Abstract: A system for storing items comprises a rack with upstanding posts delimiting a vertically extending storage space with individual storage locations formed by generally horizontally-oriented members supported on the posts. The system includes trays respectively removably received at the individual storage locations. The system further includes an elevator configured for moving the trays between the storage locations and a user-retrieval space adjacent a bottom of the rack. The system features an electrical power distribution system to deliver electrical power from a source to items on the trays, which includes distribution ports supported on the rack and respectively associated with the individual storage locations, receiver ports carried on the trays and configured for removably electrically connecting with the distribution ports, and electrical receptacles electrically connected to the receiver ports and configured to connect to electrical loads.

Abstract: A storage system with platforms for storing items, which are movable along a prescribed path, features an internal electrical power distribution system for supplying electrical power at each of the movable platforms to operate electrical devices, such as refrigerators or chargers. The power distribution system comprises a set of distribution terminals electrically connected to an external electrical power source, such as mains power, which extend along respective paths which follow the prescribed path of movement of the platforms. Further, the distribution system comprises a plurality of electrical bridging assemblies respectively bridging between the platforms and the distribution terminals. The electrical bridging assemblies are mechanically connected in fixed relation to the platforms and connected in movable electrical contact with the distribution terminals.

Abstract: A storage system with platforms for storing items, which are movable along a prescribed path, features an internal electrical power distribution system for supplying electrical power at each of the movable platforms to operate electrical devices, such as refrigerators or chargers. The power distribution system comprises a set of distribution terminals electrically connected to an external electrical power source, such as mains power, which extend along respective paths which follow the prescribed path of movement of the platforms. Further, the distribution system comprises a plurality of electrical bridging assemblies respectively bridging between the platforms and the distribution terminals. The electrical bridging assemblies are mechanically connected in fixed relation to the platforms and connected in movable electrical contact with the distribution terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for both loading and unloading a round body, for example a tire, relative to a stationary shelf comprises, for loading, a body locating member defining a contact surface which confines in fixed location the round body between same and a shelf edge of the stationary shelf and a body lifting arrangement on which the body locating member is movable carried so as to displace the locating member upwardly relative to the shelf edge. For unloading the apparatus comprises an unloading arm defining a body contact surface that is displaceable in movement arranged perpendicular to a rotational axis of the body from a location outside a shelf storage space defined vertically above the shelf where the body is received when on the shelf, to the shelf storage space so as to displace the body off the shelf.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for both loading and unloading a round body, for example a tire, relative to a stationary shelf comprises, for loading, a body locating member defining a contact surface which confines in fixed location the round body between same and a shelf edge of the stationary shelf and a body lifting arrangement on which the body locating member is movable carried so as to displace the locating member upwardly relative to the shelf edge. For unloading the apparatus comprises an unloading arm defining a body contact surface that is displaceable in movement arranged perpendicular to a rotational axis of the body from a location outside a shelf storage space defined vertically above the shelf where the body is received when on the shelf, to the shelf storage space so as to displace the body off the shelf.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing objects above a floor surface comprises an endless loop driven for rotation about a pair of longitudinally spaced parallel axes, a plurality of pulleys at longitudinally spaced locations supported for rotational movement about axes oriented transversely, and a plurality of flexible links coupled to the endless loop and extending therefrom to a respective one of the pulleys about which each link wraps and extends downwardly to a support member for carrying the objects above the floor. Thus in rotation of the endless loop the flexible links are retracted or dispensed from a housing where the endless loop is located so as to raise or lower the support member.

Abstract: A manual drive for a motor with an external rotational member coupled to a main shaft of the motor features a transmission rotational member which is movable axially along a shaft about which it rotates, such that the transmission rotational member of the manual drive is movable between a driving position at one location along the shaft where the transmission rotational member is rotatable so as to drive the motor and a braking position at a different location along the shaft where the transmission rotational member is in engagement with a braking member for braking the motor. The shaft features a threaded portion which is arranged to draw the transmission rotational member rotating in the first rotational direction along the shaft towards a first portion of the braking member by threadable engagement with the transmission rotational member for braking the transmission rotational member rotating in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A system for loading elongated members, such as metal tubes and bars, onto a conveyor for later processing features an elevator, pusher arms, a support surface provided at a predetermined height, and gripper arms. The elevator acts to lift a topmost layer of the members, which are typically arranged in a stack thereon, to a predetermined height so that the pusher arms may transfer the members forming the topmost layer onto the support surface at this height. The pusher arms push these members across the support surface by engaging the member farthest from the support surface until the respective elongated member passes over a distal side of the support surface and onto the gripper arms arranged at a height of this side. The gripper arms lower that member to an unloading location below the support surface where an empty support cradle of the conveyor is arranged for receiving same.

Abstract: A system for loading elongated members, such as metal tubes and bars, onto a conveyor for later processing features an elevator, pusher arms, a support surface provided at a predetermined height, and gripper arms. The elevator acts to lift a topmost layer of the members, which are typically arranged in a stack thereon, to a predetermined height so that the pusher arms may transfer the members forming the topmost layer onto the support surface at this height. The pusher arms push these members across the support surface by engaging the member farthest from the support surface until the respective elongated member passes over a distal side of the support surface and onto the gripper arms arranged at a height of this side. The gripper arms lower that member to an unloading location below the support surface where an empty support cradle of the conveyor is arranged for receiving same.

Abstract: A manual drive for a motor with an external rotational member coupled to a main shaft of the motor features a transmission rotational member which is movable axially along a shaft about which it rotates, such that the transmission rotational member of the manual drive is movable between a driving position at one location along the shaft where the transmission rotational member is rotatable so as to drive the motor and a braking position at a different location along the shaft where the transmission rotational member is in engagement with a braking member for braking the motor. The shaft features a threaded portion which is arranged to draw the transmission rotational member rotating in the first rotational direction along the shaft towards a first portion of the braking member by threadable engagement with the transmission rotational member for braking the transmission rotational member rotating in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A furnace includes a primary and secondary combustion chamber. Heated air from the secondary combustion chamber travels through a vertically-oriented set of flues, and two horizontally-oriented sets of flues before exiting through a chimney.

Abstract: A furnace includes a primary and secondary combustion chamber. Heated air from the secondary combustion chamber travels through a vertically-oriented set of flues, and two horizontally-oriented sets of flues before exiting through a chimney.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide for an overhead lift storage device comprising a longitudinal track for overhead mount and a pulley system for guiding at least one cable-like element therethrough. Each cable-like element has a connection end configured for connection with an article to be stored in a suspended storage position. An activation system is used to operate the pulley system causing the cable-like element to raise or lower a connected article between a lowered connecting position and a suspended storage position. A weight limiting clutch is used to limit the maximum force which can be used to lift a load thereby decreasing the risk of failure of the pulley system or cable-like element. A safety catch may be incorporated into the overhead lift storage device for taking the load off of the pulley system and/or cable-like element when the article is in the suspended storage position.

Abstract: A device for measuring and re-rolling floor covering material, particularly carpet comprises a base member having sides and a transverse table top. On each side of the table top is mounted a cradle which extends downwardly from the table top and outwardly to the side of the device. Each cradle is formed by four rollers, two of which are carried directly on the base and two of which are cantilevered outwardly therefrom and are pivotally moveable inwardly to a retracted position. The re-roll cradle allows two of the rollers to pivot about the axis of the next adjacent roller so that the rollers can be folded inwardly to form a confined space acting to commence the re-rolling of a carpet edge. A knife is carried on a chain movable across the table top and includes guide wheels which hold the carpet down onto the knife blade.