Abstract: Apparatus for pressing wet-formed fiber material boards in a multi-stage press is disclosed, including a vertically movable loading elevator with several stages for receiving transport plates for the boards, and a pusher for moving the transport plates from the loading elevator into the press. A hydraulic system is provided for driving both the loading elevator and the pusher.

Abstract: There are provided carrying device and method capable of high-speed pick-up and travelling operation of a carrier. The carrier is provided with a holder bracket movable back and forth, in which claw members for grasping a material are held, and a driver mechanism for stroking g the holder bracket and a driver mechanism for opening and closing the claw members are attached to the carrier body. A movable portion in the carrier can be made lighter in weight. An electric wiring cord to be connected to the movable portion can be eliminated or made thin and light enough. This allows the carrier to move at a high speed. The carrier is held at the intersection of a pair of crossing moving bars and moved to a target position by moving both the moving bars. No motor needs to be provided in the carrier for driving the carrier, so that the movable portion moving together with the carrier can be made lighter in weight, thereby speeding up the movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine has a telescopically extendible shuttle assembly and having spring tensioned shuttle idler pulleys for the slave drive members, preferably chains, of the shuttle assembly. A spring, preferably a die spring, exerts a biasing force on each idler pulley which opposes forces imposed on the idler pulley by the corresponding slave chain. Pre-tensioning the idler pulley in this manner assures adequate tension on the slave chain to prevent or at least inhibit undulations in plate movement which otherwise could occur during telescopic extension and retraction of the shuttle assembly if the slave chain were inadequately tensioned. Use of the spring loaded idler pulley also obviates the need to over-tension the slave chain and prevents or inhibits premature wear and failure of the idler pulley, pulley bearing, and/or chain.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes sat least two pairs of two confrontingly opposed, columnar arrays. Each of the pairs of columnar arrays defines a plurality of vertically spaced tray-receiving recesses. One or more platforms are provided, each vertically displaceable along and between each of the pairs of arrays. Each platform carries an extraction device operable for withdrawing a selected tray from an array recess onto the platform, and for inserting a tray supported on the platform into a vacant recess in either array. The extraction device includes a retractable/extendable pin mounted in a housing configured in a manner to provide engagement with an aperture on a side face of one of the bins to create a bin-engaged state when engaged and a bin-disengaged state when disengaged. Each device has an extended cam-follower portion that rides in a cam.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine comprises a base, a carriage, and a control system. The control system is used to control the movement of the carriage in the vertical direction and/or the movement of the base in the horizontal direction. The control system includes at least one encoder and at least one optical distance meter. The encoder provides relative position information during a middle portion of the SRM trajectory, i.e., during the implementation of a feedback control scheme. The optical distance meter provides absolute position information to the control system at an endpoint of the SRM trajectory, i.e., to verify that the SRM has in fact reached its destination. If the control system controls both the movement of the carriage and the movement of the base, then two encoders and two optical distance meters are used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible cable and support band assembly which is dynamically stable at high speeds over long lengths. This has been accomplished by cupping both the flexible cable and the support band in cross section along their lengths so that they cup one within the other to essentially move as a unit even though they are not attached except at their ends. A single support band can be employed to support multiple flexible cables. Additional support has been provided by employing resilient spaced apart strips along a track upon which the one or more flexible cables and support band slide. The resilient strips center the travel of the one or more flexible cables and support band and minimize rocking motion and vibration. Still further the one or more flexible cables and support band are arranged with respect to a robotic media library so that a single length of the one or more flexible cables and the support band will serve a range of lengths of the library.

