Abstract: A music library system that is adapted for the storage of sheet music, is designed for semi-permanent installation in a room having adjoining walls and a floor and includes a frame that is fixedly, removably coupled to the floor and to at least one wall of the room. The frame defines a plurality of drawer openings. A plurality of drawers are movably supported on the floor. Each of the plurality of drawers is disposed in a retracted disposition in close proximity to at least one other drawer in a corresponding drawer opening. The drawers are extendable from the frame outwardly from the wall to an extended disposition wherein a drawer side opening is exposed. The drawer side opening provides access to the stored sheet music.

Abstract: A high density linear storage system comprising at least one storage unit mounted to a base frame assembly. The at least one storage unit may include a plurality of shelves or storage compartments for storing files, books, computer printouts and the like. A handle is mounted on an end of the at least one storage unit to facilitate the extension and retraction of the unit. The base frame assembly includes a stationary base frame and a movable carriage. The carriage further comprises a primary frame and an intermediate frame, which telescopically nest within the base frame when in a fully retracted position. Rollers are attached to the frame members of the intermediate frame and are configured to slidably engage channel members of the base frame and the primary frame. Retaining clips are provided to prevent extension of the primary and intermediate frames beyond a predetermined distance. A locking mechanism prevents the extension of more than one storage unit at a time.

Abstract: A supplemental storage rack system expanding the storage capacity of a high density storage rack system includes a supplemental rack disposed along and extending parallel to a side rack of the high density storage rack system. The supplemental rack receiving and supporting items.

Abstract: An assembly for storage and retrieval of materials consisting of a right gantry carrying track, a left gantry carrying track in parallel alignment with the right gantry carrying track, a right column, a left column, right column mounting means rollably mounting the right column upon the right gantry carrying track, left column mounting means rollably mounting the left column upon the left gantry carrying track, a lift beam having cantilevered lift arms fixedly attached thereto, lift beam mounting means mounting the lift beam upon the left and right columns so that the lift beam may be upwardly and downwardly moved, storage rack carrying tracks positioned between the gantry carrying tracks in parallel alignment, storage racks, and storage rack mounting means rollably mounting the storage racks upon the storage rack carrying tracks.

Abstract: A music library system that is adapted for the storage of sheet music, is designed for semi-permanent installation in a room having adjoining walls and a floor and includes a frame that is fixedly, removably coupled to the floor and to at least one wall of the room. The frame defines a plurality of drawer openings. A plurality of drawers are movably supported on the floor. Each of the plurality of drawers is disposed in a retracted disposition in close proximity to at least one other drawer in a corresponding drawer opening. The drawers are extendable from the frame outwardly from the wall to an extended disposition wherein a drawer side opening is exposed. The drawer side opening provides access to the stored sheet music.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved advance or release means and mechanisms for use with cart, pallet, slip sheet or unit load storage systems, including flow rack and transfer and return systems.

Abstract: High density mobile storage comprising a mobile carriage between two stationary end shelving structures. Photoelectric light beam emitters and receivers are installed in the stationary structures. The light beams emitted pass through a passage in the mobile carriage and through the aisles between the mobile carriage and stationary structures. The passage in the mobile carriage is shielded to prevent interference with the light beams. The photoelectric emitters and receivers cooperate with a control to prevent rolling of the mobile carriage in response to sensing the presence of a person in any aisle, and to enable rolling of the mobile carriage in response to sensing the absence of persons in all aisles. The light beams are located to produce reliable sensing of persons entering and leaving the aisles.

Abstract: A movable shelf arrangement has individual shelf members and tracks connected to the floor and extending parallel to one another perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the shelf members. A set of wheels is connected to each one of the shelf members for moving the shelf members on the tracks. At least some of the wheels of the set of wheels are driven. A drive is connected to each one of the driven wheels. A sensor arrangement is connected to each one of the shelf members for sensing alignment and lateral displacement of the wheels relative to the ideal line of movement on the tracks. A drive control unit is connected to each one of the driven wheels for receiving corrective control signals based on the detection signals of the sensor arrangement in order to correct the driven wheels with respect to alignment with the ideal line of movement.

