Abstract: A robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The service device may also be provided with cleaning capability and a camera to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.

Abstract: A maintenance access system for a storage and retrieval system having a storage and retrieval space and automated transport vehicles disposed in the space. The system includes at least one maintenance access control unit associated with a portion of the space, at least one barrier in the space and defining a boundary of the portion of the space and configured to substantially prevent the passage of the vehicles past the at least one barrier, and a controller connected to the control unit, the controller being configured to receive a signal from the at least one control unit for isolating the portion of the space associated with the at least one control unit, where the controller in response to the signal closes the at least one barrier isolating the portion of the space and effects the removal from or shutting down of vehicles within the portion of the space.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a compensating sheave. The compensating sheave is provided with a housing. The tensioning device comprises: a first snap-fit member; a second snap-fit member; and a trigger mechanism comprising a resilient assembly and a limiting assembly, wherein the limiting assembly is provided with a limiting member, wherein the tensioning device has a first state in which the limiting member abuts against a second end of the first snap-fit member so that a certain clearance is kept between a first end of the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member and a second state in which the limiting assembly is moved downward so that the first end of the first snap-fit member is rotated downward until the first end is snap-fitted with the second snap-fit member. A compensating sheave is provided with the above-described tensioning device and an elevator is configured with the above-described compensating sheave.

Abstract: A maintenance access system for a storage and retrieval system having a storage and retrieval space and automated transport vehicles disposed in the space. The system includes at least one maintenance access control unit associated with a portion of the space, at least one barrier in the space and defining a boundary of the portion of the space and configured to substantially prevent the passage of the vehicles past the at least one barrier, and a controller connected to the control unit, the controller being configured to receive a signal from the at least one control unit for isolating the portion of the space associated with the at least one control unit, where the controller in response to the signal closes the at least one barrier isolating the portion of the space and effects the removal from or shutting down of vehicles within the portion of the space.

Abstract: The invention provides a back-up brake system of lifts, which is inclusive of a back-up safety cable, guiding wheels and a brake, wherein four guiding wheels are mounted at the four corners of the lift car, the upper end of the back-up safety cable is fixed at the shaft way top, runs through the four guiding wheels and then its lower end is connected with the extension spring at the shaft way bottom; the brake is mounted in the middle of the car bottom, which is further inclusive of hydraulic wrenches and gear rope grippers. Operation of the system is such that the hydraulic wrenches run through the rope grippers and drive them to turn, while the back-up safety cable through the opening on the rope grippers, which the gear rope gripper in the upper and lower rows, turn in different directions to seize the back-up safety cable.

Abstract: In a safety arrangement of a cable-supported component of a medical device that can be adjusted via a cart at a column, a force acts on the cable via at least one clamping lever that is adjustably supported at the cart, and the cart is free for purposes of adjustment along the column given action of the force, and the clamping lever is moved such that it blocks displacement of the cart relative to the column when the force is reduced.

Abstract: A safety device in a lift system comprising a cabin moveable along a shaft for moving the cabin in the event of a fault of the main lifting system. The safety device includes a platform located below the base of the lift cabin. Further, engagement apparatus selectively renders the platform integral with the lift shaft and lifting apparatus lifts the cabin in respect of the platform.