Abstract: A modular shelving unit includes a base plate that is planar in an expanded configuration. A first foldable wall is connected to a first side of the base plate. A second foldable wall is connected to a second side of the base plate. The first foldable wall has a first segment and a second segment, and the second foldable wall has a third segment and a fourth segment. The second and fourth segments are rotatable about a respective hinge to define an interior surface with its respective first or third segment when in the expanded configuration. Shelves extend from the interior surfaces in the expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the second and fourth segments are rotated about their respective hinges out of planar with their respective first and third segments. Other embodiments of modular shelving units are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a document storage device which allows for temporary and secure storage of a number of documents upon their exit from a document processor. The device (10) is comprised of a document stack system (12), a retrieval system (14), and a control unit (16) for tracking the position of each document in the stack. As documents are deposited into the document stack, an identifier is attached to each document's position in the memory of the control unit (16). After deposit of a first document, a first pair of separator sheets (6a, 6b) are deposited above the document. A second document can then be deposited above the first pair of separator sheets. Thereafter, a second pair of separator sheets are deposited above the second document. One sheet from each pair acts as the top or bottom cover for the document (5) against which it is in contact. This deposit process can be continue for additional documents.

Abstract: A self-contained desk-top retrieval device for randomly filed cards or other records, accepts a capsule containing a quantity of the cards, and ejects from the capsule the specific card or cards desired. Each capsule has a series of card support bars differing from those of any other capsule, so that each capsule accepts only cards that are edge-coded to receive the bars. Within each capsule, the accepted cards are further edge-coded, whereby a coded input to a selector slide mechanism underlying the capsule, operates the slides to render accessible only those cards within the capsule that respond to the selected code. Through use of a keyboard incorporated in the equipment, or by operation of a remotely located keyboard of a computer terminal or the like, assurance is provided that no capsule will be accepted by the equipment that does not contain the card or cards desired, and it is further assured that within the proper capsule, no cards will be ejected that do not respond to the selected code.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic closed loop retrieval and return of a document, bearing coded document-identifying edge notching, from a mass document store. The mass document store contains plural, selectively retrievable cartridges normally stored at addressable locations, with each cartridge containing plural minicartridges at addressable locations within the cartridge. The documents, randomly stored in the minicartridges, are each coded with an identifying number which distinguishes each document from others in the same minicartridge. A cartridge retriever transfers a cartridge containing a desired document from its addressable storage location to a remote document selector whereat only the minicartridge containing the desired document is selected and released from the cartridge for operative cooperation with document selector to facilitate selection of the desired document therein.

Abstract: A compact index card register of relatively small dimensions, consisting of a housing with a keyboard of several selector keys arranged in an array of rows and columns, and within the housing a drawer adapted to be moved outwardly from the housing and to accommodate a stack of index cards. Parts associated with each selector key and the housing serve to retain a predetermined number of index cards within the housing and to release the drawer for outward movement whereby all but the predetermined number of index cards are moved outwardly together with the drawer, in exposing to sight an index card corresponding to the actuated selector key. Every index card includes a selector tongue with a predetermined number of selector apertures.