Abstract: A sorting device includes a plurality of shelves placed one above the other in a frame, each adapted to receive a printing plate in sorted fashion. Located in front of the insertion opening of the shelves is a transport device for moving the printing plates along the shelves, preferably from top to bottom. Between the transport device and the shelves is a sorting carriage which can travel along the shelves and which includes a pivotable flap which operates to deflect the printing plates from the transport device to a desired shelf. To allow the printing plates to be introduced into the shelves, while keeping the shelves placed close together, the shelves are pivotally mounted at their lower edges and the sorting carriage is provided with a tappet for engaging the shelf located above the selected shelf, to lift the upper shelves and thereby enlarge the insertion opening. The arrangement is especially suitable for sorting so-called "flexoplates" and flexible offset plates.

Abstract: A rack having rolling carts that roll together one on top of the other. The second cart may define front and rear wheels that roll on outwardly facing tracks of the rails, while the first cart defines at least rear wheels that roll on inwardly facing tracks of the rails. Front wheels of the first cart may roll on the outwardly facing tracks, to make room for skid support means carried between a forward portion of the rails.

Abstract: The modular magazine for feeding tubular containers for stacks of electronic components to a dispenser rack of a machine for the automatic insertion of such components essentially comprises at least one assembly with containment cells for respective tubular containers of the components, each cell being defined by an elongated compartment closed at least at one end by an oscillable lid element, a plurality of sensor elements, each of which is associable with a preset respective portion of the rack to indicate the depletion of components in at least one of the containers in the rack, and electronic control circuit elements driven by the sensor elements to indicate the depletion of the components in the at least one container and to actuate the opening oscillation of the oscillable lid of that cell among the assembly of cells which accommodates tubular containers which contain components of the kind of the depleted ones.

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 goods handling apparatus for carrying in or carrying out goods with respect to storage facilities having multirow and multistage storing spaces. The apparatus includes a goods inlet apparatus or a goods outlet apparatus. The goods inlet apparatus or the goods outlet apparatus travels in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction along 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.

Abstract: A sorting device includes a plurality of shelves placed one above the other in a frame, each adapted to receive a printing plate in sorted fashion. Located in front of the insertion opening of the shelves is a transport device for moving the printing plates along the shelves, preferably from top to bottom. Between the transport device and the shelves is a sorting carriage which can travel along the shelves and which includes a pivotable flap which operates to deflect the printing plates from the transport device to a desired shelf. To allow the printing plates to be introduced into the shelves, while keeping the shelves placed close together, the shelves are pivotally mounted at their lower edges and the sorting carriage is provided with a tappet for engaging the shelf located above the selected shelf, to lift the upper shelves and thereby enlarge the insertion opening. The arrangement is especially suitable for sorting so-called "flexoplates" and flexible offset plates.

Abstract: A multiple depth storage structure includes tilted, parallel rail assemblies in a storage bay. A first, single depth rail of each assembly is rollably mounted on a second, double depth rail, which is rollably mounted on a third, triple depth, fixed rail. Outer rail assemblies, having an upper outer rail rollably mounted on a lower outer rail, may be located outwardly adjacent each rail assembly. A first load is placed on cross supports joining the upper outer rails, if so equipped. Loads are successively accepted on the first rails, forward depth of the second rails, and forward depth of the third rails. Successive loads push back previous loads, and removal of each load causes positioning of the remaining loads and the rails for facile removal of a previous load or acceptance of a next load.

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: A pallet rack comprises a least one pair of spaced, parallel rails and at least one wheeled cart mounted in rolling relation with the pair of rails and defining a load-carrying area. By this invention a cross brace extends between the rails, being positioned to support the bottom of a weak or poorly placed pallet placed on the rails adjacent the front end. The cross brace defines a space adjacent each of the rails to permit the front end of the cart to roll to the front end of the rails between the cross brace and each rail. The cart comprises a pair of wheel-carrying side members positioned parallel to the rails, plus transverse support members connecting the side members. The transverse support members are spaced from the cart front end by a distance sufficient to allow the front end of the cart to roll between the cross brace and each rail.

Abstract: A storage rack system having a plurality of storage bays adapted to store pallet loads of three pallets deep is disclosed. Each of the storage bays includes a pair of tracks having a lower cart and an upper cart movable along the tracks between a forward position and a back position. The forward positions of both the lower cart and the upper cart are located at the entry end of the storage bay, the back position of the lower cart is located two pallets deep from the entry end of the storage bay and the back position of the upper cart is located three pallets deep from the entry end of the storage bay. Storage rack systems adapted to store pallet loads of four pallets deep are also disclosed.

