Abstract: An intelligent stereo garage system based on Internet+ and a vehicle parking and pick-up method. The system includes a mobile APP (10), a cloud server (20), a computer system (30), a programmable logic controller (PLC) system (40), a stereo garage (50), and an all-in-one touch machine (60), where the all-in-one touch machine (60) is deployed next to the stereo garage (50), and the computer system (30) is deployed outside or inside the stereo garage (50). A fully-automatic parking method uses different parking and pick-up modes, which technically ensures that users can get their vehicles in time without hindering other users, and allows users to truly experience the system intelligence. This deeply embodies the smart city's idea of interconnecting everything with a mobile phone. The method largely solves problems such as parking difficulty, illegal parking, unauthorized charges, traffic jams, traffic noise, traffic accidents, and vehicle pollution.

Abstract: A system for non-contact transmission of electrical energy to a mobile part has a double floor in which a primary part is situated.

Abstract: In a system for contactlessly transmitting electrical energy to a mobile part movable on a floor, a stepped bore is provided in the floor. A frame part is situated on the step of the stepped bore. A charge unit is accommodated by the frame part and has a receiving part situated between upper and lower cover parts. A primary winding is situated on the inner side of the upper cover part and is fed by an electronic circuit supplied with electrical energy with the aid of a cable that is at least partially accommodated in a cable-routing part. The cable-routing part is situated in a groove having a radial extension in relation to, and guided through the step of, the stepped bore, so that the cable is routed underneath the step of the stepped bore.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed configured to automatically transport electric vehicles to charging stations and to charge the electric vehicles. A first vehicle is identified as an electric vehicle. The first vehicle is caused to be navigated to a transportable pallet having a charging cable coupled thereto. A determination is made that a charging station is available to receive the first vehicle. The pallet, with the first vehicle thereon, is transported to the available charging station. The charging cable, coupled to the pallet, is connected to a charging device and the first vehicle is charged. At least partly in response to detecting that the first vehicle has completed charging, the pallet is automatically conveyed, with the first vehicle positioned thereon, to a parking area. The first vehicle is conveyed to a parking location within the parking area.

Abstract: A method for detecting an elevated object situated within a parking facility, using at least two video cameras that are spatially distributed within the parking facility and whose visual ranges overlap in an overlap area. The method encompasses the following steps: recording particular video images of the overlap area with the aid of the video cameras; analyzing the recorded video images in order to detect an elevated object in the recorded video images, the analysis being carried out internal to the video camera with the aid of at least one of the video cameras, and also external to the video camera with the aid of at least one processing unit that is different from the video cameras. Moreover, a corresponding system, a parking facility, and a computer program, are provided.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval device, in particular for parallel operation of a high-bay warehouse, contains a device frame, which has frame compartments arranged to form a three-dimensional compartment matrix, and has at least one cab used to hold storage goods. The electromotively driven cab can be moved within the compartment matrix in a vertical direction and/or in a second horizontal direction from each frame compartment. The storage and retrieval device advantageously realizes fast access because of the movability of the cab within a device frame of the storage and retrieval device in a vertical direction and/or in a second horizontal direction and realizes a high handling rate of storage goods in the operation of a high-bay warehouse because of the parallel operation of a plurality of cabs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a first conveyor segment, a second conveyor segment spaced below the first conveyor segment, a first vertical lift disposed at a first end of the module, and a second vertical lift disposed at a second end of the module. The first and second lifts each transfer inventory carriers between the first and second conveyor segments. The first conveyor segment, the second conveyor segment, the first vertical lift, and the second vertical lift together define a conveying loop in a vertical plane, and the storage module translates inventory carriers around the conveying loop until a desired one of the inventory carriers is presented at one of the first and second module ends. An inventory item can be retrieved from, or stowed in, the desired one of the inventory carriers at the one of the first and second module ends.

Abstract: A method for driving a vehicle to a free parking space in a parking facility having a plurality of parking spaces, each parking space assigned a parking space marking that stores at least one piece of information about the occupancy of the parking space, includes the vehicle, when pulling into a parking space, marking the space as occupied via the parking space marking and, when pulling out of the parking space, marking the space as free again via the parking space marking. A corresponding parking facility, vehicle, and system by which to carry out such a method are also provided.

