Abstract: Provided is a drip-proof device for a passenger conveyer, which is capable of improving working efficiency of maintenance work performed in a machine room. The drip-proof device for a passenger conveyor includes gutters, which are provided to a floor plate for opening and closing an opening portion of a machine room, and are each configured to receive water passing through a gap between wall surfaces of the opening portion and the floor plate, and a gutter displacement device configured to displace the gutters. Each of the gutters is displaced between a water-receiving position for receiving the water passing through the gap and a receiving position for allowing removal of the floor plate through the opening portion. The gutter displacement device includes a rotary member configured to rotate through an operation of the rotary member- and rods configured to displace the gutters through the rotation of the rotary member.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a rail transport system having no internal drive, and in particular to an improved rail transport system for conveying bulk materials. The rail transport system includes horizontal and vertical drive stations that include a drive tire that rotates on a plane parallel to the track. In this arrangement, force is applied on a different plane than earlier systems, and the reaction force is separated out of the tensioning device. The improvements of the drive stations provide for a reduction of steel used in the system, improved manufacturability and, therefore, reduction in system component costs as compared to previous drive stations. Moreover, the drive stations allow for improved maintainability and access to the drive tires.

Abstract: An improved plant breeding system for high throughput analysis of plant phenotype and genotype is provided. A method for analyzing the impact of genetic modifications on plants and selecting a plant with a genetic modification of interest is also provided. Also provided is a method for developing marketable information for improved plant breeding and a method for collecting data on a selected plant phenotype for rapid analysis of the effect of a genetic modification on the selected phenotype.

Abstract: A linear movement device comprising at least two linear movement units which are guided in a movable manner along a shared linear movement axis, wherein the linear movement device comprises a first linear drive and a second linear drive, in such a way that each linear movement unit can be driven in movement along the linear movement axis merely by the first linear drive, merely by the second linear drive, and also by both linear drives together. The first and the second linear drive are coupled to the linear movement units so as to transmit drive force, in such a way that when only one of the first linear drive and the second linear drive is activated, the linear movement units can be driven in movement in a shared direction along the linear movement axis at different speeds.

Abstract: A bulk materials transportation system having a plurality of carriages pivotally coupled endwise to form an endless chain of carriages, a rail track for guiding the carriages from a mine stockpile to a port stockpile, and a plurality of drive mechanisms located along the length of the rail track arranged for propelling the carriages. The rail track and the endless chain of carriages are substantially the same length. The drive mechanism is stationary with respect to the rail track. The carriages each have a coupling capable of allowing limited relative movement (including slack) with respect to endwise adjacent carriages to allow limited endwise movement between adjacent carriages to facilitate starting of the chain of carriages from a stationary condition.

Abstract: An automatic crossbar on a ski chair-lift for containing seated passengers and facilitating dismounting passengers. A vertically elongated bar (20) with a crossbar (20a) attached at its base is pivotably suspended from a passenger chair, positioning the crossbar in front of passengers. An elastic closure attachment (9), and/or an automatic locking mechanism (60), is attached between the elongated bar and the chair to retain the crossbar in a closed position and contain passengers. A blocking structure (200) is suspended proximal to the aerial cable above the landing platform. The elongated bar has an upper portion (20v) above its pivotal mount (21b) which impacts the blocking structure as the aerial cable moves the chair forward. The impact causes the upper portion to rotate back as the lower portion and crossbar are levered forward and upward. As the crossbar swings forward from the chair, passengers grasp the crossbar to balance with while standing onto the landing platform.

Abstract: Bodies (5) are driven along a predetermined path by being coupled by pairs of cooperating coupling elements to a hauling line (1) which is guided generally in parallel with the predetermined path. The hauling line can be an endless hauling tape guided around deflection rollers (2) and simultaneously serving as a first coupling element. For the coupling function, the hauling tape (1) is elastically deformable perpendicular to its length, e.g., compressible, and cooperates with a second coupling element on the body (5) to be driven. The second coupling element is a groove (6) matched to the hauling tape (1) having two open ends and extending in parallel to the predetermined path, into which groove a length of the hauling tape is positionable. For coupling, the body (5) and the hauling tape (1) are guided toward each other such that the hauling tape (1) is pressed into the groove (6), where a displacement perpendicular to the predetermined path is prevented by suitable guide means (2, U).

Abstract: The invention relates to a moving walk which can transport users in opposite two directions. A number of pallets 3 are arranged for rounding or circulation on annular rails 11 having two linear sectors 1A and 1B. Screw rods 16 are arranged on the linear sectors 1A and 1B of the rails 11. The adjacent pallets 3 are interconnected through string members 22. The pallets 3 are moved in opposite directions on the linear sectors 1A and 1B, respectively. Each pallet 3 is inserted at its front end under a read end of its preceding pallet 3 to provide a continuous walk surface so that many users are transported safely.