Abstract: Rolls of webs of photosensitive paper are accumulated into a stack on the upper reach of a belt conveyor which slopes upwardly and has a prop for the lowermost roll of the stack. The topmost roll of the stack is transferred to an unwinding station by an inflatable mandrel which is mounted on a pivotable lever and is movable by the lever between a horizontal position at the unwinding station and an inclined position in which it extends into and can be inflated in the interior of the core of the topmost roll of the stack. A catcher locates the leader of the web on the roll at the unwinding station and delivers the leader into the nip of two transporting rollers which advance the leader into a printer. When the supply of web on the core at the unwinding station is exhausted, the empty core is separated from the mandrel by a stripping device and the mandrel is ready to remove the next topmost roll from the upper reach of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a plurality of components comprising a vibrating feed tray, having a plurality of interchangeable modular troughs, each sized to receive a component of a particular size. The troughs are removably and slidably secured to the tray, and can be used in any combination. One end of each trough is characterized by only one side wall. A second, parallel side wall is provided each trough by means of sharing the side wall of the adjoining trough. In the event that there is no directly adjacent trough, a side stop is positioned adjacent the open side of the trough.

Abstract: Storage rack systems having a plurality of storage bays adapted to store pallet loads of three pallets deep and four pallets deep are disclosed. The three deep system includes a pair of tracks having a double cart assembly movable therealong between a forward position and a back position, the double cart assembly comprising a large cart which rides on the tracks and a small cart carried by and movably mounted on the large cart for movement between a front and rear position. The forward position of the double cart assembly is located at the entry end of the storage bay and the back position of the double cart assembly is located to span two and three pallets deep from the entry end of the storage bay. The four deep system includes a pair of track means having a lower cart and an upper double cart assembly movable therealong between forward and back positions.

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: A pallet rack comprises at least one pair of spaced, parallel rails and first and second wheeled carts mounted in rolling relation with the pair of rails, the wheels of first and second carts respectively rolling on the same rolling surfaces. The front wheels of the second cart are positioned between the front and rear wheels of the first cart. As the result of this, the second cart can roll between a first, vertically overlying position relative to the first cart, and a second position where most of the second cart is spaced along the rails from the first cart.

Abstract: A system for the order collection of boxes, cases, crates and containers having gravity roller tracks arranged in adjacent rows, provided with a crate supplier along the high feed-in side and an order discharge track along the low discharge side. According to the invention, the boxes, cases, crates and containers are transferred by a transfer device from the lower end of a gravity roller track either onto an order discharge conveyor extending along the lower discharge side or over this discharge track onto a short storage track aligned with the gravity roller conveyor.

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: To permit loading of elongated goods such as rails, rods, strips, or a combination of the foregoing retained in cassettes, from support shelves located on stacks positioned on both sides of a gang way or corridor in which a roller conveyor (13) is located, a frame element (5) carries thereon guide track supports (11, 12) which are positioned in essentially V configuration. Movable support elements, preferably connected by a longitudinal beam, and operated by cylinder-piston units move the goods from a raised transfer position to or from a hoist to a position out of the roller conveyor. The goods can be moved by the hoist from the storage stacks to either one of the support elements which, then, can move on the inclined tracks from the side of the roller conveyor to beneath the rolls of the roller conveyor.

Abstract: An article dispensing system comprising a plurality of bins disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship and angulated for facilitating storage and discharge of at least one article contained therein. The system includes an x-y-z positioning mechanism adapted for being disposed adjacent the end of the angulated storage bins. The mechanism is adapted for both loading and retrieving individual ones of the articles into and out of the storage bins. By utilizing a gravity feed system, the mechanical complexity of the x-y-z positioning mechanism is greatly reduced as is the overall cost of the system. Each storage bin is constructed with a lip formed on the lower end thereof for retaining stored articles therein, which retaining lip is inexpensive to fabricate and facilitates simplicity in the mechanical loading and retrieving operation.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of space utilization in a palletized goods store in which loaded pallets (1) are arranged in rows (2, 3) with alleys (4) therebetween, each loaded pallet (1) is carried on a wheeled trolley (7A). Where it is required to introduce a loaded pallet (1A) into a space (10) present anywhere along each row (2), the wheeled trolleys are arranged to move transversely of a row whereby the loaded pallet (1A) can first be transported by a fork lift truck (11) down an alley (4) opposite to said space (10), and then moved transversely on a wheeled trolley (7A) into said space (10). In this manner, it is unnecessary for the truck (11) to effect a quarter-turn in the alley (4) whereby the latter can be of a much smaller width than normal. Where the store is to be operated on a first-in, first-out basis, the wheeled trolleys in a row are arranged for movement longitudinally of the row.

Abstract: A sales stand for articles such as spools of sewing thread has a lower storage part and a sales part arranged therebove. A carriage arrangement for transporting the spools from the storage part to the sales part includes a horizontally displaceable main carriage, a lower carriage part carried by and vertically displaceable relative to the main carriage, for transporting the spools up from the storage part to a transfer station, and an upper carriage part carried by and vertically displaceable relative to the main carriage for transporting the spools from the transfer station to the sales part. The sales part includes a plurality of compartments arranged in columns and rows, the compartments being inclined downwardly towards the front of the stand, and the upper carriage part delivers the reels to a selected individual sales compartment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for storing/taking-out a rod-like stored article enables the article such as a printing-plate cylinder, which must be kept out of contact with other thing in its barrel surface in storing, to keep out of contact with other thing in storing/taking-out operation thereof, which apparatus use a foldable ladder-like, or a like chain-like holder unit for holding a plurality of the rod-like articles in parallel to each other at certain intervals so that the thus held articles can be transferred between its storing area and its taking-out area for use, while its storing space is remarkably reduced without fear of contact with each other.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery structure and system having a first container storage rack for accumulating and storing full containers of parts, and a container indexing and transfer mechanism for delivering individual full containers from the first storage rack to an assembly line work station. The transfer mechanism is also operative to move empty containers from the work station to a second container storage rack for accumulating and storing empty or depleted containers. A full container loading station and an empty container unloading station are provided for delivering full containers to the first rack and removing empty containers from the second rack as desired. Movement of containers the loading station toward the transfer mechanism and from the transfer mechanism to the unloading station is effected by positive gravity flow rails disposed along each storage rack. The transfer mechanism also includes gravity flow rails to facilitate indexing of containers onto and from the storage racks.

Abstract: Improved sticker placer apparatus is described. The apparatus includes plural, inclined sticker feed pockets for holding stickers simultaneously to be placed and vertically reciprocable placement arms, each being capable of displacing one sticker at a time from the mouth of the sticker pocket to a variable height of lumber indexed therebeneath, and each having a positive sticker capture device including a generally horizontal pivotable support arm for cradling the sticker thereabove, and a downwardly impinging pincer arm for urging the sticker downwardly throughout the placement cycle. Each placement arm further has plural stops for halting the descent of the arm when the top of the lumber is reached, a slider link mechanism providing dwell time between the arm's downstroke and upstroke and a spring-tensioned rocker arm operable during the dwell time to pivot the support arm out from under the sticker when the associated stops are reached.

Abstract: A modular parts supply rack is provided for supplying a plurality of containers filled with small parts from a loading end to a delivery end for use by vehicle assembly line operators and for return of empty nested containers from the delivery end to the loading end. The rack comprises a pair of upstanding spaced apart side walls which are connected together by a plurality of detachably mounted support bars. A plurality of side-by-side slide members extend between pairs of support bars and are detachably secured thereto.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing and conveying capsules to a printer for receiving indicia comprises a sloping ramp and a complementary guide which define a conveying passageway having an inlet and an outlet. A vertically movable slide member is associated with the outlet and is movable between a first position wherein the slide member receives a capsule from the outlet of the conveying passageway and a second position wherein a portion of the slide member seals the outlet of the conveying passageway. The slide member when in its second position further defines with the complementary guide a horizontally extending passageway for conveying the capsule to the printer.

Abstract: An automated tape cassette sequencing system includes a cassette storage library containing a plurality of columns of storage bins facing an interior space within which a cassette manipulator is located. The manipulator moves cassettes between the storage bins and tape transport units which also face the interior space. Rotary loading and unloading mechanisms are provided in openings in the housing of the library and include one or more storage bins. The mechanisms are rotatable from a first position in which the storage bins face outwardly through the openings to a second position in which the storage bins face the interior space of the library. Cassettes can be loaded and unloaded by an operator while the mechanisms are in their first position and handled by the manipulator assembly while the mechanisms are in their second position.

Abstract: A shelf service apparatus in the form of a crane for storage of rod-shaped material that is accommodated in self-supporting pallet boxes, it being possible for the pallet boxes to be lifted by supports on their end faces by carrying devices which can be moved vertically and horizontally by a crane bridge that can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the storeroom. Furthermore, at least one load cross-piece is arranged in the crane bridge parallel to the pallet boxes in such a manner that it can be removed by the carrying devices, which load cross-piece is of the same length as the pallet boxes and is provided on its end faces with supports in a manner corresponding to the pallet boxes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for discharging serial arrays of solid components contained in a three dimensional matrix of feeding positions, into a delivery track, one serial array at a time. The matrix of feeding positions is comprised of trays each having a row of component containing channels. The trays are stacked one on top of another, and loaded in a box-like container. The container is lowered, presenting one tray at a time to a plurality of funnel-shaped discharge openings. A shuttle, capable of selectively blocking the discharge openings, is aligned with one opening at a time, and is operative to receive a serial array of components contained in a channel aligned with that opening. Upon receiving the components, the shuttle returns to a home position in alignment with the delivery track, whereupon it discharges the components into the track.The shuttle is indexed along a row of channels, one channel at a time, until the tray is emptied.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system including a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending storage racks that provide a plurality of storage compartments, each compartment adapted to store a box-like bin which can contain smaller items, articles of commerce, and the like. Each storage compartment has an inner and outer opening adapted to receive and pass, respectively, a bin, and the compartments are arranged in longitudinally extending rows and in multileveled tiers. A plurality of rail pairs that incline downwardly at about 45 degrees are mounted between storage racks and are adapted to guide a bin placed thereon in speedy sliding motion under the force of gravity. There is means for moving a bin from a compartment and placing it, in alignment, upon an adjoining rail pair and releasing the bin. Near the lower part of the racks are take-off rails which curve from about 45 degrees, towards a horizontal direction, terminating just above a horizontally extending conveyor.

Abstract: A transporting arrangement, specifically suited for use in a storage rack, employing gravity-urged wheel-supported buggies for storing and transporting goods. The buggies are rollingly supported on elongated rails having flat support surfaces for engagement with the buggy wheels, and a pulsating activating device coacts with and extends longitudinally along the apparatus for causing the buggy to be cyclically relatively moved into and out of engagement with a longitudinally elongated brake in a repetitive manner to permit the buggy to move by gravity in a controlled steplike manner downwardly along the inclined support rails.

Abstract: A lift conveyor in the form of an endless chain is mounted on a vertically extending frame and provides a down-travel side and an up-travel side. Fastened to the chain is a progression of evenly spaced shelves for reception of articles to be loaded on and discharged from the conveyor. Each shelf has opposite relatively flat low friction faces for reception of articles so that on the down-travel side of the chain one of the surfaces receives, carries and discharges articles in one direction whereas on the up-travel side it is the opposite face which receives, carries and discharges articles, and in the opposite direction. Each shelf, moreover, has a laterally tilted mounting on the chain so that articles slide by gravity action onto and off the shelf. Removable chocks are used to keep the articles from sliding off the shelf during travel and until the chock is removed at the time of discharge.

Abstract: The sales stand for sewing thread bobbins and the like consists of a housing which is divided into an upper customer array part and a lower equipment part arranged beneath it in which the customer array consists of storage slots arranged in rows and columns with their longitudinal axes parallel where each slot has a removal opening at the front and a filling opening at the back, and in each slot a number of the same bobbins are arranged which can be removed from the removal opening at the front. Magazines for each diameter of bobbin are arranged in the equipment part from which the transport system automatically refills the storage slots.

Abstract: A device for the removal of bobbins from an automatic rotor spinning machine having a conveyor belt placed on the automatic spinning machine for collecting and delivering completed bobbins comprises a transfer device with a frame, a receiving conveyor belt swiveling on the frame in a vertical direction for receiving bobbins from the automatic spinning machine, a roller conveyor section extending the receiving conveyor belt and which can be swiveled between a position inclined in the direction of feed and a horizontal position, a receiving chute placed parallel to the roller conveyor section, a pusher for transfer of bobbins from the roller conveyor section to the receiving chute, a lifting device for vertically moving the receiving chute between a position adjacent to the roller conveyor section and a number of additional positions, and a tilting device for tilting the receiving chute around its longitudinal axis between a horizontal receiving position and a position essentially at a 90.degree.

