The invention relates to a method for configuring a control unit in a conveyor, wherein a control unit controls one or more conveyor segments and each conveyor segment comprises a conveyor drive for conveying an object through the conveyor segment, said conveyor drive being in signal communication with the control unit via a motor connection socket, and a sensor for detecting an object at a position within the conveyor segment, said conveyor being in signal communication with the control unit via a sensor connection socket. According to the invention, the control unit self-configures itself, said self-configuration comprising the steps of i) activating a configuration mode in the control unit, ii) receiving a signal from each motor connection socket or sensor connection socket of the control unit in a processor unit of the control unit, iii) comparing the received signal(s) with a comparative value stored in the control unit, and iv) determining whether a conveyor drive or a sensor is connected to a motor connection socket or a sensor connection socket of the control unit, respectively, based on the comparison of the signal(s) with the comparative value.

This disclosed Self-Erecting Cargo Handling Power Drive Unit (PDU) assembly is one of several such units installed in the load area of a cargo carrier at the below floor level for the propose of facilitating cargo movement in either forward or aft direction and is intended for larger individual pieces or cargo loaded on pallet. This self-erecting power drive unit (PDU) consists primarily of a mounting base unit, reversible drive motor with self-activating brake and toothed drive sprocket assembly, hinged drive motor mount, cog (toothed) belt with teeth on one side and a smooth side opposite, idler pulleys and pivot arms for the flanged idler pulleys. The reversible drive motor with self-activating brake and toothed drive sprocket assembly power the cog belt and many be operated in either forward or aft direction by selectively energizing the reversible drive motor. The reversible drive motor and toothed drive sprocket are assembled to the motor mount which is double hinged transversely to the power drive unit mounting base unit with the axes of both hinges parallel to the motor and toothed sprocket center line and displaced to either side and downward to form a triangular configuration. This double hinge is configured such that only one side will disengage at a time during operation, which permits the drive motor and toothed drive sprocket to rotate in either direction in an upward arc and around the engaged side of the hinge. Displaced laterally, one on either side of the reversible drive motor and toothed drive sprocket, are smooth idler pulleys with their axes of rotation parallel to that of the reversible rive motor and toothed drive sprocket. The idler pulleys are mounted between pivot arms that extend laterally along the power drive unit assembly. The ends of the pivot arms opposite the idler pulleys are moveably fastened to the power drive unit mounting base and are free to rotate in vertical arc around this axis. The idler pulleys are provided with a slight resistance to rotation, which results in a small torque load on the reversible drive motor. This generates a reaction about either of the motor mount hinge axes depending upon the direction of reversible drive motor rotation. This reaction drives the motor and toothed drive sprocket assembly in an upward arc about the engaged side of the motor mount hinge, which deploys the power drive unit. A cog belt of nominal width operates over the toothed drive sprocket with the cogs engaging teeth on the toothed drive sprocket and with the smooth side of the cog belt engaging the idler pulleys. The cog belt provides the tractive force to the cargo or cargo pallets, with the cogs engaging the bottom side o

Techniques regarding a conveyance system with variable speed rollers are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise an apparatus, which can comprise a roller attached to a support member that is operatively coupled to a first gear. The first gear can drive a conveyance of the support member and the roller in a first direction. The apparatus can also comprise a shaft that can operatively couple the roller to a second gear. The second gear can drive a rotation of the roller in an axial direction.

Techniques regarding a conveyance system with variable speed rollers are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise an apparatus, which can comprise a roller attached to a support member that is operatively coupled to a first gear. The first gear can drive a conveyance of the support member and the roller in a first direction. The apparatus can also comprise a shaft that can operatively couple the roller to a second gear. The second gear can drive a rotation of the roller in an axial direction.

A cargo handling system (CHS) is provided and includes a guide tray along which an electric rail extends and a carrier movably disposable within the guide tray. The carrier includes a carrier surface, guide and contact rollers for establishing electric communication with the electric rail with the carrier movably disposed within the guide tray, drivable elements to assume retracted or extended positions at which, with the carrier movably disposed within the guide tray, the carrier surface is deployed within or above the guide tray, respectively; and a control system. The control system is configured to draw current from the electric communication between the electric rail and the contact roller and to use the current to operate the drivable elements to move the carrier along the guide tray and to control extension and retraction of the drivable elements.

A cargo handling system (CHS) is provided and includes a guide tray along which an electric rail extends and a carrier movably disposable within the guide tray. The carrier includes a carrier surface, guide and contact rollers for establishing electric communication with the electric rail with the carrier movably disposed within the guide tray, drivable elements to assume retracted or extended positions at which, with the carrier movably disposed within the guide tray, the carrier surface is deployed within or above the guide tray, respectively; and a control system. The control system is configured to draw current from the electric communication between the electric rail and the contact roller and to use the current to operate the drivable elements to move the carrier along the guide tray and to control extension and retraction of the drivable elements.

Disclosed are a logistics movement automation system and method in which transfer means automation and moving path optimization have been implemented in association with the existing logistics automation system for integrated cargo warehousing and delivery. When unit cargoes are piled up from an association system outside or within a warehouse to an association transfer unit, a recognition unit generates recognition information by recognizing the unit cargoes and transfers the recognition information to a control unit. The control unit generates a moving path based on the received recognition information using an optimization algorithm and moves, arranges, distributes or flat keeps the unit cargoes along the generated moving path through at least one of the association transfer unit, the distribution transfer unit and the plate unit for warehousing or delivery.

Disclosed are a logistics movement automation system and method in which transfer means automation and moving path optimization have been implemented in association with the existing logistics automation system for integrated cargo warehousing and delivery. When unit cargoes are piled up from an association system outside or within a warehouse to an association transfer unit, a recognition unit generates recognition information by recognizing the unit cargoes and transfers the recognition information to a control unit. The control unit generates a moving path based on the received recognition information using an optimization algorithm and moves, arranges, distributes or flat keeps the unit cargoes along the generated moving path through at least one of the association transfer unit, the distribution transfer unit and the plate unit for warehousing or delivery.

A drive roller assembly for a conveyor system includes a drive roller having a longitudinal axis, the drive roller having a roller body and a shaft. A support structure rotatably supports a second axial end portion of the shaft and a drive for rotatably driving the drive roller. A first axial end portion of the shaft and the drive are rotatably coupled in an axially engaged condition in which the drive roller is in rotatable engagement with the drive and in which the drive is axially releasable. The support is configured and adapted to be detachably attached to an attachment portion of the support structure to maintain the drive roller rotatably supported when attached and to allow the drive roller to be removed from the support structure when detached.

A drive roller assembly for a conveyor system includes a drive roller having a longitudinal axis, the drive roller having a roller body and a shaft. A support structure rotatably supports a second axial end portion of the shaft and a drive for rotatably driving the drive roller. A first axial end portion of the shaft and the drive are rotatably coupled in an axially engaged condition in which the drive roller is in rotatable engagement with the drive and in which the drive is axially releasable. The support is configured and adapted to be detachably attached to an attachment portion of the support structure to maintain the drive roller rotatably supported when attached and to allow the drive roller to be removed from the support structure when detached.