Patent ID: 7143889

Claim:
A variable-capacity store for objects and comprising an endless powered flexible conveyor belt ( 12 ), which defines a conveying branch ( 6 ) for transferring a mass of objects ( 2 ) from an input station (S 1 ) to an output station (S 2 ), and further defines a return branch ( 9 ) extending from the output station (S 2 ) to the input station (S 1 ); the conveying branch ( 6 ) having a length (L 1 ) and the return branch ( 9 ) having a length (L 2 ) , the lengths (L 1 and L 2 ) being adjusted in complementary manner, to adjust storage capacity of the store ( 1 ); the input station (S 1 ) and the output station (S 2 ) located entirely above a horizontal storage plane ( 13 ), and the store ( 1 ) including at least one vertical conveyor ( 14 ; 15 ) located at the input or output station (S 1 ; S 2 ) to lift/lower the mass of objects ( 2 ) to/from the horizontal storage plane ( 13 ); at the input or output station (S 1 ; S 2 ) the flexible belt ( 12 ) comprises a respective up/down branch ( 16 ), wherein the flexible belt ( 12 ) extends downwards below the horizontal storage plane ( 13 ) to define at least one portion of the vertical conveyor ( 14 ; 15 ).