Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication-storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. In some embodiments, the doors provide a variable-sized opening and, in some instances, the opening matches the size of a bin containing medications selected for dispensing.

Abstract: In a storage system (1; 18) with at least one shelving level (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), comprising at least one transport aisle (10), shelves (8, 9; 19, 20) situated alongside the transport aisle (10) with storage spaces (L) for products (P) and a level transport device (EBG) movable in the transport aisle (10) for approaching the storage spaces (L), with a conveyor system (2; 24) for supplying products (P) to the shelving level (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and removing therefrom, with at least one intermediate buffer (Z), in which the products (P) supplied by means of the conveyor system (2; 24) are temporarily stored until their storage in a storage space (L) and in which products (P) that are removed from the storage places (L) are temporarily stored until their transfer to the conveyor system (2; 24), there is provided that substantially each storage space (L) has a movable compartment floor (F) and that the level transport device (EBG) has compartment floor-moving means, by means of which a compartment floor (F) may be transfe

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: An automated material handling system for combining over-head conveyer with a material control system is disclosed. First and second virtual stocker codes are respectively assigned to first and second virtual stocker of an over-head conveyer (OHC) using a material control system. A front opening unified pod (FOUP) is moved to and loaded in the first virtual stocker using a transport system controller. The FOUP is loaded in a track of the OHC and assigned a virtual vehicle code. The FOUP is moved, along the track, to the second virtual stocker and loaded in the second virtual stocker, while the virtual vehicle code is being removed, and is removed therefrom using the transport system controller.

Abstract: A transfer device which transfers a clamped load, by sliding the load, between a rack and an elevating table that are adjacent to each other, includes a contact body which comes into contact with the load; an arm which generates, through the contact body, a force in a clamping direction that is a horizontal direction with respect to the load; and a joint which connects the contact body and the arm movably in a vertical direction, without moving the contact body in the clamping direction with respect to the arm.

Abstract: A storage rack having a shelf with storage spaces, arranged over top of each other, for pallets that are horizontally removed sideways. A rack operating device moves the pallets from the spaces, and a station cart forms a lowermost space for a pallet, and can be horizontally moved from the rack on first rails. An upper cart is located above the station cart and forms another one of the spaces to receive a pallet and is horizontally movable on second rails that have a wider track than the first rails and also lead out of the rack. The upper cart has a greater clearance in an area of the station cart which is larger than a length of the pallet, and runs on the second rails, and parts of the upper cart not related to the support structure thereof can be inserted between the vertical rack supports of the rack.

Abstract: Reels of material are transported by being disposed on a first transport carriage which is, in turn, disposed on a second transport carriage. The second transport carriage travels between a reel storage area, that has a plurality of storage spaces, and a reel changer of a web-processing machine. The second transport carriage, together with the first transport carriage and the reel of material that is deposited on the first transport carriage then travels to an offload or unload position of the reel changer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for replacing a battery of a ground transportation vehicle, particularly of an unmanned heavy-duty transportation vehicle for ISO containers. The system includes storage spaces for batteries, at least one ground transportation vehicle having a receiving space for a replaceable battery, and at least one loading and unloading device for transporting batteries between the storage spaces and the receiving space of the transport vehicle in a replacement area. The storage space and the receiving space may include respective centering elements such that the battery is aligned relative to the storage space or the receiving space in response to the loading motion of the loading and unloading device.

Abstract: A system for testing devices includes a rack including bays configured to receive totes containing devices to be tested, where each bay includes a front that faces a robot, the robot is for moving the totes into and out of the bays, and each bay includes a back that is behind the first rack relative to the robot. At least one of the bays is configured for removal from the back of the rack without substantially interrupting operation of the system.

