A conveyor device (100) includes a conveyor track (11, 12, 13) and a plurality of transport units conveyable along the conveyor track (11, 12, 13), at least two first guide rollers (2.1-2.7) and a conveyor chain (3), which travels over the at least two first guide rollers (2.1-2.7) and comprises catches (31), via which the conveyor chain (3) can be brought into releasable engagement with the transport units (8) for driving the transport units (8), the conveyor device (100) further including a belt (4) moving along with the conveyor chain (3) over the at least two guide rollers (2.1-2.7), wherein the belt (4), in the respective area of the first guide rollers (2.1-2.7), is arranged, respectively, between the first guide roller (2.1-2.7) and the conveyor chain (3) such that the conveyor chain (3) lies against the belt (4).

An adjustable transfer mechanism for a power and free conveyor system includes a free track defining a conveyor path. A first power track defines a first drive path for a first drive member of the first power track to drive a trolley. The first power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path up to a divergence point where the first power track diverges from the conveyor path. A second power track defines a second drive path for a second drive member of the second power track to drive the trolley. The second power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path from a convergence point downstream of the divergence point so that the second drive member can pick up the trolley dropped off by the first power track. At least one of the divergence and convergence points is adjustable along the conveyor path.

An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of track sections, and a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement along at least portions of the plurality of track sections, wherein each of the remotely controllable carriers is adapted to support and transport an object processing bin.

An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of track sections, and a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement along at least portions of the plurality of track sections, each of the actuatable carriers being instructed at any time to move a limited number of track section only.

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.

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 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.

A rail attachment for supporting a support rail includes two rail brackets engaging with and securing the support rail therebetween, a connector securing the two rail brackets to one another and including an attachment unit suspending the rail brackets and support rail, each the rail bracket including a support section engaging and secured to the support rail and each bracket further including a first connection section extending over the support rail, an intermediate region and a distal region whereby the distal region is spaced from the support section by the intermediate section and wherein the distal region is of a greater length than the intermediate region as considered in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the intermediate region spaces the distal region from the support section, and the connector including a second connection section securing the distal regions of the rail engagement brackets relative to one another.

A movable rail is retracted even when positions of an upstream rail and a downstream rail fluctuate, and an increase in distance between the upstream rail or the downstream rail and the movable rail is reduced or prevented. The movable rail is movable between a first position and a second position, and an extendable rail is provided on the upstream rail. The extendable rail includes one end coupled with the upstream rail and the other end defining a free end, and extending and contracting with an elastic member. The extendable rail contracts while leaving room for the other end of the extendable rail to be pushed by the movable rail moving toward the first position and further contract. When the movable rail moves to the second position, a space through which a fire shutter provided in the building is able to pass is provided between the other end and the downstream rail.