Abstract: A vertical transmission equipment includes a base having a mount surface, a rail structure disposed on the mount surface, and a carrier movably disposed on the rail structure, the carrier includes a supporting surface, and the supporting surface of the carrier is perpendicular to the mount surface of the base.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for shuttle lift systems to facilitate simultaneous movement of multiple shuttles across a multi-level storage structure that stores packages. The shuttle lift system may include the multi-level storage structure and a tower lift system at each end of the multi-level storage structure. One tower lift system may raise shuttles to a level of the multi-level storage structure. The other tower lift system may lower shuttles to a level of the multi-level storage structure and/or to a delivery area. The tower lift system may include cables (e.g., tethers) that are supported by a bottom portion and an upper portion of the tower lift system. Shelves may be attached to the cables on either side of the tower lift system and may receive and move shuttles up/down the tower lift system. The tower lift system may have high shuttle throughput and a reduced footprint.

Abstract: A palletizing apparatus and a method for stacking packages on a load carrier. The palletizing apparatus has a stacking location for palletizing the packages and at least two supply stations, which are in conveying connection with the stacking location and each have an intermediate carrier formed for receiving the packages. It is possible for the intermediate carriers to be vertically adjusted by a motor at least to some extent independently of one another between a low-level position and a high-level position. In order to make a rapid palletizing cycle possible, provision is made for the intermediate carriers to be horizontally adjustable by a motor-drive independently of one another between a starting position and an end position. The intermediate carriers are arranged at the supply stations for adjustment in a collision-free manner in opposite adjustment directions between a receiving position and a transfer position.

Abstract: An embodiment mobility for delivering articles includes a frame defining a body of the mobility, a chain member coupled to a first side of the frame, wherein the chain member has a closed curve shape along an up-down direction, is movable relative to the frame, and includes a standby section provided at a fixed position with respect to the frame irrespective of a movement of the chain member, wherein the standby section includes a plurality of bent areas, a tray member having a first side coupled to the chain member, the tray member being movable in connection with a movement of the chain member, a wheel coupled to a lower portion of the frame, and a driver configured to provide a driving force to the chain member.

Abstract: An loading equipment and a conveying system for tank track moving supports are provided, the loading equipment includes an circular conveyor line and a loading device; the circular conveyor line includes a support frame, a baseplate is connected with the support frame, an circular guide rail is connected with the baseplate, trays are connected above the circular guide rail, fixture assemblies are connected with the trays, an circular driving part is connected with the trays; tracking cars are fixedly connected with the trays and slidably connected with the circular guide rail; the circular driving part is fixedly connected with the tracking cars. Seamless involvement of moving support from the blank transmission to the processing output process is achieved, the processing efficiency is improved, and the position of the moving support in the transportation process is definite.

Abstract: A robot system and a robot controller, by which teaching operation, etc., for a robot can be easily carried out, with respect to a shelf having an unchangeable orientation. The robot controller has: a rotation angle obtaining section configured to obtain a rotation angle of a first rotation axis; a coordinate system calculating section configured to calculate a second coordinate system based on a first coordinate system; a position/orientation calculating section configured to calculate a position and orientation of the robot on a reference coordinate system, based on the rotation angle of the first rotation axis obtained by the rotation angle obtaining section and the teaching position on the second coordinate system; and a motion command generating section configured to generate a motion command for controlling a motion of the operation of the robot, based on the position and orientation of the robot calculated by the position/orientation calculating section.

Abstract: A transport system designed to transport buckets in a combination weighing machine that uses two endless chain drives horizontally offset at a distance A, the system comprising carriages to carry the buckets which extend between, and are joined to, the chains such that the simultaneous and coordinated motion of the chains moves the carriages along a closed path with curved sections, the system comprising control gears for the inclination of the carriages on the curved sections of the path, which comprise castor wheels actuated in a coordinated fashion with the chains around both turn axes n, at least one of which placed in the vicinity of each curved section linking the carriages and prepared to mesh with contact elements arranged for such purposes on the carriages.

Abstract: A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt running between front and rear pulley rollers is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion, wherein each transverse slat has at least one continuous fin descending downward therefrom.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor includes a plurality of pallets arranged to form a travel surface of the passenger conveyor. A first guide member extends from a first longitudinal end of the travel surface and is located at a first lateral side of the plurality of pallets, and a second guide member extends from the first longitudinal end and is located at a second lateral side of the plurality of pallets. A position of the second guide member is offset in a longitudinal direction along the travel surface relative to the first guide member. The first guide member and the second guide member are pivotably connected to the plurality of pallets to guide movement of the plurality of pallets.

