Abstract: A device and system for controlling travel of a railcar along a set of rails is provided. In one example, a railcar stop is coupled to the set of rails and is selectively movable between a first position wherein the railcar is free to travel along the set of rails and a second position wherein the railcar stop engages the treads of the wheels to thereby prevent travel of the railcar in at least one direction along the rails.

Abstract: An anti-roll back (ARB) assembly for use with vehicles that ride on a track, which has inclined portions that include a set of ARB or lift pins. The assembly includes a linear magnet assembly positioned along the track in the ARB portion, and this assembly includes spaced apart magnet arrays that define a slot or elongated magnetic force zone. The ARB assembly includes an ARB element with a body pivotally supported on a vehicle frame and further includes an electrically conductive reaction plate supported on the vehicle frame, and the plate passes through the magnet assembly slot when the vehicle travels on the track. The reaction plate is connected to the ARB body to pivot it in response to displacement of the reaction plate in response to magnetic forces to rotate it up into a suspended position in which the ARB body is spaced apart from the ARB pins.

Abstract: A track traveling toy, including: a track; at least a part of the track being made to be a double track; and automotive vehicle stopping sections which are respectively provided on railway tracks of the double track, wherein an automotive vehicle entering the railway track on one side operates the stopping section of the railway track on the one side to stop the automotive vehicle on the railway track, and operates the stopping section on the other railway track to release a stopping state of an automotive vehicle on the railway track.

Abstract: A material handling system (100) and method (200) for isolating a carrier mechanism (110) from the system. The system (100) comprises a track (103) having a channel (105), a turntable (115), and a carrier mechanism (110) coupled to the track structure via the channel. The system (100) further comprises a maintenance station (125), comprising a stub track (130), wherein the stub track is operably coupled to the track structure (103) via the turntable (115). The maintenance station (125) further comprises a power supply (135) and one or more connectors (140) operable to electrically couple the carrier (110) to the power supply (135). One or more stop blocks (145) are provided which are removably coupled to the stub track (130), wherein the stop blocks each comprise a body (155) having a rod (160) extending therefrom.

Abstract: A method for positioning railroad freight cars at specified positions while using robust positioning devices. One end of a train is prepositioned inside a comparatively wide area and a buffer device is activated. The locomotive pulls the train in a direction of travel until the activated buffer engages with a counter-buffer. The locomotive then exerts an additional tractive force so that the train is lengthened, whereby the front end of the first car, thus of the car coupled to the locomotive, is arranged in the area of a second counter-buffer device. A second buffer device is subsequently activated in a similar manner. The locomotive now decreases the tractive force so that the train is drawn together and so that the second buffer engages the second counter-buffer. The described positioning can be effected in the same manner by applying a pressure pretension onto the train.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a workpiece carrier in a machining station includes at least one positioning device. The workpiece carrier is movable on a rail system and one or more machining stations are arranged along the rail system for machining a workpiece arranged on the workpiece carrier. The at least one positioning device is arranged in an area of the machining station and has fixtures for positioning and high-precision retention of the workpiece carrier with respect to a stationary reference surface. The positioning device further includes fixtures for decoupling the workpiece carrier from the rail system, and a deceleration and acceleration device for the workpiece carrier.

Abstract: A wheel stop for an overhead rail vehicle includes a wheel block assembly pivotably fastened to a clamping assembly. The wheel block assembly is provided with an actuator connector positioned such that a downward force on the wheel block assembly tends to move the wheel block assembly from a wheel-engaging position to a retracted position. An actuating assembly permits an operator to actuate a lift rod for moving the wheel block assembly from a ground location. Shock absorbing elements on the wheel stop prevent damage. The actuating assembly is provided with apertures for receiving a padlock to prevent tampering.

Abstract: A railcar retarder assembly for use in a railroad trackwork such as a railcar classification yard is provided with a fixed base plate, a vertically-oriented pivot shaft secured to the base plate, an elongated and curved cam member mounted on the pivot shaft, and a horizontally-oriented hydraulic subsystem piston element that induces reaction hydraulic damping forces which are transmitted horizontally to the wheel flanges of a passing railcar to thereby reduce the rolling velocity of the railcar.

