Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a track system including a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of tracks form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each grid cell including a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks; a plurality of storage columns each column being arranged to store a respective stack of storage containers; and a plurality of container handling vehicles for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in the stacks. The storage columns are located beneath the track system. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening.

Abstract: Provided is a system including a platform to receive unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) thereon for launching and retrieving the UAVs. The system can include a pair of gantry arms that move to any location along the platform to position a UAV as desired. The platform includes a door that can open to expose a storage area in the system to receive and store UAVs, as well as to re-charge power in the UAVs. The storage area can include a plurality of cells that can be adjusted to receive a UAV of any size for storage therein.

Abstract: A device for supporting a plurality of flexible containers (1) for liquid; characterized in that it comprises a plurality of baskets (10), each adapted to contain at least one said flexible container (1), a magazine (60) to receive said baskets (10), able to adopt an operating configuration in which said baskets (10) are disposed inclined one above the other, which magazine (60) comprises support means (75) for said baskets (10), able to adopt a loading/unloading position in which they are adapted such that each said basket (10) can be loaded/unloaded along a horizontal path, and able to adopt an operating position in which they are adapted to maintain each said basket (10) in inclined position to make said magazine (60) adopt said operating configuration, and means (83) for driving said support means (75) between said loading/unloading position and said operating position.

Abstract: A support mechanism for height adjustability of a rack assembly or other drawer-like feature of an appliance such as e.g., a dishwashing appliance is provided. The support mechanism includes a track for controlling the movement of the rack between different vertical levels. For certain embodiments, a user can adjust the height of the rack assembly by lifting and/or lowering the rack assembly directly and without a requirement of simultaneously depressing or squeezing the support mechanism or items thereon.

Abstract: The drawer cabinet contains first joint pieces where each of their two ends receives an end of a skeleton piece. As such, the skeleton pieces can be end-to-end connected and arranged vertically or horizontally to form the frame of a drawer cabinet. Between two vertical skeleton pieces, at least a rail piece can be installed for supporting a drawer. The quick and convenient connection by the first joint pieces and the skeleton pieces allows a drawer cabinet to be built easily and flexibly to meet the various demands for different dimensions and numbers of drawers.

Abstract: A storage system for single serve beverage devices is provided. The storage system includes a slidable rack, capable of being positioned or mounted within a variety of known or preexisting features and having a plurality of apertures for selectively storing the devices. Beverage devices include, for example, pods or K-Cups® for providing single-serve coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, or tea drinks.

Abstract: The glassware rack for dishwashing machines includes an outer frame adapted to be slidably mounted inside a dishwasher. A plurality of wire-frame, glassware mounting bars are disposed between two sides of the outer frame. Each glassware mounting bar includes spaced loops for mounting the stems of the glassware. A mesh cover is pivotally attached to each glassware mounting bar and locks onto the bar by a latching mechanism. The cover overlies the bases of the mounted glassware and prevents the same from undesirable movement during subsequent washing and cleaning cycles of the dishwasher. Alternatively, the bars may be configured to hold the glassware at an angle.

Abstract: A spice container storage system comprising of a series of frame shelving units arranged adjacent to one another that slide in and out of a cabinet on drawer guides located on the top and/or bottom of each frame. The front of each frame has a unit retrieval hole which serves as a handle. The device has two positions: a storage position and a spice access position. In the accessible position, the spice containers stored on the shelves are easily visualized and can be removed from either side of the frame shelving unit. Each shelf employs railings and an open central channel to keep the spice containers aligned and prevent them from accidentally becoming dislodged. The spice containers store in a compact, vertical space to improve storage efficiency of the cabinet, which can be an independent structure or integrated into existing cabinetry.

Abstract: A storage system including a first component (102), and an extendable component (130) slidably mounted on the first component. The extendable component includes a pair of side members (132) spaced apart to accommodate a container (150) in use and at least one base member (132) arranged to support a lower surface of the container in use. The extendable component includes a first fixing arrangement (138) located at or adjacent one end of the extendable component and a second fixing arrangement (134) located at or adjacent another end, in use, the first and second fixing arrangements being configured to releasably engage with members on a container supported by the extendable component.

Abstract: This invention relates to sliding shelves (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b) for refrigerators and freezers, which have a movement along side support guides (1) that enable the retracting, fitting and bounce of said shelves, allowing the choice of different configurations for the inner space of the household appliance, according to the area to be used to store food. This configuration enables different arrangement of shelves, including: extended shelves, retracted shelves, vertically bounced shelves, or even, in an associated form, an extended shelf and another bounced one.

Abstract: Provided is a planter support frame apparatus in which a strong green-planted artificial ground can be formed with a simple structure and a high construction freedom. The planter support frame apparatus includes: support plate members which are provided on a plurality of support bars and each include fitting-subject coupling portions on side surfaces thereof; and coupling members each including, at both ends thereof, fitting coupling portions detachably fitted to the support plate members. The coupling members form, together with the support plate members, at least one support frame body having a support space amid the coupling members and the support plate members. The at least one support frame body supports a support flange from below by accommodating a planter body in the support space.

Abstract: An exemplary collapsible basket frame kit is disclosed that generally includes uprights, runners, rivets, and keyholes. The runners are configured to slidably support a drawer or basket. The keyholes are configured to engagingly receive the rivets therein for removably attaching the runners to the uprights for slidably supporting a drawer or basket between a pair of the runners.