Abstract: A gravity flow storage system for storing pallets includes at least one pair of parallel and laterally spaced-apart conveyors having a plurality of rotatably mounted, parallel longitudinally spaced-apart rollers. The conveyors are disposed at an inclined angle to define a storage lane having a front lower end and a rear upper end. At least one pair of pallet carrier sets are provided, each of which is disposed respectively on an associated conveyor and includes at least two nested telescoping pallet carriers having an innermost and an outermost pallet carrier. The nested pallet carriers normally rest upon the conveyor rollers and are longitudinally displaceable on the associated conveyor via the rollers thereof. Corresponding pallet carriers of the carrier sets cooperate to support a pallet thereon.

Abstract: A stack conveyor and handler in the form of a crane for stacking rod-like material in a warehouse or storage system or the like, in which the load-bearing beam is vertically movable on guides of the crane and has load pickup devices in the form of prongs or the like. Prongs identical to these prongs and located opposite them are firmly connected to the beam, and clamping mandrels for gripping the material are movable substantially vertically between opposed prongs. The load-bearing beam is supported such that it is rotatable, about an axis that is horizontal as well as parallel to the corridors between stacks, between at least two operating positions, in which the prongs extend in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A parcel sorting and distributing apparatus includes a plurality of inclined chutes which receive parcels at their open upper ends. Each parcel slides down a chute into a receptacle such as a mail hamper. The chutes are vertically stacked and arranged in a spoke-like fashion about a circle with the aggregate of their upper ends forming a cylindrical surface. A rotatable vertical mast at the axis of the cylinder includes a pivotally mounted carrier. In one position the carrier retains a parcel; when it pivots to a second position, the parcel spills out into one of the chutes. A first motor causes the mast to rotate and a second motor drives the carrier vertically along the mast. A parcel which has been identified as to its destination is loaded into the carrier, and a controller controls the first motor, the second motor and the carrier pivot so as to convey the parcel to the appropriate receptacle.

Abstract: A multi-load position push-in flow rack capable of moving and storing loads in tandem comprises front and rear uprights mounting a pair of horizontally spaced inclined rails on which load transfer apparatus is mounted. The load transfer apparatus comprises an elongated carriage supported for reciprocation on the rails by a lower series of wheels and a shorter load support mounted for reciprocation relative to the carriage by an upper series of wheels which are located on the carriage and which engage the undersides of the load support. Abutments are provided at the rear end of the carriage for coupling the load support to the carriage so that they can move together when loaded. Stops are provided at the front and rear ends of the rack to limit the travel of the carriage therein. In the course of loading, the load support with a first load thereon is pushed rearwardly relative to the carriage to expose the front of the carriage for accepting a second load and to couple the load support to the carriage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a storage and inventory control system for keys wherein a microprocessor controlled positioning assembly directs a key to an inclined storage receptacle, and a withdrawal assembly releases the key from the storage receptacle. The positioning assembly is provided with an inclined receiving receptacle that is selectively positioned to release the key into an appropriate storage receptacle. The withdrawal assembly is provided with an opening element for releasing the key from the storage receptacle so that it can be picked up by a user. The microprocesor records usage data such as use of the key, user of the key, and the time of key usage.

Abstract: A creel assembly and section beam pallet minimize downtime, enhance loading and unloading operations and facilitate automation, in slasher, dyeing, and like textile operations. First and second creels are mounted side-by-side on a frame. Air bearings lift the frame off of the floor, and a powered wheel rotates the frame 180.degree., when changing over from the section beams on one creel, to the other. The section beam pallets include outwardly extending arms having shoes on their bottoms. The shoes cooperate with rails associated with the support frame, and air is delivered between the rails and the pallet shoes when it is desired to move the pallets along the rails. The rails are tilted from a level position to a slightly downwardly inclined position so that the pallets glide on air to the end of the rails, at which position they may be unloaded with a forklift or an automated guided vehicle.

Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and dispensing apparatus for containers and the like wherein the containers are loaded at the top of a tower and selectively dispensed from the bottom. The tower has a frame that defines first and second tower sections, each supporting a number of vertically spaced shelf trays which in turn support the containers which are stacked on the trays when loaded. The shelf trays of each tower section face inwardly toward and are staggered relative to each other. Each tray is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and is operated so that when a container is dispensed from a bottom shelf tray, each higher tray beginning at the bottom and progressing upward one at a time, pivots to transfer its carton to the upwardly tilted next lower empty shelf tray. This process is repeated until each container has been transferred to the next lower shelf tray.

