Abstract: A load handling device is disclosed for lifting and moving containers stacked in a storage system having a grid structure. The load handling device includes a container receiving space; a lifting mechanism arranged to lift a container; a vehicle body; a wheel assembly arranged to support the vehicle body, the wheel assembly having a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels; and a drive mechanism for selectively driving rotation of the first set of wheels and the second set of wheels. Each wheel includes a wheel positioning mechanism configured to rotate the wheel about a respective second axis of rotation to selectively lower or raise the first set of wheels or the second set of wheels to selectively engage or disengage the first set of wheels with a first set of grid members or the second set of wheels with a second set of grid members.

Abstract: A load handling device is disclosed for lifting and moving one or more containers stacked in a storage system having a grid framework structure supporting a pathway arranged in a grid pattern above stacks 1of containers, the load handling device including a vehicle body housing a driving; a lifting device including a lifting drive assembly and a grabber, wherein the lifting drive assembly and/or the driving mechanism includes at least one motor forming an electrical load; a rechargeable energy storage for providing energy to power the electrical load; and a charging system including a first part for charging the rechargeable energy storage including a charge receiving element on the vehicle body, and a second part for delivering energy to the electrical load; wherein the second part includes a DC/DC converter to supply a predetermined DC voltage across the electrical load.

Abstract: A load handling device for lifting and moving one or more containers stacked in a storage system with a grid framework structure supporting a plurality of tracks arranged in a grid pattern to define a grid structure above the one or more stacks of containers, the load handling device including: A) a driving mechanism; B) a vehicle body housing: i) a container receiving space located above the tracks; ii) a lifting device having a lifting drive assembly and a grabber; and iii) a cassette housing a rechargeable power source for powering the driving mechanism; wherein a thermal management system includes a temperature sensor and at least one temperature regulating device configured to maintain the temperature of the rechargeable power source.