Abstract: A brake (10) includes a first friction element (30) secured to the sliding plate (16) of a linear motor (12) and a second friction element (36) secured to the base plate (14) of the linear motor (12), with the friction elements (30, 36) located outside of the linear motor (12) in a direction generally perpendicular to the linear movement direction. The second friction element (36) includes first and second caliper elements (54) between which the first friction element (30) can be sandwiched and which are separated by movement of a release bar (62) parallel to the linear movement direction and including cam followers (72) which engage cam wedges (74) secured on the inner surfaces of the first and second caliper elements (54). The first and second caliper elements (54) are slideable upon standoffs (44) extending between side plate (42) of a frame (38). Wave springs (58) are positioned in recesses (60) and between the caliper elements (54) and the side plates (42) for biasing the caliper elements (54) together.

Abstract: An amusement ride for humans which utilizes at least one vehicle which is to be operatively moved on a track. The vehicle is to be tied to the track so as to prevent separation of the vehicle from the track with this tying to the track being accomplished by a guide blade that is attached to and protrudes from the vehicle which rides within a slot arrangement formed in the track. The track includes a braking area, and within that braking area there are a plurality of braking units located in an in-line sequence. Prior to each braking area, there is a centering rail section which is included within the track. The guide blade has to pass through a centering rail section prior to the entering of each braking unit. The centering rail section includes a through centering slot. The through centering slot narrows in width with the narrowness occurring in the direction of travel.

Abstract: A recoil blocking device for vehicles (1) for roller-coasters, monorails or the like. To avoid the ratchet noises occurring in the case of prior-art ratchet-type blocking mechanisms of such recoil blocking devices, the present invention provides a catch drive (21), which is designed as an eddy current drive and spaces the catch (2) from the countercatch (5) when the vehicle (1) is moving forward and allows the catch (2) to engage the countercatch (5) when the vehicle (1) is standing or moving backward. The catch (2) is mounted rotatably at the vehicle, whereas the countercatch (5) is arranged stationarily in the form of a toothed rack in the area of the rail arrangement (4) of an uphill section.

Abstract: A power and free conveyor system is provided which utilizes a difference in height between the wipe in power trolley and the wipe out power trolley, with or without a camming down of a retractable wide dog of the free trolley, to allow the wipe in power chain to wipe in over the retractable dog without any possibility of lateral interference. Thereafter the elevation of the wipe in power trolley and the wipe out power trolley are the same. Improved stop device operating to push down the retractable dog and therefore cause disengagement of the retractable dog from the power chain dog are also provided.

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 conveying system is provided for moving a pallet along straight and curved paths. The conveying system includes a track on which the pallet is mounted for movement by a motor driven roller which engages a stationary shaft mounted on the track. The drive roller is urged into contact with the shaft and is capable of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation in order to effectuate forward or reverse motion of the pallet. A control device is provided for controlling the speed and stopping and starting the pallet. The control device may include object detectors and/or switches for stopping the pallet in response to objects on the track or for stopping the pallet at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A linear motor driven transport system of an improved design is presented. The conventional roller configuration for holding the transport vehicle on the rail track has been replaced with a spring-loaded design so as to maintain the contact between the roller and the rail surface regardless of the curvatures in the routing track. Weighing device of an improved direct-loading design is adopted to improve the ruggedness of the device. Devices for controlling the positioning of the transport vehicle, including the carrier, have been simplified and the number of component pieces reduced to lower the cost of manufacturing the transport system. The container and track configurations have also been modified to enable efficient track set-up and loading/unloading of goods in complex track routing in a limited space.

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: The present invention provides a carrier stopping device for a conveyor having a disengageable propelling member, such as a power and free conveyor. The stopping device preferably utilizes a linear induction motor to activate a stop plate of the stopping device. The stop plate is locked in an extended position and a retracted position by a locking pin which reacts to the electromagnetic force of the linear induction motor.

