Abstract: A storage medium cartridge that has a substantially rectangular housing with an aperture formed thereon is provided for use with a cartridge gripping assembly. The cartridge gripping assembly includes a gripping mechanism having a first end which releasably engages the aperture defined on the housing of the storage medium cartridge. The gripping mechanism further includes a second end that is dimensioned for coupling with a first end of a mechanized robotic arm for providing motion to the cartridge gripping assembly.

Abstract: A disk organizer includes a cabinet defining a number of storage cells each of which is associated with an electrically controlled magnetic device. A disk enclosure is movably received in each of the storage cells. The disk enclosure receives and accommodates a storage disk therein. A magnet is mounted to the enclosure and corresponds to the electrically controlled magnetic device of the cell associated with the enclosure. A controller system comprised of a computer equipped with storage memory and a user interface, is connected to the electrically controlled magnetic devices for selectively energizing the electrically controlled magnetic device to generate magnetic attraction and expulsion for the magnet to selectively move the disk enclosure in and out of the associated storage cell of the cabinet. Information and index of the disks stored in the cabinet is recorded in the computer storage memory whereby a user may search and access the disks by means of the user interface of the computer.

Abstract: The robotic docking apparatus for a cartridge library system having a cartridge Storage array provides a docking apparatus on the robotic arm that mates with corresponding features on the storage compartments. The docking apparatus enables the cartridge retrieval mechanism to automatically and precisely align with the storage compartment that contains the selected data cartridge by using passive alignment mechanisms and without requiring the use of a vision system or expensive tight mechanical tolerances. The robotic docking apparatus is incorporated into the robotic arm in the form of a docking feature that protrudes from the front of the cartridge retrieval mechanism. The docking feature is of length sufficient to begin engagement of the mating docking receptacle formed in each of the storage compartments in the storage array prior to the remainder of the cartridge retrieval mechanism contacting the data cartridge stored therein.

Abstract: A system for processing elongate workpieces. The system consists of a first machining unit for performing a first processing operation on an elongate workpiece that is situated at a first location and a second machining unit for performing a second processing operation on an elongate workpiece that is situated at a second location that is vertically spaced from the first location. The system further consists of a first supply unit on which a plurality of elongate workpieces can be placed in a stored position. A transfer assembly engages an elongate workpiece in a stored position and selectively delivers an elongate workpiece engaged by the transfer assembly to one of the first and second locations.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes at least two pairs of two confrontingly opposed, columnar arrays. Each of the pairs of columnar arrays defines a plurality of vertically spaced tray-receiving recesses, and an access region between the columns, in which an indexing/insertion/extraction mechanism is positioned for pulling bins or trays housed in the recesses. The mechanism has a platform vertically displaceable in the access regions between the pairs of arrays; a shuttle table rollably mounted upon the platform for horizontal displacement thereupon between the pairs of arrays; and an extractor assembly supported by the shuttle table for causing horizontal insertion/extraction of bins onto the shuttle table.

Abstract: Apparatus for packing a pack of boards, eg plaster board, for wrapping and then delivery to a site is disclosed. The apparatus 1 comprises broadly about 30 to 40 board storage units or bins 2, 3 arranged in two sets. Each bin 2, 3 stores a different size and specification of plasterboard. The apparatus 1 also includes a conveyor 4 onto which the boards are tipped from the bin 2, 3 and which conveys the boards from the bins 2, 3 to a packing point. The apparatus 1 also includes a stacker 5 at the packing point for stacking the boards and also attaching for tying the boards together to form a single pack suitable for transport to the site.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk having a walk-in enclosure, interactive selection panel, multi-section inventory storage area for dispensing items and accepting returns. User selections are entered via instructions entered at an interactive panel containing a selection menu of graphical icons and messages. A programmable controller monitors entered identification data and payments to control the dispensing and return of selected items from assigned storage locations via X-Y-Z track driven, transfer and end effect assemblies. Associated software manages payment transactions via a bill receiver, coin changer, credit card verifier, and receipt printer and develops associated administrative inventory status reports. One end effect includes a hook that interconnects to storage trays. The end effect extends and retracts the trays onto a support platform and conveys the trays and items back and forth from the storage space.

