Abstract: The invention is an automated storage library including one or more robotic accessors which move upon the surface of a horizontal plane including the openings to storage cells. The accessors are wireless, remotely controlled vehicles. The vehicles employ known tracking mechanism(s) to move between locations within the library. The storage cells are embedded beneath the horizontal surface. The horizontal plane is a floor which is formed by the surface of the storage cells. Openings in the floor are also the access openings to the storage cells. Storage media are raised and lowered into the storage cells by a picker mechanism on the vehicles.

Abstract: A system especially adapted to retrieve, insert and transport a computer data storage cassette between spaced-apart cassette library and cassette drive unit sites. The system includes a robot carried by a movable transport assembly which is operable to transport the robot between the cassette library and cassette drive unit sites. The robot itself includes an especially adapted robotic manipulator whereby the cassette may be gripped and released. A mechanical cassette ejector is preferably provided to ensure that the cassette is expelled from the fingers of the robotic manipulator when the cassette is released. A push rod may also be provided so as to engage, and thus manipulate, a door which covers a slot of the cassette drive unit.

Abstract: A method of and system for handing variable sized loads by transferring the loads between a storage base and a transport base by engaging a portion of at least one engagement member, e.g. a suction cup, with an engagement surface on a side or end of a load, and displacing the engagement member to thereby pull a load onto the transport base for transport by the transport base or to push a load from the transport base onto the storage base. The engagement surface has a size at least equal to that of the portion of the engagement member. The system includes a system for determining load position and size.

Abstract: An automated system for storing and retrieving objects from multiple object categories. A plurality of storage rack assemblies is included. Each storage rack assembly has a plurality of slots sized for storing objects. A storage transport is movable alongside each respective storage rack assembly for positioning adjacent any slot. A plurality of horizontal tracks are arranged to be perpendicular to the storage rack assemblies. Each storage rack assembly has an end adjacent the tracks. A runner transport is coupled to and movable on each track for receiving one of the objects from, or providing one of the objects to a storage transport. Two conveyor rack assemblies are located at opposite ends of the tracks, aligned perpendicularly to the track. Conveyor transports are adjacent the conveyor rack assemblies for transferring objects between the conveyor rack assembly and the runner transports.

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for processing semiconductor wafers through a plurality of processing stations that perform manufacturing operations on wafers includes a plurality of processing stations, each of which are capable of performing at least one processing operation of a wafer, each of the processing stations having a controlled environment for processing the wafers, and a branched track providing a surface leading to each of said processing stations. On the track there are provided a plurality of guided transport vehicles adapted to travel between the process stations. A plurality of wafer carriers, each adapted to support a single wafer and be carried by the transport vehicles, are part of the system. An interface is provided at each processing station to introduce the wafer from the box into the clean environment of the process station, and subsequently return the box and wafer to the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for placing a plurality of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), e.g., brands in transport units wherein quantities of SKUs, not equal to standard SKU packages, e.g. cases, can be ordered. A material handling system, including a work area, robot, conveyors, and the like, is used in conjunction with a computer implemented planning method. The planning method determines the sequence for filling transport units by initially assigning transport units to the work area. Only one transport unit per order is assigned to the work area at a single time. The SKUs are then ranked depending on their difficulty in placement. If a partial package is required, it is considered more difficult that full packages and placed before the required full packages of that SKU. The planning method completes the oldest transport unit in the work area and attempts to place the most difficult SKUs first.

Abstract: A system for storing and retrieving items to and from a storage receptacle which includes a track riding dolly carrying a robotic item handler for inserting and extracting items to and from storage. The dolly also carries a multishelved caddy for receiving a plurality of items thereon. The item handler has the capacity to access each of the shelves of the caddy and may execute, under computer control, a selected sequence of item transfers between the caddy and storage during a single passage of the dolly from an on/off load point past the storage receptacle. A multishelved caddy loader queues a plurality of items received from an on-load device independently of the caddy, via vertical repositioning, and performs a bulk transfer of the queued items to the caddy when the caddy is available. A mass offloader device permits the bulk transfer of a plurality of items from the caddy to an offload receiver.

Abstract: An automatic retrieval system for retrieving selected articles, such as articles of clothing, provided on hangers at predetermined storage locations arranged in rows includes a transporter moving along a path above the row of storage locations for transporting retrieved articles to a delivery point. The transporter has a pivotal arm for moving retrieved hangers clear of the other hanging articles and for rotating the retrieved hangers so as to be transported end-on, thus producing a compact storage/retrieval facility. A pick-off/gripping device is provided at the end of the transporter arm for disengaging the selected hangers from the storage location at which they are held. Where the hangers are suspended from slots in a rail, the transporter may carry magnetic field detectors for detecting the open tops of the slots.

Abstract: An automatic warehousing system which provides for improvement in the operating efficiency of the operator. An operating file has codes formed therein for incoming and outgoing goods. A code signal corresponding to a load and a operation mode signal for operation of the automatic warehousing system which are searched from the file are input to a control unit which controls load entry and delivery operations of a load handling crane. Management of load storing spaces within the rack and goods stored in the spaces is carried out according to these signals. In this way, inventory management is carried out by the control unit. Therefore, the operator can perform entry and delivery setting for the control unit without considering the rack number of the load storing space with respect to the load being handled. The system involves less operational procedure than the prior art arrangement and contributes toward improved operating efficiency.

Abstract: A three dimensional parking system (1) includes a plurality of housing stations (X1, Y1, etc.) which are arranged in a vertical direction for accommodating vehicles. A lift compartment (31) is provided adjacent to the housing stations (X1, Y1, etc.). Lifts (4) are vertically movable in the lift compartment while carrying a vehicle thereon. A movable platform (7) carries the vehicle, and is capable of transferring the vehicle to and from the lifts (4). The platform (7) includes drive wheels (9), a drive motor (25) for driving the drive wheels (9), and an energy storage device (19). The energy storage device (19) supplies electrical power to the drive motor (25) when the platform (7) is driven. Therefore, the platform (7) moves between the housing station (X1, Y1, etc.) and the lift compartment (31) under its own ability.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of storage bins arranged in spaced fashion. An extraction mechanism is provided to engage an edge of the bin defined by a sidewall and a bottom of the bin for moving the bin with respect to a storage location and a shuttle device. The extraction mechanism is movable along a first path in either direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of an aisle. The extractor mechanism is extendable below the bottom of a bin in a rest position, such as at a storage location. When the extractor mechanism has reached a position adjacent to the outermost end limit of travel, a tab actuating mechanism is engaged to move upwardly extending tabs between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for an automatic warehousing facility. Receipt into and disbursement from racks capable of storing goods in a plurality of lots are carried out by a goods handling device. A control panel disposed at the ground side controls the handling device to control incoming and outgoing handling of goods. Inventory control is carried out by manipulating a plurality of switches provided on the control panel.Maintenance and abnormality control of goods entry and delivery equipment are also carried out.

Abstract: A shelf service apparatus is provided in the form of a crane for a store for rod-like material accomodated in self-supporting magazines or pallet boxes, where the store comprises shelving units arranged transversely of the storage space and aligned with one another in the direction of the storage space, which units comprise vertical shelf supports (2) with carrier arms (3) secured thereon one above another so as to extend in the direction of the storage space, for the magazines (4). The crane has load supporting forks (12) movable up and down by guide devices (16), with reception brackets (13) by which the magazines can be grasped and moved. To weigh the material in the pallet boxes, a receiver (18) is arranged, with spacing, on the forward portion of the reception brackets (13). The receiver is supported by transverse beams (20) in relation to the reception bracket 13. Weighing cells (20a) are coupled to the beams.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing and discharging rod-shaped workpieces of different lengths and types and for the automatic supply of, in particular, a cutting-off machine or a station for processing these workpieces under the control of a computer or the like, with at least one shelf system being provided that is equipped with shelf compartments. A hoist is provided for supplying the shelf system and for removing workpieces from the shelf system. The length of each incoming or outgoing workpiece is determined and the determined length value is appropriately stored in the computer. The length measurement is performed by a length measuring device for determining the distance of the front end faces of the workpieces from an abutment. The length measuring device includes a manually operated device that is operated with ultrasound, light or the like directed onto a wall in the region of the workpiece abutment.

Abstract: An automated ordering system has a gathering conveyor belt and a plurality of product dispensers for dispensing products onto the gathering conveyor belt, the plurality of product dispensers arrayed in a matrix in rows and columns wherein each row of product dispensers and each column of product dispensers share common control elements. The product dispensers are of cartridge type utilizing gravity to eject products from a cartridge suspended above the gathering conveyor belt onto the gathering conveyor belt. A universal product dispenser platform accepts a wide range of different sizes and shapes of cartridges storing products to be dispensed. The universal product platform provides support for an actuator for singulating products mounted to the cartridge.

Abstract: A pile board inserting machine comprises two pile board inserting units installed in combination respectively with the two sheet piling units of a sheet-fed printing press. Printed sheet are delivered alternately to the two pile board inserting units every time a predetermined number of printed sheets are delivered to each sheet piling unit, and the pile board inserting unit associated with the inoperative sheet piling unit is operated to insert a pile board while the sheet piling unit is at rest.

Abstract: A robotic arm calibration system is described which comprises a video line scan camera vision system used in conjunction with a plurality of novel "N"-shaped targets in an automated tape storage library. The targeting system of the present invention provides, with a single horizontal video scan of the target, all of the data necessary to enable calculation of a reference point of the robotic arm with respect to each target to thereby obtain precise robotic arm calibration in relationship to the library system workspace. The position of the robotic arm is determined using the vision system in conjunction with calibration targets which are located within the tape cartridge library, in addition to a target located on the robotic arm. The present system functions independently of the spacing between the arm retrieval mechanism and the tape cartridge storage cells.

Abstract: A system and method and loading articles onto a sorting conveyor. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a computer processor to control system function, a scanning device for identifying articles to be sorted, a conveyor for transporting articles loaded thereon, and a loading device for accomplishing the physical loading of articles onto the conveyor. The computer processor controls the motion of the conveyor, receives information from the scanning and loading devices and builds a database therewith useful for sorting the articles loaded onto the second conveyor.

Abstract: File folders are provided with unique machine-readable indicia representing the contents therein. Scanners sensitive to the machine-readable indicia are mounted to filing cabinets so that, upon opening or closing a drawer, the indicia on the folders within that drawer are automatically scanned. The indicia scanned are then input to a computer system that logs the scanned folders as being located in that drawer.

Abstract: A method and device for storing paper rolls in a storage area where the rolls are delivered and stored one above the other in recumbent fashion, and from where they are retrieved for further processing. The storage device includes a separate transport carriage for moving the paper rolls from a storing device into corridors in the storage shelving and back from storage to the storing device. To obviate the need for pallets, the paper rolls are stored in a recumbent position on a carrier surface which, supported on each side by a high supporting wall forming part of the running track of the transport carriage, adapts to the form of the circumference of the paper roll thereby allowing easily handling of the paper rolls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a position detecting apparatus for and method of detecting a position of a transport unit, wherein the transport unit is used to pick up a designated disk from a disk container containing a plurality of disks to transport the disk thus picked up to a disk playback unit. The present invention accumulates the number of pulses output by an encoder of the transport unit as the unit moves upward or downward along an encoder channel. The accumulated count is used as a position count for determining the position of the transport unit between the disk container and the playback unit. A second encoder generates a pulse train corresponding to the movement of the transport unit along the second encoder channel. The second encoder channel having a plurality of recesses spaced at a wider pitch than in the encoder channel.

Abstract: A substrate conveying apparatus usable with a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus wherein a pattern of a mask is transferred onto a semiconductor wafer by exposing the semiconductor wafer to synchrotron orbital radiation or other exposure energy through a mask. The conveying apparatus transfers the semiconductor wafer to and from a wafer chuck while the surface thereof extends vertically, and/or transfers the wafer to and from a wafer cassette which contains a plurality of wafers horizontally. The apparatus includes a conveying hand having a gimbal mechanism for supporting the semiconductor wafer to assure the semiconductor wafer transfer to and from the wafer chuck while the wafer is vertical. When the semiconductor wafer is transferred to and from a wafer cassette, the apparatus is provided with a correcting mechanism for correcting the attitude of the conveying hand to prevent the semiconductor wafer from contacting the wafer cassette.

Abstract: An order selection system is disclosed having a downwardly sloped plate, and stationary and movable dispensing means both of which are responsive to a system controller of the system. The system controller has an electronic, device such as a microprocessor preprogrammed with operating routines, which are responsive to a selected order request issued by an external device. The system controller correlates the control of both type dispensers so that each of the products in the selected order request is retrieved from its storage location and placed on the moving gathering belt within a dynamically assigned order space. The operation of both type dispensers is controlled by the system controller so that the controller dynamically assigns space on the moving gathering belt, allowing the controller to service simultaneous order selection requests that may occur from one or more external devices.

