Abstract: A method for sweeping mail pieces from pockets of a sorter including the steps of (1) sorting mail pieces to a plurality of pockets based upon a preselected sorting criteria, (2) positioning an unloading robot adjacent to a selected one of the pockets when the pocket has received a predetermined volume of mail pieces, the robot carrying a tray having upright side walls and bottom wall, (3) engaging the pocket with a sweeping apparatus, (4) removing mail pieces in the pocket with the sweeping apparatus, (5) loading the removed mail pieces into the tray carried by the robot, and (6) carrying the tray containing the removed mail pieces to a destination with the robot. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A material handling system for use in storing and moving goods within multi-level storage warehouses, ocean going vessels and the like wherein storage areas are provided on at least one of the levels and wherein goods are automatically transferred to and from the storage areas and between the various levels by self-propelled load transfer vehicles. The load transfer vehicles move across the surface of the various levels and deliver are also movable within open vertical trunks between the levels to thereby move goods to any desired area.

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: An apparatus for performing an operation on a circuit substrate, the apparatus including a plurality of operating devices which are provided in a space that is closed and opened by a safety cover and one of which performs the operation on the circuit substrate, a safety-cover switch which is switchable to an ON state thereof corresponding to a closed state of the safety cover, and to an OFF state thereof corresponding to an opened state of the safety cover, a maintenance-related control device which keeps, in a maintenance mode, at least one of the operating devices to a state thereof in which the one operating device is operable, and a maintenance-mode setting switch which cooperates with the safety-cover switch to provide a parallel circuit, and which is selectively operable to an ON state thereof in which the maintenance-mode setting switch allows setting of the maintenance mode, and to an OFF state thereof in which the maintenance-mode setting switch does not allow the setting of the maintenance mode.

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: 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: A stage used, e.g., in semiconductor fabrication, includes a two substrate buffer station and a movable chuck. The buffer station, in one embodiment is fixed, i.e., non-movable relative to the stage. In another embodiment, the support elements of the buffer station may move in unison vertically or horizontally. In another embodiment, a pair of the support elements horizontally moves toward another pair of support elements to reduce the necessary horizontal motion of the chuck. For example, an unprocessed substrate is loaded onto the top supporting elements of the buffer station, while processed substrates are unloaded from the bottom supporting element of the buffer station. The movable chuck is used to remove the unprocessed substrates from the buffer station and to place the processed substrates on the buffer station.

Abstract: A system for maneuvering and hanging articles on rails. The system is operable to select one or more hanging articles, disengage their hooks from the rails, reposition them, and re-hang them in a new position on the rails. The system includes a cart for lateral movement upon a set of rails, the cart having wings for lifting hanging articles off the rails and setting hanging articles onto the rails. The cart has a lifting mechanism, which can be lowered so as to drop hanging articles down to a work area or to raise the hanging articles for placement upon the rails. The system may be employed in a greenhouse for moving hanging baskets of plants.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor system transports a selectable workpiece from vertically extending storage racks having a plurality of horizontally extending shelves with stationary stacks of workpieces to be processed on each shelf. Each shelf includes horizontally spaced shelf support members defining openings complementary to horizontally extending support members of a carriage. The horizontally extending members of the carriage are insertable between adjacent horizontally spaced shelf members to engage the upper most workpiece supported by the shelf located below the horizontally extending support members of the carriage. Workpiece engaging members operably associate or engage the upper-most workpiece with the carriage for movement vertically and horizontally along the path of travel to a workstation for processing.

Abstract: A power bridge rollout service system for removing and installing a power bridge, the power bridge having a housing with an external bus assembly. The power bridge rollout service system includes a roller assembly, an enclosure assembly, and a dolly assembly. The roller assembly is structured to support the power bridge and has a plurality of wheels. The enclosure assembly has a frame assembly structured to support the power bridge and has two wheel tracks. The dolly assembly has a frame assembly, a vertical lifting device, and a plurality of wheels. The vertical lifting device and wheels are coupled to the dolly frame assembly. The vertical lifting device acts upon a work platform such as a skid table assembly. The skid table assembly has a generally flat lifting plate. The skid table assembly may be raised so that the lifting plate is at the same general height as the frame assembly wheel tracks.

