Relatively Movable Patents (Class 312/201)
  • Patent number: 5005923
    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 reaches 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Dean L. Dahnert
  • Patent number: 5004304
    Abstract: There is described an arrangement for movably and guidingly supporting articles or furniture, such as enclosed shelving systems, cabinets, cupboards and like articles. The arrangement includes a carriage (2) which is provided with guide wheels (8) and runners (6) and which is intended to be placed beneath the article of furniture to be supported. The arrangement further comprises at least two mutually parallel rails (3, 4) which are placed on a floor surface or like supporting surface and which co-act with the wheels and runners on the carriage (2) in moving and guiding the article of furniture carried thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Swede Space Design AB
    Inventors: Hans Segerpalm, Ante Eklund
  • Patent number: 4991725
    Abstract: A compact storage system, mountable for operation on a flat base platform, includes at least one guide rail having a roof and two legs depending from the roof thereby defining an inverted, generally U-shaped continuous channel. The guide rail is mounted in spaced generally mutually parallel relation to the base platform with its legs projecting toward the base platform so that the channel opens downwardly. The compact storage system further includes at least one movable storage unit that is supported for translational movement on the base platform. One or more guide rollers are mounted on the storage unit to be received in the channel of the guide rail with the guide roller being formed to engage either one of the legs of the rail for movement relative thereto. Accordingly, translational movement of the storage unit is confined to a path defined by the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: InterMetro Industries Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Welsch, John J. Chapko, Robert J. Cohn, Daniel C. Dubin, Robert J. Carver
  • Patent number: 4979785
    Abstract: A mounting system is provided for use in supporting a plurality of members to provide support for or storage of a plurality of relatively small items in a compact space. The mounting system provides ready access to any one of such members and to any one of those items supported or stored for servicing or removal. The mounting system finds application for use with storage compartments and also for use with support panels for the support and mounting of items such as electronic components in a compact area to provide ready and easy access thereto for replacement or servicing. A plurality of storage compartments or planar support members are hingedly connected one to the other so as to be foldable one against the other and unfolded to a desired extended position whereby to provide a storage or support unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Norman R. Richards
  • Patent number: 4975804
    Abstract: An electrical control module has electrical components on a circuit board inside of a box which is open on a side opposite of its bottom. A molding section is mounted to one side wall of the box. This molding has the same cross-sectional configuration as a molding which is installed on the edge of the side wall of a mobile storage unit. The side wall molding has a gap in it. The end wall of the storage unit is composed of two parallel upstanding panel members which are spaced apart from each other. The molding extends up to the gap from below and down to the gap from above. The control module slides into the gap and into the space between the panels. The section of molding on the module becomes flush with the molding on the storage unit when the module is inserted in the gap. Means are provided for releasably locking the module in the end wall of the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: Dean L. Dahnert, Marvin L. Runge
  • Patent number: 4911507
    Abstract: A mobile storage system universal anti-tipping system includes at least one auxiliary track and at least one anti-tip structure attached to the mobile shelving carriage and retained by the track. The auxiliary track defines a gap which cooperates with an extended portion of the anti-tip structure to prevent the carriage and supported mobile storage unit from tipping over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Pipp Mobile Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan R. Leist
  • Patent number: 4865322
    Abstract: A game cabinet for pinball machines including a horizontal and vertical playfield comprises a horizontal case for the horizontal playfield and a vertical case for the vertical playfield. The two cases are pivotably interconnected so the vertical case can be positioned on top of, and parallel to, the horizontal case for transporting the pinball machine. The vertical case also has a pivotable marquee and a removable vertical playfield for service access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Krutsch
  • Patent number: 4834607
