Abstract: A line stocking conveyor sequentially moves bins full of parts to an access position at an assembly line. Bins are sequentially moved between stations within a feeding channel by a reciprocating bed of linked conveying tables, each table including raisable pads for lifting and holding bins during movement of the bins between stations. Empty bins are conveyed to a return channel adjacent the feeding channel, and sequentially moved between stations of the return channel to a final removal station in the return channel by a reciprocating bed having raisable bed pads for lifting and carrying a bin during movement of the bed.

Abstract: A computer-controlled storage system for handling and storing goods items, comprising at least one horizontal storage line provided with rails or equivalent guide members and one or more transport carriages (6) movable along the rails. The system comprises a transport apparatus comprising a power unit (16) with a power transmission mechanism (17) and a rope member (18), connecting these to the transport carriage (6), external to the transport carriage. In addition, the system may comprise a power transmission arrangement connected to the lifting member, external to the transport carriage (6), for lifting a goods item in position above the transport carriage off the guide member to be carried by the transport carriage and for lowering same onto the guide member.

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 storage facility preferably for palletized loads includes an elongate aisle along which a pallet-carrying vehicle is adapted to move. A plurality of multi-level pallet storage bays are located side-by-side along the aisle and extend laterally from the aisle for use in storing palletized loads. The levels of each storage bay are vertically aligned and are separated from each other by pallet-supporting floor sections; each bay being separated from its adjacent bay by a set of laterally spaced-apart vertically extending support members. Floor sections located between adjacent sets of vertically extending support members are removable for creating at least one laterally extending sub-aisle in communication with the elongate aisle, and the lateral spacing between at least two of the support members in a set of support members adjacent a sub-aisle provides an opening into the subaisle sufficiently large to permit removal of a pallet therethrough.

Abstract: Storage system for products using supporting units, comprising a staging containing a number of storeys, on one side of the staging at least one supply-conveyor and at least one entry elevating device, which is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging, as well as a device for the input of the supporting units into the staging and on the other side of the staging at least one exit elevating device, which also is movable in a longitudinal direction along the staging and at least one exit conveyor. In each storey of the staging one or more step conveyors are mounted, which at both sides of the staging are connectable with a single driving device, which is movable vertically on the entry elevating device and the exit elevating device respectively.

Abstract: A freight vehicle has a cargo space convertible from that suitable for handling piece goods to that suitable for bulk material. A conventional cargo space for piece goods has openings for filling and discharging bulk material. A double-walled inflatable bag having its bottom attached to a rigid support platform is positioned in erected condition to handle bulk material and is movable to a stored position near the roof of the cargo space to allow handling of piece goods.

Abstract: A bridge and stopper mechanism for an apparatus for lateral transfer of roller pallets, the apparatus serving to transfer roller pallets and employing bridges as extensions of rails between the shelving and the transporter body, the stopper being placed on the shelving to control the access of roller pallets to the lateral transporter. To reduce the number of hydraulic cylinders and to simplify the operation of the mechanism, the invention is implemented in such manner that at least one stopper actuator lever is pivoted on each end of the internal transporter body, the said levers being connected to the bridges and moving along with these. When pressing against the base of the stopper peg, the stopper actuator lever is turned from a horizontal position to a low position.

Abstract: This device comprises movable elements 28 for forming at least one floor movable along the length of the vehicle, intermediate rails 8 for supporting the floor, fixed rails 7 for storing the floor elements 28, chains 18 for lifting and lowering the floor elements 28, and a chain 14 for shifting them and transferring them between the rails 7,8 and the chains 18 and vice-versa. The movable elements 28 of the floor are trolleys.

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 method and apparatus for blending particulate materials in which a plurality of blending chambers receive, by a series of installments, pre-mixed ingredients so as to ensure that each blending chamber contains an average sample. The blending chambers are then discharged in sequence to provide an output as a series of sub-batches which each comprise the predetermined proportions of ingredients.

Abstract: A container chassis handling attachment for a lift truck having a lift carriage includes a frame for attachment to the lift carriage. It also includes a pair of upper and lower laterally-spaced forks independently mounted to the frame by separate four-bar linkages and movable by separate hydraulic cylinders. A clamp-positioning means cooperates with the forks to rotate the forks and any chassis gripped thereby through 180.degree.. The attachment is used to store a chassis by clamping from one side opposing top and bottom surfaces of the chassis, lifting the chassis, rotating the chassis about 90.degree. to a substantially upright position, and depositing the chassis in such position against a support. Alternatively, the chassis may be rotated 180.degree. to an upside-down position and deposited onto an underlying right-side-up chassis, eventually to form a stack of alternating right-side-up, upside-down chassis.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and an installation for storing objects with automated handling.The installation comprises a storage area (10) formed by a plurality of horizontal and parallel beams (14) resting on supports (18) which define therebetween and under the beams at least one longitudinal passage track extending in a direction perpendicular to the beams and at least one mechanized handling vehicle (12) adapted to move along said track, said vehicle being equipped with conveyors (86,88) for driving in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vehicle, and being adjustable in height between a low position in which it may pass freely under the beams and a high position in which the drive conveyors raise the object to be moved.

Abstract: The storage and retrieval apparatus of this invention comprises parallel tracks, each normally supporting numerous upright storage bins that are in close proximity to one another and to bins on laterally adjacent tracks. Each bin is open at its front and is mounted on wheels to roll rearward along its track. An overhead carrier lifts a desired bin off its track to a level above the other bins and carries it forward. A pusher near the front end of that track pushes rearward on the front bin, moving bins back to fill the space left by the lifted bin, which is then lowered into the space at the front of the track for loading or unloading, through its open front. On the top of each bin is an identifier plate distinctive to the bin. A sensor on the overhead carrier, connected with a computer, reads the identifier plates as the carriage moves rearward along a track and is thus able to find and lift a desired bin even though it is in a random position along the track.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for unloading bulk material (M) from a rectangular trailer (10') comprising a collapsible rectangular liner (29) having a collapsible funnel-shaped base (31), said liner being hung extended in said container with said base (31) collapsed and its discharge opening (32) inserted in a bottom discharge opening (33) in the trailer (10'), and a cable and winch (44,47) to lift the liner (29) to extend the base (31) for gravity discharge of the bulk material (M) through said bottom discharge opening (33).

Abstract: The plant comprises a carrier structure formed by a network of orthogonal paths (1,2) on which carriages to be stored (5) are capable to move in two directions (xy). The displacement along (y) is provided by a robot carriage (18) carried by a carrier carriage (23) moving on a side path (24,25). The displacement of carriages along (x) is provided by bars (11) provided with pneumatic fingers (17). The carriages are either provided with two wheel trains (8,9) with axles perpendicular between each other and of which the running planes are at different levels, or provided with pads allowing the carriages to move by sliding. When the carriages run on their high wheels (9), the low wheels (8) are free in clearing channels (10). The carrier structure may be completely full except for at least one transversal row (y). For the purpose of its withdrawal, a carriage is isolated in the free row, previously displaced if required by displacement along (x) of the neighbouring carriages.

Abstract: A method for assembling consignments of articles stored in storage containers in a high shelf by means of a consignment assembler, which collects during the course of one single or round trip along the high shelf all the articles of a plurality of orders from the high shelf. In addition, a consignment assembler is described, which is characterized by a plurality of collector buckets.

Abstract: A rack for elongated rod-like members including a plurality of spaced substantially parallel frames mounted on a base, with each frame consisting of columns and beams for providing a plurality of openings, spaced rollers extending between columns of each frame behind said beams for supporting the rod-like members, with the beams having inclined surfaces for guiding the rod-like members into associated openings, and the beams having upper and lower edge portions so that if a bundle of rod-like members tilts during loading, the upper edge of the beam on the frame at the entry portion will bite into the underside of the bundle and the lower edge of another beam at a higher elevation within the rack will bite into the upper side of the bundle to hold the bundle in position.

Abstract: A mixing tower for concrete or the like has a series of superimposed prefabricated modules which are connected to one another and include a cylindrical lowermost module, a frustoconical intermediate module with several outlets which is integral with the top of the lowermost module, and several larger-diameter cylindrical modules above the intermediate module. The modules contain prefabricated mixers, controls, scales and/or analogous aggregates which are assembled with the respective modules at the manufacturing plant and are coupled to each other at the locus of erection of the tower, preferably by coupling devices each of which is disposed at the level of connection between the respective modules.

Abstract: Storage installation permitting the automatic selection and removal of articles stored at different levels on carrying elements of one or more shelf units, each carrying element (5) being fitted with a device for transporting the articles and with an individual and self-governing control member (6) for actuating this transporting device. The articles removed in this way can be grouped and moved by a common transporting means towards a central packaging and distributing station.

