Abstract: The tape cartridge autoloader comprises a tape drive and up to fifteen respective tape cartridge storage positions for tape cartridges all located within a three and one-half inch form factor. The tape cartridge storage assembly includes a plurality of tape cartridge trays that rotate around an oval-shaped track located in the sides of the tape cartridge autoloader for moving the plurality of tape cartridge trays between a first level and a second level. A movable picker located between the plurality of tape cartridge trays and the tape drive transports the tape cartridges between the state cartridge trays and the tape drive.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for allowing quick and easy installation, maintenance and removal of components within a piece of equipment which may be attached to a front end of processing tool or stand alone unit in a semiconductor processing fab. In a first embodiment, the system includes a translation assembly and a pair of tracks fixedly mounted in frame of the equipment. The translation assembly in this embodiment includes a trolley having four wheels which ride on a portion of each of the tracks. When a component is to be assembled into the piece of equipment, the component is first bolted to the trolley. The trolley and attached component may then be inserted into the frame. The wheels riding on the tracks allow the robot to be quickly and easily moved to its proper position within the equipment. Once properly located, jackscrews threaded through the trolley are rotated to raise the trolley wheels off of the tracks, and to level the trolley and component.

Abstract: A storing apparatus has at least one rack with compartments that are arranged in an essentially vertical plane in a matrix having a first direction and a second direction relative to each other. A carrier frame, disposed facing the rack, moves vertically in a first conveying arrangement. At least one second conveying arrangement is fitted to the frame to accept an article and move the article in a first direction to any one of the compartments in the rack. At least one third conveying arrangement moves the article between the second conveying arrangement and a compartment.

Abstract: A vertical conveyor for transporting a load in a warehouse equipped with shelves. This vertical conveyor comprises a plurality of receiving devices spaced apart from one another. These receiving devices receive a load and can be displaced vertically. There are also a series of stationary transport elements disposed adjacent to the plurality of receiving devices in an alternating manner. The plurality of receiving devices can comprise driven rollers while the series of stationary transport elements can also comprise driven rollers. There is also a vertical conveyor system that includes a plurality of vertically extending columns defining a shaft. The vertical conveyor can move vertically in this shaft. The vertically extending columns have at least one foldable element coupled to it wherein the foldable element is designed to fold down to allow the vertical conveyor to travel in the shaft and to fold up to remove a load from the vertical conveyor.

Abstract: A vertical installation structure includes a plurality of placing stages on each of which information processing apparatuses are to be installed, and supporting members for supporting the plurality of placing stages so that the plurality of placing stages are vertically arranged. A vertical installation system includes the above vertical installation structure, and moving structure capable of moving along the vertical installation structure, the moving structure having a plurality of stages on each of which at least one information processing apparatus is to be placed and supporting members for supporting the plurality of stages so that each of the plurality of stages is level with a corresponding one of the plurality of placing stages of the vertical installation structure. The information processing apparatus set on each of the stages is transferred to the corresponding one of the plurality of placing stages of the vertical installation structure.

Abstract: A magazine with removable inclined frames comprising a plurality of inclined frames arranged side by side in a parking area, each frame having, at its base, a carriage-like structure which carries the inclined frame so that it is mounted on, and slideable in, a pair of rails dedicated thereto in the parking area. A transfer structure is provided to the side of the parking area and comprises a shuttle to receive one or more carriages and to convey the carriage at right angles to the plane of arrangement of the frame. A motor is provided for producing the translational motion of the carriages on the shuttle, and additional motors are provided for producing the translational motion of the shuttle parallel to the parking area of the set of frames.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to reduce the number of shelves for supporting articles in an article storage system for storage of articles such as containers. The storage system includes a shelf 12 for supporting a container 2 having an engaging means 8 formed at an upper portion thereof. The storage system also includes a loader/unloader 4 for loading the container 2 on and unloading it from the shelf 12. The shelf 12 includes a deck 20 formed on the upper side thereof, on which the container 2 can be placed. The shelf 12 also includes a pair of right and left engaging parts 16 formed on the lower side thereof for engaging with the engaging means 8 of the container 2 to hold the container 2 hanging from the shelf 12. The engaging means 8 and the pair of engaging parts 16 can engage with and disengage from each other in the directions in which the container 2 can be loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing system has a carrier including wafer slots. A process robot engages the carrier and installs the carrier into a rotor within a process chamber. The rotor has a tapered or stepped inside surface matching a tapered or stepped outside surface of the carrier. Wafer retainers on the carrier pivot to better secure wafers within the carrier.

