Abstract: A control system performs pre-urging to control a guide wheel driver to urge a guide wheel from a first position toward a second position when the guide wheel in a first width direction in a first guide section is in contact with a first side surface of a guide rail before entering an unguided section. The control system continuously performing the pre-urging allows the guide wheel to pass through the unguided section to move the guide wheel from the first position to the second position in the unguided section, and places the guide wheel in a second width direction in a second guide section into contact with a second side surface of the guide rail.

Abstract: A plant for managing products provides a plurality of work areas, each bounded by perimeter walls. Each work area has at least one robotic unit for moving and handling the products. The work areas are connected together by at least one overhead conveying unit for conveying products from one work area to another. The plant is efficient, reliable, versatile and safe.

Abstract: A walking system for a workover rig or completion rig mounted on a motor vehicle. The walking system includes a main platform having ramps and tracks for the motor vehicle to drive up onto and a base beam extending perpendicularly on both sides of the main platform to act as outriggers for stability. The system further includes a workstring platform for storing tubulars that make up the workstring, which is elevated above a wellhead. The main platform and base beam have walking assemblies for lifting the rig and moving it laterally so that it can be positioned over the wellhead for workover or completion operations.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods providing a slip gear for an industrial cart. One embodiment includes a slip gear that includes a track gear for engaging with the track, a stabilizing bar, and a motor gear for engaging with a drive motor and the track gear. The slip gear may also include a stabilizing bar that is rotatably coupled to the track gear and the motor gear. In some embodiments, when the drive motor rotates the motor shaft, the motor gear rotates with the motor shaft to cause rotation of the track gear to propel the industrial cart. In response to an object pushing the industrial cart along the track, the stabilizing bar rotates to disengage the track gear from the track, thereby reducing friction between the industrial cart and the track.

Abstract: An embodiment includes: a first transport module on which a carriage moves; a second transport module that is configured to be able to move to a position for connecting to the first transport module and on which the carriage is able to move to and from the first transport module; a position detection unit that detects a position in a moving direction of the second transport module and outputs position information; a first control unit that controls motion of the carriage on the first transport module; a second control unit that controls motion of the carriage on the second transport module; a third control unit that controls motion of the second transport module; and a fourth control unit that controls the first to third control units. The fourth control unit corrects a position where the second transport module connects to the first transport module based on the position information.

Abstract: A component such as a door is coated by immersion in a fluidized bed. The component is supported by a hook assembly that moves the component within the fluidized bed during coating. The movement is cyclical and inhibits bridging of the coating material when applied to intricate articles.

Abstract: A poultry processing line is provided having a series of poultry carriers and a processing unit or processing units, wherein the poultry carriers are movable to and from the processing unit or processing units and the poultry carriers and the processing unit or processing units are synchronized to enable processing of the poultry by the processing unit or processing units. A switch is provided such that the poultry carriers and/or the processing unit or processing units are selectable between an operational position in which the poultry is processed by the processing unit or units and an inoperational or idle position in which the poultry is prevented from being processed by the processing unit or units.

Abstract: A universal system and method for handling a container is disclosed. The system can include: a support structure (10) defining a bay (32), the support structure (10) including support shoes configured to support a container; a sensor (58) for determining a length of a container in the bay; and a controller (60) configured to operate the support structure (10) including a storage mode and a retrieval mode.

Abstract: A cart is movably engaged with a flow control track by a pair of different height cam followers. An end track segment between parallel side leg track segments of the track contains inner and outer end channels. An intermediate wall in the end track segment forms the outer and inner end channels and cooperates with the height of the cam followers to direct one cam follower on each cart into one of the inner and outer end tracks and the other cam follower on the cart into the other of the inner and outer end channels to smoothly control the movement of the cart around the end segment between the ends of the first and second side leg track segments.

Abstract: In a track type protection system comprising an automatic steering mechanism and a fail-safe mechanism, provided is a detection mechanism which can detect a deviated value of a vehicle, widthwise of a track, and which is highly reliable.

