초록 ▼

A continuously operating unloading and loading system giving access to an automated multi-level storage conveyor makes use of individual containers adapted to be releasably hooked at established stations of an endlessly traveling rack which may be built in multiple levels. Selected containers are ar

A continuously operating unloading and loading system giving access to an automated multi-level storage conveyor makes use of individual containers adapted to be releasably hooked at established stations of an endlessly traveling rack which may be built in multiple levels. Selected containers are arranged to be called to a selected station, preferably at one end of the rack where, during continuous travel of the rack, an unloading mechanism unhooks the container and moves it to a location clear of the conveyor for disposition of the contents. A reloading mechanism accepts other containers, moves them to a position for replacement on the rack at one of the stations, in which position the container is pushed into hooked engagement with the rack while travel of the rack continues without interruption. Different expedients may be resorted to within the concept of the invention for releasably hooking the containers on the traveling rack.

대표청구항 ▼

A multi-access storage system comprising: an endless conveyor rack having a multiple number of stations and mounted for movement along paths of travel between opposite ends; conveyor engagements means at each of said stations, said stations and engagement means having leading and trailing sides rela

A multi-access storage system comprising: an endless conveyor rack having a multiple number of stations and mounted for movement along paths of travel between opposite ends; conveyor engagements means at each of said stations, said stations and engagement means having leading and trailing sides relative to the direction of travel of said stations; a multiplicity of material transport units formed of bottom and peripheral enclosing sides, the units including an upper peripheral rim surface having a sholder formed therein along their respective leading and trailing sides, each shoulder for releasable engagement with said conveyor engagement means, said conveyor engagement means comprising articulated members positioned at the leading and trailing sides of each station, the articulated members each being installed and mountd to its associated rack station for releasable engagement with said respective shoulders; and an unloading assembly adjacent said rack for unloading said material transport units from the rack, said unloading assembly comprising disengagement means for disengaging the articulated members from their associated shoulders on said material transport units to allow the units to be taken away from the rack.