Abstract: The present invention is a mobile storage system that includes a number of mobile storage units movably disposed with respect to one another and including a logic system. A signal from a motion control actuator on a mobile storage unit which is to move where an aisle is desired directs a run signal to at least one unit to cause one or multiple units to be driven successively away from a desired aisle. If multiple units are moved together, a motion control actuator on the unit adjacent the closing aisle is operated to move the actuated unit and the other units. The logic system remembers and maintains each new open aisle width and closed aisle width after the termination of a particular movement.

Abstract: A mechanical safety braking device for use with a mobile storage unit forming a part of the mobile storage system. The device includes an actuating member disposed on a mobile storage unit that is operably connected to a braking mechanism engaged with a motive system for the mobile storage unit. When the actuating member is engaged, the mechanical connection between the actuating member and the braking mechanism causes the braking mechanism to slow and ultimately cease the operation of the motive system and consequent movement of the mobile storage unit.

Abstract: A suspension-type storage unit that is particularly well suited for storing works of art or other hanging items in a space-efficient manner The storage unit includes a number of features that enable the storage unit to be moved between retracted and extended positions with a smooth, easy motion, without vibration, so as to protect and prevent damage to articles or items carried by the storage unit. The storage unit includes an overhead rail that defines a downwardly open guide slot and a pair of support surfaces located one on each side of the guide slot, in combination with a frame and at least a pair of trolley assemblies interposed between the rail and the frame for enabling movement of the frame relative to the rail along the guide slot. Each trolley assembly is formed with a head section that extends through the guide slot, and a wheel arrangement that is mounted to the head section. The wheel arrangement includes a pair of wheels between which the head section is located.

Abstract: A mobile storage system includes a number of storage units supported by a supporting surface, including first and second storage units that are movable toward and away from each other to create an aisle. A sensing system detects the presence of persons or objects in the aisle and the direction of movement of persons or objects into or out of the aisle. The sensing system includes exit zone sensors located adjacent an end area of the storage units that defines the end area of the aisle, and inner sensors located along an inner area of the storage units inwardly of the end area. The exit zone and inner sensors are located at generally the same elevation above the supporting surface. Each of the storage units includes a carriage that is movable relative to the supporting surface, and the sensors are mounted to the carriage via a sensor housing interconnected with the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile storage unit including an electric motor operably connected to wheels movably supporting the unit, and a motor brake operably connected to the electric motor. A shaft is rotatably mounted to the unit and supports the wheels on which the unit moves, and is engaged with an electric motor. The electric motor operates to rotate the shaft and the wheels to move the unit in the desired direction. Upon deactivation of the motor, the motor brake, which is also engaged with the shaft, operates to prevent any further rotation of the shaft to maintain the mobile storage unit in a specified location regardless of deflection of the surface on which the storage unit is positioned.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical safety braking device for use with a mobile storage unit forming a part of the mobile storage system. The device includes an actuating member disposed on a mobile storage unit that is operably connected via a mechanical means to a braking mechanism engaged with a motive system for the mobile storage unit. When the actuating member is engaged, the mechanical connection between the actuating member and the braking mechanism causes the braking mechanism to slow and ultimately cease the operation of the motive means and consequent movement of the mobile storage unit.

Abstract: A suspension-type storage unit that is particularly well suited for storing works of art or other hanging items in a space-efficient manner The storage unit includes a number of features that enable the storage unit to be moved between retracted and extended positions with a smooth, easy motion, without vibration, so as to protect and prevent damage to articles or items carried by the storage unit. The storage unit includes an overhead rail that defines a downwardly open guide slot and a pair of support surfaces located one on each side of the guide slot, in combination with a frame and at least a pair of trolley assemblies interposed between the rail and the frame for enabling movement of the frame relative to the rail along the guide slot. Each trolley assembly is formed with a head section that extends through the guide slot, and a wheel arrangement that is mounted to the head section. The wheel arrangement includes a pair of wheels between which the head section is located.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile storage system that includes a number of mobile storage units movably disposed with respect to one another and including a logic system. A signal from a motion control actuator on a mobile storage unit which is to move where an aisle is desired directs a run signal to at least one unit to cause one or multiple units to be driven successively away from a desired aisle. If multiple units are moved together, a motion control actuator on the unit adjacent the closing aisle is operated to move the actuated unit and the other units. The logic system remembers and maintains each new open aisle width and closed aisle width after the termination of a particular movement.

