Abstract: A cargo transport system for automated warehousing, wherein there are guide rail structures each mounted from an opposing shelving face structure of two rows of storage shelves extending substantially parallel to each other and present opposing shelving face structures toward one another, each of the guide rail structures including a guide rail with sides, at least one or more power supply conductors, or control signal conductors, or both power supply conductors and control signal conductors disposed substantially parallel to each other and arranged along the side of at least one guide rail, a cargo carrier adapted to roll over the guide rails, and collector attached from the load carrier for maintaining substantially constant electrically conducting contact with the power supply conductors and the control signals conductors for respectively powering and controlling the movement of the cargo carrier.

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 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: A horizontally displaceable receiving table for picking up and setting down package-like articles includes a displaceable transporting device, with roller-like pick-up members at its end relative to the direction of travel. The receiving table is displaced towards the articles by a first drive at a velocity which is decreased when the table is in close proximity to the vertical face surface of the articles. The pick-up member is then driven by a second drive such that the pick-up member engages the article and lifts the article onto the receiving table. The receiving table and the transporting device are then driven countercurrently at the same speed until they have substantially moved under the article. The receiving table permits picking up and setting down package-like articles at designated times and locations without damage to the articles.

Abstract: Parking garage hoist translates on a central `main` aisle driven by hydraulic translation motor and raises hoist car driven by hydraulic translation motor. Both motors are mounted near the base of the hoist and power for the hydraulic motors is derived from overhead electrical rails and power pick-up with the picked up power converted to hydraulic power. A transverse aisle may be provided to house a hoist for maintenance while another hoist travels on the main aisle. An extension aisle may be provided to house a hoist while another hoist travels on the main aisle.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine having a base movable in opposite horizontal directions, a mast mounted on the base, and a carriage movable in opposite vertical directions on the mast. A drive is also provided for moving the base and carriage in their respective opposite horizontal directions or opposite vertical directions. A control is connected to the drive for transmitting to the drive for either the base or the carriage, a first signal for a fast acceleration rate in one of the opposite directions of movement, a second signal for a slow acceleration rate in the other of the opposite directions of movement, a third signal for a slow deceleration rate in one of the opposite directions of movement, a fourth signal for a fast deceleration rate in the other of the opposite directions of movement, and a direction signal to move in one of the opposite directions.

Abstract: A novel vertical drive assembly for a storage and retrieval vehicle wherein a cable drive motor is horizontally juxtaposed between a lift cable winding and unwinding drum. The vertical drive assembly is modularly assembled on a frame and is attachable and detachable from the vehicle as a unit. The vertical drive assembly comprises, in seriatim, the motor, a belt drive sprocket wheel, a drive belt, a belt driven sprocket wheel, and, juxtaposed and on the same axis as the driven sprocket wheel, an input adapter, a speed reducer, and the drum. The motor is attached to the frame by jacks used to raise and lower the motor to adjust tension in the belt. To stay within the width of the vehicle, the input adapter and speed reducer are at least partly disposed within the core of the drum with the speed reducer providing a bearing for the drum. To reduce starting inertia, sprocket wheels are fabricated from lightweight material.

Abstract: A novel dual mast storage and retrieval vehicle comprising structure which maintains each mast essentially vertical as variably weighted heavy loads are placed on a carriage disposed between the masts. Each mast is disposed near the center of a separately supported base such that bending of the base under such loads induces little off-vertical deflection to the mast. The separately supported bases are coupled by a connector which comprises cross-aisle and vertical degrees of freedom but is strictly constrained in the down-aisle direction. In the currently preferred embodiment, two down-aisle drive motors, in master/slave relationship, provide a synchronous drive for the vehicle. Further, interconnecting joints a strut at the top of the masts and of the carriage comprise hinges which resist propagation of mast induced moments caused by beam deflection or vehicle dynamics.

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: 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: An automatic conveyance system comprises a buffer storage for storing a plurality of unit racks containing units; a plurality of test cells for testing the units contained in the unit racks; and a plurality of test cell controllers, each being provided in one of the test cells and each accepting an operator's requirement to take out a unit rack from the buffer storage, to store a unit rack into the buffer storage, or to convey a unit rack from one of the test cells to another one of the test cells. The system is provided with a plurality of automatic guided vehicles for conveying unit racks. A computer is connected to the test cell controllers by a single bus and has information on the unit racks stored in the buffer storage.

