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

Abstract: A horizontal goods transfer apparatus includes a horizontal fixed rail extending in the back-and-forth direction and being capable of mounting thereon a plurality of items in a row in the longitudinal direction. A back-and-forth movement rail is arranged to be substantially parallel to the fixed rail and is placed to be reciprocally movable in the back-and-forth direction. A reciprocating air cylinder moves the back-and-forth movement rail for a predetermined distance. A vertical movement rail is supported by the back-and-forth movement rail to be vertically movable and capable of being located at an upper position higher than the fixed rail and a lower position lower than the fixed rail. A flexible tube is placed on the back-and-forth movement rail and under the vertical movement rail to extend along the vertical movement rail. This flexible tube is inflated/deflated upon supply/discharge of compressed air, thereby vertically moving the vertical movement rail to the upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A library apparatus in which a plurality of cell drums are divided into two groups respectively placed on the left and right side of a recording/reproducing unit placed in a central part thereof. In this library apparatus, rails are placed in a direction along which the cell drums and the recording/reproducing unit are arranged. The conveying of media, which are contained in the cell drums placed on the left side of the recording/reproducing unit, is assigned to an accessor placed on the left side thereof. Simultaneously, the conveying of media, which are contained in the cell drums placed on the right side of the recording/reproducing unit, is assigned to an accessor placed on the right side thereof. A robot hand of each of the accessors is opened and closed by a turn of a motor. At that time, a power supply is turned off. Moreover, the robot hand is prevented by a locking mechanism from popping out of the accessor. Furthermore, ordinary cartridges are discriminated from cleaning cartridges.

Abstract: A pallet return rack storage system of the pushback type is provided in which wheeled carts are selectively and automatically transferred from a pair of feed rails to a pair of return rails. Also provided is a novel braking means for controlling cart speed and avoiding impact with companion carts.

Abstract: There are used article display shelves each comprising a plurality of article storing compartments arranged vertically and laterally, the article storing compartments each holding a plurality of articles in a front-declined state, and the articles in each article storing compartment are held by means of a stopper, the stopper being capable of moving between an article holding position for inhibiting free fall of article and an article release position for permitting free fall of article. On the premise that money is paid, a bucket is conveyed to a position where a desired article is to be dropped from the article storing compartment which holds the article, and the position of the stopper is shifted to the article release position by an operation performed on the bucket side. As a result, the desired article is put into the bucket, which bucket is then conveyed up to an article take-out port. In this way the sale of article is effected.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a substantially circular article from a first unloading position to a second loading position compensates for misalignment of the article on a support arm. During movement of the support arm the periphery of the circular article is detected, and a correction of the movement of the support arm is generated.

Abstract: A mobile article transporter for carrying and storing a plurality of similar articles in a compact configuration. The transporter comprises a plurality of relatively friction-free conveyors located one above the other. Each conveyor includes a set of rollers that lie in an inclined plane along which the articles gravitate. Alternate ones of the conveyors tilt in opposite directions to form a Z-shaped structure through which the articles cascade to load the transporter from the bottom up. Pivoted article transfer carriages mount in the transporter for transferring articles between adjacent conveyors. The transfer carriages include guide arms and control arms that direct articles from an upper conveyor to the next lower conveyor. When the lower conveyor is filled with articles, the uppermost article thereon abuttingly engages the guide arms to prevent rotation of the transfer carriage, thereby preventing articles from gravitating onto the full conveyor.

Abstract: A pass thru port, for use in an automated cartridge library, is capable of transferring a cartridge from one module of the automated cartridge library to another module of the automated cartridge library without the use of motors or other powered devices. A rotating mechanism, operating under the force of gravity, engages the cartridge after the cartridge is released by the robot arm of the first module. The rotating mechanism turns the cartridge so it faces in the appropriate direction to be received by the second module. A pivoting tray in the second module engages the cartridge as the cartridge slides from the rotating mechanism to the second module. The pivoting tray positions the cartridge in the second module so that it may be retrieved by a robot arm in the second module. Multiple cartridges can be loaded into the pass thru port and removed one at a time from the second module with the next module automatically moving into position in the second module when the first cartridge is removed.