Abstract: A rack serving unit comprises a carriage which may be moved along a rack aisle on substantially horizontal carrying rails. Carried along by the carriage there is a lifting platform which is suspended on the carriage by way of at least two traction mechanisms, preferably cables, and may be moved in the vertical direction with respect to the carriage. To stabilise the lifting platform against undesired lateral movements, a stabilising device is provided which comprises at least one guide element extending substantially horizontally parallel to the translatory movement path of the lifting platform. This guide element is in constant engagement with the lifting platform in such a way that the position of this latter in the direction of the translatory movement is constantly defined. Provided at both ends of the translatory movement path, there is a lifting device for each guide element by means of which the guide element may be moved synchronously with the lifting platform in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for picking articles situated on retrieval pallets (38) in a pallet rack (52), characterized by a vehicle (10) capable of travelling along the picking front of the pallet rack (52) and having a first lifting device (14) with a height-adjustable picker-carrying device (26) for the picker (18) and having a second lifting device (16) with a height-adjustable pallet-carrying device (28) for an order pallet (20), wherein the picker-carrying device and the pallet-carrying device are positionable heightwise relative to the respective retrieval position independently of one another. The picker situated on the picker-carrying device may therefore be transported along the picking front by means of the vehicle. The two independently operating lifting devices of the vehicles make it possible to achieve the, in each case, ergonomically most advantageous retrieval height and delivery height for the picker-carrying device and the pallet-carrying device respectively.

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: At least one vertical structure is constituted by plurality of planes, set one upon another, each of which can house at least one container. A lift truck is able to transport at least one of the containers and can move in a vertical direction in a vertical work space parallel to the vertical surface on which the planes are aligned. The lift truck on command can be positioned facing one of the planes, and can interact with the planes in order to remove or insert a single container. The invention comprises a plurality of the vertical structures which are arranged parallel and afford a plurality of the work spaces for movement of the lift truck and are conformed to enable transfer of the lift truck at least from one of the work spaces to another of the work spaces. Means are provided to operate a transfer of the lift truck from one of the work spaces to another as well as to displace of the lift truck at least in a vertical direction along a single work space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of storing and retrieving load-bearing units (16) and a conveyor trolley with a load-bearing means (12) to accommodate a trolley (21), having a platform (40) for receiving a load-bearing unit (16), in particular a pallet, as and when necessary, which is equipped with bogie assemblies (30) with height and lateral guide elements (31) for storing and retrieving the load-bearing unit (16), and the height guide elements (31) are displaceable along at least one guide track (23) on the load-bearing means (12) and are linked to at least one displacement drive (30) to initiate the displacement motion of the load-bearing means (12), and the displaceable platform (40) is linked to a drive (41).

Abstract: A method for operating a rack system preferably in a dispatch unit (1), with a rack (2) and an associated rack serving device for the storage and retrieval of containers (3), trays or the like to or from the rack. A rack region of the rack (2) has a plurality of rack planes (13) arranged one above the other and is served by a dedicated, mechanically coupled, height and length-adjustable rack serving device (4). In each track region embodied as an independent, closed rack unit (A, B, C), containers (3), trays or the like undergo interim storage in a buffer zone (P1, P2, P3) on the same level, are transferred for storage or retrieval and transported by an elevator (5; 6a, 6b) and/or a preferably horizontal transport connection (F1, F2) arranged in the region of the rack unit (A, B, C) at the same level, from or to a transport system or workplace outside the rack system.