Abstract: Device for the storage of articles and the formation of groups of articles therefrom, includes a frame having a first series of mutually parallel elongated storage sections that extend between a first end and a second end of the frame, a number of holders for the articles, wherein the storage sections are provided with holder supports on which a number of the holders can be supported, wherein at the first end and the second end of the frame first and second platforms, respectively, have been arranged which each are adapted for accommodating at least one holder, and movement elements for horizontally moving at least one holder from the first platform at the first end of the frame to the holder supports of a selected storage section while moving one or more holders representing a same holder length from the selected storage section to the second platform at the second end of the frame.

Abstract: A storage system of the present invention includes a storage area for arranging and storing articles (W), a carrying-in line (200) for carrying in the articles (W) toward the storage area, and a transfer mechanism (300) arranged on an upper region of the storage area in order to transfer the articles (W) carried in by the carrying-in line to the storage area. The storage area includes a supporting table (100) for arranging and supporting a plurality of pallets (P) capable of loading the articles (W), and the transfer mechanism (300) transfers the articles (W) to the pallets (P) supported on the supporting table (100). Since an operation for transferring the articles stored directly on the floor face as before to the pallets is not required, a carrying-out process is simplified and efficiency of storage process of the articles as a whole (carrying-in from the outside, transfer to the storage area, carrying-out to the outside) is improved.

Abstract: A method and equipment to stack palletless and as to their size variable packages (1) on warehouse rack (15) and to retrieve them from the rack and to control the logistics of packages, in which the warehouse rack is furnished with an automatic packages stacking and retrieving robot, and in which the control of warehouse data and logistics takes place by a data system. Equipment (5) receives package (1), for instance, onto conveyor belt (2), equipment (5) carries out weighing of package (1), determination for the necessary space requirement, reading of remote code connected to package (1), as RFID code (20) in order to choose the rack space determined for it on basis of previous functions, and package (1) is retrieved from the rack steered either by the order of the user or of the data system, and the data from above mentioned stacking and retrieving functions are transmitted to the data system.

Abstract: An article storage facility is provided, which can reduce required space for installation in the rack fore and aft direction while preventing the configuration to become more complex. An article storage rack 2 having a plurality of storage units 1 arranged in a vertical direction and in a lateral direction, and an article transport device 4 which can transport articles 3 to each storage unit 1 in the article storage rack 2 are provided.

Abstract: A method of inserting wooden or plastic connecting elements into at least one of end faces and longitudinal sides of technical wood products which are continuously conveyed along a device. The technical wood products have two opposing planar surfaces, the end faces connect the opposing planar surfaces and have a relatively small surface area compared to the two opposing planar surfaces. At least one of the end faces and the longitudinal sides have grooves for receiving the connecting elements. The method includes providing an inventory of pre-fabricated connecting elements. Cutting and separating the connecting elements and transferring the connecting elements from the inventory into magazines. Grasping individual ones of the connecting elements from the magazines with a transfer device and lifting or lowering the individual connecting element to the height of the groove in the technical wood products.

