Abstract: An automated work station which may be used when needed in conjunction with two vertical temporary holding conveyors makes use of a tiltable table and associated transition table for each conveyor. One tiltable table is shifted to a first upper horizontal position to receive empty boxes, one at a time, from its vertical conveyor. The other tiltable table is shifted to a first upper horizontal position to receive box units in which have been stored supply quantities of the different material items from which the operator selects specified quantities of items and places those items in the empty box units until an order is filled. The tiltable tables each have a tilted position for the operator's convenience while the boxes are being unloaded and loaded. When a box unit is to leave the tiltable table, the table is again tilted to a second and lower horizontal position from which the box unit is moved to a second lower horizontal level of the transition table.

Abstract: Apparatus for cultivating for example mushrooms, whereby a desired climate is preserved in a building. Disposed in the building standing parallel to each other are racks in which trays are placed in which the mushrooms are cultivated. Arranged in the passage between the racks and horizontally along them are rails which can be driven synchronously in vertical direction. A platform can travel over the rails. The platform can therefore be carried to any required position along the racks. Personnel can take up position on the platform, for instance to pick the mushrooms. Further coupled to the rails is a belt conveyor which carries away the picked mushrooms.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and returning reusable articles each identifiable with its own identification code, comprising: a pair of opposing, stationary arrays of locations, each location being capable of holding a reusable article therein and having its own particular location code; a memory adapted to store details of the location codes and the article codes in memory; a data receiver for receiving informational data from a patron; a receptacle for receiving and discharging the articles; a transfer mechanism for placing an article in a location in the arrays or removing an article therefrom, the transfer mechanism being movable relative to the arrays between operative engagement with any of the locations and the receptacle; an article code sensing device adapted to sense the article code of an article carried by the transfer mechanism; and a control device having means for receiving control information and for generating output instructional information and control signals, the control device being respon

Abstract: A unit goods storage includes racks (1) a frame-work (2) of which is made up each of vertical masts giving support to stacks of cantilever shelves (3,4) facing each other with their free sides so as to form vertical passages each containing a horizontal conveyor (5) the ends of the frames of which extend beyond the framework (2). All ends of the frames of the conveyors (5) are interlinked by stiff members (6) so as to form therewith a gridwork (7) capable of displacing up and down the height of the storage under the action of a drive (8).

Abstract: A vending machine for articles, such as videotape cassettes, includes a rotatable turret having article-retaining compartments in which the articles to be dispensed are retained, and a vertically movable robotic arm located adjacent the turret for removing a desired article from the turret and directing the article to a discharge opening in the device. Preferably the vending machine is computer controlled to dispense the desired article from the machine, based upon an input signal provided by a user, and also to return an article to the machine, when the user desires to return it. A unique package arrangement for a videotape cassette includes a case having opposed planar walls and passageways extending through the surfaces in a central location thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is a lithographic plate transfer system composed of a lithographic plate pickup conveyor (10), a transfer conveyor (30) and an allocator (60). The plate pickup (10) is provided with a lift for hooking and lifting up lithographic plates delivered by conveyors (12, 14), and a transfer device (24) for transferring lithographic plates to a transfer conveyor (30). The transfer conveyor (30) is provided with a gripper (40) for gripping a folded upper end (S1) of the lithographic plate, and cam mechanisms (50, 50') adapted to open and close the gripper at loading and unloading positions between the pickup and allocator. The allocator (60) includes a mechanism for allocating unloaded lithographic plates from the transfer conveyor (30) to shelves (62, 64).

Abstract: A conveyor system for warehouses and the like incorporates a movable gantry (13) which carries a first conveyor boom (22). Similarly, a second conveyor boom assembly (20, 57) is carried by the gantry (13) for rotation relative to the gantry (13) and the first conveyor boom (22). A gantry turntable (33) is interposed between the first conveyor boom (22) and the second conveyor boom assembly (20, 57), and is rotatably positionable relative thereto.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a building structure having an array of contiguous storage spaces on each of at least one level. A plurality of movable storage platforms, on which such cargo as automobiles, shipping containers and the like may be loaded, is available, each individual platform to be moved into, stored or moved out of any one of the storage spaces. Each storage space is provided with a first apparatus for supporting and moving one of the storage platforms in a longitudinal direction, and with a second apparatus for supporting and moving a storage platform in a transverse direction. The two supporting and moving apparatus in each space may be alternately or selectively placed in contact with, and actuated to move, the storage platform therein, thus shifting the platform with its cargo in the direction desired into or out of the storage space. Remote and automatic programmed control of storage and retrieval movements of the cargo being handled may be included.

Abstract: An end station for ion implantation apparatus comprising an ion implantation process unit having a wafer holder and capable of implanting ions in wafers in a high vacuum, and a wafer supply-collection unit for the process unit.

