Abstract: This invention relates to a process for managing stores, in which objects are stored, removed and arranged. Said objects are stored not in accordance with an indexed classification but as a function of their dimensions and of the storage volumes available in the store and, at each instant, their location as well as the location and dimensions of the storage volumes still available are recorded. Said process is advantageously carried out for managing a library, videotheque, discotheque, archives, . . . . The present invention also relates to a device for carrying out said process.

Abstract: This invention consists of an assembly and apparatus for handling clothes on hangers, and more exactly of an apparatus able of moving clothes or the like from one place to another inside a factory or a warehouse, following instructions that could be provided by an external computer. The apparatus includes basically an autoguided vehicle, a manipulator of two degrees of freedom and a clamp, movable in four degrees of freedom, being all the aforementioned elements specifically designed for controlled handling clothes on hangers. When applied in a factory, a set of apparatus like this one of the invention, communicated with the proper computer, could automate the operations and the internal management of the warehouse or workshop (FIG. 1).

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

Abstract: An automated library article terminal is externally operable by the user, to, through a delivery chute mounted and arranged to deliver articles through an external wall, automatically stock, vend, and selectively accept return of and re-stock, so that they can be re-vended, a plurality of reusable articles each having a unique code. A memory stores information comprising the location of the plurality of articles in the terminal. A control is coupled to the memory and is responsive to operation of the terminal by a user to generate control signals. A vertical track member has a rotational drive responsive to the control signals for revolving the vertical track member about a given axis. A vertical lift member is mounted for vertical movement on the vertical track member. A vertical drive is responsive to the control signals for vertically moving the lift member relative to the vertical track member.

Abstract: An article handling method and system for an article handling machine operable by users having identification (ID) cards bearing user identifying codes for vending and/or receiving articles which bear article identifying codes and are stored within storage bins in the machine. The article handling system includes a novel article transport and a novel user and article code reading arrangement. The article transport is selectively operable in a vending mode to transport user-selected articles from their storage bins to a position accessible to machine users for removal of the selected articles from and later return of the articles to the machine and in a return mode to transport returned articles from the user accessible position to their storage bins. The user and article code reading arrangement embodies a single common code reader for reading both ther user code on user ID cards inserted into the machine and the article codes on articles vended to and returned by machine users.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly for alternately producing displacement of a carriage with respect to a carriage track and rotation of a gear mounted on the carriage, in response to torque provided from a single drive motor comprising: a latching assembly, having a latched state and an unlatched state, operably associated with the carriage for preventing relative movement between the carriage and the track during the latched state; and a locking assembly, having a locked state and an unlocked state, operatively associated with the gear for preventing relative rotation of the gear during the locked state.

Abstract: For the conveying and storing of paper rolls in a lying position in a high ay racking store and for removing them from the same, the high bay racking store (10) is provided with a plurality of shelf compartments disposed in rows above each other and in side-by-side arrangement, to which the individual paper rolls are supplied by means of relocation cars (50) and a paper roll trolley (70) mounted on the latter and traveling transversely to the longitudinal direction of the relocation car, in which the paper roll trolley (70) is moved with the paper roll in a raised position into the shelf compartment between paper roll supports (80) extending in the longitudinal direction of the shelf, the paper roll being subsequently deposited on said support.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing articles including walls defining a bin enclosure having an opening for transporting articles therethrough, a support for supporting articles in an article storage region in the enclosure, and a source of pressurized particle-free air to the region to provide a higher pressure in the article storage region than outside of the enclosure. Also disclosed are an energy beam vision system that is carried by a transport system and interfaces with the walls and a controller that controls the transport mechanism in order to properly align the relative positions of the transport mechanism and the enclosure.

Abstract: A rack and die mover including a die rack frame having a storage structure attached thereto for holding a plurality of elongated dies in a substantially horizontal orientation. A lateral translating mechanism is attached to the frame so that when dies are placed thereon they can be moved to one side of the frame over toward the pressbrake machine where they can be slid onto or off from the pressbrake machine. A mechanism is also provided for selectively adjusting the vertical position of the lateral translating mechanism with respect to the frame whereby it can be used to transfer a die to or from a machine at more than one vertical level. A lift frame is provided which has arms thereon for extending under the elongated dies for lifting them up off of either the storage rack or up off of the lateral translating mechanism.

