Abstract: A multi-load position push-in flow rack capable of moving and storing loads in tandem comprises front and rear uprights mounting a pair of horizontally spaced inclined rails on which load transfer apparatus is mounted. The load transfer apparatus comprises an elongated carriage supported for reciprocation on the rails by a lower series of wheels and a shorter load support mounted for reciprocation relative to the carriage by an upper series of wheels which are located on the carriage and which engage the undersides of the load support. Abutments are provided at the rear end of the carriage for coupling the load support to the carriage so that they can move together when loaded. Stops are provided at the front and rear ends of the rack to limit the travel of the carriage therein. In the course of loading, the load support with a first load thereon is pushed rearwardly relative to the carriage to expose the front of the carriage for accepting a second load and to couple the load support to the carriage.

Abstract: A speed retarder used in combination with a flexible member such as rope, cable, or chain to control the speed of the flexible member relative to the speed retarder. The speed retarder is particularly suited for use in applications where it is desirable to lower a load at a controlled rate of speed from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. Such applications include fire escape devices and safety backup devices for elevators.One specific embodiment of the speed retarder comprises a frame having an axle on which is mounted a pair of rollers each having a tapered surface around which a flexible member is trained and retained between the surfaces by means of guides. The wheels are mounted on the axle for combined rotary and outward sliding motion into brake pads carried by the frame outboard of the wheels.

Abstract: Automatic braking apparatus for controlling the speed of a vehicle travelling downwardly on an inclined slope. The apparatus comprises a wheel housing, a pair of specially designed wheels mounted in the housing for combined rotary and axial motion, and a rail engageable between the wheels and moveable longitudinally relative thereto. The wheels have tapered camming surfaces which confront one another and annular braking surfaces facing outwardly in juxtaposition with respect to pads of friction material carried by the housing. A load applied between the rail and the wheels forces the wheels axially outward into engagement with the friction pads to retard rotation of the wheels and thereby to limit the relative velocity between the rail and the wheel housing. In one embodiment, the wheel housing is carried by a pallet and the rail is mounted stationary. Wedge means is provided at the lower end of the rail for engaging between the wheels relatively close to their rotational axis to arrest motion of the pallet.