Abstract: A docking station for a monorail carrier system is provided. The carrier system includes a trolley that is configured to repositionably support a payload, and is adapted for interactive movement along a transfer bridge. The docking station includes a receiver plate having a rail-side portion perpendicularly oriented with a first interface portion that has one or more magnets attached thereto. A clamp assembly is attached to the rail-side portion, and operates to fasten the receiver plate to the transfer bridge at a predetermined location. The docking station also includes a docking plate having a trolley-side portion configured to securely attach to the trolley, and a second interface portion perpendicularly oriented with the trolley-side portion. The second interface portion is configured to magnetically cooperate with the first interface portion and thereby temporarily suspend the trolley at the predetermined location.

Abstract: A lobed bushing is provided for a track assembly of a track-type machine. The track assembly includes a first chain and a second chain coupled together with a track pin. A bushing, defining a longitudinal axis, includes a central bore oriented along the longitudinal axis and extending from a first end of the bushing to a second end of the bushing for receiving the track pin. The bushing includes a first lobe positioned at a first location about the longitudinal axis and a second lobe positioned at a second location about the longitudinal axis that is less than about 180° from the first location. The first end of the bushing has a substantially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A manufacturing line includes a plurality of manufacturing modules positioned in series and defining a main path through the manufacturing line. A main track assembly is supported by the manufacturing modules and includes at least a first friction drive system for transporting a trolley assembly along the main path. A buffer is positioned to receive the trolley assembly from the main path and includes a first track assembly that includes at least a second friction drive system for transporting the trolley assembly along the first track assembly. The first track assembly is sized to support at least two trolley assemblies thereon. The sequencing buffer also includes a second track assembly that includes at least a third friction drive system for transporting the trolley assembly along the second track assembly. The second track assembly is also sized to support at least two trolley assemblies thereon.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a track system in a polishing system. One embodiment described herein provides a track system configured to transfer polishing heads in a polishing system. The track system comprises a supporting frame, a track coupled to the supporting frame and defining a path along which the polishing heads are configured to move, and one or more carriages configured to carry at least one polishing head along the path defined by the track, wherein the one or more carriages are coupled to the track and independently movable along the track.

Abstract: A friction drive trolley conveyor has a conveying traveling body provided with a friction drive load bar having traction purpose engaging means at both ends thereof and allows traction drive to be easily conducted without fail even at the time of conveying a heavy object. The traction purpose engaging means is composed of an engaged shaft arranged in the horizontal direction within a vertical notched portion formed at one end of the load bar, a hook member vertically swingably pivotally supported at an intermediate position in vertical height of the load bar at the other end of the load bar and a holding means holding the hook member in an engaged posture or a disengaged posture, and on a traveling route side, a first switching means switching the hook member from the engaged posture to the disengaged posture and a second switching means switching the hook member from the disengaged posture to the engaged posture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlocking coupling system (1) for overhead aligned rails (4, 5) of which at least one rail (4) is displaceably arranged and comprises a first coupling part (2) and a second coupling part (3), each of said coupling parts (2, 3) is arranged at end parts of said rails (4, 5) and arranged for interlocking, when said rails (4, 5) are in aligned position, wherein each of said coupling parts (2, 3) comprises a pivotal gate member (23, 33), and said first coupling part (23) comprises a locking bolt member (21) with a tapered end part (214) adapted to engage with a pin (334) projecting from said gate member (33) of said second coupling part (3) and said locking bolt member (21) is adapted to engage with a recess (234) in said pivotal gate member (23), and both said gate members (23, 33) are activated by displacing said locking bolt member (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport system, comprising a transport track (9), made of at least one rail, at least one vehicle to be transported and a rolling device, whereby said vehicle, provided with the rolling device, has a rolling resistance on said rail, said transport track comprises several descending sections (14?, 14?, 14??), having a descending gradient which is sufficient to increase the rolling resistance and insufficient to generate a continuous acceleration of the vehicle on the rail and ascending sections (12?, 12?, 12??) and whereby the transport track has a course, along which no vehicle at a point is lifted higher than the altitude of said vehicle at this point on a transport track with a single descending section, having the aforementioned gradient.

Abstract: A rail section for use in a rail switch and method for assembling same are provided. The rail section is connected to a switch mounting by inserting a portion of the switch mounting through an aperture provided in the rail section and then applying a double weld. Similarly, a gate operating mechanism is connected to the rail section by inserting a portion of the gate operating mechanism through an aperture provided in the rail section and then applying a double weld. A receptor portion of the rail section that is reinforced to withstand a greater load is also provided. A plurality of gate retention mechanisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: An overhead transport apparatus includes a guide rail unit having a main rail having a pair of rail members, and a branch rail branching off the main rail; an auxiliary guide rail provided along the branch rail at an upper part of a branching region in which the branch rail branches off the main rail; a transport vehicle having a vehicle body, a pair of wheels attached to the vehicle body and moving along the guide rail unit, and a driving motor mounted on the vehicle body and driving the wheels; a roller provided in the transport vehicle, and ascending in order to move the transport vehicle toward the branch rail with the auxiliary guide rail, or descending in order to move the transport vehicle toward the main rail; and a control part controlling the ascending/descending movement of the roller.

Abstract: An overhead transport apparatus includes a guide rail unit having a main rail having a pair of rail members, and a branch rail branching off the main rail; an auxiliary guide rail provided along the branch rail at an upper part of a branching region in which the branch rail branches off the main rail; a transport vehicle having a vehicle body, a pair of wheels attached to the vehicle body and moving along the guide rail unit, and a driving motor mounted on the vehicle body and driving the wheels; a roller provided in the transport vehicle, and ascending in order to move the transport vehicle toward the branch rail with the auxiliary guide rail, or descending in order to move the transport vehicle toward the main rail; and a control part controlling the ascending/descending movement of the roller.

Abstract: There is provided a transportation system for transporting content from a first specified address to a second specified address. The transportation system comprises a transport channel, a plurality of containers, an operator, a propeller operatively connected to said container and in operative communication with said operator, and a central controller remote from said containers and in operative communication with said operator. The controller is configured for receiving orders for transport between the first and second addresses. In operation, the controller communicates instructions to the operator, and the operator further communicates the instructions to the propeller, causing the propeller to propel the cargo from the first address to the second address.

Abstract: A load attachment system such as commonly used as a horizontal lifeline safety system (10) includes a substantially horizontal lifeline (14) secured at its ends to a building structure (12) and supported intermittently along its length by intermediate supports (26, 126). Each support (26, 126) includes a horizontal bar (38, 138) for supporting the line (14). The system (10) further includes a load attachment device (24, 124) having a pair of grooved rollers (54, 56; 154, 156) that rides on the lifeline. A load (18) is supported from the bottom (68, 168) of a C-shaped member (62, 162) which has its top (64, 164) connected to the rollers (54, 56; 154, 156) thereby allowing the device (24, 124) to traverse the supports (26, 126). The bottom (68, 168) of the C-shaped member also carries a rotatable paddle wheel (74, 174) which prevents the device (24, 124) from being removed from the line (14).

Abstract: A fall arrest device (100) for use on an elongate support (180) including locking cams (132, 133, 134, 135) embodied by first and second independent actuable cam elements (133, 135), said cam elements (133, 135) being biased by a bias (132, 133, 134, 135) into locking engagement with the elongate support (180) and being actuated by a common arrester (128) in response to a sudden change in load experienced by the device (100) such that said first cam element (133) traps the elongate support (180) relative to a chassis (102) when the elongate support (180) slopes in a first direction and such that said second cam element (135) traps the elongate support (180) relative to said chassis (102) when the elongate support (180) slopes in a second direction.

