Abstract: A facade assembly for a vehicle parking structure comprising a facade panel arranged to form part of an exterior of the structure. The facade assembly includes at least one support member extending inwardly of the panel and into the structure in use for connection with a floor of the structure. The support member is arranged to include one or more attachments.

Abstract: Compact multi-tier parking garage (1) and method for storing vehicles (6) in such a parking garage. A multi-tier parking garage for vehicles having at least one tier (3) with at least one parking space (2) for one parked vehicle, an elevator (5) having an elevator platform (7) for supporting a vehicle movable between at least two positions, vertically aligned with the tier for allowing a vehicle to be transferred from the elevator platform to the parking space of the tier and from the parking space to the elevator platform. The elevator platform is rotatable to positions aligned with an entry (24) and an exit (25) such that vehicles can enter and leave driving in a forward direction.

Abstract: Platform tower assemblies for mounting wind turbine assemblies, as well as methods, systems and components related thereto. A central shaft may support a series of planar platforms along its length, each platform constructed to support a plurality of wind turbine assemblies. The wind turbine assemblies may be positioned to optimize production based on prevailing wind directions, and may include turbine assemblies optimized for different wind conditions. The platform tower may include a housing around a lower portion for storage of batteries and control circuitry. The uppermost platform may include one or more solar panels for additional power generation capability.

Abstract: A vehicular illumination mechanism is mountable on a vehicle having a loading and unloading mechanism for moving a wheelchair between the vehicle and a road surface. The loading and unloading mechanism has an upper face portion and is movable between a stored position and an extended position. The vehicular illumination mechanism includes a position detection portion that is configured to detect a position of the loading and unloading mechanism, an illuminating lamp that is configured to illuminate the upper face portion of the loading and unloading mechanism extended to the extended position, and an illumination control portion that is configured to light the illuminating lamp when the position detection portion detects that the loading and unloading mechanism is in the extended position.

Abstract: An automated vehicle positioning system for use with a transport mechanism of an automated vehicle conveying system comprising one or more position sensors for detecting a position of a vehicle on a rotatable platform; and a controller adapted to control a travel distance of the rotatable platform for directionally aligning the vehicle to a conveying direction of the transport mechanism and for aligning a centerline of the vehicle with a centerline of the transport mechanism.

Abstract: An entrance gate and an automatic parking garage having such an entrance gate are provided. The entrance gate includes a stationary ground plate; two trace plates thereabove, movable in the plane in any direction in a gliding manner, each for receiving thereon a front and rear wheel of a car; a stationary top plate above the trace plates, having two opposing cut-out windows, with each trace plate exposed through one window; and two centering plates above the top plate, on outer sides of the cut-out windows. The centering plates connect with and are driven by two drive units to affect synchronous counter-movements. When being driven toward each other, the centering plates touch outer sides of tires of a car resting on the trace plates and move the car toward a centerline of the entrance gate, until the centerline of the car is aligned with the centerline of the entrance gate.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying items to a selected receiving station comprises a round carousel rotatable about a center thereof to align a portion thereof with a selected azimuth, a platform disposed in the carousel, the platform being movable rotatably with the carousel and movable vertically in the carousel to a selected height, and a sled disposed on the platform and movable on the platform sidewise through a path concentric with the carousel to align the sled with a second selected azimuth, the sled being configured to receive thereon at least one of the items. The item is movable circularly by the carousel, vertically by the platform, and circularly by the sled, whereby to be conveyed to and from the receiving station disposed at the selected height and at the second azimuth.

Abstract: An improved automated parking garage structure comprising a supporting framework bearing a plurality of vehicle parking stalls arranged in a radial manner on a plurality of levels about a central core. Each of the stalls support a vehicle on a series of fingers. An elevator tower is located within said central core and has an elevator platform adapted for vertical travel, the tower rotating about a vertical axis. A transfer lift for transferring a vehicle between ground level and a level for transfer to or from said elevator platform; is located at ground level and accepts vehicles for parking and return. The elevator platform includes an extension carriage for transferring a vehicle between the platform and the stalls and transfer lift. Operation of the transfer lift, elevator and tower are coordinated by an automated control system, which may include a first unit located at the tower and a second unit, serving as a customer interface, at a remote location.