    Abstract: This invention relates to a storage system comprising a rack having at least two opposite walls each wall being provided with several horizontal tracks, one above the other, for permanently applied carriages running along the tracks, the carriages at the first wall cooperating with the carriages at the second wall so that the carriages in pairs serve as a support for a load carrying element extending between the carriages on each horizontal plane possibly with the exception of a lower plane being movable in such a way that it is possible to create a free space above each load carrier element, a hoisting device being movable horizontally above the load carrier elements and vertically in the free space above any of the uncovered carrier elements. Each horizontal track or cooperating pair of tracks has a common drive means by means of which a suitable number of the carriages which are moved along the track or tracks can be moved simultaneously to form the free space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Electrolux Constructor Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Anders S. Back
  • Patent number: 4802622
    Abstract: A compact mobile storage system structure and method. The structure includes a sigle track having rail and guide portions for each row of separate storage units and structure for compensating for drift of the individual storage units including adjusting screws for effecting leveling of the single track or varying the slope of the single track. The structure of the invention further includes annular lubricating members in recesses on each side of rotatably mounted wheels on the individual storage units. The method of the invention includes guiding the individual units of a compact mobile storage system along a single track at one edge of the storage units and compensating for drift of the individual units by adjusting the slope of the single track so that it is opposite the slope of the floor at the opposite edge of the individual storage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Homan Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Homan
  • Patent number: 4789210
    Abstract: A movable cabinetry system is provided for an enclosure having an elongate wall, a floor, door means for gaining access to the enclosure, and stationary cabinetry having elongate front and back portions, the back portion of which is positioned along and fixed in place relative to the elongate wall. The movable cabinetry system comprises a track assembly positioned on the floor adjacent to and co-extensive with at least a major portion of the elongate front portion of the stationary cabinetry; and at least one carriage assembly longitudinally movable on the track assembly and adapted to support a cabinet thereon for longitudinal movement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: White Home Products Inc.
    Inventors: Morton A. Weiss, Robert F. Weiskopf
  • Patent number: 4783618
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of movable units for selective movement with respect to one another using operator initiation devices sensitive to heat, capacitance or reflected electromagnetic wave transmissions. Interlock and safety arrangements protect inadvertent unit movement when individuals and objects are interposed between the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Acme Visible Records, Inc
    Inventor: Floyd M. Artrip
  • Patent number: 4773809
    Abstract: A device in the storage system having movable units placed one beside the other and provided with shelves, the units being movable sidewise on tracks in order to form a passage between two units movable in opposite directions, the passage allowing access to the units, and a handling device movable into said passage for loading or unloading of articles into and out of the units. The tracks carrying the movable units are composed of interspaced sections placed on the floor which are provided with upwardedly directed support wheels or rollers, and that in the interspaces uninterrupted rails extend therein upon which said handling devices are movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Electrolux Constructor Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Tomas H. Petersson, Lars Magnusson, Alve S. Steinfeldt
  • Patent number: 4772176
    Abstract: A warehouse contains a fixed number of pallet-carrying primary modules (7) arranged in a rectangular block (8) and further arranged in side-by-side parallel longitudinal rows. A working row (A) provides an exposed front side (9) adjacent a worker's station (12, 13) with at least one storage row (B) disposed behind the working row and forming a single working aisle (18) if desired. A secondary module (S) is disposed externally of the block. The secondary module (S) is positioned at the upstream end of the working row and pushes the entire row downstream, causing the secondary module to join the block and the downstream primary module (45) to exit the block. The newly exited module is then moved transversely to the downstream end of a storage row, and the entire row pushed upstream, causing the exited module (45) to again join the block and the upstream primary module (46) in that row to exit the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Harold S. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 4770475
    Abstract: A mobile storage system is provided with safety devices that increase the stability of the movable carriages. The safety devices includes shoe plates mounted to the carriages proximate each carriage wheel and above the rails. A nylon shoe is attached to the bottom of each shoe plate near the rail. The shoe plates are adjustable to position the shoe with minimum running clearances with the rails. Only a small amount of initial tipping causes the shoes to contact the rails and support a carriage against further tipping. The increased spread between the anti tip shoes compared with the spread between the wheels provides increased resistance to overturning forces by the square of the ratio of the spreads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Peterman
