Patent Description:
Laundry (e.g., clothes, bedding, linens, towels, or the like) may be cleaned (e.g., washed, sanitized, or the like). An establishment (e.g., a restaurant, hospital, hotel, or the like) may generate large amounts of laundry that may be cleaned. The laundry may be loaded into a container (e.g., a hamper, basket, sack, bag), and the container may be moved to convey the laundry from one location to another location.

<CIT> describes a lift mechanism for raising trolleys riding on rail conveyors from one elevation to another while reducing the need for trolley repair by means of a guide track having rail means at least a portion of said guide track being upwardly inclined, trolleys movably mounted on said guide track, each of said trolleys including body means, axle means forming pusher bars supported by said body means.

The invention is an apparatus and a method as defined in the appended claims.

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved may include moving items (e.g., textiles, merchandise, products, or the like) in a space (e.g., a warehouse, shop-floor, manufacturing facility, shipping dock, port, or the like). Such problems may be solved, for example with a rail system may be located in the space. The rail system may include at least one rail, and the rail may be suspended from a ceiling of the space. The rail may me supported by the floor of the building.

A carriage may move (e.g., roll, slide, convey, translate) along the rail. For instance, the carriage may include one or more wheels that roll along the rail. The carriage may support a container (e.g., a hamper, basket, sack, bag, box, sling) that may move with the carriage along the rail. The container may hold textiles, and the textiles may move with the container and the carriage along the rail. For example, a container holding laundry may hang from the carriage and the laundry may be moved with the rail system through a laundry facility that cleans the laundry. The carriage may move along the rail with the assistance of gravity, or a force may be applied to the carriage to move the carriage along the rail.

The rail system may have a varying elevation. For example, a first section of the rail may be located at a first elevation and a second section of the rail may be located at a second elevation. The rail system may include a bend, dog-leg, saddle, or the like. Accordingly, the first section of the rail may be offset (e.g., vertically offset, horizontally offset, offset at an angle) from the second section of the rail. A transition section of the rail may be located between the first (e.g., lower) section and the second (e.g., upper) section, and the transition section may provide a rail section that offsets between the first section and the second section. The transition section may interlink the first section and the second section, and the transition section may allow the rail to be continuous between the first section and the second section. The sections (e.g., the first section and the transition section) may be separate pieces, and the separate pieces of the rail may be assembled together to provide a continuous rail.

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved may include moving a carriage along a rail. Such problems may be solved with carriage transporting apparatus, and the apparatus may help move the carriage along the rail. For example, the carriage transporting apparatus may help move the carriage between the first section of rail and the second section of rail. For instance, the carriage transporting apparatus may help lift the carriage through the transition section of the rail.

The carriage transporting apparatus may include a frame. The frame may include a first set of teeth and may include a second set of teeth. The apparatus may include a shuttle configured to translate with respect to the frame. The shuttle may include a third set of teeth, and the third set of teeth may engage with the carriage. The shuttle may help translate (e.g., move, push, pull, rotate, slide, shift, oscillate, reciprocate, or the like) the carriage in a first direction, for instance when the carriage is engaged with the third set of teeth and the shuttle is translated in the first direction. The carriage may help move a container that holds textiles. The first set of teeth, the second set of teeth, and the third set of teeth may engage with the carriage to inhibit the translation of the carriage in a second direction.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of an example of a rail system <NUM> for moving items according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The rail system may include at a support member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be coupled to a structure (e.g., a roof truss, beam, stud, wall, floor, ground, or the like). A rail <NUM> may be coupled to the support member <NUM>, and the support member <NUM> may facilitate coupling the rail <NUM> with the structure. For instance, the rail <NUM> may be suspended from (e.g., hung from, resting upon, or the like) the support member <NUM> with a fastener <NUM> (e.g., a threaded rod, a post, etc.). The rail <NUM> may have a circular, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, or irregular (e.g., T-shaped, S-shaped) profile.

A carriage <NUM> may move along the rail <NUM>, and the rail system may facilitate transportation of the carriage <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> may support a container <NUM>, and the container <NUM> may move with the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>. The container <NUM> may be suspended from the carriage <NUM>. The container <NUM> may hold textiles, and the textiles may move with the container <NUM> and the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>. For example, the container <NUM> may hold items, such as laundry (e.g., bed sheets, towels, rugs, or the like). The container <NUM> may hang from the carriage <NUM> and the laundry may be moved with the rail system <NUM> through a laundry facility that cleans the laundry. The container <NUM> may have an opening (e.g., an open top) that facilitates inserting items into the container <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> may move along the rail <NUM> with the assistance of gravity, or a force may be applied to the carriage <NUM> to move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>.

The rail system <NUM> may have a varying elevation. For example, a first section 120A of the rail <NUM> may be located at a first elevation and a second section 120B of the rail 120B may be located at a second elevation.