Abstract: A rail conveyor system combining the low friction attributes of railway transportation with the continuous bulk handling advantages of belt conveyors, uses a multiplicity of spaced carriages running on steel wheels on rail tracks to support a continuous carry belt. The system is driven by various means including a rope extending between the carriages. Various other drive means including drive belt technology are also described along with loading and unloading stations and distributed drive stations.

Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a plurality of vertically hanging trays includes a vertical rotating members comprising a first pair of rotating chains carrying the plurality of trays at respective top bars thereof and a second pair of rotating chains coupled to each top bar through linking bars, the first and second pairs of rotating chains being operatively coupled. The apparatus may be used in a furnace, a cleaning apparatus and a combined furnace cleaning apparatus as well as in medical and other applications.

Abstract: A conveying device (1) for vertically transporting piece goods (3) with inner and outer conveying means (4, 5) and several platforms (11) that are coupled to the conveying means. The piece goods are fed to the platforms horizontally in a receiving region (14), the platforms lie horizontally while lifted in a lift region (12), and the platforms deliver the piece goods horizontally at a delivery region to a delivery conveyor (17). The conveying means are driven with a varying transport speed (F), such that the platforms pass through the deflecting region (6.2, 7.2) between the lift and discharge regions with a slower transport speed (Fn) while the platforms move with a faster transport speed (Fh) before and after they pass through the deflecting region. The varying transport speed (F) preferably has a period (P) which corresponds to the same mutual distance (T) between the platforms.

Abstract: A vertical carousel for lumber that provides storage for various lengths, sizes, and grades of wood. It comprises a housing structure, a carousel assembly, a motor assembly, and first and second gear assemblies. The carousel assembly is housed within the housing structure and comprises first and second drive chains that engagingly travel upon respective pulleys. The first and second drive chains have at least one cradle that is perpendicularly disposed and fixedly secured between them. The cradle has a first end and a second end. Extending from the first end to the second end is a concave base having first and second longitudinal edges. The first and second longitudinal edges have peripheral notches to receive forks of a forklift vehicle so that lumber may be placed onto the concave base. The cradle also has spindles with means to rock while it moves with the drive chains around the carousel assembly.

Abstract: An endless dough conveyor 16 is provided with a resin endless toothed belt 18 instead of a metal chain. A toothed pulley 22 around which the endless toothed belt is wound is also made of resin. A rail 64 is disposed adjacent to a horizontal path of the belt, and a roller 46 attached to the belt is adapted to roll on the rail. At least two induction motors are provided for driving the endless toothed belt. The induction motors are supplied with electric power from a single inverter 35. At least a pulley is provided with a detecting unit 80. The detecting unit 80 detects a state in which teeth of the endless toothed belt climb onto that of the pulley, thereby predicting breakage of the belt. Thus, it is possible to prevent contamination of dough in a proofer.

Abstract: A collapsible decoy apparatus including a conveyor assembly mounted to a base, having a chain adapted to be driven in a generally elliptical pattern. A decoy support removeably attaches to a mount on the chain. The decoy support is configured to removeably attach to a decoy. The chain can move the decoy support and the decoy in a generally elliptical pattern that simulates the movement of walking wildfowl.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying articles along conveyance paths including straight, curvilinear, horizontal, inclined and declined conveyance sections. The articles are conveyed between a pair of vertical belts while being supported by protrusions extending from the vertical belts. The vertical belts are guided using a multiplicity of vertical rollers that are configurable into straight, curvilinear and dynamically changing conveyance sections. Multiple conveyance sections can be joined end to end to transport articles over complex paths and over long distances. The articles conveyed may include semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying articles along conveyance paths including straight, curvilinear, horizontal, inclined and declined conveyance sections. The articles are conveyed between a pair of vertical belts while being supported by protrusions extending from the vertical belts. The vertical belts are guided using a multiplicity of vertical rollers that are configurable into straight, curvilinear and dynamically changing conveyance sections. Multiple conveyance sections can be joined end to end to transport articles over complex paths and over long distances. The articles conveyed may include semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A conveyor having rollers supported above the conveying surface of a belt to prevent conveyed articles from being stranded atop flights or other positioning elements. The rollers may be passive or driven actively either directly by rolling contact with a carryway or indirectly through a transmission linked to accelerating rollers in direct contact with a supporting carryway. Accelerating rollers extend through the belt past the conveying surface to support conveyed articles and past an opposite surface of the belt into rolling contact with the carryway. The accelerating rollers may be axle-mounted, in-line or oblique, or freely rotatable roller balls. As the belt advances, the accelerating rollers propel conveyed articles forward over any supported roller the article is leaning on into a registration position against a flight, frictional area, or other registration element.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying articles along conveyance paths including straight, curvilinear, horizontal, inclined and declined conveyance sections. The articles are conveyed between a pair of vertical belts while being supported by protrusions extending from the vertical belts. The vertical belts are guided using a multiplicity of vertical rollers that are configurable into straight, curvilinear and dynamically changing conveyance sections. Multiple conveyance sections can be joined end to end to transport articles over complex paths and over long distances. The articles conveyed may include semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying articles includes a transmission element, a plurality of element guides around which the transmission element extends, a drive motor for moving the transmission element, a plurality of article carriages operatively connected to the transmission element for movement therewith, and a guide track for maintaining the article carriages in a selected orientation as they move along the conveying path.

