Abstract: A system is provided for arranging articles in a predetermined sequence. In mail handling applications, the documents destined for local distribution may be segregated as to the respective routes of the postmen and arranged in sequence within each route in accordance with the mail-stops or street addresses. In such a system, the documents are transported by individual mechanical carriers. Temporary high density storage of the documents is provided by a recirculation buffer subsystem. Based upon system priorities, selected carriers may be taken out of buffer storage, independently of the other carriers. The selected carriers are then circulated in a short transit-time loop from which they exit to one or more output racks, where they appear in sequential order.

Abstract: An attaching and release mechanism is provided for coupling a material handling bucket to the free end of a scoop arm extending from a loader or backhoe. A universal bucket mounting linkage is pivotally mounted to the loader scoop arm and readily receives various types and sizes of buckets. The bucket mounting linkage has a four-bar configuration with hook portions adapted for engagement with mating projections on the bucket. Over-center linkage, pivotally attached to one end of the bucket mounting linkage, provides locking engagement or disengagement between the hook portions and the mating projections on the bucket. To latch the bucket on the loader scoop arm, the hook portions and over-center linkage are aligned with the complementary mounting structure on the bucket, and the over-center linkage is pushed over-center which causes the bucket mounting linkage to lock against the mounting structure on the bucket to thereby couple the bucket and loader scoop arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and retrieving individual file folders including a pair of symmetrical shelf units, positioned face to face and having a moveable column designed to move horizontally between the shelf units. A carriage is attached to the moveable column and is designed to move vertically between the shelf units. Store or retrieve commands are placed into the system via an operations table and in response to the commands individual file folders are stored and retrieved. Individual storage and retrieval is accomplished by apparatus designed to push aside adjoining file folders to gain access to a storage position and by code marks included on the shelf units to identify individual storage positions.