Abstract: A transverse-longitudinal perpendicular automatic adjusting apparatus used for a cutting machine is disclosed. The automatic adjusting apparatus comprises a cross beam (8), a driving trolley (5), a driven trolley (7), a rotating shaft (1), a rolling bearing (2), a driving connecting plate (3) and a disc spring (4). The cross beam (8) is a drawn cross beam. The driving connecting plate (3) is connected to a bottom surface of the cross beam (8). A bottom surface of the cross beam is rigidly connected with a driven connecting plate (6), which is connected with the driven trolley (7). The apparatus ensures stable operation and is inexpensive. The apparatus is easy to adjust, install and manufacture.

Abstract: An overhead wafer transport system includes an over head transportation (OHT) rail and at least one shuttle. The OHT rail includes a main track and two lateral tracks, each having a hollow transverse cross-section, each lateral track being in corresponding connection with the main track through the two sides thereof, constituting an approximate tri-directional branch form. The shuttle has a track-interface assembly and a docking unit, the track-interface assembly being adapted to travel along the OHT rail. The track-interface assembly being arranged at the junction of the two lateral tracks and the main track, wherein the track-interface assembly is adapted to selectively travel along at least one of the main track and the lateral tracks. Therefore, the overhead wafer transport system can be applied to a clean room with higher transfer efficiency and clean room space utilization.

Abstract: An intersection navigation system for a hoist to prevent a hoist unit of the hoist from falling when the hoist unit passes an intersection may include a hoist unit including an auxiliary mover and a railway on which the hoist unit travels. The railway may include an intersection having auxiliary rails on which the auxiliary mover moves. Furthermore, the auxiliary mover may be configured to prevent the hoist unit from falling when the hoist unit passes through the intersection.

Abstract: A cable-tow system including a skiing surface. A drive tower, including a drive pulley, and a support tower, including a return pulley, are positioned on a periphery of the skiing surface. The cable-tow system further includes a stationary support cable spanning a first distance between the drive tower and the support tower. A movable drive cable spans a second distance between the drive pulley and the return pulley. The movable drive cable travels in an orbital fashion between the drive pulley and the return pulley. A truck is connected to the movable drive cable and includes at least one race pulley. The at least one race pulley engages the stationary support cable. A tow rope is connected to the truck and includes a handle for towing a skier. Movement of the movable drive cable moves the truck along a length of the stationary support cable.

Abstract: A cable transportation system includes a first cable suspended over a ground surface, a vehicle supported above the ground surface by the first cable, wherein the vehicle has one or more grooved wheels for riding along the first cable, a frame supported from above by the one or more grooved wheels, and at least one vehicle guide that extends below the grooved wheels, and a junction bracket that has a ramped section, a mid portion section connected to the ramp section, and a rail portion provided on both the ramped section and the mid portion section, wherein the junction bracket is connected to the first cable so that at least an end portion of the ramped section is parallel to and directly above the first cable and the grooved wheels transition from the first cable onto the rail portion when the vehicle engages the junction bracket.

Abstract: A rail system for a powered pallet conveyor, which comprises alternative pathways having an electric cable provided on at least one of n parallel rails defining a travel pathway, wherein n?2, whereby the rail system includes a switch for switching between m alternative travel pathways, wherein m?2, and allowing the vehicle to continuously move across the switch after switching. The switch comprises a first actuator for selectively positioning (m*n) rigid rail portions bridging the distance between rail ends at (i) n joining points where the n parallel rails of each of the m alternative travel pathways subject to switching converge, and (ii) (m*n) continuation points where each alternative pathway subject to switching diverges downstream from the joining points A second actuator selectively positions [m(n?1)] rigid rail portions bridging the distance between rail ends, where each alternative pathway is discontinued downstream from the corresponding continuation points.

