Abstract: For replacing a cassette 9 in an automatic loader section 4, an operation of retracting the cassette 9 to a cassette accommodation section 3 is performed in parallel with an operation of inserting a new cassette 9 from the cassette accommodation section 3 to the automatic loader section 4. Accordingly, the time required by the automatic loader section 4 for the cassette replacement operation is the same as the longer time among the time for retracting the cassette and the time for inserting the cassette. Thus, the time in which the automatic loader section 4 must stop the transportation of the image recording materials can be shortened.

Abstract: An automated apparatus suitable for transporting containers arranged in a row of stacks or partial stacks includes an overhead gantry system. The overhead gantry system has a moveable support for supporting at least one stack or partial stack of containers and moving them along the row. The gantry system also has an engagement device such as arms which are moveable transverse to the row independently of the support between a first position in which the engagement device can engage with a required container in the row, and a second position in which the engagement device and antcontainers engaged therewith are above the support to allow the containers to be placed either on the support or on another partial stack supported by the support. The support can travel along the row when the engagement device is in the second position.

Abstract: The invention provides a highly reliable plasma processing apparatus having stable sealing performance.

Abstract: The height of the center of gravity of a stacker crane is determined in consideration of a height position of an elevation frame and the inertial force is determined from the travel acceleration and deceleration. Wheel pressures applied to front and rear drive wheels are determined based on the height of the center of gravity, the inertial force, and horizontal distances from the center of gravity to the front and rear drive wheels. Torques are allocated in proportion to the determined wheel pressures.

Abstract: Method for loading and unloading long-distance transportation means (1, 2) and for temporarily storing a standardized cargo (18) in an intermediate storage facility (3) includes a rail-guided hoist (5) with gripper (8). The cargo is lifted from a long-distance transportation means (1) and transferred to a transfer zone (4), lowered and set down. The cargo (18) is then transferred to an intermediate storage facility (3) and stored therein, then removed, transferred to a predetermined location in the transfer zone (4), and lowered and deposited onto a rail-guided long-distance transportation means (2) by the hoist (5).

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for transmitting data among robots and a controller computer system within an automated robotic library. A robotic library communication protocol is described for communicating among the robotic mechanisms and the controller computer system. The robotic library communication protocol defines multiple fields for each packet including a preamble field that describes a predetermined preamble value that is equal to a particular value. Data is transmitted among the robotic mechanisms and the controller computer system utilizing the robotic library communication protocol. Each packet that conforms to the protocol includes only the preamble value in the preamble field. Power is provided to the robotic mechanisms utilizing a power signal. Data that has been encoded according to the protocol is transmitted to the robotic mechanisms using the power signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack serving device (1) with a load-bearing means (4) displaceable in the height direction of a mast (2), the mast (2) being guided by means of bogie assemblies (7, 8) on bottom and top guide tracks and mounted so as to be displaceable along the guide tracks by means of a bottom and top friction-locking displacement drive (13, 14). The bottom and the top adjusting mechanisms are guided by means of height and lateral guide elements on the guide track and are designed to be displaceable relative to the guide tracks by means of a drive system (33).

Abstract: A device for transferring and characterizing objects positions the object on a horizontal work field. The device includes at least one rail extending parallel to the X direction and a displacement unit, movable back and forth in the X direction, having a motorized gripping mechanism for grasping an object. A processor for controlling movements of the displacement unit and actions of the gripping mechanism is distinguished in that the displacement unit includes a carrying device, movable together therewith along the rail, for transferring objects in the X direction. The carrying device is a plate for carrying objects moved onto this carrying plate using the gripping mechanism. According to a method of the invention, objects are moved onto the plate of the carrying device, transferred in the X direction, and deposited again at a second position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an object storage device with at least two storage spaces for stackers as well as a horizontally tiltable transport platform whose height can be displaced by a hoisting unit. The hoisting unit is arranged at a base point, which can be moved horizontally over an X-Y track system, which has the advantage that, in principle, any number of stackers can be arranged in two parallel rows next to each other. It is preferred that the hoisting unit be suspended from the X-Y track system with the free end hanging down.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns. Each storage unit includes wheels which engage a track for selective movement along the track. Vertical and horizontal actuators are used to move the storage units in sequence. Preferably, the actuators are power-driven, and control circuitry is used to coordinate the movement of the actuators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coarse dirt collector (7) for removing coarse material from a pulper (1). The coarse dirt collector (7) comprises a support arm (8) with a collecting basket (9). The collecting basket (9) consists of a frame (11) on which tines (Z) are fixed by means of a grid. The coarse dirt collector can be pivoted into and out of the pulper, to which end it moves about an axis of rotation (A) positioned at an angle to the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (P) of the pulper. Said angle is between 20° and 40°. The advantage of said device is that the coarse dirt collector (7) has to carry out only one movement between its collecting and unloading position and unloading can take place automatically without need for a special scraping device. Because of the position of the tines (Z) there is no risk of undesirable loss of coarse material prior to unloading.

