Abstract: A shock-absorbing tow bar coupler is disclosed. The tow bar coupler includes a housing dimensioned and configured at forward end to engage a trolley of a power and free conveyor. At its rearward end, a clevis is disposed within and rotatably attached to the housing. A hitch dimensioned and configured to engage a tow bar is rotatably attached to the clevis. The tow bar hitch provides a resilient, shock-absorbing attachment between the trolley and the tow bar.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveying an article on a loading platform of a vehicle by installing sensor switches on the top surface of the loading platform so that the proper loading of an article on the vehicle can be monitored and ensured in such a way that the movement of the vehicle can be stopped when the sensor switches sense an improper positioning of the article.

Abstract: A rail vehicle has a pivotal latch pivotally mounted to its frame so that gravity urges one end of the locking latch toward a rack extending along the railway on which the rail vehicle is positioned for movement. A smooth slideway extends parallel to and adjacent the rack and a rocker arm pivotally mounted on the locking latch has a lower end pivotally urged by gravity into contact with the slideway so that forward movement of the rail vehicle pivots the rocking arm to cause the locking latch to be pivoted upwardly out of contact with the rack with any initiation of rearward movement causing reverse pivoting of the rocker arm to lower the locking latch into engagement with the rack to prevent further reverse movement of the vehicle. Maintaining the locking latch out of contact with the rack during forward movement reduces wear and avoids the generation of clacking noise during forward movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An amusement ride attraction has an anti-roll back track with stops or cross bolts covered by a continuous brush material. A vehicle such as a roller coaster car or water flume boat has an anti-roll back pawl which rides above the fiber material on skis, when the vehicle moves forward. If the vehicle begins to move backward, the skis move downwardly through the brush material and the pawl engages a stop on the track, to prevent further reverse movement. The brush material prevents the pawl from banging over each of the stops on the track, thereby reducing noise and wear.

Abstract: A railway car retarder mechanism that employs linear electromagnetic induction to precisely accelerate or decelerate a railcar. The retarder mechanism includes a plurality of linear induction stators having a spaced plurality of primary inductors, a controllable power source electrically connected with selected ones of the primary inductors, a controller for controlling the electric current transmitted to the respective primary inductors by the controllable power source, and a sensor for sensing selected railcar parameters and transmitting those parameters to the controller, so that the speed-corrective forces applied by the retarder are proportional to these parameters. The controller regulates the magnetomotive force which is imparted upon a selected one of a plurality of railcar wheel sets, and is connected with each controllable power source. In some embodiments, the sensor include at least a portion of fiber-optic cable, which cable can be disposed proximate to a predetermined length of track rail.

Abstract: A retarder apparatus controls the speed of a free, load-carrying conveyor as it moves in a predetermined direction along a path of travel defined by the track in which the conveyor runs. Paddle members are spaced at regular intervals along an endless movable chain and each, in turn, is positioned in the track in the path of the next conveyor. Upon engagement of an individual paddle by an oncoming conveyor, the chain is instantly accelerated to the speed of the conveyor and this motion is transmitted through a chain sprocket to a centrifugal brake which, if a normal speed is being exceeded, limits the speed of movement of the chain to hold back a runaway conveyor and return it to the normal speed.

Abstract: A positioning system stops a transport car traveling along a transport path at a predetermined stop position. The system includes a pair of members coupled together by a magnetic attraction force. One of the members is disposed at the stop position, while the other of the members is disposed on the transport car, and at least one of the members is attached to the stop position or the transport car through a damper. Alternatively, the system may include two pairs of members coupled together by a magnetic attraction force, in which one of each pair of the members is disposed at the stop position, while the other of each pair of the members is disposed on the transport car, and one member of one of the pairs of members is attached to a guide mechanism which restricts a direction of movement of the one member attached to the guide mechanism caused by the action of magnetic attraction force between the members.

Abstract: A control device for trolley shackles used to carry animal carcasses or parts thereof on a track for weighing and disposal. The control comprises a snubber device including extending teeth adapted so that each tooth can catch a shackle. Speed control of the teeth and their carrying device may be controlled by electrical or hydraulic devices in addition to mechanical brakes.

