Abstract: A material handling system includes storage rack configured to store one or more items. An Autonomous Mobile Unit (AMU) is configured to move within the storage rack to service the items. The storage rack includes at least one power rail to charge the AMU when within the storage rack. The AMU includes a wheel assembly with a cogwheel electrically connected to the power rail. The AMU includes a power supply electrically connected to the wheel assembly. The power supply includes a power converter electrically coupled to an Energy Storage System (ESS). The power rail includes a cog track with track teeth. The cogwheel includes cogwheel teeth intermeshed with the track teeth.

Abstract: A system for handling of luggage or parcel items comprises at least one cart with shelves, at least one item conveyor, such as a sorting conveyor or a luggage reclaim conveyor, and at least one item accumulation unit arranged in proximity to the conveyor. The item accumulation unit is configured as a buffer for storing a plurality of the items on a plurality of accumulation shelves. An item transfer structure is configured to transfer the plurality of the items from the sorting conveyor or from the shelves of the at least one cart into the item accumulation unit. Operation of item accumulation unit and/or the item transfer structure is controlled by a control system.

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 pallet conveyor system includes a rail assembly and a pallet assembly. The rail assembly including parallel and spaced-apart rail supports that each has a cylindrical rail disposed thereon. An intermediate support is positioned between the rails and includes a removable stop bar. The pallet assembly engages the rails and is adapted for forward or reverse motion along the rails. A first and second sensor are secured to the pallet assembly and adapted to detect the stop bar as the pallet moves along the rails. When the first sensor detects the stop bar, the pallet assembly is slowed. Thereafter, as the second sensor detects the stop bar, the pallet assembly is stopped. Therefore, by simple movement of the stop bar, a pallet assembly may be easily and precisely positioned at any location along, a conveyor line without the need to reprogram the pallet assembly.

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.