Abstract: A mobile storage system includes a series of storage units movable relative to each other to create an aisle or aisles between adjacent storage units. The mobile storage system includes a gesture sensor on each storage unit that is able to detect movement of a hand of a user near the gesture sensor. The gesture sensor communicates the detected movement of the user's hand to a control unit of the mobile storage system such that the control unit can coordinate the movement of the storage units. The gesture sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector that operate to detect the movement of the user's hand. Based on the direction of movement detected, the control unit can move the storage units or activate a light or other device. A method of operating the mobile storage system based on the sensed movement detected by the gesture sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile storage system includes a series of storage units movable relative to each other to create an aisle or aisles between adjacent storage units. The mobile storage system includes a gesture sensor on each storage unit that is able to detect movement of a hand of a user near the gesture sensor. The gesture sensor communicates the detected movement of the user's hand to a control unit of the mobile storage system such that the control unit can coordinate the movement of the storage units. The gesture sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector that operate to detect the movement of the user's hand. Based on the direction of movement detected, the control unit can move the storage units or activate a light or other device. A method of operating the mobile storage system based on the sensed movement detected by the gesture sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile storage system including a plurality of movable storage units that can be positioned to selectively form an aisle between adjacent storage units. The mobile storage system includes a master controller in communication with a local control unit and a local control panel on each storage unit. The master controller communicates through a wireless communication path with a user device having a visual display. The visual display presents a current image of the mobile storage system and allows a user to enter commands to create aisles between adjacent storage units. When the user device is in wireless communication with the master controller, the master controller prevents operation of the storage units from the local control panels. The master controller allows a wireless communication path to be created with only a single user device at any time such that only one user device is able to operate the mobile storage system.

Abstract: A mobile storage system including a plurality of movable storage units that can be positioned to selectively form an aisle between adjacent storage units. The mobile storage system includes a master controller in communication with a local control unit and a local control panel on each storage unit. The master controller communicates through a wireless communication path with a user device having a visual display. The visual display presents a current image of the mobile storage system and allows a user to enter commands to create aisles between adjacent storage units. When the user device is in wireless communication with the master controller, the master controller prevents operation of the storage units from the local control panels. The master controller allows a wireless communication path to be created with only a single user device at any time such that only one user device is able to operate the mobile storage system.

Abstract: A mobile storage system that includes a guidance system controlling the movement of each of a plurality of movable carriages along a support surface. The mobile storage system includes a guidance system having a magnetic strip positioned on the support surface. One or more magnetic sensors are positioned on each of the mobile carriages and generally aligned with the magnetic strip positioned on the floor. The magnetic sensors detect the magnetic strip and a control unit controls the operation of a pair of drive motors to move the carriages along, the mobile strip while maintaining proper alignment. The guidance system thus eliminates the need for any floor mounted rails to guide the movement of the individual mobile carriages along the support surface.

Abstract: A mobile storage system that includes a guidance system controlling the movement of each of a plurality of movable carriages along a support surface. The mobile storage system includes a guidance system having a magnetic strip positioned on the support surface. One or more magnetic sensors are positioned on each of the mobile carriages and generally aligned with the magnetic strip positioned on the floor. The magnetic sensors detect the magnetic strip and a control unit controls the operation of a pair of drive motors to move the carriages along, the mobile strip while maintaining proper alignment. The guidance system thus eliminates the need for any floor mounted rails to guide the movement of the individual mobile carriages along the support surface.

Abstract: An electronic evidence locker having a series of individual storage lockers controlled by an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit receives identification information from a potential user and determines the level of access for the user. Based upon the access assigned to the user, the control unit allows the user to deposit or remove evidence from individual lockers. The control unit maintains a complete audit log of all activity by the user as well as all activity with respect to depositing and removing evidence from the individual storage lockers.