Abstract: A storage system for storage and retrieval of material goods, including a lift having a vertically traveling endless lop and inserter assemblies for inserting containers onto a storage carousel while the carousel remains in continuous motion.

Abstract: A system for transporting products, including a circulating type transport unit; and an entry unit for products, a plurality of cells for processing the products, and a discharge unit for the processed products, disposed at predetermined locations, the entry unit including a first-in-first-out type first storage and random access type second storage, the second storage temporarily storing products which have to wait for processing by a cell due to that cell's being busy.

Abstract: A computer storage unit usable with DAT cassettes. The unit has a tape drive, a carriage that is movable laterally relative to the tape drive opening, and a magazine having slots sized to releasably hold the cassettes therein. The magazine is releasable attachable to the carriage. A pair of gripper arms is rotatably mounted at the end of an arm attached to a traveler which moves the gripper arms between a selected magazine slot and the tape drive opening. The gripper arms are rotatable between a grasping position, a pushing position and an open position using a solenoid-driven actuator arm which linearly moves a head block to which the gripper arms are loosely connected at a position offset from their axis of rotation. A sensor is used in conjunction with the gripper arms to selectively move the cassettes during a test cycle to determine if cassettes are present in the magazine slots and whether the cassettes are in backwards.

Abstract: A system for storing and retrieving items to and from a storage receptacle which includes a track riding dolly carrying a robotic item handler for inserting and extracting items to and from storage The dolly also carries a multishelved caddy for receiving a plurality of items thereon. The item handler has the capacity to access each of the shelves of the caddy and may execute, under computer control, a selected sequence of item transfers between the caddy and storage during a single passage of the dolly from an on/off load point past the storage receptacle. A multishelved caddy loader queues a plurality of items received from an on-load device independently of the caddy, via vertical repositioning, and performs a bulk transfer of the queued items to the caddy when the caddy is available. A mass offloader device permits the bulk transfer of a plurality of items from the caddy to an offload receiver.

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 shelfs may be disposed opposite the work tables 7 to facilitate the consolidation of ordered goods.

Abstract: An assembly for the controlled programmed handling of articles includes autoguided and robotized vehicles and a plurality of work stations and storage areas. There is a computer communication system between a host computer, the vehicles, and the work and storage areas. The vehicles have manipulator devices to move articles from the vehicle to the work stations and storage areas and vice versa. The work stations include a receiving area, a work area, and an output area with detector devices for detecting articles in each area and for communicating same to the computer. Each vehicle has a non-traction wheel and an encoder device communicating with the non-traction wheel for converting rotation of the non-traction wheel into distance travelled by the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a storage system wherein containers may be extracted from and inserted on the carousel while the carousel remains in continuous motion.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automated vending system which uses a commercially available, multi-axis robot arm to retrieve an article from a storage location and deliver the article to a customer. The invention includes a control system which interacts with at least three entities: (a) the customers; (b) credit card agencies, as by verifying the customer's credit situation and by performing daily credit reconciliations; and (c) the control system of the robot arm, as by informing the robot which articles to retrieve. The invention includes a display which provides to the customer a catalog of articles, and allows the customer to choose an article for purchase from the catalog. The invention allows remote control of the vending system, by telephone, whereby the system can be shut down in case of malfunction. If the vending system is used to sell music recordings, the invention allows the customer to hear samples of selected recordings available for sale.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes two confrontingly opposed, columnar arrays which define a plurality of vertically spaced tray-receiving recesses. A platform is vertically displaceable along and between the arrays and carries an extraction device operable for withdrawing a selected tray from an array recess onto the platform, and for inserting a tray supported on the platform into a vacant recess in either array. The extraction device includes a pair of rods carried on and for movement longitudinally along the platform, toward and away from the opposed arrays, about opposed continuous-loop drive belts which lie in substantially vertical planes. The rods are releasably engageable, through rotation of the drive belts, within handles provided at and extending longitudinally outwardly from the opposite ends of each tray to enable withdrawal and insertion of the selected tray.