Abstract: A robot device that either translationally or rotationally aligns an object with a slot. For translational alignment, the robot device comprises a position sensor positioned in close proximity to the slot. The translational position sensor determines the position of the object by moving the object parallel to the slot until it actuates the position sensor. For rotational alignment, two position sensors are provided that determine the relative angle between the object and a portion of the robot device and the object.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system platform extraction and insertion mechanism has a left and right pin transport engaged by a chain on said platform along a path extending substantially the length of the platform in a substantially elliptical pathway such that either the left and right pin transports travel from a first end of the platform substantially the length of the platform and optionally back to the first end. The left and right transport paths are identical in their direction along their paths. The left and right transport paths have a two directional movement about the platform along the path; and a left and right pin mounted upon the left and right pin transports whereby the left or right pin is pointed substantially away from the path, wherein the left or right pin engage an underside of a container extension and pull a container until the left or right pin has substantially traversed the platform.

Abstract: A storage lift has two columns, and a hoisting shaft for a conveyor unit (2) movable up and down between the two columns. A light grille (5) is arranged in the storage lift on the end of the conveyor unit (2) facing a charging and discharging opening (1). The light grille provides measurement of the height of the goods on the storage lift, and also acts as a safety element. Safety aprons (6, 7) are mounted on the top edge of the charging and discharging opening (1) and on the lower front edge of the conveyor unit (2) for compensating for shifting delays during braking of the conveyor unit (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously loading/unloading a plurality of wafer boats (24) onto/from a cantilever paddle includes a cantilever paddle (47-1) and a carriage (42-1) supporting the cantilever paddle First and second vertical translation mechanisms (34A,B) each include a stationary part (62,63) and a vertically moveable support (61). First and second horizontal translation mechanisms (50A,B) each have a base (86) supported by one of the vertically moveable supports and a horizontally moveable arm (51) supported by the base (86). A horizontal boat support assembly (102) supports the loaded wafer boats and has an end supported by a first horizontally moveable arm (51A) and another end supported by a second horizontally moveable arm (51B).

Abstract: One embodiment of a picking tool for an automated library of disk drives has an electromagnet, a tapered hole, and a ventilation system. The ventilation system has a box fan with an impeller for moving air through ducting located within the picking tool. The ducting includes a vents located adjacent to one surface of the picking tool. The picking tool is designed to work in conjunction with a disk drive carrier having a front bezel equipped with a tapered guide pin that is complementary to the tapered hole, and vent ports. The guide pin provides alignment between the carrier and the picking tool. The automated disk drive library has a rack with drawers for containing the carriers. The picking tool is mounted to a robotic arm for selectively engaging and interfacing with the carriers. After the picking tool aligns with a desired carrier, the picking tool moves toward the carrier to insert the guide pin into the tapered hole.

Abstract: Bi-directional magazine and trays are disclosed. The bi-directional magazine and trays are used in double-picker automated storage library in which the double-pickers can never collide. The bi-directional magazine enables a double-picker to retrieve storage cartridges from either side of a magazine. The bi-directional magazine includes a tray for supporting a storage device removably mounted in a magazine, the storage tray being removable from a first end of the magazine and from a second end of the magazine, opposite from the first end. The storage tray may include a plurality of such storage trays. Each tray includes an engagement configuration on opposing ends of the tray for engaging with a picker mechanism for allowing the picker mechanism to pull the tray from the magazine at the first end or the second end of the magazine.

Abstract: A lift truck attachment for handling loads comprises a main frame assembly for attachment to an elevator of a lift truck and a lower slide assembly. The lower slide assembly includes an elongated sliding element for performing a reciprocal motion relative to the main frame assembly. A bottom slide cross tube is furnished and has an elongated structure extending substantially perpendicular to the elongated sliding element. An elongated pusher plate is attached to the bottom slide cross tube and extends substantially parallel to the elongated sliding element. A first shear plate has a first hole and is attached to an end of the bottom side cross tube. A second shear plate has a second hole and is rotatably attached to the first shear plate with a rotation axis disposed substantially parallel to the elongated sliding element. The first hole and the second hole have the same distance from the rotation axis. A threaded safety bolt penetrates through the first hole and through the second hole.