Abstract: A system for staining and coverslipping specimen slides, having a stainer (1) and a coverslipper (3) that are arranged next to one another. A transfer device (2), which transports racks with specimen slides from the stainer (1) to the coverslipper (3), is provided between the stainer (1) and the coverslipper (3). Transport is automated so that operation by the user is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A container pick and return system is provided having a two-tiered flow rail conveyor system that includes an inclined upper set of feed flow rails forming an input conveyor assembly and a lower set of inclined return flow rails forming an exit conveyor upon which a unit load may roll. At the front end of the system is a transfer conveyor assembly that receives a loaded container. The line worker may then operate a damper control pedal that permits the container to be positioned at any desired angle greater than the angle of the input conveyor. This permits enhanced accessibility of the contents of the container regardless of the height or arm length of the line worker or the size and shape of the container contents. When the container is emptied by the line worker, the transfer conveyor assembly is triggered and the empty container is automatically lowered and transferred to the exit conveyor where it rolls down the exit conveyor to the rear of the system for reloading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ASRS handling of loaded and empty oceangoing containers. Containers are stored in a multi-level loaded container facility in upland and pier banks of spaced rows and columns in a grill-like arrangement with each container in a particular space spaced from all other containers, commonly referred to in ASRS systems, as rack storage. Empty containers are stored in a separate building remote from but accessible to, the stored loaded container facility and identical containers of the same ocean carrier are stacked one on top of the other directly in separate cells. Containers which are handled between upland banks of spaces and pier banks of spaces are moved between the pier and upland spaces by a number of computer automated internal bridge cranes.

Abstract: An apparatus for random access storage and retrieval of a plurality of microplates is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of microplate racks arranged in a stack. Each of the racks is mechanically engaged with a plurality of support columns and each of the columns has a plurality of locking devices corresponding to the plurality of racks. The apparatus also includes a lift, coupled to the support columns, for moving the stack or a portion thereof, and a controller coupled to the lift and the locking devices. The controller is responsive to a signal to access a desired rack or microplate to cause actuation of one or more of the locking devices corresponding to the rack adjacent to the desired rack or microplate, followed by actuation of the lift, thereby moving a portion of the stack a sufficient distance to allow access to the desired rack or microplate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implement for automatically detaching and displacing an amount of feed, such as for example silage and/or hay, from a stock of feed, said implement 1 being provided with a robot arm 2 with a detaching member 3 which is suitable for detaching a part of the feed from the stock and displacing it to a predetermined place and depositing it there.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for use in a shelf channel of rack storage facilities. The conveying apparatus (1) comprises circulating conveying means (2) for conveying and storing goods. The conveying means (2) is an endless loop formed partially by a roller chain (3) and partially by a tape (4). The roller chain (3) includes a plurality of chain links. Adjacent chain links are interconnected by an axes of a roller. The plurality of interconnected chain links includes two end links (31, 32). The end links (31, 32) are interconnected by the tape (4). A rail (10) extends linearly and supports a portion of said endless loop. The rail (10) has a loading/unloading end where the goods are loaded onto said conveying means (2) and unloaded from said conveying means (2). The rail (10) includes a first and a second deflection member (5, 6). The first deflection member (5) is located in a region of the loading/unloading end and the second deflection member (6) is located in a region remote from the loading/unloading end.

Abstract: An automated warehouse includes a plurality of article storage shelves having a plurality of article storage sections arranged therein . An article may be conveyed from a main conveyer at one end of the shelves through a branching conveyer to a transfer apparatus. The transfer apparatus can transfer the article to and from the storage section. The branching conveyer extends substantially normal to the main conveyer. The main n conveyer includes a plurality of slats extending normal to a conveying direction and a plurality of pushing shoes corresponding with the slats. The main conveyer additionally includes a device for aligning and moving a predetermined number of the pushing shoes at a position where the branched conveyer is located.

Abstract: An automated wafer buffer is provided for use with a wafer processing system. The wafer buffer includes an I/O port for loading and unloading wafer containers, each holding a batch of wafers, a storage structure for storing up to a predetermined number of wafer containers and a container port for holding at least one wafer container during transfer of wafers to and between the wafer container and the processing system. A container transfer mechanism transfers the wafer containers to and between the I/O port, the storage structure and the container port. A wafer transfer mechanism transfers wafers to and between a wafer container at the container port and the processing system.

