Switch for a rail track

Abstract

A switch is described. The switch is for interconnecting a first rail providing a first portion of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail providing a second portion of the running surface wherein a first end of the first rail and an opposed second end of the second rail are axially mutually spaced apart by a first spacing. The switch comprises a set of rail segments including a first rail segment, having a first end, a second end and a first length therebetween correlating with the first spacing. The switch is arrangeable in a first configuration, wherein the first rail segment is arranged to interconnect the first rail and the second rail, thereby providing an interconnecting portion of the running surface between the first portion and the second portion. The switch is arrangeable in a second configuration, wherein the first rail segment is transversely spaced apart from the first rail and/or the second rail. The switch is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration by a first transverse movement of the first rail segment.

Claims

1. A switch for interconnecting a first rail providing a first portion of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail providing a second portion of the running surface wherein a first end of the first rail and an opposed second end of the second rail are axially mutually spaced apart by a first spacing, the switch comprising: a set of rail segments including a first rail segment, having a first end, a second end and a first length therebetween correlating with the first spacing, wherein the switch is arrangeable in: a first configuration, wherein the first rail segment is arranged to interconnect the first rail and the second rail, thereby providing an interconnecting portion of the running surface between the first portion and the second portion; a second configuration, wherein the first rail segment is transversely spaced apart from the first rail and/or the second rail; and wherein the switch is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration by a first transverse movement of the first rail segment.

2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the first rail segment is arranged coaxially with the first rail and/or the second rail in the first configuration.

3. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the first rail segment is arranged parallel to the first rail and/or the second rail in the second configuration.

4. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the first transverse movement of the first rail segment is a linear transverse movement.

5. The switch according to claim 1, comprising a set of releasable retaining members, including a first releasable retaining member, arranged to releasably retain the switch in the first configuration.

6. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the set of rail segments includes a second rail segment, wherein the switch is arrangeable in: a third configuration, wherein the second rail segment is transversely spaced apart from the first rail and/or the second rail; and a fourth configuration, wherein the second rail segment is arranged to interconnect the first rail and the second rail, thereby providing the interconnecting portion of the running surface between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the switch is arranged to move from the third configuration to the fourth configuration by a second transverse movement of the second rail segment.

7. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration and from the third configuration to the fourth configuration, or vice-versa, concurrently.

8. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the running surface comprises a cylindrical running surface or a part thereof.

9. A switch according to claim 1, comprising a first rail section comprising the first rail and a second rail section comprising the second rail.

10. The switch according to claim 9, wherein the first rail section comprises a first part of a releasable rail coupling joined to a second end of the first rail and/or wherein the second rail section comprises a second part of the releasable rail coupling joined to a first end of the second rail.

11. The switch according to claim 9, wherein the first rail comprises a cylindrical tube 11, wherein the running surface comprises a cylindrical running surface or a part thereof and wherein the first rail comprises a flange.

12. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a monorail switch.

13. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a suspended switch.

14. A rail track, or a kit of parts for a rail track, comprising a set of rail sections and a set of switches, including a first switch and a second switch, according to claim 1.

15. A switch assembly comprising: a switch according to claim; and a trolley comprising a frame, a set of wheels, including a first wheel, rotatably coupled to the frame; and an attachment member, coupled to the frame, for attachment, preferably suspension, of a load therefrom, in use.

16. The switch assembly of claim 15, wherein the first wheel comprises a driver wheel for driving the trolley along the running surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0173] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments of the same may be brought into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures, in which:

[0174] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a switch according to an exemplary embodiment, arranged in a first configuration;

[0175] FIG. 2 schematically depicts: (A) a plan view; (B) a front elevation view; and (C) a side elevation view of the switch of FIG. 1;

[0176] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a perspective view of a set of rail segments of the switch of FIG. 1, in more detail;

[0177] FIG. 4 schematically depicts: (A) a plan view; (B) a front elevation view; (C) a side elevation view; and (D) a cross-sectional view of the set of rail segments of FIG. 3;