Abstract: A container unloading device which includes a two-tiered rail system that has been adapted to include an upper set of feed rails that cycle carts carrying containers from the back of the system to the front of the system for unloading. At the system's front end, the feed rails have sections of increased angularity which support the cart and container at an angle which increases accessibility to the container's contents. The system also includes a set of transfer ramps which allow the cart to move from rolling engagement with the feed rails to rolling engagement with the lower set of return rails where the cart and unloaded container then move to the back of the system into a position for reloading. The device may further include a speed reducer which retards the cart's acceleration down the sections of increased angularity.

Abstract: A push-back rack with product support surfaces which are strung together and which move relative to the rack structure. In one embodiment, support surfaces include wheels or rollers, which roll on the rack frame. The support surfaces are connected together by flexible members. In another embodiment, the support surfaces are links of a chain and are connected together by pin and eye connections, and support rollers are provided on the rack rather than on the support surfaces.

Abstract: A load transfer and return storage rack system is provided where the wheeled carts or empty pallets or slip sheets may be selectively and automatically transferred from a pair of feed rails to a pair of return rails.

Abstract: A level gravity conveyor provides a plurality of individual load-engaging support pads aligned longitudinally along the conveyor. The pads are movably supported on runway segments which extend longitudinally. Each runway segment defines an upper raceway surface which movably supports the pad, which upper surface in the preferred embodiment is defined by a plurality of support rollers. The runway segments are alternately raised and lowered so that, when in a raised position, the upper surfaces slope downward in the forward direction. The pads engage and vertically lift the loads when the runway segments are in the raised position, whereby the weight of the loads causes the pads to move downwardly by gravity along the inclined upper surfaces to forwardly advance the loads through a small distance.

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

Abstract: A storage rack system having a plurality of storage bays adapted to store pallet loads that are three and four pallets deep is disclosed. This system includes a pair of outer tracks and a pair of spaced apart inner tracks located within the outer tracks and extending the full depth of the storage rack. One of the inner tracks is secured to a spaced apart adjacent outer track by a plurality of brackets to form a first independent unit, and the other of the inner tracks is secured to a spaced apart adjacent outer track by a plurality of brackets to form a second unit.

Abstract: A container unloading device which includes a two-tiered rail system that has been adapted to include an upper set of feed rails that cycle carts carrying containers from the back of the system to the front of the system for unloading. At the system's front end, the feed rails have sections of increased angularity which support the cart and container at an angle which increases accessibility to the container's contents. The system also includes a set of transfer ramps which allow the cart to move from rolling engagement with the feed rails to rolling engagement with the lower set of return rails where the cart and unloaded container then move to the back of the system into a position for reloading. The device may further include a speed reducer which retards the cart's acceleration down the sections of increased angularity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pallet-support rail for the conveyance of pallets and containers, the rail having a pallet-support chain (2, 2a to 2d) designed in the form of a roller chain with a multiplicity of support rollers (11) spaced one behind the other at equal intervals, a rolling surface (4) on which the rollers (11) run and a multiplicity of support links (9) connected to the rollers (11) and designed to be displaced by the rollers (11) along the rolling surface (4). The invention ensures ease of operation and compact design by virtue of the fact that means for lateral control of the support rollers (11) are fitted to the support rollers (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring long stock (3) from or to either of two storage racks (1) arranged in parallel to each other, to a processing station, such as a saw. The apparatus is located in an aisle (4) between the storage racks and has a pair of arms (18, 19, 20, 20a) arranged in a parallel linkage system. The arms are journalled on the apparatus for simultaneous pivotal movement. The free end of each pair of arms has a conveyor (9, 10) mounted thereon to extend in parallel and adjacent to the storage racks (1) between upper and lower positions which for each conveyor are substantially identical. A hoist is provided for loading long stock onto, and remove it from, either conveyor (9, 10) in its upper position. In the lower position either conveyor (9, 10) is aligned with a processing station.

