Patent US2623285A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5405232A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic storage and retrieval system
Assignee: HK Systems Inc
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Filing: 1993-04-02
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Granted: 1995-04-11
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Expires: 2013-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by the base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along the mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by the carriage, the shuttle mechanism including an upper plate fixed against horizontal movement relative to the carriage, an intermediate plate which is located below the upper plate and which is supported by the upper plate for horizontal movement relative thereto, a lower plate which is located below the intermediate plate and which is supported by the intermediate plate for horizontal movement relative thereto, and hoops on the lower plate for selectively engaging a load, the shuttle mechanism being operable between a retracted condition wherein the intermediate plate is located directly below the upper plate and the lower plate is located directly below the intermediate plate, and an extended condition wherein the intermediate plate extends outwardly in one direction relative to the upper plate and the lower plate extends outwardly in the one direction relative to the intermediate plate.
Inventors
- 👤 Kurt M. Lloyd
- 👤 Christopher L. Roth
- 👤 LaMar A. Jones
- 👤 Billy R. Jackson
- 👤 James P. Hrica
- 👤 Dennis G. Hueman
- 👤 Rodney O. Kirby
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 17:02
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C3/00; B07C3/02; B07C3/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S209/00; Y10S209/90; Y10S414/00; Y10S414/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
202 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, said carriage including an upwardly facing surface, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including an upper plate fixed against horizontal movement relative to said carriage, an intermediate plate which is located below said upper plate and which is supported by said upper plate for horizontal movement relative thereto, and a lower plate which is located below said intermediate plate and above said upwardly facing surface of said carriage and which is supported by said intermediate plate for horizontal movement relative thereto, said shuttle mechanism being operable between a retracted condition wherein said intermediate plate is located directly below said upper plate and said lower plate is located directly below said intermediate plate, and an extended condition wherein said intermediate plate extends outwardly in one direction relative to said upper plate and said lower plate extends outwardly in said one direction relative to said intermediate plate, said shuttle mechanism sliding objects onto and off said upwardly facing surface of said carriage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
202 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, said carriage including an upwardly facing surface, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including an upper plate fixed against horizontal movement relative to said carriage, an intermediate plate which is located below said upper plate and which is supported by said upper plate for horizontal movement relative thereto, and a lower plate which is located below said intermediate plate and above said upwardly facing surface of said carriage and which is supported by said intermediate plate for horizontal movement relative thereto, said shuttle mechanism being operable between a retracted condition wherein said intermediate plate is located directly below said upper plate and said lower plate is located directly below said intermediate plate, and an extended condition wherein said intermediate plate extends outwardly in one direction relative to said upper plate and said lower plate extends outwardly in said one direction relative to said intermediate plate, said shuttle mechanism sliding objects onto and off said upwardly facing surface of said carriage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carriage includes means for moving said intermediate and lower plates relative to said upper plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
87 words
A machine as set forth in claim 2 wherein said shuttle mechanism also includes means for supporting said intermediate plate for movement relative to said upper plate and for supporting said lower plate for movement relative to said intermediate plate, said supporting means including upper slides fixed relative to said upper plate, intermediate slides which are fixed relative to said intermediate plate and which slideably engage said upper slides, and lower slides which are fixed relative to said lower plate and which slideably engage said intermediate slides.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
131 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including a plate movable horizontally relative to said carriage, said plate having opposite first and second sides, and an engaging mechanism on said plate for selectively engaging an object so that the object moves horizontally with said plate, said engaging mechanism including a member movable relative to said plate between an upper position and a lower position, said member being generally U-shaped and having a first end pivotally connected to said first side and a second end pivotally connected to said second side.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
131 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including a plate movable horizontally relative to said carriage, said plate having opposite first and second sides, and an engaging mechanism on said plate for selectively engaging an object so that the object moves horizontally with said plate, said engaging mechanism including a member movable relative to said plate between an upper position and a lower position, said member being generally U-shaped and having a first end pivotally connected to said first side and a second end pivotally connected to said second side.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said shuttle mechanism includes means on said lower plate for selectively engaging an object beneath said lower plate so that the object moves horizontally with said lower plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said means for selectively engaging the object includes a member movable relative to said lower plate between an upper position and a lower position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
A machine as set forth in claim 6 wherein said means for selectively engaging the object also includes moving means for moving said member between said upper and lower positions, said moving means including a motor fixed relative to said lower plate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine as set forth in claim 7 wherein said member pivots relative to said lower plate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
