State-of-the-art herbarium compactor systems for DAO and DAOM

High density storage of botanical and mycological specimens was achieved by using specially built, open-faced cabinets on electrically operated, compactor mobiles. By utilizing as much height as possible and allowing two aisles per compactor module (block), 2-3 times as much space was obtained as in conventional herbarium storage. The largest module comprises 11,200 pigeonholes on 16 double carriages and three single carriages each 18 ft long and 9 ft 2 in. high. The reduced aisle space was made practical by the use of a totally flexible aisle system where one wide or two smaller aisles can be placed anywhere in a module. Protection from insects and air tightness was obtained by use of a highly compressible, perimeter gasket around cabinet faces. Decks (false floors at rail height) were made of concrete in the basement and wood in the upper floors. Independently operated safety features include a floor-level sweep and a locking mechanism for the aisles. Calculations on the weight of compactors, for purposes of floor loading, are given.