Abstract: A storage system with movable units is equipped with emitters for providing a series of radiant energy beams directed along an array of parallel paths through passages beneath the movable units. A control computer stops movement of the movable units in response to blockage of any path. Additionally, the system compares the identities of paths blocked on one cycle with those blocked on a prior cycle to determine whether unblocking of a path is due to a person or other object leaving the work area or is due by a condition in which the system has lost track of the person or object. In the latter case, the system inhibits operation of the movable units even if all paths are unblocked.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the tension and predetermined rate of movement of a continuous strip of elongated material being fed to and/or withdrawn from a processing station for processing at a predetermined processing rate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of pivotable control arms, in which the first control arm is pivotable about a fixed pivot point and the second control arm is pivotable about the end of the first control arm, a spring between the two control arms whereby upon pivoting of the second control arm the spring transmits only a portion of the movement of that arm to the first control arm, and a speed controller for controlling the predetermined rate of movement of the strip in response to movement of the first control arm.

Abstract: A spring loaded core adaptor is disclosed, including a hub of circular cross section for releasable engagement with the internal surface of one end of a hollow tubular core. The engagement permits rotation of the core in a preferred direction about its longitudinal axis for winding continuous material under tension on the outer surface of the core. The hub disclosed includes one or more arched spring clips secured within grooves arranged along the external surface of the hub. The spring clips engage a portion of the internal surface of the core to prevent relative rotation between the core and the hub in response to the rotation of the hub in the preferred direction; and, to releasably engage a portion of the internal surface of the core to permit relative rotation therebetween in response to the rotation of the hub in the opposite direction.