Abstract: A procedure to avoid permanent flattening of the roundness of paper rolls. The procedure involves a transport carriage provided with two rotatable supporting shafts and the rolls being rotated through one or more predetermined angles at predetermined intervals of time and then stored further in such new rotational position.

Abstract: A batch sterilization system is disclosed for first loading containers to be sterilized into cars, transferring the loaded cars into one of a plurality of retorts arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, sterilizing the containers while in the retorts and discharging the containers from the cars, discharging the cars from the retort, unloading the cars and thereafter repeating the cycle. The system includes a plurality of single or double door retorts in horizontal and vertical rows thereby minimizing floor spaced. Different horizontally and vertically spaced retorts may process products requiring different sterilization times in the retorts. A programmable computer is preferably used for performing the several functions of the sterilization system and for keeping track of the location of the containers during and after processing.

Abstract: A base for a storage and retrieval machine is disclosed in which the frame of the base comprises a pair of spaced apart frame members having a length generally parallel to the rail upon which the base travels and extending a portion of the length of the base. The frame members are positioned straddling the rail with the rail projecting upward into the space between the frame members. A mast is mounted on the base and supports a vertically movable carriage means for carrying objects to and from overhead locations. The pair of frame members may comprise a pair of L-shaped members each having a downwardly projecting upper wall spaced apart from the upper wall of the other L-shaped member and a lower wall projecting away from the lower wall of the other L-shaped member in a direction laterally of the length of the base. The base includes first and second trucks located at opposite ends of the pair of L-shaped members.

Abstract: A rack and die mover including a die rack frame having a storage structure attached thereto for holding a plurality of elongated dies in a substantially horizontal orientation. A lateral translating mechanism is attached to the frame so that when dies are placed thereon they can be moved to one side of the frame over toward the pressbrake machine where they can be slid onto or off from the pressbrake machine. A mechanism is also provided for selectively adjusting the vertical position of the lateral translating mechanism with respect to the frame whereby it can be used to transfer a die to or from a machine at more than one vertical level. A lift frame is provided which has arms thereon for extending under the elongated dies for lifting them up off of either the storage rack or up off of the lateral translating mechanism.

Abstract: A method and transfer vehicle for the elimination of the accumulation of positioning errors of packages in storage places in a computer controlled consecutive store, where the packages are stored consecutively on the base of the rails on which the transfer vehicle travels and where in order to move a package in the center the packages in front or behind must first be removed. The transfer vehicle includes a lifting device which lifts the package off of the base and onto the transfer vehicle for transport. Known store transfer vehicles of this type cause a detrimental accumulation of errors during the positioning of the packages. According to the invention, a package is centered in the direction of the store line relative to the transfer vehicle at least once during the time it is stored on the store line. This takes place most advantageously in connection with each lift via the lifting device.

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 mast to base connection for a storage and retrieval machine which incorporates a pin connection between the mast and the base. The base of the machine is formed as a plurality of elongated plates standing on edge with upwardly extending lugs formed integrally with the plates. The mast has similar lugs formed at its lower end which interleave with the lugs on the base. The mast and base are factory prealigned prior to shipment and line bored to receive connecting pins which can be precisely matched to each bore. The invention includes a method by which the mast is assembled to the base at a job site by laying the mast down on the base and inserting one of the connecting pins into the lugs, and then tilting the mast about the pin until the remaining lugs are aligned for insertion of a second pin.

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: An apparatus for the feeding and discharge of a heating-plate press, a movable carriage introducible into the press space being provided at the front side of the press, and this carriage having, at its underside, means for lifting the workpieces processed in the press from the lower press plate and, on its topside, a bearing surface for receiving the workpieces to be introduced into the press.

Abstract: A mechanized storage facility according to the present invention has a size which enables it to be moved from one place to another. The storage facility includes a box-shaped casing, an elevator device coupled to the casing, a plurality of storage units accommodated in the casing, a conveying car that travels within the casing to convey the storage unit between the casing and the elevator device, and a control device for controlling the operation of the conveying car and that of the elevator device. The interior of the storage unit is divided into a plurality of stages so as to form a plurality of accommodating portions each of which accommodates a storage box such as a strongbox. The elevator device includes an elevator tower and a lift provided in the elevator tower in such a manner that it can rise and fall. The elevator tower has an opening having a size equivalent to that of one of the plurality of accommodating portions.

