US4392435A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Transport apparatus
Assignee: Ricardo AEA Ltd
•
Filing: 1980-07-24
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Granted: 1983-07-12
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Expires: 2000-07-24
Abstract
Abstract Transport apparatus comprises a drive unit and a slave unit movable in unison along a predetermined path. The slave unit is disposed beneath the drive unit to move along a tunnel with work stations located at intervals along the tunnel. The drive unit carries electromagnets which when energized levitate the slave unit within the tunnel, controls being provided to maintain the slave unit at a desired position relative to the drive unit. The roof of the tunnel is formed from a magnetically transparent material, such as glass. The slave unit is thereby physically isolated from the drive unit. As a result the drive unit is shielded from any hostile environment within the tunnel and resulting, for example, from the transport of radioactive or toxic materials by the slave units. This simplifies repair and maintenance operations on the drive unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Brian R. Moody
- 👤 Duncan B. Lowe
- 👤 Derek W. Lowe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 18:07
CPC Classifications
B; B61; B61B; B61B13/00; B61B13/08; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T30/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
An apparatus for transporting toxic or radioactive articles comprising an enclosed passageway defining a path of travel for the articles, at least one work station positioned along and communicating with said passageway intermediate its ends, a movable drive unit located outside the passageway, a juxtaposed slave unit within the passageway forming a carrier for an article movable in unison with the drive unit, electromagnet means on the drive unit to couple the drive unit to the slave unit for movement, control means for maintaining the slave unit magnetically suspended within the passageway and at a desired position relative to the drive unit upon energization of the electromagnet means, a barrier of magnetically transparent material extending along the passageway and positioned between the drive unit and the slave unit to physically isolate the drive unit from the slave unit and to protect the drive unit from contamination within the passageway arising from the toxic or radioactive articles whereby to permit ready access to the drive unit for maintenance and the like operations.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
171 words
An apparatus for transporting toxic or radioactive articles comprising an enclosed passageway defining a path of travel for the articles, at least one work station positioned along and communicating with said passageway intermediate its ends, a movable drive unit located outside the passageway, a juxtaposed slave unit within the passageway forming a carrier for an article movable in unison with the drive unit, electromagnet means on the drive unit to couple the drive unit to the slave unit for movement, control means for maintaining the slave unit magnetically suspended within the passageway and at a desired position relative to the drive unit upon energization of the electromagnet means, a barrier of magnetically transparent material extending along the passageway and positioned between the drive unit and the slave unit to physically isolate the drive unit from the slave unit and to protect the drive unit from contamination within the passageway arising from the toxic or radioactive articles whereby to permit ready access to the drive unit for maintenance and the like operations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the slave unit is disposed beneath the drive unit with the barrier forming a roof for the passageway.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 in which the roof is glass.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 including ferromagnetic strips on the slave unit cooperable with said electromagnet means on the drive unit for levitating the slave unit within the passageway.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 including linear motor means for propelling the drive unit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-07-11 | 1987-01-10 | 1987-07-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-07-11 | 1991-01-10 | 1991-07-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-07-11 | 1995-01-10 | 1995-07-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |