Abstract: A picking store for piece goods is disclosed, which comprises a storage area (1), with a number of storage racks (7), for the goods to be picked, arranged parallel to each other, whereby only goods of the same type are found in each rack, a placing area (2), at one end of the storage racks (7), with a means for depositing new goods in the appropriate storage rack (7) and a picking area at the other end of the storage racks (7) with a withdrawing device (4) for computer controlled transfer of individual items from the storage racks to the serial conveyor. Each storage rack comprises a roller conveyor (8), whose rollers or cylinders may be set in rotation by a common drive system (16) and each storage rack (7) has its own, independently operable withdrawing device (4). The drive system (16) for the roller conveyer is preferably a drive belt.

Abstract: A robotic parts handler system for removing containers filled with articles from a sorting, feeding and/or stacking apparatus such as a mail or package sorting apparatus, and moving the container to a selected location for insertion into another conveying system, transport device, carrier, or other apparatus at extremely high speeds.

Abstract: A commissioning system (1) is provided with product storage compartments (2) vertically to horizontally disposed in a shelf, in which products are stacked. The product right at the bottom of such a stack of a selected product storage compartment can be ejected by a positionable ejector unit (4) in a direction transverse to the shelf. The inventive system is further characterized in that the shelf (5) is configured as a frame/component system, especially as a frame and plug-in modules system, which comprises modular elements. The shelf is variable in terms of height, width and/or length and can optionally be extended by adding modular elements.

Abstract: A storage rack comprises horizontally extending front and back beams having upper surfaces, on which is supported a roller track comprising two side rails, a series of rollers journalled between and projecting above the side rails, and a series of tie rods extending between and bracing the side rails. The roller track is secured to the front and back beams by a front clip embracing an underside of the front beam, a J-bolt connected to the front clip and hooked over a front one of the tie rods, a back clip embracing an underside of the back beam, and a J-bolt connected to the back clip and hooked over a back one of the tie rods.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending articles, most notably beverage or food containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vending machine having a cabinet with a plurality of vertically spaced shelves, and an “X-Y” picker assembly for receiving a packaged beverage from a shelf and for delivering the packaged beverage to a delivery port in a front face of the cabinet, or to another location as desired.

Abstract: A latching spring for a push-back cart storage system includes a pair of spaced apart support rails, at least two cross members and a cart frame having a wheel assembly supported on the support rails and at least one latching spring. The latching spring is mounted on the cross members and engages with the cart frame. The spring latch 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 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: A flow track system comprising a plurality of flow track members, each flow track member comprised of generally parallel, spaced apart support members having a plurality of axles transversely disposed therebetween, the axles having mounted thereon a plurality of free turning rollers, the support members having an impact feed plate mounted at a first end and a discharge stop plate mounted at a second end, the feed plate and discharge plates having a sleeve formed therein for slidable, rotatable engagement with a securing bolt and having formed on each end thereof a plurality of engagement stops to selectively set the distance that the in feed plate and the discharge plate extend beyond the ends of the parallel, spaced apart support members allowing for the adjustment of fit between the pallet beams. The weight of the track locks the in feed plate and the discharge plate position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering large containers of goods, especially warehoused goods, such as pallets, to an out-processing station or to a transfer station. The apparatus includes an inclined delivery segment that leads to the out-processing station or transfer station and that has at least two tracks arranged essentially parallel that leave an intermediate space. At least one cart is arranged in each track. The carts form a first cart pair, whereby the carts run on wheels and have a bearing surface, whereby a large container can be placed on the bearing surfaces of the cart pair. Large containers can be moved using the inventive apparatus while avoiding the disadvantages of conventional roller tracks, such as pressing rollers into the wood on the underside of pallets and thereby causing the pallets to become stuck.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an elevator for multi-level rack storage systems that can automatically and continuously transfer loads from an upper level to a lower level without the use of an external power source.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer cassette storage cabinet or stocker having a retrieval and transfer system constructed in the form of a kiosk encircling a pick-up and transfer apparatus. The structure is formed of a plurality of identical sections having wall panels and roof panels joined together to form a nearly semi-circular enclosure around the pick-up and transfer apparatus. Each section has multiple level input/output ports adjacent to each other with a shelf for supporting a semiconductor wafer cassette. Shelves at the input/output ports are constructed of rails supporting drive rollers and a photodetector to activate the drive rollers to fill an output port whenever a cassette has been retrieved and transferred. One embodiment with five identical sections can store and retrieving up to twenty semiconductor wafer cassettes while an optional embodiment with seven identical sections can store twenty-eight semiconductor wafer cassettes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering large containers of goods, especially warehoused goods, such as pallets, to an out-processing station or to a transfer station. The apparatus includes an inclined delivery segment that leads to the out-processing station or transfer station and that has at least two tracks arranged essentially parallel that leave an intermediate space. At least one cart is arranged in each track. The carts form a first cart pair, whereby the carts run on wheels and have a bearing surface, whereby a large container can be placed on the bearing surfaces of the cart pair. Large containers can be moved using the inventive apparatus while avoiding the disadvantages of conventional roller tracks, such as pressing rollers into the wood on the underside of pallets and thereby causing the pallets to become stuck.

