Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of coal mine underground auxiliary transportation equipment, and particularly relates to an overhead monorail driving unit group realizing mechanical fast power distribution. The overhead monorail driving unit group realizing mechanical fast power distribution includes a rail, wherein the rail is connected with driving portions, carrying trolleys and a hoisting beam, the hoisting beam is disposed in a middle position of the driving portions and the carrying trolleys, and the driving portions, the carrying trolleys and the hoisting beam are connected through driving portion short pull rods, frame-shaped pull rods and driving portion long pull rods.

Abstract: The efficiency of transporting articles is improved by smoothly delivering and receiving the articles between overhead transport vehicles traveling on different tracks. A transport system includes a first overhead transport vehicle that travels on a first overhead track; a second overhead transport vehicle that travels on a second overhead track and a third overhead track; and a first placement portion and a second placement portion that allow articles to be delivered and received between the first overhead transport vehicle and the second overhead transport vehicle. At least one of the first overhead transport vehicle, the second overhead transport vehicle, the first placement portion, and the second placement portion is provided with a rotator that rotates an article around a vertical axis.

Abstract: A drive system comprises a support structure for a guideway defining an X-Y array of tracks (22, 24) so that one or more carriages (10) can run along the tracks to any desired position. The carriages are intended to either carry a single robotic device or work together to carry a larger robotic device. The track is made up of an array of pegs (14) supported from a ceiling plane made up of an array of tiles (8) which provide for electrical connections to the carriages. Each peg carries a spool mounted between two horizontal flanges that cooperates with a rectangular sprocket connected to a base of a cuboid carriage housing. The carriages are driven by internal electric motors that are arranged to drive two pairs of omniwheels (90) on the ceiling plane while the carriage is supported and guided by means of its sprocket.

Abstract: A retaining element for retaining and conveying an object along a conveyor rail includes a carrier part having a width, including an entrainment element for the entrainment of the carrier part by a drive element and including a receiver for receiving the object to be conveyed, and a spacer lever which is pivotably articulated on the carrier part and which is displaceable between a resting position in which the spacer lever is arranged within the width of the carrier part and a working position in which the spacer lever protrudes in the width direction of the carrier part.

Abstract: A bridge crane arrangement includes at least one main girder having a central web and a bottom flange; end girders supporting opposite ends of the main girder; a slide arranged between an end girder and the main girder, the slide allowing the movement of the end girder in relation to the main girder in at least its longitudinal direction and the rotation of the end girder and main girder in relation to each other; and a restrictor to restrict the movements between the end girder and the main girder. On the top surface of the end girder, there is arranged a support platform wider than the bottom flange, the slide includes a slide surface arranged on the top surface of the support platform and/or the bottom surface of the bottom flange, and the restrictor is arranged to the support platform on both sides of the bottom flange.

Abstract: A person lifting apparatus includes a strap movement system. The person lifting device includes a housing and a lifting strap feeding device located in the housing. The lifting strap feeding device includes a motor connected to a drum and a lifting strap wound on the drum. A sensor provides a signal indicative of force on the lifting strap. A controller receives the signal from the sensor. The controller controls operation of the motor based on the signal. A user input is used to place the strap movement system in a fast mode during which the controller speeds up operation of the motor from a normal operating speed.

Abstract: A high-speed mass transport system having a monorail track disposed along a travel path and a monorail car with a driving unit suspended from the monorail track and a commuter car selectively attached to the driving unit. The high-speed mass transport system having also having an omnidirectional wheel transporter being adapted to selectively raise and lower to engage the commuter car, thus allowing the commuter car to detach from and reattach to the driving unit.

Abstract: An overhead lift system for supporting a person with a lift unit includes an overhead rail and an elevator track. The overhead rail includes a subject support portion and a docking portion. An end of the docking portion is removably coupled to an end of the subject support portion. The elevator track is coupled to the docking portion of the overhead rail. The elevator track is configured to convey the docking portion of the overhead rail from a height of the subject support portion of the overhead rail toward a position below the height of the subject support portion of the overhead rail.