Abstract: A storage rack comprising a plurality of bays each having at least a front storage location and a rear storage location and which is adapted to receive at least two loads with the first-received load being movable between the locations. Each bay comprises an open front end through which the loads can be inserted and removed, a support surface for supporting a load at the front storage location, and first rails disposed above the support surface and extending between the storage locations. Each bay further comprises a trolley for carrying the first-received load. The trolley is supported by the rails and is movable on the rails between the locations so that both loads can be inserted into the bays at the front storage location.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery structure and system having a first container storage rack for accumulating and storing full containers of parts, and a container indexing and transfer mechanism for delivering individual full containers from the first storage rack to an assembly line work station. The transfer mechanism is also operative to move empty containers from the work station to a second container storage rack for accumulating and storing empty or depleted containers. A full container loading station and an empty container unloading station are provided for delivering full containers to the first rack and removing empty containers from the second rack as desired. Movement of containers the loading station toward the transfer mechanism and from the transfer mechanism to the unloading station is effected by positive gravity flow rails disposed along each storage rack. The transfer mechanism also includes gravity flow rails to facilitate indexing of containers onto and from the storage racks.

Abstract: An automatic device is described for supplying reels of wrapping material to a utilizer machine, in which there are provided a magazine, disposed in a position adjacent to the machine, for a plurality of reserve reels, and a reel carrier for transferring the individual reels to said machine. The magazine comprises a shaft for supporting the reels through their tubular spindle, and at least two support elements for the shaft which can be removed one at a time from this latter under the control of respective mutually independent operating means, in such a manner as to enable the reels to slide towards the reel carrier.

Abstract: A storage device for a number of different articles which are to be stored includes containers which are placed in a receiving frame on resting surfaces and acted on in an ejection direction which is perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the resting surfaces. The containers are held in the receiving frame by a hold-back device which can be overcome by action of a release device, each container having, associated with it, a release device and a receiving and code recognition device with which a given code is associated.

Abstract: A magazine for measuring and/or sampling probes includes storage compartments accommodating the probes in a horizontal position, and supply and delivery openings provided parallel to the probes. A conveying means is arranged at the delivery openings to deliver the probes to an erecting means placing the probes in a vertical position. In order to ensure an optimum utilization of space with little space being required beside the magazine, the magazine comprises a plurality of superposed storage compartments provided with a roll bevel for the probes. Their vertically superposed delivery openings are passed by a lift for accommodating one probe each from one of the storage compartments. The lift is movable to the erecting means from a delivery opening each.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking up a plurality of rod type materials one by one from a pile of such materials is disclosed in which a plurality of rod type materials are stored temporarily in a rack. A part of a rod type material is separated from the plural rod type materials by a take-up element provided on the rack, and the separated rod material is gripped by a clamp provided in opposition to the take-up element. The rod type material fixed in the clamp is then drawn through a drawing element to be completely separated from the remaining rod type materials in the rack.

Abstract: A storage and distribution system wherein the product elements are segregated into product lanes, each product lane having a particular type of product element contained therein. The output ends of the product lanes are each provided with a release mechanism which is capable of dispensing the lead product element onto at least one main conveyor, while withholding all the rest of the product elements within the product lane. The product elements dispensed onto the main conveyors are then consolidated by a merge system, and directed onto an output conveyor which transports the consolidated order to a shipping, holding, or other suitable area. The system is also provided with means whereby the controlling system can monitor the successful completion of the product element releases, and the movement of the released product elements past the merge system, to thereby continuously monitor the progress of the dispensing sequence.

Abstract: Storage racks include bays for accepting three loads of goods from an open front end wherein telescoping upper and lower trolleys move along a track assembly from the front of the bay rearward. The upper and lower trolleys are successively loaded, and they are moved rearward to rear and central locations as each following load is inserted, with a third load of goods being located on the track assembly in front of the two loaded trolleys. The track assembly is inclined downward toward the front of the bay, and catches are associated with the track assembly to prevent return movement of the loaded trolleys to the front of the bay until released.

Abstract: A device for automatically supplying reels to a utilizer machine, in which a support element for a reel is movable between the output of a reel magazine and an unwinding spindle disposed on the utilizer machine and is provided with actuator means which is operable to actuate locking means carried by the unwinding spindle, by contact therewith, to lock each reel in succession thereon.