  • Patent number: 4764049
    Abstract: A mounting structure is disclosed including two pairs of spaced apart parallel rails with a longitudinal slot separating each of the pair. A trackway is formed under each pair of rails and a slider is slidable in the trackway and may be connected to a third rail orthogonally mounted on the pairs of rails, by means of a bolt passing through the slider and engaging a nut in a T-shaped slot in the third rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Pace Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert G. Brown, William J. Siegel
  • Patent number: 4763965
    Abstract: The invention provides a printer table with a paper carriage, such that, at least, four grades of paper can be held in readiness without difficulty, each of them properly arranged for feeding. The paper carriage is able to be inserted beneath the printer table. The printer table has a bottom frame, open at one wide side, with a traverse element at the opposite broadside (or wide side) and vertical posts at the four corners of the bottom frame. The width of the paper carriage corresponds to the distance between the two posts which define the limits of the open wide side of the printer table. The paper carriage includes one bottom or base plate or a plurality of bottom, or base, plates having raised edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Reppel-Plastic GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Reppel
  • Patent number: 4759592
    Abstract: A movable storage unit control system is provided with: a leading edge safety tape switch for contacting it to bring a driven unit to a stop; a processor for generating move and stop command signals; a plurality of circuits through which test signals are transmitted under control of the processor and which are returned to the processor coincidentally with their transmission through a current sensor if the circuit tests good; a procedure for having the processor address a test signal to a nonexistent circuit to determine if the current sensor has failed and is allowing return of signals when it should not; circuits for setting minimum and maximum speed of the motors that drive the storage units; a circuit for setting the intensity of dynamic braking of the drive motors; and, a watchdog circuit that shuts down the processor upon occurrence of intense temporary electrical noise or software execution errors and is involved in causing the processor to shut down and block all commands to the system if the processor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Dean L. Dahnert
  • Patent number: 4745516
    Abstract: A mobile storage system includes movable carriages that are stoppable by solenoid operated mechanical safety brakes. The solenoids are controlled by an electrical circuit that includes a safety floor and/or a safety sweep. Actuating the respective safety switches activates the circuit to energize the solenoids for operating the brakes. The safety floor portion of the circuit is designed to energize the brake as long as a safety floor switch is actuated. The safety floor circuit portion contains a timing device that holds the solenoid in the energized condition for at least 3 seconds after deactuation of the actuated safety switch, so that a person walking across the floor does not cause the solenoids to chatter. The safety sweep circuit contains first timing means for deenergizing the solenoid approximately 3 seconds after safety sweep switch actuation. If the actuated switch remains open after approximately 5 minutes, or if a safety sweep switch fails, an audio alarm sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Griffin
  • Patent number: 4743078
    Abstract: A movable storage unit control system is provided with: a leading edge safety tape switch for contacting it to bring a driven unit to a stop; a processor for generating move and stop command signals; a plurality of circuits through which test signals are transmitted under control of the processor and which are returned to the processor coincidentally with their transmission through a current sensor if the circuit tests good; a procedure for having the processor address a test signal to a nonexistent circuit to determine if the current sensor has failed and is allowing return of signals when it should not; circuits for setting minimum and maximum speed of the motors that drive the storage units; a circuit for setting the intensity of dynamic braking of the drive motors; and, a watchdog circuit that shuts down the processor upon occurrence of intense temporary electrical noise or software execution errors and is involved in causing the processor to shut down and block all commands to the system if the processor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Dean L. Dahnert
  • Patent number: 4733923