[0178] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a perspective view of a first rail section, a second rail section and a support of the switch of FIG. 1, in more detail;

[0179] FIG. 6 schematically depict: (A) a plan view; and (D) a cross-sectional view of the first rail section, the second rail section and the support of FIG. 5;

[0180] FIG. 7 schematically depicts a perspective view of a switch assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, including the switch of FIG. 1 and a trolley according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0181] FIG. 8 schematically depicts: (A) a plan view; (B) a front elevation view; and (C) a side elevation view of the switch assembly of FIG. 7;

[0182] FIG. 9 schematically depicts (A) a bottom view; and (C) a front elevation view of the switch assembly of FIG. 7, in use;

[0183] FIG. 10 schematically depicts (A) a bottom view; and (C) a front elevation view of the switch assembly of FIG. 7, in use;

[0184] FIG. 11 schematically depicts a perspective view of a trolley according to an exemplary embodiment for the switch of FIG. 1;

[0185] FIG. 12 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a releasable rail coupling for the switch of FIG. 1;

[0186] FIG. 13 schematically depicts a first part of the releasable rail coupling of FIG. 12;

[0187] FIG. 14 schematically depicts a second part of the releasable rail coupling of FIG. 12; and

[0188] FIG. 15 schematically depicts a perspective view of a switch assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0189] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a switch 20 according to an exemplary embodiment, arranged in a first configuration. FIG. 2 schematically depicts: (A) a plan view; (B) a front elevation view; and (C) a side elevation view of the switch 20 of FIG. 1.

[0190] Switch

[0191] In more detail, the switch 20 is for interconnecting a first rail 10A providing a first portion P1 of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail 10B providing a second portion P2 of the running surface wherein a first end E1 of the first rail 10A and an opposed second end E2 of the second rail 10B are axially mutually spaced apart by a first spacing S1. The switch 20 comprises a set of rail segments 200 including a first rail segment 200A, having a first end E1, a second end E2 and a first length L1 therebetween correlating with the first spacing S1. The switch 20 is arrangeable in a first configuration, wherein the first rail segment 200A is arranged to interconnect the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B, thereby providing an interconnecting portion P12 of the running surface between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. The switch 20 is arrangeable in a second configuration, wherein the first rail segment 200A is transversely spaced apart from the first rail 10A and/or the second rail 10B. The switch 20 is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration by a first transverse movement M1 of the first rail segment 200A. In this way, the first rail segment 200A interconnects the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B in the first configuration, such that a trolley 100, for example, may travel continuously from the first rail 10A to the second rail 10B via the first rail segment 200A. By positioning the trolley 100 on the first rail segment 200A and moving the switch 20 from the first configuration to the second configuration, the trolley 100 may be unloaded, for maintenance, from the first rail segment 200A via the first end E1 or the second end E2 thereof. The switch 20 may be then moved to the first configuration, such that another trolley 100 may travel continuously from the first rail 10A to the second rail 10B via the first rail segment 200A, for example. Subsequently, the trolley 100 may be reloaded onto the switch 20, by moving the switch 20 from the first configuration to the second configuration, and reloading the trolley 100 on to the first rail segment 200A via the first end E1 or the second end E2. By moving the switch 20 back to the first configuration, the trolley 100 may travel onto the first rail 10A or the second rail 10B, for example. Hence, maintenance of the trolley maintenance of the trolley 100 may be performed more readily, since the trolley 100 may be removed from the rail via the switch 20. Further, the trolley 100 undergoing maintenance does not present an obstruction, since the trolley 100 is removed from the rail. Furthermore, adding a trolley 100 to and/or removing a trolley 100 from the rail is facilitated by the switch 20, particularly if the trolley 100 is arranged to be captive on the rail (i.e. a captive trolley 100). In this way, trolley reliability, rail track operation and/or user safety may be improved.