Abstract: A band transportation system that includes a main band that extends over a closed path and includes one or more straight portions, an embarking band assembly and a disembarking band assembly with straight portions each that are brought adjacent to the straight portion of the main band by hydraulic mechanisms that move a carousel on which the embarking and disembarking bands are mounted. When the embarking and/or disembarking bands reach the speed of the main band, the passenger move from one band to the other when they are traveling on the straight portion which has sufficient length to permit this. The main band is electrically powered and the embarking and disembarking bands may include electromagnetic levitating mechanisms. Dividers are positioned on the different bands to protect the passengers from the wind. An alternate embodiment includes the use of an intermediate band assembly that travels at a constant speed equal to the speed of the main band.

Abstract: A transporting system includes plural primary dispersedly arranged linear induction motors and plural continuously movable bodies connected by a secondary conductor in an endless path. At least one of the linear induction motors is directly controlled by an inverter control device, and the remaining linear induction motors are switchably connected to a power source. A running speed of the moveable bodies is detected, and the difference between the detected running speed and a desired running speed is used to control the inverter control device and the switching of the remaining induction motors to the power source. A voltage controller can be used in place of the inverter control device.

Abstract: The mass transit system comprises at least two train stations. Each station has at least one revolving platform whose upper surface defines a curvilinear track. Stationary tracks are positioned between the platforms. An endless flexible member is driven by the revolving platforms at a constant speed. The flexible member carries cars which together form an endless train. The cars are driven by the flexible member and ride over the stationary tracks and over the curvilinear tracks.

Abstract: The novel mass transit system comprises at least two stations, each having a rotatable platform. An endless stationary track loops around the rotary platforms. A plurality of small cars form an endless tensioned train for moving over the track. Each car is driven exclusively by frictional forces developed between the driving platform and the cars. These frictional forces result from direct mechanical engagement between the tensioned endless train and the platforms when the cars are at the stations.

Abstract: The invention relates to continuous transport apparatus whose transport speed is variable. The embodiment illustrated is a moving walkway in which the load-bearing members are plates, adjacent plates overlapping to present a continuous surface. The load-bearing members are mounted on respective supports and the variation in speed is obtained by varying the spacing between adjacent supports. The supports are connected by a flexible link, which is a chain or belt in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transportation device comprised of a series of load carrying components connected together so that the distance between the components vary thereby allowing the components to move in a closed loop path. Rotatingly driven endless screws are positioned along the closed loop path and are engaged by a projection associated with the component as a particular component moves along a screw. The thread pitch of the screws is arranged to control the distance between adjacent component and the speed of the components.

Abstract: A conveyor system that moves closely spaced carrier members around small radius curves and in right-hand and left-hand turns without releasing or respacing the carrier members.

Abstract: A cable drive system suitable for use with moving walkways wherein a plurality of serially connected platforms (10) travel in a circuitous path of travel that includes change-of-direction regions (18, 20) connected by constant speed zones is disclosed. The cable drive system of the invention is particularly suited for use with an accelerating and decelerating moving walkway wherein acceleration and deceleration zones are located at the beginning and end, respectively, of each constant speed zone. The cable drive system comprises a drive cable (60) positioned beneath the constant speed zones of the path of travel and releasable cable-coupling mechanisms (98) associated with and connected to the platforms (10). An actuating mechanism (94, 96 and 122, 124) actuates the cable-coupling mechanisms to grip the cable (60) at the beginning of the constant speed zones and release the cable at the end of the constant speed zones.

Abstract: The device comprises cabins allowing a front or side access, each cabin having a first part and a second part. The first part of the cabin comprises a frame (6), rolling along a rolling track (1,2), carrying a fixed floor (11) surrounded by a fixed protection wall (12). The second part of the cabin comprises a rectangular grooved plate (13). In the loading and unloading areas the plates (13) of adjacent cabins are in contact and form a continuous carpet. A rotary moving door (23) surrounds the cabin when the latter moves individually outside the loading and unloading areas.

