Abstract: A container-handling system which essentially consists of a spiral slipsheet. To load containers, the slipsheet is rotated and deflected upward so that incoming containers are inserted into the space thus created between the layers of the spiral. As the containers spiral upward on the slipsheet, the upper containers are supported by the containers which have been fed in below them. To unload containers, the entire assembly is rotated 180 degrees and the rotation of the slipsheet reversed to reverse the above process.

Abstract: An improved stacker assembly includes a base assembly and a hollow mast which extends upwardly from the base assembly. A cap assembly is disposed on the upper end portion of the hollow mast. A carriage is movable up and down along the mast to raise and lower a load. The base assembly includes an upwardly extending mast support assembly which is telescopically received in the lower end portion of the hollow mast. The mast support assembly includes a gripper assembly which is operable to grip the inside of the lower end portion of the hollow mast. The cap assembly includes a downwardly extending cap support which is telescopically received in an upper end portion of the hollow mast and is expandable to grip the inside of the hollow mast. In the event of a loss of tension in a support cable for the carriage, a brake assembly on the carriage grips elongated brake bars which are separate from the mast to support the carriage.