Abstract: An automated parking turntable includes a driver walking unit with a rack having multiple loading forks and a vehicle conveyor for loading and unloading a vehicle to and from the rack. The automated parking turntable further includes a rotating plate having a vehicle standby unit in which a vehicle stands by opposite a driver getting on/off door, the rotating plate rotating to change the front/rear/left/right direction of the vehicle. Multiple fork bars are formed on the vehicle standby unit of the rotating plate and arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval so as to be perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vehicle in the outer straight range of the rotating plate. The multiple fork bars include front and rear fork groups spaced from each other to support the front wheels and rear wheels of the vehicle, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicles parking in multiple levels (1), which comprises a parking box (2); a base structure (3) and a lifting system (4); allowing the storing of vehicles in different levels in relation to the ground level, optimizing the use of the space; and to a method for managing maneuvering consisting of a system for optimizing the parking space and the vehicles parking in multiple levels (1).

Abstract: Technology is described for parking autonomous vehicles. An autonomous vehicle may receive an instruction to park the autonomous vehicle. The instruction may be received when the autonomous vehicle is in a preselected location. The autonomous vehicle may select at least one parking area that potentially has available parking spaces to park the autonomous vehicle using, in part, a defined set of parking criteria. Commands may be provided to drive the autonomous vehicle to the parking area. The autonomous vehicle may be configured to select an available parking space within the parking area to park the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may send a confirmation message after the autonomous vehicle is parked in the available parking space within the parking area. The confirmation message may include a parking location associated with the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Lift and slide parking systems employ a plurality of novel trolley apparatus. Each trolley includes a rectangular frame from which a platform may be raised and lowered via cables coupled to lifting bars positioned at each of four corners of the platform. On one side of the frame a slide rail and trolley sliding assembly includes hydraulic cylinders coupled with cables routed through sheaves arranged to enable movement of the trolley horizontally a necessary distance. The slide rail may include grooves in which a sliding block may be slidably retained. On the side opposite the slide rail is a lift rail and platform lift assembly which includes a hydraulic cylinder coupled with one or more belts routed through rollers to a lifting block coupled with cables routed through sheaves and coupled to lifting bars arranged to enable vertical movement of the platform. The lift rail may include grooves in which a cylinder block and lift block are slidably retained.

Abstract: A transfer device transfers an electric vehicle, that has been loaded onto a pallet, in a left-right direction or in an up-down direction relative to the direction of forward travel of the electric vehicle. The pallet is provided with: a power-receiving coil that, together with a power-supplying coil of the electric vehicle, forms an electromagnetic coupling circuit; a power-receiving circuit that receives power that is supplied wirelessly from the outside via the electromagnetic coupling circuit; and an electric motor that is driven by power received by the power-receiving circuit, and that causes the pallet to move in the left-right direction or in the up-down direction.

Abstract: The passenger and vehicle elevator system includes a plurality of elevator cars arrayed substantially equidistantly and equiangularly from a central shaft of the building. Each elevator car includes a housing and at least one door. The housing has a floor, a ceiling, and at least one sidewall. A linearly translating platform is mounted on the floor of each of the housings. The linearly translating platform is adapted for automatically carrying the vehicle and the at least one passenger through the at least one door. Further, the vehicle may be rotated within the housing by driven rotation of the platform or the floor, allowing for selective angular positioning of the vehicle with respect to the housing. The elevator car ascends and descends within a corresponding elevator shaft in a manner similar to that of a conventional elevator.

Abstract: A modular system for storage of cargo units in a designated space. The modular system includes: a plurality of interconnected active cell units, each cell unit including a cell transporting mechanism with at least one active shuttle unit moveable between the plurality of cell units. Each shuttle unit includes a shuttle transporting mechanism adapted to transport at least one pallet of the plurality of pallets to and from one of the plurality of cell units and also to and from at least one shuttle unit. The system also includes a central controller adapted to control the operation of the cell and the shuttle transporting mechanisms, the operation of which is performed in an independent manner via the central controller such that a construction of any arrangement of the cell units is performed to effectively exploit a designated space.

Abstract: An automated parking system for a parking structure includes a controller which receives a vehicle loading request from a vehicle customer. A loading bay accepts the vehicle and transfers to the parking system. Equipment is provided for transferring the vehicle horizontally and vertically through the parking system. The vehicle parking system includes a rack structure that is integrated as part of the parking structure.