Abstract: An effective connector mechanism is described which allows modules (10, 12) to be easily and reliably connected and disconnected. This connector mechanism includes a coordinated arrangement of guide plates (28, 54) featuring mating guide rails (56) and U-shaped channels (32) along with matched sets of tapered pins (38, 40) with tapered slots (58, 59). The pins and slots are "tapered" in the sense that the pins have a slanted surface (52) on the shank (44) directly underneath the head (42) which urges the guide plate surface adjoining the slot downward after engagement and the slots have a slanted edge (66) at their closed end (62) which maintains contact with the pin after engagement. When mated together, the rails, U-shaped channels, pins and slots lock the modules into engagement in virtually every direction.

Abstract: A storage for retaining CD cassettes or the like includes at least two opposed towers that are hingedly connected along adjacent upright peripheral segments of the towers. The towers include a plurality of aligned ribbed portions that retain the cassettes when the towers are moved to a first locked position. The storage rack permits ready hand access to the cassettes when moved to a second unlocked position.

Abstract: An effective connector mechanism is described which allows modules to be easily and reliably connected and disconnected. This connector mechanism includes a coordinated arrangement of guide plates featuring mating guide rails and U-shaped channels along with matched sets of tapered pins with tapered slots as well as a spring biased latching mechanism. When mated together, the rails, U-shaped channels, pins and slots lock the modules into engagement in every direction except the forward direction. To prevent forward disengagement, a spring biased latching assembly is provided. This latching assembly features two symmetrically operating latch handles which are each pivotally connected to a T-shaped pawl. When the latch handle is open, the T-shaped pawl rests at the bottom of a ramped runner cut into the walls one module's U-shaped guide channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving laterally accessible file storage or similar shelving units, from a stowed densely packed lateral array of such units, longitudinally to a full access position. The apparatus includes a wheeled carriage which travels over a flat supporting track laid in the path of the carriage as the unit is rolled longitudinally. The flexible track has a leveling feature which can accommodate uneven or varying level base floor surfaces. The flexible track is picked up by return movement of the carriage, leaving no exposed portion of the apparatus when the unit is stowed.

Abstract: A mechanism that automatically locks a movable storage unit against closure of an aisle between the unit and a blocking object such as a facing movable or stationary storage unit or a wall, while permitting continued opening of the aisle, without any electrical controls or power. A binding device is shiftable between a binding state permitting movement of the movable storage unit only away from the facing storage unit or wall, and a non-binding state permitting movement of the unit in either direction. The mechanism includes a clutch wheel which rotates with the wheels of the movable storage unit, and a resilient binding wheel, insertable between the clutch wheel and a stationary binding block. When the binding wheel is inserted as described, it will bind and preclude the clutch wheel from continuing to rotate towards the binding block. A latch is capable of holding the binding wheel out of binding state.

Abstract: The movable storage system includes a plurality of successive storage units, at least the intermediate storage units being mobile so as to form an access aisle between selected successive storage units. A detector system includes an array of infrared light sources on a lower edge of a first selected storage unit, a reflector on a lower edge of a second selected successive storage unit, and an array of corresponding infrared sensors on an upper edge of the first selected storage unit. Infrared light is directed from the light sources horizontally just above the floor to the reflector and reflected diagonally upward to the infrared sensors thereby detecting the presence or absence of obstructions both near the floor and at upper areas of the access aisle. The light sources and corresponding light sensors are sequentially activated and deactivated to eliminate cross-talk and interference between the various sensors.