Abstract: Storing and retrieving articles in and from rack warehouses which are filled and emptied, wherein articles are stored on load supports at storage locations of at least one rack of rack warehouse comprises moving a storage and retrieval device, which is movable in a longitudinal direction of the rack and has a lifting table movable in height, to a receiving point of the rack; receiving a load support, which is loaded with an article, from the rack on a load suspension device of the storage and retrieval device; separating article from the received load support on the lifting table by means of a separation station; moving storage and retrieval device to hand-over point, where storage and retrieval device is coupled in a transverse direction of the rack to article conveyor extending in longitudinal direction of rack; and delivering separated article from lifting table to the article conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for loading and unloading substrate carriers onto and off of a transport system. The invention includes a substrate carrier handler adapted to transfer a substrate carrier between a docking station and a transport system, the substrate carrier handler including an end effector adapted to support the substrate carrier; a controller coupled to the substrate carrier handler and operative to control the substrate carrier handler such that the end effector of the substrate carrier handler is operative to selectively engage and disengage the substrate carrier to and from the transport system while the substrate carrier is in motion; and a sensor coupled to the controller and operative to provide a signal to the controller indicative of information about the substrate carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for operating storage units. The inventive system enables quick storage and removal therefrom and exhibits an optimum redundancy capacity. In order to counteract shortfalls in individual shelf operation devices, the inventive load receiving means acts as a support for a system for operating storage units, especially high shelf storage units, comprising means for mechanical connection to shelf unit, a lift device and a device arranged thereon for the transversal movement of loads, whereby the means for connection to a shelf unit has an electric drive unit with a pinion gear, driving a toothed rack and the toothed rack is arranged and embodied in such a way that when the pinion gear is rotated said toothed rack moves laterally outside the load receiving means, and the toothed racks are respectively provided with means which protrude from the ends thereof above the load receiving means, engaging into corresponding receiving devices on the shelf units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dry stack craft storage system, such as for storing and retrieving watercraft from a body of water. The storage system generally comprises an enclosure having a support system provided therein to form a series of storage positions for craft. The support system may be of various types, including one or more floor supports, on which a plurality of watercraft may be positioned and stored via a tram system to allow movement of the watercraft on the support floor. Alternatively, the support system may comprise a framework system generally formed as a series of support columns that stand parallel to the enclosure wall and provide support and protection of watercraft stowed in the storage facility. The framework may further have a series of cross beams that together with the columns provide a series of adjustable berths for the watercraft.

Abstract: The functionality and effectiveness of a goods feeding device for a front carton of a plurality of cartons or goods trays of a shelf-ready packaging system arranged one behind the other on a shelf of a display and storage rack, with goods or goods packaging stored therein, is further improved. The goods feeding device has a pusher plate for the goods on a slide housing which allows a manual rack-loading of deep commercial racks with narrow shelf spacings and a plurality of cartons or goods trays stored one behind the other is made substantially easier. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the pusher plate is fixed in a height-adjustable manner to the slide housing and can be moved out of an erected work setting into a flattened position.

Abstract: Displaceable lift truck (10) for handling slab material (L) in a storage warehouse, comprising a carriage (12) movable along a rail (11), columns (14) which extend upwards from the movable carriage (12) and a material support structure (13) movable along the columns (14) and comprising a bottom body or platform (16) provided with extractable forks (20). The material support structure (13) includes, moreover, a pick-up device (18) comprising extractable arms (18) provided with releasable engaging means (28). The invention also relates to a method for making up a mixed pack of slab material.

Abstract: A transfer shuttle for transferring a load between a pair of multi-tier racks in an automatic warehouse has a traveling platform traveling between the multi-tier racks, extension and retraction mechanisms arranged at the front and rear of the traveling platform with a load mounting area of the platform sandwiched between the mechanisms, and end fingers arranged at opposite ends of a rail which, among the rails in the extension and retraction mechanism, has the largest movement range and is movable between a protruded position engageable with the load and a standby position. The rail also has an inner finger provided between the end fingers. With such an arrangement, the inner finger can push a load on the load mounting area of the transfer shuttle to convey the load to a position deeper in the multi-tier rack than positions achievable by conventional products.

Abstract: A rack of the automatic warehouse is comprised with several racks (10) longitudinally arranged in a lattice form to have cargo (W) on each cargo loading area (18), a stacker crane (20) provided between two adjoining racks (10) for moving toward, up or down, or retracting the cargo (W) away from the cargo loading area (18), and a transfer means (30) for moving the cargo (W) from the inside and the outside of the warehouse. The rack is comprised of several pairs of posts (11), pairs of horizontal beams (12), a first brace beam (13), a second brace beam (14), a vertical brace (15), an arm beam (16), and a load arm (17), which are connected to each other to make a matrix pattern. Only two posts are arranged in a narrow width of the rack, allowing access in both longitudinal sides, by which the automatic warehouse has a simple structure, and the structural stability can be secure.

