Abstract: A telescoping linear extension robot includes a base configured to support the telescoping linear extension robot, a first driven platform, drivingly coupled to the base, a second driven platform, drivingly coupled to the first driven platform, and a floating intermediate platform. The intermediate platform is configured to increase the extendable range of the driven extensions by facilitating additional extension using force generated by the driven platforms of the robot. This, in turn, allows for long-reach robot solutions with reduced physical footprint, complexity and cost.

Abstract: A storage system includes an overhead stocker including an overhead crane track, shelving in which tiers of storages to accommodate articles therein are arranged vertically, and a crane to travel along the overhead crane track and transfer an article between the tiers of storages, an overhead transport vehicle system to perform receiving or delivering of an article from or to a predetermined transfer destination, and a transporter to vertically transport an article between the overhead stocker and the overhead transport vehicle system, the overhead transport vehicle system being provided below a lower end of the overhead stocker.

Abstract: In a local cart traveling system, a frame track includes first and second metal rails each with an L-shaped cross section and facing each other. A local cart is within the frame track, and includes a first electricity receiving tire and a second electricity receiving tire to travel on horizontal travel surfaces of the rails. A voltage supplier supplies an AC voltage to the travel surfaces, so that the first metal rail and a first electricity receiving tire define a first capacitor and the second metal rail and the second electricity receiving tire define a second capacitor. The local cart includes a power receiver to receive AC power, and a travel motor that receives power after the AC power is rectified. The frame track includes a connecting plate as an electrical insulator covering portions of the surfaces of vertical walls of the first metal rail and the second metal rail.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle with a multistage loading structure includes a vehicle body, and a loader in the vehicle body and operative to load articles in a multistage manner. The loader has a loading unit that is positioned between the articles loaded in the multistage manner and separately loads the articles. The loading unit moves up and down.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a holder that holds an article, and a self-propelled cart that supports the holder and travels. The self-propelled cart includes a wheel and a wheel drive source that drives the wheel, and the self-propelled cart travels along a traveling path provided on an elevation unit and a delivery device. The delivery device includes a positioning portion that positions the elevation unit while the elevation unit is at a transfer height, and a delivery-side guide that guides travel of the self-propelled cart along the traveling path. The elevation unit includes an elevation-side guide that guides travel of the self-propelled cart along the traveling path, and the elevation-side guide is arranged so as to be continuous with the delivery-side guide while the elevation unit is positioned by the positioning portion.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, the first grid structure having a top level. The system further comprises a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.

Abstract: A parcel sack management system and related process. The parcel sack management system includes a gathering conveyor configured to receive a parcel group at an intake and transport the parcel group to a sack filling station. The system includes a plurality of fill chutes that are transported along a circulating track, each fill chute configured to hold a sack. The parcel sack management system is configured to transfer parcels in the parcel group into a first sack via a first fill chute when the first fill chute is at the sack filling station.

Abstract: A stack storage assembly with container stacking spaces, a charging space arranged below the container stacking spaces, and a charging vehicle movable in the charging space having a hoisting device to move a container into or out of a container stacking space. Each of the container stacking spaces has, at a lower end, a retaining device with at least one retaining element, which is movable, via an actuating device arranged on the charging vehicle, between a retaining position in which the at least one retaining element holds the container arranged in the container stacking spaces and a release position in which the container is relocated past the retaining element. The charging vehicle has at least one fixing element positionable into a fixing position to interact with the at least one retaining element located in the release position, and to hold the at least one retaining element in the release position.

Abstract: A system may include a vehicle for delivering items and a moveable track that cooperates with the vehicle. The moveable track may cooperate with a storage system having storage locations for storing items. The vehicle may drive into the moveable track and lift the track using a vertical drive mechanism. The vehicle may include a horizontal drive system operable to drive the vehicle horizontally along the ground to carry the moveable track to a position adjacent the storage location. The vehicle may operate the vertical drive system to drop the moveable track adjacent the storage system. Additionally, the vehicle may operate the vertical drive to drive up the moveable track to an elevated position adjacent one of the storage locations in the storage system. The vehicle may include a transfer mechanism for transferring items between the vehicle and the storage location while the vehicle is in the elevated position.