Abstract: An extended flow track system has a pair of inner and outer splice members for linking the side rails of tandem flow tracks. The splice members eliminate horizontal shifting between the front and rear flow track members. Thus, extending flow track members are perfectly aligned along their length. The splice ends of each side rail have a cutout in them so that a low profile configuration is maintained.

Abstract: A commodity display unit has at least two forward delivery rail frames, each having a plurality of rollers mounted thereon and inclined downwardly. There are at least two side panel sections, one of each being disposed in a middle portion of each of the rail frames and configured to guide therebetween a plurality of commodities over a space separating two adjacent rail frames. There are also at least two end plates, one of each being disposed on each of the side panel sections and being positioned at a rear part of the rail frames. A distance between two adjacent side panel sections may be adjusted to accommodate a width of the plurality of commodities being guided therebetween over the space separating the two adjacent rail frames by moving at least one of the two adjacent rail frames laterally towards or away from the other of the two adjacent rail frames.

Abstract: A push-back storage rack comprises a frame defining at least one storage bay having a depth sufficient to accommodate a plurality of separate storage units; and a track-mounted carriage assembly mounted in the bay. The carriage assembly comprises at least two articulated carts connected together end-to-end for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. The carts ride on a track that has an upper track section, a lower track section, and an arcuate front section that joins the upper and lower track sections. The track guides the carts for movement between the front and the rear of the bay on the upper track section and directs the carts downwardly and then rearwardly on the lower track section in an inverted position as the carts move forwardly at the front end of the upper track section. The carts are thus stored underneath the upper track section and are brought upwardly to the upper track section as the carts are filled and moved rearwardly in the upper track section.

Abstract: An adjustable sliding assembly. The sliding assembly includes an article sliding surface, the sliding surface having a proximal end pivotally connectable to a work surface and a free distal end; and a support member pivotally connected to the sliding surface between a midpoint of the sliding surface and the distal end of the sliding surface, the support member selectively holding the sliding surface in one of a plurality of inclinations and being actuated to progressively adjust the height of the distal end of the sliding surface in correspondence to the plurality of inclinations. Also disclosed are methods of stacking articles using the sliding assembly.

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 facility for order-processing of products, particularly for order-processing of foodstuffs in rectangular packaging, is provided. The facility includes a goods entrance for transport pallets loaded with identical goods and a goods exit for transport containers with the goods that have been assembled into orders. The facility furthermore has a storage area downstream of the goods entrance with racks for storing the pallets and an order-processing area where individual goods are removed and combined for the transport containers. In order to create a facility for order-processing of products in which high turn-around rates can be achieved with low requirements for space, the path of the flow of goods between goods entrance and goods exit follows an inbound segment and an outbound segment parallel thereto in a “U” shape. The free ends of the inbound and outbound segments make up the goods entrance and exit.

