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.

A mobile earth working machine (10), the earth working machine (10), in a reference state ready for earth-working operation, encompassing: a machine frame (20); a working apparatus for material-removing earth working; a functional apparatus that is different from the working apparatus (12) and is connected to the machine frame (20) pivotably movably relative to the machine frame (20); a pivot joint arrangement, arranged functionally between the machine frame (20) and the functional apparatus, having a frame-associated joint element (46) that is connected to the machine frame (20) immovably relative to the machine frame (20), and having an apparatus-associated joint element (50) that is coupled to the frame-associated joint element (46) pivotably relative thereto by means of a pivot joint (54) around a pivot axis (S) and is connected to the functional apparatus. There is embodied between the machine frame (20) and the functional apparatus (34, 86) a mechanical coupling structure (44) by means of which the functional apparatus is coupled intentionally physically detachably to the machine frame (20); the coupling structure (44) comprising a frame-side coupling configuration (56) and comprising an apparatus-side counterpart coupling configuration (58); the frame-side coupling configuration (56) and the apparatus-side counterpart coupling configuration (58) being either both embodied on the frame-associated joint element (46) or both embodied on the apparatus-associated joint element (50).

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 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 towable conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for towing a conveyor and conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor system has an elevating carriage and a plurality of support elements for conveying articles up the conveyor. Specifically, the towable conveyor system comprises a conveyor having a support frame, a plurality of support elements, a drive end with a motor, and an idle end; an elevating carriage having a first end interconnected to the support frame of the conveyor, a second with two or more wheels, and a support member extending upwardly from the elevating carriage; a cable system for raising the conveyor into a position of use and for lowering the conveyor into a towing position; one or more locking mechanisms; and a hitch for connecting the conveyor to a rear end of a towing vehicle.

A conveyor articulation joint for a planer machine is disclosed. The conveyor articulation joint includes a support member affixed to a machine attachment point, a pivot member having a conveyor attachment point, a joint connecting the support member and the pivot member, and an actuator configured to rotate the pivot member about the joint.

A conveyor system for transferring a transport item between a transport unit and a loading area or an unloading belt of a baggage handling conveyor system in an airport. The conveyor system comprises a rail assembly for placement adjacent the unloading belt, and one or more transfer conveyors for placement on the rail assembly. The rail assembly comprises a guide rail, and a base for mounting said rail assembly on a building floor extending. The transfer conveyor comprises a transfer conveyor belt for supporting the transport item. The transfer conveyor is slidable mounted on the guide rail for sliding the one or more transfer conveyors along the guide rail.

A conveyor system for transferring a transport item between a transport unit and a loading area or an unloading belt of a baggage handling conveyor system in an airport. The conveyor system comprises a rail assembly for placement adjacent the unloading belt, and one or more transfer conveyors for placement on the rail assembly. The rail assembly comprises a guide rail, and a base for mounting said rail assembly on a building floor extending. The transfer conveyor comprises a transfer conveyor belt for supporting the transport item. The transfer conveyor is slidable mounted on the guide rail for sliding the one or more transfer conveyors along the guide rail.

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 transport device includes a carriage that travels along a traveling path that is predetermined; a transfer mechanism provided on the carriage and transfers an article in a transfer space set in the traveling path; a first movable element that is a rod shaped component attached to the carriage, extends in a traveling direction of the carriage, and operates by magnetism to drive the transfer mechanism; and a first stator fixedly disposed with respect to the traveling path, has a partially cutout ring shape, and causes the first movable element to operate by magnetism when part of the carriage is positioned outside the transfer space.