Abstract: A carriage-type conveyance device using a carriage having a vertically movable object-supporting base that is controlled by a cam rail on the floor side, in which a turntable for changing the direction of the carriage has a low-floor structure. In the carriage-type conveyance device, the object-supporting base that is vertically movable between a lowered position and a lifted position is placed on a conveyance carriage (1), a cam follower roller vertically moving in association with the movement of the object-supporting body is provided at the bottom of the conveyance carriage (1), and a cam device (58) for pushing up the cam follower roller and a work section (3A) in which the object support base is supported at the lifted position are provided in a traveling route of the conveyance carriage (1).

Abstract: A system includes a rechargeable battery backup for a barrier movement operator. A barrier movement operator controls the movement of a moveable barrier. The barrier movement operator has a head unit to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions. The head unit is supplied power by a power source. A battery charging station is in electrical communication with at least one rechargeable battery and in electrical communication with the head unit to supply power to the at least one rechargeable battery. Circuitry is electrically connected to the battery charging station to supply power from the at least one rechargeable battery to the head unit. The system also includes electrically powered equipment comprising an apparatus for receiving the at least one rechargeable battery. The electrically powered equipment is adapted to be powered by the at least one rechargeable battery to perform a predetermined function.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic battery changer for pulling and pushing batteries into a conventional electric vehicle having a height adjustable leg connected to a frame for raising and lowering the frame. A roller is rotatably connected to the frame for receiving a conventional electric vehicle battery thereupon.

Abstract: A receiving connector 6A and upper and lower guide sockets 7 are mounted on an attachment 9, and the attachment 9 is mounted on a casing 3A by way of a bolt member 16 so that positioning of the attachment 9 is adjustable. Guide rails 5A guide wheels 4 of the movable tray 1 having a connector 6B. Upper and lower guide pins 8 are respectively inserted into the upper and lower guide sockets 7 to be guided. Thereby, the attachment 9 is moved and connectors 6A and 6B are smoothly connected to each other while being aligned.

Abstract: A selective-type battery charging and transferring system for electric vehicle uses a discretionary scheme rather than conventional continuous scheme and select the fully-charged battery to load on the transfer stage. The electric vehicle can be ensured to load with the most fully charged battery, thus eliminates the difficulty caused by the charging time difference.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a service center and method designed to promote the use of a battery-powered, electric vehicle which allows a discharged battery to be easily and quickly replaced in the electric vehicle and then recharged for use in another electric vehicle. The service center and method uses a plurality of universally-adaptable batteries capable of being used in most, if not all, battery-powered, electric vehicles. The batteries are designed to be lifted into or lowered from a battery receiving space formed on the bottom of an electric vehicle. During use, the electric vehicles are driven into a service center. The batteries are unlocked from the vehicle and then conveniently removed and transported to a recharging unit located in the nearby recharging center. A second, recharged battery is then removed from the recharging unit and transported to the electric vehicle. The second battery is then installed and locked in position in the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electrically powered vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by placing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by the receiving station, where the batteries are tested both electrically and by comparing battery status data against predetermined criteria. Batteries which fail the battery test are automatically removed from the conveyor loop by a elevator assembly. Batteries are automatically charged as they pass through the conveyor loop in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles.

Abstract: A battery changing system in combination with a battery holder is provided. The battery changing system comprises a mobile frame, and a battery lift assembly including a pair of lifting arms forming an opening for receiving the battery holder. Mounting structure movably connects battery lift assembly to the mobile frame. Actuating structure moves the battery lift assembly between an initial position and an operative position wherein the battery holder is raised to a selected elevation above the ground. Elongated releasably lockable safety retaining structure is attached to the battery lift assembly. The battery holder is constructed and arranged to be received in the opening and includes first engaging structure. Each of the lifting arms includes an upwardly facing engaging surface.

Abstract: The invention comprises a replaceable power unit and transportation system for a dual-mode vehicle, such as an electric car which can operate on built-in batteries and by way of power supplied by a running rail. The vehicle moreover comprises road wheels for moving on a roadway as well as rail wheels for moving on a railway. The railway is a substantially triangular profile wherein the vehicle includes a downwardly facing rail interface extending in the longitudinal direction. The power unit forms an elongate unit which is adapted to be mechanically and electrically connected to the vehicle by mounting it in the rail interface.