Abstract: A system may include a vehicle for delivering items and a moveable track that cooperates with the vehicle. The moveable track may cooperate with a storage system having storage locations for storing items. The vehicle may drive into the moveable track and lift the track using a vertical drive mechanism. The vehicle may include a horizontal drive system operable to drive the vehicle horizontally along the ground to carry the moveable track to a position adjacent the storage location. The vehicle may operate the vertical drive system to drop the moveable track adjacent the storage system. Additionally, the vehicle may operate the vertical drive to drive up the moveable track to an elevated position adjacent one of the storage locations in the storage system. The vehicle may include a transfer mechanism for transferring items between the vehicle and the storage location while the vehicle is in the elevated position.

Abstract: A clamping vehicle lane control method and system, an electronic device and a storage medium. A clamping vehicle lane (1) has a vehicle carrying plane (11) that is used to carry an electric vehicle (9) and that can be raised and lowered. The clamping vehicle lane control method comprises: controlling the vehicle carrying plane (11) to be raised and lowered between any two heights among an initial height, a battery removal height, and a battery installation height. The height of the vehicle carrying plane (11) is controlled so that the vehicle carrying plane (11) may meet battery replacement requirements of each stage, thus shortening the overall battery replacement time, and improving the efficiency of battery replacement.

Abstract: A vehicle conveyance control apparatus for controlling a plurality of conveyance devices, includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. Each of the plurality of conveyance devices is configured to lift each tire of a vehicle to convey the vehicle from a predetermined area of a parking lot to a parking space. The processor is configured to perform: acquiring vehicle information including tire position information of each tire of the vehicle detected in the predetermined area; selecting conveyance devices to convey the vehicle from among the plurality of conveyance devices different in conveyance capacity for lifting each tire of the vehicle to convey the vehicle based on the tire position information of the vehicle acquired in the acquiring; and instructing the conveyance devices selected in the selecting to convey the vehicle from the predetermined area to the parking space.

Abstract: A storage system includes a plurality of storage areas for receiving stored goods, the storage areas being situated in at least one storage level and being accessible by an associated handling device to store stored goods at the storage areas or retrieve them from these storage areas. A conveyor is provided which is designed as a continuous conveyor and is led on a storage level through the arrangement of the storage areas.

Abstract: Disclosed are a battery swapping station and a control method therefor. The battery swapping station comprises: a first battery swapping platform being arranged between a first charging compartment and a second charging compartment; a first shuttle travels between the first battery charging compartment and the first battery swapping platform, a second shuttle travels between the second battery charging compartment and the first battery swapping platform; a control unit being electrically connected to the first shuttle and to the second shuttle, used for the following operation: when operating a same vehicle on the first battery swapping platform, if the first shuttle is executing either operation of battery unmounting or battery mounting, the second shuttle executes the other operation. Through the battery swapping station and the control method therefor, the waiting time for vehicles when swapping batteries can be reduced, thus increasing the battery swapping efficiency of the battery swapping station.

Abstract: A method of creating orders of individual products comprises a conveying of at least one individual product to an unloading station by means of a respective carrying device, an unloading of the at least one individual product from the carrying device at the unloading station in an order-related manner, a transporting of the at least one individual product of an order to a packing station.

Abstract: Disclosed are a battery swapping station and a control method therefor. The battery swapping station comprises: a first battery swapping platform being arranged between a first charging compartment and a second charging compartment; a first shuttle travels between the first battery charging compartment and the first battery swapping platform, a second shuttle travels between the second battery charging compartment and the first battery swapping platform; a control unit being electrically connected to the first shuttle and to the second shuttle, used for the following operation: when operating a same vehicle on the first battery swapping platform, if the first shuttle is executing either operation of battery unmounting or battery mounting, the second shuttle executes the other operation. Through the battery swapping station and the control method therefor, the waiting time for vehicles when swapping batteries can be reduced, thus increasing the battery swapping efficiency of the battery swapping station.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a vertical platform lift assembly control system are disclosed. The control system may provide a method for monitoring sensors for the vertical platform lift, and may determine operating modes and fault conditions from the sensor data. An indicator system for the vertical platform lift may provide user feedback based on sensor data and the status of the control system.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative electrical power dispensers for electrical vehicle charging systems, charging systems, and methods of sensing presence of a charge coupler in a holster of an electrical power dispenser. In an illustrative embodiment, an electrical power dispenser for an electrical vehicle charging system includes a housing. A charge coupler is configured to dispense direct current electrical power. A holster is disposed on the housing and is configured to receive the charge coupler therein. A holster sensor is configured to sense presence of the charge coupler in the holster and is further configured to generate a signal indicative of presence of the charge coupler in the holster.

