Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) wherein individual identical articles are disposed in vertical stacks stored in cells of movable totes. The totes are movable into and out of storage racks by an automated storage/retrieval vehicle. The ASRS includes an order picking system having at least two zones disposed along an order-collecting conveyor system. One zone picks low-demand articles, and the other zone employs high-speed dispensers which support plural upright stacks each containing identical high-demand articles for dispensing of such articles onto the conveyor system. A controller assigns order-collecting areas along the conveyor system so that picked or dispensed articles within the zones are deposited into a preassigned area for assembly of an order.

Abstract: A method for controlling order setup and operation of order fulfillment devices, which devices include dispensers that dispense low quantities of low-demand articles from an inventory containing a very large number of different low-demand articles. The method arranges the articles in totes so the dispensers have efficient access thereto, and efficiently refills the totes based upon past orders.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) wherein individual identical articles are disposed in vertical stacks stored in cells of movable totes. The totes are movable into and out of storage racks by an automated storage/retrieval vehicle. The ASRS includes an order picking system having at least two zones disposed along an order-collecting conveyor system. One zone picks low-demand articles, and the other zone employs high-speed dispensers which support plural upright stacks each containing identical high-demand articles for dispensing of such articles onto the conveyor system. A controller assigns order-collecting areas along the conveyor system so that picked or dispensed articles within the zones are deposited into a preassigned area for assembly of an order.

Abstract: A carousel storage conveyor for articles being conveyed along a conveyor unit having rows of shelf units which are spaced apart about a closed loop path and which move through the complete loop to pick up or discharge articles when at the lowermost point in the loop and to store the articles as the shelf units move away from the conveyor unit. The shelf units include spaced apart hangers and the conveyor unit includes recesses which cooperate with the respective hangers and permit the conveyor unit to be moved upwardly for passage of the articles through the hangers or downwardly so that said articles are supported thereby.