[0192] In this example, a discontinuity in the running surface, measured normal and/or parallel thereto, between the first rail 10A and the first rail segment 200A and/or between the second rail 10B and the first rail segment 200A is at most 1 mm. In this example, the running surface comprises a non-planar running surface, particularly a convex running surface. In this example, the set of rail segments 200 includes a plurality N of rail segments 200, including the first rail segment 200A, wherein N is 2. In this example, the first end E1 of the first rail segment 200A and the second end E2 of the first rail segment 200A correspond (i.e. have a similar size and shape) with the first end E1 of the first rail 10A and the second end E2 of the second rail 10B, respectively. In this example, the first end E1 of the first rail segment 200A, the second end E2 of the first rail segment 200A, the first end E1 of the first rail 10A and the second end E2 of the second rail 10B comprise stub ends. In this example, the first spacing S1 is a linear spacing whereby the first rail segment 200A is a linear first rail segment 200A, wherein the first length L1 is a linear length of at most the first spacing S1, preferably wherein a difference therebetween is at most 2 mm. The switch 20 is arrangeable in the first configuration, wherein the first rail segment 200A is arranged to interconnect the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B, thereby providing the interconnecting portion P12 of the running surface between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. In this way, the first rail segment 200A interconnects the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B in the first configuration, such that a trolley 100, for example, may travel continuously from the first rail 10A to the second rail 10B via the first rail segment 200A. The switch 20 is arrangeable in the second configuration, wherein the first rail segment 200A is transversely spaced apart from the first rail 10A and/or the second rail 10B. In this way, a trolley 100 may be loaded and/or unloaded from the first rail segment 200A, as described above. The switch 20 is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration by the first transverse movement M1 of the first rail segment 200A, as indicated by the arrow.

[0193] First Rail Segment

[0194] In this example, the first rail segment 200A comprises a cylindrical tube 11, wherein the running surface comprises a cylindrical running surface or a part thereof and wherein the first rail segment 200A comprises a flange 12, for example upstanding from the cylindrical tube 11, as described below in more detail. The first rail 10A and/or the second rail 10B may similarly comprise such a cylindrical tube 11 and such a tube 11, as described below in more detail.

[0195] In this example, the first length L1 is 0.80 m.

[0196] Transverse Movement

[0197] In this example, the first rail segment 200A is arranged coaxially with the first rail 10A and/or the second rail 10B in the first configuration. In this example, the first rail segment 200A is arranged parallel to the first rail 10A and/or the second rail 10B in the second configuration. In this example, the arrangements of the first rail segment 200A in the second configuration and of the first rail segment 200A in the first configuration are mutually parallel. In this example, the first transverse movement M1 of the first rail segment 200A is a linear transverse movement.

[0198] Retaining Members

[0199] In this example, the switch 20 comprises a set of releasable retaining members 24, including a first releasable retaining member 24A, arranged to releasably retain the switch 20 in the first configuration. In this example, the first releasable retaining member 24A is a latch.

[0200] Running Surface

[0201] In this example, the running surface comprises a cylindrical running surface or a part thereof, as described below in more detail.

[0202] Monorail and Suspended Switches

[0203] In this example, the switch 20 is a suspended monorail switch 20.

[0204] Rail

[0205] The first rail 10A, the second rail 10B and/or the first rail segment 200A may be as described below, mutatis mutandis. Furthermore, other rails and/or rail sections included in a rail track may also be as described below, mutatis mutandis. In this example, the rail comprises a cylindrical (i.e. a convex) running surface defining a cylinder axis, wherein the line is substantially coincident, in use, with the cylinder axis, for example provided by a tube 11 (i.e. a section) having a circular cross-section or a part thereof, such as a U shape channel. Hollow section is preferred, reducing a weight of the rail. In this example, the tube 11 has an external diameter D.sub.ext of 60.3 mm. In this example, the tube 11 has a wall thickness of 3.2 mm. In this example, the rail is formed from steel according to EN 10025: part 2: 2004 grade S355. In this example, the tube 11 is cold-rolled seamless tube 11. In this example, the rail is powder coated. In this example, the rail comprises a flange 12, having a thickness pf 12 mm and a height of 100 mm. In this example, the flange 12 is arranged upstanding from the tube 11 i.e. extending away therefrom. In this example, the flange 12 is arranged longitudinally with respect to the tube 11. In this example, the flange 12 is oriented normally to the running surface. In this example, the rail comprises a longitudinal flange 12. In this example, the flange 12 is arranged to provide a fixing means, for example a lifting eye or a perforation or a set thereof through the flange 12, for suspension of the rail therefrom.