Abstract: Applicants' automated data storage system includes a first media storage library having a first rail system, a garage having a movable rail system, said garage being disposed adjacent the media storage library, and a plurality of accessors movably disposed on either the first rail system or the movable rail system. In another embodiment, Applicants' automated data storage system further includes a second media storage library, having a second rail system, disposed adjacent the garage, such that the plurality of accessors is movably disposed on the first rail system, the second rail system, or the movable rail system. Applicants' invention further includes a method to move an accessor from the first media storage library into the garage, or from the first media storage library, through the garage, and into the second media storage library. Applicants' invention further includes a method to balance the workload of a plurality of data drives disposed within Applicants' automated data storage system.

Abstract: A system for the deep racking storage of pallets includes at least one pair of rails which are intended for supporting pallets. The rails are of sufficient length to support several pallets. A carriage is positionable on a pair of rails and drivable therealong for moving the pallets. Each rail has an upper, longitudinal support surface and a lower, longitudinal rolling surface. The support surface is intended for supporting the pallets, while the rolling surface is intended for the carriage. On each rail, the support surface and the rolling surface are interconnected to one another by the intermediary of side walls. The side walls together form a space which tapers from above and downwards for aligning a carriage when this is lowered towards the rolling surface.

Abstract: A carriage for transport of a load, for example a load pallet, along a rail pair in a so-called deep racking store, has a carrier arrangement which, in a deactivated transport position, passes under a load resting on the rail pair. The carrier arrangement is disposed, in an activated lifting position, to carry the load from beneath so that it is free of the rail pair. The carriage has a supporting frame or chassis provided with at least four wheels. The carrier arrangement is rigidly connected to the frame or chassis and each wheel is journalled in an associated arm. The arm is pivotally journalled in the frame so as to be able to raise and lower the wheel in relation to the frame. The arm is operated by an operating device.

Abstract: A portable lift (10) for installing and uninstalling computer-related equipment (12) into a storage cabinet (14) broadly comprises a frame (16) operable to be removably secured to the storage cabinet (14); a trolley (18) for supporting the computer-related equipment (12); and a winch assembly (20). The frame (16) is operable to fold into a plurality of portions (28,30,32) for easy storage within a carrying unit (22). The trolley (18) includes a tray (126) on which the computer-related equipment (12) may be placed. The winch assembly (20) includes a winch (166), a plurality of pulleys (168,170,172), and a plurality of cable portions (180,182,184) that in operation are operable to vertically move the tray (126) within the frame (16) for positioning of the equipment (12) in the storage cabinet (14). The portable lift (10) is lightweight, easy-to-use, and may be assembled and disassembled by one user.

Abstract: An electrical connection of a transfer station releasably, repeatably electrically couples with respect to a matching connection of a portable cartridge. A substrate in the portable cartridge has electrical contacts on a facing surface. In the transfer station, a matching circuitized flexible substrate has electrical contacts on a facing surface thereof, which are arranged to match the portable cartridge electrical contacts when in a face-to-face relationship. An elastomeric compression element, at the rear of the matching substrate, has individual protruding compression members contacting the rear surface and registered with corresponding individual electrical contacts. Elongated electrical contacts are registered with two adjacent individual compression members.

Abstract: A storage/buffering system for the stocking and/or buffering of substrate and/or substrate carriers in a process environment includes a 6-axis robot. An end-effector is connected with the robot providing an additional one degree of freedom and a mechanism for grabbing and moving of substrate and/or substrate carriers. The robot is mounted in an inverted orientation to a removable service cart for easy removal of the robot to a service area in the event of breakdown. The robot receives commands from a programmable controller connected to control the robot and configured to direct the arm of the robot through a set of movements. Product is loaded in and out of the system through I/O load ports. Product is stored inside the storage/buffering system on a plurality of storage locations, each with product presence/absence detect sensor. The robot can alternatively be mounted directly to the storage system enclosure structure.

