The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 03, 1996
Filed:
Dec. 24, 1992
Hajime Matsumoto, Itami, JP;
Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An automatic conveying system includes a main loop-like conveying track, a plurality of auxiliary loop-like conveying tracks along the main conveying track for selective coupling and de-coupling by couplers to and from the main track, and a plurality of auxiliary conveying vehicles for running along the main and auxiliary tracks. Each conveying vehicle can run continuously along the main and auxiliary tracks with switching by the couplers. The system permits reduction or elimination of intermediate loading and unloading operations or waiting times for changing vehicles, thus increasing the efficiency of conveyance. In addition, such equipment as stockers or loading and unloading machines for tentatively stocking cargo for changing vehicles and for loading and unloading operations during conveyance can be reduced or eliminated, thus minimizing the installation space for such equipment. This permits effective utilization of factory premises and good layout of the factory with a high space utilization-factor.