Abstract: A basket storage and retrieval apparatus and method has spaced parallel rows of storage racks with multiple horizontal tiers having aisles between the storage racks. Guides are connected to the aisle and a stacker retriever is connected to the guides. The stacker retriever has at least one vertical member. A carriage is mounted on the vertical member for moving up and down the vertical member and for aligning with storage rack tiers on opposite sides of the aisle. Carriers are mounted on the carriage for moving into horizontal tiers and for lowering baskets within the tiers for resting on the tiers and raising baskets from the tiers for moving the raised baskets toward the carriage. A robotic input lane extends through the storage racks. A robotic output lane extends through the storage racks. An input transfer conveyor is connected to the robotic input lane and an output transfer conveyor is connected to the robotic output lane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved stacking and retrieving warehouse system that eliminates the use of expensive pallets. A storage and retrieval machine moves along floor tracks and top guide tubes between the racks in a warehouse. A carriage platform moves vertically along vertical masts of the storage and retrieval machine until it is aligned with the rack to be entered. Rails within the carriage align with rails within the racks, allowing the wheels of the rack entry vehicle to pass from the storage and retrieval machine into the racks. Vertical arms suspended from a lifting/lowering horizontal support member pack up goods stored on a pedestal within the racks. The good are picked up from the racks by the vertical arms of the rack entry vehicle and deposited on a pedestal within the carriage. The storage and retrieval machine transports the goods to a location to be deposited, stored, retrieved or unloaded.