The rail system <NUM> may include a bend, dog-leg, saddle, or the like. Accordingly, the first section 120A of the rail may be offset from the second section of the rail <NUM>. A transition section 120C of the rail <NUM> may be located between the first section 120A and the second section 120B. The transition section 120C may provide a rail <NUM> section that offsets between the first section 120A and the second section 120B. The transition section 120C may interlink the first section 120A and the second section 120B, and the transition section 120C may allow the rail <NUM> to be continuous between the first section 120A and the second section 120B. The sections (e.g., the first section 120A and the transition section 120C) may be separate pieces, and the separate pieces of the rail <NUM> may be assembled together to provide a continuous rail <NUM>. In various embodiments, the transition section is positioned at an angle with respect to level. In various embodiments an angle of <NUM> degrees is used to make the transition. In various embodiments an angle of <NUM> degrees is used to make the transition. In various embodiments an angle of <NUM> degrees is used to make the transition. In various embodiments an angle of <NUM> degrees is used to make the transition. In various embodiments an angle of <NUM> degrees is used to make the transition. In various embodiments an angle of <NUM> degrees is used to make the transition. In various embodiments an angle of <NUM> degrees is used to make the transition. These and other angles may be used depending on the application, the mechanism for driving the carriage, and the rail used.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an example of a carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> and the rail system <NUM> of <FIG> according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> may help move the carriage <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) along the rail <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM> to move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>. For example, the apparatus <NUM> may help move (e.g., lift, push, pull, translate, or the like) the carriage <NUM> through the transition section 120C of the rail <NUM>.

The carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> may include a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may support one or more components of the apparatus <NUM>. For instance, a shuttle <NUM> may be moveably coupled to the frame <NUM>, and the shuttle <NUM> may translate (e.g., move, push, pull, rotate, slide, shift, oscillate, reciprocate, or the like) with respect to the frame <NUM>.

One or more sets of teeth <NUM> may be included in the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM>. For example, a first set of teeth 230A and a second set of teeth 230B may be coupled to the frame <NUM>. A third set of teeth 230C may be coupled to the frame <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may be located on opposing sides of the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the third set of teeth 230C may include multiple pairs of teeth <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to help move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>, for instance in a first direction. The teeth <NUM> may inhibit the movement of the carriage <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>, for instance in a second direction. Accordingly, the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> may help move items along the rail system <NUM>, for example when the teeth <NUM> are engaged with the carriage <NUM> and the shuttle <NUM> is translated with respect to the frame <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of an example of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> including the frame <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. An actuator <NUM> (e.g., a piston, cylinder, damper, etc.) may be coupled to the frame <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may translate one or more components of the apparatus <NUM>, for example the shuttle <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be operated electromechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically, however the present subject matter is not so limited. For instance, the actuator <NUM> may include an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. In the extended configuration, an actuator rod <NUM> may extend (e.g., project, reach, cantilever, expand, or the like) from the actuator <NUM>. For example, the actuator rod <NUM> may translate with respect to an actuator housing <NUM> of the actuator <NUM>. In the retracted configuration, and the actuator rod <NUM> may be retracted (e.g., recoiled, contracted, shifted, transitioned, or the like) into the actuator housing <NUM>. As described in greater detail herein, in some examples the actuator rod <NUM> extends from both ends of the actuator housing <NUM>. For instance, the actuator rod <NUM> may reciprocate with respect to actuator housing <NUM>.

As described in greater detail herein, the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> may include a guide <NUM> (e.g., track, rod, etc.), and the guide <NUM> may interface with a portion of the shuttle <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to facilitate a sliding engagement between the frame <NUM> and the shuttle <NUM>. Accordingly, the guide <NUM> may facilitate the relative movement between shuttle <NUM> and the frame <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> may define a carriage recess <NUM>. The carriage recess <NUM> may be sized and shaped to receive a portion of the carriage <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). For example, the carriage <NUM> may be received in a first end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> may translate within the carriage recess <NUM>, for instance the carriage <NUM> may translate in a first direction <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> may exit a second end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may extend into the carriage recess <NUM>, and the teeth <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM> when the carriage <NUM> is received in the carriage recess <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may allow the carriage <NUM> to translate within the carriage recess <NUM> in a single direction. For example, the apparatus <NUM> may be used to elevate the carriage <NUM> between sections 120A, 120B, 120C (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) of the rail <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> may allow the carriage <NUM> to translate in the first direction <NUM>, and the apparatus <NUM> may inhibit the movement of the carriage in a second direction <NUM>.

For example, the teeth <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM>, and the teeth <NUM> may move (e.g., deflect, bend, rotate, yield, or the like) out of the way of carriage <NUM> when the carriage <NUM> translates in the first direction <NUM>. For instance, the teeth <NUM> may be moveably coupled with the frame <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may rotate about a pin <NUM>, and the rotation of the teeth <NUM> may facilitate the movement of the teeth <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. The movement of the teeth <NUM> out of the way of the carriage <NUM> may allow the carriage <NUM> to enter the carriage recess <NUM>.