Abstract: A brake apparatus that is designed to brake a drag race vehicle that is movable within a track of an amusement ride. The braking apparatus includes a pair of braking units that each include movable portions that are movable toward each other so as to clamp onto a guide plate that is being carried by the vehicle as it moves along the track. This clamping onto the guide plate results in slowing and eventual stopping of the vehicle. The braking units are movable by means of inflatable bladders into the braking position. The braking units are mounted on metallic cross beams which are fixedly mounted to the track. The movable portions of the braking units are slidably mounted on the metallic cross beams. Longitudinal movement of the movable portions, which occurs during the braking position, is to evenly apply pressure against each of the metallic cross beams. Each of the braking units are continuously spring biased toward the non-braking position.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing runaway of trolleys in a power-and-free conveyor system that includes a friction bar that extends lengthwise of the free conveyor track on a side of the track remote from the power conveyor for motion lengthwise of the track at an acute angle to the direction of motion of the trolleys along the track. The friction bar is releasably biased laterally outwardly from the track and in a direction lengthwise of the track opposed to the direction of trolley motion on the track so that trolleys may travel freely along the free conveyor track past the bar.

Abstract: A trolley system is provided which includes a powered tow trolley that travels along a rail, an end trolley that is fixed to an end of the rail, and several intermediate trolleys that travel along the rail between the tow and end trolleys. All trolleys are interconnected with a flexible tow line. Each intermediate trolley is provided with an individual mechanical brake for preventing movement along the rail until the brake is actively released by either a pulling or pushing force exerted on the corresponding trolley. The trolleys may include saddles for supporting for example, a load of cables or hoses festooned between the trolleys that are used for powering a moving machine connected to the tow trolley.

Abstract: A transport system having (i) electrical movers for moving in a travel direction along a guide rail, each having (a) a drive wheel, (b) a brakeless electric motor for rotating the drive wheel, (c) a photoelectric switch adapted to sense the proximity of an object, (d) a contact member for stopping movement of the electric mover at a predetermined location, the photoelectric switch being disposed in the travel direction ahead of said contact member for switching the supply of electrical power to the motor upon sensing or ceasing to sense a previously sensed proximity of an object, and (ii) a stopping mechanism located along the guide rail for stopping the movement of an electric mover, including (a) a stopper adapted in an operative position thereof to stop a moving electrical mover by contact with the contact member, and to allow movement of the electrical mover when the stopper is not in its operative position, (b) a shifter for shifting the stopper in and out of its operating position, and (c) a detectable

Abstract: A transport system having a first electric rail car adapted to be propelled over a guide rail, a rail car stopping device being disposed separately from the first rail car along the guide rail, the first rail car having a brakeless motor, an electric power supply circuit for the motor, a wheel driven from the electric motor, a first limit switch, a second limit switch, the first and second limit switches being in the electric power supply circuit for selectively cutting off the supply of electricity to the motor, a stop engaging member, and stopping control device for a second electric rail car following the first electric rail car, the stopping control device having an elongated member projecting rearwardly from the first electric rail car for opening a second limit switch of the second electric rail car when the second electric rail car approaches the first electric rail car closer than a predetermined distance to prevent a collision between the first and second electric rail cars, the stopping control devi

Abstract: A driving mechanism is disposed in the bottom of a door for driving the door and includes a reduction gearing and a motor fixed to the door, and a gear coupled to the reduction gearing and engaged with two shafts for rotatably supporting the wheels of the door so as to apply a downward force to the pinions in order to prevent the wheels moving upward away from the tracks. A retaining device is fixed to one of the tracks or fixed to the ground and has an opening for engaging with one of the pinions so as to maintain the door in place.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a playground carriage (10) is provided for moving people (100) from one play area to another. The playground carriage comprises a rotatable support pipe (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16). The support pipe extends between a first vertical column (18) and a second vertical column (20). A manually-operated crank (22) having a first end (24) and a second end (26) is also included. The manually-operated crank extends between the first vertical column and a third vertical column (48). The first end of the crank is coupled to the first end of the support pipe so that manually turning the crank rotates the support pipe. A carriage (28) for carrying people is mounted to the support pipe. The carriage is advanced along the support pipe by a carrier (30).