Abstract: A system for "refueling" an electric vehicle includes a traction battery on a tray that is slidably disposed in a battery compartment of the vehicle and that is electrically connected to the traction motor of the vehicle. When the battery is depleted, the vehicle stops at an energy replenishment center which stores charged replacement traction batteries. The traction battery is electrically disengaged from the motor and the tray in the vehicle is slid out of the vehicle onto a dolly or into a receptacle of a carousel. Then, the replacement battery tray, which is disposed on another dolly or in another receptacle of the carousel, is juxtaposed with the battery compartment and slid into the compartment. Next, the fresh battery is electrically engaged with the motor, and the vehicle quickly resumes its journey. The depleted battery is recharged at the energy replenishment center and reused on a subsequent vehicle.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles includes a conveyor loop for conveying batteries from a battery receiving station to a battery delivery station. A displacement assembly removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by forcing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by the receiving station, where the batteries are tested both electrically and by comparing battery status data against predetermined criteria. Batteries which fail the battery test are automatically removed from the conveyor loop by a elevator assembly. Batteries are automatically charged as they pass through the conveyor loop in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles.

Abstract: A turntable is provided for use in recharging batteries of the type used in battery powered forklift trucks and the like. The turntable includes a peripheral array of charging stations each including a support platform and a battery charger for connection to and recharging of a battery on the platform. The turntable is rotatably driven in a stepwise manner to index the charging stations in succession to a transfer position. A push-pull ram at the transfer position draws a depleted battery from a forklift truck onto the platform of an empty charging station. The turntable is then indexed to move a recharged battery to the transfer position, and the push-pull ram installs the recharged battery on the forklift truck.

Abstract: An integrated electric vehicle service station system for managing the exchange of heavy and bulky battery assemblies in electric vehicles. The battery exchange system includes a battery platform for supporting an assembly of batteries for the vehicle, a vehicle platform support structure within an electric vehicle for receiving and supporting the battery platform, and a mechanized vehicle service station facility for exchanging recharged battery platforms with spent platforms mounted on-board electric vehicles. The battery platform is of a simple modular shape that may be used with the large variety of sizes and shapes of electric vehicles that may be expected in the future. The battery platform support structure is a correspondingly simple structure that may readily be included in electric vehicles of widely differing designs.

Abstract: A battery changing system is provided for an electrically powered vehicle. The battery changing system includes a housing for the battery. The housing includes first and second spaced crossbars. A battery manipulating mechanism is mounted to the vehicle. This battery manipulating mechanism includes at least one outwardly projecting arm that is pivotally connected to the vehicle and driven by an actuator so as to raise and lower the battery. More specifically, the arm includes an upwardly directed recess for engaging the first crossbar on the battery housing and a downwardly directed saddle for receiving the second crossbar of the battery housing. A locking plate may be selectively extended to secure the second crossbar in the saddle.

Abstract: A large number of vehicular batteries are charged while riding on gondolas, which go upon down and around in a space-saving tall tower. Charging electricity is distributed along the path of Gondola carriages. One or more recharged batteries are removed from the Gondolas which become ready to accept spent batteries, The gondola can be enlarged to accommodate even a battery-loaded vehicle.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles. A displacement station removes spent batteries of electric vehicles by forcing charged batteries into position within the vehicles so as to laterally displace spent batteries. Spent batteries displaced from vehicles are received by a receiving station of the system. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles are tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries are conveyed to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged are automatically removed from the system. In one embodiment of the system, vehicles drive through the system in sequential order, stopping at a specified location for battery installation/removal.

Abstract: A system for automatic loading, unloading and charging of rechargeable batteries used in battery electric traction motor powered vehicles comprises a battery recharge station, a battery load and unload station adapted for positioning a battery powered vehicle in a preselected position, and a programmable battery transport apparatus programmed for automatically removing discharged batteries from the vehicle, transporting the discharged batteries to a battery recharge station, unloading the discharged batteries into the recharge station, retrieving charged batteries from the recharge station, transporting the charged batteries to the vehicle and loading the charged batteries onto the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery-powered vehicle has two batteries which are replaced, rather than recharged in the vehicle. The vehicle is powered by only one battery at a time and that battery is used until substantially all of the energy in the battery is exhausted. A discharged battery is replaced while the vehicle operates with the other, non-discharged battery. Preferred batteries have high energy density and may be of a type that is not rechargeable. An example is an aluminum-air battery. The non-rechargeable, discharged batteries can be remanufactured to produce new batteries for further use in the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and changing battery packs from a battery powered vehicle. The battery powered vehicle drives toward a light source which aligns the battery powered vehicle with the apparatus. The apparatus is moved in a horizontal plane to a position underneath a battery holding location on the battery powered vehicle. An operator moves pneumatic carrier to a position directly underneath a battery pack located in the battery holding location. The apparatus is then moved in a vertical plane so that the pneumatic carrier engages a bottom section of the battery pack. The pneumatic carrier is then activated thereby lifting the battery pack on a cushion of air. This allows the operator to move the battery pack out of the battery holding location, across a platform deck of the apparatus, and to a storage location. The operator can then use the pneumatic carrier to move a fresh battery pack located in a different storage location to the battery powered vehicle.

