Abstract: Rack arrangement designed for installation in, for example, a warehouse or a factory for storage of loads. A pair of stationary racks having a plurality of vertically and/or laterally partitioned storage spaces are arranged in spaced parallel relation. A movable rack or racks having a plurality of similarly partitioned storage spaces are arranged between the two stationary racks, with a working space defined between the facades of any selected pair of adjacent racks. A rail is mounted on the top of each stationary rack and supported thereon. A girder supported and guided by the pair of rails is movable along the length of the rails. A load transfer unit is supported and guided by the girder for movement within the working space. The load transfer unit includes a take-in/take-out device which is up-and-down movable within the transfer unit, able to support a load, and is retractably movable relative to a storage space for delivery of the load to and from the storage space.

Abstract: An article storing apparatus including rotary storing units having an elongate endless transport path formed on a long frame-shaped base. Elongate, endless inner and outer support devices are provided on the base, with an endless clearance defined between the inner and outer support devices. Below the inner support device are provided a travel element disposed in corresponding relation to the clearance and drive mechanism for driving the travel element. A plurality of article support elements of disc shape are supported over the inner and outer support devices. Individual article support elements are connected to the travel element by coupling members passing through the clearance. A plurality of storing units are arranged in parallel, and corner portions of each storing unit at one end thereof are formed as an article receiving/discharging station.

Abstract: This invention relates to shelf apparatus using rollers. In a shelf frame, conveyor devices are installed in a plurality of vertically spaced stages. Each conveyor device has two rows of roller conveyors, at least one of which is capable of generating driving power for driving loads. A space is defined between the two rows of roller conveyors to make room for installing stops adapted to stop the movement of loads or operating the fork of a fork lift truck for putting loads on and out of the shelves.

Abstract: A drive system roller apparatus used for a roller conveyor built in a shelf device or a roller conveyor installed on a floor, wherein at the outer periphery of a roller shaft supported at a frame is provided a roller body rotatable and supporting a load to be transported, between the roller body and the roller shaft is provided an annular flexible member which is capable of expanding and contracting so as to contact with and remove from the inner periphery of the roller body by the expansion and contraction, and the flexible member is rotatably driven, so that an operating fluid is supplied from the fluid route into the flexible member, and the flexible member in the contacting state is expanded to abut against the inner surface of the roller body, thereby the roller body rotates to transport a load.