Abstract: A system for accommodation, temporary storage and delivery of movable objects, pilotless, movable vehicles in particular, includes a tender (5) supported rotatably about a central axis, by which tender the vehicles are taken over from at least one entry platform (E) and are placed on a free one out of a plurality of platforms (3) or again are picked up therefrom and are handed over to an exit platform (A). The tender (5) therein includes at least two carrier arms (6) one of which being correlated to an entry platform (E) in entry and exit position of the tender and one carrier arm being correlated to an exit platform (A). Depending on the local situation the entry and exit platforms (E, A) can be embodied and arranged differently. They can also be formed as combined entry/exit platforms (E/A) for permitting adaption to varying demands.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a system for temporary storage and output of pilotless, movable vehicles in a parking garage as well as for transferring the pilotless vehicles froma transport platform 3 to a parking place and vice versa, including a means for lifting the vehicles, for moving them in the lifted position and for putting them down in another position. Carrier arms 13, 14, 15, 16 perpendicularly extending until into the area of the vehicle wheels are arranged on a longitudinal carrier 17 movable under the vehicle in longitudinal direction, at least two of the carrier arms being pivotable from a position directed in direction of the longitudinal carrier into the rectangularly extended position in which they under pressure bear on the lower area of the vehicle wheel and lift it from the standing place.

Abstract: A cylinder-shaped parking garage having a central inner shaft and a plurality of parking levels. Each of the parking levels has a plurality of parking spaces arranged in a radial pattern. Two car conveying devices are positioned about a central column and are rotatable about the central column.

Abstract: In an automatic parking garage with a storage silo having a circular periphery, the storage silo having a cylindrical inner shaft and including a plurality of radially positioned parking compartments opening toward the inner shaft on a plurality of stacked parking levels and with a conveying apparatus located in the inner shaft for the transportation of vehicles between at least one entrance and the parking compartments and between the parking compartments and at least one exit, the conveying apparatus including a plurality of vehicle-receiving transport surfaces which are moveable in the vertical direction and are rotatable together in a horizontal direction about a central axis, such that the transport surfaces can be positioned by vertical movement at the level of one of the parking floors, or the at least one entrance, or the at least one exit, and then, by rotation about the central axis, adjacent one of the parking compartments in the corresponding parking level: the transport surfaces as well as the pa

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system such as can be used as a parking bay structure is provided which comprises a hydraulically operated skip hoist system and which includes a skip hoist shaft and a skip which is hoistable up and down the shaft. A plurality of parking bays are located around the skip hoist shaft. A pair of shuttles are located on the skip and are moveable relative to the skip for positioning vehicles on and removing vehicles from the parking bays. The shuttles are located on a rotunda on the skip which is rotatable about a vertical axis for rotating the shuttles to align the shuttles with the parking bays surrounding the skip hoist shaft.

Abstract: An underground circular and non circular parking place where vehicle parking areas are obtained and arranged radius-like on several underground stories.

Abstract: An automatic multi-level storage structure including a building structure having at least one entrance and exit station, a main floor directly accessible from the entrance station, and a plurality of storage levels, a plurality of object pallets provided with wheels and adapted to carry objects to be stored. The pallets are movable along, and guide by, a first track fixedly attached to the floor of the levels. There is also provided at least one storage elevator adapted to accommodate the object pallets and to move between the main floor and the plurality of storage levels, and transfer platforms permanently located in the elevator and provided with a second track fixedly attached to the platform. The second track is adapted to accept and guide the wheels of the object pallet, and is furnished with a driver for moving the object pallet onto and off of the transfer platform.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor vehicle parking installation forming an automatic individual garage in an urban environment. In this installation, the vehicle carrying platform (2) has two longitudinal edges (25) with a V shaped inclined profile cooperating by bearing on two retractable longitudinal stop elements (29) mounted along the hopper opening (3).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of transporting boats into a dry boat storage building having a continuous outer wall, a doorway opening through the continuous outer wall, and a substantially annular boat storage rack within the boundary formed by the continuous outer wall and having a first plurality of boat storage cells arranged in a first arc centered about the doorway and extending through substantially 90.degree. of arc on each side of the doorway and having a second plurality of boat storage cells arranged in a second arc opposite the doorway and extending through substantially 180.degree.