Abstract: Storage system for pallets, which is constructed from columns connected to one another by longitudinal and transverse girders. Channels for the storage of pallets are obtained in each compartment at different supporting levels. Mounted on the transverse girders in the longitudinal direction of each channel are rails on which a driven carriage can be moved through the channel in the longitudinal direction. The rails are mounted such that the wheel tracks are outside the dimension of the pallets. The carriage is equipped with wheel carrying arms at locations corresponding to the rail tracks and outside the pallet width and with a fork at such a height that the prongs can be inserted into the insertion orifices of the pallets.

Abstract: There are defined a lift space (E) and multi-storied housing spaces (X, Y) provided on at least one side out of the left side, right side, front side, and rear side of the lift space (E). A three dimensional housing apparatus comprises a liftable fork unit composed of a pair of liftable forks (5a, 5b) movable up and down in the lift space (E), and a plurality of traversable housing forks (20) each reciprocatingly movable between a corresponding housing space (X, Y) and the lift space (E). An object (C) to be housed can speedily and safely be warehoused in and delivered from a respective housing space (X, Y) by the liftable fork unit (5a, 5b) and a respective traversable housing fork (20).

Abstract: An elevated track network guides self-propelled guided vehicles (with containers thereon) from an entry location where objects enter the system, to a storage zone defined by sets of compartmentalized storage racks wherein containers filled with objects are temporarily stored, and from thence to an exit location where retrieved objects leave the system. Each set of storage racks comprise four racks and two aisles, with two of the racks arranged back-to-back between the aisles and the other two racks on opposite sides of the aisles. Each storage rack comprises storage compartments arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns. A track in the track network extends through and along an intermediate row in one of the back-to-back racks (pre-empting the compartments in that row). Each aisle accommodates a self-propelled aisle crane which services the racks on both sides of the aisle.

Abstract: A system for feeding production and/or packing material onto manufacturing lines, which system has compartment for storing the material; guide tapes for mobile trucks traveling between a storage area and manufacturing lines. The guide tapes define routes selectively traveled along, in use, by the mobile trucks for transporting and feeding the material to the manufacturing lines. A computer controls the position and operation of the mobile trucks; and a number of mobile trucks having an independent electricity supply and designed to supply operating-arm units are connected at least temporarily to the mobile trucks.

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: The transportable robot system comprising a plurality of robot working areas, an unmanned transporter for transporting a robot mounted thereon and moving between the robot working areas and a travel track for the unmanned transporter to provide a communication between the areas. The unmanned transporter provides a base to which to robot is mounted and secured, and a locating station for the base is provided near a machine tool in the working area so that the base may be put on the locating station at a predetermined position.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a base frame or chassis (1) mounted on wheels (20) effective to slide on guides (7), the base frame (1) supporting a floor (2) rotatable about a substantially vertical axis thereon a fork (12) bearing carriage (4) is effective to independently move, the forks (12) being provided, at the bottom thereof, with variable position supporting sliding wheels (13) for allowing for the raising and lowering of the fork engaged pallets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for monitoring and controlling movement of a hoist along a line of treatment tanks of an electroplating apparatus. Hoist-mounted optical sensing units of the system have pickups formed of opposed lines of infrared emitting diodes and phototransistors which interact with elements of plates fixed at work stations along the tanks to provide station identification and centering information relative to the hoist. A microprocessor-based controller on the hoist processes data from the sensing units and from a rotary encoder attached to a hoist drive motor and, under direction of an off-hoist main computer, rapidly and accurately positions the hoist at selected stations in a desired operating sequence.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of complementary numerically controlled machine tools in which different work-pieces are each subjected to appropriate selected machining operations on selected machine tools in a selected order by appropriate delivery of common form pallets loaded with the workpieces. Transporters deliver pallets between the machine tools, a storage rack, and work-setting stations where work-pieces, automatically delivered in bins from a bin store, are loaded on pallets. Tool magazines are delivered between a rack and the machine tools by a transporter. Transport and machining operations are computer controled, and monitors feed back signals indicative of location of pallets, tool magazines, and bins in the system.

Abstract: A tire supplying apparatus has a self-propelled green tire carrying wagon for carrying a green tire to be vulcanized, a green tire unloading device mounted on the wagon and a green tire receiving stand disposed at a predetermined position located in front of a vulcanizing press or a green tire loading device mounted on the vulcanizing press. The green tire unloading device is provided with an aligning mechanism adapted to hold the unloaded green tire so as to displace it in any radial direction while it is lifted up, the aligning mechanism serving to locate its center in correct alignment with respect to the green tire receiving stand or the green tire loading device.

