Abstract: A storage system includes a storage grid structure having a top rail grid upon which container handling vehicles work to store and retrieve storage containers in and from storage columns beneath the top rail grid. The storage system includes multiple transfer rails forming a horizontal transfer rail grid arranged at a level below the top rail grid. At least one transport vehicle operates on the transfer rail grid. The storage system includes a picking/stocking station for picking/stocking items between a storage container and a packaging box, and an unloading/loading assembly for unloading/loading packaging boxes containing such items. The transport vehicle is arranged to move upon the transfer rail grid in two perpendicular directions and comprises a carrier platform. The transfer rail grid is arranged to allow access for the transport vehicle to transport one or more packaging boxes at a time between the picking/stocking station and the unloading/loading assembly.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure constructed of a plurality of upright members connected by horizontal members to define a storage grid of storage columns, within which storage columns may be stacked a plurality of storage containers. The framework structure has a rail system arranged at the upper level of the framework structure, with parallel rails in a first direction and parallel rails in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, upon which rails a plurality of wheeled container handling vehicles travel. The container handling vehicles are equipped with a gripping and lifting device for removing storage containers from the storage columns and replacing the storage containers in the storage columns. The upright members of the framework structure have corner sections directed towards an interior of a particular storage column. The corner sections include two vertically elongated, perpendicular corner guiding plates.

Abstract: A system for performing measurements in storage containers for storing items includes a framework structure. The storage containers are stored in an automated storage system. The framework structure forms a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing the storage containers. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening to the vertical storage columns between rails of a rail system. The rail system is arranged on top of the framework structure. The rail system provides available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. Each vehicle includes a vehicle controller communicating with a central computer system controlling the operation of the storage system.

Abstract: A measuring system for monitoring atmospheric conditions in an automated storage and retrieval system including a framework structure. The framework structure forms a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing storage containers for storing items. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening of the vertical storage columns. A rail system is arranged on the framework structure defining the circumference of each access opening on top of each storage column. The rail system provides available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. The at least one container handling vehicle has at least one rechargeable power source. A container handling platform has a first set of grippers for handling the storage containers. The measuring system includes at least one box-shaped measuring unit of the same size and features as a storage container.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes: a storage grid having storage columns arranged in rows, in which storage containers are stacked one on top of another; a rail system having a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane having a plurality of adjacent grid cells; at least one container handling vehicle configured to move on the rail system, including a wheel arrangement configured to guide the at least one storage container vehicle along the rail system in at least one of the first direction and the second direction; and a service vehicle for movement on the rail system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system comprising a storage grid comprising vertical column profiles defining a plurality of grid columns, the grid columns comprise storage columns, in which storage containers can be stored one on top of another in vertical stacks, the storage grid comprising at least one rail grid at the upper ends of the column profiles, a first container handling vehicle and a second container handling vehicle, the first and the second container handling vehicles each comprising at least one wheel base unit (2) and a first container handling module (13) or a second container handling module (12 or 14), respectively, connected to the wheel base unit 82), each wheel base unit (2) having a wheel arrangement for movement of the wheel base unit in two perpendicular directions upon a rail grid of the storage system, and a horizontal periphery fitting within the horizontal area defined by a grid cell of the rail grid such that wheel base units may pass each other on any adjacent grid cel

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle for moving on a rail system includes a first set of wheels, a second set of wheels, a wheel displacement assembly, and a wheel drive assembly. The rail system includes a first set of parallel rails and a second set of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails. The first set of wheels includes a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels, the first and second pairs of wheels arranged on opposite sides of a vehicle frame, allowing movement of the vehicle along a first direction on the rail system during use. The second set of wheels includes a third pair of wheels and a fourth pair of wheels, the third and fourth pairs of wheels arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle frame, allowing movement of the vehicle along a second direction on the rail system during use. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle includes an arrangement to provide a pre-alert and tracking of a position of the vehicle following a travelling route relative to tracks laid out on rails in x-, y-directions on a rail system. The vehicle has first and seconds sets of wheels connected to drives for moving the vehicle in corresponding x-, y-directions on the rail system. The arrangement includes at least one sensor module provided with at least four sensors. A first sensor is directed vertically downwards to detect the rails in the x-direction on the sensor module. A second sensor is directed vertically downwards to detect the rails in the y-direction on the sensor module. A third sensor is positioned on the sensor module to detect a corner of an intersection between the rails in the x-direction and y-direction.

Abstract: An automatic storage and retrieval system includes: a delivery vehicle; a storage container carried by the delivery vehicle; and an unloading station for unloading an item from the storage container while it is being carried by the delivery vehicle. The unloading station includes: an unloading device; and a destination conveyor configured to convey the item to a target destination, wherein the unloading device is configured to move the item through a side opening of the storage container to the destination conveyor.

Abstract: A lift system for an automated storage system of the type where storage containers are stacked in storage columns arranged in a grid, and where automated container handling vehicles retrieve and replace containers from a top level of the grid. The lift system has a platform vertically movable adjacent to a face of the grid, arranged for receiving and transporting one or more containers. A dedicated mechanical device is arranged for grabbing, lifting and moving the storage containers from a staging area at the top of the grid and placing containers on the platform and vice versa.

Abstract: A service vehicle provides a platform for servicing a container handling vehicle while on a grid-based rail system of a three-dimensional storage grid of an automated storage system for storing storage containers. The service vehicle includes two or more wheel modules. Each module having a first set of wheels configured to move the vehicle along a first lateral direction of the grid-based rail system and a second set of wheels configured to move the vehicle along a second lateral direction of the grid-based rail system. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. A platform is mounted on the two or more wheel modules. The platform includes an enclosure that has at least one opening that can be closed by a barrier. The platform has a set of tracks matching the width of the tracks on the grid.

Abstract: A displacement mechanism for a remotely operated vehicle includes a motor configured to actuate a drive crank, a coupler link connected to the drive crank on a first side, and a lift rocker on a second side, a displacement link connected to the lift rocker, and a displacement plate connected to the displacement link and having a plurality of wheels provided thereon. The drive crank, the coupler link, the lift rocker, the displacement link, and the displacement plate are each respectively connected with pivot connections such that actuation of the motor actuates the displacement plate between a raised position and a lowered position. The lift rocker is configured with a pivot point arranged in a body of the lift rocker such that the lift rocker, the pivot connection between the displacement link and the lift rocker, and the pivot connection between the lift rocker and the coupler link each rotate around the pivot point when the motor is actuated.

Abstract: A container handling vehicle for picking up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of an underlying storage system includes: a first set of wheels, arranged at opposite portions of a vehicle body of the container handling vehicle, for moving the vehicle along a first direction on a rail system of the grid; and a second set of wheels for moving the vehicle along a second direction on the rail system of the grid. The container handling vehicle further comprises a first section and a second section arranged side-by-side such that a centre point of a footprint of the first section (F1) is arranged off centre relative a centre point of the footprint of the vehicle body (FV), and a size ratio of the footprint of the first section (F1) relative a footprint of the second section (F2) is at least 2:1.

Abstract: A storage facility includes a storage space enclosing a storage and retrieval system, a transit space, and a first separation wall. The storage and retrieval system includes a storage grid configured to store a plurality of storage containers in vertical stacks, a first upper vehicle support extending in an upper horizontal plane above the storage grid, and a container handling vehicle configured to transport at least one of the plurality of storage containers on a wheel arrangement between at least two locations on the first upper vehicle support. The transit space includes a second upper vehicle support extending in the upper horizontal plane and arranged relative to the first upper vehicle support such that the container handling vehicle may move between the storage space and the transit space. The first separation wall separating the storage space and transit space.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of storage container handling vehicles. Each vehicle includes a vehicle body, a thereto connected wheel assembly configured to guide the vehicle along the track system, a container picking device for releasably attaching to a storage container, which include one or more arms. The configuration of the container picking device is such that it is movable between a first lifting position enabling the container picking device to lift at least one storage container from a position outside the horizontal extent of the vehicle body and a second transport position enabling the container picking device to hold the at least one storage container at least partly inside the horizontal extent of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A rescue system for retrieving a malfunctioning vehicle from a rail system of an automated storage and retrieval system includes a first rescue vehicle and a second rescue vehicle. The rail system includes a plurality of rails with tracks extending in an X-direction and a plurality of rails with tracks extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, and a plurality of remotely operated vehicles configured to move in the X and Y-directions on the tracks of the rail system. The first rescue vehicle is configured to run on the tracks of the rail system. The first rescue vehicle is provided with a lifting device on one side of the vehicle, which faces for engagement in a first X-direction. The second rescue vehicle is configured to run on the tracks of the rail system. The second rescue vehicle is provided with a lifting device on an opposite side of the vehicle, which faces for engagement in a second X-direction opposite to the first X-direction.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a rail system with perpendicular tracks in X and Y direction. The storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of remotely operated container handling vehicles configured to move laterally on the rail system; and a main control system using a first communication system for communicating with the plurality of remotely operated container handling vehicles. The main control system monitors and controls the movement of the plurality of container handling vehicles via the first communication system. At least one service vehicle is movable on the rail system. The at least one service vehicle is configured to bring a malfunctioning remotely operated container handling vehicle to a service area outside of the rail system where the remotely operated container handling vehicles operate. The system further includes a secondary control system using a second communication system. The second communication system is independent of the main communication system.

Abstract: A vehicle tilting device for tilting a delivery vehicle for increasing access to items from a storage container transported on the delivery vehicle. The vehicle tilting device comprises a base structure and a tiltable platform connected to the base structure, wherein the tiltable platform comprises guiding features adapted to guide the delivery vehicle onto the tiltable platform. The tiltable platform is arranged to be connected to a delivery grid cell of a delivery rail system such that that there is a path to and/or from the tiltable platform for the delivery vehicle via the delivery grid cell. The invention is also related to an access station, a delivery system and a method of accessing a storage container.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a three-dimensional storage grid for storing storage containers; first and second container handling vehicles operating on the storage grid; and a central communication system for controlling and communicating with the container handling vehicles for handling storage containers in the storage grid. The automated storage and retrieval system includes a barrier separating the three dimensional storage grid into a first section and a second section. The barrier has two states: a first state in which the container handling vehicles are allowed to move between the first section and the second section; and a second state, in which the container handling vehicles are physically prevented from moving between the first section and the second section by means of the barrier.

Abstract: A set of moulded panels, which can be assembled together to form a storage container for an automated storage and retrieval system, includes a rectangular base panel and four side panels. The base panel is moulded with a perimeter profile. Each of the side panels is moulded with a lower edge profile. The lower edge profiles of each side panel are slidingly engaged with the perimeter profile during assembly of the storage container. Each of the side panels are moulded with side edge profiles, which are to be slidingly engaged with the side edge profiles of adjacent side panels during assembly of the storage container.