Abstract: An invention for use with transporting media cartridges between a first storage library and a second storage library. The invention comprises at least two pass through ports connecting the first and second storage libraries for use in transporting media cartridges between the first and second storage libraries. The at least two pass through ports provide redundant operation of the multiple data storage library system to ensure media cartridge transportability between the first and second storage libraries in the event that one of the at least two pass through ports should become inactive.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological sample containers comprises a conveyor assembly for conveying containers and a lid handling assembly operable to remove lids from and replace lids onto containers while the containers are in motion on the conveyor assembly. The lid handling assembly comprises a pair of ramps onto which a lid is lifted by a lifting mechanism configured to handle overhanging lids or non-overhanging lids as required. The lid handling assembly may be configured to handle lids of containers of various sizes by altering the ramp spacing. A conveyor assembly comprises a pair of converging rails which carry a pair of jaws operable to carry a container. The convergence of the rails makes the jaws clamp the container so that it is held tightly in position for micro-arraying to be carried out. The conveyor assembly may be adapted to handle different sizes of container by the provision of holders to hold various container types.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying a ribbon-like material or fabric to one or more machines for cutting the material, comprising a reel storage having a plurality of housings for storing a respective reel, elements for supplying the material to a respective machine, elements for drawing a respective reel of the ribbon-like material. Control elements are provided to command the gripping of a real, by the drawing elements, from the predefined housing and the delivery of this reel to the elements for delivering the material of a respective work machine and, vice versa, to command, by the drawing elements, the gripping of the reel, partially or totally used in the machine, by the elements for supplying the material, and the release of this reel to the corresponding housing in the storage.

Abstract: A telescopic arm of a load-handling system for transferring storage units into and out of a rack stage of a racking system is displaceably supported on a support frame and has a plate-shaped middle slide and a plate shaped top side displaceable relative to the support frame and to each other. The support frame is in the form of a hollow section and has first and second upright longitudinal side walls and a bottom and a top side wall. Lateral guide tracks and a vertical guide track are arranged on the first upright longitudinal side wall. The top slide has lateral guide tracks and a vertical guide track as well as movable drivers for pushing a front or rear face of the storage unit. The middle slide is slidably guided between the support frame and top slide.

Abstract: A storage lift has shelving columns having lateral panels provided with support sections (5) for storage goods carriers. Each column has four stays (4) configured as mountable and dismountable panel elements (7). The panel elements have a sandwich-type structure consisting of a contoured plate (12) and a support plate (13) connected to it to increase the rigidity of the support sections (5). The structure of the storage width facilitates and accelerates construction of storage lifts on site.

Abstract: Track anomalies in an automated storage library are detected by transmitting a track health signal from one portion of the track. The presence of a track anomaly is determined based on any reception of the transmitted signal at another portion of the track.

Abstract: Cartridge-handling apparatus for a media storage system comprising a lift assembly having at least one guide track aligned along a first displacement path in the media storage system. A carriage having a transfer shaft aligned along a second displacement path in the media storage system. The transfer shaft operatively associated with the at least one guide track of the lift assembly for moving the carriage along the at least one guide track through the first displacement path. A picker slidably mounted on the carriage to the transfer shaft. The picker moving with the carriage through the first displacement path, and the picker moving on the transfer shaft through the second displacement path.

Abstract: A data storage library is disclosed that provides a variable sized load/unload area within the library. The data storage library includes a housing defining an exterior and an interior region, storage slots disposed in the interior region for storing data cartridges, a barrier door, a front door, and a controller. The barrier door has a closed position for dividing the interior region into a first interior region and a second interior region. Thus, the interior region is divided into two regions when the barrier door is closed. The controller closes the barrier door prior to the front door being opened, and opens the barrier door after the front door is closed. Thus, access is permitted to only the first interior region from the exterior region when the front door is opened. The first interior region is sized to permit a user to entirely physically enter the first interior region.