Abstract: The pass thru mechanism for automated cartridge library systems serves to interconnect two juxtaposed operationally independent automated cartridge library systems and provides a simple apparatus that makes use of gravity to obviate the need for complex mechanical mechanisms to pass the media cartridge between the juxtaposed automated cartridge library systems. In particular, the pass thru mechanism comprises a media cartridge receiver that accepts a media cartridge from an automated cartridge library robot and then deposits the media cartridge in a media cartridge positioning mechanism. The media cartridge positioning mechanism uses gravity to tumble the media cartridge down a ramp into a media cartridge transport that delivers the media cartridge to the robot located in the juxtaposed media cartridge receiving automated cartridge library system.

Abstract: An ergonomic storage rack in which arcuate rails are joined to a horizontal beam in a spaced-apart relationship to form an access area therebetween. The arcuate rails form shelves on which loaded pallets may be stored. The rails may be positioned at any desired height but, preferably, at a level which defines beneath each rail an additional storage area. The access area may be entered by a worker to access whatever pallet load has been stored and select from its sides those items which are to be retrieved.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a plurality of mobile carriages arranged in a closely spaced row for storing, organizing and displaying a multiplicity of elongated items arranged in a plurality of groups according to a physical characteristic of the elongated items is disclosed. An associated method for loading empty carriages or replenishing depleted carriages is also disclosed comprising the steps of removing a carriage from the row, loading the carriage with items and replacing the carriage into the row. Carriages comprise a rectangular frame having vertically extending posts providing an open construction to allow replenishing and dispensing of items. Carriages have wheel pairs at one end and are guided in their movement into and out of the row by rails arranged beneath each carriage.

Abstract: A horizontal transfer apparatus for transferring distribution pallets includes two horizontally movable rails extending horizontally in a direction of transfer. The horizontally movable rails are adapted to mount thereon those end portions of each distribution pallet which are located perpendicular to the transfer direction, with friction reducers interposed between the rails and the end portions. A vertically movable brake rail is able to be brought into contact with the bottoms of the distribution pallets, and extending between the horizontally movable rails and parallel thereto such that the distance between the vertically movable brake rail and one of the horizontally movable rails is larger than the distance between the vertically movable brake rail and the other of the horizontally movable rails.

Abstract: A communication system for a storage and retrieval machine comprises a conductor bar, base and carriage electrical devices, a sliding brush, first and second transmitters, and first and second receivers. The sliding brush is mounted to the carriage and is in slidable electrical contact with the conductor bar. The transmitters and receivers are coupled to the conductor bar or the sliding brush, depending on the direction of transmission. The first and second transmitters transmit positive half-waves and negative half-waves, respectively, across the conductor bar in response to inputs. Hence, two one-bit intra SRM communication links are provided between the SRM carriage and base. A communication system for communicating high priority and low priority messages between a base and carriage of an SRM comprises base and carriage electrical devices, and first and second communication links.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conveyor system adapted to transfer palletized loads along a generally horizontal path under the force of gravity. In one preferred form, the conveyor system of the present invention includes a support structure which generally extends horizontally from an input end to an output end and includes an upwardly facing support surface for supportively engaging a load, such as a palletized load. A longitudinally extending ramp member includes an upwardly facing portion and is pivotally attached to the support structure for movement between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the upwardly facing portion declines as it projects forwardly toward the output end. When in the second position, the ramp portion declines as it projects rearwardly toward the input end. The ramp member preferably includes two sides which are each angled from the horizontal.

Abstract: A transfer system including a roll holder having an upright member with a support member extending in a cantilevered fashion outward from the upright member with the support member including a set of rollers for rollably supporting a roll of material thereon and a detachably mounted roll stop for connecting to the support member so that when the roll of material is to be placed on the support member the roll stop can be readily detached to permit placing the roll of material on the support member and can be readily attached to the support member to prevent the roll of material on the support member from accidentally rolling off the support member.

Abstract: A vertical installation structure includes a plurality of placing stages on each of which information processing apparatuses are to be installed, and supporting members for supporting the plurality of placing stages so that the plurality of placing stages are vertically arranged. A vertical installation system includes the above vertical installation structure, and moving structure capable of moving along the vertical installation structure, the moving structure having a plurality of stages on each of which at least one information processing apparatus is to be placed and supporting members for supporting the plurality of stages so that each of the plurality of stages is level with a corresponding one of the plurality of placing stages of the vertical installation structure. The information processing apparatus set on each of the stages is transferred to the corresponding one of the plurality of placing stages of the vertical installation structure.