Abstract: A system for storing dies and the like has a plurality of die storage cells arranged vertically in two columns with an elevator mounted in between. The system can be interfaced with a press or other equipment by means of a bridge. The storage cells each have three rollers mounted therein to guide and transport the dies. The elevator has a lift table with ball rollers and V-rollers thereon. The V-rollers guide the die from side to side and the V-rollers guide the die from front to rear and vice-versa on the elevator. There is a ball screw on the elevator to push or pull the dies from side to side between the elevator and the storage cells. There is a one way rigid chain unit on the system to push or pull the dies from front to rear or vice-versa on the elevator to or from the system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing stackable units containing food service items from a container having the form of a typical freight container, on board an aircraft. The apparatus cooperates with means for further transporting and then delivering the stackable units to an aircraft galley, and cooperates with a program controllable unit to allow the programmable handling of the stackable units. Arranged in the container (1) is a plurality of partition walls (10), each having a plurality of shelf ledges (15) to form a plurality of storage compartments (13) on the two opposite sides of an access alley (9). A handling unit (12) including a tower (22) on an undercarriage (12A) rides along rails (11) in the access alley (9). The tower (22) includes a plurality of receiver bins (19), with a motor driven engaging and entraining member (21) respectively arranged in each receiver bin (19).

Abstract: A pair of spaced, parallel beams are designed to hold a group of aligned, contiguous article carrying pallets. Each beam has a web of uniform width with a lower, inturned flange to extend under the side edges of the aligned pallets and an upper outturned flange to be picked up by the pivoted jaws of a crane. These jaws together with a pusher/puller carriage are mounted on a long frame suspended from the crane which travels across one face of a rack in which pairs of parallel tracks are arranged in a grid. The pair of jaws, carrying the beams or pallet holders are closed to position the latter under the sides of a group of aligned, contiguous, article carrying pallets assembled at a pick-up station. The pallet carrying holders are aligned by the crane with any selected pair of tracks. One end of the frame latches to the rack and the pusher-puller carriage latches to one end of the pallet holders and pushes the same and their load off the jaws and onto the tracks.

Abstract: In high-rise shelving, in the region of a feed or removal opening (2) there is disposed a collapsible table (7), to which a shelf-rack (5) can be temporarily transferred. The table (7) assumes, in addition to the supporting function, the function of an actuating member for a switch which opens and closes a feed circuit of a drive system for rollers (4) of two roller paths, which roller paths are disposed in the region of the base of the feed or removal opening (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for consolidation of warehoused goods into orders, sets or kits is described. The apparatus allows precise positioning of a large number of objects supported by a movable rigid member, without requiring precise drive motion. The method allows concurrent transfer of a large number of articles, to fill the same or different ones of a large number of orders, where items for different orders may be initially stored in the same or different storage containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible cable and support band assembly which is dynamically stable at high speeds over long lengths. This has been accomplished by cupping both the flexible cable and the support band in cross section along their lengths so that they cup one within the other to essentially move as a unit even though they are not attached except at their ends. A single support band can be employed to support multiple flexible cables. Additional support has been provided by employing resilient spaced apart strips along a track upon which the one or more flexible cables and support band slide. The resilient strips center the travel of the one or more flexible cables and support band and minimize rocking motion and vibration. Still further the one or more flexible cables and support band are arranged with respect to a robotic media library so that a single length of the one or more flexible cables and the support band will serve a range of lengths of the library.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge carrying system for performing carriage control so as to enable carriage of a cartridge even when a gap is made between arms and the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading load-bearing elements onto and off shelving is designed so that the load bearing elements are driven by carriers which have a cam contour, designed and matched to abutments, in the form of recesses, so that the load-bearing elements can be precisely positioned in the shelving.