Abstract: Items are stored in movable containers having multiple storage locations. The containers can be rows of storage units having shelves and bays in a mobile aisle storage system. The identity and location of each item is stored in a computer. To retrieve a selected item, its identity is entered into the computer. The computer automatically moves the containers to open the aisle where the selected item is stored to permit access to the item. The location of the item is indicated on a visible display which shows, for example, the shelf and bay number where the item is stored.

Abstract: Mobile storage cabinets which are "slide-by" cabinets, that is, the cabinets ride on a carriage in a longitudinal direction on a cabinet track to allow access to the contents of a posterior cabinet. The top surface of the posterior cabinet includes an anti-tip track which is substantially parallel to the cabinet track. The anti-tip track has a cylindrical groove with a longitudinally extending top opening which forms a slot. A football-shaped is captured in the groove to form a journaled follower which optionally includes roller bearing surfaces, vertical link extends through the slot and is joined at a fixed angle to a horizontal link which is pivotally joined to a bracket member attached to the back surface of a front cabinet. The bracket extends beyond the top of the cabinet. If multiple rows of cabinets are used, the anti-tip assemblies for the cabinets of each row are stepped so that they clear the top of posterior cabinets.

Abstract: All power supplies and LAN adapters required for multiple computer terminals in a networked environment packaged within one portable enclosure that functions as a shipping case. The enclosure is used as an overhead projector table and a printer stand.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a push-back cart storage system includes an outer side member having a notch, and a cart frame section having a wheel assembly supported on the outer side member and a latch assembly engageable with said notch. The mechanism prevents premature rearward rolling of unloaded carts in multiple cart push-back systems wherein the wheels of rearward rolling loaded carts roll on the unloaded carts.

Abstract: A laterally mobile modular storage cabinet system having improved anti-tip bracket secured to the wheeled carriage frame, and engaging the rail support pad. The anti-tip bracket is in the configuration of an inverted "T". The bracket includes an elongated leg portion with a cross-member forming a pair of transversely extending legs at the base thereof, and is formed of an acetal polymer with the repeating unit being oxymethylene, and with a melting point of between about 175.degree. C. and 181.degree. C. The rail support pad has a groove formed along the upper surface thereof to engage the anti-tip bracket, and the two transversely extending legs provide support to restrain arcuate tipping of the wheeled frame and cabinet enclosure from the rail support pad.

Abstract: Obstacles are protected against collision in aisles adjacent mobile storage units with an IR transmitter mounted in spaced apart relation to an IR receiver on a unit. For initializing and calibrating the system a microcomputer controls the transmitter to emit IR pulses of increasing width at a uniform repetition rate. If there is no defect in the system the receiver responds with output electric pulses after the IR pulse width is reached that has the minimum integrated energy to exceed the input signal threshold of the receiver. The minimum energy pulse width is stored in the microcomputer and the system switches to a run mode allowing storage units to move when commanded. The computer responds to the absence of returned pulses from the receiver by inhibiting the system so the mobile unit will not run.

Abstract: A rack assembly 10 that securely accommodates a stack of assorted electronic or modular units therein, such that the entire rack assembly, including the stacked units, is extensible along a detachable service stand so as to allow unrestricted service access to the stacked units. Such a rack assembly comprises a frame assembly, a base assembly, and a detachable service stand assembly.

Abstract: A movable storage system has one or more storage units, a plurality of flexible track elements conformable with an irregular supporting surface, and an individual base structure which supports each storage unit for movement along the track elements through roller members associated with particular track elements. The flexible track elements have a pair of cylindrical longitudinally extending track members supported by a flexible base. The roller members or wheels have a generally U-shaped external contour which encompasses the track elements and prevents derailing of the storage units.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a modular rail for use in the assembly of a mobile filing and storage system that includes cabinets each equipped with a roller carriage in their lower part. The rail is a longitudinal metallic extrusion that has a cross-section that defines a first open side section adapted to receive therein one side of a floor structure over which the system is mounted, an intermediate second section adapted to receive thereon roller members of the system carriage and a third section that consists of a first groove adapted to receive levelling bolts for vertically adjusting the extrusion relative to a floor on which the system is supported and a second groove adapted to removably receive a cover adapted to extend over the first groove. The cover is removed when the rail is used for expanding the system.