Abstract: In a mast crane wherein a tension member controls the position of a carriage along an upright guide rail, the tension member is connected with a load transmitting element against which an abutment on the carriage bears down under carriage weight. A brake shoe carrier that has a link connection with the carriage carries two brake shoes, and by swinging about said link connection it clampwise engages them against opposite carriage-guiding surfaces on the rail. A linkage connecting the load transmitting element with the brake shoe carrier causes brake-engaging swinging of the carrier when the load transmitting element drops away from the abutment upon failure of the tension member. A spring biases the brake shoe carrier for such swinging, but its force is normally overcome by weight of the carriage. The link connection of the brake shoe carrier with the carriage is arranged for brake self-energizing once the brake shoes engage the rail.

Abstract: In a stacker crane having a trolley comprising a turntable rotatable about a vertical axis, a mast projecting down from the turntable for rotation and horizontal motion with it, and a load supporting device vertically positionable along the mast, the mast comprises two mast elements spaced to opposite sides of said axis, and said device comprises an inverted U-shaped carriage member having its legs engaged along the inner sides of the mast elements and a shuttle member comprising load supporting tongues projecting forward from a frame. Rollers on the shuttle member frame engage fore-and-aft extending tracks on the legs of the carriage member to confine the shuttle member to horizontal motion relative to the carriage member between an extended position wherein said frame is spaced forward from said axis and a retracted position wherein said axis extends through the shuttle member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring articles, such as concrete blocks, from a conveyor to a curing kiln and return comprise a carriage movable along a path leading from the block conveyor to any selected one of a number of curing kilns. The carriage supports a rotary turntable on which is mounted a transfer vehicle provided with article supporting forks that are vertically movable so as to shift articles off and onto the block conveyor, deposit the articles within the kiln, and retrieve the articles from the kiln. the transfer vehicle is movable horizontally relatively to the turntable to enable the article supporting forks to overlie the block conveyor, and the transfer vehicle also is movable horizontally relatively to the turntable and carriage into and out of the selected kiln.

Abstract: Conveyor device for a storage plant, comprising a lower truck 23, which in order to receive and store load units is equipped with at least two translation platforms 27, 28 that are operable independently of one another.The lower trucks 23, which are carried through the "hucke-pack" system by a respective bearing truck 24, are movable away from and to the bearing trucks 24 on sliding rails 25, 26 in the storage shelves 4 and positioned directly below the load units. A respective bearing truck 24 and lower truck 23 carried thereby form all together a horizontal conveyor unit which in any case with a load unit from the hoist or elevator 8 is transported between the floors 3 and transfer station 9 and is freely movable independently of the same in such floors 3.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed for automatically transporting loaded pallets within a plurality of tracks forming a storage rack. The vehicle comprises a main body having a plurality of wheels extending out of the sides thereof. A lift mechanism is mounted on the main body and is extendable therefrom for raising or lowering a loaded pallet above or onto the support surface of the tracks. Each lift mechanism comprises a pair of support bars, with each bar being connected to a pair of lifters or support elements. Each pair of lifters is jointly raised and lowered by flexible chains which extend over fixed supports and a double eccentric drive mechanism located therebetween. A horizontally positioned guide wheel also extends out of each corner of the carriage to contact the track rails and center the carriage at all times on the track. The carriage and lift mechanisms are respectively driven by a pair of drive motors located on the carriage.

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: 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: An apparatus is provided for the interconnection of two mobile carriages which are connected by a rigid beam and guided along parallel guide rails. The apparatus permits the simultaneous and identical movement, with respect to both direction and distance, of the carriages along the respective guide rails. The apparatus comprises two generally symmetrically disposed cables, each of which is attached at one end to an end of one rail and at its other end to a diagonally opposed end of a parallel rail. Intermediate the attachment points, the cables connect the carriages by resting on and being supported by return pulleys which are integral with the carriages. Each cable thereby describes a generally Z-shaped configuration. The Z-shaped configurations are symmetrically disposed in order to cause, during the displacement of one carriage, the tensioning of one of the cables, and thereby cause the other carriage to be identically and simultaneously displaced.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of complementary numerically controlled machine tools in which different workpieces are each subjected to appropriate selected machining operations on selected machine tools in a selected order by appropriate delivery of common form pallets loaded with the workpieces. Transporters deliver pallets between the machine tools, a storage rack, and work-setting stations where workpieces, automatically delivered in bins from a bin store, are loaded on pallets. Tool magazines are delivered between a rack and the machine tools by transporter. Transport and machining operations are computer controlled, and monitors feed back signals indicative of location of pallets, tool magazines, and bins in the system.