Abstract: A control unit is provided to improve positioning of transporting devices to thereby allow transporting devices to be driven at faster speeds and/or accelerations with minimal positional errors allowing for a reduction in the spacing between transporting devices. A control unit is arranged to control movement of at least one transporting device for containers stored in a facility having a plurality of pathways arranged in cells so as to form a grid-like structure above the stacks which extends in a first direction and in a second direction. The control unit includes a receiving unit arranged to receive information from a first sensor mounted on the at least one transporting device, and a calculating unit arranged to calculate a position of the at least one transporting device based on the received information.

Abstract: A system of warehouse racks placed perpendicularly to a working aisle. After selecting a place of storage of a given product, at least one rack is moved to the working aisle. The goods are placed or removed from the indicated place in the rack, and then the rack is moved to an initial position. The movement of the rack to the working aisle and its return to its initial position is made by movable, shared platform moving under at least one row of racks that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the rack and parallel to the working aisle. The system includes a drive system, a power supply system, at least one running gear, a rack lifting system and a positioning system extending or retracting the rack. During movement to the working aisle and return to the initial position, the rack is lifted above the ground surface by the positioning system of the shared platform.

Abstract: A robotic object handling system and robotic load handling device for operation thereon is disclosed. The object handling system includes a number of robotic load handling devices operational on a grid-like structure, the structure having sets of parallel tracks, disposed above a hive of stacked bins. The bins contain inventory items to be picked by the system. Load handling devices capable of carrying multiple bins of a single grid-spacing size or single bins of a multiple grid spacings are operational on the grid and retrieve and transport bins under the control of a computerised order picking utility.

Abstract: A loading and unloading device for a machine, a machine for machining panel-like workpieces, and a workpiece support for such a machine and a method for loading and unloading such a machine, having a loading and unloading module, wherein the loading and unloading module has a vertically upwardly oriented raising device for lifting a cut-free workpiece part and a vertically downwardly oriented gripping device (38) for holding an unmachined, panel-like workpiece.

Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system for storage and retrieval of items and conveying items within the storage system comprises a plurality of primary multilevel storage racks, the primary multilevel storage racks positioned parallel with one another, and extending in a first direction. The plurality of primary multilevel storage racks have at least one storage rack exchange level, in which items are delivered to or retrieved from the storage racks, and at least one exchange position in the at least one storage rack exchange level. At least one transfer shuttle is configured to travel in a second direction spanning the exchange positions of the storage racks and transverse to the first direction, with the transfer shuttle and the exchange positions configured for exchanging items between the transfer shuttle and the exchange positions of the storage racks to retrieve or deliver items.

Abstract: A charging system for autonomous transport vehicles including at least one charging contact disposed on each pick floor level of a storage and retrieval system, each of the at least one charging contact being located at a transfer station, at least one power supply configured to supply power to the at least one charging contact, and a controller in communication with the transfer station and being configured to communicate information relating to a transfer of items between the transfer station and a predetermined one of the autonomous transport vehicles and to apply power from the power supply to the at least one charging contact for charging the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle corresponding to the transfer and located at the transfer station, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to the charging contacts simultaneously with the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle exchanging items related to the transfer at the transfer station.