Abstract: An appliance-support system in accordance with the present disclosure includes a truss and a positioning system coupled to the truss. The positioning system is adapted to support an appliance, such as a video display, light, speaker, or other device used during stage performances or events.

Abstract: A land vehicle, is provided with a mobile work platform assembly with a platform mounted to the land vehicle, sized to receive an operator thereupon. A frame extends from the platform. A positioner assembly includes a guide mounted on the frame of the mobile work platform assembly. A carriage is provided on the guide for translation along the guide. Hardware is provided on the carriage to support a workpiece upon the carriage external of a perimeter of the frame. The carriage includes a brake assembly to position the carriage at various positions along the guide.

Abstract: A carriage for a rail-guided conveying system, in particular a gravity conveyor, in which a plurality of similar carriages are mounted one behind the other in the rail-longitudinal direction and displaceable in the rail-longitudinal direction, on a running rail extending in the rail-longitudinal direction. A first and a second set of upright rollers are arranged one behind the other for guiding the running rail in the rail-longitudinal direction and which in each case are rotatably mounted on a carriage body transversely to the rail-longitudinal direction about an associated axis and are spaced apart from one another along the associated axis.

Abstract: A seat cushion includes a support member. A cover encloses the support member. A self-regulating heating device extends between the support member and an upper portion of the cover.

Abstract: A support structure provides two or more axes of intelligent locomotion for a movable object on the support structure. The support structure can include a track system made up of a plurality of identically configured track modules that are connected end-to-end. Each track module can include an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and having two ends. Each end can include at least one beveled edge and at least one track surface extending longitudinally along the elongated body. The track surface can include a plurality of protuberances arranged in rows that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and in columns that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The track modules can be connected to a power source and include electrical contacts that provide electricity to self-propelled units that travel along the track system.

Abstract: An elevated system for providing support and control of a network of mobile robotic apparatus contains a system of tracks attached to an elevated structure with means to connect one or more adjacent tracks for the mobile robotic apparatus to traverse the track system. The mobile robotic apparatus contains one or more mobile robotic units with means to actuate and process sensor input and provide multimedia and communication signal monitoring and tracking capabilities. A remote controller not attached to the track system nor robotic apparatus provides command and control to the robotic units, and provides electronic storage of data generated by the robotic units and/or remote controller.

Abstract: Postal sorting equipment for sorting flat mailpieces comprises a postal sorting machine, a storage-tray conveyor for conveying open-topped storage trays that are filled with mailpieces stacked flat, a shuttle-tray conveyor for conveying open-fronted shuttle trays that are substantially L-shaped, and in which the mailpieces are placed on-edge in stacks, and a tray interchanger that is suitable for automatically transferring the mailpieces stored flat in an open-topped storage tray to an open-fronted shuttle tray, the transfer being achieved by turning the storage tray over relative to the shuttle tray, which is held on a slant relative to the horizontal and vertical directions in order to obtain jogging by gravity of the transferred stack of mailpieces against the far inside surface of said shuttle tray.

Abstract: An article transport device includes an article support member for supporting an article having a plate-shaped flange portion in an upper portion thereof, with the article placed on its receiving member. The article support member further includes a restricting member which is positioned such that at least a portion of the restricting member is located across from at least a portion of a front side surface of the flange portion when the article is in the supported state, and which is configured to restrict the article in the supported state from moving at least in the front direction by distances greater than a movement distance specified in advance. The restricting member includes a pair of front restricting portions that are so located to be spaced apart from each other to form a gap, wherein the restricting member and the receiving member are fixedly connected to each other.

Abstract: An indoor, electrically powered, and motorized handlebar structure that provides forward moving or stationary stability for mobility-challenged individuals includes a trolley support bar, a handle, a handle operating system, a control box, a drive assembly, an access control reader, at least one accessory, and a power source. The trolley support bar is mounted on to a solid surface area that can be a wall surface or a floor surface as the handle is operatively coupled to the trolley support bar by the drive assembly. The control box is terminally connected to the trolley support bar and house the access control reader, the at least one accessory, and the power source. The drive assembly, the access control reader, and the at least one accessory are electrically connected to the power source through the handle operating system so that handle can move between a forward direction and a backward direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and system whereby a user can move by guidance of a return track on a challenger course. The return track may extend away from the challenge course and overhang its main frame so the user can experience an element outside of the main frame.

