The Boeing Company

Steven N Nervig

George D Sherotsky

Thomas E Wittmann

Craig P Sundine

An automated galley-cart storage system for use in a structure having a lower area and an upper level. The storage system includes a container ( ) sized to hold a predetermined maximum number of galley-carts ( ) in lateral rows. An equal number of cart pallets ( ) are provided as well. Galley-carts are positionable on the pallets within the container. A cart elevator ( ) is located within the container and is used to lift and lower cart pallets through an upright passage ( ) connecting the container with the upper level. An elevated transfer system ( ) is located within the container to move the cart pallets in a predefined pattern within the container. The pattern passes through the elevator. During use, an operator may retrieve unused galley carts from the container and store used galley-carts in their place.

Automated galley-cart storage system

A galley cart storage system is provided for use with rectangular galley carts ( ), ( &prime;) each being supported by a number of wheels. The storage system includes a rectangular upright enclosure ( ) and a lift assembly ( ) located within the enclosure ( ) to move one or more galley carts vertically, in a stacked configuration. The enclosure ( ) includes upright corner posts ( ) that aid vertical movement of a galley cart. The lift assembly ( ) includes a motor ( ), a drive screw ( ), and a lifting bracket ( ). The drive screw ( ) is located along one side of the enclosure and is oriented vertically. The drive screw ( ) connects to the motor ( ) such that rotary motion of the motor ( ) causes like rotation of the drive screw ( ). The lifting bracket ( ) is also located adjacent to the drive screw ( ) and is threaded thereon. The lifting bracket ( ) includes a cart interface member adapted to engage the lower end of a galley cart. Activation of the motor ( ) causes rotation of the drive screw ( ) and corresponding movement of the lifting bracket ( ) along the drive screw ( ), thereby causing the galley cart to move vertically within the enclosure ( ), guided along the corner posts ( ).

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Kent, WA, United States of America

Steven N Nervig