Abstract: Large rolls of partially overlapping paper sheets which are convoluted onto the cores of reels are stored in one or more rows of compartments in a newspaper printing or bookbinding plant. Two adjoining rows are separated from each other by a track for one or more vehicles which are used to transport empty reels to one or more compartments wherein the sheets are convoluted onto the respective cores as well as to transport loaded reels to unoccupied compartments or to compartments which are adjacent to unwinding units. Conveyors in the form of cranes and/or chain or belt conveyors are used to transfer empty and loaded reels between the compartments of the rows and pairs of similar compartments on the vehicles. A vehicle which transports a loaded reel from the convoluting station to an empty compartment is used to transport an empty reel from such compartment to the compartment at the convoluting station so that the vehicle is put to use during each stage of its movement.

Abstract: A transport assembly for use with a storage conveyor is provided. Generally, the transport assembly is for use in a warehousing system including a plurality of storage conveyors each having a surface thereon for storage of objects. The storage conveyors do not, independently, include a drive motor. Rather, the transport assembly is provided with means for engagement with a selected storage conveyor, to drive same. In particular, the transport assembly includes a pivotable arm having a powered drive wheel thereon, capable of selectively engaging a conveyor drive wheel. In the preferred embodiment, the arm comprises a yoke having first and second side members. Preferably, the side members include notches therein facilitating proper alignment and secure engagement between the arm and the storage conveyor. Two transport assemblies are disclosed, one for use with a charging end of a storage conveyor and the other for use with a discharge end.

Abstract: A high-speed, bidirectional transporter for a multiple station production line provides for the programmable pickup, transport and delivery of materials at non-sequential work stations along the production line. The transporter is self-propelled by a rack and pinion drive and moves along a track that defines a course through the multiple work stations. A turntable on the transporter carries an extensible and retractable arm whose motion, when coupled with a materialladen pallet, provides for either the pickup or delivery of a pallet to or from an individual work station. Coupling and uncoupling of the arm with a pallet is effected by the controlled rotation of the turntable, which is capable of 180 degrees of rotation to also impart to the transporter the ability to transfer pallets off of both sides to address a work station on either side of the track.

Abstract: A distribution apparatus for the distribution of piece goods to different stations which is equipped with a transporting system for the pick-up and delivery of the piece good and with a chassis adapted to be driven; in order to enable the loading and unloading of differently constructed stations, the transporting system of the distribution apparatus includes a roller or chain type conveyor and a loading fork arranged coaxially thereto, whereby the loading fork is mounted on a chassis so as to be liftable and lowerable and both the conveyor and loading fork are adapted to be driven for loading and unloading.

Abstract: An automatic system for changing the electricity supply source on a mobile unit with an operating arm the system comprising a station for storing the electricity supply sources, means for prearranged positioning of the mobile unit in relation to the station, and means for activating the arm for picking up the rundown electricity supply source and replacing it with a new electricity supply source withdrawn from the storage station.

Abstract: A device for transferring article storage pans between a selected storage compartment and shuttle which moves along the aisles of storage racks in a warehouse. The accumulator pan transfer device is vertically, movably mounted on the shuttle. An extractor carriage has a plurality of spaced cogged rollers and moves horizontally and upwardly on wheels located in V-shaped guides mounted on a horizontal base for engagement with a pan which is to be transferred between the device and a storage compartment. Certain of the cogged rollers are power driven and engage a series of projections formed on the bottom wall of the pan to remove the pan from the compartment and onto other of the supporting rollers for supporting the pan as it is transferred to the center of the base. Return of the extractor carriage to the center of the base deposits the removed pan onto a pair of transversely extending accumulator belts. The belts are power driven and remove the pan from the extractor.

Abstract: A vending machine having a plurality of helically-wound dispensing coils with merchandise items disposed between adjacent coil convolutions is provided with a coil operating system movable along X-Y axes. A first drive motor rotates a vertically-oriented shaft to reciprocate a traveler movable thereon and supporting a horizontally-disposed member. A second drive motor and a counter-balancing weight, mounted adjacent to the ends of the member, are interconnected by a second shaft rotatably secured to the second motor and the weight. A horizontally-movable traveler carrying a dispensing coil actuator reciprocates along the second shaft. A control unit responds to signals from a coin-operated merchandise selector to move both travelers, vertically and horizontally, respectively, to position the actuator adjacent to the dispensing coil for the selected item. Operation of the actuator motor rotates the coil to dispense the item.

Abstract: A case feeder conveyor system is provided with an accumulation conveyor and a central conveyor which is located on an elevator, the accumulation conveyor, at a transfer station, is provided with a pusher bar that extends the length of the accumulation conveyor whereby a predetermined number of cases on this conveyor can be transferred to the central conveyor at one time.