A machine as set forth in claim 8 wherein said lower plate has opposite first and second sides, and wherein said member is generally U-shaped and has a first end pivotally connected to said first side and a second end pivotally connected to said second side.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
A machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein said member extends substantially parallel to said lower plate when said member is in said upper position and extends transversely and downwardly relative to said lower plate when said member is in said lower position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
54 words
A machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein said means for selectively engaging the object also includes a second generally U-shaped member pivotable relative to said lower plate between upper and lower positions, and wherein said U-shaped members extend adjacent opposite ends of the object when said members are in said lower positions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
A machine as set forth in claim 8 wherein said means for selectively engaging the object also includes a torsional solenoid fixed to said lower plate and drivingly connected to said member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
A machine as set forth in claim 12 wherein said solenoid is biased so as to bias said member to said upper position, and wherein actuation of said solenoid moves said member to said lower position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A machine as set forth in claim 13 wherein said means for selectively engaging the object also includes means for selectively retaining said member in said lower position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
35 words
A machine as set forth in claim 14 wherein said retaining means includes a cam fixed to said member for pivotal movement therewith, and a linear solenoid having an outwardly biased plunger engaging said cam.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
A machine as set forth in claim 15 wherein said cam includes a cam surface having a step, wherein said plunger engages said cam surface and falls off said step when said member moves from said upper position to said lower position, and wherein said plunger thereafter interferes with said step so as to prevent pivotal movement of said member toward said upper position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
41 words
A machine as set forth in claim 16 wherein actuation of said linear solenoid retracts said plunger so that said plunger does not interfere with said step and the bias of said torsional solenoid returns said member to said upper position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
A machine as set forth in claim 6 wherein said means for selectively engaging the object includes a motor fixed against horizontal movement relative to said carriage, and means for drivingly connecting said motor to said member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
A machine as set forth in claim 18 wherein said means for drivingly connecting said motor to said member includes a cable extending between said motor and said member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
A machine as set forth in claim 19 wherein said means for drivingly connecting said motor to said member also includes a pulley pivotably mounted on said intermediate plate, and wherein said cable is trained over said pulley.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine as set forth in claim 18 wherein said motor is fixed to said upper plate.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
A machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said means for selectively engaging the object includes first and second members movable relative to said lower plate between respective upper and lower positions.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
44 words
A machine as set forth in claim 22 wherein said means for selectively engaging the object also includes means for simultaneously moving said first and second members to said upper positions and for simultaneously moving said first and second members to said lower positions.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
56 words
A machine as set forth in claim 22 wherein said means for selectively engaging the object also includes means for moving said first member to said upper position when said second member moves to said lower position and for moving said first member to said lower position when said second member moves to said upper position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
64 words
A machine as set forth in claim 22 wherein said shuttle mechanism also includes moving means for moving said first and second members, said moving means including a first link which extends between said first and second members and which is movable in opposite directions, and a second link which extends between said first and second members and which is movable in opposite directions.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
78 words
A machine as set forth in claim 25 wherein said moving means includes a motor fixed against horizontal movement relative to said carriage, a first cable extending between said motor and said first link for moving said first link in the direction moving said first member to said upper position, and a second cable extending between said motor and said second link for moving said second link in the direction moving said first member to said lower position.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
45 words
A machine as set forth in claim 26 wherein said moving means also includes first and second pulleys pivotally mounted on said intermediate plate, wherein said first cable is trained over said first pulley, and wherein said second cable is trained over said second pulley.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
45 words
A machine as set forth in claim 27 wherein said moving means also includes third and fourth pulleys pivotally mounted on said upper plate, wherein said first cable is trained over said third pulley, and wherein said second cable is trained over said fourth pulley.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
60 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and a shuttle mechanism for extending above a load and sliding the load onto and off said carriage without exerting an upward force on the load.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
60 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and a shuttle mechanism for extending above a load and sliding the load onto and off said carriage without exerting an upward force on the load.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
53 words
A machine as set forth in claim 29 wherein said shuttle mechanism includes a plate which is movable relative to said carriage and which extends above the load, wherein said carriage includes an upwardly facing surface beneath said plate, and wherein said shuttle mechanism slides objects onto and off said upwardly facing surface.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
36 words
A machine as set forth in claim 30 wherein said shuttle mechanism includes an engaging mechanism on said plate for selectively engaging an object beneath said plate so that the object moves horizontally with said plate.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
28 words
A machine as set forth in claim 31 wherein said engaging mechanism includes a member movable relative to said plate between an upper position and a lower position.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
31 words
A machine as set forth in claim 32 wherein said engaging mechanism also includes a motor fixed relative to said plate for moving said member between said upper and lower positions.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine as set forth in claim 33 wherein said member pivots relative to said plate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
45 words
A machine as set forth in claim 34 wherein said plate has opposite first and second sides, and wherein said member is generally U-shaped and has a first end pivotally connected to said first side and a second end pivotally connected to said second side.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
42 words
A machine as set forth in claim 35 wherein said member extends substantially parallel to said plate when said member is in said upper position and extends transversely and downwardly relative to said plate when said member is in said lower position.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
50 words
A machine as set forth in claim 35 wherein said engaging mechanism also includes a second generally U-shaped member pivotable relative to said lower plate between upper and lower positions, and wherein said U-shaped members extend adjacent opposite ends of the object when said members are in said lower positions.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
42 words
A machine as set forth in claim 4 wherein said member extends substantially parallel to said plate when said member is in said upper position and extends transversely and downwardly relative to said plate when said member is in said lower position.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
49 words
A machine as set forth in claim 4 wherein said engaging mechanism also includes a second generally U-shaped member pivotable relative to said plate between upper and lower positions, and wherein said U-shaped members extend adjacent opposite ends of the object when said members are in said lower positions.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
120 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including a plate movable horizontally relative to said carriage, a first motor for moving said plate relative to said carriage, a member movable relative to said plate for engaging an object to be moved by said shuttle mechanism, and a second motor for moving said member relative to said plate, said second motor being fixed against horizontal movement relative to said carriage, and said second motor being drivingly connected to said member.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
120 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including a plate movable horizontally relative to said carriage, a first motor for moving said plate relative to said carriage, a member movable relative to said plate for engaging an object to be moved by said shuttle mechanism, and a second motor for moving said member relative to said plate, said second motor being fixed against horizontal movement relative to said carriage, and said second motor being drivingly connected to said member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
A machine as set forth in claim 40 wherein said motor is drivingly connected to said member by a cable extending between said motor and said member.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
43 words
A machine as set forth in claim 41 wherein said shuttle mechanism also includes an intermediate plate relative to which said first-mentioned plate is movable, and a pulley pivotably mounted on said intermediate plate, and wherein said cable is trained over said pulley.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
35 words
A machine as set forth in claim 41 wherein said shuttle mechanism also includes an upper plate relative to which said intermediate plate is movable, and wherein said motor is fixed to said upper plate.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
137 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including a plate movable horizontally relative to said carriage, and an engaging mechanism on said plate for selectively engaging an object beneath said plate so that the object moves horizontally with said plate, said engaging mechanism including first and second members movable relative to said plate between respective upper and lower positions, a first link which extends between said first and second members and which is movable in opposite directions, and a second link which extends between said first and second members and which is movable in opposite directions.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
137 words
A storage and retrieval machine comprising a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface, a generally vertical mast supported by said base, a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including a plate movable horizontally relative to said carriage, and an engaging mechanism on said plate for selectively engaging an object beneath said plate so that the object moves horizontally with said plate, said engaging mechanism including first and second members movable relative to said plate between respective upper and lower positions, a first link which extends between said first and second members and which is movable in opposite directions, and a second link which extends between said first and second members and which is movable in opposite directions.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
79 words
A machine as set forth in claim 44 wherein said engaging mechanism also includes a motor fixed against horizontal movement relative to said carriage, a first cable extending between said motor and said first link for moving said first link in the direction moving said first member to said upper position, and a second cable extending between said motor and said second link for moving said second link in the direction moving said first member to said lower position.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
62 words
A machine as set forth in claim 45 wherein said shuttle mechanism also includes an intermediate plate relative to which said first-mentioned plate is movable, wherein said engaging mechanism also includes first and second pulleys pivotally mounted on said intermediate plate, wherein said first cable is trained over said first pulley, and wherein said second cable is trained over said second pulley.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
62 words
A machine as set forth in claim 46 wherein said shuttle mechanism also includes an upper plate relative to which said intermediate plate is movable, wherein said engaging mechanism also includes third and fourth pulleys pivotally mounted on said upper plate, wherein said first cable is trained over said third pulley, and wherein said second cable is trained over said fourth pulley.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-04-10 | 1998-10-10 | 1999-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-04-10 | 2002-10-10 | 2003-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-04-10 | 2006-10-10 | 2007-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |