Abstract: A distribution station includes a base, a housing, a rotating shelf, a distribution vehicle, a sorting device, and a control system. The housing is provided on the base, and is provided with a goods access port and an access door. The rotating shelf is provided on the base and located in the housing. The rotating shelf includes a rotating shaft, a transmission belt, a plurality of shelf units, and a driving mechanism. The distribution vehicle enters and exits the housing via the access door and is used to transport goods. The sorting device is provided on the base and located in the housing. The sorting device is used to pick up goods and place the same between the distribution vehicle and the shelf units. The control system is used to control the driving mechanism and the sorting device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart repository that can be used as a refrigerator or the like, the smart repository being characterized by comprising: a repository body having a door installed in an entrance/exit formed in a side surface thereof, the repository body containing an outer column that faces the entrance/exit and an inner column that communicates with the outer column through the upper and lower end portions thereof; multiple storing boxes provided to be contained and stacked inside the outer and inner columns; a plurality of vertical driving devices installed on the outer and inner columns, respectively, and driven so as to lift/lower the multiple storing boxes; an imaging portion comprising a plurality of push means for moving a box on the upper end portion of the inner column toward the outer column and moving a box on the lower end portion of the outer column toward the inner column, the imaging portion being configured to take an image of a to-be-stored object introduced through the door

Abstract: A storage system comprising a plurality of shelf units movable together through a circuit attached to and moved by a flexible drive such as a chain or belt, while being guided and stabilized in orientation by a separate guide track which track followers, retained by each shelf unit, move to maintain a selected orientation of the shelves within a system support or enclosure. Each shelf unit is removable by the user from engagement of the drive and from the system enclosure permitting replacement of the shelves within the storage system without system disassembly.

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 inventory control system includes a storage module having a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit is engaged with the track for selective movement along the track. An inventory control unit is associated with the storage module and has a user interface, a processor, a memory, and a mechanism for inputting object information, including storage unit placement. The processor receives the object information from the inputting mechanism, and stores the object information in the memory for user access therefrom via the user interface.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns. Each storage unit includes wheels which engage a track for selective movement along the track. Vertical and horizontal actuators are used to move the storage units in sequence. Preferably, the actuators are power-driven, and control circuitry is used to coordinate the movement of the actuators.

Abstract: A powered carousel shelving unit is configured to bring individual shelves to a standard handicap accessible height at a front access opening for viewing and selection of product on the shelves. Stationary guide tracks and complimentary tracking elements connected to the shelves are cooperative to tip the shelves forward as they approach and leave the access area so as to organize the product to the front of the shelves.

Abstract: A storage chest for vehicles comprises a box defining an opening and being sized for mounting to a motor vehicle; a door openably closing off the opening; a plurality of containers sized and shaped to receive and hold one or more items; a motorized drive assembly mounted to the box and connected to the plurality of containers to move the containers in a circuitous path for selective presentation thereof proximal to the opening; and, a subjacent secondary support assembly for supporting the containers.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system (10) includes a housing (11) accommodating a plurality of carriers (12). These are assignable y a transport device (13) to at least one access opening (14) provided in the housing (11). Provided at the access opening (14) is a closing device (17) comprising at least two closing elements (18a, 18b) arranged opposite each other which can be shifted horizontally and signalled dedicated to thus form an access window (16) in the access opening (14) by an uncomplicated structural design.

Abstract: A storage system for a building such as a house. Specially sized containers are kept in the unused space under the raised floor of a building. An opening in the floor provides access, and is closeable by a cover. A translation means supports the containers, and moves them from exactly under the opening to a space for stowage. The preferred translation means includes a rail system supporting a train of serially coupled wagons. Each wagon has a guard sized to receive matingly one container. The train is moveable to align one of the wagons with the floor opening, for access of its container. A dust cover protects the contents. Being transparent, the cover allows quick inspection of the contents. A jack includes moving arms that push the container upwards through an opening in the wagon, and then also through the floor opening. The rail system includes rails that are closed loop, and are either attached to the underside of the floor, or supported by the grade.

Abstract: An automated medication-dispensing cart includes a closed cart housing and a plurality of medication-containing bins which extend for substantially the length of the cart and which are supported within the cart housing. The support structure includes two spaced sets of sprockets positioned at both ends of the cart and endless chains which extend around the sprockets, with one of the sprockets being motor-driven. The bins are connected at opposing ends thereof to the spaced chains. The movement of the bins is controlled such that the bins can be stopped at a preselected position within the cart, in the vicinity of the top front edge of the cart. A plurality of doors is located in the top of the cart, such that when one or more of the doors is opened, a preselected portion of the bin in the preselected position and the medications therein are exposed.

Abstract: The shelf carousel comprises an upright support frame, guide tracks arranged on the support frame, shelves arranged for movement along the guide tracks, a shelf stabilizer track fixed adjacent the top end of the guide tracks, a shelf stabilizing member fixed to the shelf, and drive chains connected to the shelves for providing movement along the guide tracks. The guide track includes an upper track portion and a lower track portion. The lower track portion is wider than an upper track portion and lies out of line of the upper track portion. Shelves moving on the lower track portion move out of line with each other and towards the user as the shelves pass the user. The stabilizing track and shelf stabilizing member help reduce tipping or swinging of the shelves as the shelves move through the turn at the top of the guide track.

Abstract: An altar includes a cabinet body and a platform, which is located in front of the cabinet body and which has a flat top surface. The cabinet body has an interior chamber and several columns of compartments, each of which is open to the interior chamber and each of which is provided with an openable door. Several box sets are disposed within the interior chamber, and are located respectively behind the columns. Each of the box sets includes an endless flexible member which can be circulated by a driving unit, and a plurality of boxes which are attached to the flexible member. Each of the flexible members can be controlled by a switch member to circulate or stop. Accordingly, each of the boxes can be moved to be aligned with a selected corresponding column of the compartments.

Abstract: In a vertical carousel storage and retrieval unit and the like, a restricted multi-compartment tote is used in conjunction with a height control such as a plurality of blocking rail. The tote is step-shaped and extends into the full depth of the unit. The blocking rail system allows sliding doors to be moved to one or more intermediate positions between fully open and fully closed positions in order to provide restricted authorized access to each of the compartments in sequential order from the first compartment at the front of the tote to the last compartment at the rear of the tote.

Abstract: A mobile device for the preservation and reheating with movable thermal barriers and constant level distribution of hot and cold meal-trays. The device includes a housing having a mobile distributing column of meal-trays having a mobile articulated thermal barrier which supports the trays and lifts them up to a distribution door while separating the cold area from the hot area by effecting a rotation by means of a roller chain driven by pulleys actuated by a pedal crank gear mechanism. The device provides for the distribution of meal-trays at a constant level while providing for the reheating and preservation of hot and cold food dishes placed on the same meal-tray waiting to be distributed.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system, such as a vertical carousel or vertical lift module, and access method provides substantially improved control over access to the contents stored in the system. A desired number of small doors are provided at an access area to limit an operator to obtaining a product from only that compartment on a carrier adjacent the access area. The doors are slidable or pivotable and can be locked and unlocked by a mechanism. The carousel is provided with carriers having compartments which can be divided into desired arrays depending upon product size and mix. The carriers are selectively movable to one of several positions adjacent the access area. Access to the carriers can be obtained through placement of an access area on one side or both sides of the machine. Electronic controls can be provided for each storage system or external computer controls can be used for a group of storage systems to permit more efficient use of the controls as well as remote placement of the storage systems.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system, such as a vertical carousel or vertical lift module, and access method provides substantially improved control over access to the contents stored in the system. A desired number of small doors are provided at an access area to limit an operator to obtaining a product from only that compartment on a carrier adjacent the access area. The doors are slidable or pivotable and can be locked and unlocked by a mechanism. The carousel is provided with carriers having compartments which can be divided into desired arrays depending upon product size and mix. The carriers are selectively movable to one of several positions adjacent the access area. Access to the carriers can be obtained through placement of an access area on one side or both sides of the machine. Electronic controls can be provided for each storage system or external computer controls can be used for a group of storage systems to permit more efficient use of the controls as well as remote placement of the storage systems.

Abstract: An automated work center for use in materials handling operations is disclosed. The work center includes a randomly accessible vertically moving temporary storage queue 11 for receiving containers 25 that hold material goods. A fixed loading ramp 20 is arranged to receive containers 20 from an external system and to load the received containers onto the storage queue 11. A work area 5 having a plurality of rotatable work tables 7 provides an gives the operator access to the containers. A delivery system 14 transfers containers between the storage queue 11 and the work tables 7 and a takeaway system 16 transfers containers between the work area and the conveyor network. An automated control system 17 coordinates the delivery of containers between the temporary storage queue 11 and the work area 5. A consolidation queue 18 having a multiplicity of vertically spaced shelves may be disposed opposite the work tables 7 to facilitate the consolidation of ordered goods.

Abstract: A device with a concealed mechanism and visible shelves is arranged on two vertical planes (1 and 2), one in front of the other, parallel to the rear of the shelves. The rear plane (1) supports the mechanism while the front plane (2) serves to support the shelves mounted on rotary supports (14). The shelves are horizontally supported by two distinct and symmetrical slides in which run rollers carrying the shelf supports.

Abstract: A storage system for vertical and horizontal storage of hangered apparel includes first and second chains having inwardly directed pins. Rods for mounting on the pins include a first fixed end have a bore to mount on one pin and a second retractable end having a bore to mount on the second pin. An actuator tube is mounted over the second end of the rod and is affixed to the sliding retractable end by pins extending through slots in the rod. When the actuator tube is slid inwardly, the end is retracted so that the rod can be mounted first on the one pin on the fixed end and then positioned over the second pin. The actuator is then slid outwardly to mount the rod. A spring biases the retractable end outward.

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: According to this invention, a storage facility for articles is provided in a tower which is additionally established as a separate building adjacent to a house, permitting stored articles to be placed and removed in the tower from inside the house. According to the invention, there is provided an apparatus for storing articles therein having a tower which is connected to part of a house via an entrance provided adjacent to the outside of the house; endless chains are provided in the tower so that the chains run a vertical direction; a plurality of storage compartments are linked to the chains so that the storage compartments run together with the chains; and a motor for driving the chains is electrically controlled such that a desired storage compartment is selected and stopped at the entrance. The storage compartments have pins projectingly provided on both sides thereof wherein the pins are detachably linked to the chains, supporting the pins on complementary projections of the chains.

Abstract: A storage, transportation and retrieval system, and accompanying storage racks, are disclosed for increasing the effective storage capacity of the storage racks, providing simultaneous access to two adjacent storage racks, requiring less call-ups to locate desired items. The system is so arranged that it can be implemented to occupy less area. The storage racks are constructed to provide access to its storage area from at least either side of the storage rack. The system is arranged to move the storage racks in a path which may be of virtually any shape. A circular or substantially similar path imparts the advantages of permitting ready access to any two adjacent storage racks.

Abstract: A rotatable stock closet for the storage of articles such as electronic parts, and the like, including a plurality of container conveying units arranged vertically one above another on a frame. Each unit includes outer and inner rails with guide channels arranged in parallel therebetween. Each unit also includes an endless traction chain and a motor driving the chain. A series of stock containers, releasably connected to the traction chain of each unit, move on and along the rails, so that any container may be quickly and easily reached by an operator by selectively operating the motor of the appropriate container conveying unit. With the traction chains and containers removed, the frame and the container conveying units can be disassembled horizontally into a drive end unit, a series of intermediate units and an idler end unit. When the traction chains are mounted, the tension of each traction chain is adjustable.

Abstract: This invention concerns a delivery device for the controlled delivery of a multitude of electrical components for assisting in the stuffing of switching PCBs, with the device including a number of elongate magazines each of which can accommodate several bins. The magazines can be moved by means of two continuous sprocket type chain belts which, in each case, are located at the side and are driven via guide sprocket wheels. In this way the bins are moved into the area of a pick up window. In addition, a guide ring system on a projectile is provided. This system is to ensure the permanently horizontal position of the individual magazines with their bins during the magazines' movement along the chain belts.

Abstract: A display console having endless carriers with swing mounted trays thereon. The endless carrier chains are passed over head and tail sprockets within a cabinet in serpentine fashion and the trays are held parallel and upright as they move up and down, over and beneath the sprockets. The trays are particularly adapted to the support of eyeglass frames to be displayed.

