16) Manipulator
A stationary (does not mean that nothing moves) movement assist device that is often equipped with end effectors for handling different types of loads. End effectors include all forms of grippers, forks, barrel grabs, etc. Manipulators counteract the weight of the load, rendering it almost weightless by way of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, or simply by way of counter weights and the exercising of very limited manual control. Most manipulators require manual actuation and control and are therefore manual assist devices. They are mounted to the floor, wall or ceiling. In some cases, manipulators are mounted to a fixed base plate and the entire unit can be moved via a trolley, cart or frok lift truck.
17) Palletizer
Palletizers are special machines capable of building a complete unit load on a pallet. Although the most common application is for cases, some palletizers can also handle sacks and bags. A less common palletizer application would be for special products such as sheet stock.
There are two general methods employed for automatically building a full pallet. One makes use of a fixed position or overhead gantry robot with end effectors suited to the individual loads, such as vacuum lifts or a gripper. The other method employs more complex mechanisms for forming pallet layers off line, one at a time, and then shifting or transferring each successive layer onto the pallet as it is lowered via a lift/lower table.
18) Stretch film
This is popular method of securing loads, especially the irregularly shaped unit load and loads that cannot tolerate the strain of being strapped. This film is tensioned and stretched mechanically as it is unwrapped from its rolls. The tension is released as it is wrapped around the load. The result is greater holding power.
19) Pallet stacking frame
A load securing device that often can take the place of containers or bins. This device consists on iron posts and connecting frame members resting on the four corners of a pallet creating an open container in appearance with a certain amount of load retention ability. The frames are removable for storage, but when in use, the loaded pallets can be block stacked on the floor.
This is a particular advantage for unit loads that would not stack safely without the rigid frame. There are other attachments such as special metal frames and welded wire gates, but none of these allow for pallet stacking.
20) Reach truck
Industrial trucks equipped with a telescoping fork arrangement that permits the stacking of loads double deep. For storage depths greater than two, there is at least one example in Europe where the fork unit mechanically disengages from the mast allowing it to run into the rack on narrow rails under its own power which is derived from the truck via an umbilical cord. Applications like this can be considered a very special case of a drive-in type storage rack.
21) Chain conveyor
A form of powered conveyor used to transport heavy unit loads such as pallets and industrial containers. These conveyors can be single or double chain strand in configuration. This chain is not only the driving force but it is also the part which comes in direct contact with the load and provides friction which pulls the load forward. In some cases, free rollers on either side of or between the chain provide additional support to the load. Short sections of double strand chain conveyors are a common means of transferring loads at right angle to/from another straight section of roller conveyor.
22) Tugger
Also known as "tractors". Used solely to pull a string of unit load trailers and have no lifting capability. These can be operator driven or automatic/guided path. See also Tugger AGV .
23) Chute conveyor
The chute conveyor is the simplest example of gravity operated conveyor. Not unlike a child's sliding board, unit simply slides down a straight or spiraling metal or plastic chute to it ultimate destination.
24) Mobile shelving
A shelving system that is mounted on floor or overhead tracks. The self- contained unit may nest or move against other units to facilitate space savings or move away from each other to provide greater access.
25) Record shelving
A shelving storage system to store files and records. The units are sized at the time of order to "fit" the parameters of the files and records to be stored. These shelving systems are generally closed on three sides and may have retractable or swing up and down opening covers, all to provide security, protection and cleanliness.
26) Records shelving
A shelving storage system to store files and records. The units are sized at the time of order to "fit" the parameters of the files and records to be stored. These shelving systems are generally closed on three sides and may have retractable or swing up and down opening covers, all to provide security, protection and cleanliness.
May also be known as "Archive shelving".
27) Drive in rack
This type of rack utilizes upright frames, rails, and ties to allow a vehicle to enter a storage rack structure from one side only and pick up or deliver pallets on continuous rails. Drive-in rack is used to address repetitive products and serves to take advantage of cubic space available for storage, when such unit loads do not lend themselves to block stacking.
28) Stacking frames
Portable storage aids for attachment to pallets to enable stacking of unstable items two three or more units high.
29) Portable rack
Self contained steel rack units made up of bases and/or decks and posts. Portable rack may be welded or collapsible units either having a knockdown feature which can be a space saver when units are not in use.
30) Manual hoist
A suspended machinery unit that, by use of manual operation, is used for lifting and lowering of a freely suspended (unguided) load. Generally uses chain (roller or link) as its lifting medium