Abstract: A processor for processing articles, such as semiconductor wafers, in a substantially clean atmosphere is set forth. The processor includes an enclosure defining a substantially enclosed clean processing chamber and at least one processing station disposed in the processing chamber. An interface section is disposed adjacent an interface end of the enclosure. The interface section includes at least one interface port through which a pod containing articles for processing are loaded or unloaded to or from the processor. The interface section is hygienically separated from the processing chamber since the interface section is generally not as clean as the highly hygienic processing chamber. An article extraction mechanism adapted to seal with the pod is employed. The mechanism is disposed to allow extraction of the articles contained within the pod into the processing chamber without exposing the articles to ambient atmospheric conditions in the interface section.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval apparatus including a robotic device capable of gripping items stored in the apparatus and delivering the item to a separate, proximate instrument. The items to be stored are loaded from the outside of the apparatus at each face of the hexagonal or octagonal shaped storage carousel. The storage carousel, which can be manually rotated, is mounted on a stationary base, both structures including a hollow core. The robotic device includes slider bars within the core of the apparatus and is rotatable about the central axis of the apparatus. The robotic device is capable of translating vertically, telescoping horizontally, rotating and gripping an item stored at a desired location within the storage carousel. Upon retrieval of a desired item, the robotic device will proceed to retract and translate downward to an aperture within the base. The item is transferred to an adjacent instrument through the aperture using the telescopic arm of the robotic device.

Abstract: An automated storage plant comprises a plurality of shelves (10,12,13) arranged facing one another in parallel rows spaced so as to form, between each pair of facing shelves (10,12) an aisle (14) for the transit of a transelevator device (20), which is provided with means (26) for picking up/depositing the goods from/on the shelves and is supported by said facing shelves (10,12) without resting on the floor of the storage facility. The transelevator (20) includes a vertically extended structure (22) equipped with guides (24) for the vertical glide of said means (26) for picking up/depositing the goods, a carriage (32) mobile along the top edges (46,48) of the facing shelves (10,12) being provided at the top of this structure (22). An auxiliary carriage (58) provides for moving the transelevator (20) from one aisle to another.

Abstract: A power bridge rollout service system for removing and installing a power bridge, the power bridge having a housing with an external bus assembly. The power bridge rollout service system includes a roller assembly, an enclosure assembly, and a dolly assembly. The roller assembly is structured to support the power bridge and has a plurality of wheels. The enclosure assembly has a frame assembly structured to support the power bridge and has two wheel tracks. The dolly assembly has a frame assembly, a vertical lifting device, and a plurality of wheels. The vertical lifting device and wheels are coupled to the dolly frame assembly. The vertical lifting device acts upon a work platform such as a skid table assembly. The skid table assembly has a generally flat lifting plate. The skid table assembly may be raised so that the lifting plate is at the same general height as the frame assembly wheel tracks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load-bearing frame (18) for a conveyor device, in particular a shelf-stacking device (1), with a support frame (19) which can be secured on a lift (17) of the conveyor device and, disposed on it, mutually parallel support mechanisms with displaceable telescopic support arms for receiving a storage unit such as a pallet (6), box, etc., and a conveyor system forming a conveying direction extends parallel with a displacement direction of the support mechanisms (21). The conveyor system consists of conveyor mechanisms (27) with two linear conveyors (26) arranged in pairs, disposed symmetrically by reference to a mid-plane (31) and extending between the support mechanisms (21) perpendicular to the standing surface (8) of the shelf-stacking device (1), forming a conveyor direction parallel with a displacement direction of the support mechanisms (21).

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: In a storage and handling installation for paper rolls for a printing facility, a storage structure is provided with two parallel storage racks separated by an aisle. The first storage rack provides a series of floor strips interrupted by load stations as well as shelves, each shelf being situated above one of the floor strips. Floor strips and shelves each provide a plurality of storage locations for taking up paper rolls side by side with their axes horizontally oriented transversely to the aisle. The load stations can each take up a wagon transferable to a reelstand via a straight rail section. A storage and retrieval device is movable along the aisle and comprises a vertically movable platform with a support transversely extendable into the storage locations and load stations for taking up or deposing a single paper roll.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a removable media handling system in a data storage system are provided. Briefly described, in one of many possible embodiments the data storage system comprises a plurality of housings, a media handling system, and a lift system. The plurality of housings are arranged in vertical stacks and each of the plurality of housings is configured to receive one or more media storage devices that are configured to receive a plurality of data media. The media handling system is configured to access the plurality of data media received by the media storage device. The lift assembly is configured to move the media handling system vertically between the plurality of housings. The media handling system and the lift assembly are configured such that the media handling system is removably attached to the lift assembly.

