Abstract: A moving system comprising a master controller for monitoring and controlling a master operation comprising one or more individual movers such that each mover arrives at predefined end point at selected times. Each mover includes a mover control system that interacts with the master controller and has a predefined virtual vector path with one or more defined end points. The predefined virtual vector path comprises a plurality of discrete points, wherein each discrete point has a vector axis for use by the master controller and the mover control system to direct the mover to move such that it arrives at each defined end point at a selected time. In operation, the master controller functions to modify the predefined virtual path and sends commands to the mover control system in response to changes in the master operations.

Abstract: A flight management system that manages flight conditions of a plurality of flying objects and that causes the flying objects to work together in a coordinated manner to accomplish a purpose. The flight management system includes a flight management apparatus that receives instruction information, that registers a job, and that based on the job, gives a motion instruction to one or more flying objects. The flight management system includes also a job generator that generates a job, and a motion instructor that gives a motion instruction to the flying object. The job generator includes a search system that retrieves a work-performing flying object, a route setter that derives a flight route for the work-performing flying object, a time calculator that calculates a work time, and a registering system that registers a generated job.

Abstract: A robotic lawnmower system, comprising a charging station comprising a controller said controller being configured to associate a time slot for use to transmit a guide signal, and a robotic lawnmower, wherein said controller is configured to detect if a guide cable is connected to the charging station or not, and if not, allot said associated time slot to another use.

Abstract: A conveying device (1) has conveying carts (2) arranged one behind another and spaced apart by an interspace (4). One conveying cart (2) has a cover (6) and another has a cross-belt conveyor (8) for conveying material transverse to the conveying direction. The cover (6) covers the interspace (4) between the conveying carts (2) so that the cover (6) of the one conveying cart (2) is under the upper run (21) of the transverse belt (10) of the other conveying cart (2). When negotiating curves, the cover (6) engages between an underside (22) of the upper run (21) and a first support plane (20) to hinder the transverse belt (10) from moving in the transverse conveying direction. When travelling straight ahead the cover (6) engages between the first support plane (20) and a second support plane (24) to permit movement of the transverse belt (10) in the transverse conveying direction.

Abstract: A method for operating a conveyor system for objects, in which a conveyor apparatus is present at an operating site and is operated with a plurality of conveyor carts each having at least one fastening device for at least one object. The number of conveyor carts available at the operating site for operating the conveyor apparatus for a process sequence defines an actual number; the number of conveyor carts needed at the operating site to operate the conveyor apparatus for the process sequence defines a target number. The difference between the actual number and the target number defines a required number if the actual number is less than the target number, or defines an excess number if the actual number is greater than the target number. A conveyor cart pool is provided and comprises a stock number of conveyor carts, at least some of which are stored at a pool site which differs from the operating site of the conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: In an example, an insurance premium for a driverless vehicle is calculated by monitoring an amount of time a first occupant is in active control of the driverless vehicle during a period and modifying an insurance rate for a subsequent period based on the amount of time the first occupant is in active control of the driverless vehicle. In another example, an insurance premium for an intelligent vehicle is calculated by receiving at a computerized insurance system, from the intelligent vehicle, an indication of the intelligent vehicle's condition and calculating the insurance premium for an insurance policy that covers the intelligent vehicle based at least in part on the indication of the intelligent vehicle's condition.

Abstract: A cargo handling system includes a power drive unit (PDU) configured to transport cargo within an aircraft. The cargo handling system further includes a cargo control unit (CCU) configured to output control data for controlling operation of the PDU. The cargo handling system further includes a power control unit (PCU) coupled to the PDU and the CCU. The PCU is designed to receive alternating current (AC) electrical power from a power source, convert the AC electrical power into direct current (DC) electrical power, receive the control data from the CCU, generate an output signal including the DC electrical power and the control data, and transmit the output signal to the PDU.

Abstract: A rail vehicle has at least one bogie and an electrical supply device with a fuse protection apparatus, a distributing apparatus, which is arranged in the rail vehicle interior and which is electrically connected to the fuse protection apparatus. A first housing is arranged in the rail vehicle under floor area and includes electrical components that are electrically connected to the distributing apparatus. The bogie, viewed in the direction of travel of the rail vehicle, is arranged between the distributing apparatus and the first housing. In order to provide a generic rail vehicle for which short cable paths are achieved and doubling of cables is avoided in a bogie area, the fuse protection apparatus is arranged in a second housing different from the first housing. The first and second housings, relative to the direction, are arranged on both sides of the bogie.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system that makes it possible to give a higher priority to machining of a workpiece that is a super-urgent item is provided. When a pallet to which a workpiece, which is a super-urgent item, is attached is loaded on a loading station, a second controller gives a command to a conveyor to convey a pallet to which a workpiece, which is a normal item, is attached and which is located at a standby position of a pallet changer to a pallet storage room. Then, the second controller controls the conveyor to convey the pallet to which the workpiece, which is the super-urgent item, is attached and which is loaded on the loading station to the standby position.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the identification and monitoring of carriers within a pneumatic carrier system. Each carrier which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon identification information for the carrier. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the chip. When a carrier is put in the system, a destination location can be associated with the particular carrier ID. This associated information is then employed to, among many things, monitor and confirm identity of the carrier as it moves to its destination.

