Importance

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Abstract

An automatic conveying system includes a main loop-like conveying track, a plurality of auxiliary loop-like conveying tracks along the main conveying track for selective coupling and de-coupling by couplers to and from the main track, and a plurality of auxiliary conveying vehicles for running along the main and auxiliary tracks. Each conveying vehicle can run continuously along the main and auxiliary tracks with switching by the couplers. The system permits reduction or elimination of intermediate loading and unloading operations or waiting times for changing vehicles, thus increasing the efficiency of conveyance. In addition, such equipment as stockers or loading and unloading machines for tentatively stocking cargo for changing vehicles and for loading and unloading operations during conveyance can be reduced or eliminated, thus minimizing the installation space for such equipment. This permits effective utilization of factory premises and good layout of the factory with a high space utilization-factor.

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First Claim