Abstract: A transport system for a storage and retrieval system having an array of storage levels, each storage level having respective storage areas, the transport system including a vertical conveyor having a frame and support shelves movably coupled to the frame, each support shelf being configured to hold one or more uncontained case units in predetermined areas of the support shelf, and transfer vehicles disposed on respective ones of the storage levels, the vertical conveyor having a conveyor to transfer vehicle interface configured to transfer the uncontained case units substantially directly between the support shelves and the transfer vehicles for transport to the storage areas in substantially one transfer vehicle picking operation.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit includes wheels for engaging the continuous track for selective movement along the track. A conveyor apparatus is used to selectively move the storage units along the length of the continuous track between uppermost positions of adjacent columns, so as to support the storage unit as the storage unit passes gaps in the upper rail due to intermediate vertical rails extending downwardly intermediate ends thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for introducing loading auxiliary means (8) with a transport device (7) into a shelf compartment (9) with storage spaces (11a to 11d) arranged one behind the other. The loading auxiliary means (8) is conveyed by the transport device (7) into the shelf compartment (9) to the front storage space (11a to 11d) in the direction of introduction (10), after which a further loading means (8) is moved by the transport device (7) into the shelf compartment (9) to the front storage space (11a to 11d) and in this way the preceding loading auxiliary means (8) conveyed to the front storage space (11a to 11d) in introduction direction (10) is moved to the storage space (11a to 11d) that is behind and the additional loading auxiliary means (8) is moved into the front storage space (11a to 11d).

Abstract: A suspended platform is provided which can prevent an article from overturning and falling even when a great quake such as an earthquake occurs. The suspended platform is intended for an overhead traveling carriage which transfers an article having an abutting surface facing upward in a transfer direction on a horizontal plane and mounts the article on the suspended platform, the suspended platform including a tilt regulating part positioned, in relation to a receiving part on which the article is mounted, such that the tilt regulating part (i) does not touch the article when the article is transferred and mounted on the suspended platform, (ii) is above the abutting surface of the article when the article is transferred and mounted on the suspended platform, (iii) and regulates, by abutting the mounted article at the abutting surface, the tilt range of the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a transport device (207) for positioning loading aids (208) prior to the transfer thereof into a shelf compartment (209) on storage spaces (211a to 211d) arranged behind one another using a transport device (207). The loading aids (208) are positioned against one another, behind one another against a first stop device (243 to 247) of the transport device (207) in the transfer direction (210), then a separating device (256, 257) is adjusted in the movement path (251) between the loading aids (208) and the front loading aid (208) in the transfer direction (210) is positioned against the separating device (256, 257) and the rear loading aid (208) in the transfer direction (210) is positioned against a second stop device (243 to 247) of the transport (207) in the transfer direction (210). Afterwards a third stop device (243 to 247) is adjusted between the separated loading aids (208).

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a casing, a low port interface and a carrier holding station. The casing has processing devices within for processing substrates. The load port interface is connected to the casing for loading substrates into the processing device. The carrier holding station is connected to the casing. The carrier holding station is adapted for holding at least one substrate transport carrier at the load port interface. The carrier holding station is arranged to provide a fast swap section for replacement of the substrate transport carrier from the carrier holding station.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes cells. A positioning mechanism serves to position a carriage relative to the cells within an operating region adjacent to a standby region. A transporting mechanism drives the carriage toward the standby region. A swaying mechanism allows grasping fingers on the carriage to go around an object lying on the movement path of the grasping fingers when the transporting mechanism carries the carriage to the standby region. The grasping fingers acts to hold an object within the cell. If the positioning mechanism malfunctions, the transporting mechanism transfers the carriage to the standby region. Even if an object exits on the movement path of the grasping finger, the carriage is allowed to keep moving because the swaying mechanism allows the grasping finger or fingers to sway around the object on the movement path. The carriage thus reliably reaches the standby region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting connecting elements in the end faces and/or longitudinal sides of technical wood products, wherein, according to the invention, an inventory for the connecting elements is disposed on a longitudinal side of the conveyor device. Furthermore, a press-in unit is provided, which presses the connecting elements which are fed and held by a transfer arrangement into the groove in the technical wood products.

