Abstract: A system for replenishing a pick face includes a storage and retrieval machine (SRM) that traverses an aisle of a warehouse and monitors a replenishment position of each pick location of a pick face. The SRM transmits a message to the system indicating which ones of the replenishment positions are empty. The SRM delivers a replenishment load to a pick location that is indicated as empty in the message. Each pick location includes a flow lane configured to direct the motion of package loads sliding down to a picking position of the pick face. The flow lane includes a lever arm assembly that constrains and brakes the motion of package loads sliding down the flow lane. A bar stop of the lever arm assembly constrains a replenishment load, while a retainer bar of the lever arm assembly constrains a forward load. The replenishment load is behind the forward load.

Abstract: A system for replenishing a pick face includes a storage and retrieval machine (SRM) that traverses an aisle of a warehouse and monitors a replenishment position of each pick location of a pick face. The SRM transmits a message to the system indicating which ones of the replenishment positions are empty. The SRM delivers a replenishment load to a pick location that is indicated as empty in the message. Each pick location includes a flow lane configured to direct the motion of package loads sliding down to a picking position of the pick face. The flow lane includes a lever arm assembly that constrains and brakes the motion of package loads sliding down the flow lane. A bar stop of the lever arm assembly constrains a replenishment load, while a retainer bar of the lever arm assembly constrains a forward load. The replenishment load is behind the forward load.

Abstract: A method of filling orders and order fulfillment system includes storing inventory receptacles in an automated warehouse, some having a plurality of different types of inventory items. A queue of orders is maintained in a computer system, each including at least one inventory item. Each order is selected from the queue and assigned to a pick station. The computer system retrieves inventory receptacle(s) from the automated warehouse for the selected order and supplies the receptacle(s) to the pick station. The computer system identifies to an operator which inventory item is to be segregated with the selected order in at least one put receptacle. One or more of the put receptacles receives inventory items for at least one individual order and is directed to a secondary order processing station where items are separated into individual orders.

Abstract: A method of filling orders and order fulfillment system includes storing inventory receptacles in an automated warehouse, some having a plurality of different types of inventory items. A queue of orders is maintained in a computer system, each including at least one inventory item. Each order is selected from the queue and assigned to a pick station. The computer system retrieves inventory receptacle(s) from the automated warehouse for the selected order and supplies the receptacle(s) to the pick station. The computer system identifies to an operator which inventory item is to be segregated with the selected order in at least one put receptacle. One or more of the put receptacles receives inventory items for at least one individual order and is directed to a secondary order processing station where items are separated into individual orders.

Abstract: A method of filling orders and order fulfillment system includes storing inventory receptacles in an automated warehouse, some having a plurality of different types of inventory items. A queue of orders is maintained in a computer system, each including at least one inventory item. Each order is selected from the queue and assigned to a pick station. The computer system retrieves inventory receptacle(s) from the automated warehouse for the selected order and supplies the receptacle(s) to the pick station. The computer system identifies to an operator which inventory item is to be segregated with the selected order in at least one put receptacle. One or more of the put receptacles receives inventory items for at least one individual order and is directed to a secondary order processing station where items are separated into individual orders.

Abstract: An automated warehouse system and method of storing articles to and retrieving articles from an automated warehouse system includes at least two stacked longitudinally extending racks that are laterally separated by an aisle, each of said racks having a plurality of levels, with storage locations on each of the levels. An automated carriage at each of said levels travels longitudinally along the associated aisle and is adapted to store articles to and retrieve articles from each of the racks at that level. A lift arrangement for delivering articles to and retrieving articles from the levels of the stacked racks includes more than one lift assembly for at least one of the racks.

Abstract: An automated warehouse system and method of storing articles to and retrieving articles from an automated warehouse system includes at least two stacked longitudinally extending racks that are laterally separated by an aisle, each of said racks having a plurality of levels, with storage locations on each of the levels. An automated carriage at each of said levels travels longitudinally along the associated aisle and is adapted to store articles to and retrieve articles from each of the racks at that level. A lift arrangement for delivering articles to and retrieving articles from the levels of the stacked racks includes more than one lift assembly for at least one of the racks.

Abstract: A method of filling orders and order fulfillment system includes storing inventory receptacles in an automated warehouse, some having a plurality of different types of inventory items. A queue of orders is maintained in a computer system, each including at least one inventory item. Each order is selected from the queue and assigned to a pick station. The computer system retrieves inventory receptacle(s) from the automated warehouse for the selected order and supplies the receptacle(s) to the pick station. The computer system identifies to an operator which inventory item is to be segregated with the selected order in at least one put receptacle. One or more of the put receptacles receives inventory items for at least one individual order and is directed to a secondary order processing station where items are separated into individual orders.

Abstract: A product storage and picking system having a plurality of shelves each with a front, a rear, a top, a bottom and spaced sides. The plurality of shelf units are arranged in first and second side-by-side rows with the shelf units in each of the first and second rows arranged in front-to-rear relationship. A plurality of shelf units are movable guidingly in a cycle to selectively place each of the shelf units serially at a pick position so that product on the shelf unit at the pick position can be removed to fill an order. At least one of the shelf units is movable in a predetermined manner during a portion of the cycle without moving other shelf units in the plurality of shelf units.