Abstract: A low inclination push back storage rack system is described, the system having a plurality of storage lanes, each storage lane being equipped with one or more rectangular carriages to transport a pallet load from a front loading position to a rear storage position. Each carriage is provided with axles on which wheels having notches about their peripheral circumference are mounted. The wheels are typically V groove wheels. The V groove wheels of each carriage roll on parallel spaced apart rounded elongated rods, the V groove wheels on one side of the carriage rolling on one elongated rod, the V groove wheels on the other side of the carriage rolling on another elongated rod. The carriages wheels are supported and guided by the elongated rounded rods. The spaced apart parallel rounded elongated rods are supported by spaced apart rod support members extending from the front of the storage lane to the rear of the storage lane.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for moving container between over/under, entrance/exit gravity rollerway conveyors also holds the containers at a position for user interface in removing articles from or inserting articles into the container. The power operated scissors mechanism moves the carriage vertically between the conveyors, while a first piston-cylinder tilts the carriage at an angle to match an aligned conveyor with respect to a first axis and a second piston-cylinder tilts the carriage about a second orthogonally arranged axis to determine an appropriate user interface tilt. An automatic control, in response to a single input command from the user, cycles the carriage for unloading a container, loading a new container, and placing the new container at a predetermined user position. Additional user commands can override the predetermined user position to adjust the tilt and height of the carriage for the user, which adjustment may be temporary or stored as a new predetermined user position.

Abstract: An automated storage library having the ability to store and manipulate data storage elements in three dimensions. Data storage elements such as tape cartridges are stored in storage compartments separated by low-friction downward sloping sliding planes each capable of holding a plurality of data storage elements. The automated storage library further includes a magnetic picker apparatus having two electromagnetic coils. In one embodiment, the two coils are energized simultaneously with the first coil used to reposition an L-shaped flipper. This flipper raises a roller gate positioned at one end of a storage compartment to release a stored data storage element. The second electromagnetic coil supplements the gravitational pull on the data storage element by attracting a steel strip on the face of the data storage element and an associated coil carriage retrieves the data storage element from the compartment.

Abstract: A storage rack arrangement for permitting a plurality of loads to be disposed closely adjacent in aligned front-to-back relationship longitudinally along a generally horizontally elongated storage bay. The storage rack arrangement includes a frame which defines the storage bay and which has a pair of generally parallel support tracks fixedly mounted thereon adjacent opposite sides of the bay. The support tracks are elongated longitudinally along the bay in the front-to-back direction and are slightly downwardly inclined as they project toward a front of the bay. A telescoping carriage assembly is movably mounted on the support tracks and includes at least front and rear carriages which are each adapted to have a load mounted thereon when the front and rear carriages are in an extended position. The rear carriage includes generally parallel side frame elements which are longitudinally elongated, hollow, and open at the front ends thereof.

Abstract: Goods drop out device 14 having goods receptacle portions 27 defined in a drop out box 23 and shutter devices 21 for opening and closing the bottoms of the goods receptacle portions 27, comprises the shutter devices 21 each comprise a smaller opening and closing member 56 pivotable about a support shaft 58 extending substantially in parallel to the bottom of the goods receptacle portion 27 for opening and closing the bottom, a pushing rod 62 contacting with the lower surface of the smaller opening and closing member 56 and moving toward and away from the lower surface, and an opening and closing cylinder device 63 for driving the pushing rod 62 and operating to close the bottom of the goods receptacle portion 27 by pushing up the opening and closing member 56 by the pushing rod 62.

Abstract: An article selecting and collecting apparatus having a plurality of vertically spaced elongated ramps with a continuous conveyor and articulated selector slidingly attached to a rail adjacent each conveyor. The articulated selector slides along the rail to a selected portion of the rack for selecting an article from the rack and placing it on the adjacent conveyor. The conveyor carries the article to a spiral chute at a distal end for collecting with other selected articles.

Abstract: A cart return device that uses a two-tiered rail system having a set of parallel feed and return rails, which include transfer ramps for the transfer of a cart from rolling engagement with the feed rails to the return rails. The device being adapted to include a lifting apparatus and a liftable support that transfers an unloaded cart from the return rails to the feed rails where it can be reloaded in a single step. The device further adapted to provide a cart return system that uses the weight of a loaded pallet and cart as the source of power for driving the lifting apparatus that raises the cart up to the feed rails and into a position where the empty pallet can be removed or reloaded in a single operation.