Abstract: A commodity retrieval and storage apparatus which includes shelves for storing a plurality of like configured commodities. A movable carriage is vertically and horizontally displaceable along the shelves and carries apparatus for engagement with the commodity selected, apparatus for transferring the selected commodity to the carriage and apparatus for securely holding the selected commodity to the carriage. After transfer of the commodity to the carriage, the carriage may be moved to a commodity processing area.

Abstract: A system for automatically transporting workpieces between a magazine and a machine tool, includes a pair of grabs each movable vertically and also horizontally on a trolley, and arranged to shift workpieces in succession to and from one of a series of drawers in the magazine. The drawers are mounted on guide rails, and are removed in succession by a handling device including a conveyor, raised to the height of a loading station at the top of the magazine, where the grabs operate, shifted horizontally to combine with the movement of the grabs, and then returned to the magazine.

Abstract: A grain handling transfer and storing system including a plurality of bins in two rows in circular arcs about a center pad, each of the bins or receptacles having ground level discharging conveyors and open tops for filling, a pair of screw conveyors radially arranged from the center of the open space between the bins, with distal ends supported on wheeled carriages and proximal ends on a swiveling mounting carried by a tripod and a swiveling housing permitting swinging of the screw conveyors.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading panels into a hot press comprises a frame for locating near the openings of the press. A tray carriage mounted on the frame comprises a plurality of vertically spaced-apart horizontal trays for receiving the panels. The trays are movable into and out of the press with reciprocation of the tray carriage towards and away from the press. There is an alignment mechanism for vertically aligning front and back edges of the panels before they are loaded into the press. The alignment mechanism is mounted within the frame for movement towards and away from the press when the tray carriage is stationary. The alignment mechanism is engageable with the edges of the panels so the alignment mechanism moves the panels along the trays to vertically align the front and back edges.

Abstract: An automated storage system includes a door at an access station for the insertion of articles, luggage and the like to be stored temporarily in a container. A transport system is provided to transport the container to a predetermined storage repository removed from the access station. Retrieval of the container is initiated by the insertion of a lock key in a predetermined position to activate the transport system to return the container to the access station when the user desires to retrieve the article or luggage from the system. The containers are constructed to be resistant to fragmentation in the event of an explosion and the containers are placed in an explosion confining environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling lengths of timber which are both green and dried include the feature of simultaneously conveying, by way of suitable conveyors, both the green timber and the dried timber to a given location from where the two different types of timber are conveyed together by way of a single conveyor beyond the given location to a drop sorter having compartments into which the green and dried timber are dropped according to a given program. From the drop sorter batches of green timber and batches of dried timber are received by batch conveyors which serve to convey these batches to a packaging apparatus which serve to provide from the batches of green timber packages in which layers of green timber are separated by spacers, preparatory to transmitting these packages to a drying installation, while the dried timber batches are formed into packages which are suitable for further handling.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described, for example, for delivering bags of garbage to an incinerator. The apparatus includes a series of bins for receiving waste material, each bin having an open upper end through which material can be introduced into the bin, and each bin including means operable to appropriate times to eject material upwardly out of the open upper end of the bin. The bins are disposed in a cascade arrangement so that material can be progressively conveyed through the apparatus to a discharge location by appropriately operating the material ejecting means of the respective bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous shelf storage unit comprising a shelf, an inclined rail track on which non-driven wheeled carriages can move, with auxiliary equipment for the loading and unloading of the shelf, the rail track having a slight incline for causing a deceleration of wheeled carriages coasting thereon, and momentum-imparting apparatus acting on the wheeled carriages and disposed in the track. The momentum imparting apparatus is activated by the auxiliary devices during removal of a carriage from the shelf.

Abstract: The device shown is a dual purpose unloader for the sheet holder bins of a paper distribution system, such as a collator. The bins of a collator are sometimes sloped to allow gravitational settling of the sheets as they are fed into the pockets. The illustrated unloader is an elongated open channel with an internal slidable rod. One set of grippers is mounted on the open channel and another set of grippers on the rod. A spring urges the two sets to move into a gripper closed position, and manual handles provide a means for opening the set of grippers. A mounting frame is available for guiding the unloader into proper registration with the collator pockets if manual placement is not convenient or desired.