Abstract: A directional detector for use with a mobile storage system including at least a first movable storage unit with a prime mover adapted to move the shelving unit along a path of movement, and at least one blocking object, such as a second movable storage unit, a stationary storage unit or a wall, positioned on the path, there being an aisle formed therebetween. The directional detector detects the entry of an obstacle into the aisle and prevents movement of the first unit until the obstacle is detected to have left the aisle. The detector includes two light source-detector pairs, the source and detector of each pair mounted to each of the first unit and the blocking object on opposite sides of the aisle, and facing each other. A control unit is connected to the light detectors of the pairs and receives signals therefrom, indicating whether or not the detectors are receiving light from the sources.

Abstract: A brake wedge for rail-mounted cabinets which allows the movement of the cabinets to be automatically or manually prevented. The cabinet includes a number of wheels which are guided by floor-supported rails. The brake wedge has a curved profile and is operably connected to an actuating mechanism. The wedges are positioned adjacent each wheel of the cabinet and slightly above the rails. When the actuating mechanism is engaged by an object, one or more of the brake wedges are forced toward the wheels, causing the curved profile of the brake wedges to frictionally engage the wheels and thereby prevent further rotational movement of the wheel. A spring biases the actuating mechanism to an outward or normal position. The actuating mechanism, which defines an outer surface or portion of the base section, is preferably at or slightly above floor level and is thereby engaged and operated by virtually any object on the floor, such as a box or a person's foot.

Abstract: A presence detector for detecting the presence of a heat source, including a motion detector having a predetermined field of view. The motion detector is activated by movement of a heat source a certain minimum amount within that predetermined field of view. An actuator is provided for moving the motion detector sufficient to change the position of the field of view by at least that minimum amount. The actuator includes a shape memory alloy wire. The motion detector is movably or rotatably mounted to a support. The actuator is connected at one end to the motion detector and at the other to the support. The actuator also includes a biasing or return spring for re-stretching the shape memory alloy wire back to its original length once it has contracted. A strain relief spring is also provided, having a spring rate substantially higher than that of the return spring, for relieving strain on the shape memory alloy wire in case the detector rotatable mounting seizes or otherwise is prevented from moving freely.

Abstract: A storage system with movable units is equipped with emitters for providing a series of radiant energy beams directed along an array of parallel paths through passages beneath the movable units. A control computer stops movement of the movable units in response to blockage of any path. Additionally, the system compares the identities of paths blocked on one cycle with those blocked on a prior cycle to determine whether unblocking of a path is due to a person or other object leaving the work area or is due by a condition in which the system has lost track of the person or object. In the latter case, the system inhibits operation of the movable units even if all paths are unblocked.

Abstract: A mechanism that automatically locks a movable storage unit against closure of an aisle between the unit and a blocking object such as a facing movable or stationary storage unit or wall, while permitting continued opening of the aisle, without any electrical controls. A ratcheting device, such as a pawl and a toothed wheel, is shiftable between a ratcheting state permitting movement of the movable storage unit only away from the facing storage unit or wall, and a non-ratcheting state permitting movement of the unit in either direction. The mechanism includes a bar biased toward the facing storage unit or wall, and a drive shaft rotated by the bar and driving a cam block to shift the pawl from its non-ratcheting state to its ratcheting state due to the movable storage unit having moved away from the facing storage unit or wall by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A collapsible multilayer container includes a cover and a plurality of housings in which the housings are pivotally connected one by one so as to be collapsible for spacial savings and expandable for charming outlooks. The cover includes a pair of handles pivotally connected thereto for carrying purpose. And, the cover and the housings are securely locked together by a locking device.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a system of movable storage units is actuated passively to prevent the storage units from moving back toward one another once an access aisle has been created therebetween. The locking mechanism includes a first gear which rotates with the operating handle during movement of a storage unit and a floating gear mounted to a support plate so that it meshes with the first gear. After a storage unit has been moved in one direction to create an access aisle, rotating the operating handle to move the storage unit in the opposite direction to close the aisle will cause the support member and floating gear to pivot toward a position in which the floating gear is engaged with an arresting member, whereupon the storage unit will be locked from movement in that opposite direction. A logic system controls the actuation of the locking mechanism responsive to the position of the storage unit with respect to adjacent storage units.