Abstract: A device for temporarily loading, storing and unloading a container without deforming the container and affecting its contents. An enclosure (2) having struts (3) at both its left and right sides is provided. A support beam (4) of a transporter (10) that is provided with a pair of horizontal retaining fingers (13, 13) is attached in a vertically movable manner between the struts on the rear-surface side of the enclosure (2), and a plurality of horizontal shelves (20) is arranged between the struts on the rear-surface side of the enclosure with spaces (H) in a height direction of the container (19), the spaces being larger than the height dimension (h) of the container (19). Further, the retaining fingers (13, 13) of the transporter (10) are made to protrude toward the shelves (20) and the distance (L) between the pair of retaining fingers (13, 13) is made to be suitable for lifting the container.

Abstract: First and second mobile carriers are accessible to individual cells defined in a storage. The first and second mobile carriers move along overlapped paths. First and second controller circuits are connected to the first and second mobile carriers, respectively. The second controller circuit is also connected to the first mobile carrier. Even when a defect occurs in the first controller circuit, the transport mechanism allows the second controller circuit to take over the control on the first mobile carrier from the first controller circuit. The control on the first mobile carrier serves to avoid interference between the first mobile carrier and any obstacle on the path. If the first mobile carrier is removed from the path of the second mobile carrier, the second mobile carrier is allowed to keep operating. The operation of the transport mechanism can be kept without any interruption.

Abstract: A conveyor conveys sheets and deposits the sheets at a location to be stacked. The conveyor includes a sensor for determining the presence of a sheet before the sheet arrives at the location. A controller is coupled to the sensor and responsive to sensor inputs for controlling a movable support for projecting into a projected orientation to receive the sheets as the sheets exit the conveyor. The movable support moves to a retracted orientation to assist a stack to be withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: There is provided a library device which can be restored to working order quickly and reliably even when a control board containing information necessary for the operation of the library device is replaced. The library device includes a cell array which consists of an array of multiple cells each of which contains one cartridge containing a magnetic tape, magnetic tape drives in which the cartridges are removably mounted and which access the storage medium contained in the cartridges, a robot which transfers the cartridges between the cell array and the magnetic tape drives, a main control board which controls the operation of the entire library device, a barcode label which represents ID information for identification of the library device, and cell flags which are marks used to recognize the locations of the cells composing the cell array.

Abstract: A floating unit comprises: a stationary portion; a movable portion supported to be movable relative to the stationary portion and including an article support; a support disposed between the stationary portion and the movable portion, the support having a plurality of rolling elements rotatably held by a holder between an upwardly facing first contact surface provided on the stationary portion and a downwardly facing second contact surface provided on the movable portion, whereby the support is movable in all horizontal directions relative to the movable portion and the stationary portion; a movable portion returning device for biasing the movable portion relative to the stationary portion toward a reference position for receiving an article; and a support returning device for biasing the support horizontally relative to the stationary portion toward a reference position for holding the movable portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a method for achieving fault tolerance in a PV FAB. A plurality of processing tools may be coupled together along a processing line, and a plurality of substantially identical processing lines may be arranged within the FAB. Whenever a processing tool within any processing line is shut-down, rather than shut-down the entire processing line containing the shut-down processing tool, work-pieces may be routed around the shut-down processing tool by transferring the work-pieces to an adjacent processing line within the FAB. At a location after the shut-down processing tool, the work-pieces may be transferred back to the processing line containing the shut-down processing tool. During the time period that the processing tool is shut-down, the other processing lines within the FAB may increase their throughput in order to maintain a substantially constant optimum throughput for the FAB over a given period of time.

Abstract: A container handling apparatus for use in loading and transporting a container from a first location to a second location is provided. The container handling apparatus includes a mast and support structure for supporting the container thereon. The support structure is vertically positionable relative to the mast. The container handling apparatus also includes a container interlocking member including an engaging portion for use in releasably engaging a container. The container interlocking member is horizontally positionable relative to the support structure and configured to provide a pivot axis about which the container can pivot relative to the interlocking member when engaged with the container.