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 modular storing and dispensing assembly (20) for a plurality of large containers (21) of substantial weight. The modular assembly (20) comprises a container support track mechanism (24) supporting the containers (21) for movement toward a dispensing station (26). An enclosure (27) substantially encloses the track mechanism (24) and all of the containers (21). The track mechanism (24) and the enclosure (27) are both coupled to a modular frame (32) for movement thereof as a unit. The modular frame (32) is mounted on a vehicle (23) and can be used as a free-standing storing and dispensing unit. In an embodiment, the track mechanism (24) includes a conveyor-type assembly (35) extending about a predetermined path (34) substantially along the full transverse dimension of the vehicle (23). The conveyor mechanism (35) includes a conveyor drive mechanism (105) and a flexible transport device (111) movably coupled to the drive mechanism (105).

Abstract: A three-deep low profile push-back rack maximizes head space in a vertically stacked series of storage bays. A first pair of tracks extends longitudinally through the bays supported by the rack. The middle bay contains a second pair of tracks parallel to the first tracks. The second tracks are spaced apart a distance which is greater than the spacing of the first tracks and are mounted on the outside of the first tracks. A first flat pallet truck rolls along the first track. A lower second cart having a U-shaped frame has a front pair of wheels rolling on the first track and a pair of rear wheels rolling on the second track so that a clear nesting space is provided within the center of the frame of the lower second can to accept and receive the higher first cart. A low profile is provided to maximize head space because the frame of the higher cart does not have to roll over the top of the second cart, it only has to fit within the nesting area slightly above the loading surface of the lower cart.

Abstract: A push-back cart storage system includes an outer cart having wheels rolling on support rails. A middle cart has forward wheels rolling on side members of the outer cart. Rear wheels on the middle cart role on the support rails. An inner cart has front wheels rolling on side members of the middle cart, while rear wheels of the inner cart role on the side rails. The rolling carts are all of equal height.

Abstract: A system for filling orders in a warehouse utilizes a main conveyor for routing items in the warehouse, including to a primary and secondary picking area. The primary picking area is used for picking high volume items, and is subdivided into multiple subgroups of primary pick faces. The second picking area is used for picking items that are not available for picking in the first picking area. Picking is performed in alternating short pick periods. Picking from a first subgroup of primary pick faces is performed in a first pick period, and picking from the second subgroup of primary pick faces is performed in an alternating pick period. Items are assigned to the first picking area dynamically for each picking period on the basis of which items are the highest moving items during an individual pick period. The system utilizes a pivotally mounted diverting chute to direct items into the pick faces, etc., and a self opening pick face.

Abstract: In a storage system comprising rows of shelves defining lanes for the storage of cartons or pallet loads and like wherein the shelf lanes are adapted to receive inventory loads one behind the other, a push-pack system comprising a pair of track adapted for wheels to roll upon the inner and outer edges of the top surface thereof, a first cart with a rectangular frame with wheels to ride on one edge of the tracks, a second cart having a U-shaped frame adapted to receive the first cart nested within the frame at approximately the same elevation and having wheels to ride upon the other edges of the track. Variations may provide for three or four carts providing storage of loads four or five pallets deep.

Abstract: The rack (1) for supporting bobbins (2) of filament is made up of several superposed rows of bobbins (2) mounted on spindles (X-X'). The rack (1) has a zone (3) for intermediate storage of bobbins (2) in which said bobbins are placed next to each other on a support (4), a conveyor (7, 8) being provided for automatically conveying the bobbins (2) to the storage zone. To be used for rationalizing the transfer of bobbins and the positioning of bobbins in a rack.

Abstract: A plurality of goods contained at random or in a predetermined arrangement, particularly in a three rows or more in a container such as a corrugated fiberboard box and a plastic container, etc., are stored in a goods storage device arranged in no more than two rows and having a plurality of goods storage sections. After the goods have been shifted to a goods drop-out device having a plurality of goods storing sections arranged in no more than two rows, a shutter disposed along a side surface portion of the goods drop-out device is opened and shut by an actuator, so that the goods which have been shifted to the goods storage section of the goods drop-out device are discharged into a goods storage section unit. By shifting the goods stored in a storage apparatus to a goods take-out device which has moved toward the storage apparatus side, a shifting operation of goods can be performed with ease.

Abstract: A pickface conveyor including two or three load storage stations and including a trolley movably positioned on an inclined track. A first load support is shiftable vertically about an over center linkage to facilitate the transfer of loads from the first load support to a second load support. The first load support can be positioned at the first station with the second load support comprising the trolley, or the first load support can be mounted on the trolley with the second load support comprising the second station.

