Patent ID: 8191481

Claim:
A material handling system, comprising: a plurality of independent track assemblies positioned to define a transportation path, wherein each independent track assembly includes: a composite beam including an upper rail and a lower track connected through a plurality of spaced apart transverse members, the lower track defining two parallel channels, each of the transverse members including an opening that receives a tray supporting a utility transfer module, wherein the utility transfer module includes at least one conduit having at least two ports; a trolley having an upper set of wheels and a lower set of wheels, the lower set of wheels received within the two parallel channels; a drive tube positioned between the upper rail and the lower track such that the upper set of wheels are in frictional engagement with the drive tube; an independent drive system configured to rotate the drive tube to independently move the trolley along a portion of the transportation path corresponding to the respective independent track assembly; and a station control system including a microprocessor in communication with the independent drive system.