Abstract: A storing apparatus has at least one rack with compartments that are arranged in an essentially vertical plane in a matrix having a first direction and a second direction relative to each other. A carrier frame, disposed facing the rack, moves vertically in a first conveying arrangement. At least one second conveying arrangement is fitted to the frame to accept an article and move the article in a first direction to any one of the compartments in the rack. At least one third conveying arrangement moves the article between the second conveying arrangement and a compartment.

Abstract: A system for conveying and storing wafer containers in connection with wafer processing tools arranged in a row of a wafer fabrication facility and having substantially vertical faces in a common plane with wafer loading/unloading openings associated therewith includes a wafer container storage area, a wafer container temporary support, and a wafer container transfer mechanism. A row conveyor conveys wafer containers to the row. The wafer container transfer mechanism is located rearwardly of the vertical faces of the tools and the wafer container storage area, which has a plurality of stacked shelves, is located reawardly of the faces and above the tools in a subframe. The wafer container temporary support protrudes from the front of the faces. A wafer container transfer mechanism drive moves the wafer container transfer mechanism in X, Y, and Z directions in order to access the container storage area, the wafer container temporary support, and the openings of the tools.

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: 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 lifter 3 is moved upward until the storage shelf 2 on which the packaging box 9 that contains the transfusion bottles 13 corresponding to the prescription is stored. Then, the first conveyor mechanism 8 of the storage shelf 2 and the second conveyor mechanism 14 of the lifter 3 are driven to convey the packaging box 9 of the transfusion bottle 13 from the storage shelf 2 to the lifter 3. When the lifter 3 is moved downward to the lowermost position, the second conveyor mechanism 14 of the lifter 3 and the third conveyor mechanism 16 of the receiving table 4 are driven to convey the packaging box 9 of the transfusion bottle 13 from the lifter 3 to the receiving table 4. Subsequently, the grip mechanism 5 is driven to grip the transfusion bottle 13 in the packaging box 9 on the receiving table 4 and convey it to the collection container 20. Then, the transfusion bottle 13 is released above the collection container 20 and contained therein.

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: Cartridge-handling apparatus for use in a media storage system. According to an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge-handling apparatus may comprise a platform mounted in the media storage system and movable along a displacement path defined therein. A carriage is mounted to the platform and rotatable about a line normal to the displacement path. In addition, a cartridge-engaging assembly is mounted to the carriage, and faces different directions when the carriage is so rotated. A lift system operatively associated with the cartridge-engaging assembly is provided for vertically positioning the cartridge-engaging assembly relative to the carriage.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending articles, most notably beverage or food containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vending machine having a cabinet with a plurality of vertically spaced shelves, and an “X-Y” picker assembly for receiving a packaged beverage from a shelf and for delivering the packaged beverage to a delivery port in a front face of the cabinet, or to another location as desired.

Abstract: At least one vertical structure is constituted by plurality of planes, set one upon another, each of which can house at least one container. A lift truck is able to transport at least one of the containers and can move in a vertical direction in a vertical work space parallel to the vertical surface on which the planes are aligned. The lift truck on command can be positioned facing one of the planes, and can interact with the planes in order to remove or insert a single container. The invention comprises a plurality of the vertical structures which are arranged parallel and afford a plurality of the work spaces for movement of the lift truck and are conformed to enable transfer of the lift truck at least from one of the work spaces to another of the work spaces. Means are provided to operate a transfer of the lift truck from one of the work spaces to another as well as to displace of the lift truck at least in a vertical direction along a single work space.

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: A fully mechanical gripper for grasping and releasing data cassette cartridges is disclosed. The gripper may be built into a robotic picker, or may be implemented as an adapter to be fitted to an existing robotic picker. When used as an adapter, the present invention provides the added functionality of allowing a single robotic picker to carry different sized tapes by connecting and disconnecting itself to the adapter.

