A bin exchange system is disclosed that includes a plurality of automated carriers, each of which is adapted to be remotely movable on an array of track sections, at least one input station by which bins may be introduced to the array of track sections, at least one processing station in communication with the array of track sections wherein objects may be moved between bins, and at least one output station by which bins may be removed from the array of track sections.

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

A media holder for a dry cleaning conveyor which may include a plurality of interconnected links. The media holder may be attached to one of the plurality of interconnected links and the media holder may include a continuous display portion which is adapted to removably receive and display a media. The media holder may further include a base portion that is attached to the continuous display portion and a connector portion that is configured to attach to the media holder to one of the plurality of interconnected links such that the base portion and the continuous display portion are orientated to display the media in a viewable position and allow unimpeded movement of the dry cleaning conveyor during operation.

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.

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 carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a base structure of a carrier on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels mounted to at least two motors to provide at least two wheel assemblies, the at least two wheel assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

A roller-guided conveying element for a conveying facility, including a basis body, several rollers that are rotatably mounted on the basis body on two sides which are opposed to one another, as well as a holding member that is arranged on the basis body and is for holding an object to be conveyed. In each case, two rollers are arranged oppositely and equally offset in a crosswise manner at the two sides on the basis body. The conveying element with the rollers is designed such that a section of the conveying element, in each case with at least one roller of the two sides of the basis body, is rollingly movable in the guide channel of a longitudinal guidance body.

A maintenance system is disclosed for assisting in maintaining an automated carrier system for moving objects to be processed. The maintenance system includes a plurality of automated carriers that are adapted to move on an array of discontinuous standard track sections, each said automated carrier including a carrier body that is no larger in either a length or width direction that a standard track section, and an automated maintenance carrier that is adapted to move on the array of discontinuous track sections, said automated maintenance system including a maintenance body that is larger in at least one of a length or width direction than the standard track section.