The first set of teeth 230A may engage with the carriage <NUM> when the carriage enters the first end <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>. The engagement of the teeth <NUM> with the carriage <NUM> may inhibit (e.g., stop, hold, fasten, arrest, or the like) the translation of the carriage <NUM> within the carriage recess <NUM>. For instance, the teeth may inhibit the movement of the carriage <NUM> in the second direction <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>. As a result, the teeth 230A may hold the carriage <NUM> near the first end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the teeth <NUM> may allow the carriage <NUM> to translate within the carriage recess <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>, and the teeth <NUM> may inhibit the translation of the carriage <NUM> in the second direction <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> incrementally along the rail <NUM>. For example, the carriage <NUM> may translate within the carriage recess <NUM> (e.g., in the first direction <NUM>). The carriage <NUM> may be located between the teeth 230A and the teeth 230B. The carriage <NUM> may engage with the second set of teeth 230B. The teeth 230B may move out of the way of the carriage <NUM>, and carriage <NUM> may be located between the teeth 230B and the teeth 230C. The teeth <NUM> may be biased toward the carriage recess <NUM>, and the teeth <NUM> may move back into the path of the carriage <NUM> when the carriage <NUM> moves past the second set of teeth 230B (e.g., between the teeth 230B and the teeth 230C). Accordingly, the carriage <NUM> may be inhibited from reentering the carriage recess <NUM> between the teeth 230A and the teeth 230B. The carriage <NUM> may be inhibited from reentering the carriage recess <NUM> between the teeth 230B and the teeth 230C when the carriage <NUM> moves past the teeth 230C.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of an example of the shuttle <NUM> for the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As described herein, the shuttle <NUM> may be moveably coupled to the frame <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). The actuator rod <NUM> may be coupled with a flange <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM>, and movement of the actuator rod <NUM> may cause a corresponding movement of the shuttle <NUM> (e.g., movement of the flange <NUM> within the slot <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>).

The shuttle <NUM> may include a fourth set of teeth 230D and may include a fifth set of teeth 230E. The teeth 230D, 230E may be similar to the teeth 230A, 230B, 230C (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). Accordingly, the teeth 230D, 230E may allow the carriage <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to translate within the carriage recess <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) in the first direction <NUM>, and the teeth <NUM> may inhibit the translation of the carriage <NUM> in the second direction <NUM>.

The shuttle <NUM> may help move the carriage <NUM> through the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). The shuttle <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM> to move the carriage <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> may help move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>. For example, the teeth 230D, 230E may extend into the carriage recess <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), and the teeth 230D, 230E may engage with the carriage <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> may be translated (e.g., by the actuator rod <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>), and the translation of the shuttle <NUM> may cause a corresponding translation of the carriage <NUM>.

As described herein, the teeth <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM>. For example, the teeth <NUM> (e.g., the tooth <NUM>, shown for instance in <FIG>) may include a holding face <NUM>. The holding face <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM>, for instance to move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>. The holding face <NUM> may extend into the carriage recess <NUM>. In an example, the holding face <NUM> extends into a path of the carriage <NUM>. For instance, the teeth <NUM> may inhibit the carriage <NUM> from moving in the second direction when the holding face <NUM> of the teeth <NUM> extend into the carriage recess <NUM> (and the path of the carriage <NUM>).

The teeth <NUM> may include a deflection face <NUM>. The deflection face <NUM> may extend into the carriage recess <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may move when a force is applied to the deflection face <NUM>. For instance, the carriage <NUM> may move the teeth <NUM> when the carriage <NUM> moves in the first direction <NUM>. As discussed herein, applying a force to the deflection face <NUM> may transition the tooth <NUM> between the holding configuration and the disengaged configuration.

<FIG> illustrates an end view of an example of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As described herein, the shuttle <NUM> may be moveably coupled with the frame <NUM>, and the shuttle <NUM> may translate with respect to the frame <NUM>. For example, the shuttle <NUM> may include a guide block <NUM>, and the guide block <NUM> may be sized and shaped to receive the guide <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In an example, the guide <NUM> includes a key <NUM>, and the guide block <NUM> includes a keyway <NUM>. The keyway <NUM> may receive the key <NUM>, for instance to slidingly engage the guide block <NUM> with the guide <NUM>. Accordingly, the shuttle <NUM> may translate with respect to the frame <NUM> (e.g., in the first direction <NUM> or the second direction <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>).

The teeth 230A, 230D may extend into the carriage recess <NUM>, and the teeth 230A, 230D may engage with the carriage <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). The translation of the shuttle <NUM> may correspondingly move the carriage <NUM> because the teeth 230A, 230D may engage with the carriage <NUM> to move the carriage <NUM>. Accordingly, the carriage <NUM> may translate with respect to the apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another end view of an example of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The apparatus <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>. For example, the carriage <NUM> may include a wheel <NUM>, and the carriage <NUM> may be suspended from the rail by the wheel <NUM>. The wheel <NUM> may rotate, and the wheel <NUM> may roll along the rail <NUM>. The rotation of the wheel <NUM> may facilitate the movement of the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>.

