elements is preferably shaped as a lip for collecting and disposing of objects which may be present on the guiding track. The invention can be used for the rail guidance of road vehicles used for public transport.

Abstract: A sliding body (25) which includes an electrical contact shoe (32) that moves on a guide rail (5) along the length thereof. The sliding body (25) is mounted to the front of a guiding assembly, in the direction of movement of a vehicle, and articulated with the assembly by a connecting rod (26) that is designed to rupture upon exceeding a pre-determined limit. The sliding body (25) includes a device (43), which is located on at least one of the sides of the body, for lifting and releasing objects or debris. The loss of electrical contact between the shoe and the rail enables a risk of derailment to be detected. The invention is suitable for rail-guided vehicle manufactures.

Abstract: A cart and track arrangement includes a track unit having a straight track and a curved track, the straight track having an oblique bearing portion, the curved track having a horizontal bearing portion, and a cart having a cart frame and a wheel set, the wheel set having a wheel axle arranged in parallel to the oblique bearing portion of the straight track and a wheel pivotally mounted on the wheel axle, the wheel having a first tread disposed in parallel to the wheel axle for rotatably supporting on the oblique bearing portion of the straight track and a second tread for rotatably supporting on the horizontal bearing portion of the curved track.

Abstract: A system for guiding a vehicle along a guiding rail includes a guide roller device, with at least one rolling bearing roller and at least one lateral roller having a diameter and shape contacting the rail so that the lateral roller has the same speed at a point of contact with the rail as the central bearing roller on a rolling surface on the rail. The system can be used for tramways.

Abstract: An articulating camera transport apparatus and corresponding methods involving an articulating camera truck for accommodating a camera element and for engaging a set of camera dolly tracks, the tracks having a curvature, the truck including a carrier and an undercarriage, the undercarriage having a plurality of articulating wheels and a structure for gimbaling the plurality of articulating wheels for accommodating the curvature and for facilitating a smooth passage of the truck along the tracks.

Abstract: An anti-extraction safety device having, for each roller (13, 14), a rotationally fixed, preferably enveloping, shroud element (32, 33) forming a single-component functional mechanical set with its counterpart. The shroud parts are inclined and each has an extension (46, 47), at the base, which extends beneath the projecting flanks (21, 22) of the head of the guiding rail (19) to prevent extraction of the guidance set. At the front, the base of the shroud parts is preferably moulded into a spout for collecting and disposing of objects which may be present on the guiding track. The anti-extraction safety device can be used for rail guidance of road vehicles used for public transport.

Abstract: An articulating camera transport apparatus and corresponding methods involving an articulating camera truck for accommodating a camera element and for engaging a set of camera dolly tracks, the tracks having a curvature, the truck including a carrier and an undercarriage, the undercarriage having a plurality of articulating wheels and a structure for gimbaling the plurality of articulating wheels for accommodating the curvature and for facilitating a smooth passage of the truck along the tracks.

Abstract: A track section (1) having a framework (2) with two hollow profiled structure boxes (3) open at the top, with substantially rectangular or trapezoid cross-section, maintained parallel and connected by cross members (16) which support a rail (17) for guiding the vehicle. The profiled structure boxes are closed by linear plates acting as running track (8) for the wheels of the vehicle. The inner space (7) provides passage for electrical cables powering the vehicle and/or signaling. The factory prefabricated track sections are ready to be laid on an existing road surface or in a trench with simply compacted base.

Abstract: The flanged type guide wheel (1) or (2) has a peripheral edge (27) which has within its profile a recess (30), for example, a notch, the shape and position of which maintain the surface cover (28) of the guide wheel at a distance from the travel surface (8) or (9) that exists opposite it on the guide rail (4) when there is lateral force on the guide wheel. This invention has applications for guide assemblies for road vehicles used on guide rails.