Abstract: A presence detector for use with a mobile storage system including at least a first movable storage unit with a prime mover adapted to move the shelving unit along a path of movement, and at least one blocking object, such as a second movable storage unit, a stationary storage unit or a wall, positioned on the path. The presence detector detects the presence of an obstacle in the path of movement and discontinues movement of the first unit while the obstacle is in the path of movement. The presence detector includes at least one light source mounted to either the first unit or the blocking object so as to provide light into the path of movement. At least one light detector is mounted to the blocking object or first unit, respectively, opposite the light source. A control unit is connected to the light detector and receives a signal from the light detector, that signal indicating whether or not the light detector is receiving light from the light source.

Abstract: Rack arrangement designed for installation in, for example, a warehouse or a factory for storage of loads. A pair of stationary racks having a plurality of vertically and/or laterally partitioned storage spaces are arranged in spaced parallel relation. A movable rack or racks having a plurality of similarly partitioned storage spaces are arranged between the two stationary racks, with a working space defined between the facades of any selected pair of adjacent racks. A rail is mounted on the top of each stationary rack and supported thereon. A girder supported and guided by the pair of rails is movable along the length of the rails. A load transfer unit is supported and guided by the girder for movement within the working space. The load transfer unit includes a take-in/take-out device which is up-and-down movable within the transfer unit, able to support a load, and is retractably movable relative to a storage space for delivery of the load to and from the storage space.

Abstract: A low cost, multiflavor, compact, versatile, convertible beverage dispenser that can be installed in different orientations so as to be able to fit in available space. This dispenser can operate frontways or sideways by virtue of a cup-receiving, beverage dispensing recess located at the corner of a front wall and a side wall and a button panel that can be placed above the recess on either the front or side wall.

Abstract: A storage rack system for providing high density storage of data cartridges. The storage rack system includes high density center racks having storage capability on opposing sides of the racks. Movable racks having upper rollers recessed below the plane of the upper surface of the movable racks and lower rollers are mounted on the system on both sides of the center racks. The movable racks allow access to at least one column of tape cartridge holders supported on the center racks. Brake members are resiliently mounted on the lower surfaces of the outer movable racks enabling the movable members to come to a complete stop without excessive jarring of the racks or tape cartridge holders.

Abstract: A lateral mobile storage system is disclosed in which the weight of the rear, fixed storage unit rests upon the foot of an anti-tip underlayment. The anti-tip underlayment has an arm extending forwardly upon which rests the rear track for the mobile storage unit held in correct alignment thereby with the fixed storage unit. The mobile storage unit carriage includes a rearwardly extending finger which engages a retainer on the anti-tip underlayment to prevent the mobile storage unit from tipping forwardly. The components are provided in modular lengths and need not be affixed to the floor.

Abstract: A low cost, multiflavor, compact, versatile, convertible beverage dispenser that can be installed in any one of several different orientations so as to be able to fit in almost any available space. This dispenser can operate frontways or sideways and has a dispense module that is separable from a refrigeration module and that can go on top of a counter while the refrigeration module goes below. This dispenser can be used with either figals or bag-in-box and can be easily modified to dispense different numbers of beverages. When used with bag-in-box the dispenser includes built-in syrup pumps. The dispenser can also be used with a separate, additional narrower dispense module, when the built-in dispense module is too wide for a particular installation.