Abstract: A conveyor using a drive chain to drive pallets along a closed loop path on a track lying in a horizontal plane through inside and outside turns so that the conveyor may transport parts along non aligned stations. An advance and a return run extend parallel to each other and are closely spaced to minimize the floor space required. The drive chain is engaged by two spaced apart sprockets engaging a respective side of the drive chain, the sprockets mounted to the pallet on a pivoted bar spring biased to urge the sprocket teeth into engagement with the chain. The sprocket bar is pivotally mounted to one end of the swing bar which has an opposite end connected to the pallet to allow the chain and pallet to move together along the track and negotiate inside and outside turns. The chain is guided in a chain guide channel through inside turns, and on sprockets around the outside turns.

Abstract: In a vertical conveyor arrangement for the transport of catering service goods in an aircraft with at least two decks arranged one above another, catering service goods are transported from a lower deck embodied as a freight deck into an upper deck. A conveyor arrangement is embodied according to the invention as a lift carriage, whereby the lift carriage is made up of a top structure with guide elements that are operatively connected with guide rails arranged above the freight deck, and a bottom structure that protrudes into the freight compartment in transport position, and that, for receiving a receptacle, comprises at least one cantilever arm reaching over the top side of the receptacle, a column element, side arms at least partially encompassing the sides of the receptacle, as well as a floor plate. The bottom structure forms a secured receiver for the receptacle.

Abstract: Multi-directional conveyor with a pair of conveying belts, a plurality of sprockets, a sprocket holding frame, a gear reduced drive motor and a plurality of four sided trays. The trays are attached to the conveying belts by outwardly facing horizontal pins that are located at opposing offset corners of the trays and are capable of rotating within corner blocks that are affixed to the tray. The pins are fixedly attached to the conveying belts. The conveying belts have a plurality of evenly spaced apertures that accommodate the sprockets so that the drive motor can power the sprockets that are rotatably pinned to the frame thereby causing the belts to be driven in a linear fashion. The belts are capable of changing their angular orientation according to the spatial relationship of one sprocket to another. The belts are made of thin gauge stainless steel.

Abstract: A moving crank mechanism that is particularly adapted for use in a conveyor system. A moving crank remains in a substantially parallel position with respect to a fixed reference plane as the crank member is driven by its offset opposed ends along an endless loop. The closed loop vertical lift unit is adapted for use in an automated high-speed storage system. The vertical lift unit is adapted to be used as a primary storage location or as a lift for carrying objects in transit between levels in a storage system. The vertical lift unit includes a plurality of crank members with generally rigidly mounted shelves that are adapted to carry objects continuously and indefinitely as the shelves travel through a vertically oriented closed path. While traveling along the vertically oriented closed path the shelves remain parallel to a fixed horizontal plane so objects can be carried on the shelves while the shelves transition between the up and down reaches of the vertical lift mechanism.

Abstract: A pallet and conveyor system for loading pallets onto a transport vehicle is described. The conveyor system has a first and a second conveyor which positions the pallets between the conveyors and maintains the pallets in upright orientation. The conveyor defines an upper conveyance track and a lower conveyance track which may be placed on the bed of a transport truck. The pallets maintained in the conveyor system are easily loadable on the truck and can be captured without operator lifting by the conveyor system. The pallets may be forked from any direction and provide a stabilization device for maintaining the cargo within the pallets.

Abstract: A pallet and conveyor system for loading pallets onto a transport vehicle is described. The conveyor system has a first and a second conveyor which positions the pallets between the conveyors and maintains the pallets in upright orientation. The conveyor defines an upper conveyance track and a lower conveyance track which may be placed on the bed of a transport truck. The pallets maintained in the conveyor system are easily loadable on the truck and can be captured without operator lifting by the conveyor system. The pallets may be forked from any direction and provide a stabilization device for maintaining the cargo within the pallets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical conveyor in the form of a C-shaped circulating conveyor (1) for vertical conveyance of unit load item from and to a lower floor (3) to and from an upper floor (2) on substantially horizontal, vertically moving spaced bearing platforms (6). In the head part of the upper floor (2), said conveyor has a first deflection roller (11) for a first circulating drive element (4) for horizontal arrangement of the bearing platform (6) placed laterally in the back and a second deflection roller (12) for a second circulating drive element (5) placed laterally in the front and located at the same height.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting articles between various locations along a conveyor path including multiple sections extending in different directions. The conveyor system includes a conveyor roller assembly that includes an articulated conveyor body. The articulated conveyor body includes a plurality of front guide rollers and a plurality of back guide rollers. The front and back guide rollers support the carriage assembly between a tubular inner guide rail and a tubular outer guide rail. The tubular inner and outer guide rails define a conveyor path along which each of the individual carriage roller assemblies travel. Each conveyor roller assembly includes a center shaft about which the front guide rollers and rear guide rollers are independently rotatable. The center shaft is connected to a driven conveyor chain that moves each of the individual carriage roller assemblies along the conveyor path.

Abstract: A vertical conveyor (1) for a palletizing apparatus for stacking products (2), especially books, periodicals or other such printed products on a pallet, including carriers (7) driven by a drive chain (19) on a closed path and guided horizontally by a guiding means (24), in which the carriers (7) have finger-like supports (9) which move vertically through associated open areas (5, 29) of a delivery conveyor (27) and of a stacking apparatus (3) and there pick up and lay down the products (2). The carriers (7) are constructed as a turning device and have four finger-like supports (9) arranged in a cross shape about an axis of rotation (8), which can be rotated about the axis of rotation (8) in steps of 90° in the horizontal plane, and the open areas (5, 29) of the delivery conveyor, which are associated with the finger-like supports (9) of the carriers (7) and the stacking apparatus, are arranged in a cross shape.

Abstract: A carousel apparatus including a track plate, two or more tracks that define a closed circuit, and an alignment block that travels about the closed circuit while maintaining a fixed orientation. The alignment block may be adapted to support a load so that the load may be recirculatively transported while maintaining a fixed orientation.

Abstract: A mechanism for continuously transporting a variety of receptacles with predetermined adjacent spacing. The mechanism uses a first and a second chain driven by a common shaft around identical closed circuits, but vertically offset from one other. These closed circuits have opposed linear sides joined by identical opposed semicircular shaped ends, directed by grooves on opposite sides of a guide block. A vertical support, attached between the first and second chains, traverses the outside of the block. A third chain traverses a second circuit, which is centered and directly below the second chain, directed by a groove in the uppermost side of a horizontal frame positioned under the guide block. This second circuit is identical to the others in shape however it has a greater distance between the semicircular ends. Levers, each equal in length to one half of the third chain circuit elongation, are pivotably attached to the vertical support and to a plate.

Abstract: A conveyor platform is formed from a series of pivotally interconnected segments. Each segment has a stop block, and each stop block has two strike faces. Each strike face abuts against an opposing strike face on adjacent stop blocks when the platform is in a planar position. The stop blocks cannot be compressed, so, when the platform is carrying a load, the stop blocks prevent the platform from sagging. The platform turns as it travels around drive chain sprockets on the return portion of the cyclical drive chain pattern. When it turns, a gap is created between opposing strike faces on adjacent stop blocks. When adjacent segments of the platform emerge from the turn, the opposing strike faces come rapidly together. A bore extends inwardly from one of the strike faces on each stop block and a resilient urethane plug is mounted in the bore. The plug projects slightly beyond the strike face when the opposing strike face on the adjacent stop block is spaced from the plug-bearing strike face.