Abstract: A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile robot includes an electric device unit disposed inside a cover and upward of a robot, and a transport mechanism disposed downward of the robot. An end part of a rotation shaft of a motor driving an arm portion of the robot faces downward. The cover includes a partition plate separating a first housing space in which the electric device unit is housed and a second housing space in which the robot is housed. The partition plate has a protrusion protruding into the first housing space. The protrusion provides a motor housing space in the second housing space. At least one part of the first motor is housed in the motor housing space when a base of the robot is elevated to an uppermost position.

Abstract: A device for gripping a load including first and second frame portions, a translation for moving the frame, first and second gripping arms mounted on the first and second frame portions, respectively, so as to move a load, and a width-adjustment for adapting a width of the first and second gripping arms. The width adjustment includes first locking/unlocking elements that lock the first frame portion relative to the path of travel, second locking/unlocking elements that unlock the second frame portion relative to the first frame portion, and a translation that moves the second frame portion along the path of travel.

Abstract: A dome screen projection system includes a dome screen unit and two sets of projectors. The dome screen unit includes a top side, two opposite lateral sides extending downward from two opposite ends of the top side, and a curved projection surface extending downwardly from the top side between the opposite lateral sides. Each of the two sets of projectors are disposed on the top side proximally to one of the lateral sides. The two sets of projectors are directed toward the curved projection surface.

Abstract: This document generally describes warehousing systems that can, in certain instances, improve the efficiency of warehousing operations and improve utilization of available space in a warehousing facility. The warehousing system may be implemented in an automated warehouse, such as an automated cold-storage facility, that uses programmable equipment to automate tasks associated with warehousing operations, such as transporting inbound storage items to specified storage positions of storage racks in the warehouse and removing outbound storage items from storage so that they may be loaded onto trucks for delivery away from the warehouse.

Abstract: An autonomous package handling system includes: one or more autonomous delivery vehicles and one or more locker units. Each autonomous delivery vehicle includes: a motorized conveyor rack, the motorized conveyor rack including a plurality of horizontal conveyors supported by a plurality of support beams; a collection bin for temporarily holding the packages; a vertical lift to move the collection bin between the plurality of horizontal conveyors; a collection bin conveyor configured to extend and retract the collection bin from and back to an interior of the delivery vehicle; and a vehicle wireless unit for communicating with a server. Each locker unit includes: a compartment; a door having an electronic closing and opening mechanism; an electronic lock; a locker wireless unit for communicating with the server; and a locker unit base.

Abstract: An AGV comb-type transfer robot, comprising: a lifting frame (2), comb teeth being mounted on the lifting frame (2); and a traveling frame (1), a comb tooth lifting apparatus (15) being mounted on the traveling frame (1), and a traveling drive mechanism (13) and a central control system being mounted in the traveling frame (1). The comb tooth lifting apparatus (15) comprises a lifting drive motor (151) and a gear set (152) in transmission connection with the motor (151). The traveling drive mechanism (13) comprises a traveling drive motor and a traveling wheel set mounted in the traveling frame (1). The present invention also relates to a method for storing and retrieving a vehicle using the robot. The transfer efficiency and intelligent level of the robot are high.

Abstract: A compact and high capacity sorting system includes a transportation vehicle travelling along a travelling route where the transportation vehicle may diverge and merge, and raising and lowering a transfer device; racks provided along the travelling route and having a height corresponding to multiple floors; an arrival area, a shipment area, and a sorting area, each provided along an outer periphery of the travelling route; and a controller controlling the transportation vehicle to transport commodities from the arrival area to the sorting area via the racks, and transport commodities from the sorting area to the shipment area.

Abstract: A charging system for autonomous transport vehicles including at least one charging contact disposed on each pick floor level of a storage and retrieval system, each of the at least one charging contact being located at a transfer station, at least one power supply configured to supply power to the at least one charging contact, and a controller in communication with the transfer station and being configured to communicate information relating to a transfer of items between the transfer station and a predetermined one of the autonomous transport vehicles and to apply power from the power supply to the at least one charging contact for charging the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle corresponding to the transfer and located at the transfer station, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to the charging contacts simultaneously with the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle exchanging items related to the transfer at the transfer station.

Abstract: A conveyance system includes a track, ceiling conveyance vehicles, and a conveyance controller configured or programmed to output a conveyance instruction for a FOUP to the ceiling conveyance vehicles. When a first FOUP on a downstream port is waiting for collection, the conveyance controller waits without outputting a conveyance instruction instructing collection of the first FOUP until any of the conveyance vehicles conveying a second FOUP to an upstream port has been recognized until a waiting time set in advance has elapsed since the first FOUP changed to a state waiting for collection and outputs the conveyance instruction instructing collection of the first FOUP when the waiting time has elapsed since a point in time when the first FOUP changed to the state waiting for collection.

Abstract: A method for operating a warehouse, in which a modular shelving rack warehouse having a plurality of levels and spaces is manually supplied and emptied of goods by order pickers, wherein a placing and removing of goods is possible at at least one central transfer point between the shelves of a level, and wherein the transfer points arranged at different levels are each connected to each other and to a common warehouse entrance and exit in respect of materials handling technology, and a corresponding warehouse.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching, stowing and retrieving of daughter boats (1) from a midships hangar or mission bay on a mother vessel comprises at least one davit assembly positioned atop a stationary cradle (2), located one each near the starboard and port of the mother vessel. The daughter boats (1) are secured on specially designed stationary cradlesalong a plurality of longitudinal tracks (5) and also on at least the two stationary cradles (2) one each near the starboard and port of the mother vessel which are also specially designed and lie along at least one transverse track (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates a plant cultivation apparatus using an up-down system enabling mass production of plants by allowing the entire area of a greenhouse to be used as a cultivation space.

Abstract: A temporary storage apparatus is provided with a slidable buffer which does not prevent installation of the apparatus and maintenance of equipment, has increased storing capacity for carriers without a lateral transfer mechanism in a local vehicle, stores carriers between overhead travelling vehicles and a load port, and is provided with the local vehicle travelling on a rail below the rail for the overhead travelling vehicles and a slidable buffer comprising a cell to support a carrier and a guide mechanism sliding the slidable buffer between an advanced position under the rail and a backward position laterally shifted from the rail. The guide mechanism moves between an active position laterally protruding from the rail and a retracted position allowing transfer by the overhead travelling vehicles between the load port. The rail extends along the front face of the equipment to a waiting position separated from a position over the port.

Abstract: A charging system for autonomous transport vehicles including at least one charging contact disposed on each pick floor level of a storage and retrieval system, each of the at least one charging contact being located at a transfer station, at least one power supply configured to supply power to the at least one charging contact, and a controller in communication with the transfer station and being configured to communicate information relating to a transfer of items between the transfer station and a predetermined one of the autonomous transport vehicles and to apply power from the power supply to the at least one charging contact for charging the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle corresponding to the transfer and located at the transfer station, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to the charging contacts simultaneously with the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle exchanging items related to the transfer at the transfer station.

Abstract: A storage system includes a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, and the first grid structure having a top level. The system further includes a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack storage system comprising storage racks (12a, 12b) for load (2) and a load manipulation unit (4), which has at least a first load-lifting device (34a) with a transport device (36a) and a first buffer device (35a) with transport conveying devices (43, 44) and a rack aisle (15) and guide tracks (20) extending in the rack levels in the longitudinal direction of the rack aisle (15) and single-level rack serving devices (3) for transporting load (2) as well as a conveying system being connected to the load-lifting device (34a) for transporting load (2) to and from the load-lifting device (34a). The transport conveying devices (43) each form a removing path for the load (2) and the transport conveying devices (44) each form a storing path for the load (2).

Abstract: Without a lateral transfer mechanism in a local vehicle, the buffering capacity of a temporary storage apparatus is increased. The temporary storage apparatus stores carriers temporarily between overhead travelling vehicles and load ports. A travelling rail for the local vehicle is provided to allow the local vehicle to run below the travelling rail for the overhead vehicles and over the load ports. A slidable buffer slidable between a position under the travelling rail for the local vehicle and a position shifted laterally and a controller for controlling the local vehicle and the slidable buffer are provided, and the local vehicle waits at a position separated from an area over the load ports.

