Abstract: A shoe organizer unit, a method of using a shoe organizer unit, and a method for storing shoes in a plurality of shoe storing shelves of a shoe organizer unit are described. The shoe organizer unit includes a plurality of shoe storing shelves adapted to store shoes therein. A plurality of linear actuators moves the plurality of shoe storing shelves in a path within a cabinet. A controller manages operation of the linear actuators to move the shoes along the path. Transparent panels secure the shoes within the cabinet. Secure storage and retrieval of the shoes is controlled by electronics including a keypad, a push button and a shoe shelf identification code card printer. The shoe organizer unit provides for sterilization of the shoes stored and secure storing and retrieval of the shoes.

Abstract: A method includes disposing, by using a transport module of a workpiece storage system, a first workpiece on a first workpiece carrier; disposing, by using the transport module, the first workpiece carrier with the first workpiece in a workpiece container; disposing, by using the transport module, a second workpiece in the workpiece container, wherein the first workpiece and the second workpiece have different sizes; and transferring, by using the transport module, the workpiece container containing the second workpiece and the first workpiece carrier with the first workpiece to a stocker to store the workpiece container.

Abstract: A computer program product for acclimating at least one electronic data storage library component for insertion or removal from an electronic data storage library, the computer program product comprising: one or more computer readable storage media, and program instructions collectively stored on the one or more computer readable storage media. The program instructions include program instructions to insert at least one data storage library component into an acclimation device; to monitor at least one environmental condition within the acclimation device; to determine if the at least one environmental condition within the acclimation device meets a predetermined threshold; to adjust the at least one environmental condition within the acclimation device; and to remove the at least one electronic data storage library component from the acclimation device in response to determining that the at least one environmental condition within the acclimation device meets the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A picking system is realized that can efficiently perform operations from collection to delivery of articles in a limited space. A picking system (1) includes: a multi-row sorting device (2) configured to sort the article into one of the plurality of rows of exits (21) and discharge the sorted article; a container supporting device (3) capable of supporting an accommodating container (B) on a plurality of rows of container supporting portions (32) until an article group that is a set of articles for the order is collected; and a transport device (4) configured to unload the accommodating container (B) in which the article is accommodated from the container supporting portion (32), and load an empty accommodating container (B) to the container supporting portion (32).

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed configured to charge an electrical vehicle. A charge request is received for a first electrical vehicle parked at a first parking spot. A battery charging device is connected to a first head unit comprising a first charging cable located in proximity to the first parking spot. A charge request is received for a second electrical vehicle parked at a second parking spot. A determination is made as whether the first electrical vehicle is no longer being charged, and in response to determining that the first electrical vehicle is no longer being charged, the battery charging device is disconnected from the first head unit and is connected to a second head unit comprising a second charging cable located in proximity to the second parking spot.

Abstract: A volumetric, building unit including a support frame having a plurality of support frame members, a plurality of modular interior wall units, a plurality of modular interior ceiling units and a plurality of modular floor units and wherein the spaced apart coupling between the support frame and the interior walls and interior ceiling provides flexibility between the support frame and the interior wall and interior ceiling, so that the deformation of the support frame within a predetermined range is not transmitted to the interior wall and/or interior ceiling. Disclosed also a method for manufacturing a building unit and a modular building.

Abstract: A modular dynamic building system includes a superstructure and a container. The superstructure includes: a plurality of columns; a plurality of beams connected to the columns to form an opening into the superstructure; and a plurality of tracks connected to the superstructure and in the opening. The container includes an opening in one side thereof and a plurality of wheels connected to a bottom surface of the container. The wheels of the container are on the tracks of the superstructure, and the opening in the container faces into the superstructure.

Abstract: A modular facility formation system includes any number of modules that may be coupled to one another to create a facility. Walls of the facility may be provided by one or more removeable walls, the walls of a shipping container, or a combination thereof. When installed within a shipping container, upper and lower braces are pressure fit into the shipping container without penetrating the container. The lower braces are configured to engage guidance mechanisms of the modules to guide the modules into a stowage position within the shipping container and to secure the modules in place. The modules may be configured with a pre-determined internal configuration corresponding to a defined function of the room within the facility.

Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of controlling material flow can be used to streamline order fulfillment processes. For example, according to some embodiments described herein, the inventory capacity of a mobile robot field is enhanced by vertically expanding the storage space that is readily accessible by mobile robots that facilitate an order sortation process. In result, the handling of inventoried items is reduced, and the efficiency of order fulfillment processes is increased.