Abstract: A physically integrated manufacturing and materials handling system comprising a conveyor system and a storage system. A conveyor system is described which includes structure for receiving pallets having metal sheets or the like placed thereon so that the metal sheets may be removed therefrom and placed on a storage system pallet. The loaded storage system pallets are transported to storage bays or other locations within the facility by means of an electronically guided forklift truck.

Abstract: A method and transfer vehicle for the elimination of the accumulation of positioning errors of packages in storage places in a computer controlled consecutive store, where the packages are stored consecutively on the base of the rails on which the transfer vehicle travels and where in order to move a package in the center the packages in front or behind must first be removed. The transfer vehicle includes a lifting device which lifts the package off of the base and onto the transfer vehicle for transport. Known store transfer vehicles of this type cause a detrimental accumulation of errors during the positioning of the packages. According to the invention, a package is centered in the direction of the store line relative to the transfer vehicle at least once during the time it is stored on the store line. This takes place most advantageously in connection with each lift via the lifting device.

Abstract: A refuse conveyor system for a multi-floor building is disclosed, which includes: (a) a multi-floor building having a plurality of floors, (b) a vertical shaft defined by walls and extending through one or more floors of the multi-floor building, one of the walls having a window at portions corresponding to the respective floors of the multi-floor building, (c) a transport control system, (d) a refuse container for storing and conveying refuse, the refuse container having a closeable opening and a lid for closing the opening, (e) a compartment having a window on one side thereof and an opening on the top side thereof, the window facing and communicating with the window of the vertical shaft, (f) a weight sensor for checking the fullness of the refuse container with the refuse, (g) a transport mechanism for transporting the refuse container, the transport mechanism being operatively communicated with the transport control system, (h) a conveyor having a conveyor belt operatively communicated with the transport

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing long pieces of material, such as pipes, rods, etc., in a shelf unit that has a number of receiving spaces for the long pieces of material. The apparatus includes a movable tray-like receptacle that is open at its ends and conveys the long pieces of material. A drive mechanism is provided for introducing one of the ends of the receptacle into the receiving spaces. The receptacle is equipped with CATERPILLARS that are guided over chain wheels provided at the ends of the receptacle.

Abstract: A green tire feed system provided between the forming process and the vulcanizing process in a tire manufacturing installation. This green tire feed system comprises pallets, each adapted to be charged with green tires, pallet loading tables disposed respectively in front of the respective vulcanizing machines installed in a row, shelves disposed in opposition to the pallet loading tables, a stacker crane adapted to travel through a passageway formed between a row of the pallet loading tables and a row of the shelves, a station for receiving pallets sent from forming machines and from the pallet loading tables, and control devices for controlling the stacker crane. The stacker crane is controlled by the control means to transport a pallet charged with green tires form the station to the shelves and from the shelves to the pallet loading table, and to transport an empty pallet from the pallet loading table to the station.

Abstract: A mechanized storage facility according to the present invention has a size which enables it to be moved from one place to another. The storage facility includes a box-shaped casing, an elevator device coupled to the casing, a plurality of storage units accommodated in the casing, a conveying car that travels within the casing to convey the storage unit between the casing and the elevator device, and a control device for controlling the operation of the conveying car and that of the elevator device. The interior of the storage unit is divided into a plurality of stages so as to form a plurality of accommodating portions each of which accommodates a storage box such as a strongbox. The elevator device includes an elevator tower and a lift provided in the elevator tower in such a manner that it can rise and fall. The elevator tower has an opening having a size equivalent to that of one of the plurality of accommodating portions.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an arrangement relating to the cable winding device that moves the transfer vehicles (2) of a store and/or transfer line (1, 10), located at the end of the line, in which the store line (1) is formed of sequential store places, and in which the store line (1) is crossed by at least one transverse transfer line (10), and in which the packages on the store line (1) are transported by being carried on the lifting device of the transfer vehicle, in which the aforementioned cable winding device includes a motor (9) and a cable drum (7) turned by it or a corresponding cable collecting device. By means of the invention an attempt is made to achieve a precisely operating cable winding device to be installed at the end of a line, which makes simple crossing arrangements possible.

Abstract: A indoor-type mechanized storage facility includes a box-shaped casing and an elevator device coupled to the casing. The casing contains a plurality of storage portions which are aligned with each other, and a passageway portion which is formed in front of the storage portions. The elevator device includes an elevator tower which protrudes in a building, and a lifter which supplies the storage unit in the casing to an opened portion of the elevator tower. The casing is disposed in an empty space or below the floor in the building. The mechanized storage facility also includes a conveying car which moves in the passageway portion and conveys the storage unit between the casing and the elevator device, and a control device that controls the operation of the conveying car and that of the elevator device. The conveying car has a transversely conveying device that conveys the storage unit substantially in the horizontal direction to accommodate it in the storage portion.

Abstract: An article transfer and storage system provided with a stationary stocker capable of storing a plural number of articles and a stock handler located movably on the front side of the stationary stocker. The travel drive mechanism for the stock handler is received in a lower portion of the stationary stocker. The stock handler includes an arm mechanism having a drive arm and a follower arm flexibly connected to each other by an intermediate shaft, and an article holder provided at an end of the follower arm. An operating mechanism translates rotation of a drive shaft into horizontal movement of the article holder. Each one of the arms has a hollow box-like shape to accommodate the operating mechanism.

Abstract: Device for the storage, insertion, and removal of containers in and, respectively, from a secured space, with racks (14) exhibiting storage sites (16) for the containers, arranged in tiers in superposition. The containers are retained in the racks (14) by respectively one detent spring (35). During transporting of the racks (14), the detent springs (35) are locked by locking elements (44), and the containers are thereby secured in the racks (14). The unlocking of the containers takes place automatically, only after complete introduction of the racks (14) into the secured space, by an unlocking element (65) that is moved into a lock (47) by a bar (67) abutting against a stop (73).

Abstract: A system for transporting, storing and retrieving goods (11) in a warehouse (10) is disclosed. A vehicle (16) moves the goods (11) upon a track system (18) into a storage area (22). The storage area (22) has a plurality of lanes (24) and tiers (33), (35), and the vehicle (16) is moved to the appropriate lane (24) utilizing a lift and transfer unit (28). The lift and transfer unit (28) docks with the appropriate lane (24) utilizing shafts (94), (96) which engage with receiving ends (100), (102) on the lane (24). A safety stop (108) is also provided to insure that complete docking has occurred before transfer of the vehicle (16) from the lift and transfer unit (28) to the storage racks (22) or vice versa.

Abstract: A film carriage assembly for supporting a film platter in a secured manner including a housing, a surface supported by the housing and adapted to support a film platter thereon with the surface being rotatable to any position between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position and with the film platter being disposed securely on the surface such that it is prevented from movement relative to the surface when the surface is rotated to any position between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing apparatus having several parallel, spaced-apart processing machines several shelf-like magazines disposed at the rear of the processing machines and extending transverse thereto, and transport mechanisms for conveying tools from the magazines to the processing machines. Two magazine rows are provided, each composed of magazine sections having superimposed, horizontal bottoms, including a lower shelf bottom and an upper shelf bottom, for holding tools. Transport mechanisms are provided in the form of a first upper transport mechanism, which, above the height of a person, is disposed on an upper transport rail, and a second lower transport mechanism, which, below the upper transport mechanism and at approximately half of the height thereof, is disposed on a lower transport rail. At least one mechanism is provided for conveying tools in a vertical plane from the lower shelf bottoms to the upper shelf bottoms, and vice versa.

Abstract: The installation comprises an endless circulating shelf plant which is divided into a plurality of individual endless bucket belts having run returning stations with horizontal run returning axis in a common plane. A shelf serving apparatus is located in front of this plane and can access every location of the shelves of the individual endless bucket belts which arrive in the mentioned plane. Due to the combination of the endless circulating shelves and the shelf serving apparatus the access time is substantially optimized by the installation which also utilizes the available space to its best.

Abstract: A storage assembly or facility comprises a shelving block having compartments, a lifting jack and a tie bar. The lifting jack is operatively connected to the tie bar for vertically shifting the tie bar in front of a vertical array of storage compartments. The tie bar is provided with a plurality of telescoping receiver members for inserting into the compartments and subsequently removing therefrom items to be stored. For storing goods of different sizes, the compartments have a modular length equal to the common width of a plurality of columns of the compartment array.

