A method of operating a transport system, in particular a multi-carrier system, which comprises a plurality of linear motors, which are arranged in a row and have a guide track, and a plurality of transport elements that are movable along the guide track by means of the linear motors, has the following steps: generating a travel job for a first one of the transport elements for travelling along at least a part section of the guide track, generating a first movement profile of the first transport element for the travel job based on predetermined movement characteristic values, matching the first movement profile with a second movement profile of a second transport element directly in front of the first transport element and determining whether a predetermined minimum distance between the first transport element and the second transport element is fallen below during the execution of the travel job, updating the first movement profile to maintain the minimum distance if it has been determined that the minimum distance is fallen below, and controlling the linear motors to move the first transport element in accordance with the first movement profile.

A method of operating a transport system, in particular a multi-carrier system, which comprises a plurality of linear motors, which are arranged in a row and have a guide track, and a plurality of transport elements that are movable along the guide track by means of the linear motors, has the following steps: generating a travel job for a first one of the transport elements for travelling along at least a part section of the guide track, generating a first movement profile of the first transport element for the travel job based on predetermined movement characteristic values, matching the first movement profile with a second movement profile of a second transport element directly in front of the first transport element and determining whether a predetermined minimum distance between the first transport element and the second transport element is fallen below during the execution of the travel job, updating the first movement profile to maintain the minimum distance if it has been determined that the minimum distance is fallen below, and controlling the linear motors to move the first transport element in accordance with the first movement profile.

A system for transporting one or more items is provided. The system includes: a transportation tube disposed at least partially underground or at least partially above ground; a transportation pod to secure items therein for transport; a transportation actuator to propel the transportation pod through the transportation tube, the transportation actuator including one or more pumps coupled to the transportation tube and configured to pressurize a fluid medium through the transportation tube such that the pressurized fluid medium propels the transportation pod through the transportation tube; a first access point located proximate a first end of the transportation tube; and a second access point located proximate a second end of the transportation tube. Each of the first and second access points includes an opening configured to allow the transportation pod to be received into or removed from the transportation tube.

A system for transporting one or more items is provided. The system includes: a transportation tube disposed at least partially underground or at least partially above ground; a transportation pod to secure items therein for transport; a transportation actuator to propel the transportation pod through the transportation tube, the transportation actuator including one or more pumps coupled to the transportation tube and configured to pressurize a fluid medium through the transportation tube such that the pressurized fluid medium propels the transportation pod through the transportation tube; a first access point located proximate a first end of the transportation tube; and a second access point located proximate a second end of the transportation tube. Each of the first and second access points includes an opening configured to allow the transportation pod to be received into or removed from the transportation tube.

A transfer apparatus includes a guide rails extending parallel with each other, a vehicle configured to be movable along the guide rails, and a contactless driving module mounted to the vehicle. The contactless driving module includes a pair of running rails extending parallel with the guide rails and comprising a plurality of first permanent magnets and a plurality of second permanent magnets arranged in a extending direction, respectively, a driving wheel disposed between the running rails to be spaced apart from the running rails and comprising a plurality of third permanent magnets arranged in a circumferential direction, and a driving unit for rotating the driving wheel. Particularly, at least one of the third permanent magnets is disposed between the first permanent magnets and the second permanent magnets.

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.

Vehicle guidance system that includes a first guidance bogie selectively positionable in a first position for travel and a second position for direction change and a second guidance bogie selectively positionable in a third position for travel and a fourth position for direction change. At a common crossing, one of: the first guidance bogie is selectively positioned into the second position, or the second guidance bogie is selectively positioned into the fourth position.

Vehicle guidance system that includes a first guidance bogie selectively positionable in a first position for travel and a second position for direction change and a second guidance bogie selectively positionable in a third position for travel and a fourth position for direction change. At a common crossing, one of: the first guidance bogie is selectively positioned into the second position, or the second guidance bogie is selectively positioned into the fourth position.

A system for conveying electronic cigarette components, including: a guide including a stopping station; a carriage to slide along the guide; a retaining device for holding a component of an electronic cigarette; and a locking unit for locking the carriage relative to the guide at the stopping station. The locking unit includes: two abutment elements mounted on the carriage and disposed at a predetermined mutual distance; and an inserting element which is: disposed at the stopping station; shaped such that its-first and second edges contact the abutment elements, respectively, when the carriage is at the stopping station; movable between a retracted position free from the abutment elements to allow the carriage, to slide, and an advanced position contacting the abutment elements to prevent the carriage from sliding. Each abutment element is rotatable about its axis to facilitate movement of the inserting element between the two positions.

A system for conveying electronic cigarette components, including: a guide including a stopping station; a carriage to slide along the guide; a retaining device for holding a component of an electronic cigarette; and a locking unit for locking the carriage relative to the guide at the stopping station. The locking unit includes: two abutment elements mounted on the carriage and disposed at a predetermined mutual distance; and an inserting element which is: disposed at the stopping station; shaped such that its-first and second edges contact the abutment elements, respectively, when the carriage is at the stopping station; movable between a retracted position free from the abutment elements to allow the carriage, to slide, and an advanced position contacting the abutment elements to prevent the carriage from sliding. Each abutment element is rotatable about its axis to facilitate movement of the inserting element between the two positions.