Abstract: An autonomous remote controlled vehicle for use in the automation of an existing refrigerated flow through storage facility food processing application. The remote vehicle is specifically designed to operate within a network of centrally controlled remote vehicles that are adapted to receive selectable items from production and temporarily store them for later retrieval. The system is adapted to minimize travel time for the remote vehicle and optimize cycle time. The system is specifically adapted to handle cardboard shipping boxes containing meat products.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking and placing media supported in stores and drives of a data storage library without electrical actuation or separate mechanical actuation means of grasping and releasing the media's pick feature, the apparatus including: a carriage movable toward and away from the media, the media being supported in the stores and drives; at least one picker member pivotally attached to the carriage at a pivot point and having a latching portion adapted to engage the media's pick feature. The picker member is movable between an open state wherein the latching portion is spaced from the media's pick feature and a closed state wherein the latching portion engages the media's pick feature. The apparatus also includes a spring having a first end attached to the carriage and a second end attached to the picker member.

Abstract: In order to achieve a magazine structure in which any necessary cartridge can be removed or inserted while a magazine is mounted in an autoloading device, a carrier unit is equipped with a lock releasing mechanism at the distal ends of openable/closable arms thereof so that a cartridge received in the magazine may be individually released from locking. This prevents any failure on the reading and writing of data due to removal of any wrong cartridge since the cartridge to be released can be defined by a programmable operation of the carrier unit.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk having a walk-in enclosure, interactive selection panel, multi-section inventory storage area for dispensing items and accepting returns. User selections are entered via instructions entered at an interactive panel containing a selection menu of graphical icons and messages. A programmable controller monitors entered identification data and payments to control the dispensing and return of selected items from assigned storage locations via X-Y-Z track driven, transfer and end effect assemblies. Associated software manages payment transactions via a bill receiver, coin changer, credit card verifier, and receipt printer and develops associated administrative inventory status reports. One end effect includes a hook that interconnects to storage trays. The end effect extends and retracts the trays onto a support platform and conveys the trays and items back and forth from the storage space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a commissioning system (1) with at least one high-speed automatic machine (2) which comprises at least one article shelf (3) with article shafts (4) which are adjacently and essentially vertically arranged, preferably in a slightly slanted manner, and which can be accessed from the front. Articles which are to be commissioned can be stored in said article shafts, whereby a shelf control unit (5) can travel and which is assigned to the article shelf can be positioned at each article shaft (4) and stores articles in said article shaft. According to the invention, the spatially moveable shelf control unit (5) is equipped with an article handling unit (6) which stores the articles of the same type or dimensions in a stacked manner without the use of a magazine, whereby an article stack (7) which is to be stored in. Simultaneously handled without a separate article stack magazine or receptacle by the shelf control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: An automated data storage system which comprises one or more robotic accessors movably disposed therein, each such accessor including a revolving memory buffer and a velocity control program, wherein the velocity control program stores operational data regarding the gripping and pivot mechanisms disposed on the accessor. A method to diagnose the cause of an accessor failure by downloading and analyzing the operational data stored on the defective accessor's revolving memory buffer.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a transport robot (TR1) formed with a telescopic vertical movement mechanism of a so-called telescopically nestable multi-tier construction. A drive mechanism (D1) is initially driven to move a support member (48) upwardly to simultaneously elevate a vertical movement member (42d). As the vertical movement member (42d) rises, a pulley (47c) simultaneously moves upwardly. As the pulley (47c) moves upwardly, a vertical movement member (42c) is lifted upwardly by a belt (L1). Similar actions elevate a pair of transport arms (31a, 31b) provided on the top of a vertical movement member (42a). The increase in the number of tiers of the nestable multi-tier structure precludes the increase in height of the transport robot (TR1) in its retracted position.

