Abstract: To present an automatic cell cultivation apparatus capable of sterilizing completely including a cold storage unit and a normal temperature storage unit, without causing cross contamination, in used of cell cultivation of plural subjects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hoist trolley having a pair of jacking plates with apertures for attaching the plates to a compressor. Fixed to the opposing ends of the jack-plates are telescopic legs with extendable retractable wheels and a screw jack that is used to elevate the load, once the plates are attached, enabling the wheels to be extended. Once extended, the jack base plate is raised with the wheels supporting the load. Transporting the load is accomplished by providing a pair of rails cantilevered from a stand. Also provides are additional elements to enhance the range of applications for the compressor trolley including a pry bar incorporating a motive member whereby the bar can be used in the similar function of supporting some part of the load while moving to a workspace and a depending pivot arm having one element of a fastener, with the other incorporated into an opposing jacking plate. Furthermore, the spaced apart trolley rails can include integral rollers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

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 system and method for the safe storage of boats wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which boats are stored in vertically oriented cells with each boat being carried within a boat storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the boat storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a body of water such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a boat contained within a boat storage unit relative to the body of water and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: A vehicle charging station including a compartment having a door, a receptacle disposed within the interior of the compartment for receiving a charging cord from a vehicle, and a door mechanism. The door mechanism includes a first latch for locking and unlocking the door from a closed position. The first latch locks the door in the closed position without drawing power and keeps the door locked in the closed position if power is lost to the vehicle charging station. The door mechanism also includes a second latch for locking and unlocking the door in a second position such that the door is ajar allowing the cord to pass from the vehicle to the interior of the compartment. The second latch allows the door to open beyond its ajar position to allow the cord to be removed if power is lost to the vehicle charging station while the door is locked in the second position.

Abstract: A storage system for containers including a plurality of cells for reception of containers and means of transferring containers within and outside of the cells. The transfer means include shuttles for translation between the cells and ensilage trolleys which are carried by the shuttles to face a cell and which are motorized to enter and exit from the cell and transfer containers between the cell and the shuttle. The ensilage trolleys are fitted with at least one transport unit made up of a base frame with motorized wheels for running on rails for the entrance and exit movement and with loading platform arranged above the base frame and designed to support a container. Between the platform and the base frame there are fluid hoisting sets distributed longitudinally to the trolley for controlled hoisting of the platform and which also realize elastic attenuation parts.

Abstract: A rack module for, in particular, rod or plate-shaped storage goods accepted in transportation cases as well as a method for repositioning storage goods in a rack module is provided. The rack module is provided with several shelf spaces serving to receive the transportation cases as well as a storage and retrieval unit with a gripping device that can be displaced in reference to the storage and retrieval unit for repositioning the transportation cases. The transportation cases comprise pallets, with at least one lift truck for moving under and repositioning the pallets being provided, and a lifting device for raising and/or lowering one or more pallets, which can be operated by the gripping device of the storage and retrieval unit.

Abstract: A method of rationally storing and transferring containers within a short time in a tower type container loading system and an apparatus using the same are disclosed. The method includes the steps of designating a position where a container to be stored is stored when the container enters a steel structure; elevating the container to a storage in a layer at the storing position along an elevation passage of the steel structure with a traveler; transferring and temporally storing the container to and in a temporary storing place positioned at the leading end of the storage when the container is positioned in the storage; and transferring and storing the container in the temporary storing place to and in a designated storing position using a transferring traveler installed in the storage.

Abstract: A storage apparatus (1) stores a transported object (220) from a transporting carriage (110), which travels along a track (120) installed on or near a ceiling (210) while gripping the transported object. The storage apparatus is provided with a rack portion (30), on which the transported object is put; and a support member (10), whose upper end is supported by the track or ceiling and whose lower end supports the rack portion. The support member selectively has one of first and second shapes. The first shape allows the transporting carriage to put the transported object onto the rack portion at the predetermined position. The second shape allows the rack portion to move away from a position below the track.

