Abstract: An article storage device is provided for holding a plurality of standardized containers. The standardized containers extend between a bottom surface extending generally horizontally and a top surface spaced from and generally parallel to the bottom surface. The standardized containers further include an opening side perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces and a door flange extending along the opening side and beyond the top surface. The standardized containers further include a lifting flange attached to the top surface for receiving a lifting tool. The standardized containers are disposed in the storage rack with their respective opening sides facing away from an access space for allowing a retrieval transport apparatus to move in a substantially horizontal plane between the access space to engage the lifting flange without being obstructed by the door flange.

Abstract: A load storage system is provided for holding standardized containers including a first stocker for being positioned on a first story and a second stocker for being positioned on a second story. The first and second stockers each include at least one load support for supporting the standardized containers. A floor is positioned between the first and second stockers. The floor defines a portal between and directly connecting the first and second stockers. The portal is positioned in alignment with the load supports in the first and second stockers. A vertical transfer device is positioned in alignment with the load supports in the first and second stockers and is configured to move the standardized containers through the portal between the first and second stockers. A method of operating the load storage system is also provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling stocked items to be picked in a warehouse. The system has a first support assembly upon which a plurality of items can be stored in a predetermined array, including a plurality of rows, and from which stored items can be picked from a first location. The first support assembly has at least (a) a first state with no item upon the first support assembly, (b) a second state with at least one item in at least one of the rows and no items in another of the rows and (c) a third state with at least one item in each of the plurality of rows. The system includes a repositioning assembly that is operable to cause an item upon the first support assembly to be shifted from a first position in a first row to a second position in a second row. An item upon the first support assembly is situated to be more accessible to an operator for picking from the first location with the item in the second position than with the item in the first position.