Abstract: A dual use roadway or railroad travel vehicle such as a railcar mover (10) which includes an inner set (24) of wheel assemblies (28, 30) designed for alternate roadway or rail travel, together with fore and aft rail wheel assemblies (32, 34) which may be alternately retracted for roadway travel or lowered for rail travel. The wheel assemblies (32, 34) each have a pair of rail wheels (36, 38) mounted spindles (48) so that the rotational axes A of the wheels (36, 38) are oriented at an oblique angle &agr; of less than 6° relative to the horizontal H; this wheel orientation, together with a rail wheel geometry including a rim surface (40, 42) parallel with the associated rotational axis A and a reduced radius of curvature R between the rim surface (40, 42) and the flange (44, 46), significantly decreases the problem of rail wheel climb encountered with conventional movers (10), while also reducing flange wear.

Abstract: A two-way assembly consisting of a chassis-frame (11) formed by two branches (17) and (18) articulated pivoting about two end pins (21) and (22) each bearing two inclined guide rollers (14) along a rail (8). The chassis-frame (11) is longitudinally movable relative to the road axle (2) for reversing an automatically guided travel direction by the effect of a reversing actuator (15). The chassis-frame (11) can be lifted after the rollers (14) have disengaged from the guide rail (8) by a lifting mechanism acting on the chassis-frame arms. The axle (12) is automatically guided by a subassembly guided (9) by the chassis-frame (11). The guided subassembly (9) capable of being displaced transversely at the rear about a pivot point located in the proximity of the front rollers. The invention is particularly advantageous to manufacturers of rail-mounted road vehicles.

Abstract: According to the invention, a guide rail for a transportation vehicle with an upper travel surface and base cushion. The guide rail has an intermediate zone extending from the upper surface to the cushion. In the intermediate zone there is at least one surface forming a pathway for a guide wheel of the transportation vehicle to move along the rail. The guide rail can be used for original guide systems and as a guide rail for other guided transportation systems.

Abstract: A monorail system for passenger and light freight transportation provides a support structure with an essentially planar top surface and a stabilizer guide rail having a vertical web portion supporting a head portion. The head guides a vehicle along the top surface while conductors secured to the web portion transmit electrical current to the vehicle through a current collector secured to the vehicle. A portion of the stabilizer guide rail may be flexible providing a simple, inexpensive device for switching the vehicle between a plurality of tracks. The system operates equally well with a variety of vehicle propulsion and suspension systems including electro-mechanical, magnetic levitation or linear electric motors.

Abstract: The guide system, for a guided road vehicle, having a front directional assembly formed of two pivoting guide arms (2) and (3) which are coupled as well as vertically constrained, each equipped with an inclined guide wheel (12, 13) engaging at least one guide rail on the ground (16). At the rear, a follower-limiter module (47) designed to limit lateral clearance by the axle to a maximum value, in the form of a device following the guide rail, is pivotably attached to the axle (8) and laterally displaceable to a limited extent. The front directional unit and the follower-limiter module (47) are laterally connected to either side of the axle through a lateral temporary immobilizing device (43, 44) which controls change of position.

Abstract: A dolly for use in a straight sided flat bottom conveyor pan. The dolly is comprised of a frame, a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels. The inner wheels travel on an inner track of a conveyor pan and the outer wheels travel on an outer track of the conveyor pan. The leading wheels are secured to the frame along an axis which is coincident with a radius R. The trailing wheels are secured to the frame along an axis which coincident with a radius R.sup.1. The radii define an acute angle which will vary depending upon the actual dimensions of a curve through which the dolly will travel.

Abstract: A monorail system for passenger and light freight transportation provides a support structure with an essentially planar top surface and a stabilizer guide rail having a vertical web portion supporting an upwardly outwardly extending head. The head guides a vehicle along the top surface while conductors secured to the web portion transmit electrical current to the vehicle through a current collector secured to the vehicle. A portion of the stabilizer guide rail may be flexible providing a simple, inexpensive device for switching the vehicle between a plurality of tracks. The system operates equally well with a variety of vehicle propulsion and suspension systems including electro-mechanical, magnetic levitation or linear electric motors.