Abstract: A storage rack system having a plurality of storage bays adapted to store pallet loads that are seven pallets deep is disclosed. One storage rack system disclosed includes six carts each adapted to support a single pallet load and being supported on track means for movement from a forward position to a back position. Another storage rack system disclosed includes a first cart for supporting a single pallet load, and two double carts each adapted to support two pallet loads, the carts being supported on track means for movement from a forward position to a back position.

Abstract: A method for shifting goods in which goods arranged in a predetermined manner within a container having an opening portion are taken out of the container in such a manner as to correspond to the arrangement of the storing state of the goods. The method comprising the steps of superposing a goods take-out tool including partitions which are formed in such a manner as to correspond to the arrangement of the storing state of the goods on the opening portion of the container, and inverting the superposed container and goods take-out tool. The goods in the container can be taken into the goods take-out tool without changing the arrangement of the storing state of the goods.

Abstract: A storage rack system having a plurality of storage bays adapted to store pallet loads that are seven pallets deep is disclosed. One storage rack system disclosed includes six carts each adapted to support a single pallet load and being supported on track means for movement from a forward position to a back position. Another storage rack system disclosed includes a first cart for supporting a single pallet load, and two double carts each adapted to support two pallet loads, the carts being supported on track means for movement from a forward position to a back position.

Abstract: A rack, and particularly a pallet rack which comprises at least two pairs of spaced, parallel rails. The pairs of rails typically carry at least one rolling cart for receiving a pallet. The rails are carried on at least a first beam and a second beam, the beam is being positioned and spaced in generally parallel relation to each other, and positioned transversely of the rails. A plurality of spaced, first columns are connected to and support the first beam, while a plurality of spaced second columns connect to and support the second beam. There are present a greater number of second columns than first columns, with the second columns being more closely spaced together than the first columns. By this, a greater load may be carried by the second beam, preferably without the second beam being stronger.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for retrofitting a storage rack assembly with a push-back system. Rail structures on which a push-back cart will travel are attached to an existing storage rack assembly with no or slight modification of the existing storage rack assembly. The push-back storage system may be retrofitted to a variety of different prior art storage racks; for example, a selective rack assembly or drive-in rack assembly.

Abstract: A push-back storage rack is provided for the storage of pallets. The storage rack includes a frame having at least one pair of spaced apart roller track assemblies, each being formed of a pair of two transversely spaced, longitudinal arrays of rollers to form a guide space between the rollers. At least one glide tube or pallet carrier truck rides on the rollers. Each glide tube is formed of a pair of transversely spaced frame members, each frame member having a lower rail portion riding on the rollers of one of the roller tracks. A guide is formed on the rail portions, and the guide extends into the guide space between the transversely spaced array of rollers. The track assemblies are inclined forwardly and downwardly toward the front of the storage rack, so that pallets may be loaded by pushing a first pallet backward on the glide tube, and the pallet on the glide tube will flow toward the front of the storage rack when the pallet in front of it is removed.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing articles, containers and the like includes stacks of opposing, vertically staggered shelf assemblies. A shelf associated with each shelf assembly is pivotally mounted for movement at least between an upwardly tilted receiving position and a downwardly tilted discharge position. A fluid-operating system is disclosed for maintaining each shelf in its upwardly tilted receiving position until a container is received and to prevent the lowering of the shelf to the discharge position until the next lower shelf is prepared to receive a container.

Abstract: A container storage and retrieval apparatus includes opposing stacks of vertically staggered shelf assemblies. Each shelf assembly includes a shelf pivotally mounted to a support structure and movable between at least an upwardly tilted, receiving position and a downwardly tilted, discharge position. Fluid-operated structure is provided to raise the shelf between at least the downwardly tilted, discharge position and the upwardly tilted, receiving position. A higher pressure fluid source and lower pressure fluid source are provided. Container indicator switching structure connects the raising structure to the higher pressure fluid source if a container is not present on the shelf, and to the lower pressure source if a container is present on the shelf. Transfer control structure is operatively connected between the shelf and the next lower shelf, and is adapted to prevent the lowering of the shelf to the discharge position unless the next lower shelf is in the receiving position.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a warehouse system in which containers are stored on a gravity chute system inclined at an angle with the horizontal sufficient to overcome the kinetic coefficient of friction between the chute and a container placed thereon and may overcome the static coefficient of friction between the chute and a container placed thereon. The warehouse system includes a receiving system, a storage system, a shipping system, and an inventory system.

