Abstract: A lift structure of a rack storage system including a pair of vertical post, a pair of guide rail portions stacked one on top of the other, a mounting brace, and a mounting platform attached to the pair of vertical post. The mounting brace includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust an alignment between the pair of guide rail portions fastened together by a clamping plate. A load handling station is secured to the mounting platform to support loads transported to and from the rack storage system, wherein the load handling station is located by locating a position of the mounting platform.

Abstract: A storage system includes a rack with a plurality of layers, each layer including an aisle and a plurality of rows extending from the aisle defining storage locations for items. A shuttle usable with the rack includes a first cart movable along the aisle and a second cart configured to be carriable by the first cart and to be movable along a row. The second cart is configured to carry an item between the first cart and the storage locations. A conveyor is located on one of the first or second carts to move the item onto or off the first cart. Related methods of storing and/or retrieving items from a rack are also disclosed. A rack system is disclosed and is readily assembled without welding, transferring loading so that the weight of the rack and any item stored therein is supported by the upright elements via support brackets.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for controlling performance of an engine in response to a set of outputs from a device to an engine control unit. The engine control unit receives profile parameters that are related to outputs of the device. The engine control unit engages a high performance functionality in response to a first signal. The engine control unit engages a high idle functionality in response to a second signal.

Abstract: A storage system includes a rack with a plurality of layers, each layer including an aisle and a plurality of rows extending from the aisle defining storage locations for items. A shuttle usable with the rack includes a first cart movable along the aisle and a second cart configured to be carriable by the first cart and to be movable along a row. The second cart is configured to carry an item between the first cart and the storage locations. A conveyor is located on one of the first or second carts to move the item onto or off the first cart. Related methods of storing and/or retrieving items from a rack are also disclosed. A rack system is disclosed and is readily assembled without welding, transferring loading so that the weight of the rack and any item stored therein is supported by the upright elements via support brackets.

Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run to lift containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or at stations where goods may be removed or alternative functions may be undertaken. The containers can provide the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency. The containers when removed from the stacks are electrically connected to the load handling device, power being supplied by a power supply within the load handling device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a packaging tray structure and a substrate packaging structure. The packaging tray structure comprises a first tray including a first surface and a recess formed on the first surface for placing a to-be-packaged object; a second tray stacked on the first surface and cooperating with the first tray; a protective gasket disposed between the first tray and the second tray; and a limiting portion provided on at least one of the first tray and the second tray for limiting shift of a protective gasket. The limiting portion supports the protective gasket in such a manner that a gap is maintained between the protective gasket and the to-be-packaged object.

Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

Abstract: A method of order fulfilling by making order and/or product units available from a storage facility in a desired sequence at a picking station is provided herein. The storage facility may include a plurality of multilevel storage racks in which order and/or product units are stored, an automatic storage and retrieval device, such as a shuttle, which retrieves and stores orders and/or product units, and lifts used to transfer the order and/or product units to at least one storage-exit conveyor, wherein each lift is directly connected to a picking station in a picking level by the storage-entry conveyor and the storage-exit conveyor.

Abstract: Systems 1000, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for the fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. In particular, the disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of storage and delivery containers in order processing systems.

Abstract: Provided is a plate-shaped member transfer facility capable of inserting a plate-shaped member in a raised state into a rack and retrieving the plate-shaped member in the raised state from the rack. A stocker facility includes: a rack configured to store glass plates such that the stored glass plates are arranged in a front-rear direction in a raised state; and a track robot configured to transfer the glass plates between the track robot and the rack by moving the glass plates to the left and right. The track robot includes a track-side running base, a flip, a track-side conveyance base, and rollers.

Abstract: A method and system for fulfilling orders includes establishing a queue of orders that are available to be filled, each order in the queue containing at least one unique item type. An order from the order queue is selected and opened as a first order. Another order from the order queue is selected and opened as a second order. Inventory containers each having a unique item type for at least one of the orders are delivered and an operator picks the unique item type from the inventory container. The orders are assembled at order assembly locations that are a particular distance from the operator. The orders are selected and/or the assembly locations assigned in a manner that improves order fulfillment productivity, such as by reducing order fulfillment time, reducing operator travel distance, and the like.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a storage structure having storage sections and a carry-in-and-out portion, one or more environment adjusters for adjusting storage environment individually for each of the storage sections, an environment managing portion for collecting information about storage environment and controls operation of the one or more environment adjusters, a storage transport device for performing a transport operation, and a carry-in-and-out managing device for managing the locations of storage sections.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses and method for configuring a compartmentable equipment to accommodate emergency responses. An exemplary equipment comprises a plurality of removable compartments for storing workpieces so that in emergency events, such as power failure or equipment failure, the workpieces can be removed from the equipment for continuing processing without disrupting the flow of the fabrication facility. The compartmentable equipment can comprise emergency access ports, including mating interface to a portable workpiece removal equipment to allow accessing the individual compartments without compromising the quality, defects and yield of the workpieces stored in the stocker.