Abstract: Rollback-preventing apparatus for a rail vehicle for engaging a toothed rack securely joined to the rail track includes a detent pawl attached to the wheel of the rail vehicle. The detent pawl has a ratchet which is shaped for engagement in the toothed rack. The detent pawl is frictionally engaged with a friction disk that is rotated by the wheel of the rail vehicle. The extent of rotational movement of the detent pawl is limited by a stop. The frictional engagement between the detent pawl and the friction disk raises the ratchet above the toothed rack during travel of the rail vehicle in the normal direction, preventing engagement and noise. If the rail vehicle begins to move backwards, the ratchet of the detent pawl is moved by the frictional engagement of the disk and detent pawl into engagement with the toothed rack and thus prevents the vehicle from rolling backward.

Abstract: A transporting device has at least one autonomous workpiece carrier provided with an electric device and a drive control, and a path system provided with a plurality of stations. The workpiece carrier is provided with a unit for determining the operational parameter of the workpiece carrier and reacting to the deviation of the operational parameter from a predetermined value.

Abstract: A conveyor anti-runaway apparatus is provided for a conveyor of the type driven by an electric motor connected to a source of electrical power. The anti-runaway apparatus includes a switch tripping device having a tripping arm structure which is periodically bumped by conveyor wheel structure and which is caused to pivot into a switch opening position when the conveyor speed is unacceptably high. The tripping arm structure also functions as a blocking element to prevent conveyor movement. Jackscrew structure is provided to permit rapid disengagement of the tripping arm structure to facilitate restart of the conveyor. A second switch is provided to prevent conveyor restart until the switch tripping device is repositioned in its operative relationship to the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor anti-runaway apparatus is provided for a conveyor of the type driven by an electric motor connected to a source of electrical power. The anti-runaway apparatus includes a switch tripping device having a tripping arm structure which is periodically bumped by conveyor wheel structure and which is caused to pivot into a switch opening position when the conveyor speed is unacceptably high. The tripping arm structure also functions as a blocking element to prevent conveyor movement. Jackscrew structure is provided to permit rapid disengagement of the tripping arm structure to facilitate restart of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for speed control of railway transport facilities and a device to accomplish the method are used for deceleration and acceleration of transport vehicles in shunting yards. In the process of speed control a pressure element is introduced into an annular space cavity in a wheel, which cavity is formed by the disk hub and inner circular surface in the wheel rim, and is located on the inner or outer side of the wheel, said pressure element applies force action to any point located within one of the two inner circular wheel rim surface regions, located at both sides of an imaginary plane "a-a", passing through the axle of the wheel and through the wheel-to-rail contact point B. The pressure element has a shape designed to provide free entrance of the element into said annular cavity, which pressure element is mounted on a carriage, the carriage being movable along the track. The value of the pressure element force in this solution will not be limited to the weight of a wagon.

Abstract: A track installation for vehicles of a transport installation comprises a track supporting the vehicles at their vehicle carriages and possessing an inbound side and an outbound side for the vehicles. A conveyor is operatively associated with the track and contains entrainment members for entraining coaction with the vehicles. The track constitutes a generally or essentially horizontal track structure and extends along the complete length of the conveyor. Vehicle stops defining stop or parking positions for the vehicles are distributively arranged along the track. Each stop is provided with an actuation element and each stop or parking position has a vehicle sensor as well as an interrupter for disabling the entrainment of the there parked vehicle by the conveyor. The vehicle sensor of each stop or parking position is connected with the actuation element of the stop and also with the interrupter of the preceding or upstream located stop or parking position viewed in the vehicle conveying direction.

Abstract: A transportation system of a floated-carrier type according to this invention includes a carrier capable of running along guide rails with a cargo and load carried thereon. A magnetic unit is mounted on the carrier to float the carrier from the guide rails. A slowing-down device is provided to slow down the carrier when the carrier is just about to enter into a stop position. Projections of ferromagnetic material are provided on the side of predetermined portions of guide rails which the magnetic unit of the carrier confronts when the carrier is stopped in the stop position. The magnetic unit, together with the guide rails, establishes a magnetic circuit. The magnetic resistance in the magnetic circuit is smaller at the predetermined portions of the guide rails where the aforementioned projections are provided than at other portions of the guide rails.