Abstract: An amusement ride for humans which is constructed to include a plurality of separate tracks located in a side-by-side relationship. On each track is located a vehicle, with this vehicle including a propulsion system which is activated and controlled by a human operator located within the vehicle. The vehicle is mounted in conjunction with a track which keeps each vehicle confined to its particular track and permits the vehicle to move between a Start position and Finish position on the track. Associated with each track is an automatic brake system to stop the vehicle. Each track is composed of a plurality of separate guide rail sections which are located in a spaced apart arrangement with the separate guide rail sections being mounted in an in-line manner within the track. A guide blade is mounted on each vehicle and is to connect with each of these guide rail sections as the vehicle moves along the track.

Abstract: A load carrying unit including a vertically movable pin for engagement with a movable chain of a chain conveyor includes a vertically movable chain engaging pin assembly attached to a front end of a frame structure of the load carrying unit, wherein the vertically moving chain engaging pin assembly includes a cam follower and is vertically movable in response to the position of the cam follower. The cam follower is in cooperating relation with a cam which is provided with a cam surface which follows the contour of a chain guide assembly which includes the movable chain therein.

Abstract: A safety system for restraining and preventing a person from falling off an elevated structure such as a locomotive. The safety system includes a segmented rail structure comprising a plurality of releasable and/or removable rail sections that are supported by a series of rail posts. The rail sections can be released and/or removed in order to provide access to an adjacent locomotive compartment to be serviced. A pair of spring biased support members are attached to each of the rail posts and automatically extend when corresponding section is removed. A moveable trolley apparatus engages the rail sections with a plurality of wheels, and has an extendable arm that can be connected to a lanyard worn by a maintenance person. When extended, the raised support members prevent the trolley from coming off the end of a rail section adjacent to a rail section that has been removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pusher dog, which is mounted on a driving conveyor chain and normally urged to a standing position, and which is detachably hooked on a truck. The pusher dog tilt operation plate is mounted on a storage conveyor. An upward urging member pushes up the pusher dog tilt operation plate to abut a lower end portion of the pusher dog in such a direction that the pusher dog is made to tilt and is released from engagement with the truck. A press down member presses down the pusher dog tilt operation plate against the upward urging force.

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: An improved railway car retarder, fitted with fluid power cylinders, such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. The cylinders function to temporarily release the force of retarder friction rails on train car wheels. The retardation function is still carried out by conventional spring assemblies and the functional integrity of existing retarders is not disrupted.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting wheeled trucks along a roadway that has straight and curved portions, in the center of which lies a chain conveyor. The trucks selectively engage the chain so as to be impelled thereby to move along the roadway and are supported on four wheel casters that traverse the roadway. The trucks have an upper turntable surface which can rotate in 90.degree. segments as the trucks follow around a corner of the roadway. The turntable is rotated by a four arm cross-lever connected to the turntable below the truck and non-rotatable with respect to the turntable. Turntable turning assemblies located adjacent the roadway, extend upward from the roadway to engage an arm of the four arm cross-lever to rotate the turntable as the truck encounters the turntable turning assembly. A tow pin hangs from the trucks and can be actuated to separate it from the chain to stop the truck by two different lifting mechanisms.

Abstract: A detection system provided in a conveyor system in which carrier members are conveyed by conveying member between work stations, having an identification code provided on a disk member on each carrier member for indicating the working station to which the carrier member is to be transferred, detector for reading the identification code, a stopper for holding the carrier member at a predetermined position, and transmitting member provided with the carrier member for being relatively moved to the carrier member and transmitting the conveying force of the conveying member to the identifying member only when the carrier member is held at the predetermined position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic carrier system having one or more self-propelled robotic carriers for carrying products-in-assembly between assembly stations of an automated assembly line. The running speed and stopping position of individual carriers is controlled by command indicators. The carriers are capable of stopping within a small distance of a desired position relative to an assembly station. Each carrier supports a pallet upon which is slidably disposed a subpallet. Each assembly station has a robotic arm upon which is located a positioning member and an assembling tool. Accurate positioning of product-in-assembly is effected by lowering the positioning member, which comprises two cylinders with tapered openings, over a pair of positioning projections mounted on the slidable subpallets. As the positioning projections slide within the tapered opening of the positioning member cylinders, the sloped surface of the tapered opening causes the positioning projections to move toward the center of the cylinders.

