Abstract The vehicles are moved in continuous manner in the same direction, on orders of a computer given only before their departure, fixing an itinerary optimized as a function of the congestion anticipated at each section of the network. The network comprises several one-way closed circuit routes, having common zones between convergent and divergent stretches, wherein each of said routes is traversed in one-way sense by guide-marking elements having between themselves, a controlled spacing called the pitch. In the zone common to any two of the routes, the marking elements have the same direction with an interconnected pitch P and speed V, and are shifted in the common zone, from one route to the other, and serve as pilots for the vehicles keyed on them by a servo system during their passage over one route. The vehicles possess a device permitting possible changing of the line of marking elements (hence of the route). A counter is fixed at the exit from each divergent stretch to detect the position of the vehicles with respect to the marking elements of each route, then to control the servo system for resetting the keying (distribution) of the vehicles on said marking elements. Fixed signals (pins) enable the execution at a suitable moment according to a defined program, of the order to change line of marking elements, at the same time as the order for changing routes. The routes have also means for executing the order of possible rekeying of the vehicle, given by the counter.
A method of transporting objects from plural starting points to plural final destinations in a continuous manner and always in the same directions, said method comprising the steps of providing a network of routes including several one-way closed circuit routes, arranging said routes to have convergent and divergent stretches and common zones between said stretches, providing a plurality of vehicles for movement along said routes, providing guide-marking elements and traversing each route in a one-way sense and in a continuous movement, arranging said guide-marking elements in each common zone at controlled spacing designated as pitch P and moving said guide-marking elements at a controlled speed V, keying said guide-marking elements to said vehicles by a servo system during the movement thereof over said routes, providing said vehicles with means permitting changing of said guide-marking elements, shifting said guide-marking elements in said common zones from one route to another and utilizing said guide-marking elements as pilots for said vehicles, providing said routes with counter means fixed at an exit from each of said divergent stretches for detecting positions of vehicles with respect to said guide-marking elements and controlling said servo system for resetting the keying of said vehicles on said guide-marking elements, providing said routes with fixed signal means for executing at selected moments orders to change routes of said guide-marking elements, providing said routes with means for executing rekeying of vehicles with said guide-marking elements upon command from said counter means, calculating the number of vehicles anticipated per section of said routes for each selected unit of time, prior to the departure of each vehicle from its starting point fixing the itinerary of said vehicle in accordance with the anticipated congestion of vehicles, and utilizing said counter means and said fixed signal means to follow said fixed itinerary.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
298 words
A method of transporting objects from plural starting points to plural final destinations in a continuous manner and always in the same directions, said method comprising the steps of providing a network of routes including several one-way closed circuit routes, arranging said routes to have convergent and divergent stretches and common zones between said stretches, providing a plurality of vehicles for movement along said routes, providing guide-marking elements and traversing each route in a one-way sense and in a continuous movement, arranging said guide-marking elements in each common zone at controlled spacing designated as pitch P and moving said guide-marking elements at a controlled speed V, keying said guide-marking elements to said vehicles by a servo system during the movement thereof over said routes, providing said vehicles with means permitting changing of said guide-marking elements, shifting said guide-marking elements in said common zones from one route to another and utilizing said guide-marking elements as pilots for said vehicles, providing said routes with counter means fixed at an exit from each of said divergent stretches for detecting positions of vehicles with respect to said guide-marking elements and controlling said servo system for resetting the keying of said vehicles on said guide-marking elements, providing said routes with fixed signal means for executing at selected moments orders to change routes of said guide-marking elements, providing said routes with means for executing rekeying of vehicles with said guide-marking elements upon command from said counter means, calculating the number of vehicles anticipated per section of said routes for each selected unit of time, prior to the departure of each vehicle from its starting point fixing the itinerary of said vehicle in accordance with the anticipated congestion of vehicles, and utilizing said counter means and said fixed signal means to follow said fixed itinerary.