Abstract: A mounting element (1) for mounting a trolley (29) to a continuous conveyor (30) of a conveyor device has at least two articulated parts (2, 3) connected to one another for articulation. A first of the articulated parts (2) is set-up for articulation of the mounting element (1) to the continuous conveyor (30) and a second of the articulated parts (3) is set-up for connecting the mounting element (1) to the trolley (29).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle having a cargo area that includes an internal surface. A longitudinally extending bar is located within the cargo area of the vehicle. A bag configured to hang onto and slide along the longitudinally extending bar. A movable rail assembly is attached to the internal surface and includes: a rail moveable between extend and retract positions with respect to the cargo area; a bearing engageable with the rail to assist moving the rail between the extend and retract positions; and a bracket attachable to the bearing to suspend the bearing and the rail in the cargo area and away from the internal surface.

Abstract: A device for removing rotating head rubbers from drill pipe comprising a base member, vertical shaft, lower pipe attachment bracket, left arm, right arm, diagonal shaft and upper pipe attachment member. Proximal ends of the left and right arms are welded to a top end of the vertical shaft, and the left and right arms lie in the same horizontal plane. Proximal ends of the left and right arms are welded together and distal ends of the left and right arms are separated so that the arms form a V-shaped fork. The diagonal shaft is welded to the top end of the vertical shaft at an upward angle of approximately 45 degrees. The upper pipe attachment member is removably inserted into a distal end of the diagonal shaft.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and system for sorting items comprising movable carriages (10) intended to transport the items, and connected to each other by a link (19), along a track having sections located at levels at different heights linked by ascending and descending slopes, a control system and drive units intended to move the carriages (10). Dedicated thrust units, separate from the drive units, are added on the slopes and are controlled individually by the control system so as to deliver a constant force in order to prevent the carriages (10) experiencing tension at the links (19, 20) as a result of the weight of the items and/or the carriages (10) present on the slopes.

Abstract: A system for video advertising insertion is presented. In one example, the system includes a transport stream interface to receive multiple video program channels in at least one first video transport stream. The system also includes at least one hardware processor that executes a host process to initiate a plurality of instance processes to execute concurrently, wherein each of the instance processes is assigned a distinct subset of the channels. Each of the instance processes analyzes the at least one first video transport stream to determine advertisement insertion points of the distinct subset of the channels, and inserts at least some of the plurality of video advertisements into the distinct subset of the channels based on the advertisement insertion points and an advertising schedule. The transport stream interface is also to transmit the channels with the inserted video advertisements in at least one second video transport stream.

Abstract: The conveyor system of the present invention comprises a conveyor robot having a hand and arm, and a pair of gripping jigs attached to a conveyed object. The hand of the conveyor robot comprises a body part attached to an arm, a pair of projecting parts projecting out from different positions of the body part in the same direction, hook parts provided on the pair of projecting parts, and pushing parts attached to the body part adjoining the pair of projecting parts and configured to move along the projection direction of the pair of projecting parts to generate a pushing force. Each gripping jig attached to a conveyed object comprises of a pushed part pushed by a pushing part of the hand, and a rod-shaped part caught on a hook part of the hand.

Abstract: The invention describes a device that enables people with special needs (SEN), namely with mobility impairment of the lower limbs, to access the sea from the beach, without assistance from another person. According to the present invention, independent access is achieved by using a portable, rail-type mechanism which can be assembled easily on the beach. The rail operates as a stable track for a carriage to be drawn along. The starting point of the track is at a distance from the shoreline, in a place with wheelchair access. The end of the track is in the water at an appropriate point where the water's depth is sufficient for the disabled user to swim without problems.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle having a cargo area that includes an internal surface. A longitudinally extending bar is located within the cargo area of the vehicle. A bag configured to hang onto and slide along the longitudinally extending bar. A movable rail assembly is attached to the internal surface and includes: a rail moveable between extend and retract positions with respect to the cargo area; a bearing engageable with the rail to assist moving the rail between the extend and retract positions; and a bracket attachable to the bearing to suspend the bearing and the rail in the cargo area and away from the internal surface.