Abstract: A variable height workstation includes a trolley delivery apparatus for controllably moving a rail section from a gap formed in a subsidiary loop rail to a workstation located remotely from the loop. A pivotal cam is controllably rotated by an actuator and moves with the rail section and arrests travel of a trolley on the moveable rail section so that rail section may be removed toward the workstation while carrying the trolley. The pivotal cam is also capable of accelerating a trolley off the rail section either after the rail returns to its normal bridging position or from the rail section without it being lowered. The trolley delivery apparatus is employed in a subsidiary loop system whereby a preworkstation indexer is located upstream of it to advance individual diverted trolleys onto the moveable rail section.

Abstract: A conveying system for moving load carrying units, such as carts or pallets, along a predetermined conveying path includes an endless moving conveyor chain traveling in a chain guide channel defining the conveying path. The carts to be conveyed each have a depending movable conveyor chain engagement pin which is selectively movable between a conveyor chain engaged position coupling the cart to the conveyor chain so that the cart moves with the conveyor chain, and a conveyor chain disengaged position uncoupling the cart from the conveyor chain so that the cart remains stationary. The carts also include a fixed depending cart guide finger spaced from the conveyor chain engagement pin which cart guide finger also remains out of contact with the conveyor chain. Further, the conveyor system also includes a load carrying unit and a unit guide channel located over and in alignment with the chain guide channel along at least portions of the length of the chain guide channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular installation for controlled transport of parts or products. This installation includes at least one autonomous pallet (10) carrying a traction mechanism, preferably in the form of an electric motor-brake (14), this pallet being provided with wheels (15, 16, 30, 31) for circulation on a rail network, conveying the motor feed current and the control signals for the traction mechanism of the pallet. The pallet comprises two girders (11 and 12) and a plate (13) provided with two centering pins (21). The installation is advantageous in that it is flexible and allows an adaptation to all utilizations, especially because the pallets may be managed individually by a central data processing unit.

Abstract: A positive retraction trolley stop mechanism is provided for a power and free conveyor system having a trolley member driven along a track. A depending trolley dog, engaged by drive dogs on a drive mechanism to push the trolley along the track, is movable between upper and lower positions for disengagement and engagement with drive dogs. The stop mechanism includes a pivotal stop arm which is pivoted to an upper position to engage a trolley dog on a trolley to be stopped and supported there by a cam member which is pivoted by a piston and cylinder. The cam member is pivoted out from under the stop arm to release the stop arm to assume its lower non-braking position. A one way or lost motion link is connected between cranks on a cam shaft and a stop arm axle to positively pull the stop arm to its non-braking position. The lost motion link is connected to the cam crank by a link connector which slidably engages a slot in the ink.

Abstract: An accumulating pallet chain-dog conveyor has spring-biased roller assemblies attached to the pallet underside for frictionally engaging dogs and spacers which are connected to an endless chain. The roller assemblies include rotatable rollers having a plurality of flats for engaging the surfaces of the dogs and spacers. In operation, the pallets are propelled by the dogs which are engaged by the spring-biased rollers. The conveyor includes a pallet stop which halts the forward movement of the pallet at a predetermined position. When the forward movement of the pallet is stopped, the opposed rollers rotate the distance of one flat whereby the dog passes between the rollers in sliding, frictional engagement therewith. Thus, the pallet stops and the endless chain with its attached dogs and spacers continues to move. After the dog passes from between the opposed rollers, the rollers slidingly, frictionally engage a spacer which also passes between the rollers.

