Abstract: An adjustable positioning apparatus for positioning containers on a shelf tray assembly of a vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a container abutting portion and engagement structure for securing the container abutting portion on a portion of the shelf tray assembly so as to position the container on the shelf tray. A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus having adjustable container positioning structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A case rotating system configured to rotate cases, such as boxes, in a case management system such that the cases are oriented in a consistent manner upon leaving the case rotating system. In at least one embodiment, the case rotating system may be configured to cause a case in a case rotating module to be rotated such that a short side of the case leads the case as the case leaves the case rotating module. The case rotating module may be formed from one or more conical rollers configured to rotate cases into a consistent orientation. The case rotating system may rotate cases that are in an incorrect orientation into a correct orientation. In addition, the case rotating system may operate such that cases entering the case rotating system in a correct orientation may not be rotated but may remain in a correct orientation upon leaving the case rotating system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gantry depalletizer apparatus which can be employed in removing layers of articles, such as beverage containers, from pallets. Broadly, the apparatus includes a gantry frame upon which travels a depalletizer bridge. The bridge, in turn, includes a depalletizer head which travels vertically along a pair of rails. The head employs two pairs of depalletizing arms which are utilized in grasping articles to be loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A storage and conveying rack havingrespective sets of shelves which independently pivot in a coordinating manner on a rack in an orientation enabling articles to be conveyed downwardly, back and forth between the shelves;a pivotably mounted cross bar extending transversely across each shelf and movable between an article receiving position and an article arresting position;a respective damper for arresting motion of each cross bar when engaged by a conveyed article and moved from the article receiving position to the article rested position;a respective bias for urging each cross bar from the article arrested position to the article receiving position; and,an optical sensor on each shelf for detecting an article's presence and supplying a control signal to the independently pivoting shelves in the coordinated manner.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing articles, containers and the like includes stacks of opposing, vertically staggered shelf assemblies. A shelf associated with each shelf assembly is pivotally mounted for movement at least between an upwardly tilted receiving position and a downwardly tilted discharge position. A fluid-operating system is disclosed for maintaining each shelf in its upwardly tilted receiving position until a container is received and to prevent the lowering of the shelf to the discharge position until the next lower shelf is prepared to receive a container.

Abstract: A container storage and retrieval apparatus includes opposing stacks of vertically staggered shelf assemblies. Each shelf assembly includes a shelf pivotally mounted to a support structure and movable between at least an upwardly tilted, receiving position and a downwardly tilted, discharge position. Fluid-operated structure is provided to raise the shelf between at least the downwardly tilted, discharge position and the upwardly tilted, receiving position. A higher pressure fluid source and lower pressure fluid source are provided. Container indicator switching structure connects the raising structure to the higher pressure fluid source if a container is not present on the shelf, and to the lower pressure source if a container is present on the shelf. Transfer control structure is operatively connected between the shelf and the next lower shelf, and is adapted to prevent the lowering of the shelf to the discharge position unless the next lower shelf is in the receiving position.