    Abstract: A movable storage unit control system is provided with: a leading edge safety tape switch for contacting it to bring a driven unit to a stop; a processor for generating move and stop command signals; a plurality of circuits through which test signals are transmitted under control of the processor and which are returned to the processor coincidentally with their transmission through a current sensor if the circuit tests good; a procedure for having the processor address a test signal to a nonexistent circuit to determine if the current sensor has failed and is allowing return of signals when it should not; circuits for setting minimum and maximum speed of the motors that drive the storage units; a circuit for setting the intensity of dynamic braking of the drive motors; and, a watchdog circuit that shuts down the processor upon occurrence of intense temporary electrical noise or software execution errors and is involved in causing the processor to shut down and block all commands to the system if the processor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Dean L. Dahnert
  • Patent number: 4709971
    Abstract: A computer work station for use with a computer system includes two sections, a front section and a rear section, pivotably connected about an exterior pivot axis. The rear section includes shelves for supporting some components of the computer system, such as the CPU, display monitor, keyboard and modem. A keyboard shelf is slidably disposed within the rear section, while other shelves are fixedly mounted therewithin. A common power strip is disposed between two of the shelves of the rear section for providing a single connection of at least some of the components of the computer system to an exterior power source. The front section includes a front panel which extends substantially the entire height of the computer work station, and includes a cork strip for posting memoranda and the like thereon. The front section further includes shelves for supporting other components of the computer system, such as a printer and its associated box of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Global Equipment Company
    Inventors: Richard Leeds, Arthur Roberts
  • Patent number: 4708411
    Abstract: A mobile storage system has improved safety features on the movable carriages. The safety features include an anti tip mechanism having dual plate for cooperating with respective channels fastened to the rails. The dual plates and channel design prevents disengagement of the plates from the channels if a carriage should lurch to one side. An adjustable safety stop limits carriage end travel to selected locations along the rails. A locking mechanism temporarily locks the carriages in desired locations. The locking mechanism includes a rack that is adjustably positionable along the rails and that is also reversible to meet any locking requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Peterman
  • Patent number: 4706466
    Abstract: An under the counter ice making machine has a refrigerator for producing ice cube bearing slabs. A freezer compartment support means includes a bottom compartment having a rear panel extending upwardly to a top panel. The evaporator of the refrigerator is attached to the rear panel adjacent to the top panel and the remainder of the refrigerator components are supported in the bottom compartment which has an open top. A separate unitary freezer compartment includes an integrally formed ice bin portion and a top portion. When the freezer compartment is resting on the bottom compartment of the support means the top portion coacts with the evaporator bearing rear wall end to enclose the top portion. Thus, the freezer compartment is slidably mounted on the bottom compartment so that the bottom of the ice bin portion closes the bottom compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Mile High Equipment Company
    Inventors: Thomas E. Yingst, Fredrick A. Weis
  • Patent number: 4678981
    Abstract: A portable electrical power source to provide electrical energy to movable carriages of mobile storage systems during an electrical power failure, a malfunction of motor control circuitry and/or safety related controls and movement of movable carriages during installation of mobile storage system before standard control system has been installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Murray
  • Patent number: 4647043
    Abstract: A pinball machine has an upper display cabinet pivotally movable with respect to a lower playfield cabinet between an upright use position spaced well above the lower cabinet with the rear walls of the upper and lower cabinets substantially coplanar and a forwardly folded-down position closely overlying the lower cabinet. The upper cabinet is supported on a support assembly which includes upper and lower pairs of support posts, respectively mounted inside the upper and lower cabinets on the rear walls thereof, with each post having a forwardly projecting pivot portion, the upper and lower pivot portions being pivotally interconnected at their forward ends. The lower posts project well above the lower cabinet, and the pivot portions and the pivot pin are all disposed entirely within the upper cabinet. The upper cabinet is supported by the support assembly in both its upright and folded positions and, in its upright position permits a clear view of the entire playfield by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Wico Corporation
    Inventor: Max Wiczer
  • Patent number: 4620754
    Abstract: A magazine for supplying material and/or tools to robots or like apparatus which includes two units in the form of chests of drawers. The drawers are movable into the free space between the units by a mechanism which includes hydraulic or like means for moving a follower member which carries hydraulic or like cylinders for selective actuation of follower pins. The follower pins are arranged for selective interaction with holes in the extended side walls of the drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anders H. Lycke, Curt R. Soderquist
