Abstract: A high-density storage system for goods is described in which totes carrying the goods are stored in a storage structure and stored and retrieved via stationary or mobile conveyers running along opposite ends of each layer of the storage structure. The totes may be moved to or from the conveyers as the rows move at a constant velocity toward or away from the conveyers. Totes at the ends of rows are quickly moved and stored in another row until the desired tote appears at the end of the row, at which point the desired tote is carried to an exit point of the storage structure by one of the conveyers.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure include a rigid tray container and methods and equipment for using the rigid tray container in batched process operations. In one embodiment, a mass container is sized and dimensioned to receive one or several rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to lid/unlid, secure, stack, load/unload, and buffer rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to stack and stage mass containers. In some embodiments, methods are provided for batch processing items.

Abstract: An automated storage/retrieval system has two pairs of multi-tier racks that are arranged in series. An elevator is disposed between the two pairs of multi-tier racks. The elevator enables a load to be delivered to and received from the two pairs of multi-tier racks. The automated storage/retrieval system having such a tandem structure not only can provide the same storage capacity as that of a conventional configuration in which two pairs of multi-tier racks are arranged in parallel, but also can be applied to a building with a limited height since the system does not need to have an extended height. Since only one elevator is needed, the number of units is less than that of a conventional system, reducing manufacturing cost and an installation space for the system.

Abstract: A method and equipment to stack palletless and as to their size variable packages (1) on warehouse rack (15) and to retrieve them from the rack and to control the logistics of packages, in which the warehouse rack is furnished with an automatic packages stacking and retrieving robot, and in which the control of warehouse data and logistics takes place by a data system. Equipment (5) receives package (1), for instance, onto conveyor belt (2), equipment (5) carries out weighing of package (1), determination for the necessary space requirement, reading of remote code connected to package (1), as RFID code (20) in order to choose the rack space determined for it on basis of previous functions, and package (1) is retrieved from the rack steered either by the order of the user or of the data system, and the data from above mentioned stacking and retrieving functions are transmitted to the data system.

Abstract: An order-picking system and method includes a pallet warehouse (12), preferably in terms of a high-bay warehouse, being used as a supply warehouse dedicated to a plurality of, preferably different, packing units (40) which are stored, preferably by one sort only, on pallets (14) in the pallet warehouse (12); a tray warehouse (24) which is used as a picking buffer for supplying connected order-picking stations with packing units (40), wherein trays (38) are stored in the tray warehouse which have been loaded with a pallet layer of packing units (40) before; a conveyor (22) which transports from the pallet warehouse to the tray warehouse trays (38) which are respectively loaded with a pallet layer of packing units, particularly across longer distances; and at least a rack-transport unit (36) for trays (38), the rack-transport unit allowing receipt of a plurality of trays being respectively loaded with a pallet layer.

Abstract: A system and method designed to transport and package sequenced product. The system includes a first transport system for receiving and transporting, in a closed position, holders each of which contain product. A second transport system transports, in the closed position, the holders until each of the holders are aligned within a respective release position, at which operational stage the second transport system is capable of opening the holders to discharge the product in a sequenced order. A packager receives the discharged product and packages the product in the sequenced order.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided and includes a transfer deck having a longitudinal axis, a first storage section and a second storage section. The first storage section and second storage section are located on opposite sides of the transfer deck and are substantially symmetrically opposed to one another about the longitudinal axis, where each of the first and second storage sections includes storage aisles that are in communication with the transfer deck.

Abstract: A system employing wheeled vehicles, such as strollers. A plurality of the wheeled vehicles is provided, each having a docking element. A vehicle station has a docking port for each of at least some of the wheeled vehicles. Each docking port has a charging device and is shaped to engage a docking element of an engaged wheeled vehicle. At least two display screens are provided on the wheeled vehicle, one for an occupant and one for an operator. One or more screen drivers is provided for the display screens.