Abstract: An overhead railway and trolley for transporting miners out of a mine. The railway is formed by connected rails that are mounted to a roof of a mine. The trolley is mounted to a bottom flange of the rails and includes wheel assemblies having at least two wheels mounted side-by-side, and each is configured to engage and roll along a top surface of the bottom flange. The trolley has a clicker that is configured to engage protrusions extending away from the bottom flange. The clicker permits the trolley to travel out of the mine but prevents it from traveling into the mine. The trolley also includes a pair of handles that are configured to be gripped by a miner standing on a floor of the mine as he travels from the beginning of the railway to the ending (i.e., the egress direction).

Abstract: An arrangement of a rail for suspended conveyors or suspended cranes and a slip contact holder mounted thereon, wherein the rail comprises a profile body and a profile head connected thereto and disposed above the profile body, wherein the profile body is C-shaped in cross section, forms a hollow space for chassis, and has a slit open to the bottom, and the profile head comprises upper, substantially horizontal profile walls and the slip contact holder is disposed within the hollow space and attached to the upper profile walls. A plurality of punchouts are disposed in the upper profile walls, disposed in at least one row and at regular, repeated distances as seen in the longitudinal direction of the rail, and barb-like catch pawls are disposed on the slip contact bolder and engage with the punchouts in order to attach thereto.

Abstract: A method for implementing an overhead rail guided transport system includes the following steps: a vehicle transport system is provided, which includes an upper rail guided transport system, a lower rail guided transport system, a vehicle exchange equipment, and a plurality of vehicles operating in the upper and lower rail guided transport system; respective vehicle utilizing rates in the upper and lower rail guided transport systems are provided; the vehicle exchange equipment is used to interchange the vehicles respectively operating in the upper and lower rail guided transport systems in order to equilibrate the respective vehicle utilizing rates.

Abstract: A reconfigurable power pack, that produces rotational power and can be used with separate accessories. The housing can be mounted in a first configuration with its motor facing downward and in which the housing is energized to move along a substantially horizontal extrusion. A second configuration mounts the housing is to move along a track in a deck. Other configurations are also possible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit cart for supporting conduits above at least one rail. The conduit cart has a base; and at least two right-side protrusions, namely, a right-side sub-rail protrusion extending horizontally from the base; and a right-side super-rail protrusion extending horizontally from the base. The right-side sub-rail protrusion and right-side super-rail protrusion are adapted to straddle a flange of a first rail and the first rail is one among the at least one rail. Further, the base has at least two left-side protrusions, namely, a left-side sub-rail protrusion extending in a direction opposite to the right-side sub-rail protrusion from the base; and a left-side super-rail protrusion extending to the right-side super-rail protrusion from the base. The left-side sub-rail protrusion and left-side super-rail protrusion can straddle a substantially horizontal flange of a second rail, and the second rail is among the at least one rail.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a trailer that hangs when not in use and on which material may be transported. The apparatuses include a trailer having a single wheel bracket attached to at least one wheel and a trailer body. The trailer body has a first end and a second end and is attached to the single wheel bracket near the first end. The trailer body has a first coupler at the first end and a second coupler at the second end, the first coupler to attach the trailer to a second trailer and the second coupler to attach the trailer to a third trailer such that the trailer hangs by only the single wheel bracket from the first rolling surface of the beam-type rail when the trailer is not attached to the third trailer.

Abstract: A patient positioning system and a rail for use in the system. According to one embodiment, the system includes first and second stationary rails arranged parallel to one another. First and second sets of mounting assemblies are used to fix the first and second stationary rails, respectively, to a ceiling. A traverse rail is slidably coupled to the stationary rails. The system also includes a harness for holding a patient and a motorized assembly for raising and lowering the harness, the harness being slidably coupled to the traverse rail.