Abstract: An overhead transport (OHT) system with multiple levels of rails for the transport of semiconductor workpieces is provided. A first vehicle is configured to travel on, and move a semiconductor workpiece along, a first rail. A second vehicle is configured to travel on, and move the semiconductor workpiece along, a second rail overlying the first rail. A controller is configured to control the first and second vehicles to transfer the semiconductor workpiece along the first and second rails, between process or inspection tools. A method for transferring semiconductor workpieces across multiple levels of rails is also provided.

Abstract: Carriers to be temporarily stored are increased in number, without providing a local vehicle with a lateral transfer mechanism. Carriers are transported between load ports of equipment by overhead travelling vehicles and local vehicles, both provided with a hoist, and the overhead travelling vehicles are provided with a lateral transfer mechanism for laterally moving the hoist. A travelling rail for the overhead travelling vehicles is provided so as to pass over a load port, and a travelling rail for the local vehicle is provided below the travelling rail for the overhead travelling vehicles and over the load port. Slidable buffers are provided and configured to slide between forward positions under the travelling rail for the local vehicle and rearward positions laterally separated from the positions under the travelling rail for the local vehicle. A space over the slidable buffers at the rearward position is open for the transfer of carriers.

Abstract: A disc cassette includes a curved portion configured to hold multiple discs. A platform portion abuts the curved portion. A movable bale is configured to maintain discs securely in the disc cassette.

Abstract: The present disclosure shows an apparatus for the automated removal of workpieces arranged in a container, having an object recognition device for detecting the workpieces and a gripper for gripping and removing the workpiece from the container and having a control for evaluating the data of the object recognition device, for path planning and for controlling the gripper. In this respect, the apparatus is set up in a modular manner by a handling module and a feed module, wherein the handling module has the gripper kinematics, in particular a robot or an area gantry, and the feed module has an arrangement for providing a container having workpieces.

Abstract: A method of handling articles in a logistics center uses an unloading zone for unloading the articles arriving at the center and an article stowage zone where the articles are stored in ordered manner, nesting racks coupled to shuttle robot carts, and also trays placed on lift trolleys coupled to the shuttle robot carts, and at least one vertical tray rack for storing the trays loaded with the articles in superposed manner in the stowage zone. If an article is loaded on a nesting rack in the unloading zone, the shuttle robot cart stores the article with the nesting rack in a lower portion of the tray rack.

Abstract: A charging system for autonomous transport vehicles including at least one charging contact disposed on each pick floor level of a storage and retrieval system, each of the at least one charging contact being located at a transfer station, at least one power supply configured to supply power to the at least one charging contact, and a controller in communication with the transfer station and being configured to communicate information relating to a transfer of items between the transfer station and a predetermined one of the autonomous transport vehicles and to apply power from the power supply to the at least one charging contact for charging the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle corresponding to the transfer and located at the transfer station, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to the charging contacts simultaneously with the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle exchanging items related to the transfer at the transfer station.

Abstract: A storage array includes one or more tiers including a plurality of roller pairs and at least one motor for spinning each roller pair. Plates are positioned between each roller pair. A horizontal nudge is positioned above each plate moves tires horizontally within the storage array. A tire is moved longitudinally within the storage array by causing a roller pair bearing the tire to spin followed by lifting the plate below the tire, thereby causing the tire to roll forward or backward within the storage array. The storage array may be coupled to a distribution system including a plurality of channels including a planar or concave bottom surface over which tires roll and vertical sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom surface. Accelerators, brakes, junctions, and elevators may be positioned in channels in order to control movement of tires through the distribution system.

Abstract: A storage array includes one or more tier including a plurality of roller pairs and at least one motor for spinning each roller pair. Plates are positioned between each roller pair. A horizontal nudger is positioned above each plate moves tires horizontally within the storage array. A tire is moved longitudinally within the storage array by causing a roller pair bearing the tire to spin followed by lifting the plate below the tire, thereby causing the tire to roll forward or backward within the storage array. A controller coupled to actuators for the plates and the horizontal nudger invokes movement of tires in and out of the storage array and within the storage array according to a storage, retrieval, and inventory management program. Tires may include electronically readable chips that are detected by sensors at a front edge of the storage array that are coupled to the controller.