Abstract: A storage system for articles comprising a plurality of inclined storage compartments where an unloading member on an elevator removes articles from given compartments and transfers the article to a conveyor from a transfer position on the elevator and the conveyor carries the articles to a delivery point.

Abstract: A semi-automated warehousing system for unitized loads, such as load carrying pallets, which are retained in storage racks arranged in a multiple lane, multiple tier array, is disclosed. The system employs a man operated stacker crane that travels upon a fixed rail and serves as a host vehicle for a radio controlled transfer vehicle which is powered by a rechargable battery. An elevator, which forms part of the crane, is mounted between masts of the crane and a man carrying cab is secured to the elevator. The transfer vehicle can move laterally away from the crane, in either direction, in response to radio command signals controlled by the operator in the cab. The transfer vehicle rides on support rails in the storage rack and, upon command, deposits or picks up a pallet. The battery which powers the transfer vehicle is recharged each time the vehicle returns to the elevator portion of the crane.

Abstract: An arrangement for the storage of pallets which are used to hold material of lengthy shape. A plurality of shelves are located and fixed next to one another, and they are accessible from at least one broad side via a loading and removal device which travels transversely to the shelves. A plurality of stacked compartments accommodate the pallets, and have a guided loading and removal device which travels underneath the shelves which are located above floor level. An additional guided gantry-like loading and removal device travels above the shelves. The loading and removal device, furthermore, travels underneath the shelves, and may be constructed in the form of a traveling lifting table with a device for the loading and removal of the pallets. Guides may be fixed to the vertical members of the shelves for the lateral support of a platform of the lifting table. A lifting mechanism of a gantry crane may be formed by consoles guided on supports of the gantry.

Abstract: A semi-automated warehousing system for unitized loads, such as load carrying pallets, which are retained in storage racks arranged in a multiple lane, multiple tier array is provided. The system employs a man operated stacker crane that travels upon a fixed rail and serves as a host vehicle for a ratio controlled transfer vehicle which is powered by a rechargeable battery. An elevator, which forms part of the crane is mounted between masts of the crane and a man carrying cab is secured to the elevator. The transfer vehicle can move laterally away from the crane, in either direction, in response to radio command signals controlled by the operator in the cab. The transfer vehicle rides on support rails in the storage racks and, upon command, deposits or picks up a pallet. The battery which powers the transfer vehicle is recharged each time the vehicle returns to the elevator portion of the crane.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of complementary numerically controlled machine tools in which different workpieces are each subjected to appropriate selected machining operations on selected machine tools in a selected order by appropriate delivery of common form pallets loaded with the workpieces. Transporters deliver pallets between the machine tools, a storage rack, and work-setting stations where workpieces, automatically delivered in bins from a bin store, are loaded on pallets. Tool magazines are delivered between a rack and the machine tools by transporter. Transport and machining operations are computer controlled, and monitors feed back signals indicative of location of pallets, tool magazines, and bins in the system.

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: System for accurately positioning an article transfer assembly in a preselected one of several positions in at least one of a horizontal and a vertical path of movement by remotely controlling the assembly by way of a digital position reader unit. A belt control arrangement extends parallel to the paths of movement of the assembly and is provided with a series of mutually separate and locally disposed position-defining control elements, a corresponding series of mutually separate and locally disposed position-indicating control elements as well as a corresponding series of mutually separate and locally disposed locking elements. A carrier arrangement is combined with the assembly and displaceably engages the control arrangement by way of rollers. The carrier arrangement is provided with search devices adapted to cooperate with the position-defining control elements and with the position-indicating control elements and with a locking device adapted to cooperate with the locking elements.

Abstract: A floating storage facility for storing small boats not greater than a predetermined length. A floor system comprising a network of longitudinal and lateral support members disposed over flotation blocks provides support for the building. A pair of spaced parallel weight supporting beams are disposed centrally over the flotation members on each side of the storage facility. The parallel beams support a plurality of columns which support a pair of parallel spaced crane runway rails disposed along the upper portion of the building. The weight of the building is distributed over the flotation device to provide a central stabilized loading point for the building. The building has a lightweight metal frame cover disposed overwardly with the outer walls.