Abstract: A vehicle precision location assembly including a precision shoe mounted on the vehicle and having planar surfaces which converge towards an end of the shoe and intersect along an edge inclined with respect to the horizontal and a pair of rollers mounted alongside a track and having their axes of rotation canted with respect to each other such that each roller contacts the shoe surfaces along a line substantially parallel to the axis of the roller whereby the vehicle will be centered in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle and without any play in the transverse direction regardless of wear.

Abstract: A locking assembly for vat wheels mounted in a track includes an air cylinder actuator having a reciprocating piston rod which drives a pivotable rocker assembly. The rocker assembly includes a pair of wheel braces which, in a locking position, cross the tracks contacting the inner surfaces of two adjacent vat wheels to prevent rolling or rocking of the vat.

Abstract: The process for positioning a series of suspended roving bobbin carriages equipped with a plurality of roving bobbins running on at least one rail opposite a plurality of working positions of a yarn manufacturing spinning machine comprises automatically guiding a positively actuated suspended roving bobbin carriage to a predetermined position opposite the working positions and stopping it in that predetermined position during delivery of the roving bobbins. The apparatus for performing this process includes a plurality of positioning elements working together pairwise of which a movable one is movable for positioning the suspended carriage, a carriage mounted one is positioned on one of the roving bobbin carriages and a fixed one is fixed on the stationary part of the spinning machine.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting items between specified work locations within a building is disclosed. The conveyor system includes a continuous guide track including a continuously moving drive chain and individual floor supported carts that move along the guide track. The individual carts have a retractable drive pin assembly that cooperates with disengaging rails mounted adjacent the guide track to allow the carts to stop at certain locations along the guide track. The individual carts have a retractable guide pin assembly that cooperates with selectively retaining means mounted thereon and cams mounted adjacent the guide track to retract the guide pin to allow the carts to be rotated at work stations or oriented in a sideways configuration to save space along the guide track. The carts also have a platform for supporting the items that is adjustable in height.

Abstract: An escapement mechanism for advancing a leading one of a row of gravity biased objects supported on a guide comprises a leading stop bracket and a trailing stop bracket pivotally mounted in fixed relation to one another and a piston and cylinder assembly, which pivots the two brackets. The brackets are angularly displaced relative to one another such that at one time, one stop bracket is in the path of the objects to back them up and the other stop is out of the path of said objects. The objects back up against the leading stop bracket and then the piston and cylinder assembly simultaneously pivots the trailing stop bracket into the path of the object immediately behind the leading object and pivots the leading stop bracket out of the path of the leading object to allow the leading object to advance by gravity beyond the escapement mechanism.

Abstract: A toy train set includes a toy train car operative upon a two rail trackway. The trackway includes a braking system for reducing the toy train speed at selected places along the trackway and a track intersection having no moving parts which permits a child user to select either of two direction paths. An elongated beam spring is provided on the toy cars to facilitate placement upon the trackway by a younger child.

Abstract: A transport for loading semitrailers and other similar cargo carrying vehicles includes a portable conveyor shaped to extend into a trailer, and load the same from front to rear. The portable conveyor is preferably self-propelled, and has steerable front wheels at the downstream end of the conveyor, with a steering arm to manually pilot the conveyor into the trailer, and around the loading dock area. A guidance mechanism positions the portable conveyor in a selected storage position in the loading area, and comprises a pair of guides which depend from the upstream end of the conveyor, and matingly receive a floor mounted guide rail therebetween. Ramp blocks are located at the base end of the guide rail to positively and safely stop the conveyor in the storage position.

Abstract: A control device for controlling the speed of driverless vehicles moving along a track is selectively operable for stopping vehicles by contact therewith. The device is operated by a motor. Springs are provided for biasing the device to an operative position for contact with the vehicle upon failure of supply of power to the motor.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle has at least one drive wheel mounted on a base and oscillatable about the axis of its support between a drive position and an accumulation position. A cam is supported on the base by a horizontal parallelogram linkage with one leg of the linkage connected to the drive wheel support for moving the drive wheel support between said positions. A ground supported cam follower is provided for actuating the cam.