Abstract: A rotary storage and suspension apparatus (10) comprising a cabinet unit (11) containing a rotary unit (13) provided with support means (14) for releasably engaging and suspending a plurality of container units (15).

Abstract: The present invention provides a circulating rack having an electric drive which can be pivoted, to a limited degree, in opposed directions dependent upon the transmitted torque of the electric drive. The drive is mounted on a pivotal rocker element which is displaced against the force of two counteracting elastically deformable abutments. A torque transmitted by the electric drive to overcome non-uniform loading of the circulating rack system causes the pivotal rocker to be displaced in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. A displacement measuring sensor measures the extent of pivotal movement of the rocker to provide an indication of the non-uniform loading condition so that corrective action may be taken. If the rocker is pivoted beyond a predetermined range, as for example that caused by a severe overloading condition, the displacement measuring sensor will cause the electric drive to turn off and prevent further circulation of the system until the overload has been corrected.

Abstract: A control system for vertical storage equipment requires only two sensing devices, in combination with a microprocessor controller, for positioning a selected article carrier at a specified work station. One sensor senses a reference mark having a direct speed and position relation with the carriers. The second sensor senses at least one reference mark mounted to a high speed member in the drive mechanism used to move the carriers. By sensing the high speed member, the resolution of the control system is greatly increased, thereby providing the control system with increased accuracy and versatility. A flywheel having a relative inertia greater than the total of the remaining moving parts is preferably employed to negate the influence of carrier loading conditions on control system smoothness and accuracy.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a mechanical cabinet with a paternoster-like circulating conveyor comprising two endless chains (1, 2), a multiplicity of pull-out shelves (17) for receiving industrial articles, for example, and affixed with their end walls to the two endless chains (1, 2) at predetermined equal distances by way of pairs of supporting arms (7, 8), and stationary guide rails (18, 19) on the narrow sides of the cabinet composed each of two vertical sections (20) and an upper and lower arcuate section (21, 22), said rails guiding guide members (10) rigidly mounted to the end walls of the shelves (17). With such mechanical cabinets problems arise regarding safe and smooth guidance of the endless chains and the shelves, particularly when the latter are non-uniformly loaded.

Abstract: In facilities having several systems of circulating shelving, because of the multiplicity of parts to be stored the regular use of a data processing system is required. For controlling the systems of circulating shelving by means of the data processing system, suitable control arrangements are used. In such a control arrangement, the signal output (51) of a data station (33) is coupled via an optical coupler (62) to a transmit line (38). The transmit line (38) connects in parallel all similar connections of the data stations of several control arrangements, allowing the interposition of a multiplexer to be dispensed with.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system has a plurality of conveyor sections mounted one above the other on a frame. Each conveyor section can move a tray with a box of articles thereon between a loading station and a picking station automatically according to a keyboard entry control. Each conveyor section has a plurality of the trays secured together by a driven chain in an endless loop, with the trays being supported on an endless array of horizontal undriven rollers.

Abstract: A rotatable stock container closet for the storage of articles such as electronic parts, or the like, includes a plurality of container conveying units arranged vertically one on another, each container conveying unit comprising outer and inner rail means, guide channel means arranged therebetween, an endless traction chain, a driving means therefor, and a series of stock containers, releasably disposed to the traction chain means, moving on and along the rail means, so that any container may be reached most expeditiously by selectively operating each container conveying unit.

Abstract: A control for positioning an endless conveyor which is movable in a closed path, wherein there is a sequence of designatable locations along the length of the conveyor. The control is responsive to a desired conveyor position input request, which is in terms of a location of said designatable locations, to move the conveyor to the requested position. An actual conveyor position signal is supplied to the control which is indicative of a proportion of a complete traversal of the closed path by the conveyor. An indication of the actual length of the conveyor is stored in the control and is used to convert the desired position request to a desired conveyor position signal indicative of a proportion of a complete traversal of the path by the conveyor. The control then activates a conveyor drive to drive the conveyor until the actual conveyor position signal has a predetermined relationship to the desired conveyor position signal. For example, the conveyor may be driven until these two position signals are equal.

