Abstract: An automated material handling process in production lines and an automated material storage and retrieval system for production line. Six material retrieval operating modes are disclosed and electronic label devices are used for instructing the operators how and where to implement the material retrieval or storage in each operating mode. Timely distribution of production materials can be achieved with optimized inventory status.

Abstract: A ball retrieval cart generally comprising a wheeled container for retrieving and storing balls and a pair of handles attached thereto. The container is rollingly supported by wheels on an axle. The container has a bottom including rails defining ball retrieval slots through which balls on the ground pass into the container when the rails are lowered over the balls. The handles, a front handle and a rear handle, are pivotally attached to the cart. A connector can be used to attach the handles together such that the position of the rear handle relative to the container can be adjustably fixed as desired by a user such that user can pivot the cart about the axle to raise and lower the bottom for retrieving balls. The handles are rotatable, also, to a substantially vertical support position supporting the cart in a ball dispensing position. The handles are rotatable, also, to above the cart such that they may be jointly gripped by a user as a carrying handle.

Abstract: A ball retrieving and storage cart generally comprises a wheeled carriage that rollingly supports a basket in a ball retrieving position. In an exemplary embodiment, the basket has a front end and a rear end and includes a bottom wall having two side members oriented front to rear and having a normal position spaced apart less than the ball diameter and defining a slotted aperture for entrance of a ball into the basket. In the ball retrieval position, at least one of the side members is a slanted member having a front end higher from the ground than a ball radius and a rear end lower to the ground than the ball radius. At least one of the side members is a deflectable member and is biased to the normal position but is sideways deflectable such that a ball on the ground entering the aperture sideways deflects the deflectable member sufficiently for the ball to pass into the basket. The wheels may define a rolling plane.