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: An automatic article feeding system which includes a conveyor for conveying pallets each of which contains an article or articles such as parts to be assembled and has a mark indicating the kind of article or articles contained therein, having a feeder for feeding each of the conveyed pallets into one of the shelves of the stocker according to empty shelf information supplied by an information processing unit; a memory for storing the address of the shelf in which the pallet has been stocked and further storing information of the kinds of articles on the pallet; a searcher for searching the memory according to the instruction received from the automatic assembling machine to detect the existence or non-existence of the article required by the automatic assembling machine and, if in existence, detect the address of the shelf in which the required article is stocked; a system for withdrawing the pallet from the stocker according to such detection; a feeder for feeding the pallet to a position for supplying the

Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for supporting an elongated flexible member, such as an electrical signal cable, connected between relatively movable termination points, for example, between a stationary frame and a mobile carriage. The mounting assembly comprises one or more track units each including a guide channel having one side opening toward an adjacent, generally parallel roller-supported belt. The flexible member is anchored at a first termination point generally at a longitudinally centered position within the channel and extends along the channel before rolling back upon itself through a turn of 180 degrees to contact the belt, with the channel-belt spacing being less than twice a natural radius of curvature for the flexible member whereby the belt applies a force against the flexible member in the region of the turn. The flexible member extends from the curved loop along the belt and is secured thereto at a second termination point.

Abstract: Shelf conveying system which is guided within one upper track system (8) and one ground track system (7), has driving bogies (3), which are supported by wheels (10) on two bearing surfaces of the track system (7) and are equipped with guide rollers (12), which abut laterally on the track system and can be removed at the branches for a straight-ahead path or to introduce branch paths. In addition, each driving bogie has at least one pilot roller (13) which extends into the gap between the bearing surfaces. The pilot roller (13) can be simultaneously designed as a track fastening element (14) which effectively connects with the track by contact with the back taper surfaces of the ground track system (7) (FIG. 3).

Abstract: An article storage and delivery system comprising a rack having vertical rows of article storage compartments, and a storage and retrieval machine movable along one side of the rack for selectively placing articles in and removing them from the compartments. An indexable turntable, having a plurality of circumferentially spaced article supports, is arranged at the opposite side of and partially within the rack so that each support is indexable into a machine accessible position, thereby enabling articles to be transferred by the machine between the storage compartments and the turntable supports. By dedicating each turntable support to a particular article type, different articles on the turntable are selectively deliverable by indexing movements thereof to a station on the turntable periphery externally of the rack.

Abstract: A vehicle parking garage has a plurality of storage areas arranged in a vertical column and a passageway beside the column in communication with the storage areas. Each storage area has associated therewith a storage member adapted to receive and contain a pallet. Each storage member has a storage position within a storage area and a loading position within the passageway and is adapted to move laterally between its storage and loading positions. A pair of spaced vertical track sections are mounted to each storage member and extend partially into the passageway when the storage members are in their storage positions with the track sections of adjacent storage members aligning vertically to define a pair of vertically extending tracks within the passageway.

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: A cart spot player having a tape library or bin structure, a series of tape transports in stacked alignment, and a cassette loading/unloading station as part of the bin structure; at one side of the player, input/output ports are provided for the bin structure, the tape transports and the cassette loading/unloading station for operator access; at the opposite side of the player, input/output ports are provided for the bin structure, the tape transports, and the cassette loading/unloading station for access thereto by a cassette transfer assembly moveable to access the player for the transport of a cassette from a first location to a second location remote from the first location and capable of mechanically loading the bin structure with the cassette input from the cassette loading/unloading station. Cassette sensing and cassette positioning means associated with the cassette loading/unloading station facilitate the cassette transfer process.

Abstract: An extraction and transfer mechanism for modular containers in an automated storage and retrieval system of the type having a storage matrix of modular containers and a stacker crane with a vertically movable platform. The extraction and transfer mechanism is carried on the platform and when positioned adjacent a selected modular container, is arranged to extract the container from a first selected storage location laterally onto the platform, and to transfer the container in either lateral direction into a second selected empty storage location. The preferred embodiment uses a pair of continuous loop friction belt and collapsible hook assemblies, which both grasp and hook the sides of handleless modular containers for extraction and transfer.

Abstract: A palletizing method for articles by a robot wherein a final stacking pallet is moved as a hand portion of the robot moves, and when an article is loaded on the pallet, the final stacking pallet is made to assume a position in the neighborhood of a position where the article is gripped up by the robot hand to transfer the article.

Abstract: A system to assemble a large number of component parts that are located in various positions and brought together to an assembly position. The system contemplates a pair of intermediate stations located adjacent to the assembly position to which a supply of components are brought prior to being moved to the assembly position.

Abstract: A disk file apparatus including a transfer member disposed at the upper side of a shelf for accommodating a multiplicity of cartridges each receiving a disk both sides of which are able to be subjected to recording and reproducing, each cartridge having a forward extending groove formed in the rear portion thereof. The transfer member has lever means which is arranged such that, when a cartridge having the same rating as that of said cartridges is inserted into the transfer member, the lever means detects whether or not there is a groove which is formed in the rear portion of the cartridge.

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 system to assemble a large number of component parts that are located in various positions and brought together to an assembly position. The system contemplates an intermediate station located adjacent to the assembly position to which a supply of components are brought prior to being moved to the assembly position.

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 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 method for storing and afterwards collecting orders consisting of products packed in crates and the like, with the aid of a staging with a number of storage conveyors. The crates and the like are stored as partial stacks, after which two or more partial stacks are stacked to form a full stack, which is delivered as such.

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: 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 data input terminal device and a handling table. When a contractor operates the terminal device to input his identification code, his own rental safe-deposit box is automatically extracted onto the handling table from the safe room.

Abstract: An automatic material handling system includes two or more vertically extending staging structures (10) incorporating a plurality of shelving surfaces (24) arranged in rows in respective staging structures for accommodating transport pallets or like goods carriers. The system also includes a loading station (15) and an input/output station (16) for serving a machine tool. The aforementioned three system auxiliaries are placed in a row along a track (14) with a movable a carriage structure (12). The carriage structure includes a load carrier (26) having load-support surfaces which while overlapping the shelving surfaces (24) are able to pass vertically therethrough. A compact system requiring the least possible floor space is thus provided. In addition, the system can be suitably controlled by a computer, so as to obtain a fully automatic material handling system.

Abstract: A storage system for products using supporting units, consisting of a staging containing a number of storeys, on one side of the staging at least one supply-conveyor and at least one entry elevating device, which is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging, as well as a device for placing the supporting units into the staging and on the other side of the staging at least one exit elevating device, which also is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging and at least one exit conveyor. According to the invention, in each storey (4) of the staging (2) one or more conveyors (5) are mounted which are connectable to both sides of the staging with one driving device (11), which is movable vertically on the entry elevating device (9) and the exit elevating device respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading wafers including a support structure having associated with it a predetermined wafer engagement position at which wafers can be engaged by the processing machine, a temporary storage device mounted on the support structure for storing a wafer in position for pick up, the flat surfaces of the wafer being parallel to an X-axis and perpendicular to a Z-axis, a first wafer engagement member for carrying the wafer on the first engagement member between the temporary storage device and the engagement position, a first X-direction mover mounted on the support structure and operable to move the first engagement member parallel to the X-axis, a second wafer engagement member for carrying the wafer on the second engagement member between the temporary storage device and the engagement position, a second X-direction mover mounted on the support structure and operable to move the second engagement member parallel to the X-axis independent of the first engagement member, a Z-direction m

Abstract: The invention concerns itself with the automatic processing of metal sheets. These are placed onto pallets (6) in form of stacks (7) and are fed to a pallet storage (4) in form of a high multi-tier shelf coordinated to each production machine (1). Between the pallet storage (4) and the production machine is provided a transport device (9) movable vertically along the pallet storage, which accepts a pallet (6) with a sheet metal stack (7) or delivers an empty pallet (6). The transport device (9) contains a single-sheet feeder (11), for example in the shape of suction heads (20) which lift off the topmost sheet, place it on a sheet support table (23) and from there feed it to the production machine. So as to facilitate the disengagements of the sheets from one another, magnets (18) are so arranged that under their influence they spread the forward positions of the sheets from one another.

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: A cartridge handling mechanism for use in a disk file system having a stocker in which a multiplicity of thin cartridges respectively having disks accommodated therein are respectively accommodated in a multiplicity of accommodating shelves in parallel to each other, a player for writing and reading data onto and from the disk in each cartridge, and a carrier linearly moved along the front side of the stocker. The carrier has a pair of engagement members selectively engaged with a pair of grooves respectively provided in two side end surfaces at one end of each of the cartridges, so that a selected cartridge is drawn out of the stocker by means of the pair of engagement members, moved to a position facing the front side of the player by the operation of the carrier and then pushed out from the carrier and inserted into the player by the action of the engagement members.

Abstract: A carriage is mounted for longitudinal movement on the elevator of a stacker crane and carries a rod adapted to engage the flange on the container drawer to move the drawer in and out of the storage rack. The rod is mounted on a pair of chains trained on sprockets at opposed sides of the carriage. Drive means is provided for moving the carriage back and forth into and out of contact with the storage rack at the level where the drawer enters the slot or bin in the rack. As the chains move on the sprockets, the extractor rod engages the flange on the drawer and, depending upon the direction the chains are moving, either pulls the drawer out or pushes it into its slot. The container drawer slides on suitable supports in the rack and on the carriage.

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: Storage system for products using supporting units, comprising a staging containing a number of storeys, on one side of the staging at least one supply-conveyor and at least one entry elevating device, which is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging, as well as a device for the input of the supporting units into the staging and on the other side of the staging at least one exit elevating device, which also is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging and at least one exit conveyor. In each storey of the staging one or more step conveyors are mounted, which at both sides of the staging are connectable with a single driving device, which is movable vertically on the entry elevating device and the exit elevating device respectively.

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: An apparatus for selectively storing a thin tray or sheet in an elongate storage location, and retrieving trays therefrom, includes a tray extractor and a transport assembly. The tray extractor comprises a tray engagement mechanism and a tray linear movement actuator. The tray engagement mechanism operates as a hand to selectively grip or release trays which are being handled by the apparatus. The tray linear movement actuator acts as an arm to position the tray engagement mechanism and, when operated, to move an engaged tray. The tray linear movement actuator comprises a linear movement link and pulley arrangement which moves an engaged tray along a linear path of motion, and which maintains the tray engagement mechanism in a selected orientation with respect to that path of movement. The tray engagement mechanism comprises an X-shaped scissors mechanism having a plurality of jaws thereon. Scissors motion of the mechanism opens and closes the pairs of jaw members to selectively engage or disengage a tray.

Abstract: Installation for restocking merchandise in a self-service shop in tiers of shelves (11, 12, 16) which extend parallel to each other with alleys for customers to move along. The tiers of shelves (11, 12) are assembled in islands (10) with front faces (11a, 12a) accessible to customers in the alleys and rear faces (11b, 12b) defining a central supply space (1) which is inaccessible to the customers. Transfer openings (21) in the sales floor (A) in the central spaces (1) give access to a storage floor (B) where stocks of the merchandise are stored. Mobile lift trucks (4,5) enable merchandise to be picked from the storage floor and transferred to the central space (1) where it is placed on the sales shelving (11, 12) through its rear faces (11b, 12b).

Abstract: A device for exchanging disks is provided with a pair of opposing disk containers each containing a large number of disk caddies each having side grooves and an upper surface having a recess adapted for containing a disk, a unit for extracting disks interposed between the opposing disk containers and adapted for extracting disk caddies from these disk containers, and a unit for vertically shifting the disk extracting unit. The latter is movable between the disk containers from a first position to a second position and vice versa, and is provided with a pair of hook members cooperable with one of the disk containers and another pair of hook members cooperable with the other disk container. These hook members are actuated by electromagnetic devices thereby and engageable in the side grooves of the disk caddy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for removing small quantities of fiber or like material from a plurality of bales of the same arranged in rows. The apparatus comprises angularly arranged conduits, one end of which is maintained in sealing relation to another and mechanism for moving up and down one of the conduits for removing the fiber from the bales. Improved sealing means for the mechanism comprises generally flat strips of material spanning and sealing slots in the upper surfaces of the conduits together with means to run under the strip of material without losing the seal. One of such mechanisms seals the two conduits together and the other such mechanism carries the actual pickup mechanism and seals it to the conduit up and down which it reciprocates. All of the mechanisms are under control of an operator who walks up and down the aisles between the rows of bales.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for transferring annular articles from one stage to another, each article having a ferromagnetic element, comprising hanging the annular articles from a hanger bar having spacer elements arranged at spacings from each other, the articles suspended from the hanger bar being axially spaced apart in parallel from each other across the spacer elements and having center axes aligned with each other in a predetermined direction, and transferring the articles from the hanger bar to a subsequent stage by repeating the steps comprising transferring one of the articles from the hanger bar to a carrier member constructed of permanent magnet, the article transferred to the carrier member being attached to the carrier member with the ferromagnetic element attracted to the permanent magnet, moving the article transferred to the carrier member upwardly with respect to the hanger bar so that the article is disengaged from the two adjacent spacer elements, moving the carrier member away from the h

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: An apparatus for storing and supplying rod-shaped material to a cutting machine comprising a shelving unit including a plurality of carrier arms arranged one above another to form shelving compartments for holding rod-shaped material. A first rotatable rollway is located in the shelving unit and forms a substantially horizontal support for delivering and returning rod-shaped material to and from the cutting machine. The first rollway is vertically displaceable from a cutting machine loading position to a supplying position. A crane bridge is provided moveable with respect to the shelving unit for moving rod-shaped material from the shelving compartments to the first rollway. A second rotatable rollway is provided to form an additional substantially horizontal support for delivering and returning rod-shaped material to and from the cutting machine and the second rollway is also vertically displaceable between a supply position and a cutting machine loading position.

Abstract: A system for replacing electrical batteries in electrically powered vehicles in a minimum period of time on the order of one minute or less. Carriage-elevator structure is arranged in front of a battery charging station to transfer selected batteries between the charging station and a parked stationary vehicle. The vehicle and the charging station are provided with roller support units adapted to bear the battery weight and permit manual push-and/or pull shift of individual batteries to or from the aforementioned elevator. The system enables a substantially discharged battery to be removed from a vehicle and replaced with a fully charged battery in a very short time, e.g. about one minute.

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: A plant for storing single articles or objects, such as track links, designed to be introduced into a production line turning out the said links, at a point between two consecutive processing center, or units, forming part of the line. A number of special containers, each of which is designed to accommodate the links are formed by rows into `parcels` and are transferred thus along the line using conventional conveyors thereby permitting their optional withdrawal from and redeposition onto the line. An apparatus is designed to receive, hold and position each single full or empty container with respect to the relative conveyor in order to allow such loading or unloading. Loading or unloading of the single container is brought about by transferring the parcels of links into the container, the base of which is formed with parallel slots into which rollers of a conveyor may be introduced.

Abstract: An installation for storing a variety of elongate rod stock and for automatically supplying such stock in a selected sequence to a severing machine which is spaced from the installation, the rod stock being stored in the installation with their longitudinal dimensions all parallel to one another and to the direction of the severing machine, and the installation being composed of a group of vertically extending shelving units spaced from one another in a direction transverse to the direction toward the severing machine, each shelving unit presenting a plurality of compartments spaced vertically from one another, a gantry crane including a crane bridge movable between the compartments for conveying stock to and from each compartment, and a rollway associated with one of the shelving units, arranged to convey stock to and from the severing machine, and vertically movable between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A railway car fabrication facility includes cranes for moving right and left hand railway car sides having a bulbous portion and a flat portion. One crane picks up the sides and places them vertically into a below ground transfer pit. A second crane picks up at least the left hand sides from the transfer pit and places them in a below ground storage pit located on an opposite side of a car assembly station. The second crane preferably includes right and left hand cranes for transferring both right and left hand sides into the assembly station to assemble the right and left hand sides with the under frame, bulkheads and/or the roof of the car.

Abstract: A system is provided for loading concrete blocks, carried on pallets, into a kiln. The kiln includes a front end wall and a rear end wall and a plurality of guideways extending from the front end wall to the rear end wall. The guideways are arranged in a grid pattern of horizontally aligned layers and vertically aligned tiers. The pallets are inserted into a selected guideway. A laterally movable main frame carries a vertically movable subframe which includes an arcuate conveyor. An elevator delivers pallets to the subframe which inserts the pallets into the selected guideway. The main frame and subframe are indexed for exact alignment with the selected guideway.

Abstract: A stacker crane having an elevated trolley on which there is a hoist, a load member beneath the trolley is moved vertically by the hoist and is guided by a mast comprising a vertically fixed inner member projecting down from the trolley and an intermediate member telescopingly slidable on the inner member. In one locking position of a toggle element swingably carried by the intermediate member it engages an upwardly facing surface of a ledge on the load member, constraining the intermediate member to move with the load member in a lower part of the range of vertical motion of the load member; in the upper part of that range the toggle element, in an opposite locking position, engages an upwardly facing surface on a ledge on the inner member so that the latter supports the intermediate member.

Abstract: A storage system for articles comprising a plurality of inclined storage compartments where an unloading member on an elevator removes articles from given compartments and transfers the article to a conveyor from a transfer position on the elevator and the conveyor carries the articles to a delivery point.

Abstract: A load support and shuttle combination. The load support (20) is in the form of a central beam (24) disposed fore and aft in a storage bay (22) on top of which are mounted a plurality of spaced apart V-shaped load support members (26), the outer ends of which are bent downward to a substantially horizontal position. The shuttle includes a pair of space apart rails (46) which straddle the beam (24). A plurality of spaced load supporting finger members (48) extend inwardly and downwardly from the rails and are sized and shaped such that they fit in the spaces between the V-shaped load support members. A load resting on the load support member can be transferred to the shuttle by inserting the load supporting finger members into a storage bay beneath the load support members and then lifting the shuttle to move the finger members through the spaces between the load support members.

Abstract: An arrangement for the storage of pallets which are used to hold material of lengthy shape. A plurality of shelves are located and fixed next to one another, and they are accessible from at least one broad side via a loading and removal device which travels transversely to the shelves. A plurality of stacked compartments accommodate the pallets, and have a guided loading and removal device which travels underneath the shelves which are located above floor level. An additional guided gantry-like loading and removal device travels above the shelves. The loading and removal device, furthermore, travels underneath the shelves, and may be constructed in the form of a traveling lifting table with a device for the loading and removal of the pallets. Guides may be fixed to the vertical members of the shelves for the lateral support of a platform of the lifting table. A lifting mechanism of a gantry crane may be formed by consoles guided on supports of the gantry.

Abstract: Concentric annular tracks support for rotary movement a set of storage trains in the form of concentric cylindrical shelves. Each train has a vertically directed discontinuity and is driven by a separate driving unit so that the discontinuities can be aligned to form a radially directed access aisle. A stationary control member controls the driving units of the trains. In a modification, stationary storage shelves surround the trains and are equipped with conveyor for moving respective holders in vertical direction and along the circumference of each train and also radially from one train to another. Also, an elevator is provided for operation in the aisle.

Abstract: An automated storage system includes a door at an access station for the insertion of articles, luggage and the like to be stored temporarily in a container. A transport system is provided to transport the container to a predetermined storage repository removed from the access station. Retrieval of the container is initiated by the insertion of a lock key in a predetermined position to activate the transport system to return the container to the access station when the user desires to retrieve the article or luggage from the system. The containers are constructed to be resistant to fragmentation in the event of an explosion and the containers are placed in an explosion confining environment.

Abstract: An airport complex comprising a main multi-level passenger terminal having peripheral gates for the enplaning and deplaning of passengers and cargo. A cargo building which is disposed in close proximity to the passenger terminal greatly shortens the time factor which usually is involved in transporting cargo to and from the passenger terminal. The airport complex is designed principally to accommodate ultra large aircraft of the jet-propelled type and novel facilities are provided for routing enplaning cargo on a priority basis from an arriving jet to a departing jet through cargo-handling facilities which are disposed within the passenger terminal, and also for routing enplaning cargo from the cargo building to a departing jet through the passenger terminal, likewise on a priority basis.