Abstract: An automated storage system for vehicles or the like is provided with a guidance system that interacts with a remote-controlled transport system that transports a vehicle between an access location, such a drive-up location, and a storage location. More particularly, in one embodiment, an omni-directional, battery-powered, wirelessly-controlled, transport system or so-called automated guided vehicle (“AGV”) is designed to follow magnetic field generating wires and RFID chips on the floors of the parking facility to move forward, backward and side to side underneath cars that are parked on a flat surface. In one embodiment, the AGV automatically contracts and expands its body to slide its arms under the wheelbase of a car, lift the car, and roll with speed and precision in any direction on to a waiting lift, that will then raise and lower the AGV and its automobile payload toward its ultimate destination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading and/or unloading a transport cargo hold, in particular on a good vehicle, comprising at least one transport unit, by means of which goods units, particularly several thereof, may be simultaneously transported. According to the invention, the costs of said device may be reduced and the flexibility increased, whereby the transport unit may at least partly be introduced into the transport cargo hold.

Abstract: An automatic warehouse 8 is provided parallel to a running rail 4 for an overhead travelling carriage 6. Open shelves 16 each of which is open on its side are provided in a rack 10. According to the present invention, articles can be transferred directly to and from a shelf in the automatic warehouse.

Abstract: The invention provides a stacker crane, configured to move on a single rail provided along one or more racks, includes: a first wheel that moves on the rail; a second wheel that moves on the rail, and that is disposed spaced apart from the first wheel in a fore-and-aft direction; a vehicle frame supported by the first wheel and the second wheel; first drive supported by the vehicle frame for driving the first wheel. The vehicle frame includes: a first support frame for supporting the first wheel and the first drive means; a second support frame for supporting the second wheel; and a connection frame that connects the first support frame and the second support frame.

Abstract: A substrate inspection system of a type that receives substrates disposed within a cassette and inspects a planar surface of the substrates with a read head, where the substrates are inspected while they are disposed within the cassette, and the read head is of a size to fit between adjacent substrates within the cassette. In this manner, the substrates do not need to be removed from the cassette, and no robotic arm is required to do so.

Abstract: A stacker crane, which transports goods between storage shelves, comprises the storage shelves arranged on a plurality of levels; an elevator portion, traveling on tracks provided along the storage shelves, and which accommodates goods; a set of masts, which move vertically while in contact with the elevator portion; and, a mast support frame, installed avoiding the region of movement of the elevator portion in the range in which the elevator portion and the masts can make contact. By this means, the occurrence of dead space due to interference between the elevator portion and the lower frame can be prevented.

Abstract: When FOUPs (front opening unified pods) (80a, 80b) are mounted on shelves (111d, 121c), respectively, shelves (121a, 121b, 121c) are moved in the vertical direction by cylinders (127a, 127b, 127c), respectively. The FOUP (80b) is thereby moved above the FOUP (80a) to create a space (129), for ensuring a transport path (AR6) for the FOUP (80a). The FOUP 80a can therefore be transported to a shelf (141) without moving the FOUP (80b) to another shelf, achieving improved throughput of substrate processing.

Abstract: A warehousing system for palletized cargo, and an automated loading/unloading system for use with the same. The warehousing system includes a feed conveyer and a plurality of storage racks. A traveling conveyor carries the cargo from the feed conveyor to the individual racks, and from the racks to a loading/unloading conveyor which carries the cargo to the loading/unloading docks. The traveling conveyor rides on a wheeled chassis that is guided between the receiving and discharge locations on tracks. The storage racks are stackable in tiers, and the traveling conveyor has a deck that raises and lowers to be level therewith. The automated loading/unloading dock includes a rigid, extensible plate having an upper surface for supporting a load of palletized cargo, with a drive mechanism being mounted to the inner end of the plate to translate it in and out of the transport vehicle. The plate carries a load of palletized cargo into or out of the transport vehicle en masse.

Abstract: A battery requiring power generation determining unit is operable to determine first power required by the battery depending on a battery condition. An electric component using power determining unit is operable to determine second power used by the electric components. An feeding indispensable power determining unit is operable to determine feeding indispensable power. A power generation determining unit is operable to determine a first power generation to be generated by the generator based on the first power, the second power, and the feeding indispensable power. The feeding indispensable power determining unit determines the feeding indispensable power depending on a running mode of the vehicle.

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: The invention relates to a method of storing storage products in a storage rack, the storage rack comprising several rack units providing a plurality of storage spaces for the storage products. The storage rack comprises a transport shaft, a transport device being traversable on the transport shaft to transport the storage products between a service opening and a storage space. A first rack unit has the service opening and a second rack unit is spaced from the first rack unit by the transport shaft. In the method, a first storage product is transported into a buffer area spaced from the service opening of the first rack unit by the transport device for intermediate storage. A second storage product is supplied to the transport device via the service opening. The second storage product to be stored is transported into the buffer area using the transport device.

