A portable roller dislodging device is disclosed. The device is configured to dislodge a jammed roller of a conventional conveyor. The device may be detachably secured to the rail of the conveyor about any selectively-desired position. The device includes a motor, a rotating motor shaft, and a means for coupling the motor shaft to the jammed roller to facilitate dislodgement thereof. The device may be operated remotely via a wireless remote control device.

A portable roller dislodging device is disclosed. The device is configured to dislodge a jammed roller of a conventional conveyor. The device may be detachably secured to the rail of the conveyor about any selectively-desired position. The device includes a motor, a rotating motor shaft, and a means for coupling the motor shaft to the jammed roller to facilitate dislodgement thereof. The device may be operated remotely via a wireless remote control device.

A power drive unit (PDU) having a magnetic hold brake for use in an aircraft is disclosed herein. The PDU includes a wheel configured to convey cargo through a portion of the aircraft, a motor coupled to the wheel, a brake disk, a solenoid configured to apply a first force to move the brake disk in a first direction to resist rotation of the motor, wherein the solenoid is further configured to apply a second force to move the brake disk in a second direction opposite the first direction to allow the motor to rotate, and a magnet configured to apply a third force to the brake disk, the third force being in the first direction to apply a drag force to the motor.

A power drive unit (PDU) having a magnetic hold brake for use in an aircraft is disclosed herein. The PDU includes a wheel configured to convey cargo through a portion of the aircraft, a motor coupled to the wheel, a brake disk, a solenoid configured to apply a first force to move the brake disk in a first direction to resist rotation of the motor, wherein the solenoid is further configured to apply a second force to move the brake disk in a second direction opposite the first direction to allow the motor to rotate, and a magnet configured to apply a third force to the brake disk, the third force being in the first direction to apply a drag force to the motor.

Features are disclosed for a stopping device that is resistant to forces in a first direction and compliant with forces in a second direction. The stopping device may be implemented in a roller top to restrict undesired horizontal movement of a payload being transported across the roller top. In some embodiments, the roller top can be implemented on a mobile robot to transport a payload between destinations. The stopping device can include a plurality of linkages to engage the stopping device and reduce forces applied to the stopping device by the payload. The stopping device, in an engaged position, may limit undesired horizontal movement of the payload. Further, the stopping device, in the engaged position, may respond to vertical forces applied to the stopping device by transitioning from the engaged position to a disengaged position.

Locking roller assemblies for locking and unlocking a roller of a roller conveyor. The disclosed locking roller assemblies include rollers that, by default, are locked from rotation in the absence of a transferred object such as a container, crate, or pallet. When an object is present over the roller, the roller is passively actuated by the object to unlock and release the roller, enabling the roller to rotate. When the package or article has passed by the roller, the locking roller assembly resumes the default configuration of locking the roller to prevent rotation. In some embodiments, actuation of the locking mechanism is parallel to the roller axis and accomplished by a lever and cam arrangement. In other embodiments, actuation of the locking mechanism is in a direction that is orthogonal to the roller axis and accomplished by a plunger arrangement.

Locking roller assemblies for locking and unlocking a roller of a roller conveyor. The disclosed locking roller assemblies include rollers that, by default, are locked from rotation in the absence of a transferred object such as a container, crate, or pallet. When an object is present over the roller, the roller is passively actuated by the object to unlock and release the roller, enabling the roller to rotate. When the package or article has passed by the roller, the locking roller assembly resumes the default configuration of locking the roller to prevent rotation. In some embodiments, actuation of the locking mechanism is parallel to the roller axis and accomplished by a lever and cam arrangement. In other embodiments, actuation of the locking mechanism is in a direction that is orthogonal to the roller axis and accomplished by a plunger arrangement.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for using an induced magnetic field tote transfer chimney including a pair of opposed roller conveyer frames comprising a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed roller pairs, the plurality of rollers comprising a combination of different types of rollers, the combination comprising a magnetic roller and at least one other roller, the at least one other roller being one of a standard uncoated roller, a standard coated roller, or another magnetic roller, each magnetic roller being a magnetic coated roller or a magnetic uncoated roller. The induced magnetic field tote transfer chimney has a conveying direction extending in a vertical direction and each magnetic roller disposed in the induced magnetic field tote transfer chimney is configured to induce induction braking to reduce product speed and generate an induction braking force proportional to speed.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for using an induced magnetic field tote transfer chimney including a pair of opposed roller conveyer frames comprising a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed roller pairs, the plurality of rollers comprising a combination of different types of rollers, the combination comprising a magnetic roller and at least one other roller, the at least one other roller being one of a standard uncoated roller, a standard coated roller, or another magnetic roller, each magnetic roller being a magnetic coated roller or a magnetic uncoated roller. The induced magnetic field tote transfer chimney has a conveying direction extending in a vertical direction and each magnetic roller disposed in the induced magnetic field tote transfer chimney is configured to induce induction braking to reduce product speed and generate an induction braking force proportional to speed.

Disclosed herein is a movable platform (MP) for moving freight during cross-dock operations. The MP comprises a mechanical lift brake assembly that can be utilized to deploy a plurality of mechanical lift brakes preventing further movement of the MP. AMP forklift attachment that can be used to convey the MP and to engage or disengage the mechanical lift brake assembly. The MP forklift attachment can be attached to a conveyance vehicle, such as a forklift, or built into an automated guided vehicle.