Importance

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Abstract

A powered pallet assembly (10) for use on two intersecting trackways (11 and 13). The pallet assembly (10) includes: a pallet frame (23) having an upwardly facing surface (12) formed for support of a load thereon; a first plurality of load-supporting wheels (16a, 16b) rotatably mounted to frame (23) for movement of pallet assembly (10) in a first direction on the first trackway (11); a second plurality of load-supporting wheels (18a, 18b) rotatably mounted to frame (23) for movement of pallet assembly (10) in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the second trackway (13) intersecting the first trackway (11); a power drive assembly carried by pallet frame (23) and coupled to drive at least one wheel of first wheels (16a, 16b) and coupled to drive at least one wheel of second wheels (18a, 18b). The first wheels (16a, 16b) are mounted to the frame (23) in a manner which causes them to be disengaged from a second trackway (13) when the pallet (10) is supported for movement on the second trackway (13) by second wheels (18a, 18b), and the second wheels (18a, 18b) are mounted to the frame (23) in a manner which causes them to be disengaged from the first trackway (11) when pallet (10) is supported on the first trackway (11) by the first wheels (16a, 16b). A method of operating the trackway-based pallet assembly also is disclosed.

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First Claim