Abstract: A method and a storage and manipulation system for manipulating and transferring cassettes used for storage. The system includes a rack for storing cassettes. The rack includes supports on which the cassette rests. A transfer device includes a slide, onto which the cassette can be transferred. The slide includes a lifting and lowering movement. The transfer device also includes grippers that grip the cassette and moving it onto or off the slide. The slide can be placed underneath the front part of the cassette and, by a lifting movement, elevate the front part of the cassette such that the cassette can be transferred along the support onto the slide. A rear part of the cassette is simultaneously supported by the support. The slide can also lower the front part of the cassette onto the support when the rear part of the cassette is transferred onto the support of the rack.

Abstract: A system for singling and transferring objects comprises an inlet area and an outlet area for objects from the system, transfer means for transferring such objects comprising containment members, and retrieval means for retrieving and depositing such objects in the containment members. The transfer means may be actuated, in use, independently of the retrieval means so as to transfer one or more objects to the outlet area.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: An order-picking system and method includes a pallet warehouse (12), preferably in terms of a high-bay warehouse, being used as a supply warehouse dedicated to a plurality of, preferably different, packing units (40) which are stored, preferably by one sort only, on pallets (14) in the pallet warehouse (12); a tray warehouse (24) which is used as a picking buffer for supplying connected order-picking stations with packing units (40), wherein trays (38) are stored in the tray warehouse which have been loaded with a pallet layer of packing units (40) before; a conveyor (22) which transports from the pallet warehouse to the tray warehouse trays (38) which are respectively loaded with a pallet layer of packing units, particularly across longer distances; and at least a rack-transport unit (36) for trays (38), the rack-transport unit allowing receipt of a plurality of trays being respectively loaded with a pallet layer.

Abstract: A system includes a rechargeable battery backup for a barrier movement operator. A barrier movement operator controls the movement of a moveable barrier. The barrier movement operator has a head unit to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions. The head unit is supplied power by a power source. A battery charging station is in electrical communication with at least one rechargeable battery and in electrical communication with the head unit to supply power to the at least one rechargeable battery. Circuitry is electrically connected to the battery charging station to supply power from the at least one rechargeable battery to the head unit. The system also includes electrically powered equipment comprising an apparatus for receiving the at least one rechargeable battery. The electrically powered equipment is adapted to be powered by the at least one rechargeable battery to perform a predetermined function.

Abstract: In a watercraft storage system a “wishbone” or U-shaped cradle liftable and rotatable by an overhead crane comprises adjustable air filled hull supports to either side of a boat hull and a keel support toward the stem of the watercraft. The cradle central opening clears a cantilever storage rack support beam assembly allowing the watercraft lo be lowered onto or raised from the cantilever storage rack support beam assembly by an overhead traveling crane. To substantially reduce any longitudinal swaying of the cradle and watercraft during raising and lowering, a system or diagonal anti-sway bracing cables that automatically retract and extend is employed. In the preferred embodiment, the cradle is lowered into a water-filled channel within the storage structure to re-float the watercraft. A watercraft to be stored can be brought into the channel which contains alignment means to accurately position the watercraft over the cradle.

Abstract: A method for sorting mail to a case having a plurality of slots is described, wherein each slot corresponds to a destination. The method includes steps of loading a mail piece to be sorted into a delivery robot, determining for the mail piece a destination slot the mail piece is to be delivered to, moving the delivery robot along a rail disposed at the front of the case near the slots into proximity with an open end of the destination slot, inserting the mail piece from the delivery robot into the associated slot, and returning the delivery robot to a loading station whereby the cycle may be repeated. Such a method, when using a large number of robots moving along a common rail system, can sort a large volume of mail in carrier delivery order.