Abstract: A bar storage apparatus comprises: a shelf frame (19) provided with a plurality of pallet accommodating shelves (17) each for movably accommodating a pallet (15) on which a plurality of bars are mounted; an elevator device (23) disposed on one side of the shelf frame so as to be movable up and down and provided with a traverser (21) for moving each pallet into and from each of the pallet accommodating shelves; and a bar supplying device (25) for supplying a bar, mounted on the pallet moved from the pallet accommodating shelf and further located at a predetermined position by the elevator device, to a bar processing machine (3). The bar storage apparatus can store a great number of bars of various kinds and various dimensions, select any required bars from a great number of bars, and supply the selected bars to a bar processing machine easily and quickly.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus within a storage library subsystem for simply adapting the motion of a robotic mechanism for moving media cartridges to allow for mechanical misalignments. When retracting a cartridge from a slot in the library subsystem, the present invention monitors a sensor in the gripper hand to verify that the cartridge is not being pulled from the gripper due to "snagging" caused by mechanical misalignment of the had with the slot. When a snag is sensed, the methods and apparatus of the present invention stop the motion, initiate robotic actions to regroup the cartridge securely, and retry the retraction with adjustments to the robotic movements and positions to avoid the snag. When inserting a cartridge into a slot in the library subsystem, the present invention monitors the progress of the servo motor controlling the robot to determine whether the motion is blocked due to mechanical misalignment of the robotic mechanism with the slot.

Abstract: A storage system (10), preferably for vehicles comprising a plurality of storage bays (11) each having an opening, at least one moving device (15) movable to be adjacent the opening of any one of the storage bays (11) and transfer device (90, 20) for transferring objects (21) carried by the moving devices (15) into the storage bay (11). Preferably the storage bays (11) are arranged in two arrays and the moving devices (15) is capable of transferring an object to a storage bay (11) in either array.

Abstract: A single-drive input, double gripper media transport element positionable for accessing storage media cartridges in a cartridge media store and an optical disk drive and simultaneously transporting multiple storage media cartridges comprises a housing, at least two sliders mounted within the housing moving along respective parallel slider paths, a cartridge gripper mounted on each of the sliders, a slider lead screw mounted within the housing for positioning the sliders along their respective slider paths, a slider motor for rotating the slider lead screw, and a lead screw nut on the lead screw for simultaneously or alternately engaging the slider lead screw with each of the sliders.

Abstract: An automated storage system uses a pass-through picker assembly interposed between a storage device and a plurality of storage cells, wherein the pass-through picker assembly is mounted on an accessor and incorporates independently operating fore and aft grippers driven by a single motor. The fore and aft grippers are tandemly mounted such that the fore gripper can be aligned to one of a plurality of storage cartridges located with the storage cells, and the aft gripper can be aligned with a storage slot of the storage device. The pass-through picker design allows the fore gripper to grasp a storage cartridge, feed the cartridge through to the aft gripper, release, and then allow the aft gripper to grip and pass the storage cartridge to the storage slot. In this way, a special priority cell of the storage cells, directly across from the storage slot, can very quickly pass a priority storage cartridge directly to the storage device without moving the pass-through picker assembly.

Abstract: A system for filling orders, such as prescriptions for patients, comprising a device for holding packages. Each package has the same type of contents being held in a predetermined location by the holding device. Each package has an identity which defines the contents therein. The holding device has a plurality of predetermined locations corresponding to a plurality of different types of contents. Additionally, the system is comprised of a device for supplying packages to the holding device. Also, there is a device for picking a package from the holding device that is identified in the order for the purpose of restocking the holding device. The picking device is in communication with the holding device and supplying device. In a preferred embodiment, the contents of each package is a single dosage of medicine.

Abstract: In a method for stowing a load 1 in a load stacking position on a rear deck 4A, the load 1 is mounted on a slide plate 63 and is pushed by a pusher 51 to a push-in position until the load 1 and the slide plate 63 reach a load stacking position which is close to and facing against a front wall 4B on the rear deck 4A. Then the load 1 is transferred to the load stacking position by pulling the slide plate 63 back from the load stacking position with the pusher 51 kept in the push-in position.

Abstract: In a storage container (L) which is supposed to be automatically pushed into shelf compartments and pulled out of them by a handling device, notches (E) are provided in a gripping zone and are structured in such a way that a stud (B) of a gripper mechanism of the handling device can be brought into engagement in physically locking and/or force-locking fashion in each instance.