Abstract: A storage device for automatic storage of items such as vehicles including a deposit station and removal station. A plurality of storage stations are provided having a deposit and a removal opening. A transport device is provided for transporting the item from adjacent the deposit station to adjacent one of the plurality of storage stations. The transport device also takes the item from adjacent the storage station to adjacent the removal station. A transfer device is provided for transferring the items from the transport device to the storage stations. The transfer device includes a transfer grate having parallel grate arms connected to each other by a ty-bar, a lifting mechanism connected to the grate arms and a transversing mechanism including running gears for moving the transfer grate horizontally.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an elevator system for use in a multi-story building, the building having a vertical space formed therein. The elevator system comprises a stationary framework adapted to be mounted in the space, the framework comprising frame members dividing the vertical space into a plurality of angularly spaced sectors. At least one elevator cage is mounted each of the sectors. At least one turntable is rotatably mounted in the space adjacent the stationary framework, the turntable being located to receive a cage from the stationary framework and rotate the cage from one of the sectors to another of the sectors. A power drive on the frame members, the turntable and on each cage is provided for moving each cage in the vertical direction.

Abstract: In an automated multilevel rotary parking system double flow through vehicle paths including endless conveyors and elevators together with rotary parking platforms maximize vehicle handling capabilities. Vehicle flow paths are particularly arranged to facilitate vehicle movement in a rapid and orderly manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for storage and radial discharge of selected like items, including, a rotary storage device for storing a plurality of the selected like items at individual radial positions. Rotation of the storage device provides for positioning of individual ones of the stored items for ejection of individual ones of the stored items outwardly. A plurality of retainers are coupled to the stored items. Each retainer includes a first position to retain a stored item and a second position to release a stored items for ejection. A retrieval mechanism triggers individual ones of the retainer means to release individual ones of the stored items. A catcher interupts the ejected items along a substantially horizontal path and directs the caught items along a substantially vertical path into a collector device. A controller is responsive to the location of individual ones of the stored items to control the retrieval mechanism to trigger the proper retainer to allow the desired item to be released and ejected.

Abstract: A plurality of modules (66) are connected together to define a multi-story annular building (10) of honeycomb cells (C). The cells (C) of the building are hexagonal in cross section and taper horizontally as they extend radially inwardly. A turntable/elevator (36) is located in a shaft opening at or near the center of the building (10). A tunnel (48) extends through a side of the building (10). The building includes flotation cells at its bottom, some of which are air tight. Water is pumped into and out from the others, for regulating the vertical position of the building (10) in a body of water. An annular ring (66) of flotation material extends about the building (10) immediately below the water line. Each cell (C) is reinforced by a reinforcing ring (R1) extending about the girth of the cell (C). The rings (R1) are connected together vertically and horizontally to form a wall (RW1) of rings constituting a basic skeletal part of the building (10).

Abstract: A plurality of modules (66) are connected together to define a multi-story annular building (10) of honeycomb cells (C). The cells (C) of the building are hexagonal in cross section and taper horizontally as they extend radially inwardly. A turntable/elevator (36) is located in a shaft opening at or near the center of the building (10). A tunnel (48) extends through a side of the building (10). The building includes flotation cells at its bottom, some of which are air tight. Water is pumped into and out from the others, for regulating the vertical position of the building (10) in a body of water. An annular ring (66) of flotation material extends about the building (10) immediately below the water line. Each cell (C) is reinforced by a reinforcing ring (R1) extending about the girth of the cell (C). The rings (R1) are connected together vertically and horizontally to form a wall (RW1) of rings constituting a basic skeletal part of the building (10).