Abstract: Storage rack systems having a plurality of storage bays adapted to store pallet loads that are three, four and five pallets deep are disclosed. Each of the systems includes a pair of outer tracks extending the full depth of the storage rack and a pair of inner tracks located inside of the outer tracks and extending for a short distance. A lower cart for each of the three, four and five deep systems is provided with a pair of front wheels which ride on the outer tracks and a pair of rear wheels which ride on the inner tracks.

Abstract: An improved push back pallet rack for loading and unloading pallets in which parallel channels inclining upward and rearward from a front of the rack on which pallets are stored are joined along their length and have longitudinal grooves, convex within each channel, to provide a lateral bumper guide(s) and a track on which carrier rails to support a pallet are mounted with rollers having concave rolling surfaces to roll on the track and are adapted with self-righting rolling surfaces.

Abstract: A pallet return pallet rack storage system of the pushback rack type is provided where the wheeled carts may be selectively and automatically transferred from a pair of feed rails to a pair of return rails.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bobbin sorting and batch transfer apparatus which can collect a predetermined number of bobbins from vertically stacked storage racks each of which has a discharge port. A carriage is provided on which there are mounted one or more guide elements including vertical guides which can be juxtaposed proximate to the discharge ports. A chain drive bearing rollers is arranged to form holding bins or compartments which can be advanced in a planetary motion along the various guides. The rollers are spaced from the vertical guides to maintain the bobbins in equilibrium by arranging same to roll against the vertical guides, the rollers urging the bobbins to move through a closed loop path which can position any holding bin or compartment into proximate opposition to any discharge port in a given column of racks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the disposition of loads movable on wheels, e.g., roller pallets or their equivalent, in a storage area consisting of one or more storage levels located one above the other and provided with collateral flow-through channels for the loads, the storage levels being arranged either horizontally or with a slight downward inclination towards the output end, provides that each storage channel has a conveyor rail mechanism which, by utilization of a conveyor rail, both guides and conveys the loads of goods in the channel.

Abstract: A warehouse has several levels. Each level has a series of storage channels for items to be stocked in the warehouse. The storage channels are parallel to one another and have respective inlet ends located at a first side of the warehouse and respective outlet ends located at an opposite second side of the warehouse. Each storage channel is equipped with a device for guiding items along the channel in a direction from the inlet end towards the outlet end. Every level is further provided with at least one return channel which is parallel to the storage channels and has an inlet end at the second side of the warehouse and an outlet end at the first side of the warehouse. The return channel is again equipped with a device for guiding items along such channel in a direction from the inlet end to the outlet end thereof.

Abstract: A low profile unpowered conveyance utilizes air actuators to tilt sequentially sections of idler roller conveyors to move loads such as palletized bins from one section to an adjoining section. The sections may be arranged in a line, loop or other arrangement. The sections are tilted by air actuators which are preferably low profile pneumatic air bags or springs. In one form a pair of air bags support a pivotally mounted entry section through a harness and when the air bags are deflated the entry section pivots downwardly with respect to the conveyor section. When the air bags are partially inflated the entry section is held horizontal. When the air bags are further inflated, the entire section tilts. The entire section tilts only when the succeeding section is clear and concurrently the entry section of the succeeding section also tilts to be aligned with the prior section providing an inclined idler roller ramp to permit the load to roll to the succeeding section.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing apparatus for articles, containers and the like includes two opposing vertical stacks of shelf assemblies pivotally mounted relative to support structure for rotation between an upwardly tilted receiving and storage position in a downwardly tilted discharge position. Each shelf assembly includes a transfer stop and transfer control for retaining the shelf assembly in the receiving position until the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. Each shelf assembly can also include a receiving stop for retaining the shelf assembly in the receiving position until a container is fully disposed on the shelf surface. The shelf assembly can further include a discharge drive for overcoming static between a stored container and the underlying shelf surface during transfer operations. The apparatus automatically advances container downwardly through the stack to the lowest unfilled shelf for selective dispensing at the bottom of the stacks.