Abstract: An article storage and retrieval system which includes a continuous track and a continuous article storage carousel supported from the track. The article storage carousel is movable in a horizontal direction and contains a plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending baskets. Each basket has vertically spaced compartments. A motor is included to drive the article storage carousel around the track. An elevator is mounted in a fixed position adjacent to the outside of the track and includes a vertically movable article engager for placement in or withdrawal from a preselected compartment.

Abstract: In combination with automatic storage and retrieval system having a continuous track which supports a continuous rotating storage unit to move therearound in a horizontal direction, the rotating storage unit including a plurality of horizontally spaced shelves arranged vertically into columns, a conveyor system mounted adjacent the rotating storage unit for moving storage bins towards and away from the rotating storage unit, and an elevator mounted in a fixed position between the rotating storage unit and the conveyor system; a platform mounted in the elevator for vertical movement up and down adjacent the rotating storage unit, an extraction and insertion arm assembly slidably mounted on the platform, the arm assembly including a pair of longitudinally disposed extractor arms having the forward ends extending towards the rotating storage units, a motor for driving the arm assembly in a horizontal direction towards and away from the rotating storage unit for bin placement in and withdrawal from a preselected

Abstract: A consolidation system for articles including a continuous track with a continuous chain supported from the track and movable in a horizontal direction around the track. Horizontally spaced and vertically extending baskets are suspended from the chain with each basket having vertically spaced compartments. A drive mechanism is provided for driving the chain around the track. An operator work station is located at a fixed position on the outside of the track. A conveyor is provided to move the articles adjacent the work station and pans are provided to deliver preselected articles from the conveyor to the operator work station. The chain can be moved a predetermined degree to align a preselected basket with the work station.

Abstract: A device for transferring article carriers from one carrier tube of a pneumatic transfer system to another carrier tube provided by a hopper movable along a guide. A plurality of gated incoming carrier tubes are positioned above the hopper. When the slide gate of an incoming tube containing a carrier is opened, the carrier is dropped into the hopper positioned below. A plurality of gated outgoing carrier tubes are positioned below the movable hopper for receiving the carrier dropped from the hopper when a hopper gate is opened and the slide gate of the desired outgoing carrier tube is opened.