Abstract: An automatic warehouse control system and method are provided. The system comprises a goods transport module, an information input module, a data storage module, a data retrieval module, and a drive control module. The goods transport module moves goods containers. The information input module is configured to input goods information to form goods warehousing data. The data storage module stores the goods warehousing data. The data retrieval module retrieves goods warehousing data and sends a retrieved result to the drive control module according to information of to-be-picked goods. The drive control module controls operation of the goods transport module to transport a goods container containing the to-be-picked goods to the goods-picking location according to the retrieved result. The technical solution is easy to implement, has a low cost, and allows one warehouse operator to manage multiple racks at the same time, which can significantly reduce hardware and time cost.

Abstract: The storage and retrieval system includes a frame having at least two columns adjacent to one another. A track is disposed in each column, each track being generally parallel to one another. A plurality of storage units reside and move within the tracks. An actuator coupled to the frame displaces the storage units in the columns and a pair of conveyors move the storage units between columns to permit sequential clockwise or counterclockwise movement of the plurality of storage units within the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new personal transport system for passengers and goods, which comprises: a tube car comprising a self-powered closed tube car carrying passengers or goods from door to door; and a network of tubes comprising a plurality of tubes, the said network of tubes combined with the existing blocks or buildings, with each tube in the network of tubes provided with an upper rail and/or a lower rail for supporting and/or guiding the said tube car carrying passengers or goods. According to the invention it is possible to achieve a door-to-door transport between two buildings. In comparison to other traffic systems, the inventive system's velocity, line capacity, safety and reliability, ability of resisting disasters and comfortableness are much increased while its consumption of energy, construction cost, occupied space, operating cost, noise and visual pollution are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit includes wheels for engaging the continuous track for selective movement along the track. A conveyor apparatus is used to selectively move the storage units along the length of the continuous track between uppermost positions of adjacent columns, so as to support the storage unit as the storage unit passes gaps in the upper rail due to intermediate vertical rails extending downwardly intermediate ends thereof.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns. Each storage unit includes wheels which engage a track for selective movement along the track. Vertical and horizontal actuators are used to move the storage units in sequence. Preferably, the actuators are power-driven, and control circuitry is used to coordinate the movement of the actuators.

Abstract: A vertical lift system for storage and in particular for parking motor vehicles comprising a multi-level frame comprising a structure extending upward from a base, and a lifting mechanism centrally positioned within the frame and in communication with each level, and a plurality of platforms positioned on each level about the lift mechanism the plurality of platforms for the receipt of a vehicle. The lift mechanism has capability to retrieve a selected vacant platform and transport it to an entrance/exit level, which can be located at any level within the structure, for positioning of a vehicle thereon, and subsequent transportation to its position on the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting method for sorting objects, characterised by at least the following sorting steps: a) first sort run, in which objects are input onto parking sections of a first block of parking sections; b) second sort run, in which objects are transferred from the first block of parking sections to a second block of parking sections; and c) third sort run, in which objects are transferred from the second block of parking sections back to the first block of parking sections. The invention also relates to two alternative types of sorting installations which are suitable for carrying out the above sorting method, and to a sorting system which combines a plurality of these sorting installations.

Abstract: A system for parking automobiles in a garage which uses a single-drive mechanism to simultaneously move automobile platforms. The automobile platforms reside in contiguous storage towers and are stacked in multiple levels. The automobile platforms simultaneously move in the towers. In one tower, the platforms move upward while the platforms in the other tower move downward. The automobile platforms rest on movement chains which move vertically among the various levels. The automobile platforms are moved from the vertical movement chains to a lateral movement means to move horizontally from tower to tower. The vertical movement system is powered by single-drive mechanism through a series of gears, sprockets and chains. Horizontal movement in the upper and lower lateral transfer areas is done by a lateral movement means.

Abstract: A simple and relatively inexpensive containerized vehicle storage system for holding self-parked vehicles. In one embodiment, the system includes a building or housing having an upper level and a lower level, with the lower level being situated below level of vehicle entrance into the housing. A plurality of containers are positioned in at least two vertically stacked columns in the housing. Each container is identically configured, and includes a weight tolerant structural shell. The shell is formed by a floor, sidewall and roof arranged to define a shell entrance and an oppositely situated shell exit to permit respective entry and exit of a vehicle into and from the shell of the container. The shell is typically configured to support the weight of a conventional automobile positioned inside the shell, and further support a stack of about ten similarly loaded and configured containers.

