Patent ID: 8215591
Filing Date: 2012-07-10
Classification: E01B

Abstract:
1. A guideway switching mechanism comprising: an elongated section of flexible guideway having a first end and a second end, the first end operable to be coupled to a first elongated guideway; a switch plate coupled to the flexible guideway proximate the second end and operable to bend the flexible guideway through a horizontally oriented arc for selectively coupling the second end to two or more second elongated guideways such that an automated transport vehicle may be guided by the elongated section from the first elongated guideway to either of the two or more second elongated guideways; and a support substrate for support of the elongated section of flexible guideway and the automated transport vehicle, the support substrate having an upper surface that is coupled to the first end and a cavity for placement of the switch plate, the cavity having an arc-like shape such that the switch plate may freely move along the horizontally oriented arc, the support substrate formed of a plurality of sub-sections that are joined together such that each of the plurality of sub-sections is disposed adjacent to at least one other of the plurality of sub-sections to form a continuous support substrate for supporting the elongated section of flexible guideway between the first end to the second end the upper surface of the support substrate having a lateral extent generally normal to the extent of the flexible guideway that has a convex shape.