Abstract: A shuttle vehicle is provided for transporting stored goods in a shelving system. The shuttle vehicle includes a running gear having wheels mounted thereon in order to move the shuttle vehicle along guide rails of the shelving system. A telescopic system is movably guided at the running gear, which can be retracted and extended relative to the running gear in a plane in a self-supporting manner on both sides of the running gear A lifting system is provided for raising and lowering the telescopic system relative to the guide rails of the shelving system. A shelving system is also provided which uses the shuttle system.

Abstract: A manufacturing system manufactures a rotating assembly by attaching a plurality of attached target members in a circumferential direction of a rotating main body portion. A storage member capable of storing the plurality of attached target members is placed on a stand. A measurement device measures a physical amount of the attached target member An attachment device attaches one attached target member to a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the rotating main body portion based on the physical amount measured by the measurement device A transfer device transfers the attached target member.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous transport vehicle, a transfer deck that defines a transport surface for the vehicle, at least one reciprocating lift, a first and second pickface interface station connected to the deck and spaced apart from each other, each station forming a pickface transfer interfacing between the vehicle on the deck and the lift at each station so that a pickface is transferred between the lift and the vehicle at each station, wherein the vehicle is configured to pick a first pickface at the first station, traverse the deck and buffer the first pickface, or at least a portion thereof, at the second station so that the second station has multiple pickfaces buffered on a common support in an order sequence of pickfaces according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed case pickfaces.

Abstract: A multi-story building (200) is described for manufactured homes (212) such as container homes. The building (200) includes a ground floor (202), a number of intermediate floors (204), and a top floor (206). The building (200) includes a throughway (208) on the ground floor (202) that allows passage of a transportation vehicle (210) such as a flatbed truck carrying a manufactured home (212). The transportation vehicle (210) can use the throughway (208) to position the manufactured home (212) in alignment with a hoistway (214). A hoist mounted on the roof (216) can then be used to hoist the home (212) to a desired floor (204 or 206).

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed configured to charge an electrical vehicle. A charge request is received for a first electrical vehicle parked at a first parking spot. A battery charging device is connected to a first head unit comprising a first charging cable located in proximity to the first parking spot. A charge request is received for a second electrical vehicle parked at a second parking spot. A determination is made as whether the first electrical vehicle is no longer being charged, and in response to determining that the first electrical vehicle is no longer being charged, the battery charging device is disconnected from the first head unit and is connected to a second head unit comprising a second charging cable located in proximity to the second parking spot.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers includes a transporter that moves containers along a transport direction, a displacer, and a treatment device with two treatment positions. The displacer has three arms that move transverse to the transport direction. The arms are driven independently such that two of the three arms contact bearing points on opposite sides of a container. These two arms move synchronously to displace the container between the transporter and one of the treatment positions.

Abstract: A conveyor tunnel oven incorporating a baking case opened by longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal food passage ports; a first conveyor extending through the at least baking case, the first conveyor being adapted for carrying the food item therethrough, a second conveyor supported at the oppositely longitudinal end of the baking case, the second conveyor being adapted for carrying the food item longitudinally toward or away from the food passage port; a third conveyor carried by the second conveyor, the third conveyor being adapted for carrying the food item laterally toward or away from the food passage port; a fourth conveyor carried by the third conveyor, the fourth conveyor being adapted for orbiting the food item; and a fifth conveyor carried by the fourth conveyor, the fifth conveyor having food item engaging arms and being adapted for moving the food item upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: There is provided a conveyance system that conveys a workpiece to each of plural processing apparatuses. The conveyance system includes a conveyance passage, an automated workpiece conveying vehicle that travels on the conveyance passage, a stock unit, and a control unit. The conveyance passage is set in a space directly above the processing apparatus across the plural processing apparatus. The stock unit includes a placement base on which a workpiece stocker capable of housing plural workpieces is placed, two temporary putting bases on which the workpiece carried out from the workpiece stocker on the placement base is temporarily put, a temporary putting base movement part that moves the two temporary putting bases in such a manner as to interchange the two temporary putting bases between a first position that faces the placement base and a second position adjacent to the first position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: A maintenance apparatus of a robot includes a pair of parallel rails removably installed on opposite sides in a predetermined direction to a robot, and a number of sliders, at least one of the number of sliders is attached to each of the pair of rails, and each of the sliders is configured to support an arm part or a reducer of the robot, and move the supported arm part or reducer along the rails.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated storage and retrieval system includes transferring a first item storage container from an aisle to a first region of a first storage location, positioning a second item storage container in the aisle proximate the first item storage container, interlocking the second item storage container to the first item storage container by engaging a releasable coupling structure extending there between, and applying, in a first direction transverse to the aisle, a force to the second item storage container sufficient in magnitude and duration to cause the first item storage container to occupy the second region of the first storage location and the second item storage container to occupy the first region of the first storage location, whereby the first and second item storage containers remain interlocked while in the first storage location.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous transport vehicle, a transfer deck that defines a transport surface for the vehicle, at least one reciprocating lift, a first and second pickface interface station connected to the deck and spaced apart from each other, each station forming a pickface transfer interfacing between the vehicle on the deck and the lift at each station so that a pickface is transferred between the lift and the vehicle at each station, wherein the vehicle is configured to pick a first pickface at the first station, traverse the deck and buffer the first pickface, or at least a portion thereof, at the second station so that the second station has multiple pickfaces buffered on a common support in an order sequence of pickfaces according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed case pickfaces.

