US3626859A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Idle car storage and dispensing system
Assignee: FKI Industries Inc
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Filing: 1969-12-19
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Granted: 1971-12-14
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Expires: 1989-12-19
Abstract
Abstract Idle cars of a baggage handling system suitable for use in busy airports are stored on sidings in a storage area. Each siding has a retractable stop arranged to arrest the leading car on the siding and a plurality of powered drive wheels on a reciprocable frame, the drive wheels cooperating with a member on the car to drive the car. The member is of lesser length than the overall length of the car and the drive wheels are spaced at intervals equal to the overall length of a car such that the drive wheels are out of engagement with the members when the car or cars are arrested by the stop. To release a car from storage the stop is withdrawn and the frame shifted to engage the drive wheels with the car members. The first drive wheel provides a higher speed than the others to open a gap between the first and the following cars such that the stop may be returned to arresting position prior to arrival of the next car at that position.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard Bradbury
- 👤 Bruce D Norlie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 02:28
CPC Classifications
B; B61; B61C; B61C11/00; B61J; B61J3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
In a system having a plurality of cars that travel along a track, means for controlling the movement of cars past a holding station, comprising power drive means, means mounting the power drive means for reciprocation between a first and a second position along the track, a member in each car that engages the drive means throughout a portion of the car''s travel past a point in the track and that is free of the drive means during the remainder of its travel past the point, said power drive means and said member cooperating to produce relative motion between the drive means and the car, a stop mounted in the track for arresting a car when its member is free from the drive means and the drive means is in its first position, means for withdrawing the stop, and means for moving the power drive means along the track to its second position at which it engages the member of the stopped car and drives the car.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
In a system having a plurality of cars that travel along a track, means for controlling the movement of cars past a holding station, comprising power drive means, means mounting the power drive means for reciprocation between a first and a second position along the track, a member in each car that engages the drive means throughout a portion of the car''s travel past a point in the track and that is free of the drive means during the remainder of its travel past the point, said power drive means and said member cooperating to produce relative motion between the drive means and the car, a stop mounted in the track for arresting a car when its member is free from the drive means and the drive means is in its first position, means for withdrawing the stop, and means for moving the power drive means along the track to its second position at which it engages the member of the stopped car and drives the car.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 1 comprising a mechanical linkage connecting the stop means to the means for moving the power drive means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 1 having the drive means adjacent the stop arranged to drive a car at a substantially higher speed than the remaining drive means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
In a system according to claim 1 a movable frame in which the power drive means are mounted at intervals generally equal to the overall length of a car.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
In a system according to claim 4 power means responsive to a demand signal connected to said movable frame and said stop for withdrawing the stop and for moving the frame to car drive position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
In a system according to claim 5, means for generating a clear signal as a car passes the withdrawn stop, and means responsive to a no demand signal and the clear signal for returning said stop to car arresting position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 1 in which the power drive means comprise drive wheels journaled in a frame and the member engaging the drive wheels comprises a longitudinally extending tube extending lengthwise of the car and journaled for rotation about its axis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim 7 in which the drive wheel adjacent the stop is oriented at a steeper angle oF attack than other drive wheels journaled on the frame.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB872546A
Cited
US3361083A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-13 | 1975-06-14 | 1975-12-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-13 | 1979-06-14 | 1979-12-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-13 | 1983-06-14 | 1983-12-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |