US3957322A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control means for selectively shifting storage units
Assignee: ESTEY CORP
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Filing: 1975-03-06
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Granted: 1976-05-18
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Expires: 1995-03-06
Abstract
Abstract A series of storage units, such as bookcases, are mounted on a track with controlled power means for moving them to provide a single aisle between any two units. The other units are adjoining each other for conserving space and lighting means. The control means for each unit is mounted within the unit itself instead of coupled to an external master control. Any unit may be removed from the series without affecting the other units and a control circuit can be replaced without affecting the adjustment and operation of the other control circuits. The movement of the units is controlled so that the units move in sequential manner, spreading the motor current surges over a short time interval.
Inventors
- 👤 Pasquale J. Mastronardi
- 👤 Gary M. Swart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:43
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B53/00; A47B53/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
235 words
In a storage array including a plurality of mobile storage units, each unit having a separate motor for movement along a common track in either direction controlled by right and left directional motor relays to open a desired aisle space between units; the improvement comprising: a. a sensing means on each side of each unit for sensing the presence of an adjoining unit, said sensing means each including an electric sensing switch which is closed when the sensing means is unactuated and a sensing relay winding connected in series between the switch and a source of potential; b. a manually operable aisle switch connected in series with an aisle relay and a source of potential, said relay winding controlling a pair of normally open contacts connected in series with the winding of one of said directional relays; c. said directional relays including three normally open contacts, which are connected in series between a source of potential and operating windings on said motors; and d. a control circuit in each storage unit comprising a series circuit which includes; a source of electric power, the winding of a directional motor relay, and a pair of normally closed auxilliary contacts on a directional motor relay in an adjacent storage unit; said series circuit being provided for preventing the actuation of the directional motor relay when the adjacent motor relay is actuated and said normally closed contacts are opened.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
235 words
In a storage array including a plurality of mobile storage units, each unit having a separate motor for movement along a common track in either direction controlled by right and left directional motor relays to open a desired aisle space between units; the improvement comprising: a. a sensing means on each side of each unit for sensing the presence of an adjoining unit, said sensing means each including an electric sensing switch which is closed when the sensing means is unactuated and a sensing relay winding connected in series between the switch and a source of potential; b. a manually operable aisle switch connected in series with an aisle relay and a source of potential, said relay winding controlling a pair of normally open contacts connected in series with the winding of one of said directional relays; c. said directional relays including three normally open contacts, which are connected in series between a source of potential and operating windings on said motors; and d. a control circuit in each storage unit comprising a series circuit which includes; a source of electric power, the winding of a directional motor relay, and a pair of normally closed auxilliary contacts on a directional motor relay in an adjacent storage unit; said series circuit being provided for preventing the actuation of the directional motor relay when the adjacent motor relay is actuated and said normally closed contacts are opened.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A storage array according to claim 1 wherein said sensing means is a resiliently stressed movable rod extending beyond the storage unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A storage array according to claim 1 wherein said sensing means is the combination of a source of magnetic lines of force and a magnetic sensing element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A storage array according to claim 3 wherein said magnetic sensing element is an electric switch having a pair of normally separated ferromagnetic terminals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A storage array according to claim 1 wherein each control circuit includes multiple closed contacts in a personnel safety device, said multiple closed contacts connected in series with the winding of said directional motor relay.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A storage array according to claim 5 wherein safety devices are operable by contact with an object adjoining a storage unit moving to close an aisle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
A storage array according to claim 5 wherein said multiple closed contacts are each a single pole double throw switch and include normally open contacts which close when the contacts are actuated and send current to the winding of a safety relay and close relay contacts to operate an alarm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
A storage array according to claim 1 wherein each aisle switch is connected to a winding of an aisle relay, said winding locking contacts connected in series with a locking circuit for sending current through the winding after the manually operable switch is opened.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A storage array according to claim 8 wherein said locking circuit includes an OFF switch when manually operated breaks the current through the locking circuit and normalizes the relay.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-05-18 | 1979-11-17 | 1980-05-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-05-18 | 1983-11-17 | 1984-05-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-05-18 | 1987-11-17 | 1988-05-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |