Abstract: A fabricated structural beam (1), including a longitudinally extending top plate having a pair of longitudinally extending opposite edge regions (4), and a longitudinally extending cylindrical bottom tube (6) spaced from and extending parallel with the top plate (3) equidistant from the edge regions (4) of the top plate (3). A web plate (13) of generally V shape in transverse cross section provides a pair of web portions (12) and a bend portion 14 between the web portions (12). The bend portion (14) extends about the bottom tube (6) so that the bottom tube (6) nests along the web plate (13), and the web plate (13) is connected to the bottom tube (6) along opposite side regions (11) thereof. The web portions (12) extend one from each side of the bottom tube (6) to the top plate (3). Each web portion (12) has a longitudinally extending connection region connected along the top plate (3) adjacent a respective edge region (4) of the top plate (3).

Abstract: A remote controlled apparatus particularly for shelf servicing within warehouses. A vehicle is provided for travelling along a path between a plurality of locations. The vehicle has drive means operable for driving the vehicle along the path. Command control means operates the drive means. The control means includes a distance measuring apparatus having an electromagnetic radiation generating unit carried by the vehicle and operable to generate an electromagnetic radiation beam. One or more radiation receiving mirrors are fixed in predetermined relationship to vehicle locations and arranged to receive and reflect back electromagnetic radiation beams from the generating unit. Upon beam reflection, with the generating unit initiates an output signal representative of the distance between the generating unit and a receiving mirror.

Abstract: A track guided transportation system for shelf servicing within warehouses. A lower guide track provides a narrow channel defined between a track bottom face and a pair of track side faces, and an upper guide track extends above and parallel to the lower guide track. A transportation vehicle with a plurality of mounting assemblies is mounted to and between the lower and upper tracks for travel therealong. Each mounting assembly of the lower guide track includes a single supporting wheel for rolling centrally along the track channel on the bottom face to support the vehicle and at least one stabilizing element is provided in the track channel extending generally between the inner side faces and engaging one or other of the side faces at any one time in order to laterally stabilize the vehicle.