Abstract: A rail vehicle includes of one or more locomotives and may further include one or more rail cars, and the rail vehicle further includes a locator element, a communications device and a control module located on the rail vehicle. The locator elements provide a location information of the rail vehicle to a control module. The control module is coupled to the communications device and the locator element. The control module determines control settings for controlling the operations of the communications device based on the location of the rail vehicle. The communications device sends and/or receives data, including communications data, off-board the rail vehicle.

Abstract: A material handling system includes a first independent track assembly configured to transport a forward trolley along a first path, and a second independent track assembly configured to transport a trailing trolley along a second path. The second path is substantially parallel to the first path. A carrier is configured to support an article and has a first end pivotably supported by the forward trolley and a second end pivotably supported by the trailing trolley. The material handling system also includes a third independent track assembly configured to transport the forward trolley and the trailing trolley along a third path. Each of the first independent track assembly, the second independent track assembly, and the third independent track assembly includes an independent drive system for independently moving a respective one of the forward trolley and the trailing trolley and a station control system including a microprocessor in communication with the independent drive system.

Abstract: A power supply system for a railway vehicle is provided including a converter able to receive information from a transmission system between a power supply unit and air-conditioning units and to deduce from this information the demand for electrical power from each air-conditioning unit, this demand indicating the electrical power required by that air-conditioning unit to cool and/or dehumidify the air within a car in which it is installed, and the first electrical converter being equipped with a module for adjusting the amplitude and/or frequency of the three-phase voltage in a power supply network in response to the demands transmitted by each air-conditioning unit.

Abstract: Primary coils of a linear motor are arranged along a travel route. A movable body has a secondary side of the linear motor. The travel route is divided into a plurality of zones, and a zone controller is provided for each zone or controlling the coils of the linear motor in the zone. A coordinate of the movable body outputted from a linear scale of the coil is converted into a coordinate based on the travel route.

Abstract: A plurality of intra-bay routes and an inter-bay route between the intra-bay routes are defined as a logic bay, and the minimum number of allocated transportation vehicles is determined based on the unit of each logic bay.

Abstract: An unmanned tactic platform (UTP) mounted on a two-stage locomotive system of which a first locomotive stage is a significantly high-speed travel stage where the UTP reaches an arena, and a second locomotive stage is a tactical maneuver stage in which the UTP maneuvers at the arena for executing a mission.

Abstract: A speed control system for controlling vehicle speed of one or more vehicles in a personal rapid transit system when the one or more vehicles travel along a track, the personal rapid transit system including a vehicle propulsion system including one or more motors, each motor being adapted to generate a thrust for propelling one of the one or more vehicles. The speed control system includes: a speed regulation subsystem adapted to control the thrust generated by at least one of said motors based on one or more sensor signals received from vehicle position and/or speed sensors, so as to control the speed of the one or more vehicles; and a vehicle control system included in each of said one or more vehicles and adapted to activate, independently from the speed regulation subsystem, an emergency brake mounted on said vehicle.

Abstract: A good transport system includes a network of rails and a plurality of trolleys that travel on the rails. Read/write assembles are disposed on the rails and are used to read data from, and to write data on data carriers which are mounted on the trolleys. When a trolley is loaded, data regarding the goods loaded on the trolley is written onto the data carrier. That data is deleted when the goods are unloaded from the trolley.

Abstract: A sorting system includes trolleys traveling along a path between respective stations for loading and unloading items in a direction transversely of the direction of travel of the trolleys. Each station includes an inductor for generating a variable magnetic induction field which is sensed by a detecting mechanism, such as an antenna, disposed on the trolley. In response to the magnetic induction field being detected, a loading/unloading device on the trolley (e.g., an endless belt) is actuated to load or unload items.

Abstract: A distance detection apparatus cancels signal delay times of transmission and reception circuits (13, 15, 22, 25), which are causes of the errors of distance detection, by receiving a transmission signal turned back directly to measure the difference between the transmission timing and the reception timing at that time, and by setting the value obtained by the measurement as a correction value at the time of obtaining the measurement distance.

Abstract: A public transportation system includes control by highly distributed communications, ultra-light transit vehicles suspended from single or dual rails and powered by electricity. The electric power supplied independently and supplemented by wind generators and solar panels. The transit vehicles, are suitable to transport from one to four persons. The system includes a plurality interconnected rails with main conduits and station conduits to provide non-stop transportation from one station to another station.

Abstract: A transportation system, generically known as Personal Rapid Transit, employs conventional electric or hybrid automobiles (18) underwhich are mounted electro-mechanical adaptors (24) which permits them to operate autonomously on an elevated guideway (16) which is part of the PRT system. An electronic guidance sensor system (45), and other functional components built into the adaptors, permits the vehicles to track unique rf signals emitted from a guidance wire (36) centrally embedded in the guideway, and to exit and enter the guideway to and from off-line stations (10), and to select various platforms and storage areas within these stations.