Abstract: An integrated warehousing system for storing and retrieving goods as well as preparing the goods for their ultimate disposition is disclosed. The warehousing system includes numerous modular components that may be added to or subtracted from the system to accommodate a particular warehousing need. Inventoried goods placed in containers are stored on a rotational storage carousel. A plurality of work stations each having an associated temporary storage queues are integrated with the carousel to facilitate high volume handling operations. Containers delivered from the storage carousel are brought to the temporary queue where they are held until an operator is prepared to work with the goods stored therein. The container is then delivered to a work area where the operator performs the desired task. The containers may then be delivered either to another appropriate work station or back to the storage carousel.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to automated distribution systems for storing and retrieving goods. More particularly, the invention relates to a rotatable storage carousel and supporting mechanisms for inserting and extracting containers from the carousel while it remains in continuous motion. The delivery system is designed to deliver goods at rates which exceed the demand of today's production and warehousing facilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to automated distribution systems for storing and retrieving goods. More particularly, the invention relates to a rotatable storage carousel and supporting mechanisms for inserting and extracting containers from the carousel while it remains in continuous motion. The delivery system is designed to deliver goods at rates which exceed the demand of today's production and warehousing facilities.

Abstract: An improved device for quickly and reliably retaining a pair of bearing cups on a universal joint cross during purging and shipment thereof is disclosed. The retainer includes a central portion which is generally elongated and flat in shape. In a first embodiment, first angled portions are formed integrally with each end of the central portion extending outwardly therefrom. The first angled portions may be oriented at relatively small angles with respect to the central portion. Second angled portions are formed integrally with each end of the first angled portions extending outwardly therefrom. The second angled portions may be oriented at relatively large angles with respect to the first angle portions. The corners between the first and second angled portions are adapted to receive the outer edges of the bearing cups therein. Respective apertures are formed through the retainer at each of such corners to receive locating tangs formed on a mating yoke for the cross.

Abstract: A storage facility is provided for integration with a material distribution facility that includes as storage carousel for receiving and storing containers adapted to carry material goods. The carousel includes a multiplicity of connecting rack arrays arranged in side-by-side fashion. Each of the rack arrays includes a plurality of vertically spaced container racks for supporting selected containers, with the container racks from various rack arrays being arranged in a plurality of tiers. The carousel is adapted to rotate about a continuous track. Insertion and extraction assemblies are provided for each carousel tier that are adapted to load and unload containers from the various racks while the carousel remains in continuous motion. A novel lift arrangement is provided for carrying containers between a conveyor network and the various inserter and extractor assemblies. In an alternative aspects of the invention, a novel control system for a storage facility is described as well.