The teeth <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may be angled. For example, the teeth 230A may be angled at the angle α (e.g., <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or the like). The teeth <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM> may be angled. For instance, the teeth 230D may be angled at the angle β (e.g., <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or the like). The teeth <NUM> may have a maximum angle γ (e.g., <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or the like). Locating the teeth <NUM> at the maximum angle γ may allow the carriage <NUM> to move through the apparatus <NUM> without binding against components of the apparatus <NUM>, for instance binding with the teeth <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of another example of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As described herein, the shuttle <NUM> may translate with respect to the frame <NUM>, for instance with operation of the actuator <NUM>. The actuator rod <NUM> may be coupled with the flange <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM>, and movement of the actuator rod <NUM> may cause a corresponding movement of the shuttle <NUM>. For example, the flange <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM> may project through a slot <NUM> (e.g., aperture, opening, hole, cavity, or the like) of the frame <NUM>. The actuator rod <NUM> may extend and correspondingly translate the flange <NUM> within the slot <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the shuttle <NUM> may translate with respect to the frame <NUM> corresponding to the extension (or retraction) of the actuator rod <NUM>.

The teeth <NUM> of the apparatus may move relative to each other. For example, the teeth 230D of the shuttle <NUM> may translate with respect to the teeth 230A of the frame <NUM>. The teeth 230D may move beyond the teeth 230A in the first direction <NUM> or the second direction <NUM>. For example, the teeth 230A may hold (e.g., secure, grasp, maintain the location of) the carriage <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). The shuttle <NUM> (including the teeth 230D) may translate in the second direction <NUM>. The teeth 230D may engage with the carriage <NUM>, and the shuttle <NUM> (including the teeth 220D) may translate in the first direction <NUM>. The teeth 230A may move out of the way of the carriage <NUM>, and allow the carriage <NUM> to move in the first direction <NUM> with the shuttle <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> may continue to translate in the first direction <NUM>, and the shuttle <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of an example of a tooth <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As described herein, the apparatus <NUM> may include the teeth <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may include the tooth <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may be moveably coupled with the frame <NUM>, or with the shuttle <NUM>. For example, the teeth <NUM> may pivot about respective tooth axis <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be coupled with the frame <NUM> (or the shuttle <NUM>), and the tooth <NUM> may rotate about the pin <NUM>.

The tooth <NUM> may be biased away from the frame <NUM> (or the shuttle <NUM>), for example biased toward the carriage recess <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), for instance in a holding configuration. A biasing member <NUM> may be located between the tooth <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> (e.g., a spring, or the like) may bias the tooth <NUM> away from the frame <NUM>. The bias of the biasing member <NUM> may be overcome to move the tooth <NUM>, for instance in a disengaged configuration. In the disengaged configuration, the tooth <NUM> may move out of the way of the carriage <NUM>. In an example, the carriage <NUM> may apply a force to the deflection face <NUM> to move the tooth <NUM> and overcome the bias of the tooth biasing member <NUM>. Accordingly, applying a force to the deflection face <NUM> may transition the tooth <NUM> between the holding configuration and the disengaged configuration.