Abstract: Vertical batch furnace assembly for processing wafers comprising a cassette handling space, a wafer handling space, and a first wall separating the cassette handling space from the wafer handling space. The first wall has at least one wafer transfer opening in front of which a wafer transfer position for a wafer cassette is provided. The cassette handling space comprises a cassette storage, and a cassette handling mechanism. The cassette storage has a plurality of cassette storage positions and is configured to store a plurality of wafer cassettes. The cassette handling mechanism comprises a first cassette handler which is configured to transfer wafer cassettes between a first set of the cassette storage positions and the wafer transfer position. The cassette handling mechanism is provided with a second cassette handler which is configured to transfer wafer cassettes between a second set of the cassette storage positions and the wafer transfer position.

Abstract: An order fulfillment system is disclosed including a multi-level tote storage structure, one or more autonomous mobile robots configured to pick, transport and place one or more tote; one or more workstations configured to accommodate a picker that transports one or more eaches from a tote on one of the autonomous mobile robots to a “put” location, wherein the autonomous mobile robots are configured to move from level to level in the order fulfillment apparatus.

Abstract: A stacker crane that prevents an increase in facility cost while lightening a mast and transfers an article to a target position, includes a traveling carriage including a carriage driver and traveling on a track provided on a ceiling of a facility, a mast suspended from the traveling carriage, an elevating platform vertically movable and guided along the mast, a transfer conveyor to transfer an article, a stopper to fix the mast, a switch to switch a state of the mast between a fixed and released states by the stopper, in which the switch releases the fixing of the stopper to allow a lower portion of the mast to follow an upper portion of the mast in the traveling direction when the carriage driver drives the traveler, the stopper fixes the mast when the carriage driver stops the traveling carriage.

Abstract: A system that includes a computer processor having a plurality of input data devices, a plurality of output data devices, and a plurality of sensors; and a mechanical assembly integrated with the computer processor to reposition a piece of wood lumber based on software code executing in the computer processor. In some embodiments, the system performs a method that includes eliciting and receiving into the computer processor data parameters from a first human user; obtaining incoming data points about the lumber from the plurality of sensors; processing and storing the data parameters; comparing the incoming data points to the data parameters to obtain comparison results; and, based on the comparison results, (1) rejecting the lumber to a preprogrammed position, (2) feeding the lumber into a saw assembly as positioned, or (3) repositioning the lumber to a more optimal position prior to feeding the lumber to the saw assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carriage lift assembly including a mast member, a top and bottom bearing assembly, one or more belt members, one or more belt tensioner assemblies, and one or more carriage assemblies. Each belt tensioner assembly defines a first clamping block and a second clamping block for securing a first and a second end, respectively, of a belt member to provide initial tension, and a pair of bolt members adjusted to move a slidable plate member upon which the second block is coupled to provide final tension. Each carriage assembly is removably attached to a corresponding belt tensioner assembly, and defines a center plate and two side plates. Each side plate defines at least a removable set of guiding wheels and a first set of guiding members.