[0206] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a perspective view of a set of rail segments 200 of the switch 20 of FIG. 1, in more detail. FIG. 4 schematically depicts: (A) a plan view; (B) a front elevation view; (C) a side elevation view; and (D) a cross-sectional view of the set of rail segments 200 of FIG. 3. In this example, the set of rail segments 200 includes a second rail segment 200B. The switch 20 is arrangeable in a third configuration, wherein the second rail segment 200B is transversely spaced apart from the first rail 10A and/or the second rail 10B. The switch 20 is arrangeable a fourth configuration, wherein the second rail segment 200B is arranged to interconnect the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B, thereby providing the interconnecting portion P12 of the running surface between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. The switch 20 is arranged to move from the third configuration to the fourth configuration by a second transverse movement M2 of the second rail segment 200B. In this way, the second rail segment 200B may substitute for the first rail segment 200A, or vice versa. In this example, the first rail segment 200A and the second rail segment 200B are mutually attached, by right angle section 210 (i.e. a tie), wherein the first transverse movement M1 is equal to (i.e. the same as) the second transverse movement M2.

[0207] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a perspective view of a first rail 10A section, a second rail 10B section and a support of the switch 20 of FIG. 1, in more detail. FIG. 6 schematically depict: (A) a plan view; and (D) a cross-sectional view of the first rail 10A section, the second rail 10B section and the support of FIG. 5. In this example, the switch 20 comprises a first rail section comprising the first rail 10A and a second rail section comprising the second rail 10B. That is, the switch 20 comprises the first rail 10A and/or the second rail 10B, as described above.

[0208] Support

[0209] In this example, the switch 20 comprises a support 21 joined, by welding, to the first rail section and to the second rail section (particularly the flanges 12 thereof), arranged to space apart the first end E1 of the first rail 10A and the opposed second end E2 of the second rail 10B by the first spacing S1. In this example, the support 21 is arranged to receive the set of rail segments 200, for example thereon. In this example, the support 21 is arranged to define the first transverse movement M1 and/or the second transverse movement M2. In this example, the first rail segment 200A is mounted on wheels 13 that run on a runway 22 provided by the support 21, whereby the first transverse movement M1 is a linear movement.

[0210] In this example, the switch 20 comprises a set of trolley guides 23, including a first trolley guide 23A and a second trolley guide 23B, formed from plate and bolted to the support 21.

[0211] FIG. 7 schematically depicts a perspective view of a switch assembly 2 according to an exemplary embodiment, including the switch 20 of FIG. 1 and a trolley 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8 schematically depicts: (A) a plan view; (B) a front elevation view; and (C) a side elevation view of the switch assembly 2 of FIG. 7. In more detail, the switch assembly 2 comprises the switch 20 and a trolley 100 comprising: a frame 110; a set of wheels 120, including a first wheel 120A, rotatably coupled to the frame 110; and an attachment member (not shown), coupled to the frame 110, for attachment, preferably suspension, of a load L therefrom, in use. In this example, the trolley 100 is a captive trolley 100, as described above. In this example, the set of wheels 120 are arranged to retain the trolley 100 on a rail. The trolley 100 may be otherwise as described with respect to the trolley 100. In this example, the first wheel 120A comprises a driver wheel for driving the trolley 100 along the running surface, particularly along a lower portion thereof, in use. In this example, the trolley 100 comprises a battery, an electric motor, a gearbox and/or a speed controller, arranged to drive the driver wheel. In this example, the trolley 100 is a recovery trolley 100.