The tooth <NUM> may include a polymeric material, or a metal material. The tooth <NUM> may be a sacrificial wear item. For instance, the tooth may include a polymeric material, and the carriage <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) may include a metal material. The polymeric material may be less resilient than the metal material, and the tooth <NUM> may wear when the tooth <NUM> engages with the carriage <NUM>. Accordingly, the tooth <NUM> may wear, and wearing of the tooth <NUM> may improve the lifetime of the carriage <NUM>. The pin <NUM> may be removed, a new tooth <NUM> may be located proximate to the frame <NUM> (or the shuttle <NUM>), and the pin <NUM> may be reinserted into the frame <NUM> (or the shuttle <NUM>) and the tooth <NUM> to moveably couple the tooth <NUM> with the frame <NUM> (or the shuttle <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrate bottom and side views respectively of an example of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> in a first configuration according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As described herein, the shuttle <NUM> may translate with respect to the frame <NUM>. The teeth 230A, 230B, 230C, 230D, 230E may allow the shuttle <NUM> to translate in the first direction <NUM>. The teeth 230A, 230B, 230C, 230D, 230E may inhibit the translation of the shuttle <NUM> in the second direction <NUM>. For example, the apparatus <NUM> may be inclined (e.g., at <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or the like). The apparatus <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>, for instance the apparatus <NUM> may move (e.g., lift) the carriage <NUM> through the transition section 120C of the rail <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> may be in the retracted configuration. The teeth 230D may be located behind (e.g., further in the second direction <NUM> than) the teeth 230A. The teeth 230E may be located behind the teeth 230B. The carriage <NUM> may enter the carriage recess <NUM>, and the teeth 230A may hold the carriage <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate bottom and side views respectively of an example of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> in a second configuration according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The actuator <NUM> may be in the extended configuration, and the extending of the actuator rod <NUM> may translate the shuttle <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>. The teeth 230D of the shuttle <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM>, and the translation of the shuttle <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> between the teeth 230B and the teeth 230C. The carriage <NUM> may be held by the teeth 230B, for instance because gravity may act upon the carriage <NUM> and bias the carriage <NUM> toward the teeth 230B. The teeth 230B may inhibit the movement of the carriage <NUM> in the second direction <NUM>. Accordingly, the carriage <NUM> may be held in one or more locations along the frame <NUM> by the teeth <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> may be moved incrementally along the rail <NUM>, for instance by holding the carriage with the teeth 230B. Moving the carriage <NUM> incrementally along the rail <NUM> may facilitate reducing the size of the apparatus <NUM>, and may reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus <NUM>. Moving the carriage <NUM> incrementally along the rail <NUM> may reduce the costs associated with manufacturing the apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate bottom and side views respectively of an example of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> in a third configuration according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The shuttle <NUM> may translate in the second direction <NUM> when the carriage <NUM> is held by the teeth 230B. For instance, the actuator <NUM> may be operated to the retracted configuration, and operation of the actuator <NUM> may translate the shuttle <NUM> in the second direction <NUM>. The teeth 230D may move out of the way of the carriage <NUM> when the shuttle <NUM> moves in the second direction <NUM>. The teeth 230E may move out of the way of the carriage <NUM> when the shuttle <NUM> is moved in the second direction <NUM>.

The teeth 230E may be located between the teeth 230B (or the teeth 230A) and the carriage <NUM>. The teeth 230E may be biased toward the carriage recess <NUM>, and the teeth <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM>, for instance when the shuttle <NUM> is moved in the first direction <NUM>. The teeth 230E may engage with a first carriage <NUM>, and the teeth 230D may engage with a second carriage <NUM>. Accordingly, the shuttle <NUM> may move one or more carriages (e.g., the first carriage and the second carriage) along the rail <NUM>. For instance, the shuttle may move the first carriage and the second carriage in unison along the rail <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate bottom and side views respectively of an example of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> in a fourth configuration according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The carriage <NUM> may be moved along the rail <NUM>, for instance by operating the actuator <NUM> to the extended configuration and translating the shuttle <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>. The teeth 230E may engage with the carriage <NUM> and the translation of the shuttle <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>, for instance in the first direction <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> may eject (e.g., discharge, push, expel, or the like) the carriage <NUM> from the apparatus <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may extend beyond the teeth 230C, for instance to eject the carriage <NUM> from the apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, the apparatus <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>, for instance by moving the carriage <NUM> from the first section 120A, along the transition section 120C, and moving the carriage <NUM> to the second section 120B (e.g., as shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates one example of a method for moving items (e.g., textiles, laundry, linens, clothing, or the like) along the rail <NUM>, including one or more of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> described herein. In describing the method <NUM>, reference is made to one or more components, features, functions and operations previously described herein. Where convenient, reference is made to the components, features, operations and the like with reference numerals. The reference numerals provided are exemplary and are not exclusive. For instance, components, features, functions, operations and the like described in the method <NUM> include, but are not limited to, the corresponding numbered elements provided herein and other corresponding elements described herein (both numbered and unnumbered).

At <NUM>, a carriage <NUM> may be received with a carriage recess <NUM> defined by a frame <NUM> of a carriage transporting apparatus <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> may be configured to move a container <NUM> that may hold items, for example textiles. The method <NUM> may include at <NUM> engaging the carriage <NUM> with a first set of teeth <NUM> (e.g., the teeth 230D). The teeth <NUM> may be coupled to a shuttle <NUM>. At <NUM>, an actuator <NUM> may be operated (e.g., between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration). Operation of the actuator <NUM> may translate the shuttle <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>. Operation of the actuator <NUM> may include translating the actuator rod <NUM> with respect to the actuator housing <NUM>. The actuator rod <NUM> may be oscillated with respect to the actuator housing <NUM>. For instance, the actuator rod <NUM> may be oscillated to incrementally move the carriage <NUM> through the apparatus <NUM> (e.g., moving the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>).

At <NUM>, the carriage <NUM> may be moved along the rail <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> may be moved incrementally along the rail <NUM>. The method <NUM> may include at <NUM> holding the carriage with a second set of teeth <NUM> (e.g., the teeth 230B). At <NUM>, a third set of teeth <NUM> (e.g., the teeth 230E) ma engage with the carriage. The carriage <NUM> may be ejected from the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM>. For example, the third set of teeth <NUM> may provide an ejection force that moves the carriage along the rail <NUM>, and moves the carriage <NUM> away from the apparatus <NUM>.

