Dual contacts on voltage rail

A conveyor vehicle (12) assembly for moving about a track (18) including a conductive rail for transmitting an electrical signal and the rail comprised of isolated sections of rail separated by buffers (24) therebetween with each isolated section of rail supplied with the electrical signal, said assembly comprising:

• vehicle (12) being mobile about the track (18);
• said vehicle (12) including at least two contacting pads (32, 33) spaced a distance apart and in contact with the track such that at least one contacting pad is in electrical connection with the rail, and including receiver means (34) connected between each of said contacting pads (32, 33) for receiving the electrical signal from each contacting pad (32, 33) and for preventing back feeding of received electrical signals to either contacting pad.

A method of moving a vehicle about a track having a conductive rail for transmitting an electrical signal and the rail comprised of isolated sections of rail separated by buffers (24) therebetween with each isolated section of rail supplied with the electrical signal, the method comprising the steps of;

• electrically contacting the rail at least two positions spaced a distance apart allowing a continuous electrical connection with the rail, receiving the electrical signal from each position, and preventing back feeding of received electrical signals to either position.

A conveyor assembly including a vehicle (12) for moving about a track (18), said assembly comprising;

• vehicle (12) being mobile along the track (18), conductive means (20) along the track (18) for supplying an electrical signal to said vehicle (12), said conductive means (20) along the track (18) for supplying an electrical signal to said vehicle (12), said conductive means (20) comprising isolated sections of rail each transmitting an electrical signal and having buffers (24) between each isolated section for preventing electrical conduction therebetween, and said vehicle (12) including at least two contacting pads (32, 33) placed a distance apart and in contact with said conductive means such that at least one contacting pad is in electrical connection with said rail and including receiver means (34) connected to said contacting pads (32, 33) for receiving the electrical signal from each contact pad (32, 33) and for preventing back feeding of received electrical signals to either contact pad (32, 33), said receiver means (34) including diode logic for receiving said electrical signals on one of said contacting pads (32, 33) and for preventing backfeeding to the other of said contacting pads.