Abstract: A transportation system comprises a plurality of successive load carrying components, means for moving the components along a closed-loop path and means for controlling the speed of the components and their distance apart. The controlling means is operable by moving the components along the closed-loop path without rotation of the components traverse to the closed-loop path direction.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a continuously moving street or road formed from a continuous chain of cars having flexible couplings therebetween. The upper surface of the moving conveyor is at approximately the same level as the supporting surface along the track which carries the conveyor, so that persons may step onto the conveyor without having to step up or down. The running street or road can be driven continuously by internal combustion engines, electricity, or other conventional drive means for vehicles. The speed of the road may be adjusted so as to maximize safety and so as to make it easy for persons to step onto the moving conveyor. Fans or cooling systems are provided below the cars to cool the air beneath the cars caused by continuous running. The spaces between the cars are covered by elastic support members.

Abstract: A method of access to a transportation system in which an endless cable pulls a series of transport modules in an endless loop is described. A single loop stops alternately at short and long intervals to combine in a single loop the advantages of separate local and express loops. The user combines the long and short distances, getting off and waiting if necessary, to get closest to his destination while making the fewest stops.

Abstract: A transportation system includes pallet cars coupled with one another; the pallet cars being for the positive non-slipping transportation of baggage conveyor cars for escalators. On the lower side of the pallet cars, arc-shaped drivers are pivotably mounted about one of the carrying axles constituting a pivot point, by means of a bracket. The drivers are supported on a track via a roller secured at a pivot point on the driver such that during the transportation operation the driver projects through a slot in the pallet car and engages in back of a catch which is secured at the bottom of the baggage conveyor car. Shortly before reaching the horizontal part of the transportation system the driver disengages from the catch of the baggage conveyor car.

Abstract: A continuous transport system for serving an urban region, for example, for ublic transport. The transport system includes at least one looped main track which cooperates with at least one station track. The main track conveys platforms with removable cabins disposed thereon at a constant speed, and the cabins are adapted to be transferred to similar platforms provided on the station track. The station track varies the speed of the cabins therealong to permit embarkation and disembarkation therefrom.

Abstract: Principal movable elements are mounted for displacement on a first rolling track and coupled together in pairs by a flexible link of constant length. Auxiliary movable elements are mounted for displacement on a second rolling track. The spacing between the first and second rolling track is variable along at least a part of the path of travel. Each flexible link passes over two deflecting members each mounted integrally on one of the principal movable elements. A central portion of each flexible link is always positioned substantially in the direction of displacement and the two extreme portions of each link are respectively secured to an auxiliary movable element without rigid part between a principal and an auxiliary element.

Abstract: A modular rapid transportation system is described which features transport modules for carrying passengers and/or freight, high-speed, constant-velocity conveyors for transporting the transport modules from station to station and variable-speed transfer vehicles at the stations capable of matching velocities with the high-speed conveyors for loading and unloading the transport modules onto and off of the conveyors. A station in the system is located between at least two oppositely-moving, constant-velocity conveyors and includes at least two closed-circuit, overhead rails above the constant-velocity conveyors.The transfer vehicle travelling on a rail accelerates from a loading/unloading section of the rail with a transport module and matches the velocity of one of the constant-velocity conveyors, transfers the transport module to that conveyor and then moves to a storage section of the rail.

Abstract: The disclosed safety devices are disposed at either of the edges of each stair of an escalator. Each device includes a sensor dovetailed to a bracket for the individual stair treads and risers to abut against and be horizontally aligned with a displacement element screwed to the bracket. The sensor of each device projects beyond a corresponding riser. If a passenger's calf or the like contacts the sensor, the latter retrogrades to displace the abutting end portion of the displacement element toward the adjacent skirt plate of the escalator to narrow a space formed between the displacement element and the skirt plate. The sensor may be disposed in a vertically aligned, abutting relationship upon the displacement element to somewhat project beyond the cleats on a tread.

Abstract: The disclosed safety device includes a barrier member disposed on a departure landing in front of a guide port for receiving a moving handrail after having been turned in its traveling direction. The barrier member is provided on the upper surface with a C-shaped groove having an opening narrower than the width of the handrail and formed of two sections of easily destructable material divided in a plane extending lengthwise of the groove. The handrail is loosely inserted into the groove. The barrier member may be provided on each of its lateral side surfaces with a notch in the form of a semi-arch.

Abstract: A transportation system is comprised of a first closed loop passenger and cargo transporter section with such section being ideally intended to operate at a substantially constant speed, and a second closed loop passenger transfer section with such section being intended to operate, generally between the first closed loop and a related stationary passenger platform, as to cyclically maintain a speed equivalent to the constant speed of the first closed loop, then decelerate until it is stationary with respect to the related stationary passenger platform and then accelerate until it is again at the speed of the first closed loop transporter section. Passengers and cargo may, during the time that the transfer section is stationary with respect to the passenger platform, transfer from the platform onto the then stationary transfer section (or if getting off of the system, transfer from the then stationary transfer section onto the platform).