Abstract: The storage-and-retrieval cell for a parcel-handling logistics platform includes shuttle robots that position parcels in storage locations and that retrieve the parcels therefrom, which locations form two rows of storage locations that extend along a longitudinal direction, and four half-rows of storage locations that are disposed back-to-back in the longitudinal direction between the two rows, a hopper being open in the upper floor between one pair of half-rows and the other pair of half-rows, the hopper being designed to allow the parcels to pass through it while they are being retrieved, the cell further including nesting trolleys each of which is suitable for being hitched to a shuttle robot and which are suitable for nesting together in the same storage location, and, at the edge of the hopper, an unloading device for unloading a nesting trolley by sweeping its deck.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous transport vehicle, a transfer deck that defines a transport surface for the vehicle, at least one reciprocating lift, a first and second pickface interface station connected to the deck and spaced apart from each other, each station forming a pickface transfer interfacing between the vehicle on the deck and the lift at each station so that a pickface is transferred between the lift and the vehicle at each station, wherein the vehicle is configured to pick a first pickface at the first station, traverse the deck and buffer the first pickface, or at least a portion thereof, at the second station so that the second station has multiple pickfaces buffered on a common support in an order sequence of pickfaces according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed case pickfaces.

Abstract: A transporter that moves between a plurality of transfer destinations at which articles can be placed, and transfers the article to the transfer destination, the transporter including a transferer capable of extending to or retracting from the transfer destination, and that places the article at the transfer destination in a state of having extended to the transfer destination from a waiting position; a detector that detects, after the transporter has transferred the article to the transfer destination, before the transporter starts moving toward another transfer destination, and before the transporter has returned to the waiting position, a posture or a position of the article; and a determiner that determines whether or not the posture or the position of the article is within a preliminarily set appropriate range, on the basis of detection results of the detector.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided and includes a transfer deck having a longitudinal axis, a first storage section and a second storage section. The first storage section and second storage section are located on opposite sides of the transfer deck and are substantially symmetrically opposed to one another about the longitudinal axis, where each of the first and second storage sections includes storage aisles that are in communication with the transfer deck.

Abstract: A picking device for storing bottles and a corresponding method are provided. The picking device includes a plurality of storage locations for bottles, an operating device having a gripper, at least one storing device, at least one identification device and an unloading device. The storage locations have storage location receptacles and the storing device has at least one storing receptacle for bottles, wherein the storage location receptacles and the storing receptacle are configured such that the bottles are held therein in such a way that they are protected against rolling. The gripper includes a gripping member configured such that the bottles are movable from the storing receptacles and storage location receptacles by being lifted by the gripping member or by being pulled to a holding area of the gripper.

Abstract: An arrangement includes at least one shelf system including movable shelves, at least one operating station for collecting items from a movable shelf at the operating station, a first lift for transporting the movable shelves between parking positions of the shelves in the shelf system and the operating station, a second lift for transporting and engaging palletless variable size items. The second lift is capable of docking to the movable shelves of the shelf system for communicating items to the movable shelves or from the movable shelves.

Abstract: An automated mechanical loading system for loading seedling carriers into a transporter bin for transport to the field for planting. The system of the present invention includes a transport bin having a plurality of rails mounted on the inside walls of the bin for accepting a plurality of carriers, power driven projections slidably mounted on sleds which are fixedly mounted to the top frame of a lift for urging one or more carriers into a preselected set of opposing rails in the bin. The lift controls the height of the sled so that the carriers are urged into the preselected set of rails in the bin. A mechanically referenced coupler is included for securing the lift to the bin to restrict movement of the lift relative to the bin into which the seedling carriers are to be loaded during the automated loading operation.

Abstract: A component supplier of the present disclosure includes a magazine that stores pallets, a table that is provided in front of the magazine and is provided with a standby tables in multiple tiers in an up-and-down direction, a first lift that moves the table up and down, and a pallet supplier that is provided in front of the table and that includes a supply table which holds at least one of the pallets at a component supply position where the component is supplied. The table has a first placing and withdrawing unit that places and withdraws the pallet between the magazine and the standby tables and a second lift that moves the first placing and withdrawing unit up and down. The pallet supplier has a second placing and withdrawing unit that places and withdraws the pallet between the standby tables and the supply table.

