A method of operating a conveyor system having a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path and a plurality of automated conveyor carriers (ACC). The ACCs are supported on the rail such that an interface is formed between the rail and at least one wheel of each of the ACCs. The ACCs are independently driven along the conveyor path through a plurality of work stations defining a forward direction by an on-board motor and an on-board power source selectively powering the on-board motor. A first ACC of the plurality drives itself to oscillate back and forth with respect to the forward direction at a selected one of the plurality of work stations. During the oscillating of the first ACC, a second ACC of the plurality of ACCs is stopped or moves only in a single direction.

A conveyor system including a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path, and a plurality of automated conveyor carriers supported on the rail. Each carrier includes an on-board motor, at least one wheel forming an interface with the rail, and an on-board power source selectively powering the on-board motor to drive the ACC along the rail. Each of the plurality of carriers operates to power the on-board motor from the on-board power source under the direction of instructions programmed to a local controller.

A conveyor system including a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path, and a plurality of automated conveyor carriers supported on the rail. Each carrier includes an on-board motor, at least one wheel forming an interface with the rail, and an on-board power source selectively powering the on-board motor to drive the ACC along the rail. Each of the plurality of carriers operates to power the on-board motor from the on-board power source under the direction of instructions programmed to a local controller.

A conveyor system including a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path, and a plurality of automated conveyor carriers supported on the rail. Each carrier includes an on-board motor, at least one wheel forming an interface with the rail, and an on-board power source selectively powering the on-board motor to drive the ACC along the rail. Each of the plurality of carriers operates to power the on-board motor from the on-board power source under the direction of instructions programmed to a local controller.

A conveyor system including a fixed, non-powered rail defining a conveyor path, and a plurality of automated conveyor carriers supported on the rail. Each carrier includes an on-board motor, at least one wheel forming an interface with the rail, and an on-board power source selectively powering the on-board motor to drive the ACC along the rail. Each of the plurality of carriers operates to power the on-board motor from the on-board power source under the direction of instructions programmed to a local controller.

An automated conveyor carrier includes a first trolley and a second trolley. The first trolley includes an on-board motor and at least one drive wheel driven from the on-board motor and configured for engagement with a conveyor rail. An on-board power source is configured to selectively power the on-board motor to drive the at least one drive wheel. The second trolley includes at least one wheel configured for engagement with the rail. A load bar connects the first trolley and the second trolley. The on-board power source is supported by the load bar between the first and second trolleys.

An automated conveyor carrier includes a first trolley and a second trolley. The first trolley includes an on-board motor and at least one drive wheel driven from the on-board motor and configured for engagement with a conveyor rail. An on-board power source is configured to selectively power the on-board motor to drive the at least one drive wheel. The second trolley includes at least one wheel configured for engagement with the rail. A load bar connects the first trolley and the second trolley. The on-board power source is supported by the load bar between the first and second trolleys.

The lifting device according to the invention comprises a carriage (16) and a lifting unit (17), which are connected to each other by means of linear guides (29, 30). The carriage (16) comprises two side parts (19, 20) that can be adjusted in view of their distance relative to each other by means of a distance adjustment device (36). In doing so, they are centered by means of a centering device (45) with respect to the lifting unit (17), in particular with respect to the pulling means originating from the lifting unit (17).

An overhead carrier for transporting an article on a ceiling of an article conveying system can travel on curves with various curvatures so as to increase the layout flexibility of traveling rails. Driving wheels that move an overhead carrier along traveling rails and non-driving wheels that are rotated separately from the driving wheels are provided on the right and left of the transport direction of the overhead carrier. In a linear section, the driving wheels on the right and left sides are supported by the traveling rails. In a curved section, the inner non-driving wheel is supported by the inner traveling rail while the outer driving wheel is supported by the outer traveling rail.

An overhead carrier for transporting an article on a ceiling of an article conveying system can travel on curves with various curvatures so as to increase the layout flexibility of traveling rails. Driving wheels that move an overhead carrier along traveling rails and non-driving wheels that are rotated separately from the driving wheels are provided on the right and left of the transport direction of the overhead carrier. In a linear section, the driving wheels on the right and left sides are supported by the traveling rails. In a curved section, the inner non-driving wheel is supported by the inner traveling rail while the outer driving wheel is supported by the outer traveling rail.