Abstract: A large number of vehicular batteries are charged while riding on gondolas, which go up or down and around in a space-saving tall tower. Charging electricity is distributed along the path of gondola carriages. One or more recharged batteries are removed from the gondolas which become ready to accept spent batteries. The gondola can be enlarged to accommodate even a battery-loaded vehicle.

Abstract: A system for conveying a coiler can between a sliver producing fiber processing machine and a sliver consuming fiber processing machine includes a carriage for accommodating the coiler can; an electric motor mounted on the carriage for propelling the carriage; and a battery replaceably mounted on the carriage and being electrically connected with the motor for supplying electric current thereto. The system further includes a battery replacing apparatus having a manipulating mechanism for removing a battery from and for moving a battery onto the carriage and a supporting arrangement for supporting the battery during displacement thereof by the manipulating mechanism.

Abstract: A battery holder for containing an electric storage battery is transported by a lift unit on a mobile vehicle. The lift unit is pivotally mounted at a rearward end portion of the vehicle to move into surrounding relation with the battery holder positioned on the ground. The lift unit is pivoted upwardly to raise the battery holder to a preselected elevation within the minimal lateral and overhead clearance available in an underground mine. The lift unit includes a pair of lifting forks extending in spaced parallel relation from the vehicle within the lateral dimensions of the vehicle. The lifting forks have a configuration adapted to permit downward movement of the forks into engagement with the ground to pick up a battery holder positioned on the ground. The lifting forks extend laterally of the battery holder and engage the holder for vertical movement to an elevated position that does not exceed the uppermost position for transportation of the battery in areas of minimal overhead clearance.

Abstract: A battery-powered vehicle has two batteries which are replaced, rather than recharged in the vehicle. The vehicle is powered by only one battery at a time and that battery is used until substantially all of the energy the battery is exhausted. A discharged battery is replaced while the vehicle operates with the other, nondischarged battery. Preferred batteries have high energy density and may be of a type that is not rechargeable. An example is an aluminum-air battery. The non-rechargeable discharged batteries can be remanufactured to produce new batteries for further use in the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery pack is effectively transferred between a battery powered vehicle and a cart in order to replace the battery pack with a freshly charged pack. The transfer is facilitated without dropping the battery pack by using a locking mechanism which is operative between a tray which supports the battery pack and a cart upon which the battery pack is transported to the vehicle. The locking mechanism holds the tray in place on the cart until the transfer occurs. The locking mechanism is also operative between the vehicle and the tray to hold the tray and battery pack in place on the vehicle. In order to release the tray from either the cart or the vehicle manual action is required. An attachment mechanism automatically attaches the cart to the vehicle during the transfer to prevent the battery pack from dropping due to unanticipated movement of the cart relative to the vehicle. The attachment of the cart to the vehicle is established upon positioning of the cart in the transfer position.

Abstract: A vehicle battery decking device for installing and removing vehicle batteries from a vehicle chassis using a battery tray and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders attached at a first end to the battery tray and attached at a second end to the vehicle chassis in which the battery is being installed or removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in association with an electric vehicle including an electric motor and a vehicle body having a storage compartment to facilitate interchange of battery packs in the storage compartment. The apparatus includes a movable frame for receiving a battery pack having electrical fittings. The frame is movable to a position where the electrical fittings of the battery pack engage electrical fittings leading to the electric motor.

Abstract: A battery holder for containing an electric storage battery is transported by a lift unit on a mobile vehicle. The lift unit is pivotally mounted at a rearward end portion of the vehicle to move into surrounding relation with the battery holder positioned on the ground. The lift unit is pivoted upwardly to raise the battery holder to a preselected elevation within the minimal lateral and overhead clearance available in an underground mine. The lift unit includes a pair of lifting forks extending in spaced parallel relation from the vehicle within the lateral dimensions of the vehicle. The lifting forks have a configuration adapted to permit downward movement of the forks into engagement with the ground to pick up a battery holder positioned on the ground. The lifting forks extend laterally of the battery holder and engage the holder for vertical movement to an elevated position that does not exceed the uppermost position for transportation of the battery in areas of minimal overhead clearance.

Abstract: Automotive truck with robot and automatic batteries replacement system, comprising two spaced apart battery charging devices located so that the truck can position itself between them, such devices being equipped with devices (16, 17, 18) apt to remove discharged batteries from one side and insert charged batteries from the opposite side.