Abstract: An automatic locker device configured for a distribution of goods includes at least one storage area for the storage of loads including or formed by the goods, at least one retrieval point for the retrieval of the goods, and a handling device. The retrieval point includes a box having faces that are closed except for one open lateral face, having a first aperture oriented towards the exterior of the device, and an open lower face having a second aperture. The handling device is configured to shift one of the loads from the storage area towards the retrieval point and the vertically shift the load towards or through the second aperture of the open lower face, up to a height making it possible, through the first aperture of the open lateral face, to make available at least one of the goods included in or forming said load.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering source containers, via a mobile robotic container delivery system, to a first shelf and a second shelf, and in a particular order. Each source container has a position on one of the first shelf or the second shelf. The method includes delivering recipient containers on a floor level below the first shelf, wherein each container of the recipient containers is configured on a respective mobile robot, providing instructions to a user to retrieve an item from a first respective source container on one of the first shelf or the second shelf, moving a respective first recipient container on its respective first mobile robot out from underneath the first shelf to receive the item retrieved from the respective first source container and receiving a confirmation that the item has been retrieved from the respective first source container and placed appropriately.

Abstract: A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins is in communication with a retrieval conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the retrieval conveyance system for receiving the storage bins from the plurality of bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and a movable carriage for receiving the selected object from the end effector of the programmable motion device, and for carrying the selected object to one of a plurality of destination bins.

Abstract: A system that includes a computer processor having a plurality of input data devices, a plurality of output data devices, and a plurality of sensors; and a mechanical assembly integrated with the computer processor to reposition a piece of wood lumber based on software code executing in the computer processor. In some embodiments, the system performs a method that includes eliciting and receiving into the computer processor data parameters from a first human user; obtaining incoming data points about the lumber from the plurality of sensors; processing and storing the data parameters; comparing the incoming data points to the data parameters to obtain comparison results; and, based on the comparison results, (1) rejecting the lumber to a preprogrammed position, (2) feeding the lumber into a saw assembly as positioned, or (3) repositioning the lumber to a more optimal position prior to feeding the lumber to the saw assembly.

Abstract: A vertically die-stacked bonder able to stack laterally dies one by one includes a self-elevating unit, a retrieval unit neighbored to the self-elevating unit, and a receiving unit neighbored to the retrieval unit. At least one die is located at the self-elevating unit. The self-elevating unit elevates one die by 90 degrees, so as to form a vertical state. The retrieval unit hands over the die in the vertical state to the receiving unit. The self-elevating unit then elevates another die by 90 degrees once again. The retrieval unit stacks laterally the another die in the vertical state to the previous die at the receiving unit. Thereupon, by stacking laterally the dies in the vertical state orderly, the speed of die stacking can be increased, the production costs can be reduced, and the productivity can be increased.

Abstract: A rotating device includes a rotating shaft, a rotating disc, a left clamping disc, a right clamping disc, an upper clamping disc, and a recovering component. The upper clamping disc, the left clamping disc, and the right clamping disc are sleeved on the rotating shaft. The upper clamping disc fixes the rotating disc, the left clamping disc, and the right clamping disc on the rotating shaft. The recovering component abuts between a side of the left clamping disc and a side of the right clamping disc. A clamping zone is formed between the other side of the left clamping disc and the other side of the right clamping disc for clamping the detecting disc, and an overlapping zone is formed between the side of the left clamping disc and the side of the right clamping disc and opposite to the clamping zone.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle for transferring case units to and from predefined storage areas in an automated case unit storage system, the automated case unit storage system including an array of multilevel storage racks with picking aisles passing therebetween and at least one multilevel vertical conveyor having movable shelves, the autonomous transport vehicle including a frame configured to traverse the picking aisles and a transfer deck connecting the picking aisles to the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor for transferring case units between the predefined storage areas and the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor, and a controller connected to the frame, the controller being configured to effect movement of the autonomous transport vehicle through the picking aisles for accessing each storage area within a respective level of the array of multilevel storage racks and each shelf of the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building and a method for assembling a building. The building comprises an external framework 10 with at least three external walls connected with a floor structure and a roof structure such that a space is formed within said framework, the external framework further comprises a support system for each floor, and at least two modules 1, wherein each module comprises four walls 2a,2b,2c,2d, a floor 4 and a roof 3, wherein said at least two modules are mounted in the space in said external framework, which said at least two modules rests on said support system 15, such that an air gap of at least 150 mm is formed between two adjacent walls of said at least two modules.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous transport vehicle, a transfer deck that defines a transport surface for the vehicle, at least one reciprocating lift, a first and second pickface interface station connected to the deck and spaced apart from each other, each station forming a pickface transfer interfacing between the vehicle on the deck and the lift at each station so that a pickface is transferred between the lift and the vehicle at each station, wherein the vehicle is configured to pick a first pickface at the first station, traverse the deck and buffer the first pickface, or at least a portion thereof, at the second station so that the second station has multiple pickfaces buffered on a common support in an order sequence of pickfaces according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed case pickfaces.

