Ratchet operated continuous chain conveyor storage and retrieval system utilizing plurality thereof

A ratchet chain conveyor, comprising:

• a frame, a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart chain means extending around sprockets rotatively connected to opposite ends of the frame, linear drive means secured to the frame, the linear drive means having gravity dog means pivotally secured to the end of a linear operating arm thereof, the gravity dog means for engaging with the chain means during an extension of the arm and for disengaging with the chain means during a retraction of the arm for providing a ratcheting movement of the chain means for moving objects resting on the chain means from one end of the conveyor to the other, and the conveyor including lift means for lifting objects carried on the conveyor out of substantial contact with the chain means thereof, and the lift means including a pair of lift bars spaced apart and extending along a portion of the conveyor and a lift drive means for operating the bars to an up position for holding the objects out of substantial contact with the chains, and to a down position for permitting the objects to rest on the chains.

A ratchet chain conveyor, comprising:

• a frame, a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart chains extending around sprockets rotatively connected to opposite ends of the frame and the chains extending within lower parallel chain guides secured to a lower portion of the frame, and upper parallel chain guides secured to a top surface of the frame,
• linear drive means secured to the frame, the linear drive means comprising a first cylinder secured to the lower frame portion centrally of the lower chain guides, and the first cylinder having a first ann operable to extend and retract, the first arm having a mounting head on an end thereof, the mounting head having a first and a second pair of gravity dogs pivotally secured thereto, the gravity dogs of each pair aligned so that each pair provide for simultaneous driving of one of the chains when the first cylinder arm extends, and the mounting head oriented so that each gravity dog pair engage their respective chain as each chain travels through the lower chain guides and disengage each chain as the first cylinder arm is retracted.