GB1408674A - Apparatus for the storage of goods - Google Patents

Abstract

1408674 Mechanical storage F IRMLER 9 March 1973 [13 March 1972 26 Oct 1972 1 Feb 1973] 11607/73 Heading A4T A store 10 has storage units or spaces 11 forming a fixed matrix as in Fig. 3 or suspended from a rail 22, Fig. 5 so as to be movable to a desired location. With fixed units, Fig. 3, movable tracked bridges 14 mount loading devices 13 movable under the desired unit so that packages 18 can be raised by a piston 19 and forced into the unit. With movable units Fig. 5 the desired units are moved over fixed loading units 25 supplied by a feeder belt 26 and over fixed unloading units 23 which extract a package and by a piston 28 deliver it to a discharge belt 24. If it is desired to operate the store on a first in first out basis the loading unit pistons are capable of forcing the packages out of the top of the units, Fig. 13, where a hook 123 operated by a cylinder 122 draws the package on to a discharge conveyer 121. Alternatively in a last in first out system a loading table 221, Fig. 15, lowers a carrying platform 223 with a package 211 to allow a piston unit 225 to discharge the package on to a discharge conveyer. To hold the other packages in the unit while the platform 223 is lowered inner and outer walls 212, 213 are provided so that the inner walls 212 can be forced inwards to grip the packages either by pressure admitted to a sealed space between the walls or by inflatable hoselike pouches inserted between fixed walls but able to expand through holes in the inner wall to grip the packages. Other retaining means are described for the units such as spring mounted carrier strips 33, Fig. 6 which are urged through holes to hold the packages but can be carried out as the packages are inserted. In a modification positive withdrawal means are provided. In Fig. 14 support projections 132 are provided on chains 130 driven by wheels 131.