Abstract: A travelling vehicle system additionally sets a waiting point such that a number of waiting points is equal to a number of empty travelling vehicles present on a travelling route upon detection of an empty travelling vehicle. The system searches a route from a start point to an end point when the additionally set one waiting point is taken as the start point and a position of one empty travelling vehicle is taken as the end point, the one empty travelling vehicle being detected by a detection portion and not waiting at the waiting point. The system allocates to the other empty travelling vehicle the travelling command to move to the one waiting point and allocates to the one empty travelling vehicle the travelling command to move to the other waiting point which becomes empty by movement of the other empty travelling vehicle.

Abstract: Upon receiving first data, a stop control unit (211) performs control such that a transportation vehicle (200) stops at a first stop position at which the transportation vehicle (200) can load the article onto a second apparatus. Upon receiving second data, the stop control unit (211) performs control such that the transportation vehicle (200) stops at a second stop position corresponding to a first apparatus.

Abstract: A container handling system comprising a crane and a plurality of base elements. The base elements are designed for resting on containers and the crane is designed for being supported on containers or base elements. Containers can be transported on the base elements, which are preferably arranged to form a path. Also cranes, other base element etc. can travel on the paths. Base elements may be provided with rollers or the like and may comprise a turning unit for turning containers etc. about a vertical axis. The system may handle containers stored in a three-dimensional array by arranging base elements on top of containers, lifting containers onto base elements and moving containers across or along base elements to another location in the array. The array may be in a container yard or on a carrier vessel, where the handling system is part of its onboard equipment.

Abstract: A material handling system includes a composite beam including an upper rail and a lower track connected through a plurality of spaced apart transverse members. A trolley includes an upper set of wheels and a lower set of wheels. The lower set of wheels is received within two parallel channels defined by the lower track. A drive tube is positioned between the upper rail and the lower track such that the upper set of wheels are in frictional engagement with the drive tube. A drive system is configured to rotate the drive tube.

Abstract: A swingable boom-type hoist is disclosed which is characterized by a forwardly-projecting tongue of rectangular cross section that telescopes into the box-beam style drawbar of a conventional trailer hitch carried by the load-carrying vehicle thus cooperating therewith to maintain the stanchion from which the tongue projects in an upright position. The boom on the upper end of the stanchion can swing through a complete circle and is preferably vertically adjustable. An important feature is the retractable foot on the lower end of the stanchion which can be raised off the ground while the load in the load-carrying vehicle is transported from one place to another without having to dismount the hoist. A conventional winch is used to raise and lower the load.