Cantilever carousel system

A cantilever carousel system for storing print cylinders, comprising:

• an external frame structure defining an internal cavity;
• a shell connected to said external frame structure to surround said cavity;
• wherein said shell includes a first access opening extending through a first end wall and a second access opening extending through a second end wall, wherein said first end wall is opposite said second end wall;
• wherein said shell has a sensor unit positioned proximate each of said first access opening and said second access opening for detecting movement therethrough;
• an internal frame structure positioned within said cavity;
• wherein said internal frame structure is connected to said external frame structure and wherein said internal frame structure is suspended above a floor surface;
• a carousel supported by said internal frame structure within said cavity and above said floor surface;
• wherein said carousel is vertically oriented;
• a drive assembly to circulate said carousel about said internal frame structure;
• wherein said drive assembly is supported by said external frame structure;
• wherein said drive assembly is accessible via an access panel of said external frame structure;
• wherein said drive assembly includes a motor and a gearbox;
• wherein said gearbox is mechanically connected to said carousel;
• wherein said carousel includes a first carrier assembly and a second carrier assembly which operate simultaneously;
• wherein said first carrier assembly is comprised of a first chain and sprocket structure and wherein said second carrier assembly is comprised of a second chain and sprocket structure;
• wherein said first carrier assembly is coupled to said second carrier assembly;
• a plurality of cantilever mandrels supported by said carousel within said cavity, wherein said plurality of cantilever mandrels circulate with said carousel;
• wherein said first carrier assembly includes a plurality of first clamps and wherein said second carrier assembly includes a plurality of second clamps, wherein said first clamps and said second clamps cooperatively connect to said plurality of cantilever mandrels;
• wherein each of said plurality of cantilever mandrels includes a first retaining bracket and a second retaining bracket extending from respective ones of opposing ends;
• wherein said plurality of cantilever mandrels each include a first portion and a second portion defined along a longitudinal length of said plurality of cantilever mandrels;
• wherein the first portion of said plurality of cantilever mandrels is accessible through said first access opening and wherein said second portion of said plurality of cantilever mandrels is accessible through said second access opening;
• and
• a plurality of print cylinders removably received by said plurality of cantilever mandrels through said first access opening and said second access opening;
• wherein said first retaining bracket and said second retaining bracket are substantially horizontally oriented when travelling in a vertical direction to retain said plurality of print cylinders upon said plurality of cantilever mandrels;
• wherein said first retaining bracket and said second retaining bracket are substantially vertically oriented when travelling in a horizontal direction to allow removal of said plurality of print cylinders from said plurality of cantilever mandrels.