Abstract: Apparatus for compactly storing and retrieving a plurality of movable devices of the same size and external configuration, particularly containers in an aircraft, includes a support for horizontally supporting the movable devices in the form of a two-dimensional matrix constituted of two columns and a plurality of rows of two devices in each row, with a vacant space for one device in each of the first and last rows of the matrix. The apparatus further includes longitudinal and transverse transfer assemblies for shifting the devices to permit them to be selectively stored or retrieved, and retainer members engageable with the outer faces of the devices for securing them against movement at all times except during an actual storing or retrieving operation.

Abstract: A multiple movable parts tray device having a plurality of interengaging trays that are selectively transferred between tray stacks. Engagement and lifting arms are provided that will independently engage and index the tray stacks allowing for simultaneous transfer of single trays between respective stacks.

Abstract: The facility consists of a silo module of either reinforced concrete or steel, built above or below ground level, or partly above and partly below ground level. The central section of the silo interior is occupied by a handling unit that can be of an electromechanical type, for the transfer of automobiles onto the lateral storage stalls and their retrieval. The incoming and outgoing automobile handling operations are carried out by means of metal platforms on which the automobiles are loaded. The platforms are hoisted and transferred horizontally by the electromechanical unit. The platform holding the incoming vehicle is hoisted to the level at which a free place is found available and then moved horizontally and made rest on stationary iron brackets abutting from the silo module walls and located on various levels. The module can be provided with a sole doorway to be used as both entry and exit, and alternatively, can have two doorways opposing each other, one for entry and the other for exit.

Abstract: A parking system for automatically parking automobiles comprises at least two parking levels (P1, P2) disposed above each other which are served by lifting units (20-23). Each parking level includes parking rows (Z1-Z12) and parking columns (Ra-RK) perpendicular thereto, in which horizontal shifting of the automobiles (40) on pallets (41) is performed fully automatically under control by a computer. The parking rows (Z1-Z12) are arranged in parallel in x-direction and the parking columns (RA-RK) are arranged in y-direction transversely to the entrance zone (EZ) and to an exit zone (AZ). In the entrance row (Z3) and in the exit row (Z1) a lifting unit (20, 21) is respectively provided for each parking column (RA-RK). The pallets of all columns are movable at the parking level (P1) including the entrance zone (EZ) and the exit zone (AZ) in the direction (x) of all of the columns and in at least one row (Z9) in the direction (y) transversely thereto.

Abstract: The equipment comprises: a track, fixed to a base, extending endlessly so as to define two longitudinal runways; a plurality of movable elements of support, equidistant one with respect to the other, sliding on the track; a plurality of platforms on which to receive an identical plurality of vehicles, each platform resting fixedly on one of the movable elements of support; a power unit for driving synchronously, in opposite directions, the movable elements, with it being possible for each platform to transit at a station for loading and unloading vehicles onto and from the platform; a movable bar for barring access to the station; and a programmed unit, set in action through a card, for operating the power unit and the bar, as well as destined to operated a corresponding signal unit in consequence of the existence of at least one free platform.

Abstract: A storage system comprises a building structure having an array of contiguous storage spaces on each of at least one level. A plurality of movable storage platforms, on which such cargo as automobiles, shipping containers and the like may be loaded, is available, each individual platform to be moved into, stored or moved out of any one of the storage spaces. Each storage space is provided with a first apparatus for supporting and moving one of the storage platforms in a longitudinal direction, and with a second apparatus for supporting and moving a storage platform in a transverse direction. The two supporting and moving apparatus in each space may be alternately or selectively placed in contact with, and actuated to move, the storage platform therein, thus shifting the platform with its cargo in the direction desired into or out of the storage space. Remote and automatic programmed control of storage and retrieval movements of the cargo being handled may be included.

Abstract: In a storage system suitable for use in clean environments, multiple stacks of pallets on which cassettes or boxes for storing semiconductor wafers or the like are placed, are selectively raised and lowered by ram or lever arrangements, and the topmost and lowermost pallets transported horizontally until located on the top or bottom of another stack.