Abstract: A storage system has retractable cells used for with storing and transporting articles in totes. A plurality of spaced apart shelves extends transversely between left and right flexible vertical panels. Left and right hangers extend upward from a distal end attached to a shelf to a proximal end at a structural support. A plurality of guide members are attached to the vertical panels, juxtaposed with the shelves. Each guide member slidingly engages a hanger. Means is provided for pulling the left and right hangers upward to raise the shelves upward. The hangers can be secured either to the support or to a shelf above. The left and right panels will fold inwardly between the shelves. The space beneath the shelves will increase to receive an article larger than a tote.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a platform positioned on the pallet, the platform having a load bearing surface including a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first, such that the second portion overlies the first portion. A method of unloading articles from a pallet including arranging the loaded pallet with the second portion of the platform in the second position, unloading articles from the first portion of the platform, shifting the second portion of the platform to the second position, and unloading articles from the second portion of the platform. A method of loading articles on a pallet, including arranging the pallet with the second portion of the platform in the second position, loading articles onto the second portion of the platform, shifting the second portion of the platform to the first position, and loading articles onto the first portion of the platform.

Abstract: A flow shelf roller having an outer circumference, a radially central hub, and an axially central bore forming an inner circumference through the central hub. The inner circumference of each roller has at least one axial relief channel formed therein along the length of the axial bore. In a more particular embodiment, the axial relief channel is formed including a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the inner circumference of the roller. In a more particular embodiment, the axial relief channel includes at least one of an angled chamfer and a radiused corner, adjacent to the inner circumference of the first roller. The disclosure also includes a roller flow shelf including a flow bed roller having any or all of the aforementioned characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rotating articles stored on a pallet without rotating the entire pallet. The turntable of the present invention is located on the pallet or integrated into the top surface of the pallet. By rotating the pallet within the rack, the articles thereon may be loaded and unloaded from a position directly in front of the picker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rotating articles stored on a pallet without rotating the entire pallet. The turntable of the present invention is located on the pallet or integrated into the top surface of the pallet. By rotating the pallet within the rack, the articles thereon may be loaded and unloaded from a position directly in front of the picker.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a platform positioned on the pallet, the platform having a load bearing surface including a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first, such that the second portion overlies the first portion. A method of unloading articles from a pallet including arranging the loaded pallet with the second portion of the platform in the second position, unloading articles from the first portion of the platform, shifting the second portion of the platform to the second position, and unloading articles from the second portion of the platform. A method of loading articles on a pallet, including arranging the pallet with the second portion of the platform in the second position, loading articles onto the second portion of the platform, shifting the second portion of the platform to the first position, and loading articles onto the first portion of the platform.

Abstract: An extended flow track system has a pair of inner and outer splice members for linking the side rails of tandem flow tracks. The splice members eliminate horizontal shifting between the front and rear flow track members. Thus, extending flow track members are perfectly aligned along their length. The splice ends of each side rail have a cutout in them so that a low profile configuration is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention features a universal, low profile, expandable flow track system that can be drop-load mounted to almost any supporting frame or pallet rack. The flow track system of the invention features a flow track that mounts flush with its end supports, and is infinitely adjustable along both the horizontal axis and depth axis of the storage frame. The flow track is quickly assembled to, adjusted upon, and removed from, the storage frame.

Abstract: A low profile flow track is described for use in storage facilities, such as warehouses. The flow track requires no assembly upon the pallet rack frame, and does not add appreciable height to the space allotted between the pallet rack beams for storing containers and other items. The flow track has an end plate that is positioned just one inch on top of the horizontal support surface of the pallet rack beam. The end plate is secured to the sides of the flow track, and side plates are specially contoured to provide support upon the step profile of the pallet rack beam.