Abstract: A warehouse (10) has a plurality of cells (11) arranged in rows and columns. In each cell is received a plurality of load units (12) aligned in a row directed towards an input-output mouth of the cell to have the first load unit of each row, which represents the head of the row, arranged near the mouth of the respective cell. At least one deposit-withdrawal shuttle (13) moves along the cell mouths and has handling means (22) for taking and depositing load units at the head of the rows. The load units (12) in each row are connected sequentially to each other with mutual coupling means (17) to move together towards the cell mouth when the shuttle withdraws the leading load unit of the row The coupling means between the withdrawn unit and the immediately following one in the row are releasable on command during the withdrawal to free the withdrawn load unit from the row after the withdrawal movement has moved the second unit of the row near the cell mouth.

Abstract: Automatic storing device comprising a storage container for storing objects in a plurality of locations which locations are defined by one of housings and shelves arranged side-by-side and on a plurality of levels. A device is provided for loading and unloading the objects into and out of the locations. The device for loading and unloading the objects comprises a platform for supporting an object. A mechanism is also provided for moving the platform from one level to another. A pair of pliers adapted to grip an object is provided. The pliers comprise two parallel pivoting branches. Each of the two branches is pivotally mounted and has a free end adapted to grip the object. A first moving mechanism adapted to move the two branches in the same direction is provided. A second moving mechanism adapted to move the two branches towards and away from each other is also provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling order setup and operation of order fulfillment devices, which devices include dispensers that dispense low quantities of low-demand articles from an inventory containing a very large number of different low-demand articles. The method arranges the articles in totes so the dispensers have efficient access thereto, and efficiently refills the totes based upon past orders.

Abstract: A rotary die storage and retrieval unit, a rotary die storage rack, and a rotary die storage cart are disclosed. The unit is for an automated storage of a rotary die upon a rotary die shelf and for an automated retrieval of a rotary die from upon the rotary die shelf. The rotary die shelf is disposed within the rack, and accessible through a side opening of the rack. The rotary die shelf is either adjoined to the rack, or adjoined to the cart which is disposed within any embodiment of the rack capable of housing the cart. A frame of the unit is movably mountable to the rack. When the frame is movably mounted to the rack, the frame is operative to be aligned with the rotary die shelf. A carriage of the unit is movably mounted to the frame and is also operative to be aligned with the rotary die shelf.

Abstract: Data cartridge exchange apparatus for allowing a user to access a data cartridge contained in a data storage system may comprise a cartridge engaging assembly mounted within the data storage system so that the cartridge engaging assembly is moveable along a displacement path. A panel located adjacent a portion of the displacement path is provided with a cartridge exchange aperture therein that is sized to pass the data cartridge.

Abstract: To provide an automatic warehouse that can elevate and lower an elevating rail stably even if racks are high, and that allows effective use of the space between the racks for maintenance. Elevation drive sections for an elevating rail 3 are provided near the respective ends of one of racks 1 and 2, a rope 40 attached to a rail-supporting member 12 is wound around a drum 22, and a counterweight 24 is used to balance the effect of gravity in order to elevate and lower a rail 3. A travelling cart 4 travels on the rail 3, and the rotation of a turntable 5 and the rotation of arms 6 and 7 and a hand 11 are used to load and unload an article on and from the rack 1 or 2.

Abstract: A display for floor tiles, ceiling tiles and like flat objects whereby the objects are displaced on plates in tiers. A pair of columns on either side of a rectangular platform which can be raised and lowered along the columns and has a carriage engageable with the plates to draw them out onto the platform. The lighting can be varied to represent different times of the day and the columns are bridged by a wall on which indicia are imaged.