Abstract: A push-back storage rack comprises a frame defining at least one storage bay having a depth sufficient to accommodate a plurality of separate storage units; and a track-mounted carriage assembly mounted in the bay. The carriage assembly comprises at least two articulated carts connected together end-to-end for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. The carts ride on a track that has an upper track section, a lower track section, and an arcuate front section that joins the upper and lower track sections. The track guides the carts for movement between the front and the rear of the bay on the upper track section and directs the carts downwardly and then rearwardly on the lower track section in an inverted position as the carts move forwardly at the front end of the upper track section. The carts are thus stored underneath the upper track section and are brought upwardly to the upper track section as the carts are filled and moved rearwardly in the upper track section.

Abstract: In a storage rack comprising a front beam and a back beam, a roller track comprises two side rails and a series of rollers defining a tangent plane. A front hook, which is hooked over the front beam, defines a ledge projecting backwardly. A back hook, which is hooked over the back beam, defines a ledge projecting frontwardly. At each end, each side rail is supported on the ledge of the hook at that end. Each hook has a flange projecting upwardly from its ledge, between the side rails, so as to limit lateral movement of the roller track. Comparatively, the front hook is taller and the back hook is shorter, whereby the roller track can be easily inclined.

Abstract: An adjustable sliding assembly. The sliding assembly includes an article sliding surface, the sliding surface having a proximal end pivotally connectable to a work surface and a free distal end; and a support member pivotally connected to the sliding surface between a midpoint of the sliding surface and the distal end of the sliding surface, the support member selectively holding the sliding surface in one of a plurality of inclinations and being actuated to progressively adjust the height of the distal end of the sliding surface in correspondence to the plurality of inclinations. Also disclosed are methods of stacking articles using the sliding assembly.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pallet orienting apparatus for use in a return lane of a pallet live storage system, wherein one or more empty pallets may be placed in the pallet orienting means in a generally upright position, the pallet being rotated to a pallet delivery position in which the pallet lies in a generally horizontal plane. A plurality of pallets may be simultaneously handled by the orienting apparatus, which may be linked to a computerized control system for a live storage warehouse. The specification describes preferred methods for handling empty pallets, in a palletized live storage system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a commissioning system (1) with at least one high-speed automatic machine (2) which comprises at least one article shelf (3) with article shafts (4) which are adjacently and essentially vertically arranged, preferably in a slightly slanted manner, and which can be accessed from the front. Articles which are to be commissioned can be stored in said article shafts, whereby a shelf control unit (5) can travel and which is assigned to the article shelf can be positioned at each article shaft (4) and stores articles in said article shaft. According to the invention, the spatially moveable shelf control unit (5) is equipped with an article handling unit (6) which stores the articles of the same type or dimensions in a stacked manner without the use of a magazine, whereby an article stack (7) which is to be stored in. Simultaneously handled without a separate article stack magazine or receptacle by the shelf control unit.

Abstract: In a storage rack comprising a front beam and a back beam, a roller track comprises two side rails and a series of rollers defining a tangent plane. A front hook, which is hooked over the front beam, defines a ledge projecting backwardly. A back hook, which is hooked over the back beam, defines a ledge projecting frontwardly. At each end, each side rail is supported on the ledge of the hook at that end. Each hook has a flange projecting upwardly from its ledge, between the side rails, so as to limit lateral movement of the roller track. Comparatively, the front hook is taller and the back hook is shorter, whereby the roller track can be easily inclined.