Abstract: An automatic stacked parking or storage system includes a plurality of stationary docking cells, a plurality of carriages, and a central management system communicating with and controlling operations of the docking cells. Each docking cell has a ground driving device affixed on the bottom of the docking cell to drive a carriage horizontally in different directions of the docking cell, a docking cell control and interface unit (CIU), and one or more carriage position and ID sensor. A loaded carriage is moved horizontally by the ground driving devices of corresponding docking cells from a starting to a destination docking cell according to a route selected by a route optimization module. The location of the loaded carriage in the selected route is dynamically updated according to real time reports from each CIU of the corresponding docking cells. The system transports multiple loaded carriages at the same time for parking/storage and retrieval.

Abstract: An automated parking system for a parking structure includes a controller which receives a vehicle loading request from a vehicle customer. A loading bay accepts the vehicle and transfers to the parking system. Equipment is provided for transferring the vehicle horizontally and vertically through the parking system. The vehicle parking system includes a rack structure that is integrated as part of the parking structure.

Abstract: An automated parking facility for motor vehicles is provided. The parking facility is made up of at least two storage grids and at least two transport grids. Motor vehicles are movable along a first direction of movement in each of the transport grids by a transport device. Storage-grid storage locations for storing motor vehicles positioned on storage devices exist in the storage grids. The storage devices are associated with the storage-grid storage locations. The storage devices are movable from the respective storage-grid storage locations into at least one transport grid and vice versa. In the transport grid, the motor vehicles are transferable from the respective transport device to the respective storage device and vice versa by mutual passing. The number of storage devices are greater than the number of the storage-grid storage locations and the excess storage devices are associated with transport-grid storage locations existing in the transport grids.

Abstract: A vehicle shuttle car operable to travel in linear and lateral directions includes a low profile cart including a steerable front section and a rear section, the front section operable to turn left and right relative to the rear section. The rear section is operable to raise and support at least one tire of a vehicle off the ground.

Abstract: The passenger and vehicle elevator system includes a plurality of elevator cars arrayed substantially equidistantly and equiangularly from a central shaft of the building. Each elevator car includes a housing and at least one door. The housing has a floor, a ceiling, and at least one sidewall. A linearly translating platform is mounted on the floor of each of the housings. The linearly translating platform is adapted for automatically carrying the vehicle and the at least one passenger through the at least one door. Further, the vehicle may be rotated within the housing by driven rotation of the platform or the floor, allowing for selective angular positioning of the vehicle with respect to the housing. The elevator car to ascends and descends within a corresponding elevator shaft in a manner similar to that of a conventional elevator.

Abstract: A parking system is provided, having a plurality of motor vehicle parking spaces arranged next to and/or on top of one another, each defining a parking position for a motor vehicle, a transfer area defining a transfer position for the motor vehicle for transferring the motor vehicle from the user to the parking system and vice versa, a transporting device for transporting the motor vehicle between the transfer position and the parking position, a control device for controlling the transporting device, and a user operating device in operative communication with the control device. The control device controls the transporting device for transporting the motor vehicle from the parking position as far as a change-of-operation position and vice versa in automatic operation. The transporting device transports the motor vehicle from the change-of-operation position to the transfer position and vice versa in dead man operation upon user actuation of the operating device.

Abstract: An automated parking system comprising a multi-level vehicle parking structure including multiple parking spaces arranged in one or more rows on each level of said structure; and an automatic vehicle positioning system configured to position and retrieve vehicles in said one or more rows of parking spaces, and further configured to shift a parking space of one or more vehicles in one row for retrieving one or more other vehicles in said row.

Abstract: An automated parking system and method for controlling a parking garage employ a distributed control system to control the transport of a vehicle between an entry/exit station and a parking space. The distributed control system employs an independent controller (PLC) for each mechanical element, such as elevators and shuttle cars. The PLCs are interconnected by a network and coordinate with each other to control the operation of the automated parking system. An operator panel including a touchscreen display may be used by an operator to control directly the operation of a particular PLC and its associated mechanical element. A central management computer is used to coordinate the overall operation and management of the distributed control system and to provide enhanced features including redundant safety checks.

