Title: Control means for selectively shifting storage units

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Claims: What is claimed is:

1. 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.

2. A storage array according to claim 1 wherein said sensing means is a resiliently stressed movable rod extending beyond the storage unit.

3. 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.

4. A storage array according to claim 3 wherein said magnetic sensing element is an electric switch having a pair of normally separated ferromagnetic terminals.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

Other info:

Inventors: Mastronardi, Pasquale J. (Northfield, NJ, US)
Swart, Gary M. (Lincroft, NJ, US)

Application Number: 555820
Filing Date: 1975-03-06
Publication_date: 1976-05-18
Assignee: Estey Corporation (Red Bank, NJ)
Primary Class(es): 312/198 104/88.02, 312/201
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

2706573	Apr, 1955	Ingold	214/16.
3535009	Feb, 1969	Cain	312/199.
3566802	Mar, 1971	Lundquist	104/172.
3665864	May, 1972	Bildsoe	104/88.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Nunberg, Casmir A.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Casella; Anthony J.