Abstract: A conveyor system is described, adapted for application in a storage rack, consisting of a plurality of stories with a plurality of storage tracks (0) side by side in each story, each storage track (0) containing a conveyor device. The conveyor system is characterized in that each conveyor device consists of two or more and independently and separate working conveyors (2).

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: Method and system for the automated assembly of power train components along a plurality of interconnected, closed loops within cells of the system wherein parts and/or subassemblies of the components are assembled on the same assembly pallet on which they were robotically kitted. Along some of the loops, the assembly pallets are automatically transferred from kitting stations to assembly stations and from the assembly stations to an unload station where the components or subassemblies are robotically unloaded. The unloaded assembly pallets are then automatically transferred from the unload station to the kitting stations to repeat the assembly process. A mechanical guided vehicle system (MGVS) asynchronously conveys the assembly pallets along the closed loops which form guide tracks between the different stations. An automated guided vehicle system (AGVS) preferably transports part storage pallets to the system from a receiving area.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus having a main transport path and a plurality of incoming paths extending from the main transport path. Cases, each having a cover, are transported in the main path, with their covers facing to the right of the main transport path. A case-outlet section and a case-orienting mechanism are provided on each of the incoming paths. The case-orientating mechanism rotates a case such that the case is oriented, with its cover facing upward, when it is removed from the case-outlet section. Every case-orientating mechanisms rotates an article in the same direction, whether it is provided on an incoming path located on the right of the main transport path, or on an incoming path located on the left of the main transport path.

Abstract: The mechanical machining center is associated with a magazine for the tools in which the tools are collected in two horizontal rows superposed on vertical frames (pallets) transportable by means of a rotatable handling device from the magazine to a position in which an exchange arm withdraws the tools and brings them to the spindle of the working head. The magazine is composed of a fixed structure with a variable number of modules disposed in the form of a fan around the rotatable handling device and in which the pallets complete with tools are accommodated. The pallets may be transported manually or with the aid of wire-guided trolleys from a central magazine to each module. The handling device comprises a rotatable carousel structure on which two cage-like frames for supporting the pallets are pivoted in diametrically opposed position.Normally, one of the two frames is in a loading position, while the other frame is in an exchange position close to the exchanger arm.

Abstract: A system wherein a contractor of a rental safe-deposit box can privately obtain, handle and restore his own box in the fire-proof safe room. The system includes an automatic article retrieval and storage unit located within the safe room and having contractors' safe-deposit boxes. A plurality of private compartments for contractors' use are disposed separately from the safe room and are connected to the retrieval and storage unit by conveyor devices extending through a safe room wall opening having a fire-proof door. Each private room includes a user's data input terminal device and a handling table. A reception data input terminal is provided at a reception counter. When a contractor visits the reception counter, a reception serial number card is issued to him. The reception serial number and his box code are inputted by the reception input terminal. Thereafter, the contractor inputs his own private code and the issued reception serial number in a private compartment.

Abstract: An automatic transport system for green tires between a forming process and a vulcanizing process in a tire manufacturing installing in which different kinds of tires are manufactured through a forming process of making use of a plurality of forming machines and a subsequent vulcanizing process making use of a plurality of vulcanizing machines. The automatic transport system comprises pallets each adapted to be charged with four or more formed green tires and to be used for transporting them as one unit. A temporary storage is interposed between a forming machine group and a vulcanizing machine group for temporarily storing the pallets at predetermined locations. Forming side unmanned transport trucks circulate between the forming machine group and the temporary storage with the pallet loaded thereon. Vulcanizing side unmanned transport trucks circulate between the temporary storage and the vulcanizing machine group with the pallet loaded thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking out bundled bills includes an elevator arranged in front of the containing boxes for containing the bundled bills, a sliding block arranged between the elevator and the containing boxes and driven up and down by a belt, a discharging block mounted on a swing shaft which is swingably mounted on the sliding block, a discharging block regulating roller for regulating the rotation of the swing block in contact with the elevator, and, having a supporting block for receiving the bundled bills having fallen and slowly guiding the bundled bills into the elevator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for handling sheets or the like. The apparatus comprises a bridge structure displacable on rails, an upper carriage displaceable on the bridge structure in a direction perpendicular to the rails, vertical beams attached to the upper carriage, and a carriage displaceable on the vertical beams in the direction thereof. The carriage is provided with lifting forks for removing a sheet pack or the like from a shelf place. The carriage is further provided with a gripper frame for picking up a sheet or the like from the shelf place or the like. In order to provide a simple and reliable apparatus, the carriage is provided with arms pivotable around a horizontal axis from a first position above the lifting forks and essentially in parallel therewith to a second position, and vice versa.