Abstract: The storehouse consists of a plurality of frames (1) which are transversally movable and are supported by a base (2), which has beams. The storehouse is also provided with guiding wheels (4) which permit the displacement in the transversal direction of one group of frames with respect to the remainder for the purpose of providing a space through which some articles may be stored or removed. The storehouse is also provided with some eccentric pins and revolving rollers for the purpose of avoiding turnover at the time when the frames operate in an inclined position, which turnover would be dangerous to the working people.

Abstract: The invention is an automated storage library including one or more robotic accessors which move upon the surface of a horizontal plane including the openings to storage cells. The accessors are wireless, remotely controlled vehicles. The vehicles employ known tracking mechanism(s) to move between locations within the library. The storage cells are embedded beneath the horizontal surface. The horizontal plane is a floor which is formed by the surface of the storage cells. Openings in the floor are also the access openings to the storage cells. Storage media are raised and lowered into the storage cells by a picker mechanism on the vehicles.

Abstract: For the storing of paper rolls in high-shelf system stores and for the gunce of paper roll transporting cars, tracks disposed in pairs are provided which, for the accommodation of great weights, possess an approximately U-shaped cross-sectional configuration with a lower chord, an upper chord (180) and a web interconnecting both chords, which, proceeding devoid of any bends linearily and, with the aid of connections (183), is connected to a plurality of vertical supporting girders (184) disposed at a distance from each other and connected to the crossgirder (12) of the framework structure of the store, wherein the lower chord is formed by a leg (187) with a horizontally proceeding section forming the support for the paper roll transporting car and a section adjoining the latter which proceeds vertically and parallelly to the web, wherein the horizontal leg section is supported on and the vertical leg is supported against an angle section (188) connected to the vertical supporting girder (184) and the crossgir

Abstract: A letter sorting apparatus comprising a letter sorting machine, and an automatic storage and retrieval system including a staging rack defining a plurality of staging locations, and a storage and retrieval machine which is positioned to receive letters from the sorting machine and to present letters for input to the sorting machine and which is operable to stage letters in and retrieve letters from the staging locations.

Abstract: A double wide, double deep pallet storage rack has a lowermost frame assembly provided with open front central aisles D opposite each double depth of pallets to facilitate storage and order picking as in distribution center warehouses providing an improved method of storage and order picking permitting individuals to enter the storage rack for article removal from a rear pallet of each double depth of pallets after a respective front pallet has been removed.

Abstract: A bottle loader and method for loading bottles onto shelves on a rack. The bottle loader has a carrier car rotatably supported on a frame. The bottles are placed in a vertical position and urged onto the carrier car. The bottles are then rotated on the carrier car from the vertical position to a horizontal position while horizontally aligning the bottles with the shelf on the rack. Once the bottles are aligned, they are urged off of the carrier car and onto the rack.

Abstract: The manufacturing plant comprises at least one manufacturing cell provided with at least one processing device, a handling device associated with the processing device in order to automatically exchange tools and/or workpieces on the processing device, and a magazine for the objects to be handled arranged in the reach of the handling device. The magazine is provided with a rotating rack having a plurality of storing planes mounted upon another on a support. The manufacturing plant comprises a plurality of such rotating racks. The rotating racks are designed as separate transportable constructional units which are exchangeably inserted in a stationary part of the magazine. The stationary part comprises means for rotating the rotating rack. The manufacturing plant further comprises a transfer station separate from the manufacturing cell for loading and unloading the rotating racks. Transporting means, e.g.

Abstract: A conveyor arrangement, as associated with a storage rack, employs a plurality of individual load-supporting trolleys or pads supported on sloped runway segments which are activated by a cyclically-actuated vertical lifting arrangement, with this arrangement being supported within a rail or frame structure having supporting flanges for the loads. When the lifting device is activated to lift the inclined runway segments and pads upwardly, the loads are lifted away from the supporting flanges, whereby the weight of the loads causes the pads to move downwardly by gravity along the sloped runway segments to forwardly advance the loads a small amount, until the loads again contact the support flanges. When the pads are lowered due to lowering of the lifting arrangement, the pads are biased back to a raised position along the upper end of the runway segments whereby they are again engaged under the load to permit repeat of the cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate storage system mounted adjacent to a bending furnace in a windshield production line, said system comprising a first intermediate storage (1) for pairs of flat glass sheets and a second intermediate storage (2) for pairs of bent glass sheets. Each intermediate storage includes a number of separate storage racks (3) for pairs of glass sheets and a carrier trolley (5, 9) for pairs of glass sheets. A carrier trolley (5) in first storage (1) is controlled for carrying pairs of glass sheets one at a time from storage racks (3) to the proximity of the loading end of a bending furnace (11) and carrier trolley (9) in second storage (2) is controlled for carrying pairs of bent glass sheets from the proximity of the end of bending furnace (11) onto the storage racks (3) of second storage (2).

Abstract: A storage rack having shelving consisting of a plurality of risers connected by horizontal stringers to individualize an ordered plurality of compartments open at the front and arranged in rows and columns for receiving load units deposited and taken therefrom by extractable forks on a handling device moving along the shelving and positioning itself opposite the individual compartments. In each compartment there are placed at intervals on the side walls pluralities of brackets facing each other in pairs, the brackets being rotatable on pivots by an operating device, e.g. included in the handling device or in the structure of the shelving, between a raised or rest position and a lowered or support position for the load units inserted in the compartments. In this manner it is possible to adjust the distance between the supports for the load units to the height of the latter, thus optimizing space utilization of the rack.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improved apparatus for mass production manufacturing, and in a presently preferred form, to an apparatus for dynamically regulating input and output workloads to achieve efficient operations.

Abstract: An automatic distribution machine includes a plurality of bin modules, each bin module being adapted to dispense packages onto a conveyor belt or the like. The bin modules are removable and interchangeable, thereby facilitating replacement if one fails. A sorting operation performed by the machine is controlled by a computer, which communicates with the bin modules through a common data bus. Expansion of the sorting operation can be achieved by extending the data bus to additional bin modules.

Abstract: There is disclosed a goods handling method for carrying in or carrying out goods with respect to storage facilities having multirow and multistage storing spaces including the steps of carrying the goods into a goods inlet apparatus or carrying out the goods from a goods outlet apparatus by causing the goods inlet apparatus or the goods outlet apparatus to travel in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction along the the storing spaces of the goods storage facilities, conveying the goods within a plane parallel to a travelling plane of the goods inlet or the goods outlet apparatus, and transferring the goods, in a consecutive manner, from the goods conveying step to the goods inlet step, or from the goods outlet step to the goods conveying step by absorbing a difference between a goods inlet height or a goods outlet height in the goods inlet step or the goods outlet step and a goods conveyance height in the goods conveying step. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile grain silo for the transportation and storage of grain, granulated food and other such materials, wherein the mobile grain silo includes individual storage cells of a generally parallelogram shape constructed around a frame structure and having means for lifting on and off a mobile transport and for interconnecting the cells in stacked relation to one another. The individual storage cells having a loading door for filling and an exit door for discharging the contents therein and further having a viewing port to inspect the interior of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improved method and apparatus for mass production manufacturing, and in a presently preferred form, to an apparatus and method for dynamically regulating input and output workloads to achieve efficient operations.

Abstract: A flexible rack system for use in distribution centers servicing retail stores with food and non-food items and comprising rows of pallet storage racks of different types within the same row and arranged in a predetermined pattern of high movement, medium movement and low movement racks including both selective and push-back rack types which permit one filling an order to carry out his task with a minimum number of stops and a time for picking selected items being significantly reduced.

Abstract: The invention is a loader for loading containers such as large, heavy bottles of bottled-water from a conveyor, into a rack. It comprises a transfer table spaced from the conveyor and generally coplanar therewith. The table includes pairs of upstanding support arms having spacing corresponding to the spacing of the shelves of the rack. Guides are disposed intermediate the conveyor and the table and are adapted to guide the containers in diverging paths from the conveyor into the spaces on the table between the upstanding support arms respectively. Cylinders are provided for moving the containers laterally from the conveyor along the guides and into the spaces. The table is pivotally supported at one end and there is a large cylinder to swing it about the pivot to a vertical position wherein the support arms are horizontal and the containers rest on them. The arms are aligned with the shelves of the rack. Further cylinders are provided to drive the containers from the support arms into the rack.

Abstract: An automated work station which may be used when needed in conjunction with two vertical temporary holding conveyors makes use of a tiltable table and associated transition table for each conveyor. One tiltable table is shifted to a first upper horizontal position to receive empty boxes, one at a time, from its vertical conveyor. The other tiltable table is shifted to a first upper horizontal position to receive box units in which have been stored supply quantities of the different material items from which the operator selects specified quantities of items and places those items in the empty box units until an order is filled. The tiltable tables each have a tilted position for the operator's convenience while the boxes are being unloaded and loaded. When a box unit is to leave the tiltable table, the table is again tilted to a second and lower horizontal position from which the box unit is moved to a second lower horizontal level of the transition table.

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.

Abstract: A workload regulator for controlling the flow of articles between work stations at which the articles are produced.The apparatus receives a continuous flow of articles on various inbound tracks, subdivides the continuous flow into individual arrays or groups of articles, picks up these groups of articles and deposits them in trays for transient storage, removes them from trays and transfers them to one or more outbound tracks, or transfers the groups from inbound to outbound tracks in a buffer area. The apparatus also positions as needed the trays into which plural groups of articles are being placed during the filling, or from which the groups are being taken as the tray is emptied. Also, the apparatus adds or withdraws trays, as needed, from magazines which hold full and empty trays, respectively.The apparatus may have more than one transfer apparatus and may include equal or unequal numbers of inbound and outbound tracks.

Abstract: A method for keeping goods and, if necessary, supplementing them to showcases in a shopping floor is disclosed. Also an apparatus to be used for practicing this method is disclosed.

Abstract: A storage system for products using supporting units, consisting of a staging containing a number of storeys, on one side of the staging at least one supply-conveyor and at least one entry elevating device, which is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging, as well as a device for placing the supporting units into the staging and on the other side of the staging at least one exit elevating device, which also is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging and at least one exit conveyor. According to the invention, in each storey (4) of the staging (2) one or more conveyors (5) are mounted which are connectable to both sides of the staging with one driving device (11), which is movable vertically on the entry elevating device (9) and the exit elevating device respectively.

Abstract: A line stocking conveyor sequentially moves bins full of parts to an access position at an assembly line. Bins are sequentially moved between stations within a feeding channel by a reciprocating bed of linked conveying tables, each table including raisable pads for lifting and holding bins during movement of the bins between stations. Empty bins are conveyed to a return channel adjacent the feeding channel, and sequentially moved between stations of the return channel to a final removal station in the return channel by a reciprocating bed having raisable bed pads for lifting and carrying a bin during movement of the bed.

Abstract: A computer-controlled storage system for handling and storing goods items, comprising at least one horizontal storage line provided with rails or equivalent guide members and one or more transport carriages (6) movable along the rails. The system comprises a transport apparatus comprising a power unit (16) with a power transmission mechanism (17) and a rope member (18), connecting these to the transport carriage (6), external to the transport carriage. In addition, the system may comprise a power transmission arrangement connected to the lifting member, external to the transport carriage (6), for lifting a goods item in position above the transport carriage off the guide member to be carried by the transport carriage and for lowering same onto the guide member.

Abstract: A plurality of modules (66) are connected together to define a multi-story annular building (10) of honeycomb cells (C). The cells (C) of the building are hexagonal in cross section and taper horizontally as they extend radially inwardly. A turntable/elevator (36) is located in a shaft opening at or near the center of the building (10). A tunnel (48) extends through a side of the building (10). The building includes flotation cells at its bottom, some of which are air tight. Water is pumped into and out from the others, for regulating the vertical position of the building (10) in a body of water. An annular ring (66) of flotation material extends about the building (10) immediately below the water line. Each cell (C) is reinforced by a reinforcing ring (R1) extending about the girth of the cell (C). The rings (R1) are connected together vertically and horizontally to form a wall (RW1) of rings constituting a basic skeletal part of the building (10).

Abstract: A storage facility preferably for palletized loads includes an elongate aisle along which a pallet-carrying vehicle is adapted to move. A plurality of multi-level pallet storage bays are located side-by-side along the aisle and extend laterally from the aisle for use in storing palletized loads. The levels of each storage bay are vertically aligned and are separated from each other by pallet-supporting floor sections; each bay being separated from its adjacent bay by a set of laterally spaced-apart vertically extending support members. Floor sections located between adjacent sets of vertically extending support members are removable for creating at least one laterally extending sub-aisle in communication with the elongate aisle, and the lateral spacing between at least two of the support members in a set of support members adjacent a sub-aisle provides an opening into the subaisle sufficiently large to permit removal of a pallet therethrough.