Accumulator pan transfer device

Abstract

A device for transferring article storage pans between a selected storage compartment and shuttle which moves along the aisles of storage racks in a warehouse. The accumulator pan transfer device is vertically, movably mounted on the shuttle. An extractor carriage has a plurality of spaced cogged rollers and moves horizontally and upwardly on wheels located in V-shaped guides mounted on a horizontal base for engagement with a pan which is to be transferred between the device and a storage compartment. Certain of the cogged rollers are power driven and engage a series of projections formed on the bottom wall of the pan to remove the pan from the compartment and onto other of the supporting rollers for supporting the pan as it is transferred to the center of the base. Return of the extractor carriage to the center of the base deposits the removed pan onto a pair of transversely extending accumulator belts. The belts are power driven and remove the pan from the extractor. Additional pans can be removed and accumulated on the accumulator belts before the shuttle is returned to a home position. Reversing the accumulator belt drive will move the stored pans individually back onto the extractor carriage rollers which will return the pans to their storage positions upon actuation of the power driven cogged rollers. The pans include a shallow tray formed of plastic or stamped metal and are provided with a series of projections along the bottom thereof for engagement by the cogged extractor rollers. A cardboard or plastic box is removably secured on the tray by tangs which are formed on and project from the side walls of the tray.