Abstract: An unmanned guided vehicle (10) is propelled along a path (P) by a traction mechanism. Movement of the vehicle (10) on the path is controlled by a first control. The vehicle (10) includes storage (40) for storing at least one container (30) and transfer mechanism (44) mounted for vertical movement on the vehicle (10) for moving the at least one container (30) between at least one stationary location and the storage (40). The vehicle (10) also includes second control (16) which selectively controls the transfer of the at least one container (30) between the at least one stationary location and the storage (40). The vehicle (10) is moved to the stationary location whereupon the container (30) is moved from the storage (40) to the transfer mechanism (44) and then to the stationary location or vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and supplying rod-shaped material to a cutting machine comprising a shelving unit including a plurality of carrier arms arranged one above another to form shelving compartments for holding rod-shaped material. A first rotatable rollway is located in the shelving unit and forms a substantially horizontal support for delivering and returning rod-shaped material to and from the cutting machine. The first rollway is vertically displaceable from a cutting machine loading position to a supplying position. A crane bridge is provided moveable with respect to the shelving unit for moving rod-shaped material from the shelving compartments to the first rollway. A second rotatable rollway is provided to form an additional substantially horizontal support for delivering and returning rod-shaped material to and from the cutting machine and the second rollway is also vertically displaceable between a supply position and a cutting machine loading position.

Abstract: A system for replacing electrical batteries in electrically powered vehicles in a minimum period of time on the order of one minute or less. Carriage-elevator structure is arranged in front of a battery charging station to transfer selected batteries between the charging station and a parked stationary vehicle. The vehicle and the charging station are provided with roller support units adapted to bear the battery weight and permit manual push-and/or pull shift of individual batteries to or from the aforementioned elevator. The system enables a substantially discharged battery to be removed from a vehicle and replaced with a fully charged battery in a very short time, e.g. about one minute.

Abstract: Storage method, in particular intermediate storage method for baking tins, whereby the baking tins are disposed in racks wherein the baking tins are positioned story-wise in rows behind each other and always one type of baking tin per each rack.

Abstract: In combination with automatic storage and retrieval system having a continuous track which supports a continuous rotating storage unit to move therearound in a horizontal direction, the rotating storage unit including a plurality of horizontally spaced shelves arranged vertically into columns, a conveyor system mounted adjacent the rotating storage unit for moving storage bins towards and away from the rotating storage unit, and an elevator mounted in a fixed position between the rotating storage unit and the conveyor system; a platform mounted in the elevator for vertical movement up and down adjacent the rotating storage unit, an extraction and insertion arm assembly slidably mounted on the platform, the arm assembly including a pair of longitudinally disposed extractor arms having the forward ends extending towards the rotating storage units, a motor for driving the arm assembly in a horizontal direction towards and away from the rotating storage unit for bin placement in and withdrawal from a preselected

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: An installation for storing a variety of elongate rod stock and for automatically supplying such stock in a selected sequence to a severing machine which is spaced from the installation, the rod stock being stored in the installation with their longitudinal dimensions all parallel to one another and to the direction of the severing machine, and the installation being composed of a group of vertically extending shelving units spaced from one another in a direction transverse to the direction toward the severing machine, each shelving unit presenting a plurality of compartments spaced vertically from one another, a gantry crane including a crane bridge movable between the compartments for conveying stock to and from each compartment, and a rollway associated with one of the shelving units, arranged to convey stock to and from the severing machine, and vertically movable between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: In a document storage and retrieval system of the type including at least one storage rack having a plurality of individual storage compartments, each of the compartments normally having positioned therein a cartridge holding a plurality of cards or the like, at least a first one of the compartments being empty and functioning as an access port for feeding cartridges into and removing cartridges from the storage rack, and a carriage assembly which travels on one side of the rack for transferring cartridges between the access port and the other storage compartments, the carriage assembly including a transport mechanism for moving cartridges thereon to and thereoff of, there is disclosed an improved transport and gate assembly positionable in a single empty storage compartment immediately below the access port which acts as a stop and cartridge presence sensor for blocking movement of a cartridge through the access port on to or off of the carriage assembly and which selectively retracts and allows movement of

Abstract: In a warehouse setup, individual items of goods are moved onto and off of storage shelves on a rack by a vibrating action. A movable carriage supporting a vibrator is positionable at the ends of a storage shelf so that the vibrator can be placed in engagement with a particular shelf. The shelves are movably supported relative to the rack whereby the vibrating action is directed to the shelf but not to the rack.

Abstract: An unloading mechanism for a shelf storage system in which a load of goods is supported on a pallet which constitutes a unit load, the load and pallet resting on a mobile storage and transport unit which unit is subjected to the action of the unloading mechanism for removal from the storage pile. The unloading mechanism comprises a modified section of a trackway at the very end at a vertical stop where the unit load, with its four wheeled unit, is lifted by a lifting conveyer to elevate the front wheels of the four wheeled unit first over the stop and then over a cam which is hump shaped and facilitates the pulling of the wheeled unit to clear the front wheels. The lifting is done at the front by the lifting conveyer and done by the wheels engaging the hump shaped cams at the back. The load is then removed. A follow-up unit load of goods on a pallet and four wheeled transport unit moves down the inclined trackway to replace the unit load just removed.