Abstract: A load attachment system such as commonly used as a horizontal lifeline safety system (10) includes a substantially horizontal lifeline (14) secured at its ends to a building structure (12) and supported intermittently along its length by intermediate supports (26, 126). Each support (26, 126) includes a horizontal bar (38, 138) for supporting the line (14). The system (10) further includes a load attachment device (24, 124) having a pair of grooved rollers (54, 56; 154, 156) that rides on the lifeline. A load (18) is supported from the bottom (68, 168) of a C-shaped member (62, 162) which has its top (64, 164) connected to the rollers (54, 56; 154, 156) thereby allowing the device (24, 124) to traverse the supports (26, 126). The bottom (68, 168) of the C-shaped member also carries a rotatable paddle wheel (74, 174) which prevents the device (24, 124) from being removed from the line (14).

Abstract: An autonomous transport system is disclosed, formed by four main subsystems: a channel subsystem; a vehicle subsystem; a wheel guide subsystem and central control station subsystem. The system is designed for the transportation of people or goods, to be used in tall buildings and in small and large scale urban environments. It comprises unitary vehicles that may move in different directions: horizontal, steeply sloped and also vertical tracks, thanks to novel traction wheel assemblies that roll on carefully designed wheel tracks. The system's cabin maintains the horizontal level/position regardless of the changes of track direction or slanting thanks to pendulum based automatic level control and may rotate up to 180° under normal conditions and even a full 360° turn respect to the wheel assembly in space restricted positions. The cabin is mounted on a cantilever, thereby displacing its center of gravity respect of the wheel guides.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor includes a rotator system for rotating a work piece as it travels along a conveying track. A carrier movable along the track is propelled by an endless conveyor chain disposed within said track. The carrier is detachably connected to the chain and includes an uncoupling assembly for detaching the carrier from the chain. A support post extends upwardly from an upper surface of the carrier and an upper portion of the support post is attached to an upper arm of a C-shaped load arm. The C-shaped load arm is provided with a lower arm having a rotatable platter attached thereto. A camming pin is fixedly attached to said platter and a camming assembly is affixed to an underside of the track wherein the track is provided with flanges to receive said camming pin. Upon engagement of the camming pin with the flanges of the track, the platter is rotated a preselected amount.

Abstract: A transport device includes a vehicle on an elongated support element extending between a departure station and an arrival station, the departure station being located at a higher elevation than the arrival station. The arrival station includes at least one braking unit for slowing the vehicle. The braking unit may be a series of rollers that engage the vehicle or a series of downwardly depending members that strike lateral extension from the vehicle.

Abstract: The installation for moving persons from a mountain station to a valley station has a supporting cable which is guided via supporting pylons or the like. Carriages, to which there are attached transport assemblies, can be displaced along the supporting cable. Each transport assembly accommodates at least one person. The transport assembly may be a cabin, a chair, a supporting harness, or the like. A supporting and guide rail is fastened on the supporting cable and the carriage can be displaced along the supporting and guide rail from the mountain station into the valley station.

Abstract: A load attachment system such as commonly used as a horizontal lifeline safety system includes a substantially horizontal lifeline secured at its ends to a building structure and supported intermittently along its length by intermediate supports. Each support includes a horizontal bar and a partial vertical bar. The system further includes a load attachment device having a pair of grooved rollers that rides on the lifeline. A load is supported from the bottom of a C-shaped member which has its top connected to the rollers thereby allowing the device to traverse the supports. The bottom of the C-shaped member also carries a rotatable paddle wheel which prevents the device from being removed from the line. The paddle wheel rotates when a paddle is engaged by the support's horizontal bar as the device traverses the support.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for traveling on a closed track on the surface of a wall in which the moving platform can circuit along a rail forming a closed track while being maintained in the same orientation. To this end, a crawling-type moving apparatus is configured with a moving platform 4 moving along a guide rail 2 disposed on a wall surface W provided with supporting units 8A to 8D which can slide on the guide rail, a rotational member provided on the moving platform, to be driven to rotate by a driving mechanism, and a plurality of mating units for generating a driving force by mating with guide faces, which are curved in a cycloidal shape, of driving guides disposed on the wall surface, the mating units being disposed around the rotational member at the same distance from each other.

Abstract: An autonomous transport system is disclosed, formed by four main subsystems: a channel subsystem; a vehicle subsystem; a wheel guide subsystem and central control station subsystem. The system is designed for the transportation of people or goods, to be used in tall buildings and in small and large scale urban environments. It comprises unitary vehicles that may move in different directions: horizontal, steeply sloped and also vertical tracks, thanks to novel traction wheel assemblies that roll on carefully designed wheel tracks. The system's cabin maintains the horizontal level/position regardless of the changes of track direction or slanting thanks to pendulum based automatic level control and may rotate up to 180° under normal conditions and even a full 360° turn respect to the wheel assembly in space restricted positions. The cabin is mounted on a cantilever, thereby displacing its center of gravity respect of the wheel guides.

Abstract: A suspension system for suspending a tool from a pair of parallel rails. The suspension system consists of a support structure, a tool mounting interface and exactly three trolley assemblies. The support structure has three trolley assembly mounting structures with a first one of the trolley assembly mounting structures positioned on a first side of the support structure and the remaining trolley assembly mounting structures are positioned on the opposite side. The tool mounting interface is adapted to couple the tool to the support structure. Each of the trolley assembly mounting structures is coupled to a trolley assembly. Each trolley assembly has at least one trolley set with a plurality of wheels adapted to roll on one of the parallel rails. The three trolley assemblies collectively adapted to exert a reaction force onto the pair of parallel rails equal to the weight of the suspension system and the tool.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor and sorting installation for the sequential sorting of individually conveyed objects. The installation includes two parallel conveyor paths arranged side by side and driven in opposite directions. Independent roller devices carry objects to be sorted and are conveyed by getting coupled to pushing members. Stop members stop the roller devices on associated conveyor paths, so that the roller devices can be uncoupled from the pushing members. A transfer apparatus is provided between the conveyor paths at a distance from their respective ends, for transferring the objects conveyed along the conveyor paths, from one conveyor path to the other conveyor path. Finally, a sorting controller, connected to the transfer mechanism and the stop members, controls the sorting of the conveyed objects such that the objects are sorted while remaining on the conveyor paths.

Abstract: A person mover for moving a seated dairy farmer from cow to cow in a barn when the cows are arranged in two rows with their rear ends facing each other, the person mover allowing the farmer to milk the cows while seated.

Abstract: A tank transportation system comprises rails, stations, and a conveying truck moving on the rails between the stations under computer control. The conveying truck suspends a tank, which performs predetermined operations at the station, delivers and/or receives it to and from the station, and transports it to other stations in order. The system is used preferably for producing flowable composites.

Abstract: A transportation system comprises a continuous stationary track having a pair of opposed rigid bearing surfaces, and a plurality of discrete cantilevered load-carrying vehicle units movable beside said track. Each vehicle is coupled to the track by a bogie having a linear arrangement of bogie wheels running between the bearing surfaces. The bogie wheels are mounted on mutually articulated frames and have a diameter slightly less than the separation of the opposed bearing surfaces to allow limited pivoting movement of the frames within the track. The adjacent articulated frames are forcibly urged to pivot in opposite directions within the track between the bearing surfaces such that bogie wheels carried thereby forcibly and alternately engage the respective opposed bearing surfaces at at least three points to ensure a pro-loaded positive coupling between the bogie and the track.

Abstract: An automatic article transport system capable of transporting a plurality of articles to respective destination positions within a short time and at high efficiency. The system includes a plurality of fixed rails, a plurality of movable rails each capable of running along a pair of fixed rails, and a plurality of hoists capable of running on the movable rails and of lifting and lowering a member to be transported. Controllers are installed on the movable rails and the hoists, respectively. The system further includes a central controller having a table and a device for generating a path for a member to be transported, and transmitters for transmitting control electric power and control signals between the central controller and the controllers installed on the movable rails and the hoists. A transport path for a member to be transported is determined in the path generating device on the basis of data on members to be transported, transport sequence data, and equipment and structure data.