Abstract: An article transfer apparatus is described which is movable along a row of article storage racks and comprises an article carrier having a conveyor and an article holder disposed above the article carrier and containing a plurality of suction cups. The article holder includes mechanism which, after the suction cups have been pushed against an article to suck and attract the article, there is operable via a folding motion of first and second swing arms, or alternatively, in conjunction with a movement of a front-back moving member simultaneously with such folding motion of the swing arms, and an article carrying conveyor is synchronously driven in an article pulling-in direction, whereby the article can be put onto the article carrying conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading components such as circuit boards from a transport unit to a work station. The apparatus includes a flexible tape which is wound on a storage drum and selectively extended or retracted relative to the drum. Components are included to drive the drum, elevate the extended tape, sense the position of the tape and the like.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for moving a stored article between a movable table and a storage rack has a traction pin carried on an endless chain or belt with the chain or belt in a plane which is inclined to horizontal or is vertical. A pressing pin may be provided on the chain or belt for pushing the stored article off of the moving table onto the storage rack for transferring the stored article between two storage racks, with the table between racks. The apparatus may be provided with two, three or four rotors for the chain or belt.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes two confrontingly opposed, columnar arrays which define a plurality of vertically spaced tray-receiving recesses. A platform is vertically displaceable along and between the arrays and carries an extraction device operable for withdrawing a selected tray from an array recess onto the platform, and for inserting a tray supported on the platform into a vacant recess in either array. The extraction device includes a pair of rods carried on and for movement longitudinally along the platform, toward and away from the opposed arrays, about opposed continuous-loop drive belts which lie in substantially vertical planes. The rods are releasably engageable, through rotation of the drive belts, within handles provided at and extending longitudinally outwardly from the opposite ends of each tray to enable withdrawal and insertion of the selected tray.

Abstract: A device for removing plate-shaped articles (22), especially glass panes, which are piled standing roughly vertically in compartments (2), has a tilting table (8) which can be moved next to the compartments (2) transversely to the orientation of the compartments (2). On the tilting table (8) in the area of the upper longitudinal edge of its support wall (13), a beam (11) is supported which can be moved lengthwise on the support wall (13). Beam (19) can be moved into compartments (2), and on beam (19) are vacuum suction boxes (21). To remove one pane of glass (22), beam (19) is pushed into a corresponding compartment (2) and tilting table (8) is swivelled subsequently until vacuum suction boxes (21) engage the pane of glass (22). The tilting table (8) is then swivelled back again until the pane of glass (22) hangs freely on beam (19) and then the beam (19) with its suspended pane of glass (22) is withdrawn from compartment (2).

Abstract: A transport vehicle transports a plurality of sliver cans between a can delivery station, work stations of a sliver processing textile machine, and a discharge station for empty cans along a given travel direction. The vehicle includes an undercarriage with a plurality of can parking places for the sliver cans. A plurality of can exchange mechanisms are provided, one for each can parking place. Each exchange mechanism includes a carriage supporting a respective one of the sliver cans. The carriage is slidable on the under-carriage transversly to the travel direction of the transport vehicle. A motor slidingly drives each of the carriages on the undercarriage. A can manipulating device, which is operatively associated with each of the carriages, displaces the sliver cans, setting them down and receiving them on a respective one of the carriages.

Abstract: A lightweight carousel is disclosed for use in an automatic cartridge library system, featuring a system of guide blocks and springs to hold tape cartridges securely but permit their removal and replacement by bidirectional manipulators. The manipulators carry hinged hooks that can be used to push cartridges radially outward, or upon flexing of the hinges, expand to grip the cartridge for pulling radially inward. A reflective optical sensor is used to confirm that each cartridge in the carousel is properly placed. Optical sensors also verify proper rotation of the carousel, index the carousel, and detect the presence of cartridges in the tape drives. The carousel carries drive pins which seat in tapered holes in an index plate, and is driven by a zero-backlash belt.

Abstract: A multi-product, self-service merchandising kiosk having a walk-in enclosure, interactive selection panel, illuminated merchandise display, internal drink dispenser and modular, dry goods dispenser having multi-compartmented inventory shelving and bottomless storage drawers. Purchases are selected via audio visual instructions entered at an interactive touch panel containing graphical icons, and a monitor having a menu and overlaid with an array of infrared transmitters and receivers. A programmable controller controls the drink and dry goods dispensers, manages payment transactions via a bill receiver, coin changer, credit card verifier, and receipt printer and provides periodic inventory status reports. A merchandise selector includes a motor driven, track supported collection bin and electromagnetic drawer puller. The selector aligns the bin to selected inventory drawers, extends and retracts the drawers and conveys the selected merchandise to a customer dispenser.

Abstract: A bar storage apparatus comprises: a shelf frame (19) provided with a plurality of pallet accommodating shelves (17) each for movably accommodating a pallet (15) on which a plurality of bars are mounted; an elevator device (23) disposed on one side of the shelf frame so as to be movable up and down and provided with a traverser (21) for moving each pallet into and from each of the pallet accommodating shelves; and a bar supplying device (25) for supplying a bar, mounted on the pallet moved from the pallet accommodating shelf and further located at a predetermined position by the elevator device, to a bar processing machine (3). The bar storage apparatus can store a great number of bars of various kinds and various dimensions, select any required bars from a great number of bars, and supply the selected bars to a bar processing machine easily and quickly.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes an accessor device to magnetically hold a stored item while the item is transported within the system. To sense the presence of a magnetically attractable label on the item, the device generates a pulsed signal having a first strength. The reluctance of the magnetic field is compared with a base value; if the comparison indicates that a label is present, the device generates another pulsed signal having a greater strength to "lock" the item against the accessor. The device then generates another pulsed signal having a reduced strength to maintain and hold the item against the accessor during transportation. Less power is used and, therefore, less heat generated.

Abstract: A system for filling orders, such as prescriptions for patients, comprising a device for holding packages. Each package has the same type of contents being held in a predetermined location by the holding device. Each package has an identity which defines the contents therein. The holding device has a plurality of predetermined locations corresponding to a plurality of different types of contents. Additionally, the system is comprised of a device for supplying packages to the holding device. Also, there is a device for picking a package from the holding device that is identified in the order for the purpose of restocking the holding device. The picking device is in communication with the holding device and supplying device. In a preferred embodiment, the contents of each package is a single dosage of medicine.

Abstract: An automated storage system uses a pass-through picker assembly interposed between a storage device and a plurality of storage cells, wherein the pass-through picker assembly is mounted on an accessor and incorporates independently operating fore and aft grippers driven by a single motor. The fore and aft grippers are tandemly mounted such that the fore gripper can be aligned to one of a plurality of storage cartridges located with the storage cells, and the aft gripper can be aligned with a storage slot of the storage device. The pass-through picker design allows the fore gripper to grasp a storage cartridge, feed the cartridge through to the aft gripper, release, and then allow the aft gripper to grip and pass the storage cartridge to the storage slot. In this way, a special priority cell of the storage cells, directly across from the storage slot, can very quickly pass a priority storage cartridge directly to the storage device without moving the pass-through picker assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing and maintaining tension in a flexible member. The apparatus includes a housing with openings therethrough for receiving the end portions of the flexible member. The apparatus further includes a retainer which maintains one end portion of the flexible member in fixed relationship with the housing, and a biasing device operatively attached to the other end portion of the flexible member and attached to the housing for applying biasing force to the flexible member. A method for tensioning a flexible member of a cartridge handling system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inserter/extractor apparatus for inserting and extracting objects from bins located at different heights in a carousel including a vertical frame and an inserter/extractor carriage that is vertically movable along the frame and has a pair of gripping pads that have opposed, high friction gripping surfaces. The gripping pads are movable along a first horizontal axis from a retracted position in which said gripping pads and carriage are free to move vertically along the frame without interference with the bins to an extended position in which the gripping pads are even with a bin. The gripping pads are movable with respect to each other along a second horizontal axis that is transverse to the first horizontal axis from open positions spaced from each other by a distance larger than the largest dimension of an object to positions spaced from each other by a distance less than the smallest dimension for an object.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling rolling pallets which are mechanically coupled with one another in rack or flow channels and which is outfitted with a displacement carriage which is movable in a rack servicing lane, which apparatus enables a simple coupling and uncoupling of rolling pallets on the one hand and on the other hand makes possible a simple charging or unloading of rack or flow channels with individual or coupled rolling pallets, wherein the inevitable tolerance-related problems occurring with positive-locking engagement can be reliably controlled under practical conditions. This is accomplished by a working ram at a displacement carriage that is outfitted with at least one swivelable driver for a frictionally-engaging and/or positively-engaging coupling of a rolling pallet after the latter has been partially driven underneath.