Abstract: Applicants' invention includes an automated data storage system which includes one or more data storage libraries each of which includes one or a plurality of accessors which retrieve data storage media from a plurality of storage slots and deliver that retrieved data storage media to a data storage drive unit, where each of the plurality of accessors includes one or more attachment slots and a plurality of retractable wheels, and a maintenance robot which includes a plurality of wheels and an attachment device which is capable of insertion into, and subsequent removal from, the attachment slot(s) located on each of the accessors. Applicants' invention further includes a method utilizing Applicants' maintenance robot to remove one of Applicants' accessors from a data storage library.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for picking articles situated in a rack storage unit, comprising a plurality of parallel rack rows (60, 62, 63) for the storage of articles situated on retrieval pallets (38) and/or in containers (80), storage aisles (70) and picking aisles (72) formed alternately between the rack rows (60, 62, 63), at least one storage vehicle (56) in each storage aisle (70), which vehicle is designed to accommodate at least one retrieval pallet (38) and/or container (80) and is capable of travelling along each storage aisle (70) to place the retrieval pallets and/or containers into storage in the pallet racks, at least one picker vehicle (10) in each picking aisle (72) for picking the articles to be picked, which is capable of travelling along in each case one of the two mutually opposing picking fronts forming the picking aisle (72), buffer locations (64), which are disposed in the picking aisles (72) between the routes of the picker vehicles (10) travelling along the two opposing picking

Abstract: A self-service kiosk having a walk-in enclosure, interactive selection panel, multi-section inventory storage area for dispensing items and accepting returns. User selections are entered via instructions entered at an interactive panel containing a selection menu of graphical icons and messages. A programmable controller monitors entered identification data and payments to control the dispensing and return of selected items from assigned storage locations via X-Y-Z track driven, transfer and end effect assemblies. Associated software manages payment transactions via a bill receiver, coin changer, credit card verifier, and receipt printer and develops associated administrative inventory status reports. One end effect includes a hook that interconnects to storage trays. The end effect extends and retracts the trays onto a support platform and conveys the trays and items back and forth from the storage space.

Abstract: A safety system for online servicing of a media library is provided, wherein the library comprises a plurality of media storage cells and at least one media picker robot that moves along the media storage cells, and wherein the library is contained within an enclosure having at least one access means. The safety system comprises a sensor that detects if the access means in the enclosure is open and a control component that operates the robot in the media library in one of two modes. If the access means is closed, the robot operates in a normal mode, wherein the robot moves at a first specified speed. If the access means is open, the robot operates in a safe mode, wherein the robot moves at a second specified speed that is slower than the first speed of the normal mode. In another embodiment, while in safe mode, the picker robot is excluded from moving within a restricted zone in the library.

Abstract: A method for scaling a media storage library is provided, wherein the library comprises a plurality of media storage cells and at least one media picker robot. The method comprises connecting a new physical component to a section of the library. Examples of new components include additional robots, storage cell arrays, media players, as well as connecting a second adjacent library by means of a pass-through mechanism. Control software integrates this new physical component into the function of the library by auditing the content and function of the new component. During the connection and functional integration of the new component, the rest of the library continues its current operations. The method may further comprise defining at least one work zone within the library, wherein robots do not enter the work zone but continue to operate in other areas of the library.

Abstract: Robotic rack loading apparatus and method include features and loading steps that provide essentially damage free rack loading of automotive panel assemblies into a specially designed rack. The rack includes dunnage elements containing sets of slots with lead-in upper edge angles and sensing holes associated with the slots. The robot carries a modified end of arm tool including a sensor to sense the location of a sensing hole to position a panel for loading into a corresponding set of slots. Another sensor preferably senses objects or structure in the rack to position the tool in a preload position. A compliant device allows lateral and longitudinal compliance of the end of arm tool to allow assemblies to be funneled into position in the slots without encountering damaging stress. A programmed robot can thus automatically load panel assemblies into the rack without damage.