Abstract: Successive, juxtaposed, outwardly extending, receiving cradles are arranged in a continuous belt by having at their proximal ends, link like bases which are connected together hingedly in tandem by their leading and trailing edges which form hinge members. Opposed wedged shaped, sidewise protruding trunnions extend from the proximal end plates of each cradle and these trunnions are received within laterally opposed, linear channels in the upstanding side panels of a support member. The channels thus confine the wedge shaped trunnions to form adjacent parallel upper and lower flights so that the cradles protrude upwardly generally parallel to each other in the upper flight and downwardly generally parallel to each other in the lower flight.

Abstract: A mechanized rack assembly for the storage of items of virtually any identity makes use of a centrally disposed frame for supporting a multiple number of stacks of vertically spaced trays arranged to travel around the frame. Each stack is jointed to adjacent stacks, the stacks thus forming, in effect, an endless chain, there being a motor for driving the endless chain in a horizontal path around the frame. For movably supporting each stack there is a roller at the base of the stack which travels along tracks at the sides of the frame and travels around a rotating platform at each end. The endless chain is driven in a manner such that it can be halted with any one of the stacks stopped at the end of the frame with trays facing outwardly so that an unloader can remove the stored items from any one or more of the trays on that stack.

Abstract: A rotatable stock container closet for the storage of articles such as electronic parts, or the like, includes a plurality of container conveying units arranged vertically one on another, each container conveying unit comprising outer and inner rail means, guide channel means arranged therebetween, an endless traction chain, a driving means therefor, and a series of stock containers, releasably disposed to the traction chain means, moving on and along the rail means, so that any container may be reached most expeditiously by selectively operating each container conveying unit.

Abstract: A storage system is described in which bins are transferred from a first storage position to an inspection position through the operation of a pair of endless belts carrying bin engaging device whereby a bin is moved along bin guides by sequential engagement of the bin engaging device on either belt followed by the bin engaging device of the other belt.

Abstract: A vertical tower support is provided within a vertical dust collection channel that is attached to a dust collecting conduit. On either side of the vertical tower support within the channel are a plurality of modified battery cases that are attached to chains disposed around upper and lower wheels or sprockets and which travel in a carousel-like fashion around the vertical tower. A small opening on one side of the channel is provided so that stacks of battery plates may be inserted between the partitions of the modified cases within the channel. A motor activated by a manual push button, foot pedal shut-off, or, alternatively, a limit switch allows indexing of only one case at a time and is provided so that the cases will be advanced to receive stacks of battery plates as needed. An air blow-off mechanism triggered by an electric eye and limit switch combination located adjacent the top of the dust collection channel blows oxide dust from the empty modified cases.

Abstract: A machine including a cabinet having a refrigerated interior for cooling drinking glasses carried on a circular frame. The frame is provided with a series of drinking glass supports which may pivot to retain horizontal disposition during frame rotation. To prevent tipping of the glass carrying supports, a roller chain circuit engages a sprocket on each support. A motor drive for the circular frame is provided as is a latch arrangement for locking the frame against rotary movement during glass loading and unloading.

Abstract: A chain mechanism composed of a main chain provided with triangular links disposed at a certain pitch interval and formed with a pivot apart from the joints of the chain and an auxiliary chain having the same pitch and pitch number as the main chain and provided with triangular links which are arranged in opposite relationship to the triangular links of the main chain and formed with a pivot located identically to the triangular links of the main chain, the joints and pivots of both chains being coupled through coupling links and support links which are equal in effective length. The main chain, auxiliary chain, support links and coupling links can form an associated continuous parallel crank mechanism cooperatively and therefore, the support links as well as coupling links maintain a predetermined angle throughout the path of the chain mechanism.

Abstract: The storage and display elevator includes a series of movable shelves or platforms suspended from a pair of continuous chains, with the chains extending about upper and lower pairs of sprocket wheels. At least one upper guide sprocket is rotatably supported beneath one of the upper sprocket wheels, and a similar lower guide sprocket is rotatably supported beneath one of the lower sprocket wheels, and a lower portion of each storage and display platform engages the teeth of the guide sprockets as the platforms move about the peripheries of the sprocket wheels, from the front to the rear, or from the rear to the front of the flights of the chains. Vertical cam tracks extend parallel to the flights of the chains, and cam followers engage the vertical cam tracks during vertical movement and engage the teeth of the guide sprockets during arcuate movement from a front to a rear flight or from a rear to a front flight.

Abstract: A display case for use in exhibiting jewelry and incorporating a pair of sidewalls in its structure, spaced apart a fixed distance, grooves being routed into each sidewall wherein drive linkage or chain are located, and driven by a drive shaft turned by an electric or other motor. Each of the drive chains revolve simultaneously, so that display trays or shelves held at each end by each of the sidewall disposed linkages are revolved about the display case for exhibiting merchandise.

Abstract: To greatly increase the storage capacity of cabinets and to efficiently utilize the corner space in such cabinets and to render frequently-used stored articles more readily accessible, a prefabricated modular or unitized storage conveyor apparatus is installed with only minor modification of existing or newly manufactured cabinets. Adjacent building space customarily wasted can receive portions of the storage conveyor unit. Simplicity, economy of manufacturing, and reliability of operation are featured in the conveyor mechanism.

Abstract: A component insertion table for wiring boards in which an endless chain belt carries component pickup trays along the table top. The chain is formed in two loops each having one portion extending one over the other in different planes and each having a second portion in the same plane but separated laterally from each other. This arrangement permits a large number of pickup trays to be carried on a given size table.

Abstract: A safe for storage of paper money has a reinforced housing for several upright containers each having a row of superimposed drawers for reception of stacks of paper money. Bills of different denominations are stored in different containers, and the open sides of drawers in each container can be exposed or concealed by discrete closures which are movable up to expose a larger number of respective drawers or down to conceal one or more additional drawers in the respective containers. Each closure is normally locked in the selected position against movement in a direction to expose additional drawers, and such locking action can be interrupted only by depressing a pushbutton which actuates a clock so that the latter releases the respective locking device with a preselected delay. Once the selected interval of time has elapsed, the corresponding closure can be lifted by a step so as to expose a single additional drawer of the respective container.

Abstract: A safe for storage of paper money of different denominations has an armored housing whose top wall has a row of openings. The housing confines several indexible conveyors, one for each opening and each having a stack of drawers for storage of bills of a particular denomination. A drawer of each conveyor is held in register with the respective opening. When the drawer which registers with the corresponding opening is empty or contains a small number of bills, the teller actuates a starting switch to index the respective conveyor with a preselected delay which cannot be altered by the teller whereby the conveyor lifts a filled drawer into register with the associated opening. The delay for indexing of each conveyor can be selected independently of the other conveyors. A second starting switch is actuated by the teller to index the respective conveyor in the opposite direction, without delay, whereby the conveyor moves a filled drawer into the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A device is described for displaying drapes, fabrics, or other products comprising a horizontal closed-loop track for receiving the upper ends of the samples to be displayed, which samples are interconnected together at their upper ends to form a closed loop slidable around the track. The device further includes a drive motor and a pusher member driven by the motor along a circular path partly coextensive with a curved end section of the closed loop track. The pusher member is engagable with the upper end of the interconnected samples and pushes them around the closed loop track from the front section, wherein the interconnected samples are extended at the front section for viewing, whereas at the rear section they are compacted.

Abstract: To greatly increase the storage capacity of cabinets and to efficiently utilize the corner space in such cabinets and to render frequently-used stored articles more readily accessible, a prefabricated modular or unitized storage conveyor apparatus is installed with only minor modification of existing or newly manufactured cabinets. Adjacent building space customarily wasted can receive portions of the storage conveyor unit. Simplicity, economy of manufacturing, and reliability of operation are featured in the conveyor mechanism.

Abstract: A curved guide for paternoster-type document carriers of the type wherein at least one carrier is connected by a support arm rotatably articulated on each front side to an endlessly moving chain, said carrier being conducted by means of a bent lever attached to the front side of each carrier in an inverted V-shaped position with the aid of guide rollers provided at the lever ends and running in slotted guideways which intersect at the two deflection points, wherein the improvement comprises a pair of pivotally mounted and automatically settable or reversible point levers at the guideway intersection. The point levers close the respective entrance and exit of one slotted guideway from the other slotted guideway with the sides of the point levers forming a continuous slotted guideway bridging the entrance and exit of the other slotted guideway. The point levers are coupled by an endless chain.