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: In a plant for making concrete roof tiles, the tiles are loaded on to racks and cured in a curing chamber. Apparatus for unloading the tiles on their pallets from shelves in the racks on to an outfeed conveyor comprises a descending conveyor means having pairs of supports, the spacing of the pairs of supports being equal to the spacing of the shelves. A pusher moves columns of tiles from the shelves on to the pairs of supports which engage the edges of the tiles. A cam moves the descending conveyor away from the rack and the conveyor then is activated to deposit the tiles on to an outfeed conveyor in spaced relationship.

Abstract: An installation for storing self-supporting pallets and removing the pallets from storage, in which a rack shelf arrangement is provided with rows of columns spaced apart and arranged in opposite pairs with respect to columns of an adjacent row. Each pair of columns carries cantilever-mounted brackets arranged also in opposite pairs. Each pair of brackets defines a shelf for supporting a pallet on two opposite edges of the pallet. A lifting and displacement device lifts a pallet in a passageway between shelves, to a location that is higher than a storage level defined by a pair of the brackets, for the purpose of storing and displacing the pallet. The lifting and displacment device has bridges that extend between columns of two successive shelves. Each bridge has a carriage that is synchronously displaceable transversely to the shelves. The carriage has a platform projecting into the storage area.

Abstract: A support or jig (6) for handling packs including elongated articles, especially lumber packs (2a,2b), is adapted to support the lumber pack during the handling and to be brought to an appropriate position in front of an input opening in a rack (1) for the transfer of a loading pack between the handling device (6) and the rack (1). During the transfer between the handling device and the rack, the weight of the pack gives rise to a tilting moment. Therefore, the device (6) is provided with supporting arms (10a,10b) which securely engage supporting means (11a-11e) in the rack (1) so that the handling device (6) during the transfer operation is supported in the area of the rack openings. The arms are locked in their extended positions by the load and hold the jig next to the rack, even if a tilting moment is created during transfer.

Abstract: In a stacker crane having a trolley comprising a turntable rotatable about a vertical axis, a mast projecting down from the turntable for rotation and horizontal motion with it, and a load supporting device vertically positionable along the mast, the mast comprises two mast elements spaced to opposite sides of said axis, and said device comprises an inverted U-shaped carriage member having its legs engaged along the inner sides of the mast elements and a shuttle member comprising load supporting tongues projecting forward from a frame. Rollers on the shuttle member frame engage fore-and-aft extending tracks on the legs of the carriage member to confine the shuttle member to horizontal motion relative to the carriage member between an extended position wherein said frame is spaced forward from said axis and a retracted position wherein said axis extends through the shuttle member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressing apparatus with multi-platen or tiered presses which has a charging basket 1 capable of receiving more tools with material to be pressed than there are tiers in the presses H, K. The capacity of the discharging basket 2 exceeds that of the charging basket 1 by the number of tiers in the tiered presses H, K. The charging basket 1 and the discharging basket 2 are vertically adjustable. The invention makes it possible to stock several tools in the charging basket 1. The tools can then pass through the presses to the discharging basket 2 automatically.

Abstract: A mechanized store includes a plurality of cells for storing containers, disposed side by side in horizontal and vertical rows along at least one passage and open on their sides facing the passage, a transporter-elevator device including a first support structure movable horizontally along the passage, a second support structure movable vertically on the first support structure, and a moving device carried by the second support structure and arranged to insert articles into, or take up articles from, the storage cells. A transfer station for articles which is located outside the passage and can be accessed by the transporter-elevator device to allow the loading onto the latter of each article intended to be placed in a corresponding storage cell, and the discharge from the transporter-elevator device of each article intended to be sent to the exit of the store.

