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: Method for merging, within a logistical warehouse, k incoming flows of payloads, transported respectively by k FIFO conveyor lanes ?i with i?{1, . . . , k} into one outgoing flow of payloads transported by a collector conveyor. The k lanes are distributed along the collector and numbered a1 to ak. ?i is a time-related distance between the lanes ai and ak. A control system obtains a set L having n payloads distributed on the k lanes and having to be injected into the collector to form an exit sequence; computes a date t0 at which the first payload ?1 of the exit sequence ? passes in front of the lane ak; and computes n dates of injection of the n payloads into the collector, as a function of t0; and commands the collector and the k alleys, for an injection of the n payloads into the collector in compliance with the injection dates.

Abstract: Processing a list of customer orders with a control system and a preparing station, which includes a picking position, an insertion position and local recirculation. The control system: selects a reference in the greatest number of order lines of the list; determines a set E of all the NE orders each containing an order line containing the selected reference; creates a group G of N orders that are the NE orders, if NE?Nmax with Nmax being a predetermined threshold, or the Nmax first orders of the NE orders sorted according to decreasing order of priority, if NE>Nmax; builds a list LC of the K order lines in the N orders of the group G; and controls the system to bring source loads to the picking position and ship loads to the insertion position and to make the shipping loads recirculate to the insertion position, according to the list LC.

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 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: Method for merging, within a logistical warehouse, k incoming flows of payloads, transported respectively by k FIFO conveyor lanes ai with i?{1, . . . , k} into one outgoing flow of payloads transported by a collector conveyor. The k lanes are distributed along the collector and numbered a1 to ak. ?i is a time-related distance between the lanes a1 and ak. A control system obtains a set L having n payloads distributed on the k lanes and having to be injected into the collector to form an exit sequence; computes a date t0 at which the first payload ?1 of the exit sequence ? passes in front of the lane ak; and computes n dates of injection of the n payloads into the collector, as a function of t0; and commands the collector and the k alleys, for an injection of the n payloads into the collector in compliance with the injection dates.

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: Processing a list of customer orders with a control system and a preparing station, which includes a picking position, an insertion position and local recirculation. The control system: selects a reference in the greatest number of order lines of the list; determines a set E of all the NE orders each containing an order line containing the selected reference; creates a group G of N orders that are the NE orders, if NE?Nmax with Nmax being a predetermined threshold, or the Nmax first orders of the NE orders sorted according to decreasing order of priority, if NE>Nmax; builds a list LC of the K order lines in the N orders of the group G; and controls the system to bring source loads to the picking position and ship loads to the insertion position and to make the shipping loads recirculate to the insertion position, according to the list LC.

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 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 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.

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 said 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: An automated system for preparing parcels of products has a storage assembly housing product containers; a pick station; a main conveyor which conveys the product container between the inlet/outlet of the storage assembly and the pick station; and a central management computer system which manages the product order list associated with each parcel. The main conveyor arranges the containers according to an order list, using a first conveyor belt section, a second conveyor belt section adjacent to the pick station and a buffer zone between the outlet of the storage assembly and the first belt section. The containers are moved between the belt sections by transfer members in transfer zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand-alone shuttle conveyor (10) intended, in particular, for a storage and logistics preparation warehouse, including a chassis (24) having the following elements mounted thereto, namely: wheels (26) enabling the shuttle conveyor (10) to move; a means (30) for driving the wheels (26); a means for powering the shuttle conveyor, comprising an exclusively electrostatic electrical energy storage means (32); and a means (48) for joining the recharge zones (18, 20) which are connected to a common fixed-voltage electrical power supply (22) in order to recharge the electrical power supply means. The invention is characterised in that the electrical power supply means include a first part for charging the electrical energy storage means (32) and a second part for delivering the energy to the drive means (30), said electrical energy storage means (32) being formed by at least one capacitor. The invention also relates to a storage warehouse (1) including one such shuttle conveyor.