[0212] In more detail, the trolley 100 comprises the frame 110; the set of wheels 120, including the first wheel 120A and a second wheel, rotatably coupled to the frame 110; and the attachment member (not shown), coupled to the frame 110, for attachment, preferably suspension, of the load L therefrom, in use; wherein the first wheel 120A comprises the driver wheel for driving the trolley 100 along the running surface; and wherein the trolley 100 comprises a biasing member (not shown) arranged to bias the first wheel 120A against the running surface. In this example, the biasing member comprises four mechanical compression springs.

[0213] FIG. 9 schematically depicts (A) a bottom view; and (C) a front elevation view of the switch assembly 2 of FIG. 7, in use. Particularly, the switch 20 is arranged in the first configuration and the third configuration. FIG. 10 schematically depicts (A) a bottom view; and (C) a front elevation view of the switch assembly 2 of FIG. 7, in use. Particularly, the switch 20 is arranged in the second configuration and the fourth configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, the recovery trolley 200 may be positioned on the second rail segment 200B, wherein the switch 20 is arranged in the first configuration and in the third configuration. The switch 20 may be moved to the second configuration and the fourth configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, if a user requires assistance and/or recovery. In this way, such assistance and/or recovery may be responsive i.e. timely, thereby reducing user distress, for example, and hence improving user safety.

[0214] FIG. 11 schematically depicts a perspective view of a trolley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment for the switch 20 of FIG. 1. In this example, the trolley 100 comprises a frame 110; a set of wheels 120, including the first wheel 110A and a second wheel 120B, rotatably coupled to the frame 110; and an attachment member (not shown), coupled to the frame 110, for attachment, preferably suspension, of the load L therefrom, in use. The first wheel 110A is rotatable in a first plane about a first axis and the second wheel is rotatable in a second plane about a second axis. The first plane and the second plane define a line. The trolley 100 is arrangeable in: a first configuration, wherein the attachment member (not shown) is arranged at a first angular displacement about the line; and a second configuration, wherein the attachment member (not shown) is arranged at a second angular displacement about the line, wherein the first angular displacement and the second angular displacement are different. In this example, the trolley 100 is a captive trolley 100, as described above. In this example, the set of wheels 120 are arranged to retain the trolley 100 on a rail.

[0215] FIG. 12 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a releasable rail coupling 1000 for the switch 20 of FIG. 1. FIG. 13 schematically depicts a first part 1100 of the releasable rail coupling 1000 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 schematically depicts a second part 1200 of the releasable rail coupling 1000 of FIG. 12. In this example, the first rail section comprises a first part 1100 of a releasable rail coupling 1000 joined to a second end E2 of the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B section comprises a second part 1200 of the releasable rail coupling 1000 joined to a first end E1 of the second rail 10B. In this way, the switch 20 may be releasably coupled to adjacent, corresponding rail sections. In more detail, the releasable rail coupling 1000 is for releasably coupling a first rail 10A providing a first portion P1 of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail 10B providing a second portion P2 of the running surface. The rail coupling 1000 comprises a first part 1100 having a first end 1110 comprising a first male coupling member 1111 and a second end 1120 arranged for joining to the first rail 10A. The rail coupling 1000 comprises a second part 1200 having a first end 1210 comprising a corresponding first female coupling member 1212, arranged to receive the first male coupling member 1111 therein, and a second end 1220 arranged for joining to the second rail 10B. The rail coupling 1000 is arrangeable in: a first configuration wherein the first male coupling member 1111 and the first female coupling member 1212 are uncoupled; and a second configuration wherein the first male coupling member 1111 and the first female coupling member 1212 are coupled by receiving the first male coupling member 1111 in the first female coupling member 1212. The rail coupling 1000 provides a third portion of the running surface in the second configuration. In this way, assembly and/or disassembly of the first rail 10A (i.e. a first length L1 of rail) and the second rail 10B (i.e. a second length of rail) may be facilitated and/or errors in assembly reduced. In this example, the rail coupling 1000 is machined, from steel according to EN 10025: part 2: 2004 grade S355. In this example, the rail coupling 1000 is powder coated.