Abstract: A mobile storage system includes a number of storage units supported by a supporting surface, including first and second storage units that are movable toward and away from each other to create an aisle. A sensing system detects the presence of persons or objects in the aisle and the direction of movement of persons or objects into or out of the aisle. The sensing system includes exit zone sensors located adjacent an end area of the storage units that defines the end area of the aisle, and inner sensors located along an inner area of the storage units inwardly of the end area. The exit zone and inner sensors are located at generally the same elevation above the supporting surface. Each of the storage units includes a carriage that is movable relative to the supporting surface, and the sensors are mounted to the carriage via a sensor housing interconnected with the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile storage unit including an electric motor operably connected to wheels movably supporting the unit, and a motor brake operably connected to the electric motor. A shaft is rotatably mounted to the unit and supports the wheels on which the unit moves, and is engaged with an electric motor. The electric motor operates to rotate the shaft and the wheels to move the unit in the desired direction. Upon deactivation of the motor, the motor brake, which is also engaged with the shaft, operates to prevent any further rotation of the shaft to maintain the mobile storage unit in a specified location regardless of deflection of the surface on which the storage unit is positioned.

Abstract: A mobile storage unit includes a drive system which is operable in response to rotation of an actuator handle mounted to the mobile storage unit. A torque limiting mechanism is interposed between the actuator handle and the drive system, for rotating an input member of the drive system in response to rotation of the actuator handle. The torque limiting mechanism de-couples the actuator handle from the drive system input member when an excessive force is applied to the actuator handle, to prevent adverse effects which can result from application of an excessive force to the components of the drive system. The torque limiting mechanism includes a hub mounted to the actuator handle and an input member mounted to an input shaft associated with the mobile storage unit drive system, and prevents rotation of the input member when the force applied to the hub member exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An object detection system for use in detecting the presence of an object within a space, such as in an aisle of a mobile storage system bounded by at least one mobile storage unit, includes a pair of pivotable light emitter/receiver unit located outwardly of each side of the space and a series of reflectors located outwardly of each side of the space. Each emitter/receiver unit includes a pivotable emitter which emits a beam of light which passes across and through the space and impinges upon the reflectors located outwardly of the opposite side of the space. A receiver associated with each emitter/receiver unit receives reflected light from the reflectors. The presence of an object within the space prevents the light beam from reaching one or more of the reflectors, and the absence of one or more reflected light beams is detected such that operation of the mobile storage unit is prevented until the object exits or is removed from the space.

Abstract: A mobile storage unit includes a drive system which is operable in response to rotation of an actuator handle mounted to the mobile storage unit. A torque limiting mechanism is interposed between the actuator handle and the drive system, for rotating an input member of the drive system in response to rotation of the actuator handle. The torque limiting mechanism is operable to de-couple the actuator handle from the drive system input member when an excessive force is applied to the actuator handle, to prevent adverse effects which can result from application of an excessive force to the components of the drive system. The torque limiting mechanism includes a hub mounted to the actuator handle and an input member mounted to an input shaft associated with the mobile storage unit drive system.

Abstract: A rotary storage unit includes a cabinet defining an interior within which a rotary storage member is located. A latch mechanism is mounted to the cabinet, and selectively engages the rotary storage member for maintaining the storage member in either an open position or a closed position. A motorized actuator arrangement is interconnected with the latch mechanism, for selectively moving the latch mechanism between a latching position and a release position. The motorized actuator arrangement includes a motor which imparts movement to an actuator rod interconnected with the latch mechanism, for moving the latch mechanism between its latching and release positions in response to axial movement of the actuator rod. The motor moves the actuator rod so as to return the latch mechanism to its latching position after expiration of a predetermined time delay.

Abstract: A rotary storage unit includes a cabinet defining an interior within which a rotary storage member is located. A latch mechanism is mounted to the cabinet, and selectively engages the rotary storage member for maintaining the storage member in either an open position or a closed position. A motorized actuator arrangement is interconnected with the latch mechanism, for selectively moving the latch mechanism between a latching position and a release position. The motorized actuator arrangement includes a motor which imparts movement to an actuator rod interconnected with the latch mechanism, for moving the latch mechanism between its latching and release positions in response to axial movement of the actuator rod. The motor moves the actuator rod so as to return the latch mechanism to its latching position after expiration of a predetermined time delay.

Abstract: An object detection system for use in detecting the presence of an object within a space, such as in an aisle of a mobile storage system bounded by at least one mobile storage unit, includes a pair of pivotable light emitter/receiver unit located outwardly of each side of the space and a series of reflectors located outwardly of each side of the space. Each emitter/receiver unit includes a pivotable emitter which emits a beam of light which passes across and through the space and impinges upon the reflectors located outwardly of the opposite side of the space. A receiver associated with each emitter/receiver unit receives reflected light from the reflectors. The presence of an object within the space prevents the light beam from reaching one or more of the reflectors, and the absence of one or more reflected light beams is detected such that operation of the mobile storage unit is prevented until the object exits or is removed from the space.