Abstract: A method for managing charge of a plurality of battery-driven AGVs (automated guided vehicles) circulating on the main route provided with an automatic charge station includes: a first step of detecting, using an AGV, a marker for battery voltage check provided on a main route to measure the voltage of a battery of the AGV; a second step of changing the route of the AGV to advance it into a charge route provided in an automatic charge station, stopping the AGV in a charging position, and charging the battery automatically by using an automatic charger, if the measured battery voltage has lowered to a level requiring charging; and a third step of conveying the AGV that has been automatically charged to a standby place provided in the automatic charge station.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the parking and storage capacity of a vehicle parking garage wherein rows of vertical columns of parking spaces or cubicles are spaced in opposing relationship with one another such that at least one automatic guided and self propelled vehicle (AGV), with or without a vehicle support tray mounted thereon, is vertically movable in engagement with the opposing racks or chains that extend on opposite sides of the vertical columns of parking cubicles so that a vehicle may be loaded onto the AGV and thereafter transferred to, and later removed from a parking cubicles and transferred to an exit of the garage. If tray are used on the AGV, additional trays are stored in storage spaces adjacent each parking cubicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic load-parking system comprising:—a plurality of storage locations placed at different levels;—at each level, at least one main aisle enabling access to the storage locations;—at least one shuttle configured to carry the load to be parked and to move the latter horizontally into the storage locations;—at least one carrier configured to carry the shuttle and move the latter horizontally into the main aisle;—at least one elevator configured to carry the shuttle and/or the carrier and move them vertically from one level to the other in a vertical shaft; and—a control unit enabling the automatic management of the movement of the shuttle, the carrier, and the elevator so as to move the loads between a transfer area and the storage locations. The invention is characterized in that the storage locations (12) are not all the same size; the heights, widths, and lengths thereof vary, so the control unit (2) is equipped with a means for detecting the size, i.e.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multilayered, mechanical parking systems. Specifically, the present invention is a new parking system which facilitates installation and maintenance by compartmentalization. The main structure of a conventional mechanical parking system loads a vehicle on a pallet and parks the vehicle on a required spot, regardless of parking style such as horizontal circulation type, vertical circulation type, or mixed type. Such a pallet system comprises: a pallet structure which loads the vehicle and circulates vertically or horizontally in addition to an existing parking pallet; and a complex apparatus for operation to enable the pallet structure to unload or load the vehicle onto a required place. Particularly, the pallet is pulled or released by a wire in order to load and convey the vehicle while keeping the pallet balanced horizontally. Accordingly, if winding and releasing the wire cannot be controlled precisely, or if a sensor or a motor malfunctions, a serious problem may occur.

Abstract: An automated parking system for a parking structure includes a controller which receives a vehicle loading request from a vehicle customer. A loading bay accepts the vehicle and transfers to the parking system. Equipment is provided for transferring the vehicle horizontally and vertically through the parking system. The vehicle parking system includes a rack structure that is integrated as part of the parking structure.

Abstract: An automated storage system for vehicles or the like is provided with a guidance system that interacts with a remote-controlled transport system that transports a vehicle between an access location, such a drive-up location, and a storage location. More particularly, in one embodiment, an omni-directional, battery-powered, wirelessly-controlled, transport system or so-called automated guided vehicle (“AGV”) is designed to follow magnetic field generating wires and RFID chips on the floors of the parking facility to move forward, backward and side to side underneath cars that are parked on a flat surface. In one embodiment, the AGV automatically contracts and expands its body to slide its arms under the wheelbase of a car, lift the car, and roll with speed and precision in any direction on to a waiting lift, that will then raise and lower the AGV and its automobile payload toward its ultimate destination.

Abstract: An automated parking garage includes a three-dimensional warehousing facility for receiving a vehicle at a delivery bay, storing the vehicle in a parking area, and retrieving the vehicle from the parking area. The parking garage includes mechanical elements for transporting the vehicle between the delivery bay and the parking space, namely, at least one shuttle vehicle and at least one elevator. A central computer is in electrical communication with each of the mechanical elements to control the movement of the corresponding elements in the facility. A main catwalk extends the length of the facility to define parking spaces in the parking area to receive at least two vehicles, each vehicle having a front end and a rear end, with the desired end of each vehicle adjacent the main catwalk.

Abstract: Architecture for management of an automated parking and storage facility. A management system provides interactive interface capability to access, monitor, and control the parking and storage facility locally and remotely, as well as to provide limited access locally and remotely to a patron for obtaining facility products and services. In support of operator interaction, the interface includes graphic objects displayed in relation to facility components such as a facility floor thereby representing the state of the floor, which graphic objects are associated with facility components allowing the operator to monitor, control and perform diagnostics therewith. In support of patron interaction, the interactive interface includes web page capability to a patron node wherein the patron can obtain occupancy information and transact to reserve or secure a storage space.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling an automated parking system using a graphical user interface is described. The described method includes the step of displaying a graphical representation of a floor of an automated parking garage. The method also includes the step of displaying a number of objects in relation to the floor. The method further includes the step of displaying a plurality of control objects. A system for implementing the steps of the method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the shared vehicle port for automatically parking and delivering a shared vehicle used by a plurality of users, comprising: an automatic driving area having a passenger loading area and a passenger unloading area separated from each other and being connected to a vehicle passage via the passenger loading area and the passenger unloading area; and a user waiting area adjacent to the vehicle passage, the passenger loading area, and the passenger unloading area.

Abstract: The present invention refers to improvements provided by a robotized, radial type parking system, allowing twelve vehicles to be parked per floor without the need of areas for vehicle maneuvering or circulation, and which can be used in any urban area, especially where the land is scarce and expensive; the result is a high level of efficiency and density for vehicle parking as compared with the overall land and building area.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for individually processing semiconductor wafers through a plurality of processing stations. The system has a plurality of processing stations, a multilevel track system that interfaces with the processing stations, and guided transport vehicles that operate on the track system to move individual wafers in wafer carriers between the stations. The carriers have a storage memory that contains the required process sequence and the capability to remember the completed process steps.

Abstract: An automatic power-driven apparatus is provided for storing objects, particularly motor vehicles. The apparatus comprises at least two vertically-arranged levels, each having a closed-circuit transit track provided with two longitudinal transit lanes, four rows of storage cells extending on either side of each transit lane, and at least one lift which is movable between a loading and/or unloading bay and each level, each of the lifts being arranged so that it takes up the same space as a storage cell. The apparatus further comprises, on each level, at least one self-driving trolley, and a trolley-guiding device for moving the trolleys along the transit track, each trolley being provided with devices for loading and unloading the objects.

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for processing semiconductor wafers through a plurality of processing stations that perform manufacturing operations on wafers includes a plurality of processing stations, each of which are capable of performing at least one processing operation on a wafer, each of the processing stations having a controlled environment for processing the wafers, and a branched tunnel joined and communicating with the controlled environment. A means is provided for maintaining a clean environment in the tunnel. Within the tunnel there are provided a plurality of guided transport vehicles adapted to travel between the process stations. A plurality of wafer carriers, each adapted to support a single wafer and be carried by the transport vehicles, are part of the system.

Abstract: Automated parking system for motor vehicles in silos including cells, carports, corridors, ramps and the like, in which the motor vehicle is carried using lifting and translating devices. The vehicles arrive at a loading floor with access to loading/unloading cabins. The loading floors have an elevator compartment arranged along the major axis of a motor vehicle. The lifting and translating devices move inside the elevator compartment and the vehicles are picked up by translating elements in the elevator compartment, and are then transported to positioning cells located on several parking floors. The system includes comb-like supports including several mobile pieces which can be opened and closed for supporting the motor vehicles.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a motor vehicle comprises a frame body, two pairs of slide forks, each holding front and rear wheels of a motor vehicle respectively and moving the motor vehicle, the two pairs of slide forks moving in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the frame body, the two pairs of slide forks having a first pair of slide forks positioned on the side of front wheels and a second pair of slide forks on the side of rear wheels in the frame body, a first adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the first pair of slide forks and the second pair of slide forks to be equal to a distance between a shaft of front wheels and a shaft of rear wheels, the first adjusting device being positioned on at least one side out of the side of front wheels and the side of rear wheels and moving at least one pair of slide forks in a longitudinal direction of the frame body, and a second adjusting device for adjusting a hold distance between slide forks forming each of the first pair of s

Abstract: A lift device includes a cable member having opposed ends thereof suspended via guide members and longitudinally movable by a lift drive unit, a lift unit connected to one of the ends of the cable member for lifting an object along a lift passage, a balance weight connected to the other end of the cable member and movable along a balance-weight lift passage, a detection device for detecting a height of the balance weight to check whether or not the balance weight is positioned higher than a lower end of the balance-weight lift passage by a predetermined value when said lift unit is moved to its uppermost position, and a warning device for warning an abnormal elongation of the cable member if the detection device detects that the balance weight is not positioned higher than the lower end of the balance-weight lift passage by the predetermined amount. The invention also discloses an automated high-raised parking system using this lift device.

Abstract: There are defined a lift space (E) and multi-storied housing spaces (X,Y) provided on at least one side out of the left side, right side, front, side, and rear side of the lift space (E). A three dimensional housing apparatus comprises a liftable fork unit composed of a pair of liftable forks (5a,5b) movable up and down in the lift space (E), and a plurality of traversable housing forks (20) each reciprocatingly movable between a corresponding housing space (X,Y) and the lift space (E). An object (C) to be housed can speedily and safely be warehoused in and delivered from a respective housing space (X,Y) by the liftable fork unit (5a,5b) and respective traversable housing fork (20).