Abstract: A detection system is disclosed for a mobile storage system which causes the storage system to prevent movement of a storage element whenever a person is detected in an aisle between storage elements. The detection system uses a presence or motion detector for detecting the presence of a person in an open aisle without direct contact between the person and the detection system. Preferably, a radar transceiver operating in X-band is positioned to overlie each open aisle to detect presence of movement of a person in an open aisle, even slight movement such as breathing. The storage system in which the detection system is connected prevents any closing movement of a storage element adjacent an aisle in which a person is detected so as to avoid frightening the person in the aisle.

Abstract: A movable shelving system comprising a locking system that automatically activates when a rack is moved a short distance and that allows a user to reset or open the lock at any time. A scissors type element is mounted across adjacent racks and is connected via a slip clutch to a drive rod such that separating the racks causes the rod to rotate displacing a bracket which toggles a locking device.

Abstract: A control circuit for continually testing a photoelectric detector. The detector includes a light source, and a photoelectric receiver having a predetermined drop-out time, attached to a movable storage carriage, spaced apart and substantially sightaligned. The carriage has a reversible electric motor which is controlled by the control circuit, including at least two relays, the contacts of which are connected in series so that the contacts of both must be closed in order for the motor to be energized. The relay drop-out time is substantially longer than the receiver drop-out time. In the circuit, an inverter is connected between the second coil and the light source. This inverter inverts signals received from the second coil and passes them to the light source so that receipt of a signal at the receiver causes the light source to turn off, in turn causing a loss of signal at the receiver, resulting in the light source turning on.

Abstract: A modular storage system permits access to elevated shelves. A plurality of multishelved racks are movable together and apart on rollers or wheels in a room. Each rack includes a number of shelf stacks. Side-by-side stacks are interconnected so that the rack extends in a direction perpendicular to its direction of movement. Supported by wall of the room are plural catwalks which pass between adjacent shelves of each stack in each rack. The catwalks permit a person standing thereon to gain access to shelves above the catwalk. Selected racks may include facilities for supporting the catwalks without hindering rack movement.

Abstract: A latch for securing the hinged back box of a pinball game to a horizontal playfield cabinet engages a self-contained secondary tab when not engaging a locking tab on the back box preventing damage to the locking mechanism of the latch when the game is prepared for shipment.

Abstract: A safety floor construction comprising plural floor sections suspended on springs such that each floor section is depressed whenever a person stands on that floor section while in an aisle between carriages. One or more safety switches are mounted on each carriage. The switch actuators engage the floor sections. When a floor section is depressed by a user, the switch is actuated and interrupts the motor drive circuit for the carriages. Thus, the adjacent carriages cannot move.The movable floor is constituted of individual reinforced plywood panels provided at their edges with metal which are contacted by the spring supports. Moreover, the floor panel spring supports are mounted under the rail attached to the sub floor and require no attachment to the panel.

Abstract: A storage, transportation and retrieval system, and accompanying storage racks, are disclosed for increasing the effective storage capacity of the storage racks, providing simultaneous access to two adjacent storage racks, requiring less call-ups to locate desired items. The system is so arranged that it can be implemented to occupy less area. The storage racks are constructed to provide access to its storage area from at least either side of the storage rack. The system is arranged to move the storage racks in a path which may be of virtually any shape. A circular or substantially similar path imparts the advantages of permitting ready access to any two adjacent storage racks.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, cartridge storage racks are subject to being arranged end-to-end and back-to-back in stationary rows; and, adapted to be mounted to slide alongside the front of each row are similar racks. The number of stationary racks, without disturbing existing racks, may be extended to the extent of room space; and track elements may be added as needed to the extent of the rows of stationary racks for sliding thereon additional slide racks. The slide racks are subject to sliding relative to the stationary racks in such manner as not to block full access of an individual to the stationary racks; and means is provided whereby the slide racks are subject to being braked against overtravel relative to the stationary racks.