Abstract: A transport system is provided to move an article from a conveyance section to a location. The conveyance section transports the article using a pair of transport belts. A lift lowers the article downward between the pair of transport belts. A hoist translates the article beneath the conveyance section to the location while supporting the article from above. The article may include a FOUP, semiconductor wafer, substrate for the manufacture of display devices or photovoltaics. The hoist may comprise a carriage and a gripper configured to grasp and vertically move the article while suspended beneath the carriage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a raised marina comprising a structure (1) and a series of crossmembers (7) having platforms (3, 31) fixed thereto for the berthing and launching of vessels (10, 11). The aforementioned platforms (3, 31) can be moved vertically and, in addition, the upper platforms (31) can be moved horizontally by means of telescopic arms (5) which are located outside the vertical plane of the lower platform (3). In another embodiment of the invention, the upper platforms (31?) can be fixed, comprising telescopic arms (5?) and a system of slings (40) which are connected to hoisting cables (4?) which are wound in relation to winding devices (14?) and which can be used to move vessels up and down outside the hoisting system.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for dry storing boats (2) and holding them readily available, comprising a number of boat storage spaces (22) arranged at a waterfront area, and a lifting device (7) for lifting or pulling boats (2) from the water. The boat storage spaces (22) are formed according to the invention by a mechanized shelf or honeycomb storage facility (13) or the like, having fixed installed transportation devices (15, 19) for the storage and removal of boats (2). Preferably, cassettes (16) are provided, on which the boats (2) are stored and removed as well as transported.

Abstract: A carrier for carrying a packaged chip includes a housing having a holding space and at least one guiding hole. A guiding block ascends and descends along the guiding hole. A latch moves backwards and forwards as the guiding block ascends and descends to move into and out of the holding space.

Abstract: A side buffer 40 is provided on a side of a traveling rail 6 of an overhead traveling vehicle 8. Multiple levels of racks 41, 42 are provided. The overhead traveling means 8 has elevating and lowering means including components such as a linear guide 32 and a ball screw 26 for elevating and lowering a lateral movement unit 16.

Abstract: A robotic work cell and a method of operation are described. The work cell is comprised of an industrial robot having at least one articulated robotic arm having a tool engaging end. A robot controller is associated with the robot to cause the robot to effect a programmed task selected from a plurality of programmed tasks stored in a computer memory. At least two or more fixed work stations are positioned in the work cell in proximity of the robot. At least two of the work stations have a work task platform detachably secured thereto with at least one of said platforms being a work task platform. The work platforms have a software associated therewith for the robot to effect an associated one of the programmed tasks on a product. The programmed task is one of a series of programmed tasks which are related and associated with a specific product to transform said product.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for dry storing boats (2) and holding them readily available, comprising a number of boat storage spaces (22) arranged at a waterfront area, and a lifting device (7) for lifting or pulling boats (2) from the water. The boat storage spaces (22) are formed according to the invention by a mechanized shelf or honeycomb storage facility (13) or the like, having fixed installed transportation devices (15, 19) for the storage and removal of boats (2). Preferably, cassettes (16) are provided, on which the boats (2) are stored and removed as well as transported.

Abstract: An application for an efficient storage system includes containers having a top, bottom, walls and an access door. The containers are moveably organized within a building that organized as a grid of rows and columns, each row wider than the width of each of the containers and each column deeper than the depth of each of the containers. At least one empty position within the grid allows for shifting of the containers from one row/column to another. At least one access station is provided for loading and unloading the containers through the access doors and a mechanism is provided for moving the containers within the grid.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing an automatic docking of a robot is disclosed. The apparatus induces connecting terminals of the robot having a receiving unit to connect with docking terminals disposed on one surface of a docking object, and includes a plurality of transmitting units disposed on the same surface as that of the docking object on which the docking terminals are disposed. The plurality of transmitting units is arranged in different angles to one another to transmit signals in different directions to one another, respectively.

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.

Abstract: A combined transporting and merchandising display system includes a stacked array of packaging crates. Each crate has one or more openings in the front wall and/or rear wall for access to and removal of product from the crate. Inter-engaging flutes and recesses on respective upper and lower crates secure the crates together in a nested relationship. A series of fine ribs is arranged on the top surface of the base of each crate to reduce friction between the product and the base so as to allow for gravity feeding of the product to the front of the crate is tilted forwards. The bottom crate is engageable with a tiltable top surface on a trolley (not shown) such that the stacked array of crates can be wheeled about. The product is preferably bottles or cartons of milk.

Abstract: A device and method for the automated storage and retrieval of trays holding subject matter. A computer system is programmed to control a storage gantry to move the trays between a storage rack and an automated machine. In a preferred embodiment, the subject matter in the trays is a plurality of micro-well plates in which microscopic crystals may be growing and the automated machine is configured to inspect and classify microscopic crystals. The automated machine has an indexing device for sequentially placing microscopic crystals in camera-view of a camera and a control computer is programmed to control the indexing device and to cause the camera to take images of the microscopic crystals and then transfer the images to a classifying processor where the images are classified. In a preferred embodiment, the microscopic crystals are protein crystals that have been grown in the wells of micro-well plates.