Abstract: A storage device includes a framework (100) comprising upper (102?, 104?, 106?) members and lower (102, 104, 106) members connected together in a spaced-apart relationship by a plurality of struts (108). The storage device further includes a container-supporting arrangement (210) slidably mounted within the framework, the container-supporting arrangement being moveable between a retracted position configured to store a supported container within the framework, and an extended position configured to position at least part of the supported container outside the framework.

Abstract: The invention relates to storage rack comprising a plurality of rack units with container supports spaced one above the other, said supports being disposed in pairs on opposite side walls of the rack units to form storage locations for containers. The containers can be placed in or removed from the storage locations by means of a controllable transport device. The transport device has at least one first transport means and one second transport means, the first transport means is able to move in the vertical direction (Z), and the second transport means is supported on the first transport means and is able to move in a first horizontal direction (X) relative to the first transport means.

Abstract: A cantilevered drawer assembly comprises a support frame assembly comprising a pair of upright members. A rotating drawer assembly comprises a drawer frame having opposed parallel side rails supported upon a pivot frame having a pair of opposed pivot wheels. A pair of circular sector-shaped pivot arms is attached to the upright members. A channel having a parabolic section and a pair of straight sections extends across each pivot arm, and receives a pivot wheel. The side rails of the drawer frame are supported by the pivot arms. A pair of flanged wheels engages an upper edge of each side rail to restrict the vertical movement of the drawer frame. Translation of the drawer frame relative to the support frame assembly is accompanied by pivoting of the pivot arms. During translation, the drawer frame remains in a horizontal plane and is held in a cantilevered configuration.

Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.

Abstract: Provided herein is a storage shelf upon which various wares which are commonly stowed during times of their non-use, including kitchen utensils such as pots, pans, and other wares having handles intended to be grasped by their user. The present invention provides a sliding storage assembly which stores such wares with their handles in a stowed position, until the storage shelf of the invention is moved laterally, such as pulling towards the user, at which time the handles of the wares are automatically caused to be tilted upwards towards the user for ready grasping and added convenience over storage devices of like import contained in the prior art.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a stack of flat articles from a cartridge. The method and apparatus are adapted for use in connection with a method and apparatus for automatically stacking mail into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transferring filled cartridges from the output compartments to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A portable rack for medical or laboratory tubes where it is desirable that the tubes be supported in either generally vertical or generally horizontal positions as the user desires. The illustrated rack includes a center panel having openings for receiving the tubes and a pair of end panels, one longer and one shorter. The geometry of the holder allows the holder to be supported with the larger end panel resting on a supporting surface so as to position the tubes extending generally horizontally. The geometry of the rack further allows the rack to be positioned upon the unattached edges of the side panels so that the tubes are held generally upright. A handle is provided for carrying the rack so that the tubes will be extending generally horizontally. The openings are shaped to hold the tubes in a fixed rotational orientation as may be desired for particular tubes.

Abstract: A cup holder includes a platform adapted to radially pivot outward from an inclined vehicle structure such that the platform when fully extended in the outward position is substantially horizontal. The platform includes a front wall portion and rear wall portion, and a retaining member connected between the front and rear wall portions forms an upper horizontal surface. A pair of side walls pivotally connected to the platform cooperate with the retaining member and platform to form a cavity for holding a beverage container.

Abstract: A pivoting cup holder for supporting a beverage container in a vehicle. The cup holder comprises a flat movable drawer which can slide into and out of a retainer set into or below the dashboard or an armrest of an automobile. A semicircular indentation is formed in each side of the drawer. Pivotally mounted to the drawer are a pair of cup rings, each of which is formed with a curved edge complementary to the semicircular indentation. The cup rings are spring-loaded to rotate horizontally to a use position when the drawer is pulled outwardly of the retainer. In the use position the cup rings cooperate with the semicircular indentation to form complete circular retainers for supporting the side wall of a beverage container. The cup holder further comprises a spring loaded bail and cup support which, when the drawer is opened, vertically pivot to a position centered below the circular retainers to brace the bottom surface of the beverage container.

Abstract: Equipment for measuring the rate of erythrosettling of blood comprises a plurality of pipettes, a rack for holding the pipettes upright, and a closure element for the bottom end of each pipette. The rack includes an elongated pedestal, a portal attached to the pedestal, a plurality of seats adapted to receive the pipettes by snap action and formed in the portal, and a bridge element associated with the portal and straddling it. The bridge element is displaceable elastically from a home position to a working position interfering with the pipettes, for simultaneously removing the pipettes from their snap-action holding seats. The invention affords the advantage that the operator is not required to come in contact with the blood being analyzed.

Abstract: An ice receptacle support for use in a refrigeration apparatus, such as a freezer, wherein ice bodies are stored in an upwardly opening receptacle. The receptacle is removably carried on a support which is swingably mounted by a front pair of links and a rear pair of links so as to be gravity biased forwardly against a small access door carried in the main door of the freezer. When the small access door is opened, the receptacle swings forwardly as a result of the forward gravity biasing thereof by the supporting link arrangement so as to place the receptacle automatically in an ice access position. The links are arranged to provide a controlled limited force of the gravity biasing so as to effectively avoid undesirable opening of the freezer doors by the gravity biasing force. The front pair of links may be pivotally connected to a front upper portion of the receptacle carrier and the rear pair of links may be pivotally connected to a lower rear portion thereof.