[0216] FIG. 15 schematically depicts a perspective view of a switch assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. In more detail, FIG. 15 schematically depicts a perspective view of a first switch assembly 3 according to the sixth aspect, including a first switch 30 according to the fifth aspect and a first trolley 100A as described with respect to the trolley 100 of FIG. 11, and a second switch assembly 4 according to the sixth aspect, including a second switch 40 according to the fifth aspect and a second trolley 100B as described with respect to the trolley 100 of FIG. 11. The first switch assembly 3 and the second switch assembly 4 are arranged in tandem between a first rail 10A and a second rail 10D. The switch 30 is for interconnecting a first rail 10A providing a first portion of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail 10B providing a second portion of the running surface wherein a first end of the first rail and an opposed second end of the second rail are axially mutually spaced apart by a first spacing and transversely mutually spaced apart by a second spacing. The switch 30 comprises: a set of rail segments 300 including a first rail segment 300A and a second rail segment 300B, each having a first end, a second end and a first length therebetween correlating with the first spacing. The switch 30 is arrangeable in: a first configuration, wherein the first rail segment 300A is arranged to connect with the first rail 10A and wherein the second rail segment 300B is arranged to connect with the second rail 10B; and a second configuration, wherein the first rail segment 300A is transversely spaced apart from the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B and wherein the second rail segment 300B is arranged to connect with the first rail 10A; wherein the switch 30 is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration by a first transverse movement of the first rail segment 300A and of the second rail segment 300B correlating with the second spacing. In this example, the first trolley 100A is on the first rail segment 300A and a third trolley 100C is on the second rail segment 300B. The second switch assembly 4 is generally as described with respect to the first switch assembly 3, description of which will not be repeated for brevity.

[0217] The first switch 30 provides a start of a path or ride A and the second switch 40 provides an end of a path of ride B. In this way, a first user U1, suspended from the first trolley 100A, may be loaded onto the first rail 10A while, for example simultaneously, a second user U2, suspended from the second trolley 100B, may be unloaded from the second rail 10D. In this way, an efficiency of loading and unloading users may be improved. Furthermore, another user (not shown) may be suspended from the trolley 100C on the second rail segment 300B while, for example simultaneously, the first user U1, suspended from the first trolley 100A, is loaded onto the first rail 10A. Furthermore, another user (not shown) may be suspended from the trolley 100D on the second rail segment 400B while, for example simultaneously, the second user U2, suspended from the second trolley 100B, is unloaded from the second rail 10D. In this way, an efficiency of loading and unloading users may be further improved. Platforms PA-PD are provided to facilitate loading and unloading of the users U1, U2.

[0218] Although a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

[0219] In summary, a switch, a rail track, a switch assembly and a trolley are provided. The switch is for interconnecting a first rail providing a first portion of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail providing a second portion of the running surface wherein a first end of the first rail and an opposed second end of the second rail are axially mutually spaced apart by a first spacing, the switch comprising: a set of rail segments including a first rail segment, having a first end, a second end and a first length therebetween correlating with the first spacing; wherein the switch is arrangeable in: a first configuration, wherein the first rail segment is arranged to interconnect the first rail and the second rail, thereby providing an interconnecting portion of the running surface between the first portion and the second portion; a second configuration, wherein the first rail segment is transversely spaced apart from the first rail and/or the second rail; and wherein the switch is arranged to move from the first configuration to the second configuration by a first transverse movement of the first rail segment. In this way, the first rail segment interconnects the first rail and the second rail in the first configuration, such that a trolley, for example, may travel continuously from the first rail to the second rail via the first rail segment. By positioning the trolley on the first rail segment and moving the switch from the first configuration to the second configuration, the trolley may be unloaded, for maintenance, from the first rail segment via the first end or the second end thereof. The switch may be then moved to the first configuration, such that another trolley may travel continuously from the first rail to the second rail via the first rail segment, for example. Subsequently, the trolley may be reloaded onto the switch, by moving the switch from the first configuration to the second configuration, and reloading the trolley on to the first rail segment via the first end or the second end. By moving the switch back to the first configuration, the trolley may travel onto the first rail or the second rail, for example.

[0220] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.