  • Patent number: 4618191
    Abstract: An anti-tip device is useful for preventing a mobile storage system movable carriage from tipping. The anti-tip device includes an arm pivotable between inoperative and operative modes. In the inoperative mode, the arm hangs in an open position to permit the carriage to be placed on the system rails. With the carriage on the rails, the arm is pivotable to the operative mode wherein a hook on the arm slidingly engages an undercut surface of a longitudinal groove in the rail. The arm is pinned to the carriage when in the operative mode. A tipping force is resisted by contact between the pinned arm hook and the rail undercut surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Peterman
  • Patent number: 4616888
    Abstract: A mobile storage system includes a safety brake for smoothly stopping a moving carriage. The brake is operated from readily assessible positions in the aisles between carriages, thus minimizing the risk of injury to persons in the aisles if another person starts a carriage. The brake includes a notched plate which normally rotates with a carriage axle. Upon actuation of a safety switch, a toothed lever mounted to the carriage frame engages the plate, thereby preventing it from rotating. Friction discs on either side of the plate dissipate the carriage kinetic energy into heat and thereby stop the carriage. The control circuit includes a timer so that the person may safely leave the aisle before the carriage can again be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Peterman
  • Patent number: 4616889
    Abstract: A mobile storage system includes an anti-roll safety brake for preventing undesired rolling of a movable carriage. The anti-roll brake is engaged continuously so that a portion of the power required to move a carriage is expended in overcoming the friction force of the brake. Upon removal of the power source, such as de-energizing an electric drive motor, the anti-roll brake prevents all unpowered rolling of the carriage, and it continues to hold the carriage in place until the drive motor is again energized. The anti-roll brake is particularly useful in mobile storage systems in which the guide rails cannot be installed in a level attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Peterman
  • Patent number: 4615449
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a movable rack from falling down comprises a tubular rail extending horizontally above the movable rack, a pair of U-shaped brackets each of which is provided on a top of the movable rack spaced apart from each other in a direction of the movement of the rack, and a pair of rollers provided in each of the brackets vertically separate from each other. The rollers are so disposed that the tubular rail extends between the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Elecompack Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Hanichiro Naito, Masamichi Miura
  • Patent number: 4607896
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a mobile storage system comprises a reciprocable lock bar selectively engageable with a rack fastened to a system track. The lock bar is moved into and out of engagement with the rack by a push-pull cable actuated by a conventional key and lock device. The lock bar is urged into engagement with the rack by a spring. Each rack tooth is formed with a vertical and a sloping surface, and the lock bar has cooperating surfaces. When the mobile storage unit is moved in one direction the lock bar ratchets over the teeth sloping surfaces against the spring bias, but movement is prevented in the opposite direction because the spring urges the lock bar vertical surface into cooperating engagement with a rack tooth vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Peterman
  • Patent number: 4597615
    Abstract: A moveable storage system having 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. One or more of the roller members is a load leveling articulated wheel assembly having a pair of spaced roller wheels operative to pivot about an articulation shaft to conform with flexible track profiles to accommodate supporting surface irregularities under and between various track elements spaced along the length of the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Andersen & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Steger
  • Patent number: 4596923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved calculator housing which includes a number-entry key housing having two lugs extending longitudinally from its upper ends, each with a first annular boss projecting inwardly from the lugs; a display housing having a hollow cylindrical extension portion with a circular protrusion at one of its end and a second boss at the other end, which extends between the lugs of the number-entry key housing; both the circular protrusion and the second annular boss being movably inserted into the first annular bosses, and means for interengaging the first and second annular bosses to limit the movement of the second annular boss relative to the second annular boss so that the display housing can be folded relative to the number-entry key housing adjusted and fixed in a suitable position according to the user's need, for seeing the display clearly and comfortably in practical use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Aurora Mechatronics Corp.