Abstract: The housing of a switch assembly has four plastic walls which are joined integrally during molding and encompass a nominally open area. A panel spans across the front of the opening and is molded integrally with the walls. The panel has a laterally extending slit and several slits which are perpendicular to the lateral slit and divide the panel into cantilever supported deflectable push button switch operators. At the front of the switch housing and covering part of the area of the opening is a swingable door which conceals a multiple contact connector. Several different types of key devices are adapted for plugging into the connector for modifying the ordinary functions of the switch assembly. When used on a mobile storage system unit, one key overrides the controls when a safety device is activated. Another key device can be plugged in to dominate control over the normal push buttons of the switch assembly. Another key device is adapted to supply emergency power from a battery power pack.

Abstract: A limit switch assembly for mounting on mobile storage units has first and second limit switches secured in spaced relationship. A switch operating rod is spring biased to extend from the assembly by a predetermined amount into an open aisle or where there is no proximate storage unit and there is a cam element on the rod which holds the first switch in closed circuit condition to enable a motor on the unit and drive it into the open aisle space and when the rod touches a stop as the unit means reached the limit of its travel the cam shifts to open the first switch to initiate a deceleration interval which terminates when the cam retracts enough to open the second switch which disables the motor.

Abstract: A selectively operable, continuous-loop conveyor provides support and transporation of containers containing spices or the like to and from a transfer station in which the containers are inserted in or removed from carriers which support them along the conveyor. The carriers include guide members which maintain the relative orientation between the carriers and the track. A drive hub with fingers extending into the track forces carriers disposed in that region adjacent to the fingers along a portion of the track, and thereby forcing other carriers in the track around the track. Further, a bar extending across the face of the rack has two ends, each of which may be pushed to drive the carriers in a corresponding different direction. Each carrier is in the form of a downwardly facing cup with spaced inwardly extending, biased members which engage the edges of a container inserted in the cup.

Abstract: An anti-tip mechanism for a mobile storage system. The system includes movable carriages, each having a pair of wheels journaled to the carriage frame, and adapted to be moved along tracks on a building floor. The anti-tip mechanism includes a pair of catch rails adjacent to and co-extensive with the tracks. Each catch rail includes an upper horizontal portion projecting toward the track, supported by an upright support member. Two hook plates are spaced apart and attached to the carriage frame for each of the catch rails. Each hook plate has a lower leg projecting beneath the top horizontal portion of the respective catch rail. The attachment of each hook plate to the carriage frame is via an L-tab, which has an insert portion inserted into a slot in the hook plate and a slot in the carriage frame, and an overlay portion overlying the hook plate. The overlay portion is attached to the carriage frame over the hook plate by any suitable removable attachment, such as a threaded fastener.

Abstract: A mobile storage system includes mobile carriages that roll on rails embedded in a building floor. The carriages are driven along the rails by at least two flanged wheels that engage a grooved rail. The flanged wheels are preferably mounted in parallel channels located at the center of the carriages. The flanged wheels are driven in synchronization by a sprocket and chain drive. Either electric or manual power may be provided. In both cases, the sproket and chain drive is adjustable to provide proper chain tension to the wheels to improve tracking. Chain adjustment may be accomplished by an idler sprocket movably mounted to a carriage channel.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, cartridge storage racks are subject to being arranged end-to-end and back-to-back in stationary rows; and, adapted to be mounted to slide alongside the front of each row are similar racks. The number of stationary racks, without disturbing existing racks, may be extended to the extent of room space; and track elements may be added as needed to the extent of the rows of stationary racks for sliding thereon additional slide racks. The slide racks are subject to sliding relative to the stationary racks in such manner as not to block full access of an individual to the stationary racks; and means is provided whereby the slide racks are subject to being braked against over-travel relative to the stationary racks.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/003,277, filed Dec. 10, 1993, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).