Abstract: Containers for rod-like articles are provided with a device, e.g. a transponder, capable of carrying variable coded information. Read and write devices are provided at appropriate positions, e.g. tray fillers and unloaders, to ensure that only containers of the correct type and contents are passed for further processing. The coded information may also relate to time of manufacture or loading, particularly where the articles are filter rods, to ensure unloading of only those containers in which the rods have received adequate curing time. A buffer reservoir system having a tray filler, tray unloader, and a tray handling system includes a transfer member capable of transferring trays between different positions of the tray handling system and a static trolley. The transfer member may comprise a robotic or other programmable member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for managing stores, in which objects are stored, removed and arranged. Said objects are stored not in accordance with an indexed classification but as a function of their dimensions and of the storage volumes available in the store and, at each instant, their location as well as the location and dimensions of the storage volumes still available are recorded. Said process is advantageously carried out for managing a library, videotheque, discotheque, archives, . . . . The present invention also relates to a device for carrying out said process.

Abstract: An integrated warehousing system for storing and retrieving goods as well as preparing the goods for their ultimate disposition is disclosed. The warehousing system includes numerous modular components that may be added to or subtracted from the system to accommodate a particular warehousing need. Inventoried goods placed in containers are stored on a rotational storage carousel. A plurality of work stations each having an associated temporary storage queues are integrated with the carousel to facilitate high volume handling operations. Containers delivered from the storage carousel are brought to the temporary queue where they are held until an operator is prepared to work with the goods stored therein. The container is then delivered to a work area where the operator performs the desired task. The containers may then be delivered either to another appropriate work station or back to the storage carousel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bobbin sorting and batch transfer apparatus which can collect a predetermined number of bobbins from vertically stacked storage racks each of which has a discharge port. A carriage is provided on which there are mounted one or more guide elements including vertical guides which can be juxtaposed proximate to the discharge ports. A chain drive bearing rollers is arranged to form holding bins or compartments which can be advanced in a planetary motion along the various guides. The rollers are spaced from the vertical guides to maintain the bobbins in equilibrium by arranging same to roll against the vertical guides, the rollers urging the bobbins to move through a closed loop path which can position any holding bin or compartment into proximate opposition to any discharge port in a given column of racks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated integrated work station for handling goods within distribution and production environments. In one of the preferred embodiments the work station is specifically adapted for consolidating goods.

Abstract: The unit includes an overhead line along which a large number of trollies or sorting containers move. Each is provided with a moving base like a small rotating mat enabling collection and depositing of packages to be sorted along the line. Each of these bases is mounted onto its respective trolley by way of a telescopic structure and along the line there are mechanisms to position each cell at a height corresponding to that of the collection devices where the packages are to be unloaded.

Abstract: This invention consists of an assembly and apparatus for handling clothes on hangers, and more exactly of an apparatus able of moving clothes or the like from one place to another inside a factory or a warehouse, following instructions that could be provided by an external computer. The apparatus includes basically an autoguided vehicle, a manipulator of two degrees of freedom and a clamp, movable in four degrees of freedom, being all the aforementioned elements specifically designed for controlled handling clothes on hangers. When applied in a factory, a set of apparatus like this one of the invention, communicated with the proper computer, could automate the operations and the internal management of the warehouse or workshop (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate storage system mounted adjacent to a bending furnace in a windshield production line, said system comprising a first intermediate storage (1) for pairs of flat glass sheets and a second intermediate storage (2) for pairs of bent glass sheets. Each intermediate storage includes a number of separate storage racks (3) for pairs of glass sheets and a carrier trolley (5, 9) for pairs of glass sheets. A carrier trolley (5) in first storage (1) is controlled for carrying pairs of glass sheets one at a time from storage racks (3) to the proximity of the loading end of a bending furnace (11) and carrier trolley (9) in second storage (2) is controlled for carrying pairs of bent glass sheets from the proximity of the end of bending furnace (11) onto the storage racks (3) of second storage (2).

Abstract: A goods handling system in which elongated goods such as rails, rods or plates are located in storage boxes or cassettes (12), and in which the storage boxes or cassettes are placed on racks having rack supports (15) above each other, the racks being located in a warehouse-type arrangement, with passageways therebetween. Cranes or hoists (19-23) can transfer the cassettes from a storage location in the racks to a horizontally movable transport wagon, which can transport the cassettes to a utilization station (40), for example for reloading, unloading and the like. A control unit (CU) keeps track of the respective cassettes which are interchanged, at random, in the racks, by placing an empty cassette into a storage location from which a full cassette, on which work is to be done, is removed.