Abstract: A bar storage apparatus comprises: a shelf frame (19) provided with a plurality of pallet accommodating shelves (17) each for movably accommodating a pallet (15) on which a plurality of bars are mounted; an elevator device (23) disposed on one side of the shelf frame so as to be movable up and down and provided with a traverser (21) for moving each pallet into and from each of the pallet accommodating shelves; and a bar supplying device (25) for supplying a bar, mounted on the pallet moved from the pallet accommodating shelf and further located at a predetermined position by the elevator device, to a bar processing machine (3). The bar storage apparatus can store a great number of bars of various kinds and various dimensions, select any required bars from a great number of bars, and supply the selected bars to a bar processing machine easily and quickly.

Abstract: A vacuum-type gripping apparatus includes a frame which is movable between a retracted position, in which the frame is remote from an item stored in a storage bin, and an extended position, in which the frame is proximate to an item stored in the storage bin. The apparatus includes a vacuum-type gripping mechanism which grips the item to be extracted from the storage bin prior to and during the extraction operation. The vacuum-type gripping mechanism employs a redundant vacuum source which improves the operating reliability of the apparatus. A lifting mechanism, which is adapted to engage a bottom surface of the item to be extracted, cooperates with the vacuum-type gripping mechanism during the extraction operation.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by the base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along the mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by the carriage, the shuttle mechanism including an upper plate fixed against horizontal movement relative to the carriage, an intermediate plate which is located below the upper plate and which is supported by the upper plate for horizontal movement relative thereto, a lower plate which is located below the intermediate plate and which is supported by the intermediate plate for horizontal movement relative thereto, and hoops on the lower plate for selectively engaging a load, the shuttle mechanism being operable between a retracted condition wherein the intermediate plate is located directly below the upper plate and the lower plate is located directly below the intermediate plate, and an extended condition wherein the interme

Abstract: A dynamic sweeping mechanism which drives a line-scan camera's field of view in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the scan direction. The operation of the dynamic sweeping mechanism enables the line scan camera to make multiple scans across a target, providing the image processor the necessary image information to generate a two-dimensional image of the object as well as positioning the line scan camera at an optimal angle of view to obtain accurate single scan image data. The scan line angle of view is dynamically swept in a rotational manner about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the scan line under the control of either a dedicated drive mechanism or coupled to pre-existing drive mechanisms in the robotic hand mechanism.