Abstract: The energy replenishment system offers uninterrupted operation for electric vehicles by instantly removing batteries (3A, 3B) by lifting device (15) from their compartment (2) when discharged, transferring them into charging shelf (57) having similar compartments (2C), and by placing recharged batteries in the vehicle's compartments (2). Automatic connector devices (31-51) instantly operated by the lifting device (15) provides high contact pressure and low contact resistance for the heavy currents on the battery terminals.

Abstract: The charging station includes a circular magazine which is pivotable about a central axis. Above or beneath the circular magazine, which forms a first disk-shaped partial region of the charging station, there is arranged a second partial region, and specifically a device carrier or support. The latter carries the charging and control devices. In the circular magazine there are a plurality of deposit positions or places for energy storage devices where discharged energy storage devices of transport vehicles are again recharged. A transport carriage with gripper devices serves to displace the energy storage devices from the transport vehicle into the circular magazine and is arranged at the region between the central axis and the periphery of the circular magazine. The exchange and charging apparatus is very compact and space-saving in construction and affords the direct and automatic transfer of energy storage devices between transport vehicles and the charging station.

Abstract: An automatic battery exhanging system for use with automatic guided vehicles which is capable of taking out the battery which is discharged below a threshold voltage of usefulness, mounting the battery to a recharging station, and after charging it, taking it back to the automatic guided vehicle so that the automatic guided vehicle may return to normal operation. This is completed under the control of a control unit. The invention comprises a battery mounting and dismounting means, a lifting means, a horizontal conveying means, a charging means, a dropping means, and control unit which automatically executes all of these operations.

Abstract: The invention provides conveying apparatus consisting of a framework adapted to stand beside a vehicle and having a floor in substantial alignment with a battery support bed of the vehicle. Longitudinal track devices extend parallel to the floor on the framework and spaced from the floor to receive the battery between the floor and the track devices. A transport mechanism has drive devices coupled to the track devices for operation to move the transport mechanism longitudinally along the track devices and a coupling assembly is attached to the transport mechanism for movement with the transport mechanism and includes an upwardly biased connector adapted to releasably engage the battery so that on operation of the transport mechanism the battery may be loaded onto or unloaded from the floor.

Abstract: A wire-guided vehicle (10) in which a load is carried by a load platform (18) which is suspended from a base frame (12) by link members (42). The load is carried on a load carriage (20) which is moved vertically relative to the load platform by a plurality of screw jacks (92) acting between the load platform and the load carriage. The base frame is articulated about a transverse axis (27), and a power unit (14) which includes drive-steer units (16) is mounted on the base frame for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis (34). A battery carrier (116) of the vehicle includes a latch assembly (152) which retains the power supply batteries within the vehicle while permitting easy removal when the latch assembly is engaged by a battery cart (170).

Abstract: A system for replacing electrical batteries in electrically powered vehicles in a minimum period of time on the order of one minute or less. Carriage-elevator structure is arranged in front of a battery charging station to transfer selected batteries between the charging station and a parked stationary vehicle. The vehicle and the charging station are provided with roller support units adapted to bear the battery weight and permit manual push-and/or pull shift of individual batteries to or from the aforementioned elevator. The system enables a substantially discharged battery to be removed from a vehicle and replaced with a fully charged battery in a very short time, e.g. about one minute.

Abstract: A loading vehicle operated by electric battery power includes a chassis, a loading bucket mounted at the front end of the chassis. The chassis also carries an electric traction motor, a battery box and a battery lifting device pivotally mounted to the rear of the chassis and movable relative to the chassis by power. The battery box is supported by the chasis and is removable therefrom by power actuation of the battery lifting device. The battery lifting device has a lifting frame forming a part thereof which projects rearwardly from the chassis so as to provide a seat for the battery box, the lifting frame being pivotally movable relative to the chassis by application of the power to lift the battery box relative to the chassis. The battery box is then placed on a pallet and a fresh battery box is arranged on the battery lifting device and moved in place on the chassis.

Abstract: Apparatus and the method for transferring heavy elongated batteries into and out of an electrically powered vehicle. Elongated loading stations are positioned in aligned relationship with an elongated battery chamber which extends completely through a vehicle. A battery in a first loading station is pushed into the chamber in the vehicle causing a battery in that chamber to be pushed into the other loading station.