Abstract: A flat article turntable for use in a flat article sorting system having a flat article holding cartridge, a cartridge handling mechanism and an automatic flat article feeder is provided with an empty cartridge presentation mechanism for presenting empty cartridges to a cartridge handling system. A full cartridge acceptor mechanism for receiving full cartridges from the cartridge handler system. A rotary mechanism is provided for rotating a full cartridge 90°. An index mechanism is provided to matingly index the cartridges with the automatic feeder of the sorting system. An extraction mechanism is provide including a cartridge opener for opening the cartridge. A pushing mechanism is operatively connected for pushing stacked articles from the cartridge. A pause mechanism is interconnected to allow a finger on the automatic feeder to take the stacked articles, and a closing mechanism is attached to close the cartridge.

Abstract: A parking installation comprising a pallet on which a vehicle is loaded, wherein a guide member is formed on a lower surface of the pallet along its longitudinal center line; a carrier for loading the pallet thereon, the carrier traveling along a traveling rail extending across parking rooms; travel rollers mounted at both ends of the carrier for rolling on the traveling rail; a first driving motor connected to a shaft of the travel roller for supplying a driving force to rotate the travel roller; a pallet transferring unit mounted rotatably to both ends of the carrier, the unit being in contact with the guide member and transferring the pallet longitudinally; and a pallet drawing/pushing assembly mounted adjacent to the pallet having a pivotable arm pivotable along a predetermined arc, the pivotable arm of the pallet drawing/pushing assembly either drawing a stopper formed on a lower surface of the pallet such that the guide member of the pallet comes in contact with the pallet transferring unit or pushing t

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for use in a mass memory data storage system. The present invention includes a gripper assembly having a roller-inserter, which permits contact with a data cartridge to be retrieved from or archived in said data storage system. The present invention also includes methods to inventory cartridges in said data storage system using the roller-inserter to provide for a contact method of inventory. The present invention also provides for teach-mode probe functions and real-time cartridge position locators.

Abstract: A jukebox for a plurality of recording medium assemblies (such as trays bearing discs) which includes a horizontal transport system wherein an engagement actuator (such as a solenoid) effects movement of an engagement piece. The engagement piece is moved between a position of being engaged with the recording medium assembly and a position of non-engagement with the recording medium assembly. The engagement actuator is linked to the engagement piece through a pivoting crank, so that the direction of motion of the engagement actuator is different than the direction of motion of the engagement piece.

Abstract: A library storage module is provided with a pass-through system operable to transfer tape cartridges in any direction between the original library storage module and an additional library storage module, wherein each library storage module is provided with a respective pass-through port. A pass-through tray is located in the original library storage module, and is sized to receive at least one cartridge. Preferably, the pass-through tray is provided with an extension bar attached thereto which provides an engagement surface for an actuator, such as a robotic arm, located inside each library storage module. A guide rail is provided along which the pass-through tray moves, the guide rail extending through the respective pass-through ports of the library storage modules. Upon instructions from a processor, one of the robotic arm applies force to the extension bar, thereby moving the pass-through tray and any cartridges contained therein along the guide rail between the adjacent library storage modules.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for carrying out the multi-level stacking and moving of merchandise units using lift trucks configured for slipsheet palletizing. The system employs a blocking assembly in conjunction with slipsheets employed for such warehousing practices. This blocking assembly preferably is formed of a corrugated polymeric material having a forward flap-like blocking component which extends downwardly from a die-formed crease over the packaged components of a lower assembled merchandise unit. The crease provides sufficient compressive stress distribution from abutting engagement with an errant lift truck forward fork tip to avoid damage to upper level packaged merchandise within the lower unit. The blocking assemblies are quite light and thin, and the flap-like blocking components thereof may be utilized as a slipsheet in the event that the grasping tab of a slipsheet is torn by the gripping mechanism of a lift truck.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) wherein individual identical articles are disposed in vertical stacks stored in cells of movable totes. The totes are movable into and out of storage racks by an automated storage/retrieval vehicle. The ASRS includes an order picking system having at least two zones disposed along an order-collecting conveyor system. One zone picks low-demand articles, and the other zone employs high-speed dispensers which support plural upright stacks each containing identical high-demand articles for dispensing of such articles onto the conveyor system. A controller assigns order-collecting areas along the conveyor system so that picked or dispensed articles within the zones are deposited into a preassigned area for assembly of an order.