Abstract: In a vehicle track having longitudinal rail members positioned in parallel on either side of a track centerline and on which respective drive wheels and guide wheels of a vehicle move, the improvement including longitudinal rail members each having an asymmetrical cross-section and being composed of a head portion having a primary upper running face which engages the periphery of the drive wheel, a lower guide face opposed to the primary upper running face which engages the guide wheel, and a secondary running face which is substantially vertical, which is located inwardly of the head portion towards the track centerline, and which engages the flange of the drive wheel; and a leg portion extending downwardly from the head portion; and a plurality of track support members arranged at intervals along the vehicle track and composed of a clamp device having first and second clamp faces which are moveable, which are juxtaposed to the leg portion one on each side thereof, which grip the leg portion, and which each

Abstract: An electric vehicle transport system makes conventional electric vehicles practical for cross-country or inter-city travel, and greatly decreases air pollution caused by emissions from combustion engine vehicles, and at the same time allows the vehicle occupant(s) to operate their vehicle electrical accessories as they are being transported, and arrive at their destination with fully charged batteries. A plurality of electric transport modules run on an electric rail guideway between loading and unloading stations and transport one or more individual electric powered vehicles, which may have a limited driving range, or fuel powered vehicles. The vehicles are driven onto the electric transport modules, secured to a parking platform, and the vehicle battery or electrical system is connected to an electrical power supply on the transport module. The occupant(s) selects and inputs their desired destination into a computerized control system of the electric transport module.

Abstract: A unit for automatically guiding a vehicle along a rail comprising an arm (2) hingedly mounted, via a universal joint, to an end (3) of a chassis. The arm (2) includes, at a front end thereof, a mechanism for rolling (7, 8) along a rail (9) which comprises a pair of rollers (35, 36) mounted in a V-shaped configuration to encompass the rail (9) by lateral rolling engagement along each flank of the rollers. The unit is also provided with an arm raising mechanism, a mechanical coupling to the steering mechanism of the vehicle and various sensors. The invention is primarily applicable for the manufacture and use of urban public transport vehicles.

Abstract: An improved automatic guiding arm having a deformable hinged frame like construction controlled by an actuator. The actuator raises and lowers the end of the frame like construction which supports a pair of guide wheels in a "V" shaped arrangement for engaging a guide rail. The axially supported wheels may be mutually pivotable about a transaxial shaft and controlled by an angle control member hinged to the actuator. Through the angle control member the actuator can automatically control the transaxial pivoting and angle of the wheels as well as the tilt of the angle control member during raising and lowering operations of the guide arm. The guide arm is useful for automatically steering public transportation vehicles.

Abstract: A gantry truck assembly for rolling on a rail (16) where the rail has a top rail surface (42) and a side rail surface (48). The truck has a wheel (38) for rolling on the top rail surface. A flange (44) extends radially from the wheel and can contact the side rail surface (42). A side roller (56) is rotatably mounted to a lever arm (54) and is biased by a spring (62) to a position closer to the side rail surface than is the wheel flange. When a force greater than a pre-set limit is placed on the roller by the rail, the lever arm can pivot to allow the wheel flange to contact the side rail surface.

Abstract: A conveyor system for moving a container, such as a cash box, between a main station, such as a bank building, and one or more secondary stations, such as an automatic teller machine. The conveyor includes at least two continuous smooth tubes running between the stations. A carriage rides along the tubes on two sets of wheels to keep the carriage in the desired alignment. A bracket secures the carriage to a movable cable that runs adjacent to the tube and is entrained over a plurality of pulleys. The bracket is configured to lift the cable away from individual pulleys as the bracket passes each pulley to avoid contact between bracket and cable. A drive mechanism moves the cable to move the carriage between stations. This system is adapted to move the carriage through a tunnel in an overhead canopy or through an underground tunnel where, for example, the carriage carries a cash box to drive-up automatic teller machines.