Abstract: A pipe feeder for automatically moving pipe off of or onto the top row of a stack of pipe. A pair of stanchions are provided with a system for supporting a plurality of rows of pipe next to the stanchions such that the length of pipe is generally parallel to the plane of the stanchions. A pair of upright guides are coupled to the pair of stanchions respectively and a frame is coupled to the pair of guides for movement to different levels along the pair of guides. The frame comprises a pair of endless chains adapted to rest across the top row of pipe. Each chain has a plurality of feet attached thereto for engaging the pipe on which the pair of endless chains rest for moving pipe when the chains are driven. A driving system is provided for driving the pair of endless chains in unison in first or second directions for moving the pipe toward or away from the pair of stanchions.

Abstract: Equipment for lifting, transporting and setting down an elongated group of goods, or individual goods arranged in a row one behind the other, comprising a lifting and transporting apparatus positioned longitudinally between two storage racks on which the goods are removed and are placed by said lifting and transporting apparatus which is in the form of a flexibly jointed roller chain driven by an endless roller chain with pawls in either direction, e.g., to or away from either rack. The lifting and transporting apparatus comprises a plurality of hingedly connected elongated shifting elements serving to raise the load, lower the load and support the load while moving by the roller chain in either direction.

Abstract: The lane loading apparatus includes a wheeled frame reciprocal along the loading end of shelves. The frame supports a main carriage for vertical movement with respect to the shelves. The main carriage supports an auxiliary carriage for reciprocation toward and away from the loading end of the shelves. A lane actuator is supported by the auxiliary carriage for retracting an endless member and associated pusher in a lane to a reloading position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an unloading rack for a heat press. The unloading rack includes an extracting device for removing product from the heat press onto a conveyer system, and the extracting device and conveyer system are connected to elevator structure for raising and lowering them in correlation to the various levels of the press. The conveyer systems includes an individual conveyer for each level of the heat press, and each individual conveyer has standard and auxiliary storing levels.

Abstract: A commodity retrieval and storage apparatus which includes shelves for storing a plurality of like configured commodities. A movable carriage is vertically and horizontally displaceable along the shelves and carries apparatus for engagement with the commodity selected, apparatus for transferring the selected commodity to the carriage and apparatus for securely holding the selected commodity to the carriage. After transfer of the commodity to the carriage, the carriage may be moved to a commodity processing area.

Abstract: A storage system is described in which bins are transferred from a first storage position to an inspection position through the operation of a pair of endless belts carrying bin engaging device whereby a bin is moved along bin guides by sequential engagement of the bin engaging device on either belt followed by the bin engaging device of the other belt.

Abstract: A warehouse crane with individual storage areas for containing tote pans, each tote pan having handles on its opposite end walls. A pair of reversibly driven, counter-rotating endless chains is mounted on the carriage for movement about a generally horizontal, orbital path, each of the chains also having a radially inner pin and and outer pin for movement with their respective chain in orbital paths. The inner pin is pushingly engageable with the handles to push the pans into the storage areas. The outer pin is releasably engageable with the handle of the pans to pull the pans from the storage areas.

Abstract: A plurality of pre-pressed plywood veneer assemblies are inserted one at a time onto separate trays mounted in vertically spaced apart relation on a carriage movable toward and away from a hot press, the forward movement of the assemblies on the trays being restricted by stops mounted in fixed relation to the hot press adjacent the infeed end thereof and movable between an extended position for intercepting the assemblies and a retracted position for allowing the assemblies to be moved into the hot press. Sweep arms on the rearward end of the carriage are movable into abutment with the rearward ends of the assemblies for moving them forwardly against the stops for aligning the front and rear ends of the assemblies vertically. Positioning arms mounted in fixed relation to the hot press adjacent the infeed end thereof are movable first to a squaring position for abutting the opposite sides of the assemblies for aligning their lateral sides vertically.

Abstract: An operator's carriage on one mast of a two-masted warehouse crane and which carriage can be raised independently of the motion, position, or operability of a load carriage mounted on the second mast. The crane comprises, in addition to the two carriages on two masts, a separate drive for vertically positioning each carriage on its respective mast, upper and lower trucks to which the ends of the masts are attached for longitudinal movement of the carriages and masts attached thereto along an upper and lower rails, and a shuttle mechanism and drive means therefor for moving loads from the load carriages onto storage racks, in a path transverse to the longitudinal path of the masts and carriages. Both carriages may be located between the masts but will be connected to only one, and in such a configuration may move vertically to their high and low limits of travel without contacting or physically interfering with each other.