Abstract: An overhead mass transportation system for cities and urban areas may be particularly suitable for environmentally acceptable, or “green”, systems because it can be used to produce power by an optional super solar system deployed, for example, over the tracks. The mass transportation system may meet many current economic and environmental needs. In many urban areas around the world, the mass transportation system can replace buses and taxis on the street, with their noise and pollution, and reduce the use of oil and fuel. The system can also be used for inter-cities transportation, where in can dispense with the need to carry large amounts of fuel for long distance transportation. The system may also be suitable for areas with challenged trains, such as those areas with a high level of floods, snow, or the like. Furthermore, the system may be suitable for desert transportation or transportation over waterways or between islands.

Abstract: A path switching facility for crossed paths comprises: at least one article transport vehicle configured to travel along a first path and a second path that crosses the first path; a guide rail for guiding a guided roller of the article transport vehicle; a travel rail for guiding and supporting travel wheels of the article transport vehicle; a rotatable guide rail and a rotatable travel rail both located in a crossing area; a push operating portion provided to the article transport vehicle to push one of the rotatable guide rail and the rotatable travel rail; and, an operatively connecting device for coupling a rotation of the rotatable guide rail with a rotation of the rotatable travel rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transferring a transport car which can be displaced on a track system from a first track section of the track system that is arranged on a first level, to a second track section of the track system that is arranged on a second level different from the first level. The device comprises at least one first and one second transfer carriage which can carry at least one respective transport car to be transferred and which can be displaced in opposite directions on two different levels. The invention further relates to a conveyor system for transporting articles.

Abstract: A lateral transfer apparatus for an overhead conveyor comprises generally horizontally extending, side-by-side load tracks for receiving load-bearing trolleys for movement along a first track, and for movement along a second track. A transfer shuttle unit has a normal position aligned with the first track and provides a continuation thereof, and a transfer position aligned with the second track to provide a continuation of the second track. An actuator connected with the shuttle unit shifts it between the normal and transfer positions thereof at an acute angle to the tracks, thereby transferring trolleys to a position aligned with the receiving track for movement therealong.

Abstract: A side-shift raise climbing system is provided that utilizes a side-cut excavated into the wall of the access drift for a raise in a mine. A transfer section is incorporated into the existing length of rail servicing the raise. The transfer section includes a laterally transferable rail that can be detached from the existing rail and shifted along a set of monorails that extend into the side-cut. The transfer section enables a raise climber, when parked thereon, to be shifted out of the access drift without requiring additional access drifts or parking/nesting areas to accommodate the use of muck removal equipment.

Abstract: A method and system of devices facilitate the uninterrupted transport of a payload of persons (110) or cargo along a multi-segmented guide cable (180), or zip line, suspended from a series of support structures (120). Transfer mechanisms (800, 810) allow the cable to loop to a starting location or to transport between discrete endpoints. A trolley (200) carrying the payload may be powered by gravity alone, or a motorized assist may allow the cable course to be traversed without regard to relative elevations of cable supports. Safety mechanisms (300) prevent the trolley from leaving the cable (180) unintentionally. The system enables one or more riders (110) to travel along the guide cable (180) at velocities desired for recreational purposes while assuming many body positions, such as prone, sitting or standing, to provide the sensation of flying like a bird.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a conveyor is provided. The switch assembly includes a rail section forming a portion of the conveyor assembly. The switch assembly has a first gear assembly pivotable about a first pivot axis and carrying a first gate and a first gear, and a second gear assembly pivotable about a second pivot axis and carrying a second gate and a second gear, the second pivot axis being positioned below a plane extending perpendicular to the rail section from the first pivot axis, and the second gear in rotational engagement with the first gear. A trolley stop assembly for a conveyor is also provided. The trolley stop includes a body having a first side portion and a second side portion arranged to be disposed on first and second sides of a rail section. A pivot member extends through the body and at least a portion of the rail section. A stop member is carried by an upper portion of the body, the stop member including a rail section portion and a stop portion.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) includes a conveyor course (12), which has a curved portion and two tracks (22, 24) located one above the other, and a conveyor carriage (14); each of the tracks (22, 24) is assigned at least one horizontal track roller (34, 36) of the conveyor carriage (14), and at least one of the tracks (22, 24) is assigned a further horizontal track roller (34, 36), which is spaced apart in the conveying direction (L) from the one track roller (34, 36) associated with the same track (22, 24). The axes of rotation (A, B) of the two track rollers (34, 36) are located in alignment with one another; and, whenever both tracks (22, 24) are each assigned a further track roller (34, 36), the axes of rotation (A, B) of these further track rollers (34, 36) are likewise in alignment with one another.

