Abstract In a storage and retrieval system of the type having a plurality of aisles in which an article handling load carrier operates and a transfer car for transferring the load carrier between the aisles for operation in several of the aisles, track extensions are pivotally mounted to the transfer vehicle and a plurality of camming and support surfaces are positioned adjacent the rails at the ends of the aisles. A camming surface is also positioned on the end of the track extensions opposite their pivotal attachment to the transfer vehicle and, as the transfer vehicle is moved between the respective aisles, the camming surfaces move into alignment with each other to position the supporting surfaces of the adjustable track extensions in continuous and substantially coplanar relationship with the rails on the transfer vehicle and in the individual aisles.
A self adjusting member for supporting a first vehicle during transfer of said vehicle to and from a second vehicle, comprising: an elongate member having an upward facing supporting surface thereon extending substantially the length of said member, pivotal mounting means adjacent one end of said member for pivotally mounting said member about a pivot axis for vertical movement of said elongate member thereabout, and cam means on said member spaced from said pivotal mounting means toward the other end of said member, said cam means defining a curved surface, said surface being positioned on said member such that a plane perpendicular to said surface is parallel to said pivot axis, said surface urging said member in said vertical movement about said pivot axis when said surface is moved in a direction parallel to said pivot axis and into contact with an abutting element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A self adjusting member for supporting a first vehicle during transfer of said vehicle to and from a second vehicle, comprising: an elongate member having an upward facing supporting surface thereon extending substantially the length of said member, pivotal mounting means adjacent one end of said member for pivotally mounting said member about a pivot axis for vertical movement of said elongate member thereabout, and cam means on said member spaced from said pivotal mounting means toward the other end of said member, said cam means defining a curved surface, said surface being positioned on said member such that a plane perpendicular to said surface is parallel to said pivot axis, said surface urging said member in said vertical movement about said pivot axis when said surface is moved in a direction parallel to said pivot axis and into contact with an abutting element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The member of claim 1 wherein said cam means is positioned on said member adjacent said other end and said curved surface faces downward.