The method <NUM> may include transferring the carriage <NUM> from the first station 1300A to the second station 1300B. For example, the apparatus <NUM> may incrementally move the carriage <NUM> from the first station 1300A to the second station 1300B. The teeth <NUM> may hold the carriage <NUM> at the stations <NUM>.

The method <NUM> may include transferring the carriage <NUM> from the first shuttle 220A to the second shuttle 220B (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In an example, the shuttle 220A incrementally moves the carriage <NUM> from the first station 1300A to the second station 1300B. The shuttle 220A may incrementally move the carriage <NUM> from the second station 1300B to the third station 1300C. The teeth <NUM> may hold the carriage <NUM> at the third station 1300C. The teeth <NUM> of the shuttle 220B may engage with the shuttle <NUM> located at the third station 1300C, and the shuttle 220B may incrementally move the carriage <NUM> from the third station 1300C to the fourth station 1300D.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of another example of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As described herein, the shuttle <NUM> may help move the carriage <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) through the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). For instance, the shuttle <NUM> may engage with the carriage <NUM> to move the carriage <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the shuttle <NUM> may help move the carriage <NUM> along the rail <NUM>. The rail <NUM> is hidden in <FIG> for clarity.

In some examples, the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> includes a plurality of stations <NUM>, and the carriages <NUM> may move through the stations <NUM>. For instance, the apparatus <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> incrementally through the stations <NUM>. Accordingly, the apparatus <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> incrementally along the rail <NUM> (e.g., by incrementally moving the carriage <NUM> incrementally through the transition section 120C of the rail <NUM>).

In an example, the apparatus <NUM> include one or more stations <NUM>, for instance a first station 1300A, a second station 1300B, a third station 1300C, and a fourth station 1300D. The stations <NUM> facilitate incremental movement of the carriage <NUM> through the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM>. Operation of the actuator <NUM> translates the shuttle <NUM>, and the translation of the shuttle <NUM> may move the carriage <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) through the stations <NUM>. For example, the carriage <NUM> may be received in the first end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> may move within the carriage recess <NUM> (e.g., in the first direction <NUM>). The carriage <NUM> may move between the stations <NUM> while located in the carriage recess <NUM>.

In an example, the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> includes one or more of the shuttle <NUM>. For instance, the apparatus <NUM> optionally includes a first shuttle 220A and a second shuttle 220B. The actuator rod <NUM> may facilitate translation of the shuttles 220A, 220B with respect to the frame <NUM>. For example, the actuator rod <NUM> may translate with respect to the actuator housing <NUM>. The actuator rod <NUM> may extend from both ends of the actuator housing <NUM>. For instance, a first end <NUM> of the actuator rod <NUM> may be coupled with the flange <NUM> of the first shuttle 220A. A second end <NUM> of the actuator rod <NUM> may be coupled with the flange <NUM> of the second shuttle 220B. Accordingly, the actuator rod <NUM> may interlink (e.g., attach, connect, unite, secure, or the like) the shuttle 220A with the shuttle 220B. Thus, the shuttle 220A may move in unison (e.g., simultaneously, in accordance, together, or the like) with the shuttle 220B.

The actuator <NUM> may be operated, for instance to translate the actuator rod <NUM> with respect to actuator housing <NUM>. In an example, the actuator rod <NUM> reciprocates with respect to the actuator housing <NUM>. The reciprocation of the actuator rod <NUM> translates the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the actuator rod <NUM> with respect to the actuator housing <NUM>. For instance, the first end <NUM> of the actuator rod <NUM> may be located proximate to the actuator housing <NUM> with the second end <NUM> located remote from the actuator housing <NUM>. The actuator rod <NUM> may be translated, for instance to adjust the location of the ends <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to the housing <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the actuator rod <NUM> may be located proximate to the actuator housing <NUM> with the first end <NUM> located remote from the actuator housing <NUM>.

Operation of the actuator <NUM> may translate the actuator rod <NUM>, for example in the first direction <NUM>. The shuttles 220A, 220B may translate according to the translation of the actuator rod <NUM>. The translation of the shuttles 220A, 220B may move the carriage <NUM> through the apparatus <NUM>, for example by moving the carriage <NUM> through the stations <NUM>. In an example, the shuttle 220A moves the carriage <NUM> from the first station 1300A to the second station 1300B.

In some examples, the teeth <NUM> inhibit movement of the carriage <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may facilitate unidirectional (e.g., ratcheting, or the like) movement of the carriage <NUM> through the apparatus <NUM>. For instance, the carriage <NUM> may be moved through the stations <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>. In an example, when the carriage <NUM> enters the first station 1300A (e.g., through the end <NUM>), the carriage <NUM> may be inhibited from exiting the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM>. For example, the teeth <NUM> may inhibit movement of the carriage <NUM> in the second direction <NUM> and thereby inhibit the carriage <NUM> from exiting the apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, the teeth <NUM> may hold the carriage <NUM> hold the carriage <NUM> at the first station 1300A.