Abstract: A lateral transfer apparatus for an overhead conveyor comprises generally horizontally extending, side-by-side load tracks for receiving load-bearing trolleys for movement along a first track, and for movement along a second track. A transfer shuttle unit has a normal position aligned with the first track and provides a continuation thereof, and a transfer position aligned with the second track to provide a continuation of the second track. An actuator connected with the shuttle unit shifts it between the normal and transfer positions thereof at an acute angle to the tracks, thereby transferring trolleys to a position aligned with the receiving track for movement therealong.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a conveyor is provided. The switch assembly includes a rail section forming a portion of the conveyor assembly. The switch assembly has a first gear assembly pivotable about a first pivot axis and carrying a first gate and a second gear assembly pivotable about a second pivot axis and carrying a second gate, the second pivot axis being positioned below a plane extending perpendicular to the rail section from the first pivot axis. A trolley stop assembly for a conveyor is also provided. The trolley stop includes a body having a first side portion and a second side portion arranged to be disposed on first and second sides of a rail section. A pivot member extends through the body and at least a portion of the rail section. A stop member is carried by an upper portion of the body and a weighted member is also carried by the body arranged to position the stop member for engagement with a trolley. A conveyor assembly including a switch assembly and trolley stop is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a branch section 1 or a merge section of a rail vehicle system, an auxiliary travel surface 17 on the straight lane side includes a deformed portion 54 where the height is increased for supporting an auxiliary wheel 6 of a traveling vehicle 2. The traveling vehicle 2 is supported by the auxiliary wheel 6 and guide rollers 24, 20 such that the traveling vehicle 2 is orientated horizontally in the left-right direction, or the branch lane side D of the traveling vehicle 2 is oriented slightly upwardly.

Abstract: A side-shift raise climbing system is provided that utilizes a side-cut excavated into the wall of the access drift for a raise in a mine. A transfer section is incorporated into the existing length of rail servicing the raise. The transfer section includes a laterally transferable rail that can be detached from the existing rail and shifted along a set of monorails that extend into the side-cut. The transfer section enables a raise climber, when parked thereon, to be shifted out of the access drift without requiring additional access drifts or parking/nesting areas to accommodate the use of muck removal equipment.

Abstract: A single-axis programmable positioning device for positioning a work piece in a work area comprising. The device includes a rail with a pair of parallel channels, a trolley with bearing that ride in the rails, a work piece stop mounted to the trolley, a motor assembly that drives a drive sprocket. A chain extends from one of the bearings, through one channel, around the drive sprocket, through the second channel, around an idler sprocket, and back through the first channel to the bearing. A control panel controls the operation of the device. Optionally, the device includes a magnetic brake for maintaining the position of the trolley between movements.

Abstract: A rail guide having first and second guiding rails disposed in a mirror-inverted relationship with regard to one another. At least one pair of spaced leading and following carriages are displaceably mounted to the guiding rails so as to engage and transport a sliding component along a transport path towards a stacking area. While the leading and following carriages are slidably supported by both guiding rails along the main track of the transport path, the leading carnage slides along the first rail, and the trailing carriage slides along the second rail along the transport path downstream from the main track in the stacking area.

Abstract: A cableway system has at least one continuous conveying cable, which is guided over deflecting pulleys in the terminal stations, and transport devices, such as cablecars and chairs, that can be coupled to the conveying cable. Guide rails are provided in the stations along which the transporting means uncoupled from the conveying cable can be displaced. Two vertical conveying wheels rotatably supported about a horizontal axis are provided in at least one of the stations for moving the transport devices between an upper plane and a lower plane in the station. The transport devices are uncoupled from the conveying cable, guided along a first guide rail in the upper plane of the station to a first vertical conveying wheel, which moves them from the upper plane into the lower plane, moved along the second guide rail in the lower plane through a passenger boarding and disembarking region, and moved to the second vertical conveying wheel, which conveys them back into the upper plane.

Abstract: A storage system for containers including a plurality of cells for reception of containers and means of transferring containers within and outside of the cells. The transfer means include shuttles for translation between the cells and ensilage trolleys which are carried by the shuttles to face a cell and which are motorized to enter and exit from the cell and transfer containers between the cell and the shuttle. The ensilage trolleys are fitted with at least one transport unit made up of a base frame with motorized wheels for running on rails for the entrance and exit movement and with loading platform arranged above the base frame and designed to support a container. Between the platform and the base frame there are fluid hoisting sets distributed longitudinally to the trolley for controlled hoisting of the platform and which also realize elastic attenuation parts.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus using movable bodies, in which a plurality of lateral travel rail members capable of supporting and guiding guided devices situated on a main rail are provided to the side of a prescribed region of the fixed path, in such a manner that a frame member provided with a supporting section assumes an orthogonal attitude or position with respect to a direction of travel, and the other frame members become aligned in the direction of travel, and causing the guided devices to branch off onto the lateral travel rail member group in the prescribed region. Thereby, spacing between the movable bodies in the lateral travel direction can be maintained readily by using a simple structure, and the group of movable bodies can be moved laterally in such a manner that there is no mutual contact between conveyed items.

Abstract: A method and system for compensating for wheel wear uses position and/or speed information from an independent positioning system to measure some distance over which the train has traveled. Wheel rotation information is also collected over the distance. The wheel rotation information and distance and/or speed information are then used to determine the size of the train wheels. The method is performed periodically to correct for changes in wheel size over time due to wear so that the wheel rotation information can be used to determine train position and speed in the event of a positioning system failure.

Abstract: A plurality of working blocks (A, B) are connected by rails (18). A branched transporting mechanism (100) is disposed at the intersections of the rails (18). A transportation vehicle (300) of non-self-propelled type moves on the rails (18) by the driving power of a wire (20). A placement table (450) is positioned in the vicinity of the working blocks (A, B). The placement table (450) moves up and down with a workpiece placed thereon between the transportation vehicle (300) and the working blocks (A, B). Transfer of work is effected by moving the placement table (450) up and down, and adjusting the height of the placement table (450) to the height of the transportation vehicle (300) or to the height of the working blocks (A, B). Further, the transportation vehicle (300) has a wire gripping mechanism (350) for gripping the wire (20), and workpiece placement plates (326a, 326b) for placing the workpiece thereon.

Abstract: A friction-drive carriage type conveyor includes a carriage 1 for running in a running direction along a horizontal track including a first track section and a second track section, which crosses a passage 26. Friction drivers 29 and 30 are fitted on both sides of the passage 26 to drive the carriage 1 across it. A main guide rail 14 lies along the whole length of the first track section. A rear auxiliary guide rail 31 lies along the first track section and is upstream of the passage 26. A front auxiliary guide rail 32 lies along the first track section and is downward of the passage 26. The carriage 1 is fitted with a pair of main guided members 4 and 5 for engaging with the main guide rail 14, a pair of front auxiliary guided members 6 and 7 for engaging with the front auxiliary guide rail 32, and a pair of rear auxiliary guided members 8 and 9 for engaging with the rear auxiliary guide rail 31. The main guided members 4 and 5 are spaced from each other in the running direction.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus using movable bodies, in which a plurality of lateral travel rail members capable of supporting and guiding guided devices situated on a main rail are provided to the side of a prescribed region of the fixed path, in such a manner that a frame member provided with a supporting section assumes an orthogonal attitude or position with respect to a direction of travel, and the other frame members become aligned in the direction of travel, and causing the guided devices to branch off onto the lateral travel rail member group in the prescribed region. Thereby, spacing between the movable bodies in the lateral travel direction can be maintained readily by using a simple structure, and the group of movable bodies can be moved laterally in such a manner that there is no mutual contact between conveyed items.