Abstract: A robotic system that identifies surgical instruments, sorts them by type, stores them, and retrieves them for packaging in surgical containers. The system is comprised of robotic components, a surgical instrument input mechanism, a surgical instrument identification system, a machine-vision system to assist in locating and identifying these items, a set of surgical instrument storage bins or stacks, a set of robotically accessible mechanisms for organizing surgical instruments within their containers, and a software control system that allows the device to perform its functions autonomously.

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: Arbitrary pieces of semiconductor wafers are supported flexibly on either the upper side or the lower side. The present invention is a thin plate container for supporting plural semiconductor wafers for use in carriage, storage, processing, etc. It comprises processing trays plurally stacked in a state of each supporting at least one semiconductor wafer individually and a coupling mechanism for integrally coupling the processing trays in a state where the processing trays are plurally stacked and separating the processing trays at an arbitrary location. Each processing tray has a one-side support for supporting at least one semiconductor wafer on its one side and the other-side support mutually fitted to the one-side support of the other processing tray on the other side to form a housing space sealed off from the external environment for constraining and supporting the thin plate.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of items wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which storage units are stored in vertically oriented cells with each storage unit being stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a storage unit and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: A method for operating a rack system preferably in a dispatch unit (1), with a rack (2) and an associated rack serving device for the storage and retrieval of containers (3), trays or the like to or from the rack. A rack region of the rack (2) has a plurality of rack planes (13) arranged one above the other and is served by a dedicated, mechanically coupled, height and length-adjustable rack serving device (4). In each track region embodied as an independent, closed rack unit (A, B, C), containers (3), trays or the like undergo interim storage in a buffer zone (P1, P2, P3) on the same level, are transferred for storage or retrieval and transported by an elevator (5; 6a, 6b) and/or a preferably horizontal transport connection (F1, F2) arranged in the region of the rack unit (A, B, C) at the same level, from or to a transport system or workplace outside the rack system.

Abstract: A series of substrate transport paths for transporting substrates is arranged on upper and lower stories. Substrates are transferable between the substrate transport path on the first story and the substrate transport path on the second story. The paths include a going-only path for transporting the substrates forward, and a return-only path for transporting the substrates in the opposite direction, these paths being arranged on the upper and lower stories. An indexer connects one end of the substrate transport path on one story to one end of the substrate transport path on the other story. An interface connects the other end of the substrate transport path on one story to the other end of the substrate transport path on the other story. This construction efficiently reduces a waiting time due to interference between the substrates transported along the going-only path and the substrates transported along the return-only path.

Abstract: A robotic containerization and palletizing system having a multiple-fingered end effector. The system includes a frame that defines one or more cells. Each cell has one gantry-type robot, which is mounted in a set of tracks on top of the frame. The robot is movable along two axes and has an arm to which the end effector is mounted. The end effector is designed to grasp trays, tubs, and similar items from a conveyor system running through the cell and load them in a cart or on a pallet. The items are gripped by two sets of fingers. One set of fingers may be mounted to a first plate and another set of fingers may be mounted to a carriage that moves in a horizontal direction, either toward or away from the first set of fingers. Each finger has a main shaft and a bent tip. The shafts are rotatable such that the tips can be moved underneath or out from under a load, depending upon whether a pick-up or drop-off operation is being performed.

Abstract: Within both a stocker apparatus and a method for operating the stocker apparatus there is employed: (1) a minimum of six input/output ports; (2) an array of storage locations for storing an array of work in process (WIP) product units; and (3) a random access transportation means for transporting a work in process (WIP) product unit at least bidirectionally between the minimum of six input/output ports and a storage location within the array of storage locations. Within the stocker apparatus and the method, the minimum of six input/output ports provides for more efficient operation of the stocker apparatus.

Abstract: A plurality of subsidiary transport paths are disposed crossing a main transport path, for transferring a workpiece. A stocker is disposed at each cross point between the main transport path and each of the subsidiary transport paths. The stocker transfers the workpiece to and from the main transport path and a corresponding subsidiary transport path and temporarily stocks the workpiece. A plurality of processing apparatuses are disposed corresponding to each of the subsidiary transport paths. The processing apparatus receives the workpiece transported on a corresponding subsidiary transport path, processes it, and returns it to the corresponding subsidiary transport path. An efficient transport as a whole can be realized.

Abstract: In a sorting unit for glass blanks, next to a device (1) for righting of glass blanks delivered horizontally, there is buffer storage (20) on the side opposite conveyor (10) by which glass blanks are moved to compartmented cars (60) in which they are sorted are deposited. Buffer storage (20) is a compartmented shelf with compartments formed by several tensioned cables. In buffer storage (20) glass blanks can be deposited without hindering the remaining sorting process. To align the compartments of the compartmented shelf of buffer storage (20) relative to the conveyor plane of the device (1) for righting of glass blanks, compartmented car (21) of buffer storage (20) can be adjusted relative to its base frame (22) transversely to the conveyor plane.

Abstract: In order to be able to continuously operate a storage and conveyor system, consisting of two main conveyor tracks running parallel to each other and containing storage locations for goods in a minimum of space, in such a way as to allow retrieval of specific goods at the ends of the main conveyor tracks, it is proposed that the ends of the main conveyor tracks be connected by two cross-conveyor tracks, arranged at right angles to the conveying direction, consisting of two track sections, located one behind the other and capable of being separately raised and lowered in vertical direction, these cross-conveyor tracks being movable in the conveying direction of the main conveyor tracks.

Abstract: A method of storage control of component works in an automated storehouse, including a plurality of shelf equipment for storage/delivery of component works conveyed by a plurality of transporters, and an apparatus therefor are provided. The control method comprising the steps in that the shelf-array equipment storage status is confirmed in step S11, a shelf-array containing an empty shelf is extracted in S12, the specification information is entered in S13, and the stored work having the same specification information as that to be stored is retrieved, and a shelf containing the minimum number of works is decided as the target location (in S14 to 17).

Abstract: A beverage terminal for the automatic delivery of beverage crates including a delivery terminal for pallets charged with beverage crates, at least one high-shelf, an individualizing device, at least one depot, at least one customer conveyor, and at least one beverage supply point provided with a customer control panel. The individualizing device and a depalletizer include at least one horizontally arranged linear conveyor assigned to a storage surface of the depot. The linear conveyor has a gripping mechanism for gripping and lifting or lowering individual beverage crates.

Abstract: In a commissioning process, variable lines are produced from articles of a variable supply of goods wherein each line consists of a selected number of groups consisting of a variable number of articles of the same type. A dispenser arrangement with a dispenser (D.sub.xyz) with an inlet matrix (SE) and an outlet matrix (SA) and buffers (P) between the matrices is used. Articles assembled into transport units with auxiliary packaging and/or transport material are supplied to the dispenser arrangement. The articles are individualized from the transport units of goods, the individual articles are fed through the inlet matrix into the buffers and transported in the buffers to the outlet matrix. From the outlet matrix articles are removed to collect lines of a predetermined combination and the collected articles are assembled to form line units using auxiliary packaging and/or transport material. The auxiliary packaging and/or transport material is supplied from the individualization step to the line assembly step.

Abstract: A bulk envelope container for use in a bulk envelope transfer system and method includes a plurality of elongate chambers, each of which can store a stack of envelopes. The chambers can be arranged in rows and columns and the container is designed for use with a positioning table which is movable both horizontally and vertically to selectively align one of the chambers with a loading or unloading device. Each chamber has attached thereto a motorized gate which can be opened when the chamber is aligned for loading or unloading and closed when the associated chamber is not so aligned. An exemplary loading and unloading apparatus and a synchronizing control system is disclosed for use with the container and positioning table.

Abstract: An article sorting and retrieval system for use in warehouses and distribution centers wherein articles are stored in vertical racks with open-sided storage bins. The system includes a linearly extensible lower conveyor assembly adapted to transport items parallel to the rows of storage bins and a vertically movable upper conveyor assembly located above and parallel to the lower conveyor assembly and adapted to convey articles in a direction opposite to that of the lower assembly and to be raised and lowered between an upper position and a lower position as desired so as to service all of the bins in each of the rows of bins. Another conveyor assembly is provided for conveying articles vertically between one end of the lower conveyor assembly and one end of the upper conveyor assembly and for reversing the direction of travel of the articles during that vertical movement.

Abstract: A three-dimensional manufacturing and assembly plant for installing assembly lines three-dimensionally. The plant comprises a three-dimensional high-rise rack having a plurality of shelves multilayeredly arranged for storing articles and a plurality of multilayered assembly units and provided at least on one side of the three-dimensional rack for supporting assembly lines. The assembly unit includes a plurality of frame members arranged lengthwise and crosswise and a floor detachably placed on the frame members. The floor comprises a plurality of panel members made of transparent and ventilative material. Further, the plant comprises a three-dimensional high-rise rack and having a plurality of shelves multilayeredly arranged for storing articles and an assembly line supporting structure provided at least on one side of the three-dimensional rack for supporting assembly lines.