Abstract: A system for the automatic loading and/or unloading of products comprises a store (13, 19) with shelves inclined and provided with a mobile transversal blocking means (9, 12), and at least one traveling lift (3) provided with mobile bearing tops (4), also inclined and provided with at least one mobile transversal blocking means (9, 12). Said inclined shelves and bearing tops (4) are provided with transversal, parallel, idle and inclined rollers (5) whereon a product or a product container (1) can slide by gravity when the blocking means is lowered.

Abstract: A robotic parts handler system for removing containers filled with articles from a sorting, feeding and/or stacking apparatus such as a mail or package sorting apparatus, and moving the container to a selected location for insertion into another conveying system, transport device, carrier, or other apparatus at extremely high speeds.

Abstract: A robotic parts handler system for removing containers filled with articles from a sorting, feeding and/or stacking apparatus such as a mail or package sorting apparatus, and moving the container to a selected location for insertion into another conveying system, transport device, carrier, or other apparatus at extremely high speeds.

Abstract: A flow bay assembly includes a plurality of laterally spaced apart deck modules which may be longitudinally elongated. A plurality of flow rails are provided, each between a pair of deck modules. A plurality of connecting members connect adjacent deck modules and support the flow rails.

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: A vending machine is provided with a cabinet having a plurality of inclined, vertically spaced shelves. The shelves are able to selectively feed a beverage container to an elevator which is located adjacent an interior, right side wall of the cabinet of vending machine. A beverage container is dispensed by an escapement block of a shelf onto the elevator. The elevator vertically moves the beverage container, and then dispenses the beverage container to a delivery mechanism which gently lowers the beverage container to a delivery port which communicates with the exterior of the vending machine. The shelves in the cabinet are readily reconfigurable such that their vertical spacing within the cabinet can be easily altered. The escapement blocks of the shelves are mechanically activated to dispense a beverage container by an activation device on the elevator. Thus, electrical power and control signals for the individual shelves are not necessary.

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, upon receipt of a loaded container, automatically and smoothly positions the container at an angle increased from the input conveyor assembly to enhance the accessibility of the contents of the container. 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 computer-controlled storage device for packaged goods has a storage area with parallel storage tracks having a first and a second end, wherein each one of the storage tracks stores only one type of packaged goods. A supply area is positioned at the first end of the storage tracks. The supply area has a feeding device feeding newly arriving packaged goods into a respective one of the storage tracks. An order filling area is positioned at the second end of the storage tracks, wherein in the order filling area packaged goods are compiled to fill a customer order. The order filling area has independently operated removal devices for each one of the storage tracks.

Abstract: A pushback storage system has a pair of step box rails providing upper and lower tracks for wheels of carts for accommodating pallets used to carry loads. The carts has side members secured to opposite side edges of a deck having panels that connect the area between the side members. Wheels mounted on opposite ends of the side members of two carts ride on the lower tracks. Brackets connect wheels to two additional carts which wheels ride on the upper tracks to allow the carts to be located in vertical stacked relationship.

Abstract: A storage arrangement for empty cores for a reel-up in which paper is wound to form reels of paper, said storage arrangement having a stand comprising a feed-out ramp and a container with a top, a bottom and four vertical sides consisting of a front side facing the feed-out ramp, a rear side and two sides, said four sides between them defining a space for empty cores, which container also comprises an upper inlet opening and a lower outlet opening in conjunction with the upstream end of the feed-out ramp. According to the invention a plurality of downwardly inclined planes are arranged one beneath the other inside the container, directed alternately from the front side and the rear side, each plane having a downstream end located a predetermined distance from the adjacent rear side or front side to provide an opening therebetween so that each empty core rolling down an upstream plane continues freely to the next plane in a continuous path from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

Abstract: An elevated loading/conveyor platform includes a generally rectangular knock-over gate positioned in the load-in side opening of the platform structure, where the knock-over gate is pivotally mounted within the load-in side opening and pivotable from a vertically upright barrier position to a generally horizontal loading position. The knock-over gate is biased to the vertical position by a return mechanism, which is designed to return the knock-over gate to its upright vertical orientation when no pallets are being conveyed thereover in the generally horizontal loading position. Preferably, the return mechanism utilizes a spring mechanism (such as gas springs), where the spring mechanism is of sufficient strength to pivot the knock-over gate from the horizontal loading position to the vertical position when no weight or force is being applied to the load-in side of the gate.