Abstract: A trolley stop assembly is provided for use with an inverted power and free conveyor system having a trolley member driven along a track. A depending trolley dog is engaged by drive dogs on a drive mechanism for pushing the trolley along the track and is movable between upper and lower positions for disengagement and engagement with the drive dogs. The assembly includes a stop arm pivotally mounted within the conveyor system for pivoting about a horizontal axis. Provisions are made for lifting the stop arm into an upper position to engage a portion of a trolley dog on a trolley to be stopped to lift the trolley dog out of possible engagement with the drive dogs. The stop arm includes an upper cam surface with an abutment portion for braking the trolley by mating with a portion of the trolley dog. An actuator mechansim includes a cam engageable with the stop arm to pivot same between upper and lower positions. The cam member is actuated by a piston and cylinder arrangement positioned on a side of the assembly.

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: An aerial ropeway transport installation comprises cars coupled to the rope by detachable grips. On the line the cars run in groups but are widely spaced in order to spread the load. In the terminal the cars are uncoupled from the rope at a corresponding location of a platform by an individual control device, the cars of any one group stopping one behind the other. The rope speed is temporarily slowed down or stopped during each detachment and/or attachment operation.

Abstract: A device for positioning or stopping a workpiece carrier of a conveying device in which workpieces are fed to different work stations following each other in a conveying direction is provided. The workpiece carrier is provided with an external stop projecting therefrom transversely of the conveying direction and arranged to cooperate with a stop carrier element disposed outside the path of movement of the workpiece carrier and having a stop surface moveable into and out of the path of movement of the stop in the conveying direction. In one embodiment the stop carrier element is moveable transversely of the conveying direction and engages a stop below the workpiece carrier. In another embodiment the stop element comprises a rotary cylinder extending longitudinally of the conveying direction and having a generally helical slide track engaging a stop projecting laterally from the workpiece carrier.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle, propelled by a longitudinal drive shaft, is provided with a load supporting substrate coupled to the vehicle body by a floating mount which permits the substrate to be moved relative to the body in a limited manner. A precision locator for use with said vehicle orientates the substrate in three directions, namely fore-aft, transversely, and vertically.

Abstract: A device for interrupting the movement of load carrying units, such as carts or pallets, moving with a conveyor system. The device includes a movable conveyor engagement mechanism associated with each of the carts which is movable between a conveyor system engagement position and disengagement position by a movable actuator disposed at a first preselected location along the conveyor path at which the movement of a cart is to be interrupted. The movable actuator is controlled by a trigger mechanism disposed at a second predetermined location upstream of the movable actuator. The trigger mechanism is activated in response to a following cart moving with the conveyor past the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: The device controls the speed of a driverless vehicle by way of a cam having an acceleration surface and a deceleration surface for contact with a cam follower on the driverless vehicle. The cam is mounted for reciprocation in a horizontal direction between an operative position wherein the deceleration surface will cause a driverless vehicle to stop and an inoperative position wherein the cam will not cause such vehicle to stop.

Abstract: Movable buffer stop apparatus (10) for a railway vehicle comprises a stop plate (27) on an arm (21), and a support strut (31) movable angularly relative to the arm (21) by an hydraulic cylinder (33) between raised and lowered conditions of the apparatus (10). The arm (21) and the support strut (31) are mounted on a truck (14) which cooperates with a fixed energy absorbing buffer (35) in a sunken pit (11).

Abstract: A pick-up means for roller pallets in such applications where the roller pallets (1) run on rails (2) on tracks (3). At the discharge end of the tracks there is a stop (4) preventing the discharge of roller pallets until a pick-up means (6) provided with a travelling surface (5) comes to get the roller pallets meant to be dispatched. The pick-up means of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a slide (8) movable in its longitudinal direction and provided with a transporter (7), said slide being at a pick-up operation movable in under the first roller pallet (1) on the rails (2), while at the same time it will disengage the stop (4) so that the roller pallet moves onto the travelling surface (5) of the pick-up means, being pulled by the slide (8). The pick-up operation is now accomplished with considerably greater safety and speed than with any apparatus of prior art.