    Inventor: Calven Kuo
  • Patent number: 4588236
    Abstract: A rotary file cabinet having two opposed open sides and two opposed walled sides mounted upon a rotatable base for selective rotation to present either its open or walled sides to face the user; the cabinet being of quadrate form adapted to be aligned in a row with similar cabinets and in spaced relation to each other so as to enable free unobstructed rotation of one relative to the other; the cabinet having a door hinged to each vertical side of each side wall thereof adapted in a closed condition to cover over one-half of the spacing between the cabinet and its neighbors so as to present with a similar condition of the neighboring cabinets a continuous wall appearance; and the cabinet including spring loaded lever means connecting diagonally opposed doors of the cabinet with each other, the lever means adapted upon an initial manual turning of a selected door to effect a corresponding turning of the opposed door and adapted upon the doors being turned approximately 90 degrees to react and cause both opposed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Frank Potter
  • Patent number: 4560078
    Abstract: A tray or case structure comprises a plurality of stacked trays mounted for rotation about a common post. The trays have interengaging catch formations effective to fan the trays out from a retracted superimposed position responsive to manual rotation of the uppermost tray, and depending peripheral skirt portions providing support for each tray. The trays telescope one into another in the retracted position, and the device is useful, for example, as a display device for cosmetics and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: Joseph E. Dubuisson
  • Patent number: 4557534
    Abstract: One or more movable storage units each having a reversible motor for driving the units on tracks between stationary storage units to open an aisle between units. Each unit has leash cord plug holders on its aisle sides. The movable units have safety sweep bars on one or both sides, safety switches actuated thereby, and a limit switch. Setting a leash cord plug in its own holder so the leash does not span the aisle that is to be opened provides a move command signal and setting the other leashes so they span the aisles that are too close sets up the control circuitry for causing all units to be driven away from the aisle that is not spanned by a leash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Dean L. Dahnert
  • Patent number: 4555150
    Abstract: A work station has a first substantially rectangular table having a top and supports for the top adjacent the ends of the top. A second substantially rectangular table is secured at a substantially right angle to the first table top with the rear edge of the second table top substantially aligned with the edge of one end of the first table top. The upper surface of the second table top lies in a plane below the plane of the lower surface of the first table top. A movable storage cabinet has a top which has a height and depth substantially equal to the height and depth of the second table top respectively for alternatively serving as an extension of the second table top or nesting under the first table top adjacent the end thereof remote from the second table. Advantageously the movable storage cabinet is mounted on supports such as casters which facilitate the movement of the cabinet on a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Hunt Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Clyde D. Turnbull
  • Patent number: 4549777
    Abstract: A guide channel member for a shelving system permits a shelf with an electrical safety device mounted thereon to be vertically repositioned while minimizing potential damage to the wire leads and maintaining a neat appearance. The invention is particularly useful in mobile storage systems wherein movement of a movable unit is stocked, thereby preventing injury to a person standing next to the unit, when the safety device is actuated. The channel member defines a vertically oriented slot leading to a vertical passage. The wires pass from the safety device, through the slot, along the vertical passage, and to the system control unit. Storing excess wires in the channel member permits convenient repositioning of the shelf while protecting and hiding the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Schindler
  • Patent number: 4547026
    Abstract: A multi-unit storage system comprised of individual storage units reciprocally movable on underlying tracks extending in a linear direction is provided with a seal arrangement between adjacent storage units which peripherally seals a storage space internal to the units from the exterior environment when the units are in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Interior Steel Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Robert J. French, Elmer F. Dorony
  • Patent number: 4534601
    Abstract: A movable galley for camping trailers and the like includes a pair of cabinets, one of the cabinets being movable between a use position in which it is supported by the other cabinet and a storage position in which it is positioned along side the other cabinet. The support assembly supports the first cabinet as it moves and maintains the cabinet in an upright position. The support assembly includes a pair of sprockets which are non-rotatably mounted on the two cabinets, a link which extends between the sprockets and is rotatably connected thereto, and a chain which extends around the sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Zwick
  • Patent number: 4523794
    Abstract: A locking device for a mobile filing and storage system comprises a reciprocable pin disposed in a rotatable handwheel. The pin is adapted to selectively engage or disengage locking apertures in a stationary plate mounted to the storage frame. The pin is formed with a pair of symmetrical frusto-conical surfaces having apexes that blend into concave surfaces that receive biasing means to retain the pin in the selected engaged or disengaged position against accidental reciprocation of the pin and to provide a tactile feel of proper location in and displacement from the engaged or disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Peterman
  • Patent number: 4469382