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

Abstract: A method of and system for handing variable sized loads by transferring the loads between a storage base and a transport base by engaging a portion of at least one engagement member, e.g. a suction cup, with an engagement surface on a side or end of a load, and displacing the engagement member to thereby pull a load onto the transport base for transport by the transport base or to push a load from the transport base onto the storage base. The engagement surface has a size at least equal to that of the portion of the engagement member. The system includes a system for determining load position and size.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a coiler can includes a carriage for receiving the coiler can and a loading and unloading device mounted on the carriage for shifting the coiler can toward or away from the carriage. The loading and unloading device has an elongated stationary base element secured to the carriage; and a plurality of elongated runners oriented parallel to one another and the base element. The runners are displaceable relative to one another and the base element. One of the runners--termed as a first runner--adjoins the base element and another runner--termed as a second runner--adjoins the first runner. The device further includes a guide arrangement for guiding the first runner on the base element and for guiding the second runner on the first runner. In extended positions the first runner partially projects beyond the base element and the second runner partially projects beyond the first runner.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-tier parking facility system for depositing and removing vehicles, particularly passenger automobiles. The facility includes parking devices which are arranged in a plurality of levels in corresponding parking spaces. Each parking device has plural comb-like carrying arms for receiving the vehicles. A tier conveyor is vertically movable between drive-in and drive-out areas for receiving and discharging the vehicle at a selected level. The tier conveyor includes a transfer device having comb-like carrying arms. The transfer device includes a lifting device for transferring the vehicles to and from the parking device respectively. The parking devices are horizontally movable on parking rails arranged in the parking space and on travel rails arranged on the tier conveyor. The parking devices are pulled out of and pushed into the parking spaces or boxes by a hauling device which is arranged at the tier conveyor.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator for picking and placing data storage cassettes in an automated storage library. The manipulator has a pair of fingers, one finger being longer than the other. An eject bar is located between the fingers and has a tab for pushing a storage cassette into the seated operative position in an IBM 3480 type tape reader. The manipulator approaches the slot in the reader, supporting the data cassette on the long finger and holding it in place with the short finger. The short finger pivots to free the cassette and the eject bar pushes it into the reader. When the eject bar is clear of the long finger it pivots downwards so that the tab engages the top of the cassette and pushes it into the seated position in the reader.

Abstract: An automated data storage library includes a plurality of storage cells for holding storage media cartridges therein. A picker mechanism is positioned for accessing and transporting the storage media cartridges between the storage cells. At least two cartridge grippers are mounted on the picker mechanism for selective movement along respective gripper paths. The grippers are configured for releasably gripping and supporting the storage media cartridges during transport between the storage cells. A gripper drive system mounted on the picker mechanism is used for positioning the grippers along the respective gripper paths. The gripper drive system includes a gripper engagement element for selectively engaging each of the grippers. A power system mounted on the picker mechanism is operatively connected to power the gripper drive system during gripper positioning.

Abstract: A chain drive continuous vertical conveyor is provided wherein multiple slats carried by multiple pairs of chain cooperate to form multi-sectional elevator surfaces. The elevator surfaces are capable of lifting wide and heavy loads. A live storage accumulator is also provided including multiple horizontal live storage levels which are stacked vertically. Each of the live storage levels includes a low profile belt conveyor. Containers may be transferred from a vertical conveyor to the accumulator and from the accumulator to another vertical conveyor.

Abstract: A cargo transport system for automated warehousing, wherein there are guide rail structures each mounted from an opposing shelving face structure of two rows of storage shelves extending substantially parallel to each other and present opposing shelving face structures toward one another, each of the guide rail structures including a guide rail with sides, at least one or more power supply conductors, or control signal conductors, or both power supply conductors and control signal conductors disposed substantially parallel to each other and arranged along the side of at least one guide rail, a cargo carrier adapted to roll over the guide rails, and collector attached from the load carrier for maintaining substantially constant electrically conducting contact with the power supply conductors and the control signals conductors for respectively powering and controlling the movement of the cargo carrier.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of storage bins arranged in spaced fashion. An extraction mechanism is provided to engage an edge of the bin defined by a sidewall and a bottom of the bin for moving the bin with respect to a storage location and a shuttle device. The extraction mechanism is movable along a first path in either direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of an aisle. The extractor mechanism is extendable below the bottom of a bin in a rest position, such as at a storage location. When the extractor mechanism has reached a position adjacent to the outermost end limit of travel, a tab actuating mechanism is engaged to move upwardly extending tabs between an extended position and a retracted position.