Abstract: A work handling apparatus of the present invention includes a general-purpose tray holding unit (10) which can move in the left and right direction (Y) while holding a general-purpose tray (T1) that accommodates works, a processing tray holding unit (20) which is arranged adjacent to the rear side in the front and rear direction (X) of the general-purpose tray holding unit (10) and can move in the left and right direction (Y) while holding a processing tray (T2) for carrying works in and out a processing area (A4), and work transfer units (30) which can move in the front and rear direction (X) and the vertical direction (Z) so as to transfer works between the general-purpose tray (T1) and the processing tray (T2). Thus, the general-purpose tray holding unit (10) and the processing tray holding unit (20) move in the Y direction within the XY plane, and the work transfer units (30) move within the XZ plane, so that the work transfer operation can be increased in speed and the productivity is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing of a plurality of items of stock (34) such as pharmaceuticals comprises a plurality of storage regions (20), e.g. shelves (26) and a dispensing station (48). The storage regions (20) are arranged to circulate around a continuous path (10) such that each storage region (20) is periodically brought into alignment with the dispensing station (48) so as to allow items to be removed from the storage region (20) at the dispensing station (48).

Abstract: A plate and method for positioning functional elements in a system for working with fluid-containing samples includes a horizontal work field having a lengthwise dimension and a perpendicularly extending transverse dimension, as well as a robot arm with a functional element, aligned essentially perpendicularly to the work field in a Z direction. The robot arm can move the functional element in at least a partial region of the work field in the X and/or Y direction. The plate includes two light barriers which intersect inside the partial region, each having a transmitter and receiver whose scanning or detection beams each extend in a direction deviating from the X direction and/or from the Y direction.

Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a method for achieving fault tolerance in a PV FAB. A plurality of processing tools may be coupled together along a processing line, and a plurality of substantially identical processing lines may be arranged within the FAB. Whenever a processing tool within any processing line is shut-down, rather than shut-down the entire processing line containing the shut-down processing tool, work-pieces may be routed around the shut-down processing tool by transferring the work-pieces to an adjacent processing line within the FAB. At a location after the shut-down processing tool, the work-pieces may be transferred back to the processing line containing the shut-down processing tool. During the time period that the processing tool is shut-down, the other processing lines within the FAB may increase their throughput in order to maintain a substantially constant optimum throughput for the FAB over a given period of time.

Abstract: A storage system for items such as substrate carriers includes at least one stocker including a plurality of storage areas each adapted to store at least one storage device. At least one movable support is arranged on the at least one stocker. A control controls movement of the at least one movable support at least between a first position wherein the at least one movable support receives the at least one storage device outside one of the storage areas and a second position wherein the at least one movable support is arranged substantially within the one of the storage areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for operating a shelf in a commissioning system, comprising a shelf (1) and a storage and retrieval unit (2) associated therewith for storing and retrieving containers (3), trays or the like in or from the shelf. A height range of the shelf (1) comprising a plurality of superimposed shelf planes (a, b, c, d) can be operated as an autonomous shelf unit (I, II, III or IV) via at least one mechanically coupled longitudinally adjustable storage and retrieval unit (2) and at least two autonomous shelf units are provided for a single shelf. The invention is characterized in that the storage and retrieval unit (2) is displaced from a shelf unit (I; II; III or IV) to another shelf unit (II, III, IV or I, III, IV or I, II, IV or I, II, III) of the same shelf (1) or of another shelf (1?), preferably to another shelf unit which is not yet provided with a storage and retrieval unit of the same kind.