Abstract: A lithographic plate storing system comprises a lifting member for engaging with a hook of a lithographic plate; a carriage including a lithographic plate engagement member which is adapted to be located in an advanced position while the lifting member is lowered so as to receive the lithographic plate and in a retreated position while the lifting member is raised so as not to interfere therewith and a pusher for sidewardly pushing the lithographic plate while the lithographic plate is supported by the engagement member; and a fixed storage shelf including a plurality of perpendicularly spaced-apart partitions.

Abstract: The installation comprises a delivery conveyor (4) for delivering unit items in buckets (5). A station (3) injects unit items onto the delivery conveyor. A sorting conveyor (6) carries packs (8) corresponding to respective batches to be made up. The sorting conveyor is disposed relative to the delivery conveyor so as to establish at least one item transfer zone therebetween. A central control unit (10) ensure that desired coincidences occur between item-containing buckets (5) and packs (8) for receiving the items, with the control units controlling the transfer of items form the buckets to the packs. The invention is particularly applicable to making up batches of items in response to orders therefor.

Abstract: A casing for storing cassettes is provided with a plurality of adjacent slots for receiving a plurality of respective cassettes. A resilient bar is disposed adjacent the innermost end of each slot and is provided with a half-round intermediate portion which projects into the slot to engage and position a cassette in the correct location. The opposite ends of the resilient bar are slidably connected to the casing to allow the resilient bar to flex and asorb shocks caused by excessive force in the insertion of the cassette into the slot.

Abstract: The sales stand for sewing thread bobbins and the like consists of a housing which is divided into an upper customer array part and a lower equipment part arranged beneath it in which the customer array consists of storage slots arranged in rows and columns with their longitudinal axes parallel where each slot has a removal opening at the front and a filling opening at the back, and in each slot a number of the same bobbins are arranged which can be removed from the removal opening at the front. Magazines for each diameter of bobbin are arranged in the equipment part from which the transport system automatically refills the storage slots.

Abstract: A four-axis robot has three independent linear motions and one rotational component. The robot is disposed between a pair of confronting storage units and is operable to store and retrieve articles in and from them. The robot comprises a carrier disposed half-way between the two storage units for travel parallel to the units. A head is supported from the carriage and in turn supports an arm for horizontal extension and retraction. The head can be both elevated and lowered along, as well as rotated about, a vertical axis. The head and arm are capable of 180.degree. rotary motion about the vertical axis to access the two storage units. Specific rotational control of the head is provided by a unique actuating mechanism with associated adjustable stops. The mechanism includes a linearly movable gear rack operated by a power cylinder and meshing with a pinion concentric with the vertical axis. The pinion is mounted on the bearing portions of a ball spline shaft and bearing coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus, made in accordance with the present invention, comprises an ice-making unit for making pure ice using a refrigeration system, an electric heater for melting into fresh water the ice produced by the ice-making unit, a tank for storing the fresh water resulting from the melting, a sensor for sensing the water temperature prevailing in the tank, and a control responsive to a signal from the sensor to actuate the heater for maintaining the water temperature at a predetermined value. The apparatus further comprises a sensor for sensing the water level in the tank, and a control responsive to a signal from the water level sensor to control the operation of the ice-making unit for maintaining the water level at a predetermined value.

Abstract: Tobacco handling apparatus that receives tobacco from a source, such as a trailer, and elevates it by a conveyor to a discharge end from which it is discharged in a flow path having a substantial maximum horizontal extent disposed above a container that has an elongated horizontal extent aligned with and underneath the flow path for receipt of the tobacco leaves in condition for subsequent curing. An oscillatable or reciprocable baffle, or a variable speed conveyor or feed roll is included for varying the horizontal extent of the flow path within the maximum extent in a generally uniform manner to cause the leaves to be distributed substantially uniformly along the elongated extent of the container.

Abstract: A floating storage facility for storing small boats not greater than a predetermined length. A floor system comprising a network of longitudinal and lateral support members disposed over flotation blocks provides support for the building. A pair of spaced parallel weight supporting beams are disposed centrally over the flotation members on each side of the storage facility. The parallel beams support a plurality of columns which support a pair of parallel spaced crane runway rails disposed along the upper portion of the building. The weight of the building is distributed over the flotation device to provide a central stabilized loading point for the building. The building has a lightweight metal frame cover disposed overwardly with the outer walls.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described which facilitates the filling of mushroom beds with compost and the covering of a composted and spawned mushroom bed with casing soil. A hopper means adapted to be affixed temporarily to one end of a mushroom bed is provided with means for delivering compost and casing soil from the hopper onto a flexible sheet which in turn is adapted to be pulled lengthwise of the mushroom bed. As the sheet is pulled away from the hopper a retroverted portion of the sheet continuously deposits the compost into the bed or the casing soil on the top of the compost uniformly covering the bed. The sheet is pulled by a winch operated cable, and the winch and hopper are mounted outboard of the mushroom bed so as to be suitable for use with a frame containing a plurality of vertically arranged beds.