Abstract: A learning marker configured such that one of learning horizontal distance information and learning vertical distance information can be learned based on detection information from a horizontal travel distance detection device or a vertical travel distance detection device upon detection of at least one edge section of the learning marker in one direction of a horizontal travel direction and a vertical travel direction of a transfer means by a learning marker detector for detecting the learning marker, and the other of the learning horizontal distance information and learning vertical distance information can be learned based on detection information from the horizontal travel distance detection device or the vertical travel distance detection device upon detection of each of both edge sections of the learning marker in the one direction by the learning marker detector.

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 an incubator 1 wherein a microplate transport device 5 is disposed inside a chamber 11 centrally thereof. The transport device 5 comprises a transport table 50 for placing a microplate thereon and is capable of driving the table 50 along the directions of three axes, i.e., X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. A plurality of stackers 3 are arranged in the direction of Y-axis at each of opposite sides of the transport device 5 along the direction of X-axis. Each of the stackers 3 has a plurality of microplate accommodating portions arranged in the direction of Z-axis. The microplate is movable into or out of the desired accommodating portion by the transport device 5.

Abstract: A picking station for picking articles out of storage containers by a picking person, the picking station being connected to a conveying system which has a conveying track leading through a working area of the picking person, at least for the inward transport of storage containers, wherein the conveying track is tilted about its longitudinal axis in the direction of the picking person, at least in the working area of the picking person.

Abstract: Travel rails are provided in upper and lower layers. Buffers accessible by an overhead traveling vehicle from the travel rail in the upper layer and a buffer accessible by the overhead traveling vehicle from the travel rail in the lower layer are provided. Further, an elevation path connecting the travel rails is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a solution for automatically stocking, storing, dispensing, retrieving and sorting individual parts or products of a variety of types and sizes and weights for order fulfillment. The invention includes a series of vertical and horizontal carousels that converge to exchange products gently without dumping. Multiple products and/orders can be dispensed simultaneously and sorted for packing. Products can be stocked and retrieved simultaneously. The invention concentrates personnel to a stocking line and eliminates walk time to each location. Additionally, the invention eliminates the need for personnel to pick and sort orders.

Abstract: First and second shelf sections are positioned side by side in an outer frame having front left and right doors. The first self section is fixed to a rear wall of the outer frame, and the second shelf section is secured to the front left and right doors. By opening the front left and right doors, access to the first self section is facilitated for storing a plurality of racks therein, the racks holding sample containers. A transfer section is movable along a linear space defined between the first and second shelf sections. The transfer section includes a pair of rack pull-out mechanisms each for pulling out each rack stored in the shelf sections. A repacking mechanism including a picker mechanism is provided on the transfer section for moving a sample container from the rack on the first rack pull-out mechanism to a rack on the other rack pull-out mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an overhead travelling carriage system in which an overhead travelling carriage 110 is run along a running rail to convey a cassette 14 between processing devices 111. The overhead travelling carriage system is provided with an elevating space 8 for a platform 12 on which transfer means 51 is provided to transfer the cassette 14 and a storage space 10 in which a plurality of shelves are provided in a vertical direction to store cassettes 14. The elevating space and the storage space are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the running rail, as viewed from above. According to the present invention, the stocker requires a reduced space.

Abstract: First and second shelf sections are positioned side by side in an outer frame. A transfer section is movable along a linear space defined between the first and second shelf sections. The transfer section includes a movable base and a rack pull-out mechanism provided on the movable base for pulling out each rack stored in the shelf sections. The base has a mounting area beside the rack pull-out mechanism for mounting thereon a receptible rack. A repacking mechanism including a picker mechanism is provided on the transfer section for moving a sample container from the rack on the rack pull-out mechanism to the receptible rack on the mounting area.

Abstract: A system and method are set out for automatically extracting pods from a carousel shaped casing tower which include elements for engaging and moving the pods within the carousel while the carousel maintains its place. The pods travel on a track within the carousel which comprises six layers of pods. The extracting is performed in an extraction zone which may be located at least one end of the carousel while the loading of pods occurs at other locations. The pods include pockets for accommodating articles. The articles may be mail pieces.