Abstract: A safety device for use in a storage apparatus includes a protective device and movable covers. The storage apparatus includes a plurality of carriers for stored goods, an opening for stocking or unstocking goods on the carriers and a drive having drive elements for selectively moving the carriers to the opening. The opening has an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge is in the proximity of a plane in which the goods are stocked or unstocked. A protective device is associated with at least one of the upper and lower edges of the opening, and configured to stop the drive upon intervention, so that the opening is protected in a vertical direction. The plane has side regions where covers are arranged and configured to cover the drive elements. The covers are movable together with the movement of the carriers and coupled to safety switches for stopping the drive.

Abstract: There is provided a component-feeding device for an electronic component-mounting apparatus which has a main block for carrying out electronic component-pickup and mounting operations. The component-feeding device selectively transports a plurality of pallets on each of which at least one tray containing a number of electronic components is placed, to a pickup position for picking up supplied one of the electronic components. A selected one of the pallets is vertically transported selectively to different levels according to a height of the at least one tray on the selected one of the pallets. The selected pallet vertically transported to the selected level is horizontally transported to the pickup position.

Abstract: A storage apparatus that includes a storage shelf having a plurality of horizontally and vertically arranged storage sections for storage of articles and a moving body for taking articles in and out of the storage shelf. Conventionally, since an article carrying in and out section for taking articles in and out of such storage apparatus is divided into working sections having substantially the same width as that of storage sections, a space for work is small and a work is made difficult and inefficient when the moving body is used to take articles out of the storage sections or articles are placed on the working sections. Therefore, a working space, which protrudes beyond the article carrying in and out section and is free of partitions is provided. With such arrangement, however, there is a problem that a storage apparatus is extended in a lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A cartridge transferring robot for use in a library apparatus which is capable of certainly transferring a plurality of types of cartridges (media) to meet various needs from the users. In the present invention, for this purpose, in case where a plurality of types of cartridges are handled within the library apparatus, a picker section includes a type identifying mechanism to identify the type of the cartridge held in the picker section in a state of being gripped by a hand mechanism. Further, this invention is for transferring cartridges among a storage unit, a cartridge entry/exit station and a drive unit within a library apparatus storing a large number of cartridges such as magnetic tape cartridges and optical disk cartridges.

Abstract: A lift system for raising and lowering a carriage may comprise a pin-in-track position indexing apparatus having a position indexing track with first and second inclined branches and at least one guide pin for engaging the position indexing track. The guide pin may be attached to the carriage. Switching apparatus associated with the pin-in-track position indexing apparatus allows the guide pin to follow the first and second inclined branches of the position indexing track. An actuator operatively associated with the pin-in-track position indexing apparatus actuates the pin-in-track position indexing apparatus to raise and lower the carriage.

Abstract: A carriage is provided for a storage-retrieval system including a shelf assembly. The carriage includes a base member, at least one carrier region above the base member for supporting an object to be transferred, at least one pair of shifting units flanking the carrier region. The shifting units are reciprocally movable into and away from the shelf assembly. Engaging members are mounted on the shifting units. Each of the engaging members arranged to pivot about a vertical axis and movable between a closed position for contacting the object and an open position for avoiding the contacting with the object.

Abstract: The automatic vertical storage and retrieval system has an extractor for retrieving items stored and presenting the retrieved items to an operator. The extractor is vertically displaceable between and along vertical rails and is driven by an electromechanical chain drive system. The rails have equally-spaced locking slots for attaching pan brackets to form storage platforms for storage pans. The extractor includes an extractor stabilization mechanism having four locking dogs which engage with the locking slots of the rails to support the extractor and any retrieved items, thereby removing the load on the chains of the chain drive system during extraction or deposition of the storage pan(s). Thus, the extractor can be located in the optimal vertical position without the use of a precision linear encoder, and the extractor can maintain this optimal vertical position as the load is transferred to or from the extractor.