Abstract: A system and a method for sorting are provided for distributing articles, such as mail pieces or other flats, to predetermined destinations. At the destination, the particular article is raked by a raking assembly from a carrier for placement into a container. The container, when full, is gravity fed onto a discharge conveyor and automatically replaced with a new empty container. The carrier operates on two levels for delivery of articles to containers on two levels while maintaining the carriers in a horizontal position throughout the sorting process. A sloped front end of the carrier allows the articles to be transported at a rapid speed and in a continuous fashion.

Abstract: A system and a method for sorting are provided for distributing articles, such as mail pieces or other flats, to predetermined destinations. At the destination, the particular article is raked by a raking assembly from a carrier for placement into a container. The container, when full, is gravity fed onto a discharge conveyor and automatically replaced with a new empty container. The carrier operates on two levels for delivery of articles to containers on two levels while maintaining the carriers in a horizontal position throughout the sorting process. A sloped front end of the carrier allows the articles to be transported at a rapid speed and in a continuous fashion.

Abstract: A system and a method for sorting are provided for distributing articles, such as mail pieces or other flats, to predetermined destinations. At the destination, the particular article is raked by a raking assembly from a carrier for placement into a container. The container, when full, is gravity fed onto a discharge conveyor and automatically replaced with a new empty container. The carrier operates on two levels for delivery of articles to containers on two levels while maintaining the carriers in a horizontal position throughout the sorting process. A sloped front end of the carrier allows the articles to be transported at a rapid speed and in a continuous fashion.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for movement of a horizontal shelf in a vending machine includes first and second spaced apart rotatable sprockets. A continuous chain engages and extends around the first and second spaced apart sprockets. A plurality of brackets are attached to the continuous chain supported in a fixed angular relationship to the chain and at predetermined distances along the length of the chain for movement therewith upon rotation of the sprockets. Gear portions are affixed to the vending machine adjacent to and extending approximately 180.degree. around the first and second sprocket. A planetary idler gear is rotatably mounted on the bracket for engagement with the track gear portions. The planetary idler gear is sized for having a predetermined gear ratio with the track gear. A pinion idler gear is coaxially affixed for co-rotation with the planetary idler gear thereby forming an idler gear pair mounted to the bracket for rotation relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A system for processing components which are to be transferred to second system. Portions of the system are selectively controlled so that when demand from the second system is stopped, processing of the components is allowed to be completed as needed. The system includes a preparation station which is stopped once demand is stopped, a processing station which continues to process components until such process can be safely stopped without producing unusable finished products, and a waiting station which is stopped once demand is stopped. The capacity of the waiting station is adjustable in order to accommodate components which must be passed out of the processing station so that other components may be passed through the processing station to complete all uninterruptable processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlocking flight for forming a flexible platform of a conveyor which may be of the continuous, vertical type. The flight is provided with oppositely-disposed first and engaging surfaces and an elongate portion having an upper surface generally normal to the engaging surfaces for forming a portion of the top surface of the platform. The flight is also provided with a pair of flanged portions which extend from opposite ends of the elongate portion. The flanged portions have opposing inner surfaces disposed generally normal to the elongate portion upper surface and a pair of opposing pivot pins, each of which extends from an inner surface. Also disposed at opposite ends of the elongate portion are a pair of land portions configured for rotatably receiving a corresponding flanged portion from another flight and having an opening for receiving a corresponding pivot pin therefrom to effect an interlocking engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A top drive horizontal carousel for a full height carrier including generally horizontal and coextensive upper and lower guides and associated upper and lower support assemblies. The upper and lower support assemblies include a series of guidance points or carrier pins which define a first vertical plane for each of the carriers. The support assemblies are attached to the back of a corresponding carrier via horizontally directed extensions which cross the first vertical plane. The back of the carrier forms a second vertical plane, outwardly disposed from the first vertical plane, allowing the carrier to extend above the upper guide and below the lower guide to provide for a carrier whose height is not limited by the space between the upper and lower guides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated integrated work station for handling goods within distribution and production environments. In one of the preferred embodiments the work station is specifically adapted for consolidating goods.

Abstract: A continuous conveyor apparatus is provided, comprising tandem wheels and coaxial wheels appropriately positioned. Four endless link chains are turned around the wheels, and a plurality of carrying vessels having arms are connected to the four link chains through the arms. The coaxial wheels have a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels coaxially arranged. The tandem wheels have a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels horizontally arranged with a space therebetween. The apparatus is durable, lightweight and can be produced at low cost.

