Symorex Inc.

Ron Cailey

Kenneth E Burkhalter

Thomas J Bray

A material handling and transport system for transporting goods between a number of discharge/induction stations and selectively receiving and discharging goods at the stations. A moving transport unit, for example a train-type string or cars or trolleys with tilting trays for receiving, transporting and discharging goods between induction and discharge stations positioned along a track, incorporates a number of self-contained, locally controlled sensing, signal and actuation devices which allow the trolleys to selectively interact with passive stations around the track. The centralization of systems control on the trolleys themselves, as opposed to on the track-side stations, results in greater system flexibility, reduced cost, and allows the train to operate in essentially autonomous mode without the need for external control and monitoring. In one embodiment each tray-supporting trolley includes a self-actuating tipper arm mechanism activated by local computer to engage discharge station as the trolley passes to discharge the load carried by the trolley. Each trolley also includes a sender/receiver device capable of reading passive status indicators associated with stations around the track, and signaling various switching devices to activate track-side structure for interaction with the trolley as it passes.

Apparatus for centralized mechanical and systems control in a material

An improved monorail-type track section for use in a material handling and sortation system in which one or more train-type trolleys or cars runs along the track between various sortation and handling stations. The track section comprises a substantially hollow, vertical support member terminating at an upper end in an upper transverse leg defining upper wheel bearing surfaces on each side of the support, and terminating at a base end in a transversely extending base leg defining lower wheel bearing surfaces on each side of the vertical support. The upper and lower wheel bearing surfaces are angled to trap upper and lower wheel assemblies on a trolley in a torsionally stable mounting arrangement. The spacing of the upper wheel bearing surfaces is less than that of the lower wheel bearing surfaces, such that removal of the upper wheel assemblies allows the entire trolley to be lifted vertically off the track section with clearance for the lower wheel assemblies.

Growing community of inventors

Elk Rapids, MI, United States of America

Ron Cailey