Abstract: A transport system has at least one track, preferably hung on supports or hanging from cables, on which transport cars may travel, by at east one trolley. Several running wheels are provided in the trolley and the trolley may be actively rotated about the axis of the track relative to the transport car. Branchings are provided in the track, in which the track divides into two track branches. In the vicinity of the branching lies an intersection of the outer surfaces of the track branches, such that on each of the upper side and the lower side there are two grooves due to the intersection, which meet in the vicinity of the gusset, between the two track branches. Between the grooves, on both the upper and lower side, is a tapering web, the surfaces of which are part of the surface area of the track branches.

Abstract: A pair of rail members have upward wheel supporting surfaces and inward roller guide surfaces, respectively. A fixed path includes linear path portions and a branching-and-joining path portion. Linear-side guide members extending along the linear path portions and a branching-and-joining-side guide member extending along the branching-and-joining path portion are provided in a branching-and-joining section. A moving body is provided with wheels and side guide rollers supported and guided on a wheel supporting surface and a roller guide surface, respectively. A direction restricting member guided by sideward guide sections of the guide members is driven by a lateral-movement unit to move freely in a lateral direction between a location corresponding to the linear-side guide member and a location corresponding to the branching-and-joining-side guide member.

Abstract: A device for towing a train of carriages of a sorting machine includes a pair of wheels driven by respective motors, which wheels engage a blade arranged below the carriages. Each towing wheel is movable toward and away from the blade relative to its respective motor, whereby the inertia of the member that has to be moved in response to a misalignment of the blade is low.

Abstract: A rail mounted patient lift comprises a ceiling mountable rail 10, a carriage 16 mounted for displacement along the rail, a flexible elongate support element and power operated lifting means for extending and retracting the support element relative to the carriage. The rail 10 comprises a plurality of rail sections 10a, 10b which in use are suspended from a ceiling with a gap 13 therebetween at a position where the rail 10 is to cross the path of a curtain 14. Each rail section has at least one pivotable flap 19 engageable by the carriage 16 as it moves along the rail. The flap 19 of one of a pair of adjoining rail sections is pivotable by the carriage as it moves in one direction to bridge the gap between the two sections and the flap of the other of the pair of adjoining rail sections is pivotable by the carriage as it moves in an opposite direction to bridge the gap between the two rail sections.

Abstract: A pair of rail members have upward wheel supporting surfaces and inward roller guide surfaces, respectively. A fixed path includes linear path portions and a branching-and-joining path portion. Linear-side guide members extending along the linear path portions and a branching-and-joining-side guide member extending along the branching-and-joining path portion are provided in a branching-and-joining section. A moving body is provided with wheels and side guide rollers supported and guided on a wheel supporting surface and a roller guide surface, respectively. A direction restricting member guided by sideward guide sections of the guide members is driven by a lateral-movement unit to move freely in a lateral direction between a location corresponding to the linear-side guide member and a location corresponding to the branching-and-joining-side guide member.

Abstract: A transportation system for transporting a load into and out of a serviced area. The transportation system comprises near and far support lines and a cross support line suspended from the near and far support lines. A trolley assembly traverses the cross support line, and the trolley assembly is adapted to carry the load from the area to harvested. A transfer track may be used to allow the trolley to traverse the near and/or far support lines.

