CPC B64D 9/00 (2013.01) [B61B 13/00 (2013.01); B65G 67/00 (2013.01); B64D 2009/006 (2013.01)] | 14 Claims |
1. A cargo handling system, comprising:
a first rail defining an upward facing surface and a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction;
a platform having a first recessed channel configured to engage an upper portion of the first rail to prevent a movement of the platform in the lateral direction and configured for rolling engagement with the first rail; and
a plurality of drive assemblies disposed within the platform and configured to propel the platform along the first rail in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of drive assemblies each having:
a drive roller configured to rest upon and frictionally engage with the upward facing surface of the first rail; and
a motor configured to rotate the drive roller; and
a plurality of support assemblies, separate from the plurality of drive assemblies, disposed within the platform and configured to support the platform along the first rail in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of support assemblies each having:
a plurality of passive rollers configured to:
rest upon and frictionally engage the upward facing surface of the first rail; and
rotate in response to each motor in the plurality of drive assemblies rotating a respective drive roller.
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