Abstract: A method for scaling a storage library is provided, the library comprising at least one horizontal array of storage cells arranged in rows and columns, and at least one robot that moves on guide rails along the length of the horizontal array and can retrieve objects from and place objects into the storage cells. The present invention comprises expanding the library longitudinally along the guide rails and/or expanding the width of the library. Longitudinal expansion is accomplished by adding more horizontal storage cell arrays end-to-end. Width expansion is accomplished by means of side-by-side accumulation of additional horizontal storage cell arrays.

Abstract: Library system health is monitored and displayed based on the location of equipment within the library relative to track layout. Robotic devices travel on rails within the data storage library accessing data storage devices such as cartridges, cassettes, media packages, media access equipment, identification devices, access ports and the like. The rails are divided into a plurality of rail segments. A database holds information about each rail segment. The database is updated based on use of each rail segment by the robotic devices. Data is generated and displayed to describe the use of each rail segment.

Abstract: A container for enclosing a mask for a lithographic device is disclosed. The container is at least partially translucent for radiation of at least a predetermined wavelength and is formed in such a way that an image can be obtained from outside the container using light of that wavelength.

Abstract: A reticle storage system includes a reticle rack having a series of lateral slots, each for storing a reticle. Access to the reticles is provided on a lateral side of the rack. The enclosure has a series of doors for providing access to the reticles in the slots. An air circulation system flows filtered air past the reticles in the rack to prevent contaminants from accumulating on the reticles. The air circulation system is capable of providing positive air pressure within the enclosure with one door open, thereby preventing contaminants from entering the enclosure through the open door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method for improving the productivity of a screen printer for an electronics-mounting machine. Thus, a screen printer according to this invention uses a recognition camera to inspect the results of printing of a circuit board concurrently with a cleaning operation of the rear surface of a screen, thereby enabling the effective use of time. This screen printer also enables cream solder to be automatically supplied to reduce the operation time by determining whether the next screen to be used is unused. During automatic screen replacement, this screen printer enables a desired screen stored in the corresponding stocker to be automatically specified in order to replace the current screen in response to a selected NC program.

Abstract: A data storage library and method of operation are disclosed wherein access at least to part of at least one robotic mechanism from the data storage library's exterior is permitted. Access is accomplished through a service port in the library's housing. Access to the storage cells, and thus the data cartridges sitting therein, from the library's exterior is blocked. Blocking access to the storage cells may be provided by a geometry of the service port itself, or by a combination of a door and the robotic mechanism being serviced filling the opening created by the service port. For robotic mechanisms operating on a track, part of the track may be routed through the service port to bring the robotic mechanisms to the exterior of the library for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing robotic mechanisms between physically remote storage libraries in an automated storage library system includes routing robotic mechanism guide structures between the storage libraries. The guide structures run through robotic mechanism transfer ports located on the sides of the housing enclosures of the storage libraries. A robotic mechanism within an first storage library moves through the transfer port of the enclosure of the first storage library onto the guide structure. The robotic mechanism then moves out of the enclosure of the first storage library along the guide structure towards a second storage library. The robotic mechanism then moves along the guide structure through the transfer port of the enclosure of the second storage library and into the second storage library for performing operations such as accessing media objects within the second storage library.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a palletless loading structure for a storage system, which comprises a plurality of storage forks mounted in storage spaces of racks and including a first support beam horizontally installed in the storage space and a plurality of storage fork bars horizontally mounted in a regular interval to an upper surface of the first support beam to cross the first support beam at a right angle; and a transporting fork operable in multi-axial directions by means of the transporting means and including a plurality of transporting fork bars horizontally arranged in a regular interval to be alternately positioned between the storage fork bars and a second support beam supporting the lower middle surface of the transporting fork bar, wherein anyone height of the storage fork bar and the transporting fork bar is set to be relatively higher than the other one, and the fork bar of a relative lower height includes a projecting tap mounted on the lower portion thereof, the projecting tap being mounted

Abstract: An automated storage library structure, a structure of at least one robot operating within the automated storage library, and a method of connecting the robot to test equipment to facilitate testing. The robot is operative to move about the automated storage library on a guide structure. The test equipment is disposed in a diagnostics center associated with the automated storage library. Communication between the robot and the diagnostics center is provided through a main connector, disposed adjacent to the guide structure at a predetermined position and electrically connected to the diagnostics center, and a test connector mounted on the robot's chassis and electrically connected to the robot's electronics. A second robot may be used to support testing of a sick robot.

Abstract: A reticle storage system includes a reticle rack having a series of lateral slots, each for storing a reticle. Access to the reticles is provided on a lateral side of the rack. The enclosure has a series of doors for providing access to the reticles in the slots. An air circulation system flows filtered air past the reticles in the rack to prevent contaminants from accumulating on the reticles. The air circulation system is capable of providing positive air pressure within the enclosure with one door open, thereby preventing contaminants from entering the enclosure through the open door.

Abstract: To a row of winding stations (1), in which rolls (8) of flat, bendable objects (e.g., printed products) positioned on roll supports (3) are processed or in which such rolls are produced, roll supports (3) are coupled to the winding stations and, if required, are exchanged, the coupled roll supports forming a first row (A) of roll supports parallel to the row of winding stations (1). Roll supports (3) are positioned in readiness for the exchange in a second row (B) of roll supports, which second row (B) is distances from the first row (A) by a transport alley (10). Each roll support in the second row is aligned to the one winding station (1), to which it is to be coupled. For every exchange, the roll support (3) coupled to the winding station (1) is moved transverse to the first row (A) into the transport alley (10) and is transported along the transport alley to its end and there is positioned in a third row (C) of roll supports, which is aligned in the direction of the transport alley (10) and adjoins it.

Abstract: A high throughput chemical screening method uses methods of concurrent transport and/or processing to increase throughput. A screener may concurrently retrieve chemicals from an addressable chemical storage module and deliver chemicals to a liquid handling module. The screener may also use one transport lane for moving chemicals away from a storage module, and a second transport lane for moving chemicals toward the storage module.

Abstract: A storage/buffering system for the stocking and/or buffering of substrate and/or substrate carriers in a process environment includes a 6-axis robot. An end-effector is connected with the robot providing an additional one degree of freedom and a mechanism for grabbing and moving of substrate and/or substrate carriers. The robot is mounted in an inverted orientation to a removable service cart for easy removal of the robot to a service area in the event of breakdown. The robot receives commands from a programmable controller connected to control the robot and configured to direct the arm of the robot through a set of movements. Product is loaded in and out of the system through I/O load ports. Product is stored inside the storage/buffering system on a plurality of storage locations, each with product presence/absence detect sensor.

Abstract: A data storage library and method of operation are disclosed wherein access at least to part of at least one robotic mechanism from the data storage library's exterior is permitted. Access is accomplished through a service port in the library's housing. Access to the storage cells, and thus the data cartridges sitting therein, from the library's exterior is blocked. Blocking access to the storage cells may be provided by a geometry of the service port itself, or by a combination of a door and the robotic mechanism being serviced filling the opening created by the service port. For robotic mechanisms operating on a track, part of the track may be routed through the service port to bring the robotic mechanisms to the exterior of the library for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A vertical conveyor for transporting a load in a warehouse equipped with shelves. This vertical conveyor comprises a plurality of receiving devices spaced apart from one another. These receiving devices receive a load and can be displaced vertically. There are also a series of stationary transport elements disposed adjacent to the plurality of receiving devices in an alternating manner. The plurality of receiving devices can comprise driven rollers while the series of stationary transport elements can also comprise driven rollers. There is also a vertical conveyor system that includes a plurality of vertically extending columns defining a shaft. The vertical conveyor can move vertically in this shaft. The vertically extending columns have at least one foldable element coupled to it wherein the foldable element is designed to fold down to allow the vertical conveyor to travel in the shaft and to fold up to remove a load from the vertical conveyor.

Abstract: A magazine with removable inclined frames comprising a plurality of inclined frames arranged side by side in a parking area, each frame having, at its base, a carriage-like structure which carries the inclined frame so that it is mounted on, and slideable in, a pair of rails dedicated thereto in the parking area. A transfer structure is provided to the side of the parking area and comprises a shuttle to receive one or more carriages and to convey the carriage at right angles to the plane of arrangement of the frame. A motor is provided for producing the translational motion of the carriages on the shuttle, and additional motors are provided for producing the translational motion of the shuttle parallel to the parking area of the set of frames.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a storage system (10) including at least two tape libraries (11) and a transport mechanism (22) for transferring cartridges (20) between the tape libraries (11). The transport mechanism (22) includes a frame (64), a transporter (68) and a mover (66). The transporter (68) is sized and shaped to retain the cartridge (20). The mover (66) moves the transporter (68) along the frame (64). Additionally, the mover (66) pivots at least a portion of the transporter (68) between a first, almost horizontal, load/unload position (70A), a transport position (72) and a second, almost horizontal load/unload position (70B) during movement between the tape libraries (11). Further, the transport mechanism (22) includes a latch (140) that selectively retains the cartridge (20) in the transporter (68) during movement between the tape libraries (11).