Abstract: A continuous vertical conveyor having a horizontal infeed and a vertically displaced horizontal outfeed and a horizontal platform continuously moving between the infeed and outfeed while supported on staggered transport chains so as to remain horizontal even while making a transition between horizontal and vertical directions of travel. The horizontal platform has an upwardly extending arm and a downwardly extending arm to which the chains are pivotally attached so as to provide stability to the platform. The platform is configured with relieved areas between fingers so that it will interleave with infeed and outfeed conveyors and horizontal supports at the infeed and outfeed stations as it passes through the stations.

Abstract: A multiple drive chain system comprises two-chain pairs and a plurality of rotatable sprockets working together and with the chain pairs to lift and transport heavy loads. The two-chain pairs are arranged in superposed interlocking relationship and each chain is made of a succession of links having link plates wherein the link plates of the fourth chain lie between and are inner to the link plates of the third chain, and the link plates of the first plate lie between and are inner to the link plates of the second chain. The first and third chains are piggybacked for part of their travel and, similarly, the second and fourth chains are piggybacked through part of their travel.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus and a material handling apparatus, including a pair of drive chains oriented to rotate in a substantially vertical plane. One or more product carriers, each including a basket portion, are supported by the chains. As the chains rotate, the product carriers are translated along a path in a substantially vertical plane. One tier of treatment tanks, or two tiers of vertically separated treatment tanks, may be positioned below the drive chains. Workpieces, such as encapsulated electronic components, may be placed within the baskets and translated by the drive chains for sequential immersion in each tank. Sprocket arrays engaged with each drive chain at positions above each tank direct the baskets first upward and then downward over the tank end walls, or over any barriers between the tanks.

Abstract: A continuous conveyor apparatus is provided, comprising tandem wheels and coaxial wheels appropriately positioned. Four endless link chains are turned around the wheels, and a plurality of carrying vessels having arms are connected to the four link chains through the arms. The coaxial wheels have a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels coaxially arranged. The tandem wheels have a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels horizontally arranged with a space therebetween. The apparatus is durable, lightweight and can be produced at low cost.

Abstract: A vertical excursion accommodation apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of excursion shelf units disposed side by side and a control device for driving the excursion shelf units independently. Each of the excursion shelf units includes an endless chain passed round sprockets mounted on pair, i.e., upper and lower, parallel horizontal shafts and a plurality of trays each supported in a horizontal state by a support arm consisting of a pair of links having a stem pivoted to the endless chain. The trays are run around the horizontal shafts along an oval orbit by rotating the sprockets.

Abstract: A lift conveyor for conveying loads from one level to another comprises a first and second pair of offset endless chains trained over sprockets which guide the chains through their travel in a substantially parallel and spaced-apart relationship. The sprockets are rotatably driven by a motor, and load-carrying connectors connected to the chains define horizontal platforms between levels for carrying the loads and are bendable during their travel over the sprockets. By-pass stations are provided at each floor adjacent the chains which are selectively operable to by-pass any given floor. The by-pass station includes a lift table and a hydraulic device for raising and lowering the lift table. A horizontal roller conveyor on the lift table receives the loads and conveys them to a storage terminal, or when the table is raised in a by-pass mode, serves to re-load the load back onto the lift conveyor for lifting and unloading to another floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a platform conveyor, comprising a plurality of rectangular platforms, each being flexible in one direction, and two pairs of endless chains having equal lengths, and the pairs being connected to the corners at the front and rear side, respectively, of the platforms and being led over pairs of aligned guide sprockets, the chains extending substantially parallel to each other and guiding the platforms in a horizontal position through a transport part from an upper load or unload point to a lower unload or load point or vice versa, and bringing the platforms back through a return part, wherein the transport part includes a section having a substantial vertical component, and the platforms are deflected at both load and unload points. A guide assembly is provided to adjust the height between the upper load or unload point and the lower unload or load point.

Abstract: An improved bearing construction for mounting carriers on an endless chain elevator. The elevator comprises a pair of endless chains mounted to travel in parallel offset vertical paths. The opposite corners of a plurality of carriers or platforms are connected to the respective chains by bearing assemblies, and as the chains move in their path of travel the carriers move in a generally rectangular path. Each bearing assembly includes a housing having an axial opening the receives a sleeve. A shaft is journalled within the sleeve and is connected to the respective chain. The sleeve is mounted for both linear and pivoting horizontal movement within the housing so that the sleeve can move horizontally but not vertically to accommodate any misalignment between the two chain drives.