The shuttle 220A may move the carriage <NUM> (e.g., in the first direction <NUM>) to the second station 1300B (e.g., past the teeth 230B). The teeth <NUM> may inhibit the carriage <NUM> from moving from the second station 1300B to the first station 1300A. For instance, the teeth 230B may hold the carriage <NUM> at the second station 1300B to inhibit movement of the carriage <NUM> in the second direction <NUM>. The teeth 230B may engage with the carriage <NUM> to inhibit (e.g., stop, hold, fasten, arrest, or the like) the translation of the carriage <NUM> within the carriage recess <NUM> (e.g., in the second direction <NUM>). Accordingly, the teeth <NUM> inhibit the carriage <NUM> from reentering the carriage recess <NUM> between the teeth 230A and the teeth 230B.

In an example, the apparatus <NUM> facilitates transfer of the carriage <NUM> between the shuttles 220A, 220B (e.g., from the first shuttle 220A to the second shuttle 220B). For instance, the actuator rod <NUM> is moved in the first direction <NUM>. The shuttle 220A moves the carriage <NUM> from the second station 1300B to the third station 1300C according to the movement of the actuator rod <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> hold the carriage <NUM> at the third station 1300C. The actuator rod <NUM> is moved in the second direction <NUM>, for example while the teeth <NUM> hold the carriage <NUM> at the third station 1300C. The second shuttle 220B may engage with the carriage <NUM> at the third station 1300C. The actuator rod <NUM> may be translated in the first direction <NUM> with the shuttle 220B engaged with the carriage <NUM>. For instance, the second shuttle 220B may move the carriage <NUM> from the third station 1300C to the fourth station 1300D. Accordingly, the carriage <NUM> may be transferred between the shuttles 220A, 220B - for instance while being held at one or more of the stations <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may eject the carriage <NUM>, for instance by translating the actuator rod <NUM> (and the shuttle 220B). In an example, the shuttle 220B may engage with the carriage <NUM> at the fourth station 1300D. The actuator rod <NUM> may be moved in the first direction <NUM>, and the shuttle 220B moves the carriage <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>. The shuttle 220B moves the carriage <NUM> past the teeth 230C, and the carriage <NUM> is ejected from the apparatus <NUM>. The teeth 230C may inhibit the shuttle <NUM> from reentering the carriage recess <NUM> after the apparatus <NUM> ejects the carriage <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of the carriage transporting apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As described herein, the first end <NUM> of the actuator rod <NUM> may be coupled with the flange <NUM> of the first shuttle 220A and the second end <NUM> may be coupled with the flange <NUM> of the second shuttle 220B. The flanges <NUM> of the shuttles <NUM> may extend through slots <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In an example, the flange <NUM> of the first shuttle 220A may extend through a first slot 600A (e.g., the flange may extend from the carriage recess <NUM>). The flange <NUM> of the second shuttle 220B may extend through a second slot 600B. Accordingly, the actuator rod <NUM> may engage with the shuttles <NUM> (e.g., to translate the shuttles <NUM>).

This detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. " Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described.

In various embodiments the present subject matter can be realized in the following examples.

Example <NUM> is an apparatus for moving a carriage along a rail, comprising: a frame having a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth, a shuttle including a third set of teeth that are configured to engage with the carriage to translate the carriage in a first direction with respect to the frame when the carriage is engaged with the third set of teeth, wherein the carriage is configured to move a container suspended from the carriage; and wherein the first set of teeth, the second set of teeth, and the third set of teeth each include a tooth having a holding configuration and a disengaged configuration, wherein: in the holding configuration, the tooth extends into a carriage recess of the frame and a holding face of the tooth is configured to inhibit the translation of the carriage within the carriage recess in a second direction; and in the disengaged configuration, the tooth allows the carriage to translate within the carriage recess in the first direction.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes wherein: translation of the shuttle in the first direction is configured to transport the carriage from engagement with the first set of the teeth to engagement with the second set of teeth, and the shuttle is configured to translate in the second direction while the carriage is engaged with the second set of teeth.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes wherein: the frame includes a fourth set of teeth; and translation of the shuttle in the first direction is configured to transport the carriage from engagement with the second set of the teeth to a location beyond the fourth set of teeth.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes wherein: the shuttle includes a fifth set of teeth, and the shuttle is configured to transport the carriage in the first direction when the carriage is engaged with the fifth set of teeth and the shuttle is translated in the first direction.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes wherein the shuttle is configured to translate in the second direction to locate the fifth set of teeth between the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth when the carriage is engaged with the second set of teeth.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include wherein: the third set of teeth are moveable between a holding configuration and a disengaged configuration, wherein: in the holding configuration the third set of teeth are configured to engage with the carriage to inhibit movement of the carriage in the second direction, and in the disengaged configuration, the third set of teeth are configured to: allow the shuttle to translate with respect to the carriage, and allow the shuttle to translate in the second direction; and wherein the third set of teeth are biased toward the holding configuration.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include wherein: individual ones of the third set of teeth are configured to pivot about respective tooth axes, and pivoting of the third set of teeth about the tooth axes allows the carriage to translate in the first direction with respect to the tooth axes.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include a guide coupled with the frame; at least one guide block coupled with the shuttle; and wherein the guide is configured to slidingly engage with the guide block.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include at least one actuator coupled to the shuttle, wherein operation of the actuator is configured to translate the shuttle with respect to the frame.

