A load handling device is disclosed for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in a grid framework structure having first and second sets of parallel rails or tracks. The load handling device includes: a body mounted on first and second sets of wheels arranged to engage with the tracks. A direction-change assembly is arranged to raise or lower the first set of wheels and or lower or raise the second set of wheels with respect to the body to engage and disengage the wheels with the tracks. The direction-change assembly includes a linkage-set having a series of members arranged between a traveller and a fixed brace, wherein the traveller is arranged to move under an applied force to cause the wheels to raise or lower.

A drive belt assembly for a load handling device includes a drive belt; a drive wheel; and one or more driven wheels. A first tensioning arm, having a fixed end above an elbow and a rotatable distal end pivotally attached at the elbow, is horizontally displaceable relative to the drive wheel and driven wheels. A second tensioning arm is provided wherein the drive belt is routed around the first and second tensioning arms, and the first and second tensioning arms are arranged to put pressure on the drive belt to tension the drive belt.

A wheel arrangement for a rail vehicle, such as a light rail vehicle, can include a wheel unit and an axle unit. The axle unit can be connected to a running gear structure of the rail vehicle. The axle unit can rotatably support the wheel unit. The axle unit can have a wheel bearing unit that forms a bearing for the wheel unit and defines a wheel axis of rotation of the wheel unit during operation of the rail vehicle. The axle unit can also have a wheel support unit and a primary suspension unit. The primary suspension unit can be located kinematically in series between the wheel support unit and the wheel bearing unit such that the wheel support unit supports the wheel bearing unit via the primary suspension unit in a manner resilient in at least two mutually transverse translational degrees of freedom.

A load handling device is disclosed for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in a grid framework structure having first and second sets of parallel rails or tracks. The load handling device includes a body mounted on first and second sets of wheels arranged to engage with the tracks. The wheels have spokes connecting a rim to a hub, and wherein the wheel is at least partially resiliently deformable, wherein the wheel rim and wheel hub are made from a rigid material relative to the spoke material, and wherein the wheel includes two or more layers.

A grid framework structure includes a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending substantially perpendicularly to the first set of rails or tracks in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern. The grid is supported by a set of uprights to form a plurality of vertical storage locations beneath the grid for containers to be stacked between and be guided by the uprights in a vertical direction. A load handling device includes a body mounted on a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels arranged to engage with the tracks. A gripper assembly is provided for latching to a storage container via a deformable flexure mechanism movable between a locked configuration and a release configuration.

A rail vehicle, such as a light rail vehicle, can include a wheel unit and a support unit. The wheel unit can define an axis of rotation of the wheel unit. The support unit can be configured to be connected to a rail vehicle structure that defines a vehicle longitudinal direction, a vehicle transverse direction, and a vehicle height direction. The support unit can be configured to connect the wheel unit to the rail vehicle structure such that the wheel unit is rotatable about the axis of rotation. The support unit can also include a primary suspension unit configured to provide resilient support of the rail vehicle structure on the wheel unit at least in the vehicle height direction.

Disclosed is a hydraulic bushing and a rail vehicle. The hydraulic bushing comprises: a core shaft; a sleeve mounted on the core shaft, wherein a first rubber body is filled in a space formed between the core shaft and the sleeve, and a groove is provided on an outer surface of the sleeve; and an outer housing, which is mounted on the sleeve through press fit. Two liquid chambers for accommodating liquids are provided diametrically opposite to each other on the first rubber body, and the groove and the outer housing together define a flow channel, through which the two liquid chambers communicate with each other. Use of the hydraulic bushing on the rail vehicle not only can assure stable operation of the vehicle in a straight running state thereof, but also can reduce abrasion of a wheel and a rail in a curve running state.

Disclosed is a hydraulic bushing and a rail vehicle. The hydraulic bushing comprises: a core shaft; a sleeve mounted on the core shaft, wherein a first rubber body is filled in a space formed between the core shaft and the sleeve, and a groove is provided on an outer surface of the sleeve; and an outer housing, which is mounted on the sleeve through press fit. Two liquid chambers for accommodating liquids are provided diametrically opposite to each other on the first rubber body, and the groove and the outer housing together define a flow channel, through which the two liquid chambers communicate with each other. Use of the hydraulic bushing on the rail vehicle not only can assure stable operation of the vehicle in a straight running state thereof, but also can reduce abrasion of a wheel and a rail in a curve running state.

A grid framework structure includes a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending substantially perpendicularly to the first set of rails or tracks in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern. The grid is supported by a set of uprights to form a plurality of vertical storage locations beneath the grid for containers to be stacked between and be guided by the uprights in a vertical direction. A load handling device includes a body mounted on a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels arranged to engage with the tracks. A gripper assembly is provided for latching to a storage container via a deformable flexure mechanism movable between a locked configuration and a release configuration.