Among other things, a connection assembly for motion along a rail is disclosed. The connection assembly can include a first plate assembly, a second plate assembly, and a release assembly. The first plate assembly can include a first stop mounted to a first base. The second plate assembly can include a second stop mounted to a second base and a post mounted to the second base. The release assembly can include a rod and a spring. The rod can include an outward extension. The spring can be disposed between the extension and the second stop. The release assembly can be configured to occupy: a first state such that the spring pushes the extension against the first stop and thereby biases the first base away from the second base; and a second state such that the spring pushes the extension against the post.

Among other things, a connection assembly for motion along a rail is disclosed. The connection assembly can include a first plate assembly, a second plate assembly, and a release assembly. The first plate assembly can include a first stop mounted to a first base. The second plate assembly can include a second stop mounted to a second base and a post mounted to the second base. The release assembly can include a rod and a spring. The rod can include an outward extension. The spring can be disposed between the extension and the second stop. The release assembly can be configured to occupy: a first state such that the spring pushes the extension against the first stop and thereby biases the first base away from the second base; and a second state such that the spring pushes the extension against the post.

A continuously moving cableway system for the transport of cars with passengers on board has two pairs of track cables, which extend between, two towers. Specially fitted open transport cabins, are moved along the track cables by at least one traction cable. Speed reducers located at ground level outside of the two towers. Access control, toll type, with rising arm barrier outside of the two towers. Security gates actioned by hydraulic jacks located at ground level outside of the two towers. Conveyor belts located at ground level between the two towers. Roller ramps, conveyor belt, security gates actioned by hydraulic jacks inside of the specially fitted open transport, cabins.

An actuator apparatus includes an actuator rod with an interior cavity and a set of rod holes. Each rod hole extends through the actuator rod to the cavity. The set of rod holes is positioned in a straight line. The apparatus includes a light assembly that is positioned to light the cavity. The apparatus includes an actuator block that includes an opening extending through the actuator block sized to conform to an outer surface of the actuator rod and a set of block holes in the opening. Spacing between the block holes matches spacing between the rod holes. The actuator block includes a light sensor positioned in a block hole to sense light coming through a rod hole aligned with the block hole and a ball bearing for each block hole of the set of block holes without a light sensor and extending partially through the corresponding block hole.

Among other things, a vehicle for transporting containers is disclosed. The vehicle can include a base, a rack, and at least one container. The base can include a platform, wheels, and a motor for driving one or more of the wheels. The rack can be mounted to the platform. The rack can include at least one rail. The at least one rail can include a channel defined therein and an end coupling for linking the at least one rail with an external rail. The at least one container can be configured to connect with the at least one rail and include a connection assembly. At least a portion of the connection assembly can be moveably disposed in the channel.

Among other things, a vehicle for transporting containers is disclosed. The vehicle can include a base, a rack, and at least one container. The base can include a platform, wheels, and a motor for driving one or more of the wheels. The rack can be mounted to the platform. The rack can include at least one rail. The at least one rail can include a channel defined therein and an end coupling for linking the at least one rail with an external rail. The at least one container can be configured to connect with the at least one rail and include a connection assembly. At least a portion of the connection assembly can be moveably disposed in the channel.

An assembly for use with a power and free conveyor comprises a track member adapted to be slidingly received by a receiver portion of a power and free conveyor power track. The track member is slidingly moveable from a first position to a second position such that, when in the first position, the proximal end is retained within the receiver portion and the distal end is proximate to a connection portion. When in the second position, the proximal end is retained within the receiver portion and there is a gap between the distal end and the connection portion. A power and free conveyor comprising the assembly is also provided. A method of servicing a power and free conveyor comprising a sliding track member is also provided.

An overhead conveyor system with an elongate box girder (9) having a first inner space with rails (12) and a second elongate inner space comprising an endless driven drive element (5, 6) is provided with at least one carrier (14, 14′) adapted to run on said rails (12) wherein said carrier is provided with an elongated body (C) supporting at least one friction driver (15), wherein said at least one friction driver is in the form of a friction arm assembly (19) with an upper end (20), a lower end (21) and an intermediate portion (22) between said upper and lower ends, said upper end comprising a friction shoe (25) adapted to be pressed upwards by the force of gravity towards engagement with the drive element (5) so as to transfer drive to the carrier.

An overhead conveyor system with an elongate box girder (9) having a first inner space with rails (12) and a second elongate inner space comprising an endless driven drive element (5, 6) is provided with at least one carrier (14, 14′) adapted to run on said rails (12) wherein said carrier is provided with an elongated body (C) supporting at least one friction driver (15), wherein said at least one friction driver is in the form of a friction arm assembly (19) with an upper end (20), a lower end (21) and an intermediate portion (22) between said upper and lower ends, said upper end comprising a friction shoe (25) adapted to be pressed upwards by the force of gravity towards engagement with the drive element (5) so as to transfer drive to the carrier.

A transport system in a fabrication facility includes a driving unit moving along a driving rail, and a steering unit selectively contacting a steering guide rail at a branching part where the driving rail branches off. The steering unit includes horizontal steering wheels contacting a vertical guide part of the steering guide rail, and vertical steering wheels contacting a horizontal guide part of the steering guide rail.