Abstract: A container storage and retrieval system (1) has first, second and third storage zones (2, 3, 4) for storing containers. The first storage zone (2) stores containers of product in frames (6), each frame (6) including a plurality of stacks (7) of containers. The second storage zone (3) stores containers of product in stacks (7). An automated retrieval system retrieves selected stacks of containers from the second storage zone (3) and replenishes the second zone (3) with containers by receiving frames (6). The third storage zone (4) includes a second automated retrieval system for retrieving selected partial stacks or stacks of containers, and replenishing the third storage zone with containers by receiving stacks from the second storage zone. Orders are collated by transferring a required number of complete frames (6) from the first storage zone (2), a required number of complete stacks (7) from the second storage zone (3) and a required number of stacks (7) or partial stacks from the third zone (4).

Abstract: In a method for filling bulk goods into containers designed to accommodate a certain number of bulk items, at least one bulk goods conveyor is used to transport the bulk goods towards at least two pickers which are consecutively arranged in the direction of transport. The pickers are used to fill the bulk goods into empty spaces in containers, transported on at least one container conveyor. When the supply of bulk goods decreases or is discontinued, the at least one picker arranged downstream in the direction of transport of the bulk goods conveyor gives preference to containers with a high filling level. Completely empty containers are preferably no longer filled. Thus the bulk goods conveyor can be emptied within a short period and almost all bulk goods are packed without necessitating manual filling of the containers.

Abstract: Images are printed on surfaces of discrete objects that are loaded onto an upstream end of a production path passing through a plurality of treatment stations and taken off a downstream end the path. The path passes through a plurality of treatment stations and is split at least one of the stations into a plurality of generally parallel lanes each having a respective treatment device or printer. At the one treatment station the objects are split up and fed to the lanes from the path, the images are printed on the objects in the lanes with the respective printers, and all the objects are returned to the path after printing. The objects move single-file downstream along the path upstream and downstream of the one station. Instead of printers, each lane can have some other type of treatment machine and the operations performed by these treatment machines in the lanes can be the same or different.

Abstract: A transporting rail unit includes a first driving mechanism driving the object to a first position on a rail. A second driving mechanism includes a member designed to displace in response to reception of a force from the object when the object moves forward to the first position from a second position in front of the first position on the rail. The second driving mechanism allows accumulation of an elastic repulsive force based on displacement of the member. The transporting rail unit allows the object to keep moving forward based on the elastic repulsive force even after the object is released from engagement with the first driving mechanism. If the second driving mechanism is interposed between the first driving mechanisms, the object can be transferred between the first driving mechanisms. A single transporting rail unit can be utilized in common. This results in reduction in the production and management costs.

Abstract: An ergonomic mechanism is provided for storage facilities eliminating the need to reach into a storage shelf, or tier, to access rear situated packages. The mechanism of the invention comprises a manually movable pusher/puller that engages items/packages disposed at the back of the storage shelf. The pusher/puller is manually pulled forward by flexible connectors, causing the rear packages to move forward upon the flow tracks until they reach the front area of the tier and engage a picking shelf. At the front, packages can be picked from the tier with ergonomic ease due to the flexible connectors that allow movement of a gripping handle in any direction with respect to the shelf.

Abstract: A container (10) includes a body that has a bottom wall (12), a top wall (20), a back wall (14), and first and second end walls (16), (18) wherein the walls (12), (14), (16), (18), and (20) of the body define an open front (22) portion of the container body. The container (10) further includes a first (24), top (98), bottom (100), side (110), and diagonal (112) conveyors supported on the back wall (14) within the container (10) for supporting parts (28) between the conveyors (24), (98), (100), and (112) for sequentially loading and unloading the parts (28) on and off the conveyors (24), (98), (100), and (112). The container (10) may provide for an effective way for loading and unloading the container with variety of parts comprising different shapes and dimensions.

Abstract: Substrates can be transported on a top transporting section to component-fitting locations of a component-fitting apparatus. Conveying sections for substrates which are to be routed past the component-fitting locations are arranged on a number of conveying levels beneath the transporting section.

Abstract: A transfer system includes transfer lines (L) each of which forms a closed loop and has transfer-in stations (S1 and S3) and transfer-out stations (S2 and S4) for assembling parts to a work, while circulating the work along the transfer line (L); and a work and part transfer passage (51) for transferring the work and the parts. Transfer-in stations (S1 and S3) and the transfer-out stations (S2 and S4) are disposed at each of the longitudinal ends of each of the transfer lines (L). Sub-transfer-passages (521 and 522) branching out rightward and leftward from the work and part transfer passage (51), are disposed along longitudinal sides of the transfer lines (L). With this layout, a plurality of the transfer lines (L) can be disposed in a required minimum space, while securing a smooth supply and discharge of the works and parts with respect to the plurality of the transfer lines L.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing system (10) for storing and dispensing pre-packaged pharmaceutical products (12) and other products. The system includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product conveyors (16) mounted within the cabinet and each configured for holding at least one product; an infeed conveyor (18) for receiving products that are to be stored in the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for receiving products that are to be dispensed from the cabinet; and a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the product conveyors and the infeed and outfeed conveyors for storing products in or dispensing products from the cabinet.

Abstract: An information transmitting system for use in a factory, which is capable of transmitting information among controllers simply without the complicated lead-around of a communication line nor the need of complicated communication protocol. A controller for every molding cell Ai, where i=1,2 . . . max and max is a maximum number of molding cells, a conveyance controller to control an automatic conveyor, a stock cell and a centralized controller are connected to each other via an Ethernet line to provide a common information storage unit, and information is transmitted among the controllers through the common information storage unit. Since there is no need of parallel communication lines between the controllers, an I/O port or a communication line may be prevented from increasing in number and the lead-around of the communication line is prevented from being complicated, resulting in a reduction of cost required for setting up the devices.

Abstract: An automated warehouse includes a plurality of article storage shelves having a plurality of article storage sections arranged therein . An article may be conveyed from a main conveyer at one end of the shelves through a branching conveyer to a transfer apparatus. The transfer apparatus can transfer the article to and from the storage section. The branching conveyer extends substantially normal to the main conveyer. The main n conveyer includes a plurality of slats extending normal to a conveying direction and a plurality of pushing shoes corresponding with the slats. The main conveyer additionally includes a device for aligning and moving a predetermined number of the pushing shoes at a position where the branched conveyer is located.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a service center and method designed to promote the use of a battery-powered, electric vehicle which allows a discharged battery to be easily and quickly replaced in the electric vehicle and then recharged for use in another electric vehicle. The service center and method uses a plurality of universally-adaptable batteries capable of being used in most, if not all, battery-powered, electric vehicles. The batteries are designed to be lifted into or lowered from a battery receiving space formed on the bottom of an electric vehicle. During use, the electric vehicles are driven into a service center. The batteries are unlocked from the vehicle and then conveniently removed and transported to a recharging unit located in the nearby recharging center. A second, recharged battery is then removed from the recharging unit and transported to the electric vehicle. The second battery is then installed and locked in position in the electric vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sorting individual articles having identification numbers. The method comprises the steps of allocating each individual article a position number based on a position in the stream of individual articles. Next, the individual articles are conveyed from one collecting zone to another via waiting lines. The collecting zones and waiting lines are designed so that the sorting installation configuration corresponds the equation: M=(m.q.r)/n.sup.2. Wherein M equals the size of the sorting installation, m equals the number of waiting lines in the first collecting zone, q equals the capacity of a waiting line in the first collecting zone, n equals the number of waiting lines in each further collecting zone, and r equals the capacity of the waiting lines in the further collecting zones.

Abstract: A process for handling products comprising the steps of providing a product handling system having a storage structure comprising a plurality of product pallet lanes having product pallets therein, simultaneously replenishing pairs of juxtaposed pallet lanes with corresponding pairs of pallets, determining if there is a product pallet lane depleted of product pallets such that the quantity of product pallets therein is below a first predetermined quantity; and automatically suspending the simultaneous replenishment of pairs of juxtaposed lanes if it is determined that there is a depleted lane, and replenishing only the depleted lane until the quantity of product pallets therein increases to a second predetermined quantity.

Abstract: An automatic warehouse has a plurality of stock units. One stock unit has one replenishing rack and one picking rack arranged so as to oppose each other with their sides, leaving a corridor between. Each rack has a plurality of shelves in both heights and length and each shelf has a size which accommodates only one article. Shifting mechanisms are provided for shifting articles to be shifted from shelves in the replenishing rack onto shelves in the picking rack. Replenishing mechanisms are provided for shifting articles to be stocked onto the replenishing rack and picking mechanisms are provided for picking articles to be picked up from the picking rack. Transfer devices are provided for transferring articles from the warehousing berth to the replenishing mechanism and from the picking mechanism to the delivery berth.