Abstract: A side arm transfer device that is more easily assembled includes a right-side arm, a central arm, a left-side arm, a lifting table, laser sensors, a turning mechanism, and a transfer controller. The laser sensors are provided on the lifting table and detect presence or absence of an object on an irradiation line of laser light. The turning mechanism horizontally turns the laser sensors. The transfer controller horizontally turns the laser sensors and detects the presence or absence of an object in each of a plurality of detected portions on a load storage shelf, to determine the presence or absence of an object in each of mounting locations and the presence or absence of an object in a location, on the side of each of the mounting locations, to which each of the right-side arm, the central arm, and the left-side arm is to be extended.

Abstract: A multitrack storage system, includes: a plurality of different sets of tracks having a base and opposing sidewalls wherein each of the tracks constitute a single groove having a predetermined width and having connections for removably connecting the tracks to one another; an adjustable tilting mechanism in contact with the tracks; a bumper at the distal end of each of the sets of tracks; at least two separate storage trains on different tracks with a plurality of wheeled storage containers, with the storage containers nested in the tracks; a train movement mechanism; a proximal end for the plurality of different sets of tracks wherein all of the plurality of different sets of tracks converge at the proximal end at a central terminus. Users may store items in the wheeled storage containers at the central terminus and then move the storage train away for storage.

Abstract: A fork assembly (4) for storage/retrieval machine of high convey efficiency comprises: a rotating table (41); an extension arm (43) provided on the rotating table (41) and capable of conducting stretching motion; a driver unit (42) configured for driving the extension arm (43) to conduct the stretching motion; a control system (100) configured for controlling an operation of the driver unit (42); a position sensor (46) for the breakpoint which is connected to the control system (100) and configured for determining whether the extension arm (43) performs the stretching motion up to the breakpoint (9), and the breakpoint (9) is located between a maximum distance point (10) and a minimum distance point (8) to which the extension arm (43) extends.

Abstract: A buffer station provides potential improvement for the operation of a facility. By storing to-be accessed workpieces in the buffer stations of an equipment, the operation of the facility is not interrupted when the equipment is down. The workpieces can be retrieved through emergency access port of the buffer station, thus ensure the continuous supply of workpieces for the workpiece flow of the facility. Algorithm for getting the needed workpieces to the buffer station is also provided through a controller or a computer mechanism. The buffer station can be incorporated in a stocker, such as wafer stocker or reticle stocker.

Abstract: A multitrack storage system for open crawl space includes: a) different sets of tracks for guiding separate, wheeled storage bins, wherein the tracks have a proximal and a distal end; b) a bumper at the distal end of each set of tracks to prevent off track movement; c) separate, wheeled storage bins, each storage bin having a plurality of bottom wheels and a plurality of side wheels, and nests on the track base; d) a bin movement mechanism connected to at least one separate, wheeled storage bin for movement; e) a proximal end for different sets of tracks, wherein the tracks terminate adjacent one another in a predetermined pattern; f) a drop down gate for access to different sets of tracks; wherein a user may store items in the wheeled storage bins and move the storage bins along different sets of tracks away from the central terminus for storage.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous transport vehicle, a transfer deck that defines a transport surface for the vehicle, at least one reciprocating lift, a first and second pickface interface station connected to the deck and spaced apart from each other, each station forming a pickface transfer interfacing between the vehicle on the deck and the lift at each station so that a pickface is transferred between the lift and the vehicle at each station, wherein the vehicle is configured to pick a first pickface at the first station, traverse the deck and buffer the first pickface, or at least a portion thereof, at the second station so that the second station has multiple pickfaces buffered on a common support in an order sequence of pickfaces according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed case pickfaces.

Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of storage shelves has a shelf plate for supporting a container. Each of the storage shelves is coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain. The rail has some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear. The sections are arranged in a loop. Example configurations of the storage system include one or more of stationary shelves, extended horizontal tracks for a hoist, a conveyor at a level of the storage system, and a manual loading station. The hoist, with an extended horizontal track interfaces with the manual loading station.