Abstract: A system for filling orders, such as prescriptions for patients, having a generally cylindrical storage area for holding packages in known locations. Each location has a unique (r,.theta.,Y) coordinate. The system also has a computer controlled device for picking packages from selected locations in the storage area. The picker can also be provided with a sensor for detecting rods which hold the packages and relaying the coordinates of the selected locations to the control system. The system may also include a conveyor and a transfer device from the storage area to the conveyor. The picking device deposits the picked packages in the transfer device which directs the packages into a tray on the conveyor. In one embodiment, the contents of each package is a single dosage of medicine.

Abstract: An active high volume storage and retrieval system provides an improved accumulator and package transfer devices. The storage and retrieval system includes a storage carousel having a plurality of spaced apart, horizontal storage tiers and a lift having a plurality of article supports for supporting articles to be delivered to or to be received from the storage carousel. A first conveyor is provided which delivers articles to the article supports of the lift assembly. A second conveyor is provided which receives articles from the article supports of the lift assembly. A first article transfer device is disposed adjacent the lift, which includes a plurality of injection pushers for pushing containers from the storage supports of the lift onto storage tiers of the carousel. A second article transfer device disposed adjacent the carousel. The second article transfer device includes a driver beam and a plurality of ejection pushers, with each ejection pusher aligned with one of the article supports.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a cartridge having a cartridge notch formed therein in a storage library system includes a hand frame adapted for receiving cartridges and a reach carriage assembly movable along the hand frame assembly. A latch arm assembly is pivotally connected to the reach carriage assembly and includes a latch tooth thereon for selectively engaging the cartridge notch. The latch arm assembly is pivotally movable between a latching position, wherein the tooth is positioned for engagement in the notch, and a put position wherein the latch arm is positioned for pushing the cartridge out of the hand frame. Cam devices are provided for pivoting the latch arm assembly between the put position and latching position.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine has a telescopically extendible shuttle assembly which includes a plurality of linearly movable plates and a plurality of shuttle guide roller assemblies which accommodate non-linearities in the guide surface and other variations in clearance between the shuttle guide rollers and the corresponding guide surfaces of the shuttle assembly. Each shuttle guide roller assembly includes a spring, preferably a die spring, which biases the guide roller towards the guide surface but which permits limited deflection of the roller when it encounters bows, bumps, or other variations in linearity in the guide surface. The pre-tensioned guide rollers provide wear compensation, center the shuttle plates on their tracks, and assure adequate guidance of the shuttle plates during shuttle telescoping while preventing premature wear of the shuttle guide roller bearings and/or the guide surfaces.

Abstract: A transporter movable perpendicularly to a transfer path along one or more shelving racks containing shelves, a cargo transfer apparatus is mounted from the transporter, and has a cargo platform for receiving cargo transferred therefrom and thereto along a horizontal transfer path between the platform and a shelf, a traverser disposed along at least one side of the transfer path and having a retracted position along said cargo platform and being extendable from its retracted position to and into the shelf, a first drive for reciprocating the traverser along the transfer path, a pair of transfer arms for pushing cargo toward and away from the cargo platform, and a second drive for moving the transfer arms between their resting positions and their active positions.

Abstract: A dedicated elevator having a "smart" handler mounted thereon to move circuit boards and the like from an assembly line to a storage magazine and back, providing a greatly reduced footprint over apparatus which must move and elevate entire magazines and which must accommodate magazines of various sizes. The smart handler both inserts boards into the magazine and retrieves the boards from the magazine. The smart handler includes a photosensitive gripper/pusher which can detect the edge of a board and grip the board by the detected edge to retrieve it from a slot in a storage assembly. The handler includes an actuator for moving the gripper along the direction of movement of the board for a predetermined distance to detect and engage boards which are irregularly stacked in a storage apparatus. The handler further includes a edge type conveyor which delivers boards to the gripper for full insertion into the storage assembly and receives boards from the gripper for delivery to the assembly line.