Abstract: A storage, delivery and retrieval system having a rear wall to which is affixed a plurality of shelves capable of supporting one or more wafer-carrying pods. The structure further includes a pair of vertical rails lying in a plane spaced from and substantially parallel to the shelf-supporting wall. The horizontal rail extends between and is translationally mounted to the vertical rails, which horizontal rail supports a gripper capable of movement along the horizontal rail. The movement of the horizontal rail along the vertical rails, and the movement of the gripper along the horizontal rail, allows the gripper to be positioned at any location within an X-Z plane including the storage shelves. The system includes a two-dimensional transport system. That is, all transport of the pods by the system occurs without the pods ever leaving the X-Z plane of the shelves. This feature contributes to the overall small footprint of the system.

Abstract: A robot device that either translationally or rotationally aligns an object with a slot. For translational alignment, the robot device comprises a position sensor positioned in close proximity to the slot. The translational position sensor determines the position of the object by moving the object parallel to the slot until it actuates the position sensor. For rotational alignment, two position sensors are provided that determine the relative angle between the object and a portion of the robot device and the object.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to reduce the number of shelves for supporting articles in an article storage system for storage of articles such as containers. The storage system includes a shelf 12 for supporting a container 2 having an engaging means 8 formed at an upper portion thereof. The storage system also includes a loader/unloader 4 for loading the container 2 on and unloading it from the shelf 12. The shelf 12 includes a deck 20 formed on the upper side thereof, on which the container 2 can be placed. The shelf 12 also includes a pair of right and left engaging parts 16 formed on the lower side thereof for engaging with the engaging means 8 of the container 2 to hold the container 2 hanging from the shelf 12. The engaging means 8 and the pair of engaging parts 16 can engage with and disengage from each other in the directions in which the container 2 can be loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: An ID code reader, adapted to read an ID code from a wafer cassette or other substrate carrier, is integrated with a substrate carrier handling robot. In one aspect, the robot includes a support structure, and a chassis mounted for movement on the support structure. In this aspect an ID code reader is mounted on the chassis or otherwise mounted for movement along with an end effector adapted to engage the substrate carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to an empty container store for the temporary storage of empty ISO containers, in particular in fully automatic container terminals of sea ports or river ports, having a gantry bridge crane (6) which can be automated, spans the empty container store (1), can be moved on an elevated craneway (4) and has a traveling crab (7) which can be moved thereon in the longitudinal direction thereof and to which a vertical lifting column (7.1) for a load receiving means (7.3, 7.4) which can be lifted and lowered and is intended for the empty container (8, 11, 13) is fastened. The load receiving means is a spreader (7.4) which is arranged on a spreader carriage (7.3), which is guided on the lifting column (7.1) by means of rollers (21), on a spreader support (18).

Abstract: One embodiment of a picking tool for an automated library of disk drives has an electromagnet, a tapered hole, and a ventilation system. The ventilation system has a box fan with an impeller for moving air through ducting located within the picking tool. The ducting includes a vents located adjacent to one surface of the picking tool. The picking tool is designed to work in conjunction with a disk drive carrier having a front bezel equipped with a tapered guide pin that is complementary to the tapered hole, and vent ports. The guide pin provides alignment between the carrier and the picking tool. The automated disk drive library has a rack with drawers for containing the carriers. The picking tool is mounted to a robotic arm for selectively engaging and interfacing with the carriers. After the picking tool aligns with a desired carrier, the picking tool moves toward the carrier to insert the guide pin into the tapered hole.

Abstract: An accessor device for a tape library has two accessor bases movably mounted on two parallel guide rails extending along a plurality of cells housing tapes. The accessor bases have, on respective confronting portions thereof, overlapping edges which overlap each other in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the guide rails when the accessor bases move toward each other. The accessor device mounted on the two parallel guide rails is prevented from falling, and the accessor devices with the overlapping edges has a wide accessible area for accessing endmost regions in the tape library.

Abstract: An order picker truck includes an extendible mast, and a load platform slidably fixed relative to the extendible mast. An operator platform is slidably fixed relative to the load platform, and a load former is fixed to the operator platform. The load former defines a volume over a portion of the load platform to guide an operator building the load and stabilize the load on the load platform.

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.