Abstract: A three-dimensional warehouse in which its working efficiency is improved with respect to the receiving and taking out of articles and its housing efficiency is improved. The warehouse has entrance/delivery stations provided at a plurality of stories, for housing blocks provided on a vertical plane. The warehouse also has horizontal conveyors disposed to circulate along the periphery of a housing area by connecting the horizontal conveyor of the same story. The warehouse may further include a vertical conveyor for connecting the horizontal conveyors in the vertical direction. The articles can be taken in and out efficiently by driving and selecting the conveyor and the entrance/delivery stations to be used.

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

Abstract: An article selecting and collecting apparatus having a plurality of vertically spaced elongated ramps with a continuous conveyor and articulated selector slidingly attached to a rail adjacent each conveyor. The articulated selector slides along the rail to a selected portion of the rack for selecting an article from the rack and placing it on the adjacent conveyor. The conveyor carries the article to a spiral chute at a distal end for collecting with other selected articles.

Abstract: A system for filling orders, such as prescriptions for patients, comprising a device for holding packages. Each package has the same type of contents being held in a predetermined location by the holding device. Each package has an identity which defines the contents therein. The holding device has a plurality of predetermined locations corresponding to a plurality of different types of contents. Additionally, the system is comprised of a device for supplying packages to the holding device. Also, there is a device for picking a package from the holding device that is identified in the order for the purpose of restocking the holding device. The picking device is in communication with the holding device and supplying device. In a preferred embodiment, the contents of each package is a single dosage of medicine.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for unloading an article from a circulative loading base. There is provided an endless belt which forms a loading surface that is mounted rotatably in a backward inclined position to a conveyor chain. The belt comes into pressure contact with a friction roller so as to allow the belt to rotate in the unloading direction by frictional conduction to deliver articles on the belt to be delivered in a horizontal direction.

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

Abstract: The method is characterized by identifying each form stack (8) with regard to the identity received during manufacture thereof, the information received regarding the identity of the form stack (8), comparing the information received regarding the identity of the form stack (8) with stored information regarding the identities of one or more form stacks (8) sorted in the storage system (11), sorting form stacks (8) with a certain identity in such compartments in the storage system (11) containing a form stack or form stacks (8) with the same identity if, during the identity comparison, it is determined that there is/are one or more form stacks (8) with the same identity in a certain compartment in the storage system (11), sorting form stacks (8) with a certain identity in a free compartment in the storage system (11) if, during the identity comparison, it is determined that there is/are not one or more form stacks (8) with the same identity in the storage system, and removing stored identity information when a

Abstract: In a shelf-type store for magazines with material in rod or plate form, an apparatus is described for putting the material, contained in the magazines, into and out of store and for selecting it. For this purpose the magazines are moved with the aid of a transport car mobile beneath the shelving units, one of the magazine places of the truck including a hoist device. Adapted to this, the station for putting material into and out of store, lying outside the shelving units, is arranged with two reception levels, arranged one above the other for the magazines, of which the upper level is reachable for the transport car through its hoist device while the lower level may be brought into connection with the level of the transport car directly by a transfer device for the magazines.

Abstract: A warehouse has several levels. Each level has a series of storage channels for items to be stocked in the warehouse. The storage channels are parallel to one another and have respective inlet ends located at a first side of the warehouse and respective outlet ends located at an opposite second side of the warehouse. Each storage channel is equipped with a device for guiding items along the channel in a direction from the inlet end towards the outlet end. Every level is further provided with at least one return channel which is parallel to the storage channels and has an inlet end at the second side of the warehouse and an outlet end at the first side of the warehouse. The return channel is again equipped with a device for guiding items along such channel in a direction from the inlet end to the outlet end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to automated distribution systems for storing and retrieving goods. More particularly, the invention relates to a rotatable storage carousel and supporting mechanisms for inserting and extracting containers from the carousel while it remains in continuous motion. The delivery system is designed to deliver goods at rates which exceed the demand of today's production and warehousing facilities.