Abstract: An equipment for transporting, handling and feeding stock bobbins to a loom having a preparation station (5) for the charging of bobbin holders (12) with stock bobbins (4) and a transport loop (7) for transporting these bobbin holders (12) towards looms. The looms are arranged in groups and for returning bobbin holders (12') containing empty bobbin tubes towards the preparation station (5), as well as at least one storage section (7c) branching off the transport loop (7) for receiving a number of the bobbin holders (12, 12') which corresponds with the need of bobbins at the time by at least one of the groups of looms (1a, 1b, . . . 1n). For the exchange of the bobbin holders (12' or 12 respectively) on the looms a loading mechanism (18) is provided which is mounted on a secondary transport mechanism (10) which may be moved independently of the transport loop (7) towards a number of groups of looms (1a, 1b, . . .

Abstract: In a transportation system for city transportation in which the cars are moved on a rail system and are brought at least part of the time into circulation from a circulating traction cable and the cars are fastened with clamps on the traction cable, stations are arranged at any given distance between the end railway stations with reversing devices for the traction cable, cars come to stand on a secondary track at the stations, and the through traffic has the ability to pass the standing cars. In the individual stations, an electronic calling system is installed which in cooperation with a central control causes a next car with a free place to seek the stations and to pick up the passenger(s), or to transfer a further car or car train into the rail system. In the cars themselves are provided station selection devices for the next stop. The secondary track is preferably arranged above or below the through rail system.

Abstract: A conveying system is provided for conveying lap rolls between different stories of a building. The conveying system includes an elevator and a transfer station on each story. A control unit controls the elevator and transfer stations independently of the operation of the machines on the two stories for the conveyance of the lap rolls as well as other intermediate products.

Abstract: An overhead cableway is disclosed, in particular a chair lift, with a cable revolving between stations and with transport devices having a traveling gear and connected with the cable via removable clamps. Travel segments are provided at every station which include driven friction wheels, which act on the transport devices via friction surfaces provided on their traveling gear, and forming at least one deceleration and one acceleration section each, and with guide elements associated with the travel segments, which cooperate with the traveling gear. In accordance with the invention, the friction wheels (6,10) define traveling surfaces (20) and the transport devices (50) are supported by their downwardly oriented friction surfaces (88) directly on the friction wheels, and the guide elements (48) are seated rotatably and fixed in place.

Abstract: In order to reduce operating costs while enhancing the overall operating efficiency of an industrial plant, a method for automating a plant or warehouse using portable gantry robots is provided. Work stations for the robots are organized along rows in various parts of the plant where work is present. An overhead rail system is provided over the work stations wherein at least some overhead rail system have sections of displaceable rails. A transporter is provided for transporting the portable robots between rail systems or locations within a rail system. The transporters have a section of transfer rails which are identical in size to the displaceable rail section. A displaceable rail section is displaced following which the transfer rail section is locked into plance. The transfer rail section may also be aligned at one end of an overhead rail system. The robots are then added or removed from the overhead rail system while the transfer rail section is aligned with the overhead rail system.

Abstract: In a conveyor system for conveying a carrier member supporting a workpiece among working stations, provided are course changing units for changing the course through which the carrier member is conveyed, each of the course changing units being formed with a plurality of connecting portions, a pair of first conveying devices for conveying the carrier member between two of the course changing units, one and the other ends of each pair of first conveying devices being connected with ones of the connecting portions of different ones of the course changing units, respectively, each one of the pairs of first conveying devices conveying the carrier member in reverse direction with respect to each other, and second conveying devices for conveying the carrier member between one of the working stations and the course changing units.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a power and free section transporting product carriers on power and free type trolleys and a monorail section transporting utility carriers about a fixed loop. The monorail system is connected to the power and free section to receive and transport the trolleys with the product carriers interspaced between the utility carriers.

Abstract: A suspension conveyor system for automatically conveying suspended conveyor carriages having a plurality of first rails disposed with their free ends in mutual transverse alignment along at least one transfer lane and at least one second rail disposed parallel with the transfer lane. A pallet travels on the second rail along the transfer lane and has at least one pallet rail, the path of travel of the pallet permitting a free end of the pallet rail to be selectively aligned with a free end of a first rail for the transfer of a conveyor carriage between the rails. A trolley is mounted for movement along the transfer lane independent of the pallet and control apparatus are provided for controlling movement of the trolley. A coupling device automatically couples and uncouples the trolley with the pallet to permit the trolley to travel together with the pallet or independently of it.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for conveying work pieces along a path defined by a track that can have ascending and descending sections. An elevator mechanism is pivotally supported relative to a drive mechanism that cooperates with the track for moving work pieces from one place to another. The pivotal support of the elevator mechanism permits the articles being transported to be maintained in a horizontal position regardless of whether or not the device is ascending or descending. In addition, a shock absorbing mechanism acts upon the pivotal connection so as to avoid swinging movement caused by starting and stopping.

Abstract: A transport and handling system for multi-position textile machines, in particular twisting machines, comprising a first track system, the path of which extends along the longitudinal sides of the machines, and which accommodates at least one automated handling device to perform servicing operations, and further comprising a second track systems, the path of which extends likewise along the longitudinal sides of the machines, and along which transport devices travel, which are adapted to be combined to trains and to receive working materials and/or working means. The paths of the two track systems extend parallel to each other over at least a portion such that the automated handling device is adapted to both engage with the transport devices and move past same.

Abstract: A cable conveyance having a storage region for garaging the carriers which an be decoupled from the transport cable. The carriers are displaced along a transport rail to the storage regions by a reversible drive and are permitted to move by gravity along storage rails into this region or by positively tilting these storage rails back to the transport rail to return to the cable. Thus within the storage region the displacement of the carriers is by gravity only and there is no need to provide a special drive for entrainment of the carriers along the storage rails.

Abstract: A conveyor for hangers, the conveyor comprising a frame supporting a closed loop main circuit on which hangers are caused to move in a displacement direction by drive mechanisms, the conveyor further including a series of branches each including an inlet slope and an outlet slope both of which are selectively connectable to the main circuit by moving switches, said main circuit being generally circular and said branches being disposed substantially radially on the outside of the main circuit.

Abstract: A subsidiary work station loop for a work station conveyor system has a gravity fed rail assembly for trolleys shunted from the main conveyor. An elevator returns the trolleys from the lower end of the rail assembly. Four rail segments define this rail assembly and three of the four are supported by a single bracket and a single fastener. The rail segments are coupled by a pin and slot connection that permits limited angular rotation of one segment relative to the other, but which prevents relative axial misalignment.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of transferring objects to be transferred, such as car bodies and workpieces, in an inclined state. A support section capable supporting an object to be transferred is supported by three trolleys. These trolleys are guided for travel along the main rail. A pair of subrails branch from the main rail to opposite sides. Of the three trolleys, the one on the front side of the support section remains on the main rail while the other two are capable of moving from the main rail onto the subrails. The relative positions of the main rail and subrails, particularly the vertical positions are changed, whereby the object which is supported on the support is inclined.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a power and free central power track for receiving lead trolleys of a carrier and a pair of free tracks positioned on opposite sides of the power track for alternatively receiving trailing trolleys of the carriers such that the carriers are twin biased accumulated or banked in side-by-side relationship to one another on opposite sides of the power track. A switching mechanism is provided to control switching of the lead and trailing trolleys from a feed track to the appropriate power track or free track.

Abstract: An aerial transport installation having two parallel continuously moving suspension traction cables defining two endless loops have at least one cable car equipped with ward rippers for clamping the cables on the top part of the cables. The cables define a line of circulation for the cars including a track of arrival and a track of departure at each station, with the tracks defining horizontal planes. The end pulleys at each station include at least one return pulley for separating the cable loops so that the cable car can be totally disengaged and disassociated from the cable. The pulleys are arranged such that a longitudinal free space is provided between the loops of the cable at each station to facilitate the removal of the cable car from the cables.

Abstract: A transfer slide is used in a conveyor system to advance a trolley from one position to another position and includes a body fixed to a free end of a rail and has a cavity formed substantially throughout its length. The body has longitudinally extending surfaces spaced apart from one another by an opening communicating with the cavity which surfaces provide a rolling surface upon which a trolley travels. A slide is received within the cavity of the body and reciprocates within the body in response to the reciprocating movements of an actuator means connected with the slide. The slide has a pusher device extending upwardly from the body and above the rail and which pusher device is engageable with the trolley to push it from the initial position to a final position.

Abstract: An automated thread processing system is characterized by reducing thread package handling and labor requirements. The system includes a textile thread processing machine station having a plurality of spindle assemblies for processing thread and forming wound packages of thread. At least one additional station is also provided. A thread package transporting mechanism includes a stationary continuous rail passing through the thread processing machine station and to and through the additional station and back to the thread processing machine station. Thread package carrying devices are movably mounted on the rail and positioned for receiving the wound packages of thread doffed from the spindle assemblies of the thread processing machine station and then carrying the thread packages from the thread processing machine station to the additional station and releasing the thread packages at the additional station and then returning to the thread processing machine station.

Abstract: A monorail transportation system utilizing generally inverted channel shaped rail members for supporting personal transit vehicles which are each suspended from the rails by a carriage having traction motor propelled drive wheels engageable with the rail channel and spaced apart vehicle supporting guide wheels. The vehicles have aerodynamically contoured bodies provided with lift surfaces which provide varying degrees of lift in accordance with vehicle speed and angle of attack to reduce mechanical friction in the carriage and structural loading on the rail network. The vehicles are automatically controlled and used by individual user when called up from storage track sections at spaced apart stations along the rail network.

Abstract: This invention is an irrigation system which is mounted on parallel tracks and spans the distance therebetween. The main frame is of the truss type and includes a drive means on each end thereof. Also, a tensioning means is provided to assure perpendicular travel of the irrigation system relative to the support track to prevent any twisting tendency. The system can be operated either automatically or manually, and when on automatic, it will cycle back and forth over the designated area.

Abstract: A system for controlling the displacement motion of a carriage working machine which is capable of displacing along a track arranged along ends of spinning machines installed in parallel as a group, wherein an automatic apparatus for carrying out a certain part of the process by these spinning machines is rigidly or detachably mounted on a carriage. In this system, when a spinning machine outputs a forecast signal to call the working machine, the forecast signal is registered in a registration table. After the working machine has arrived at a position on the track adjacent to the particular spinning machine, and it is confirmed that the particular spinning machine can accept the operation of the automatic apparatus of the working machine, then the automatic apparatus starts to carry out its operation.

Abstract: A parking track of a gondola lift or chair-lift comprises straight sections and curved sections and chains for driving cars on this track. On the straight sections the cars follow one another closely or almost touching and on the curved sections with a greater clearance sufficient to pass without the risk of one another colliding.

Abstract: A transportation system, particularly for handling containers for transport by rail vehicles, lorries or ships, includes an elevated guideway comprising a plurality of spaced parallel longitudinal tracks connected by tranverse tracks which are movable along the longitudinal tracks. Vehicles travel along the tracks and are equipped with hoists for lifting containers beneath the guideway into the vehicles. Each vehicle is equipped with lower wheels which run on rails on the longitudinal tracks and upper wheels which run on high level guides on the transverse tracks. When it is wished to transfer the vehicle from one track to another at a junction this may be effected by stopping the vehicle at the junction engaging the appropriate wheels with the guides or rails, as the case may be, on the other track and then continuing movement along that other track.