Abstract: A system for buffer storage and sequencing of items that receives unsequenced items and delivers sequenced items is provided. The system includes: a buffer storage unit having N input levels each having a FIFO conveyor, where N?2; reciprocating input and output elevators positioned respectively at the input and output of N input levels; and a control unit configured to organize, under a constraint of delivery to at least one forward output conveyor of at least one sequence of items, various movements of items (from at least one forward input conveyor to the reciprocating input elevator, from the reciprocating input elevator to the N input levels, from the N input levels to the reciprocating output elevator, and from the reciprocating output elevator to the at least one forward output conveyor).

Abstract: A method for sequencing loads in an automated load-distribution system having k sources with k?2; at least one destination; k FIFO-type source buffer devices, each receiving loads from one of the k sources; a collector collecting the loads from the k source buffer devices and transporting them to the at least one destination. The collector includes k successive nodes each configured to collect the loads from one of the source buffer devices. The control system processes customer orders listing loads for a given destination and being each associated with a sequential order number of destination. The control system: builds a collection list containing n loads to be collected and reducing a disorder of the n loads relative to a rising order of the sequential order numbers of destination; and controls the collector and the source buffer devices to collect loads compliant with the collection list.

Abstract: A method for managing a buffer storage and load sequencing system, receiving non-sequenced loads, providing a sequence of loads, and including a buffer storage unit (having entrance levels, at least one recirculation level, and an entrance elevator facing entrances and an exit elevator facing exits of the levels. A management unit iteratively manages the entrance elevator by, at each iteration (even if there are loads to be recirculated in the system): selecting a load at exit from an entrance conveyor or at exit from the recirculation level; if the selection of one of the entrance levels is completed, generating a task for the entrance elevator of transferring the selected load to the entrance of the selected level; if not, selecting a level of loads to be recirculated and assigning the load(s) on this level a “load(s) to be recirculated” status without generating a task of transfer for the entrance elevator.

Abstract: A method for managing a buffer storage and load sequencing system. The system receives non-sequenced loads and provides at least one sequence of loads, and includes a buffer storage unit having entrance levels, at least one recirculation level, an entrance elevator facing entrances and an exit elevator facing exits of the levels. A management unit iteratively manages the entrance elevator. At each iteration the entrance elevator: has a “waiting for recirculation” status for a load to be recirculated in the system; holds this elevator until the load to be recirculated has been transferred to the recirculation level, else selects a load at exit from an entrance conveyor or at exit from the recirculation level; if the selection of the entrance level is completed, generates a task, for the entrance elevator, of transferring the selected load to the selected level; if not assigns this load the “awaiting recirculation” status.

Abstract: A method of sequencing loads in an automated distribution system having sources, at least one destination, a collector having successive nodes, and a control system to process customer orders. The method includes, for an analyzed node, injection including, to decide whether a load C having a sequential order number of destination for a given destination can be injected into the collector: creating, among the loads to be collected by at least one node downstream to the analyzed node, a list LI1 of loads having an order number of destination lower than the given order number of destination and a list LI2 of loads that are interposed between a load of the list LI1 and the collector; determining whether “the list LI1 is empty” and/or “the list LI1 is not empty and the list LI2 is empty”; if one of the two conditions is verified, then injection of the load C.

Abstract: A method for sequencing loads in an automated load-distribution system having k sources with k?2; at least one destination; k FIFO-type source buffer devices, each receiving loads from one of the k sources; a collector collecting the loads coming from the k source buffer devices and transporting them to the at least one destination. The collector has k successive nodes each collecting the loads coming from one of the source buffer devices. The control system processes customer orders listing loads for a given destination and being associated with a sequential order number of destination. The control system: builds a collection list containing n loads to be collected and reducing a disorder of the n loads relative to a rising order of the sequential order numbers of destination; and controlling the collector and the source buffer devices to collect loads on the collector in compliance with the collection list.

Abstract: A system for conveying loads without sequencing, between storage units and preparation stations. The system includes upper collectors and lower collectors of opposite directions, rectilinear, parallel and positioned on upper and lower horizontal planes respectively; and for at least one first storage unit/preparation station couple, a first set of conveyors composed of two storage unit upper exit and upper entry conveyors and two storage unit lower exit and lower entry conveyors to connect the storage unit to the collectors and two preparation station upper exit and upper entry conveyors and two preparation station lower exit and entry conveyors to connect the preparation station to the collectors.