Abstract: A battery charging system for battery-powered vehicles has a battery transfer station, at which a vehicle is positioned for removal and replacement of the spent and charged battery. The spent battery is removed from the vehicle and transferred to a charging system, and a charged battery is transferred from the charging system to the vehicle. In one form, the batteries are conveyed through a continuous charging system, upon removal from the vehicle, and a fully charged battery is deposited in the vehicle. In another form, batteries are transferred from and to the vehicle by a battery transfer system which transfers the batteries to and from storage and charging bays. In all cases, the discharged battery is removed from the vehicle, and a charged battery is installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery changing apparatus for replacing a spent battery with a charged one on an electrically powered vehicle including a support with at least two battery support sections for supporting batteries adapted for use on an electrically powered vehicle. A spent battery is removed from the vehicle and transferred to one of the support sections. The relative positions of the apparatus for removing and transferring the battery and the support can be changed so that a charged battery can be removed from another support section. The apparatus for removing and transferring the battery can remove the charged battery from the other support and transfer it to the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery mover for use in horizontally moving batteries into and out of battery compartments in battery powered vehicles and battery powered machinery.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and intalling batteries from equipment, such as a lift truck. The apparatus includes a mobile frame and a bed is mounted for vertical movement on the frame so that the bed can be moved to a position at the same level as the floor of the battery compartment in the lift truck. A pair of parallel drive chains are mounted for endless travel on the bed, and a coupling is carried by the chain and is adapted to engage a strap which encircles the base portion of the battery. By operating the chains, the battery can be withdrawn from the vehicle onto the bed, and the unit carrying the battery can then be moved to a recharging area where the battery is pushed from the bed onto a recharging rack. To raise and lower the bed, a floating cylinder unit is located within the upper horizontal frame member and is connected to one side of the bed.

Abstract: A portable battery cart is disclosed for transporting electrical batteries including a wheeled base frame and an elevator platform carried by the base frame. A jack lift is provided for moving the elevator platform vertically relative to the base frame. A movable frame is carried by the elevator platform and a rotatable drive assembly is provided for moving the movable frame means in a generally horizontal direction relative to the elevator platform. The elevator platform includes a plurality of rollers and the movable frame includes a latch member for attachment to the battery so that the battery moves with the frame means over the rollers for loading and unloading from a roller platform of an associated storage rack.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning battery-operated road vehicles at relay stations where exhausted batteries are replaced with recharged batteries and wherein automatic or semiautomatic equipment is used for removal and/or introduction of batteries has a horizontal platform for the rear wheels and two sockets for the front wheels of a vehicle. The sockets are provided in a slide which is movable to and fro in parallelism with the front axle of the vehicle and is mounted in a carriage which is movable back and forth along the ground in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The carriage and the slide are movable by discrete motors to respectively move the vehicle lengthwise and about a vertical axis to an optimum position relative to a dolly or lift for delivery of recharged batteries or removal of exhausted batteries.

Abstract: A service rack for removing and thereafter supporting batteries from an electrically operated lift truck to permit access to vehicle components underlying the batteries and including a support bed having opposed ends and including a pair of spaced apart side rails, a plurality of rollers journalled between the rails along the length thereof and having peripheries extending above the upper edges of each of the rails with the axes of rotation of the rollers being generally transverse to the rails, an elongated leg structure, a connection for selectively securing an end of the support bed to the leg structure at any desired position thereon with the leg structure generally transverse to the support bed, a gripper at the other end of the support bed for securing the other end in elevated relation to the side of a lift truck, and a winch mounted on the leg structure for pulling a battery pack off of a lift truck to which the rack may be secured.

Abstract: A device for removing and inserting traction drive batteries in lift trucks, the device being supported upon the floor aside the lift truck and engageable with a body portion thereof for maintaining a fixed position in relation to the truck during operation of the device. A handle bar lever arm is pivoted from the base and connectible by means of a ratchet bar to a side of the battery for extracting or inserting the battery from or in a truck compartment by a succession of movements in which the lever arm is successively adjusted about its base pivot to engage different ones of a plurality of longitudinally spaced notches in the ratchet bar for moving the battery in or out of the compartment.

Abstract: An electric vehicle of adequate performance and range and of low cost uses a long tray of batteries easily rolled into or from a housing which also comprises a structural backbone of the car. The body provides useful space, such as a passenger compartment on both sides of the backbone, extending down to about the level of the bottom of the backbone, thereby keeping a low center of gravity, and compactness for low wind resistance. The steering wheel is on a swing-arm standing out laterally from the backbone, the backbone supporting the steering shaft in a position not "aimed" at the driver. The steering arm swings out of the way to facilitate access, and in one form of the invention the body top swings open and there are no side doors. Separate V belt drives from the motor through automatic speed-changing pulleys for each side minimize current draw on start-up and acceleration, maximize performance, ensure driving both drive wheels in slippery weather, and permit differential wheel speed on turns.