Abstract: Apparatus for retrieving and depositing a load, in particular to and from racks, includes a pair of elongated guides in parallel relationship and a grabbing device having at least two grippers movably guided in the elongated guides for traveling in a horizontal plane in an operating direction from a ready position into an operative position in which the grippers are positioned on both sides of the load substantially parallel to the sides of the load. Each of the grippers has at least one plate-shaped gripping area, with the gripping area of one gripper confronting the gripping area of the other gripper, and with the gripping areas of the grippers extending parallel to one another. Operatively connected to the elongated guides is a force-applying unit for moving the guides in synchronism relative to one another to thereby urge the grippers against the sides of the load.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed with a first and a second conveyor track disposed at the same height level and together forming angles of at least 45 degrees relative to and crossing each other. The first and the second conveyor tracks are formed of crossing bars furnishing support rails with smooth surface providing sliding contact rails. Loading devices furnished with a flat floor are moved on the conveyor track. Engagement dogs convey said loading devices while protruding beyond the surface of the conveyor tracks and are attached to a driver in the form of an endless circulating chain. A deflection pulley and a drive wheel driven by a motor guides the endless circulating chain which is supported by guiding rail supports.