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 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: A storage rack entry vehicle for transporting loads of substantial weight in a warehousing system includes a plurality of wheels spaced from each other in the direction of both the length and the width of the vehicle and which support the vehicle for movement upon rails. The vehicle also includes an elevatable platform which supports the loads on the vehicle and distributes the load weight to locations adjacent each of the wheels. A rigid plate connects both the wheels and the load supports. However, this rigid plate is sufficiently flexible such that the plate flexes to maintain all of the wheels in continuous contact with the rails where one of the rails may vary in elevation such that at least one of the wheels might otherwise move out of contact with the rail surface.

Abstract: A lift truck for transporting a movable switchgear unit into a position wherein the unit can be inserted horizontally into an upper-level space within a metal-clad switchgear cubicle comprises horizontally-extending rails along which said unit can be rolled during insertion into said cubicle. Means is provided for blocking insertion motion of the switchgear unit on said rails until the truck rails have been locked to rails in the cubicle in a position of substantial axial alignment between the truck rails and the cubicle rails.

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: In a storage system, a plurality of storage racks are provided, the racks being movable to enable selection of passageways therebetween. A carriage is conveyable along the ends of the racks by individual conveyors supported at the rack ends, the carriage being movable into passageways formed between the racks. The racks or carriages supporting the racks are provided with rails mounted to support the movable carriage when it is positioned in any selected passageway. A fork lift device is provided on the carriage to enable selection of a vertical position in the racks.