Patent ID: 6659014
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: B61B,B65G

Abstract:
A system for transporting cargo within a plurality of containers from a first location to a second location, said system comprising:a plurality of spaced tracks between said first and second locations for engaging and supporting said plurality of containers; an elongate track support structure for supporting said tracks, comprising at least first, second and third track support surfaces at substantially right angles to each other, forming a channel in which said tracks are within the interior of said channel; a plurality of self-propelled containers having at least three surfaces for facing said first, second and third track support surfaces, each of said surfaces having track engagement means for selectively engaging said tracks on any of said first, second and/or third track support surfaces, said containers each further comprising container drive means for propelling said container along said tracks and container control means for controlling operation of said drive means, said control means being in operative communication with a central controller; a plurality of track switches to direct said container to switch between said tracks for changing the direction of travel of said container or for avoiding contact with a different of said containers, said switches being under the control of said central controller; and a central controller in operative communication with said switches and said drive means, said controller including signal processing means for receiving information corresponding to the location of said first and second locations, as well as the speed, location and direction of travel of each of said plurality of containers, and for providing instructions to said plurality of containers and switches to route said containers and to avoid undesirable contact between said containers.