Abstract: A system of buffer storage and load sequencing is proposed, receiving non-sequenced loads, and providing sequenced loads. The system comprises a buffer storage unit (US) comprising N entrance levels (VE1 to VEN) comprising a FIFO type conveyor, with N?2; entering (EAE) and exiting (EAS) reciprocating elevators positioned respectively at the entrance and exit of the N entrance levels; and one managing unit (UP) configured to organize, under a constraint of delivering on said at least one exiting forward conveyor (CAS) at least one sequence of loads, different movements of loads (from at least one entering forward conveyor (CAE) to the entering reciprocating elevator, from the entering reciprocating elevator to the N entrance levels, from the N entrance levels to the exiting reciprocating elevator and from the exiting reciprocating elevator to the at least one exiting forward conveyor).

Abstract: A method for sequencing loads in an automated load-distribution system having k sources with k?2; at least one destination; k FIFO-type source buffer devices, each receiving loads from one of the k sources; a collector collecting the loads coming from the k source buffer devices and transporting them to the at least one destination. The collector has k successive nodes each collecting the loads coming from one of the source buffer devices. The control system processes customer orders listing loads for a given destination and being associated with a sequential order number of destination. The control system: builds a collection list containing n loads to be collected and reducing a disorder of the n loads relative to a rising order of the sequential order numbers of destination; and controlling the collector and the source buffer devices to collect loads on the collector in compliance with the collection list.

Abstract: A method for sequencing loads in an automated load-distribution system having k sources with k?2; at least one destination; k FIFO-type source buffer devices, each receiving loads from one of the k sources; a collector collecting the loads from the k source buffer devices and transporting them to the at least one destination. The collector includes k successive nodes each configured to collect the loads from one of the source buffer devices. The control system processes customer orders listing loads for a given destination and being each associated with a sequential order number of destination. The control system: builds a collection list containing n loads to be collected and reducing a disorder of the n loads relative to a rising order of the sequential order numbers of destination; and controls the collector and the source buffer devices to collect loads compliant with the collection list.

Abstract: A system of buffer storage and sequencing of loads is configured to receive non-sequenced loads coming from at least one external unit and to provide sequenced loads to at least one preparing station. The system includes: a reciprocating lift having a single nacelle with K levels each enabling transportation of at least one load with K?2; at least one buffer storage unit; and a managing unit configured to organize first movements of loads from at least one inbound forward conveyor to the at least one buffer storage unit through the reciprocating lift, and second movements of loads from the at least one buffer storage unit to at least one outbound forward conveyor through the reciprocating lift.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing instructions that each list unit loads. The method includes: obtaining unit loads; inputting the unit 11 loads into a sorting system under the supervision of a control system; sorting the unit loads using a sorting system in accordance with the instructions from and under the supervision of the control system; and, for each instruction, providing, via the sorting system, unit loads listed in the instruction. The step of obtaining unit loads is followed by forming logistical units, each including one or more unit loads, on the basis of the instructions from and under the supervision of the control system. The inputting, sorting, and providing steps are carried out by handling the logistical units obtained.

Abstract: A system is proposed for conveying loads without sequencing, between storage units and preparation stations. The system includes first and second collecting conveyors, positioned on a same horizontal plane, parallel, mono-directional and having opposite directions of movement, to connect each storage unit to the first collector, storage unit entry and exit conveyors; to connect each preparation station to the second collector, preparation station entry and exit conveyors; for at least one couple including a storage unit and a preparation station facing each other on either side of the first and second collectors, a pair of junction conveyors interconnecting the first and second collecting conveyors and including outbound and return junction conveyors having opposite directions of movement.

Abstract: A method for managing a buffer storage and load sequencing system, receiving non-sequenced loads, providing a sequence of loads, and including a buffer storage unit (having entrance levels, at least one recirculation level, and an entrance elevator facing entrances and an exit elevator facing exits of the levels. A management unit iteratively manages the entrance elevator by, at each iteration (even if there are loads to be recirculated in the system): selecting a load at exit from an entrance conveyor or at exit from the recirculation level; if the selection of one of the entrance levels is completed, generating a task for the entrance elevator of transferring the selected load to the entrance of the selected level; if not, selecting a level of loads to be recirculated and assigning the load(s) on this level a “load(s) to be recirculated” status without generating a task of transfer for the entrance elevator.

Abstract: A method for managing a buffer storage and load sequencing system. The system receives non-sequenced loads and provides at least one sequence of loads, and includes a buffer storage unit having entrance levels, at least one recirculation level, an entrance elevator facing entrances and an exit elevator facing exits of the levels. A management unit iteratively manages the entrance elevator. At each iteration the entrance elevator: has a “waiting for recirculation” status for a load to be recirculated in the system; holds this elevator until the load to be recirculated has been transferred to the recirculation level, else selects a load at exit from an entrance conveyor or at exit from the recirculation level; if the selection of the entrance level is completed, generates a task, for the entrance elevator, of transferring the selected load to the selected level; if not assigns this load the “awaiting recirculation” status.

Abstract: A method of sequencing loads in an automated distribution system having sources, at least one destination, a collector having successive nodes, and a control system to process customer orders. The method includes, for an analyzed node, injection including, to decide whether a load C having a sequential order number of destination for a given destination can be injected into the collector: creating, among the loads to be collected by at least one node downstream to the analyzed node, a list LI1 of loads having an order number of destination lower than the given order number of destination and a list LI2 of loads that are interposed between a load of the list LI1 and the collector; determining whether “the list LI1 is empty” and/or “the list LI1 is not empty and the list LI2 is empty”; if one of the two conditions is verified, then injection of the load C.

Abstract: A system for sequencing a preparing station that sequences loads coming from an external unit via an entering outbound conveyor. The system includes a paternoster, a buffer location and a managing unit, which processes each load that comes to an entrance of the paternoster according to one of the following modes (selected as a function of a place desired for the load in a sequence): (a) after introduction into the paternoster, the load undergoes a bypass transfer between two nacelles positioned face to face and then presented to an exiting outbound conveyor; (b) after introduction into the paternoster, the load undergoes a buffer transfer towards a given buffer location and then subsequently re-positioned again in the paternoster and finally presented to the exiting outbound conveyor; (c) after introduction into the paternoster, the load is transported therein without bypass transfer or buffer transfer and then presented to the exiting outbound conveyor.

Abstract: An automated storage/retrieval system is proposed. The system includes a control system, at least one storage unit having several levels at which loads can be picked or deposited and at least one interface conveyor for entries/exits of loads into and out of the system, and at least one elevator for a transfer of loads between the at least interface conveyor and the at least one storage unit. The at least one elevator is a multi-level elevator, and the automated storage/retrieval system furthermore includes at least one multi-level transfer device capable of simultaneously receiving, on several levels, a set of loads intended for or coming from at least one elevator; and at least one sequencer provided with elements of vertical moving and capable of transferring loads between the at least one multi-level transfer device and the at least one interface conveyor.

Abstract: A system of buffer storage and sequencing of loads is configured to receive non-sequenced loads coming from at least one external unit and to provide sequenced loads to at least one preparing station. The system includes: a reciprocating lift having a single nacelle with K levels each enabling transportation of at least one load with K?2; at least one buffer storage unit; and a managing unit configured to organize first movements of loads from at least one inbound forward conveyor to the at least one buffer storage unit through the reciprocating lift, and second movements of loads from the at least one buffer storage unit to at least one outbound forward conveyor through the reciprocating lift.

Abstract: A system for sequencing a preparing station that sequences loads coming from an external unit via an entering outbound conveyor. The system includes a paternoster, a buffer location and a managing unit, which processes each load that comes to an entrance of the paternoster according to one of the following modes (selected as a function of a place desired for the load in a sequence): (a) after introduction into the paternoster, the load undergoes a bypass transfer between two nacelles positioned face to face and then presented to an exiting outbound conveyor; (b) after introduction into the paternoster, the load undergoes a buffer transfer towards a given buffer location and then subsequently re-positioned again in the paternoster and finally presented to the exiting outbound conveyor; (c) after introduction into the paternoster, the load is transported therein without bypass transfer or buffer transfer and then presented to the exiting outbound conveyor.