Abstract: An automatic multi-level storage structure including a building structure having at least one entrance and exit station, a main floor directly accessible from the entrance station, and a plurality of storage levels, a plurality of object pallets provided with wheels and adapted to carry objects to be stored. The pallets are movable along, and guide by, a first track fixedly attached to the floor of the levels. There is also provided at least one storage elevator adapted to accommodate the object pallets and to move between the main floor and the plurality of storage levels, and transfer platforms permanently located in the elevator and provided with a second track fixedly attached to the platform. The second track is adapted to accept and guide the wheels of the object pallet, and is furnished with a driver for moving the object pallet onto and off of the transfer platform.

Abstract: A parking system for automotive vehicles, comprises a building structure divided into a ground parking level and at least two upper parking levels, each having a floor and a ceiling defining between them one or more lines of parking spaces extending longitudinally of the respective level. The floor and ceiling of each level are spaced from each other a distance which is greater than twice the height of the vehicles to be parked in the respective level, to define a lower zone of parking spaces for supporting the vehicles, and an upper zone for conveying the vehicles to a selected parking space in the lower zone.

Abstract: There are defined a lift space (E) and multi-storied housing spaces (X, Y) provided on at least one side out of the left side, right side, front side, and rear side of the lift space (E). A three dimensional housing apparatus comprises a liftable fork unit composed of a pair of liftable forks (5a, 5b) movable up and down in the lift space (E), and a plurality of traversable housing forks (20) each reciprocatingly movable between a corresponding housing space (X, Y) and the lift space (E). An object (C) to be housed can speedily and safely be warehoused in and delivered from a respective housing space (X, Y) by the liftable fork unit (5a, 5b) and a respective traversable housing fork (20).

Abstract: A device for controlling access to a shaded parking area. In the invention, a parking space is provided with shade. Access to the shade is controlled by a meter in combination with a removable barrier. When the user gains access by insertion of a "credit card", the time of entry is noted together with the later time of exit. The elapsed time is used to compute the amount of charge to the user.

Abstract: An automated parking garage system having a plurality of modules arranged in, for example, a grid pattern, each module having a plurality of stacked storage positions. An empty storage position for each module or the top of the module is positioned at an access point so that vehicles can easily and quickly access or exit the system. Each of the modules includes a roller system so that modules can slidably move up and down in response to movement of a hydraulic power system controlled in accordance with signals to move an empty storage position of the module or top of a module to an access point. The hydraulic system also moves the modules in response to a request to retrieve a vehicle.

Abstract: An automated parts supply system is disclosed for a manufacturing operation to deliver parts to individual work stations on a "just-in-time" basis. A carrier module with a supply of parts in a set of containers is placed on a computer controlled guided vehicle at a receiving station. A record of module data including the identification, quantity and location of parts in the module is supplied for use in the computer system. The vehicle is automatically controlled to move to successive work stations to deliver parts according to a predetermined schedule and in response to special interrupt requests. The system may include more than one vehicle and each vehicle may be loaded with more than one parts carrier module. An in-plant storage module may be used as a back-up supply source in conjunction with scheduled delivery of parts carrier modules at the plant receiving dock.

Abstract: Motor vehicle parking apparatus has pallets for vehicles which are arranged next to each other on a movable construction which is drivable so that each pallet can be brought into line with a predetermined position such as a loading position. In order to achieve accurate alignment of a pallet with the predetermined position, a drive control sysem is used which controls operation of the drive in accordance with an evaluated difference between an actual value derived from an increment transmiter and a predetermined theoretical value dependent on the individual pallet to be aligned. Overrun of the predetermined position is corrected by reversal of the drive under control of a correction signal.

Abstract: A system for operating a vehicle storage conveyor is disclosed in which a programmable digital computer system is used to automatically control the operation of the conveyor, to monitor the safeties of the storage conveyor and to cease operation thereof upon the detection of an unsafe condition, and for controlling a plurality of electromagnetic radiation beam transmitting and detecting devices systematically located throughout a loading area of the storage conveyor so as to detect the presence of a vehicle or a person and to distinguish between them. The system prevents operation of the vehicle conveyor until the vehicle is properly positioned thereon and the person who drove the vehicle is detected as leaving the conveyor loading system.