Abstract: A rotating truck lift structure integral with a building to facilitate delivery truck accessing of multiple internal loading and unloading docks via a narrow street entranceway.

Abstract: A microfilm cartridge storage, retrieval, and projection system is disclosed. The system includes a vertically-oriented cylindrical cartridge storage drum which has a plurality of overlying tiers, each tier including successive side-by-side compartments which are oriented along radials of the cylinder and are adapted to hold a microfilm cartridge. Cartridge receiving and projection head means are mounted proximate the compartments of the drum, and are adapted for receiving a cartridge from a compartment in operative opposition thereto and for optically projecting a selected film frame of the cartridge. Cartridge displacement means mounted proximate the compartments of the drum, are adapted for displacing a cartridge in operative opposition thereto, which is then engaged by the receiving and projection head means. Orienting means are provided to enable relative vertical displacement between the drum, and each of the cartridge receiving and projection head means and the cartridge displacement means.

Abstract: Motor vehicle parking apparatus has pallets for vehicles which are arranged next to each other on a movable construction which is drivable so that each pallet can be brought into line with a predetermined position such as a loading position. In order to achieve accurate alignment of a pallet with the predetermined position, a drive control sysem is used which controls operation of the drive in accordance with an evaluated difference between an actual value derived from an increment transmiter and a predetermined theoretical value dependent on the individual pallet to be aligned. Overrun of the predetermined position is corrected by reversal of the drive under control of a correction signal.

Abstract: An automated parking system includes a multi-story tower having a central elevator shaft. The building is substantially circular in cross section and contains a plurality of parking stalls that radiate from the elevator shaft on each of the stories. An elevator mechanism elevates a turntable, rotatably mounted on the elevator mechanism for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, between the several floors of the building. A shuttle travels from the turntable to an entrance ramp on the ground level of the building, moves a vehicle to be parked from the entrance ramp to the turntable, whereupon the elevator and turntable cooperate to deposit the vehicle in a parking stall on one of the several floors. The elevator and turntable mechanism operate in reverse to carry the vehicle from a parking stall to an exit ramp on the ground floor of the building.

Abstract: An automated parking system includes a multi-story tower having a central elevator shaft. The building is substantially circular in cross section and contains a plurality of parking stalls that radiate from the elevator shaft on each of the stories. An elevator mechanism elevates a turntable, rotatably mounted on the elevator mechanism for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, between the several floors of the building. A shuttle travels from the turntable to an entrance ramp on the ground level of the building, moves a vehicle to be parked from the entrance ramp to the turntable, whereupon the elevator and turntable cooperate to deposit the vehicle in a parking stall on one of the several floors. The elevator and turntable mechanism operate in reverse to carry the vehicle from a parking stall to an exit ramp on the groung floor of the building.

Abstract: Concentric annular tracks support for rotary movement a set of storage trains in the form of concentric cylindrical shelves. Each train has a vertically directed discontinuity and is driven by a separate driving unit so that the discontinuities can be aligned to form a radially directed access aisle. A stationary control member controls the driving units of the trains. In a modification, stationary storage shelves surround the trains and are equipped with conveyor for moving respective holders in vertical direction and along the circumference of each train and also radially from one train to another. Also, an elevator is provided for operation in the aisle.

Abstract: A system for parking and storing automobiles in which automobiles are moved from a loading station to an elevator to stacked parking spaces under remote control. The system includes a turntable means which permits the automobile to be driven onto a parking pallet in a forward direction, and allows easy, safe egress by the driver. The turntable is rotated and cam arm means delivers the pallet to an elevator means which raises the pallet to a selected unoccupied parking space, exchanges the loaded pallet for an empty pallet from the parking space, then returns the pallet to the loading turntable. Similarly, the elevator means can, by remote control, retrieve the loaded pallet and return it to the turntable. The turntable operates to deliver the automobile to the driver in a manner permitting easy and safe entry by the driver and which permits him to drive away in a forward direction.