Abstract: In a transfer system using movable bodies supported and guided by a rail through a plurality of guided devices so that they are capable of moving in a given path, when a movable body taken out from the given path is transferred to a separate given path or restored to the original given path, the movable body needs be separated or joined while being longitudinally moved, thus requiring a long path for separating or joining. The invention provides a system comprising a group of guided devices relatively turnably connected to main bodies of the movable bodies through vertical shafts, a plurality of divisional rail bodies capable of supporting the group of guided devices and disposed in a set path portion in the given path, turning means for turning these divisional rail bodies around vertical axes, and a group of transverse rail bodies disposed laterally of the set path portion such that the divisional rail bodies turned for separation from the rail can be connected.

Abstract: In a transfer system using movable bodies supported and guided by a rail through a plurality of guided devices so that they are capable of moving in a given path, when a movable body taken out from the given path is transferred to a separate given path or restored to the original given path, the movable body needs be separated or joined while being longitudinally moved, thus requiring a long path for separating or joining. The invention provides a system comprising a group of guided devices relatively turnably connected to main bodies of the movable bodies through vertical shafts, a plurality of divisional rail bodies capable of supporting the group of guided devices and disposed in a set path portion in the given path, turning means for turning these divisional rail bodies around vertical axes, and a group of transverse rail bodies disposed laterally of the set path portion such that the divisional rail bodies turned for separation from the rail can be connected.

Abstract: A pair of rail members have upward wheel supporting surfaces and inward roller guide surfaces, respectively. A fixed path includes linear path portions and a branching-and-joining path portion. Linear-side guide members extending along the linear path portions and a branching-and-joining-side guide member extending along the branching-and-joining path portion are provided in a branching-and-joining section. A moving body is provided with wheels and side guide rollers supported and guided on a wheel supporting surface and a roller guide surface, respectively. A direction restricting member guided by sideward guide sections of the guide members is driven by a lateral-movement unit to move freely in a lateral direction between a location corresponding to the linear-side guide member and a location corresponding to the branching-and-joining-side guide member.

Abstract: A reversing chain-operated, dual carriage train indexer is provided with a chain tension control that acts directly on the chain and a retraction-biased, two-position carriage connection cylinder in conjunction with a spring biased linkage system allows indexer operation in either direction with dogs up or down in dual force ranges controlled by the chain tension control.

Abstract: A load-carrying transport apparatus for moving a heavy load, such as an oil drilling rig, over a surface includes a substructure for carrying the load, a track member positioned on the surface adjacent the substructure and a plurality of lift assemblies mounted on the substructure selectively operable for extension toward the surface to engage the track member and raise the substructure above the surface so that it is carried on the track member. The lift assemblies are also operable for retraction to lower the substructure onto the surface. A shifter mechanism disposed adjacent to the substructure and the track member is selectively operable for displacing the substructure along the track member when the lifting assemblies have been extended toward the surface to raise the substructure above the surface. The shifter mechanism is also operable for displacing the track member on the surface relative to the substructure when the lifting assemblies have been retracted and disengaged from the track member.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement of service positions (A1, A3, B2, B4) for maintenance apparatuses (14a-14d), which can travel on a guide rail (15, 16) along a multiplicity of similar workstations (13) on a first side of a textile machine (10), wherein a maintenance apparatus (14a, 14d) in a first service position (B2, B4) at the elevation of a machine framing (12) of the textile machine can be pivoted away from, or transversely withdrawn from the guide rail (15, 16). In accord with the invention, per side of the textile machine (10) at least two maintenance apparatuses (14a-14c) are exclusively assigned thereto, whereby the guide rail (15, 16) on the first side at least at one end of the textile machine (10) is elongated beyond the said textile machine and a second service position (A1, A3) is placed on the elongated guide rail (15-16).

Abstract: The invention relates to an overhead conveyor system which includes a rail, at least one carriage which is provided with wheels and which is adapted to run along the rail and support a load suspended from the carriage, a rotatable drive shaft which extends along the rail and is located perpendicularly above the rail, and a drive arranged on each carriage and adapted to drive, in contact with the drive shaft, the carriage along the rail. The drive includes at least one wheel which is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft and has a contact surface spring-loaded against the drive shaft, the spring load of the drive being independent of the load suspended from the carriage.