Dual Mode Vehicle Loading

The possible need is examined for a system to load small vehicles onto automated pallets travelling on a guideway. A simple and effective method is described which allows more than 500 vehicles per bay per hour to be loaded without the need for any mechanical handling. A gravity feed is used to roll vehicles into a position where they are accelerated by the pallet. The vehicle then is lowered onto pins on the pallet as the tracks supporting the wheels drops away leaving the wheels hanging. Offloading is effected by wheel ramps lifting the vehicle off the pins from where it can roll clear of the guideway.