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 load handling system and method of handling a load includes a load handling device with a load support that is configured for engaging a load and a first drive is adapted to drive said load support with respect to a load. A conveyor is moveable along the load support and a second drive is adapted to propel the conveyor with respect to the load support. The first and second drives are operated to handle a load. The load support may be a pair of forks or a platen or the like.

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 load handling system and method of handling a load includes a load handling device with a load support that is configured for engaging a load and a first drive is adapted to drive said load support with respect to a load. A conveyor is moveable along the load support and a second drive is adapted to propel the conveyor with respect to the load support. The first and second drives are operated to handle a load. The load support may be a pair of forks or a platen or the like.

Abstract: An article-handling system and method of handling articles with article trays having a support surface and a plurality of generally parallel grooves in said support surface includes loading articles on trays with an article-traying subsystem and unloading articles from trays with an article-detraying subsystem. The article-traying subsystem has a tray conveyor and a loading article conveyor. The loading article conveyor has a plurality of fingers adapted to fit within the grooves of a tray traveling on the tray conveyor at the article conveyor. An article is transferred to the tray support surface with the loading article conveyor. The article-detraying subsystem has a trayed article conveyor and an unloading article conveyor. The unloading article conveyor has a plurality of fingers adapted to fit within the grooves of the tray of a trayed article traveling on the trayed article conveyor at the unloading article conveyor.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle for carrying a load comprises a mast, a lift carriage, a ball screw drive assembly and a ball screw joint. The ball screw drive assembly has a lift nut and a vertically oriented ball screw. The ball screw joint operatively couples the drive assembly to the lift carriage so as to transmit upward vertical forces from the drive assembly to the lift carriage. The ball screw joint includes first, second, third and fourth shafts which permit the lift nut to move in any horizontal direction and to pivot about any horizontal axis with respect to the lift carriage. As a result, the ball screw joint advantageously prevents the transmission of horizontal forces and angular moments between the ball screw and the lift nut, thereby reducing the wearing out effects of component misalignment on the ball screw assembly.

Abstract: Novel braking system, assemblies, and methods for storage and retrieval vehicles finding particular application on dual mast storage and retrieval vehicles where it is important to brake both sides of a carriage disposed between the two masts simultaneously. The braking system comprises an actuator assembly which further comprises a tach/generator which derives rotational energy from the rate-of-travel of the carriage relative to an associated guide rail. An electrical circuit, which runs off power derived from the tach/generator, detects overspeed rate-of-travel of the carriage and sends an electrical signal, also deriving power from the tach/generator, to electrically actuate at least one brake. Each brake is firmly affixed to the carriage and comprises a cam which is electrically driven by a solenoid, to engage an associated guide rail when actuated. When the cam is actuated and the carriage falls toward the braking cam, interposed shock absorbers decelerate the carriage.

Abstract: A double reach shuttle assembly for a storage and retrieval machine. Latch mechanisms are provided on the movable elements of the shuttle to control the sequence of extension of the movable elements thereby reducing the amount of space required beneath a load in a storage rack to accommodate the shuttle elements when the double reach shuttle is used in a single reach mode. As the shuttle extends, each movable element remains stationary until the element above it reaches a predetermined point relative thereto. The invention further provides additional latch mechanisms which insure that the load carrying element of the shuttle is the last to retract.