Abstract: The installation comprises a delivery conveyor (4) for delivering unit items in buckets (5). A station (3) injects unit items onto the delivery conveyor. A sorting conveyor (6) carries packs (8) corresponding to respective batches to be made up. The sorting conveyor is disposed relative to said delivery conveyor so as to establish at least one item transfer zone therebetween. A central control unit (10) ensure that desired coincidences occur between item-containing buckets (5) and packs (8) for receiving the items, with the control units controlling the transfer of items from the buckets to the packs. The invention is particularly applicable to making up batches of items in response to orders therefor.

Abstract: This invention provides a three-dimensional conveyance system for automatically conveying card, chit, medicine or the like from one position to other position in a general hospital or the like. Conveyance in each of stories is carried out in accordance with a linear induction motor system which is effective for conveying article accommodated in a container case while the latter is carried on a moving body. The adjacent stories are connected to one another with the use of suitable vertical conveyance device by which container cases can be conveyed therebetween. Further, this invention provides a container case usable for the conveyance system includes a pair of guide rails and a flexible lid and by sliding the lid along the side wall surfaces of the housing of the container case, the upper open end of the container case can be opened or closed. The container case is provided with a locking mechanism in order to assure that the lid is kept in the closed state.

Abstract: The installation comprises a delivery conveyor (4) for delivering unit items in buckets (5). A station (3) injects unit items onto the delivery conveyor. A sorting conveyor (6) carries packs (8) corresponding to respective batches to be made up. The sorting conveyor is disposed relative to the delivery conveyor so as to establish at least one item transfer zone therebetween. A central control unit (10) ensure that desired coincidences occur between item-containing buckets (5) and packs (8) for receiving the items, with the control units controlling the transfer of items form the buckets to the packs. The invention is particularly applicable to making up batches of items in response to orders therefor.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery structure and system having a first container storage rack for accumulating and storing full containers of parts, and a container indexing and transfer mechanism for delivering individual full containers from the first storage rack to an assembly line work station. The transfer mechanism is also operative to move empty containers from the work station to a second container storage rack for accumulating and storing empty or depleted containers. A full container loading station and an empty container unloading station are provided for delivering full containers to the first rack and removing empty containers from the second rack as desired. Movement of containers the loading station toward the transfer mechanism and from the transfer mechanism to the unloading station is effected by positive gravity flow rails disposed along each storage rack. The transfer mechanism also includes gravity flow rails to facilitate indexing of containers onto and from the storage racks.

Abstract: A system wherein a contractor of a rental safe-deposit box can privately obtain, handle and restore his own box in the fire-proof safe room. The system includes an automatic article retrieval and storage unit located within the safe room and having contractors' safe-deposit boxes. A plurality of private compartments for contractors' use are disposed separately from the safe room and are connected to the retrieval and storage unit by conveyor devices extending through a safe room wall opening having a fire-proof door. Each private room includes a user's data input terminal device and a handling table. A reception data input terminal is provided at a reception counter. When a contractor visits the reception counter, a reception serial number card is issued to him. The reception serial number and his box code are inputted by the reception input terminal. Thereafter, the contractor inputs his own private code and the issued reception serial number in a private compartment.

Abstract: A system wherein a contractor of a rental safe-deposit box can privately obtain, handle and restore his own box in the fire-proof safe room. The system includes an automatic article retrieval and storage unit located within the safe room and having contractors' safe-deposit boxes. A plurality of private compartments for contractors' use are disposed separately from the safe room and are connected to the retrieval and storage unit by conveyor devices extending through a safe room wall opening having a fire-proof door. Each private room includes a data input terminal device and a handling table. When a contractor operates the terminal device to input his identification code, his own rental safe-deposit box is automatically extracted onto the handling table from the safe room.

Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and dispensing apparatus for containers and the like wherein the containers are loaded at the top of a tower and selectively dispensed from the bottom. The tower has a frame that defines first and second tower sections, each supporting a number of vertically spaced shelf trays which in turn support the containers which are stacked on the trays when loaded. The shelf trays of each tower section face inwardly toward and are staggered relative to each other. Each tray is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and is operated so that when a container is dispensed from a bottom shelf tray, each higher tray beginning at the bottom and progressing upward one at a time, pivots to transfer its carton to the upwardly tilted next lower empty shelf tray. This process is repeated until each container has been transferred to the next lower shelf tray.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery structure and system having a first container storage rack for accumulating and storing full containers of parts, and a container indexing and transfer mechanism for delivering individual full containers from the first storage rack to an assembly line work station. The transfer mechanism is also operative to move empty containers from the work station to a second container storage rack for accumulating and storing empty or depleted containers. A full container loading station and an empty container unloading station are provided for delivering full containers to the first rack and removing empty containers from the second rack as desired. Movement of containers the loading station toward the transfer mechanism and from the transfer mechanism to the unloading station is effected by positive gravity flow rails disposed along each storage rack. The transfer mechanism also includes gravity flow rails to facilitate indexing of containers onto and from the storage racks.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a multiopening press for manufacturing fibreboard comprises a first endless conveyor movable through an upper opening of a press having upper and lower openings with an intermediate plate therebetween. The first endless conveyor is formed of a plurality of conveyor sections which are spaced along the first conveyor and connected together by at least one drive member. A second endless conveyor is movable through the lower opening of the press. The first and second conveyors move along first and second feed paths through the upper and lower opening of the press respectively. The first conveyor however intersects the second feed path with the at least one drive member positioned on the first conveyor to permit passage of a mat for making a fibreboard on the second feed path to the second conveyor when each of the conveyor sections is spaced away from a location of intersection of the first conveyor and the second feed path.

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: Simultaneous removal from a multi-level press of all press trays carrying particle board panels is achieved with a press unloading installation. Such installation consists of a vertically movable press unloader cage having chain conveyor pairs, primary supports for the press trays and panels, and auxiliary supports for the trays alone after separation from the panels. The installation further includes a discharge device for removing the press trays from the auxiliary supports of the unloader cage. In order to shorten the return transport of flexible press trays, separation between the finished pressed particle board panels and the flexible press trays is accomplished in the press unloader cage.

Abstract: A system is provided for loading concrete blocks, carried on pallets, into a kiln. The kiln includes a front end wall and a rear end wall and a plurality of guideways extending from the front end wall to the rear end wall. The guideways are arranged in a grid pattern of horizontally aligned layers and vertically aligned tiers. The pallets are inserted into a selected guideway. A laterally movable main frame carries a vertically movable subframe which includes an arcuate conveyor. An elevator delivers pallets to the subframe which inserts the pallets into the selected guideway. The main frame and subframe are indexed for exact alignment with the selected guideway.

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 tray transport device for transferring trays in one direction or the other between a tray transport trolley and a conveyor for delivering or carrying trays from the transport device. The transport device includes vertical members which supports sets of horizontal parallel tray carrying strips which are disposed essentially parallel to a plurality of vertical sets of tray rails in a tray trolley. The sets of carrying strips are vertically shiftable by a drive into different height positions corresponding to levels of the trays in a trolley. The uppermost height position is level with the delivery station of a belt conveyor. A horizontal continuous belt conveyor located below and between the tray strips is also vertically shiftable as a unit to a plurality of levels equal to the tray levels in the trolley and is horizontally shiftable as a unit to be moved between and under any selected level of trays in the trolley to shift trays from the trolley to the tray carrying strips.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described, for example, for delivering bags of garbage to an incinerator. The apparatus includes a plurality of material-receiving compartments, each having a first end at which material can be loaded into the compartment, and a second end from which material can be discharged. Each compartment includes a belt conveyor which forms a bottom wall of the compartment and which is operable to move material longitudinally of the compartment in a direction towards said second end. Side walls of the compartment extend upwardly adjacent respective the opposite sides of the conveyor for laterally constraining material in the compartment. The compartment also includes closure means normally preventing discharge of material from said second end of the compartment, said closure means being adapted to be opened at appropriate times to allow material to be discharged from said compartment by operating the belt conveyor.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for cartridges used with a system for recording, storing and reproducing information comprises a cylindrical member with a plurality of inclined cells. A disk-like shield plate formed with an opening is arranged adjacent to one side of the cells. A motor which is controlled by a decoder and encoder rotates the member and the shield plate. When a particular cartridge is to be removed from a cell, the member and the shield plate are rotated to bring one of the inclined cells and the opening in the shield plate into alignment with each other at an uppermost position. The cartridge is discharged from the cell by gravity. When it is desired to store cartridges in the cells, the member and the shield plate are rotated to bring one of the inclined cells and the opening in the shield plate into alignment with each other at a lowermost position where a cartridge is moved by gravity into a cell.