Abstract: A system adapted to exchange wafer carriers between an overhead transport mechanism and a platform is provided. The system employs a wafer carrier having at least one handle extending therefrom, an overhead transfer mechanism, a transporter coupled to the overhead transfer mechanism and adapted to move therealong and having a wafer carrier coupling mechanism adapted to couple to the at least one wafer carrier handle, a platform positioned below the overhead transfer mechanism such that wafer carriers traveling along the overhead transfer mechanism travel over the platform, and an actuator coupled to the platform and adapted so as to elevate the platform to an elevation wherein the loading platform may contact the bottom of a wafer carrier coupled to the overhead transfer mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support frame for a telescopic arm of a load-handling system for at least transferring storage units into and out of a racking system, which is guided in a respective guide mechanism extending in the longitudinal direction of the support frame having a lateral and elevation guide track, The telescopic arm has at least a respective middle and a top slide, which are displaceable relative to the support frame and to one another. The lateral and elevation guide track for the middle slide is arranged on a longitudinal side wall of the support frame. The top slide is in turn provided with a lateral and elevation guide track for the middle slide and has several drivers which are displaceable as necessary transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lateral and elevation guide track and into an operating position projecting beyond the external boundary of the top slide.

Abstract: Goods units are handled in a stock area and a loading area. The stock area and the loading area are in close proximity to each other. A robot system includes a picking robot movable in the stock area for picking goods units and forming transfer piles and a moving system for moving transfer pile rows formed by the picking robot. The working area of the picking robot reaches to the stock area and the working area of the moving system reaches both to the stock area and to the loading area.

Abstract: A media storage library using a horizontal cell array structure is provided. The library comprises an enclosure containing at least one horizontal array of storage cells and at least one picker robot that can move horizontally over the cell array by means of guide rails. Multiple horizontal cell arrays may be stacked vertically in separate rows, wherein the space between the rows is limited by the vertical height of the picker robot. The horizontal arrays may slide horizontally out of the library enclosure, creating an access pathway for human operators. In addition, multiple horizontal arrays may be arranged end to end within each row.

Abstract: A storage system particularly for storing biological materials such as blood, stem cells, and DNA includes a storage unit having at least three vertical sides, at least two of the three vertical sides each being provided with a plurality of individually accessible storage receptacles. A plurality of boxes or cassettes are removably disposed in respective ones of the storage receptacles. At least one robot mechanism is movable along a track section or path extending to the two vertical sides of the unit, the robot mechanism having a robotic arm for accessing the storage receptacles. A computer is operatively connected to the robot mechanism for controlling movement and access operations thereof and for registering the contents of the storage receptacles. Where the storage unit is disposed in a room, additional storage receptacles may be disposed in a rectangular array inside a wall of the room.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus embodied, for example, as a vending machine, includes a controllably positioned hose-type dispenser for retrieving articles from an article storage area. A first end of the hose receives article securing energy (e.g., suction), and a second end is adapted to secure to and extract a selected article from the storage area. A hose positioning mechanism controllably positions the second end of the hose for retrieving articles from the article storage area. In order to maximize the height of the article storage volume, as well as provide other advantages, the following aspects of the invention are provided :1. the hose positioning mechanism maintains a constant height during hose positioning, 2. a hose drive means drives the hose in the article extraction direction by passing "THROUGH"the hose positioning mechanism, 3.

Abstract: A storage lift has two columns, and a hoisting shaft for a conveyor unit (2) movable up and down between the two columns. A light grille (5) is arranged in the storage lift on the end of the conveyor unit (2) facing a charging and discharging opening (1). The light grille provides measurement of the height of the goods on the storage lift, and also acts as a safety element. Safety aprons (6, 7) are mounted on the top edge of the charging and discharging opening (1) and on the lower front edge of the conveyor unit (2) for compensating for shifting delays during braking of the conveyor unit (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot for individually removing requested books from their prescribed locations in bookracks and returning them, a hand mechanism for the robot, and an automated library book handling system incorporating the robot.