Abstract: A pallet conveying system comprising pallet guide rails supported on a frame, a driving shaft extending along the guide rails, motors for driving the driving shaft, a turntable mechanism disposed at the end of the pallet guide rails and having changeover rails alignable with the guide rails and a changeover driving shaft connectable to the driving shaft, a driven roller pivotally attached to the underside of a pallet and pressed against the circumference of the driving shaft with the axis of rotation thereof inclined with respect to the axis of the driving shaft, levers projecting from the front and the rear ends, respectively, of the pallet for causing the axis of rotation of the driven roller to be moved parallel to the axis of the driving shaft when the levers are retracted, and pallet stopping and positioning mechanisms each disposed at a predetermined position on the guide rails and adapted to cause the axis of rotation of the driven roller to be approximately parallel to the axis of the driving shaft an

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the angular position of a drive wheel on a driverless vehicle. The apparatus includes a speed control device movable between two positions and having a lost-motion coupling to a shock absorber so that the device moves rapidly toward the second position for part of its movement and then moves slowly for the remainder of its movement.

Abstract: The piston rod of at least one hydraulic cylinder is axially connected to a pivot pin about which the car holding arm of a car holding device rotates in a vertical plane to engage the couplings between railroad cars. In the case of a single hydraulic cylinder, the inner chamber of the cylinder, located closest to the car holding arm, is connected to the outer chamber on the other side of the piston by a conduit. When hydraulic cylinders are connected to each pivot pin of the car holding arm, the inner chambers of the two cylinders are interconnected by a conduit as are the two outer chambers. When flow through the conduits is blocked by a solenoid valve, movement of the car holding arm in the direction parallel to the track is resisted and the arm holds the train in position.

Abstract: In a retarder system for railway wagons, a retarder device which includes a rotatable cylinder resiliently urged into a working position adjacent a rail and provided with a flange with a helical contact surface. The flange of a railway wagon wheel which passes in a working or first direction influences the contact surface of the cylinder to set the cylinder rotating thereby pumping a hydraulic medium through a throttled opening to obtain a braking action. The cylinder is provided with an elongated projection arranged parallel to the axis of the cylinder, which extends radially from the cylinder and is directed, in a position of readiness of the cylinder, substantially towards the rail.

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. A second drive motor is coupled to the third drive tube for driving the same at a second low speed. Clutch means are provided for enabling only the first motor to drive said first and second tubes and then enable only the second motor to drive the second and third tubes.

Abstract: A precision stop assembly is provided for causing a driverless vehicle to stop at a predetermined location with an accuracy .+-.0.005 inches in three planes. The assembly includes structure for slowing a vehicle down and then elevating the vehicle so that its support wheels lose contact with tracks while simultaneously guiding the vehicle to a precise orientation.

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 releasable stop for releasably stopping a vehicle moving through a conduit. A stop gate is supported for pivotal movement into and out of the path of movement of the vehicle. First and second arms are pivotally connected together between the gate and a support and a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly actuates one arm for moving the gate between a closed and opened position. The pivoting arms are moved into or slightly past a dead center position when the gate is in the closed position whereby the impact of a vehicle engaging the gate will be transmitted to the support instead of to the piston and cylinder assembly. When the gate is closed, the dead center position of the arm maintains the stop gate in a locked position. The stop gate may be sized and shaped to entirely block the conduit to provide a dead end air cushion stop assist.

Abstract: An amusement ride for humans which is constructed to include a plurality of separate tracks located in a side-by-side relationship. On each track is located a vehicle, with this vehicle including a propulsion system which is activated and controlled by a human operator located within the vehicle. The vehicle is mounted in conjunction with a track which keeps each vehicle confined to its particular track and permits the vehicle to move between a Start position and Finish position on the track. Associated with each track is an automatic brake system to stop the vehicle. Each track is composed of a plurality of separate guide rail sections which are located in a spaced apart arrangement with the separate guide rail sections being mounted in an in-line manner within the track. A guide blade is mounted on each vehicle and is to connect with each of these guide rail sections as the vehicle moves along the track.