Abstract: The method for the automatic feeding of metal section bars provides for seizing a group of metal section bars (2) from a store (3) by means of gripping tools (11) and for transferring the said group of metal section bars (2) in a lifted position. The metal section bars (2) are arranged on a transfer device (20) suited to transfer the metal section bars (2) on receiving means (30). In a suitable phase relationship, the counting of the metal section bars (2) transferred on the said receiving means (30) is carried out. Such operating cycle is repeated until a prefixed number of metal section bars (2) is reached. The whole of the metal section bars (2) is disentangled through the progressive sliding of the receiving means (30) along the longitudinal axis of the metal section bars (2).

Abstract: A substrate handling apparatus and method include a small lot loadport configuration having a plurality of small lot loadports adapted to be coupled to an equipment front end module (EFEM) designed for use with a large lot substrate carrier and having a large lot loadport envelope, where the small lot loadport configuration has a combined envelope substantially similar to the large lot loadport envelope, and where each small lot loadport is adapted to dock with a small lot substrate carrier. A system also is provided that includes (1) the (EFEM) and (2) the small lot loadport configuration. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A terminal structure (1) for storing and transferring a cargo (51), the terminal structure (1) being separated from a first quay at which cargo (51) is unloaded from and loaded onto ships (50) by a transitional buffer zone (20) i which the cargo (51) is temporarily stored, the terminal structure (1) comprising a storage and transfer area for storing cargo and loading/unloading cargo onto/from land transport devices (60-62), such as for example trucks, railcars or inland navigation vessels, a transfer side (11) for transferring cargo to and from the transitional buffer zone (20), a plurality of third cargo transferring devices (4A-4I), each adapted to travel in a first direction between the transfer side (11) and the storage and transfer area and to pick up, carry and deposit a cargo (51) between a location at the transfer side (11) and a location within the storage and transfer area, and a plurality of fourth cargo transferring devices (10A ), each adapted to travel in a second direction non-parallel to the f

Abstract: Individual items or multiple items are stored on vertical stacks (or racks) of conveyors. The stacks of conveyors are located on both sides of a vertical transport on which cartons, totes, and/or pallets are loaded. The vertical transport is able to be vertically lifted in a fashion similar to an elevator so that the totes on the conveyor can receive items from the various levels of the storage rack conveyors. To speed up the loading process, items can be loaded in the containers simultaneously from both sides of the container and/or sequentially. In one form, a cross-belt conveyor is used to load the items. Alternatively or additionally, robotic arms can be used to load the items. One or more conveyor drivers can be used to power multiple conveyors in order to index items to a loading position on the conveyors.

Abstract: Storage library systems and methods of operating and assembling library systems are provided. The storage library system may include a stationary support member having a first axis and a cartridge transport assembly. The cartridge transport assembly includes a cartridge retrieving mechanism configured to retrieve a removable media cartridge, said cartridge transport assembly being coupled to the support member, wherein the cartridge retrieving mechanism is positionable in four degrees of freedom. The method of operating a tape library may include transmitting instruction signals to a robotics controller disposed on a cartridge transport assembly, translating the cartridge transport assembly along a stationary support member, and positioning the cartridge retrieving mechanism in four degrees of freedom relative to the stationary support member.

Abstract: A storage lift has two shelving columns that support storage goods carriers (5). A vertical conveyor is located between the two shelving columns and at least one of the shelving columns has a loading and removal opening. A light grille (9, 10) and faceplates (11) are provided to determine or verify the position of the storage goods carriers (5) in the vicinity of the loading and removal opening (8). At least one faceplate is allocated to each storage goods carrier (5).

Abstract: A contactless power system for an automated data storage library having a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage cartridges, at least one picker for accessing the data storage cartridges with respect to the storage shelves, and a transport system for guiding the picker(s) along at least one path with respect to the storage shelves. The contactless power system comprises a plurality of segmented coils arranged in parallel to the path(s), and in proximity to at least one induction receiver of the picker(s); and at least one power source supplying power to the segmented coils, for inductive transmission of power by the segmented coils to the induction receiver(s) of the picker(s). The power source(s) may switch the supplied power to selected segmented coils based on an indication of the position of the induction receiver(s) of the picker along the path.