    Abstract: A remote control locking mechanism is provided for a modular desk assembly, pedestals, cabinets and like assemblies which permits the various storage compartments to be moved about and yet still be locked and unlocked irrespective of their location relative to a remote control lock actuator. Each of the various storage compartments has a locking device attached thereto which is connected to the remote control lock actuator by a cable which is slidably encased within a sheath. The sheath has one end anchored at the particular storage compartment and its opposite end anchored at the remote control lock actuator. One end of the cable is connected to the locking device of the storage compartment and its opposite end connected to a moving device within the remote control lock actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew A. Slaats, Jay M. Henriott, Paul R. Hedinger, Steven F. Trinkel
  • Patent number: 4437711
    Abstract: A plurality of movable storage units each have a reversible motor for driving them in the proper direction in response to a user command to open an aisle between selected units. There is a microprocessor-based programmable control module on each unit and there is a structurally similar module that acts as a system controller. Four control lines interconnect the modules. One line is for sending digital command data away from the system controller and another is for sending sensing data toward the system controller. Another line is for resync pulses transmitted from the system controller to the microprocessors simultaneously. The processor in each module responds to a resync pulse by initiating definition of a specific number of time slots for containing individual high or low bits to enable serial transmission of encoded data representative of commands and sensed conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Dean L. Dahnert
  • Patent number: 4432589
    Abstract: Mobile storage apparatus which includes a plurality of carriages carrying shelving which are movable on a track system to open up an isle to provide access to adjacent faces includes cantilevered light fixtures which are supported from the top of the units and which extend outwardly over adjacent units so that when units are separated to open an aisle the light fixture is located above the aisle to illuminate the storage faces of the shelving. Mounting brackets are positioned on the tops of the shelving so that the light fixture from one unit will not interfere with the mounting bracket on an adjacent unit when the units are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Sattel
  • Patent number: 4422816
    Abstract: A shiftable article storage device having a plurality of shiftable article storage units each adapted for mounting articles to be stored thereon and provided with a driving source, the article storage units being put together with no interval between each other when not in use but shifted, when an article on one of them is desired to be taken out, in such a manner that an aisle is formed on one side of the one article storage unit to provide access to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1971
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Elecompack Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Ichiro Naito, Tsuneo Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi Harashima
  • Patent number: 4412772
    Abstract: A shiftable article storage device having a plurality of shiftable article storage units each adapted for mounting articles to be stored thereon and provided with a driving source. The article storage units are put together with no interval between each other when not in use but shifted, when an article on one of them is desired to be taken out, in such a manner that an aisle is formed on one side of one article storage unit to provide access to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: Elecompack Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Ichiro Naito, Tsuneo Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi Harashima
  • Patent number: 4408543
    Abstract: A laboratory supply arrangement including a service tower and a plurality of table-like articles. The service tower has a riser tube and an outlet housing. The table-like articles are shaped to be complementary with a corresponding portion of the riser tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: Brian Griffin Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Brian C. Griffin
  • Patent number: 4375306
    Abstract: An elongated plywood panel serves as a base member for storage cabinets mounted onto the forward or inner end of the base member. The rearward or outer end portion of such base member functions as a table. A track structure is provided below the base member and supports the unit for sliding movement between a stowed position within the bed space of a pickup or the like and an extended or use position in which the table projects rearwardly from the bed space of the vehicle. The cabinets may include a pair of side cabinets which are hinge connected to a central cabinet, for movement between a storage position in which the side cabinets are in juxta-position with each other and the central cabinet and are positioned over the table, and a use position in which the side cabinets extend laterally outwardly, in a wing fashion, from the opposite sides of the table and from the access opening for the central cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Inventor: Charles L. Linder
  • Patent number: 4368804
    Abstract: A check out lane is defined along one side by a stationary shelf display and a movable shelf display. The movable display is pivotable from a position parallel to a lane to a position blocking the lane and is then reciprocal along the lane in a direction away from the stationary display so that it does not block access to shelves on the stationary display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Diane Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: William A. Cole
  • Patent number: 4337988
    Abstract: Mobile furniture modules can be releasably installed under a work surface structure, such as provided by a countertop or table top, with convenient rearrangement enabled by providing each module with roller structures, such as typical casters, which are releasably anchored in wheel mounts which receive the caster wheels in a depression seat at a level elevated from the floor in the installed position. In addition the work surface structure is provided with a retainer which prevents movement of installed modules from beneath the work surface structure, preferably by engaging the top of the module with adjustable elevation which levels the module following releasable anchoring of the wheels in the elevated depression seat.The modular furniture system can be employed with particular advantage for movable laboratory cabinets to provide continuous work surface between rearrangeably installed cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Curtin Matheson Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Schenck