Example <NUM> is a method for moving items along a rail, comprising: receiving a carriage within a carriage recess defined by a frame of a carriage transporting apparatus, wherein the carriage is configured to move a container suspended from the carriage; engaging the carriage with a first set of teeth, wherein the first set of teeth are coupled to a shuttle of the carriage transporting apparatus; operating an actuator, wherein operation of the actuator is configured translate the shuttle with respect to the frame; moving the carriage along a rail, wherein the carriage is incrementally moved along the rail; holding the carriage with a second set of teeth; and engaging the carriage with a third set of teeth.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes ejecting the carriage from the carriage transporting apparatus.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include wherein incrementally moving the carriage along the rail includes transferring the carriage from a first station to a second station, wherein the second set of teeth are configured to hold the carriage at the second station.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include wherein the carriage is a first carriage and operating the actuator includes translating an actuator rod with respect to an actuator housing, wherein: a first end of the actuator rod is coupled with the first shuttle, a second end of the actuator rod is coupled with a second shuttle; and translation of the actuator correspondingly moves the first shuttle and the second shuttle with respect to the frame.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include wherein the shuttle is a first shuttle, and further comprising: transferring the carriage from the first shuttle to a second shuttle.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes wherein transferring the carriage from the first shuttle to the second shuttle includes: transferring the carriage from a first station to a second station with the first carriage; transferring the carriage from the second station to a third station.

Example <NUM> is an apparatus for moving a carriage and a container along a rail, comprising: a frame having a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth; a first shuttle including a third set of teeth that are configured to engage with the carriage to translate the carriage in a first direction with respect to the frame when the carriage is engaged with the third set of teeth, wherein the carriage is configured to move a container suspended from the carriage; and wherein the first set of teeth, the second set of teeth, and the third set of teeth extend into a carriage recess of the frame and are configured to: allow the carriage to translate within the carriage recess in the first direction; and inhibit the translation of the carriage within the carriage recess in a second direction.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes a second shuttle including a fourth set of teeth that are configured to engage with the carriage, wherein the apparatus is configured to transfer the carriage from the first shuttle to the second shuttle.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include at least one actuator coupled to the first shuttle, wherein operation of the actuator is configured to translate the first shuttle with respect to the frame.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes wherein the actuator includes an actuator rod having a first end and a second end, wherein: the first end is coupled with the first shuttle; and the second end is coupled with the second shuttle, and the actuator rod is configured to translate with respect to an actuator housing, and translation of the actuator rod correspondingly moves the first shuttle and the second shuttle.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes wherein the first shuttle is configured to move in unison with the second shuttle.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include wherein the first shuttle is configured to incrementally move the carriage through a plurality of stations.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes wherein the first shuttle is configured to incrementally move the carriage from a first station to a second station.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of Example <NUM> optionally includes wherein the first shuttle is configured to incrementally move the carriage from the second station to a third station.

In Example <NUM>, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> optionally include a second shuttle, wherein the second shuttle is configured to incrementally move the carriage from the second station to a third station.

Example <NUM> may include or use, or may optionally be combined with any portion or combination of any portions of any one or more of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, for instance to include or use, subject matter that may include means for performing any one or more of the functions of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>, or a machine-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by a machine, cause the machine to perform any one or more of the functions of Examples <NUM> through <NUM>.

In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used to include one or more than one. In the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for moving a carriage (<NUM>) along a rail (<NUM>), comprising:
a frame (<NUM>) having a first set of teeth (230A) and a second set of teeth (230B),
a shuttle (<NUM>) including a third set of teeth (230C) that are configured to engage with the carriage (<NUM>) to translate the carriage in a first direction with respect to the frame (<NUM>) when the carriage is engaged with the third set of teeth (230C), wherein the carriage is configured to move a container (<NUM>) suspended from the carriage; and
wherein the first set of teeth (230A), the second set of teeth (230B), and the third set of teeth (230C) each include a tooth (<NUM>) having a holding configuration and a disengaged configuration, characterized in that,
in the holding configuration, the tooth (<NUM>) extends into a carriage recess (<NUM>) of the frame and a holding face (<NUM>) of the tooth is configured to inhibit the translation of the carriage (<NUM>) within the carriage recess in a second direction; and
in the disengaged configuration, the tooth (<NUM>) allows the carriage (<NUM>) to translate within the carriage recess (<NUM>) in the first direction.