Abstract: An automated library article terminal is externally operable by the user, to, through a delivery chute mounted and arranged to deliver articles through an external wall, automatically stock, vend, and selectively accept return of and re-stock, so that they can be re-vended, a plurality of reusable articles each having a unique code. A memory stores information comprising the location of the plurality of articles in the terminal. A control is coupled to the memory and is responsive to operation of the terminal by a user to generate control signals. A vertical track member has a rotational drive responsive to the control signals for revolving the vertical track member about a given axis. A vertical lift member is mounted for vertical movement on the vertical track member. A vertical drive is responsive to the control signals for vertically moving the lift member relative to the vertical track member.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for an automatic warehousing facility is disclosed. A traveling crane adapted to perform goods take-in and take-out operations is provided which is movable on a path provided between and extending along a plurality of three-dimensional racks arranged in parallel for storage of goods. There is provided a safety arrangement for safeguarding any operator from possible danger when he inadvertently enters the path of crane movement while the crane is in automatic operation, and for preventing the crane from moving when the operator is present within the path of crane movement. The safety arrangement includes a device for stopping the crane when an open / close door of a safety enclosure provided at one end of the crane movement path is opened.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for an automatic warehousing facility is disclosed. A traveling crane adapted to perform goods take-in and take-out operations is provided which is movable on a path provided between and extending along a plurality of three-dimensional racks arranged in parallel for storage of goods. There is provided a safety arrangement for safeguarding any operator from possible danger when he inadvertently enters the path of crane movement while the crane is in automatic operation, and for preventing the crane from moving when the operator is present within the path of crane movement. The safety arrangement includes a device for stopping the crane when an open/close door of a safety enclosure provided at one end of the crane movement path is opened.

Abstract: An article handling method and system for an article handling machine operable by users having identification (ID) cards bearing user identifying codes for vending and/or receiving articles which bear article identifying codes and are stored within storage bins in the machine. The article handling system includes a novel article transport and a novel user and article code reading arrangement. The article transport is selectively operable in a vending mode to transport user-selected articles from their storage bins to a position accessible to machine users for removal of the selected articles from and later return of the articles to the machine and in a return mode to transport returned articles from the user accessible position to their storage bins. The user and article code reading arrangement embodies a single common code reader for reading both ther user code on user ID cards inserted into the machine and the article codes on articles vended to and returned by machine users.

Abstract: A material supply apparatus for transferring powdery, granular and conglomerated materials, including a base member, a material vessel pooling unit, a plurality of elongate material racks arranged side by side in the material vessel pooling unit, a plurality of material vessels arranged in each of the elongate material racks, a material vessel transferring unit for removing and transferring a selected material vessel from a selected elongate material rack, and control devices for controlling movement of the material vessel pooling unit and for controlling movement of the material vessel transferring unit.

Abstract: Inner pickers (6) are provided for respective stages of racks (4) of storage areas (2, 3) to be movable on rails (7). Operations of the inner pickers (6) are independently controlled in the respective rack stages by optical communication through optical communication units (9).

Abstract: A self contained tilt rack video cassette library cabinet containing multiple VCP units with an XYZ motion tape cassette selection and delivery system to computer directed insertion in a subscriber VCP and return after play to a tilt rack library storage bin. The system includes activation means, movie selection means and a TV set at each subscriber location, an address mechanism in the system and a telephone line connection through a duplex modem to a computer having a monitor and keyboard with computer controlling XYZ carrier movement pick up of cartridges from and return to video cassette storage bins, insertion and extraction of selected video cassettes to and from subscriber dedicated video cassette players (VCP). Each VCP has an audio and video output connection to respective modulators each output connected to a combiner mixer.

Abstract: A lithographic plate storing system comprises a lifting member for engaging with a hook of a lithographic plate; a carriage including a lithographic plate engagement member which is adapted to be located in an advanced position while the lifting member is lowered so as to receive the lithographic plate and in a retreated position while the lifting member is raised so as not to interfere therewith and a pusher for sidewardly pushing the lithographic plate while the lithographic plate is supported by the engagement member; and a fixed storage shelf including a plurality of perpendicularly spaced-apart partitions.

Abstract: A physical distribution system having a shelf storage unit for storing at least one article; a conveying unit having a terminal unit for conveying an article to and from the shelf; a memory unit for storing and retrieving data from the terminal unit, data relating to the article and data relating to the shelf address; and a data processing unit for transferring data relating to the storage/removal of article(s) to and from the terminal unit of the conveying unit; wherein the memory unit is mounted on the article(s) or is mounted on an article carrying unit which is used for carrying the article(s). The memory unit may be provided on the shelf storage unit removably.