Abstract: There is described an arrangement for movably and guidingly supporting articles or furniture, such as enclosed shelving systems, cabinets, cupboards and like articles. The arrangement includes a carriage (2) which is provided with guide wheels (8) and runners (6) and which is intended to be placed beneath the article of furniture to be supported. The arrangement further comprises at least two mutually parallel rails (3, 4) which are placed on a floor surface or like supporting surface and which co-act with the wheels and runners on the carriage (2) in moving and guiding the article of furniture carried thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a track rail for a suspension conveyor system particularly for the convenience of materials in the textile industry, having a cross-sectional configuration comprising a pair of roof-shaped converging legs each formed with a roller track surface for one of a pair of track rollers on its upper side, and connected to a carrier rail by an upper carrier web extending in the symmetry plane, said track rollers of said track roller pair defining a derail gap and being mounted in a common yoke with their axes in oblique alignment relative to one another, permitting them to be detached from said track rail by lifting said yoke and tilting it transversely of said track rail. Known track rails are formed as a welded construction composed of continuous steel sections and web sections as the carrier web. They are heavy and permit only the use of center-suspension track roller pairs to travel thereon.

Abstract: A trolley for moving along a mono-rail track comprising two superimposed tubes, the trolley being provided with means for carrying a target, and being further provided with pairs of drive wheels which are inwardly inclined to rest on upper parts of the lower tube forming the track, the pairs of drive wheels having a "V" configuration. Additional pairs of substantially horizontal wheels engage opposite sides of the lower tube below the drive wheels. The drive wheels are driven by individual hydraulic motors, connected in series, and the hydraulic circuit for controlling the motors can be operated to achieve a braking effect on the wheels. Jockey wheels engage the top tube of the track. An additional spring pressure applied, hydraulic pressure released brake acts on the upper tube.

Abstract: A machine which is operative for handling a roll of wound sheet-like material having a loose tail end includes rollers which rotate the roll in the rewinding direction, blowers which unwind the loose tail end off the roll during rotation, and a delivery table upon which the unwound loose tail end settles for the application of glue. A first sensor detects the unwinding of the tail end off the roll and activates a normally deactivated second sensor which turns off the rollers when the tail end reaches a predetermined location on the delivery table. Adhesive is next applied to the stationary tail end by a glue gun which is movably mounted on a pneumatically controlled carriage assembly. The glued tail end is thereafter rewound upon the roll, and the roll is subsequently ejected from the machine. A third sensor detects the initial presence of the roll upon the rollers and will initiate ejection of the roll after a predetermined time period elapses, regardless of operation of the glue gun.

Abstract: Systems for launching or hauling up small boats, especially pleasure boats and the like, include a pair of rails joined together by sleepers and a carriage having two or more pairs of wheels which run along the rails. The rails are designed so that each of them forms a first track which is obliquely disposed in a lateral direction relative to a horizontal plane. A second track adjacent the first track forms an angle of about 90.degree. in a lateral direction relative to the first track.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle guidance system where the vehicles incorporate wheels having tires thereupon to follow a track of predetermined cross-section. The vehicle is provided with sensors to continuously sense the lateral location of the vehicle relative to the cross-section of the track and the yaw angle of the vehicle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the track. A modulator receives the output of the sensor to drive the steering system of the vehicle in order to correct for deviations of the vehicle from its predetermined relationship with the track contour.

Abstract: A transportation system includes a pair of rails spaced transversely of an elongated track on which flanged support wheels of a vehicle are adapted for travel along the sides, top or bottom of the track. The support wheels are transversely spaced apart by at least one-half the width or one-half the height of the vehicle and are sloped to respectively lie in planes intersecting at the center of gravity of the vehicle. Accordingly, horizontal forces acting on the vehicle during travel around curves produce no stresses on the wheel flanges but increase direct stress on one set of wheels and decrease direct stress on the other set of wheels.In another embodiment, the wheels are designed to tip parallel to the resultant forces acting on the wheels during horizontal force changes acting on the vehicle.