Abstract: An article transport facility in which driving electric power can be supplied from an electricity supply line to an article transport vehicle so that it can travel through a crossing portion properly regardless of whether it is traveling along a first path or a second path. The switching device of the article transport facility is configured to switch a position change rail to a first position and a second position. The electricity supply line is supported by a first travel rail such that electric power can be supplied to the article transport vehicle traveling along the first travel rail and along the position change rail in the first position and is supported by the second travel rail such that electric power can be supplied to the article transport vehicle traveling along the second travel rail and along the position change rail in the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit cart for supporting conduits above at least one rail. The conduit cart has a base; and at least two right-side protrusions, namely, a right-side sub-rail protrusion extending horizontally from the base; and a right-side super-rail protrusion extending horizontally from the base. The right-side sub-rail protrusion and right-side super-rail protrusion are adapted to straddle a flange of a first rail and the first rail is one among the at least one rail. Further, the base has at least two left-side protrusions, namely, a left-side sub-rail protrusion extending in a direction opposite to the right-side sub-rail protrusion from the base; and a left-side super-rail protrusion extending to the right-side super-rail protrusion from the base. The left-side sub-rail protrusion and left-side super-rail protrusion can straddle a substantially horizontal flange of a second rail, and the second rail is among the at least one rail.

Abstract: A transport vehicle that reduces shaking of a transport article includes a travelling unit, a transport unit, a fall prevention member, and a shaking reduction member. The travelling unit travels along a rail provided on a ceiling. The transport unit transports a transport article. The fall prevention member is rotatably supported such that it can rotate between a fall prevention position and a retracted position. The fall prevention member is, at the fall prevention position, below the transport article. A pushing portion of the shaking reduction member pushes against a side surface of the transport article with a pushing surface thereof in conjunction with the rotating of the fall prevention member from the retracted position to the fall prevention position. A lever portion of the shaking reduction member has one end supporting the pushing portion and the other end rotatably supported in a manner coaxial with the fall prevention member.

Abstract: A track having a stopping means that can stop a puck member from descending an undesired distance. After stopping of the puck member, the user can relocate the puck member within a channel for continued downward movement within the channel.

Abstract: An overhead transport vehicle comprises a travelling unit that travels on a rail, a conveying unit that moves and conveys an article and a swing inhibiting member that moves between a pushing position and a retracting position. The swing inhibiting members includes a pushing member that pushes a side surface of the article, lever members that support the pushing member at a first end side and are pivotally supported by the conveying unit at a second end side, and a biasing member that biases the pushing member toward the article. The pushing member includes a main body member pivotally supported by the lever members, slide members slidably supported by a main body member, and elastic bodies arranged between the main body member and the slide member that slide elastically the slide member.

Abstract: A suspended coach drive bogie advantageously provides several enhancements to existing systems, including junction switching, higher speeds, reserved energy storage for emergency operations and for assistance with meeting peak grid electrical load demand, cooperative computing with multiple bogies, and self-diagnostics of the bogies which serves to make systems employing the same more reliable, faster, safer, and more energy efficient than other automated people movers.

Abstract: A system involving a machine designed to travel along a suspended track. An electronic safety system working in conjunction with mechanical components allows for multiple machines to operate simultaneously on the same track. A specific configuration of mechanical components provides for several capabilities, high speed turns, track switching, and the use of an external power source.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for supporting a trailer on a rail. The systems, apparatuses, and methods include a trailer for a rail. The trailer includes a first wheel to be supported by a first horizontal rolling surface of the rail, a wheel bracket attached to the first wheel by a first axle, and a trailer body attached to the wheel bracket, the trailer body having a hitch at a first end and having a coupler to receive the hitch of a second trailer at a second end.

Abstract: A moving carriage that moves an overhead travelling vehicle that has been unloaded to the ground, includes a frame including travelling wheels, elevating mechanisms provided at a plurality of locations on the frame along a longitudinal direction of the frame, a track for an overhead travelling vehicle, the track being supported by the elevating mechanisms so as to be lifted and lowered and being configured to allow the overhead travelling vehicle to be transferred to and from another track, and a synchronizing mechanism that synchronizes the elevating mechanisms to lift and lower the track by the same or substantially the same amount.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for supporting a trailer on a rail. The systems, apparatuses, and methods include a trailer for a rail. The trailer includes a first wheel to be supported by a first horizontal rolling surface of the rail, a wheel bracket attached to the first wheel by a first axle, and a trailer body attached to the wheel bracket, the trailer body having a hitch at a first end and having a coupler to receive the hitch of a second trailer at a second end.

Abstract: An overhead transport vehicle comprises a travelling unit that travels on a rail, a conveying unit that moves and conveys an article and a swing inhibiting member that moves between a pushing position and a retracting position. The swing inhibiting members includes a pushing member that pushes a side surface of the article, lever members that support the pushing member at a first end side and are pivotally supported by the conveying unit at a second end side, and a biasing member that biases the pushing member toward the article. The pushing member includes a main body member pivotally supported by the lever members, slide members slidably supported by a main body member, and elastic bodies arranged between the main body member and the slide member that slide elastically the slide member.

Abstract: A wafer transfer system includes a bidirectional wafer carrying pod, an over-head transport (OHT) rail, an OHT, two platforms, and two loading ports respectively connected to the two platforms. The bidirectional wafer carrying pod has a loading housing and two doors respectively and detachably installed on the two opposite sides of the loading housing. The OHT rail has a single rail section and a double rail section. The two ends of the double rail section are connected to the single rail section. The platforms are respectively disposed beside the double rail section. The loading ports are disposed under the double rail section. Through the OHT, The bidirectional wafer carrying pod can selectively be transferred to one rail of the double rail section and disposed on the loading port of the tool corresponding to the one rail of the double rail section.

Abstract: A conveyor installation for conveying and accumulating hanging items comprises a drive chain which is mounted to a guide rail, and retaining members which are mounted on rollers below the drive chain. The retaining members—together with the items to be transported which are suspended therefrom—are conveyed by the drive chain in a direction of conveyance and, if required, stopped and accumulated by means of a stopping device, with the drive connection being released between the drive chain and the retaining members by displacing the drive chain upwards due to a particular design of coupling members arranged on the lower side of the drive chain.

Abstract: A device for delimiting a crew rest area in an aircraft passenger cabin includes a curtain which is adapted to separate at least one seat disposed in the aircraft passenger cabin from a region of the aircraft passenger cabin surrounding the seat. In addition, the device includes a fastening device for fastening the curtain in the aircraft passenger cabin. At least a first part of the fastening device is fixed to a grip rail intended for installation in the aircraft passenger cabin or formed integral with the grip rail intended for installation in the aircraft passenger cabin.

Abstract: A side buffer includes a bottom portion on which a FOUP may be placed, a restriction portion, an article receiving portion, and a link portion. The restriction portion is movable between a restricting position and a retracted position. At the restricting position, the restriction portion restricts an inclination of the FOUP on the bottom portion. At the retracted position, the restriction portion allows the FOUP to move between the bottom portion and a position directly above the bottom portion. The article receiving portion is disposed so as to receive a force from the FOUP placed on the bottom portion. The link portion moves the restriction portion from the retracted position to the restricting position with the received force.

Abstract: A mass transportation system for efficiently transporting a plurality of passengers along a predetermined path from a loading station to an unloading station. The transportation system generally includes a support structure, a track positioned above ground level via the support structure, and a carrier vehicle operable along the track. A first control module operable by a passenger is located outside the carrier vehicle upon a loading station for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at the loading station and a second control module operable by the passenger is located inside the carrier vehicle for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at an unloading station.

Abstract: A patient positioning system and a rail for use in the system. According to one embodiment, the system includes first and second stationary rails arranged parallel to one another. First and second sets of mounting assemblies are used to fix the first and second stationary rails, respectively, to a ceiling. A traverse rail is slidably coupled to the stationary rails. The system also includes a harness for holding a patient and a motorized assembly for raising and lowering the harness, the harness being slidably coupled to the traverse rail.