C. L. Frost & Son, Inc.

Savant Automation, Inc.

Jerry L Redmann, Jr

Garry A Koff

Gerald W Gurney

Philip D Jasperse

Monte R Tuffs

Matthew L Werner

An automatic load transfer device is provided for automated material handling systems of the type having a tow AGV pulling a train of trailers along a predetermined path between stations. The device has a base positioned adjacent to the path with spaced apart rails that support a movable carriage which shifts between retracted and extended positions. A conveyor having a plurality of side-by-side fingers with moving conveyor elements is supported on the carriage by a lift which shifts the conveyor between lowered and raised positions. The carriage, conveyor elements, and lift have separate drives that are operably connected with a controller which sequentially activates the same to load and/or unload loads onto and/or from the trailers.

Automatic load transfer device and method for automated material handling systems

An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) and method has at least one AGV with a drive assembly, a rechargeable power source on-board the AGV configured to supply power to the drive assembly, and a controller on-board the AGV. The controller on-board the AGV is configured to substantially continuously monitor at least two conditions including an operating condition of the AGV, a state of charge of the power source, and an electrical power supplied for recharging the rechargeable power source, wherein the controller determines when the rechargeable power source of the AGV is to be recharged, and controls a recharging process of the power source based upon at least one of the monitored conditions.

Power source monitoring system for AGVs and method

A relubricatable, double-row, rolling contact bearing having an outer race member, first and second inner race members positioned within the outer race member, first and second rows of balls positioned between the outer race member and the first and second inner race members, respectively, and a spacer positioned between the inner race members. Preferably, the spacer is a cylindrical body having an inner wall defining a lubricant reservoir and first and second faces defining grooves communicating with both the reservoir and the rows of balls or rollers. The faces further define recesses for receiving and aligning the inner race members with the spacer.

Relubricatable double row bearing

The specification discloses a bearing assembly including a removable shield which prevents the entry of dirt and other contaminants into the space between the bearing races and yet allows easy maintenance and inspection access to the bearing interior when desired. A grease fitting is provided through the shield and held in a predetermined position for access by automatic relubrication equipment by the cooperation of a noncircular aperture in said shield received over a noncircular shield support at the side of the inner race. Preferably, the shield is held on the shield support by a resilient, split retaining ring received adjacent the shield in a groove in the shield support.

Growing community of inventors

Sparta, MI, United States of America

Jerry L Redmann, Jr