A grid framework structure for supporting a load handling device operative to move containers, includes: a plurality of upright members, interconnected to define nodes at their top ends by a plurality of grid members arranged in a grid pattern, and forming a grid structure including grid cells and a track system having a plurality of tracks arranged in the grid pattern, the grid structure including a first region, a second region, and a bridging joint assembly arranged as one or more connections between the first region and the second region, the bridging joint assembly including at least one mechanical fuse that is arranged to break under an applied load greater than or equal to a predetermined load so as to allow the first region of the grid structure to separate from the second region of the grid structure when the applied load exceeds the predetermined load.

A grid framework structure for supporting a load handling device operative to move containers, includes: a plurality of upright members, interconnected to define nodes at their top ends by a plurality of grid members arranged in a grid pattern, and forming a grid structure including grid cells and a track system having a plurality of tracks arranged in the grid pattern, the grid structure including a first region, a second region, and a bridging joint assembly arranged as one or more connections between the first region and the second region, the bridging joint assembly including at least one mechanical fuse that is arranged to break under an applied load greater than or equal to a predetermined load so as to allow the first region of the grid structure to separate from the second region of the grid structure when the applied load exceeds the predetermined load.

A transportation facility includes a rail extending through an opening, a door to open and close the opening, and a restrictor. The rail includes a movable rail, a first fixed rail, and a second fixed rail. The movable rail is shiftable between a connected orientation in which the movable rail is disposed in the overlapping area to connect the first fixed rail to the second fixed rail, and a retracted orientation in which the movable rail is disposed outside of the overlapping area to disconnect the first fixed rail from the second fixed rail. The restrictor is in a normal orientation with the movable rail in the connected orientation where the restrictor does not restrict travel of a transport vehicle, and shifts to a protruding orientation in response to the movable rail being shifted from the connected orientation to the retracted orientation where the restrictor restricts travel of the transport vehicle.

A transportation facility includes a rail extending through an opening, a door to open and close the opening, and a restrictor. The rail includes a movable rail, a first fixed rail, and a second fixed rail. The movable rail is shiftable between a connected orientation in which the movable rail is disposed in the overlapping area to connect the first fixed rail to the second fixed rail, and a retracted orientation in which the movable rail is disposed outside of the overlapping area to disconnect the first fixed rail from the second fixed rail. The restrictor is in a normal orientation with the movable rail in the connected orientation where the restrictor does not restrict travel of a transport vehicle, and shifts to a protruding orientation in response to the movable rail being shifted from the connected orientation to the retracted orientation where the restrictor restricts travel of the transport vehicle.

An article transport facility includes an engaging member capable of being moved to an engaging position at which the engaging member is in engagement with a movable guide portion and with a fixed guide portion to hold the movable guide portion in the guiding position, and to a releasing position at which the engaging member is not in engagement with at least one of the movable guide portion and the fixed guide portion wherein the engaging member supports the movable guide portion from below when in the engaging position; an urging member for urging the engaging member; a holding device for generating an operating force with electric power supplied from an electric power supply to hold the engaging member in the engaging position against an urging force of the urging member; and a power-supply controller for controlling the operation of the electric power supply. The power-supply controller maintains electric power supply in an electric power supplying state while fire information is not outputted from a fire detector and switches the electric power supply to an electric power non-supplying state if fire information is outputted from the fire detector.

A rail 13 for supporting a trolley 14 of gantry crane 10 has rail sections 18,19 on opposites sides of a joint 17 provided with end regions 20 of a modified rail head profile that directs the wheels of the trolley 14 over ridges 23 that rise gradually above the height L1 of the rail head 27 while approaching the joint 17. The ridges 23 then carry the wheels into the joint 17 where the transition from one rail section to the next occurs over reinforced region. The load-bearing apexes A of the ridges are disposed away from the side edges of the rail 13 and away from the ends of each projecting portion 21. The rail increases the operational life of a crane rail by reducing wear rate in high stress areas of the joint 17 and by adding additional wear material above the rail at the joint.

A rail 13 for supporting a trolley 14 of gantry crane 10 has rail sections 18,19 on opposites sides of a joint 17 provided with end regions 20 of a modified rail head profile that directs the wheels of the trolley 14 over ridges 23 that rise gradually above the height L1 of the rail head 27 while approaching the joint 17. The ridges 23 then carry the wheels into the joint 17 where the transition from one rail section to the next occurs over reinforced region. The load-bearing apexes A of the ridges are disposed away from the side edges of the rail 13 and away from the ends of each projecting portion 21. The rail increases the operational life of a crane rail by reducing wear rate in high stress areas of the joint 17 and by adding additional wear material above the rail at the joint.