Abstract: A rail system of the type in which a vehicle runs along a track to carry articles such as goods from one location in an industrial plant or other installation, to another location. At some point along the path an arm is provided for engagement with the vehicle and is swung with an angular velocity determined by the vehicle speed. A centrifugal clutch, effective when the angular velocity exceeds a predetermined level equivalent, say, to the maximum safe speed for the vehicle, can operate a cam to control a spring-loaded stop for the vehicle or car so that the stop can be rendered effective to bring the vehicle to standstill when the sensor detects the excessive speed.

Abstract: A guideway gravity vehicle combination designed for recreational use on hills and mountains consisting of a wheeled, stabilized vehicle riding on a monorail which extends from the top to the bottom of a downwardly inclined slope. The rider controls the vehicle speed through the use of powerful braking systems. Maximum speeds are regulated by automatic braking.

Abstract: The braking apparatus of this invention functions in cooperation with a rabbit lure car provided with longitudinally arranged brake shoes adapted to be clamped between elongated clamp members as the lure car passes the clamp members. Actuation of the clamp members is by a fluid cylinder, preferably pneumatic, lever-connected to an actuating rod that operates through a plurality of bell cranks to open and close the elongated clamps. The clamp opening is positioned in pre-set spacing when the operator transfers a control switch preparatory to the lure car's entering the vicinity of the clamp members. When the lure car passes a preestablished position following initial braking resulting from the pre-set clamp spacing, full clamp pressure is automatically applied, stopping the lure car.An associated fluid cylinder automatically opens a lure gate when the lure operator transfers the control switch to pre-set the clamp spacing.

Abstract: A car impact shock absorbing and coupler centering device for use in connection with railroad track bumping posts, which device comprises a block shaped body formed of resiliently compressible material that is of parallelepiped configuration which is adapted to be mounted against a fixed abutment defined by the post at the level of the center line of draft. The resilient body extends transversely of the track and is formed with a longitudinal bore through which extends a leaf spring assembly that has its ends projecting to either side of the body and which is proportioned transversely of the body bore to engage the body bore upper and lower sides. The ends of the leaf spring assembly are each equipped with a follower plate structure between which and a fixed support on the bumping post a compression spring assembly is interposed. Carried by the leaf spring assembly is a centering device for centering the car coupler relative to the resilient body.

Abstract: A braking and stabilizing system for a boat in a water channel, including boat lifting apparatus in the water channel engageable with the bottom of the boat, and including inflatable bags connected to the boat lifting apparatus for moving same upwardly to lift the boat while stabilizing same.

Abstract: Articles are manufactured on a production line including a plurality of independent work supporting and handling elements supported for movement along a conveying line connected to a plurality of stations for the individual treatment of an article. Each station includes at least two short treatment lines supplied with the handling elements by parallel branches of the conveying line, with the branches each being connected to a common discharge conveyor line, whereby each treatment line may receive a group of handling elements with the articles conveyed thereon receiving a plurality of operations at the stations while the articles are supported on the handling elements, with the group being moved from the branch lines after treatment of the entire group is completed.

Abstract: A safety stop for overhead track switches prevents a trolley on the track from rolling off an open end if the switch malfunctions. An additional feature of the safety stop are beveled portions thereof which help align the tracks being switched with the stationary portion of the track.

Abstract: A system is provided for accurately positioning bales of fibrous material in relation to a mechanical means for transporting fibers from said bales to the hoppers of fiber feeders.

Abstract: A brake apparatus that is designed to brake a drag race vehicle that is movable within a track of an amusement ride. The braking apparatus includes a pair of braking units that each include movable portions that are movable toward each other so as to clamp onto a guide plate that is being carried by the vehicle as it moves along the track. This clamping onto the guide plate results in slowing and eventual slopping of the vehicle. The braking units are movable by means of inflatable bladders into the braking position. The braking units are mounted on metallic cross beams which are fixedly mounted to the track The movable portions of the braking units are slidably mounted on the metallic cross beams. Longitudinal movement of the movable portions, which occurs during the braking position, is to evenly apply pressure against each of the metallic cross beams. Each of the bring units are continuously spring biased toward the non-braking position.