Abstract: The present invention features a universal, low profile, expandable flow track system that can be drop-load mounted to almost any supporting frame or pallet rack. The flow track system of the invention features a flow track that mounts flush with its end supports, and is infinitely adjustable along both the horizontal axis and depth axis of the storage frame. The flow track is quickly assembled to, adjusted upon, and removed from, the storage frame.

Abstract: A push-back rack storage system has a pair of spaced apart rack rails having lower outside rail flanges. A first cart has front and back wheels which roll on the lower outside rail flanges. A second cart has front wheels which roll on outside rail flanges on side rails of the first cart. The back wheels of the second cart roll on the lower rail flanges of the rack rails. A third cart has front wheels which roll on outside rail flanges of side rails of the second cart. The back wheels of the third cart roll on the lower rail flanges of the rack rails. The carts may be provided with a strut deck, a solid deck, or a wire mesh deck, without interfering with rolling operation of the carts.

Abstract: A push-back storage rack comprises a frame defining at least one storage bay having a depth sufficient to accommodate a plurality of separate storage units; and a track-mounted carriage assembly mounted in the bay. The carriage assembly comprises at least two articulated carts connected together end-to-end for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. The carts ride on a track that has an upper track section, a lower track section, and an arcuate front section that joins the upper and lower track sections. The track guides the carts for movement between the front and the rear of the bay on the upper track section and directs the carts downwardly and then rearwardly on the lower track section in an inverted position as the carts move forwardly at the front end of the upper track section. The carts are thus stored underneath the upper track section and are brought upwardly to the upper track section as the carts are filled and moved rearwardly in the upper track section.

Abstract: A push-back storage system includes left and right rails welded to strut members, to provide a precise predetermined spacing between the rails. As the spacing between rails is permanently set during manufacture, no on site adjustment or alignment is needed. Carts can roll smoothly on the rails as the spacing between the rails is maintained. A U-bracket or a J-hook at the front of the bedframe facilitates attachment of the bedframe to a front load beam of a rack assembly. The strut members are welded to the rails.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting structure for mounting a horizontal insertion loading data storage drive in a data storage library having downwardly inclined shelves. A bracket mounts the data storage drive, and support bars are mounted in parallel in the data storage library and support the bracket on each side at a downwardly inclined angle. Thus, the horizontal insertion loading data storage drive is mounted at the downwardly inclined angle to receive data storage media from a robot accessor at the angle of the downwardly inclined shelves. The mounting structure support bars are parallel slides which slidably support the bracket at the downwardly inclined angle. A ratchet bar is mounted in the library at the downwardly inclined angle, and has a plurality of ratchet holes in the downwardly inclined direction. A latch is mounted on the bracket for engaging the ratchet holes of the ratchet bar to support the bracket and data storage drive against sliding on the support bar slides.

Abstract: A distributor apparatus (sorter) which distributes items supplied thereto to individual delivery locations, wherein the delivery locations are in the form of heat-insulated storage chutes (2).

Abstract: The push back storage rack system comprises a framework defining a storage bay for multiple pallets including a plurality of generally vertical uprights and a plurality of generally horizontal shelf beams. A pair of laterally spaced, generally parallel rails is supported by the framework and extends into the storage bay. Each of the rails defines inner and outer wheel tracks and is inclined in a direction towards the rear of the storage bay. A generally rectangular first cart has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The front and rear wheels roll along the inner wheel tracks. The generally rectangular second cart is positioned behind the first cart and has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The front wheels roll along the outer wheel tracks and the rear wheels roll along the inner wheel tracks. A generally rectangular third cart is positioned behind the second cart and has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The front and rear wheels roll long the outer wheel tracks.

Abstract: A paper roll supply system for a printing press system comprises a paper roll storage portion having a plurality of vertically arranged shelves for storing a plurality of paper rolls in desired orientation and a paper roll delivery outlet for the paper roll storage portion, the paper roll delivery outlet being positioned in alignment with a paper roll supply station along a substantially straight paper roll transporting path, by way of which a paper roll is transferred to a printing press. For supplying the paper roll to the printing press system, a paper roll transporting means is disposed between the paper roll delivery outlet and the paper roll supply station for transporting a paper roll along the paper roll transporting path.

Abstract: In the commissioning installation described for automatically supplying items (18), such as cigarette cartons, computer-controlled from a storage region (1) comprising item stack throughput storage devices (2) to a transfer station (35) in accordance with commissioning orders, for each type of item (18) to be commissioned at least one throughput storage unit (2) with an associated single item ejector (10) as well as optionally also a throughput storage unit (2) with an associated multiple item ejector (14) is provided, wherein the ejectors (10; 14) eject the items (18) onto at least one collecting conveyor (3) which, via a sorting path (20), is followed by a conveying system (26) with branchings (29, 30, 31) which are followed by separate conveying branches (44, 45, 46) leading to separate transfer sites (32, 33, 34) in the transfer station (35).

Abstract: An automated storage system for receiving, storing and returning dairy cases stored without pallets. Specifically, the automated storage system comprises an article transporter which includes a shuttle that deposits and retrieves dairy cases stored in storage lanes of a storage rack and a rail system for supporting the shuttle and dairy cases stored thereon. One or more shuttles may be used in the automated storage and retrieval system and are coupled via a shuttle bridge. The rail system includes two or more outer support rails and two or more inner support rails for supporting the shuttle and dairy cases. The rail system also supports normal Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) pallets or other special slave pallets. The bottom flange of the rail system has a "drip pan" style to contain leakage from the dairy cases. This "drip pan" design allows personnel to walk inside the storage lanes safely.

Abstract: An apparatus stores stock for retrieval at a later date. The apparatus maintains an inventory of the stock contained within and produces an invoice as stock is removed. A telecommunication apparatus is provided for allowing the apparatus to re-order stock items from remote sources as stock is removed. The stock monitoring is performed in real time and may allow restricted access to some of the stock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a stack of flat articles from a cartridge. The method and apparatus are adapted for use in connection with a method and apparatus for automatically stacking mail into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transferring filled cartridges from the output compartments to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention features a universal flow rack system that can be affixed to almost any supporting frame or pallet rack. The flow rack system of the invention features a flow track that is "snap-locked" into place upon the storage frame in an almost instantaneous fashion. This allows for quick assembly, adjustment and removal of the flow track at any time. The flow rack system is positionable about the storage frame or pallet rack in any orthogonal position (X and Y axes) about the horizontal plane of the frame, thus allowing for overhangs and unique positioning thereupon.

Abstract: A warehouse storage pushback device is provided having a first and second drive. Each drive has a chain, with a plurality of pads attached thereto, forming a closed loop. A plurality of rotating discs meshes with the chain and are rotatably mounted to an external structure. A plurality of rollers are rotatably attached to the chain and each pad and are in rolling engagement with a track. The first drive is able to operate independently of the second drive, allowing pads on one side of the material to be adjusted for better support while the others remain stationary. The device is used for storing pallets and provides other material handling functions.

Abstract: The present invention features a universal, low profile, expandable flow track system that can be drop-load mounted to almost any supporting frame or pallet rack. The flow track system of the invention features a flow track that mounts flush with its end supports, and is infinitely adjustable along both the horizontal axis and depth axis of the storage frame. The flow track is quickly assembled to, adjusted upon, and removed from, the storage frame.