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 multistorey garage for buses includes: an elevator platform; an elevator transmission system; a vehicle supporting plate; a charging device; and a steel cable set. The elevator platform is positioned on a ground floor of the multistorey garage. The elevator platform includes a storage and retrieval device and a safety leveling device. The elevator transmission system is positioned on a top floor of the multistorey garage. The elevator transmission system and the elevator platform are arranged symmetrically with respect to a horizontal central axis of the multistorey garage. The steel cable set is connected to the elevator transmission system, a counterweight, and the elevator platform. In the multistorey garage, a vehicle supporting plate is provided in each parking space. The charging device is mounted at the vehicle supporting plate. Also provided is a method of using the multistorey garage for buses.

Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of controlling material flow can be used to streamline order fulfillment processes. For example, according to some embodiments described herein, systems and methods for enhancing automated material handling and storage systems by facilitating multi-level accessibility of materials moving into and out of a three-dimensional storage and retrieval system can be used to enhance the efficiency of warehouses and order fulfillment processes.

Abstract: A modular building system or storage system can include a number of stacks of container, each stack being positioned within a frame structure having uprights and a horizontal grid disposed above the stacks. The grid can include substantially perpendicular rails on which load handling devices can run. Containers having functions associated with a number of residential or commercial uses are moved in to and out of the stacks by the robotic handling devices running on the grid. The containers disposed in the stacks are selected by function on demand by a user, the building being reconfigurable to take into account required uses.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing movement of items from one container to another. The method includes receiving an identification, from a user, of a source container, the identification indicating that one or more items in the source container will be moved from the source container to a destination container on a first robot, the first robot being at a first position on a floor under the shelf. A second robot is also positioned on the floor under the shelf. Based on the identification, a system causes the first robot to move at least partially from the first position on the floor under the shelf to a second position which causes the destination container to be accessible to the user and receive a confirmation that the user has transferred a product from the source container to the destination container.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers, the containers being stored in stacks arranged in a facility. A facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A control unit configured to determine at least one task to be performed by at least one transporting device, wherein the at least one task is determined based on at least one of: transporting device battery condition, transporting device damage, transporting device maintenance issues, and transporting device service issues.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of transporting devices arranged to transport containers stored in stacks arranged in a facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above the stacks, the transporting devices being configured to operate on the grid-like structure. A movement optimisation unit is configured to determine a route of a transporting device from one location on a grid-like structure to another location on the grid-like structure for each transporting device. A reservation unit is configured to reserve a path on the grid-like structure for each transporting device based on the determined route. A clearance unit is configured to provide clearance for each transporting device to traverse a portion of the reserved path.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic parking system including an in-out space, a plurality of parking spaces arranged at multiple parking levels, a pickup machine, and a lifting tunnel with a lifting device disposed therein. The pickup machine includes a frame which includes a first frame and a second frame, a first pickup device and a second pickup device. The first pickup device is configured to move a loading board onto the first frame or out from the first frame. The second pickup device is configured to move the loading board onto the second frame or out from the second frame. The lifting device is configured to convey the pickup machine up and down in the lifting tunnel. The present invention also discloses a parking and unparking method of the automatic parking system. The parking and unparking efficiency of the automatic parking system of the present invention is greatly improved.

Abstract: An intelligent car garage-moving device based on single-chip microcomputer control, including: a car carrying board, a stereo frame, a shuttle vehicle and a car storage board. The shuttle vehicle includes a running motor, a screw rod, a car lifting board, a supporting rod, a pull rod transmission mechanism, a roller, a guide roller, a car lifting motor and speed reducer, an output shaft gear, a guide roller and a rack. The car lifting motor drives the screw rod to rotate and the pull rod transmission mechanism and the car lifting board to move. The running motor drives the output shaft gear to rotate, and engagement movement of the output shaft gear and the rack drives the shuttle vehicle to move transversely. Though shuttling back and forth of the shuttle vehicle between the car storage board and the car carrying board, the device achieves transverse movement of the car.

Abstract: Method for automatically parking a vehicle in a parking area having a multiplicity of parking spaces, comprising the following steps: allocating a specific parking space for the motor vehicle by means of the control device; automatic driving, or driving under the control of the control device, of the vehicle to the specific parking space; characterized by the following steps: making available at least one item of environmental information for the control device; evaluating the parking spaces on the basis of the at least one item of environmental information; and if appropriate, re-parking a vehicle located in a parking space which is evaluated as being less than optimum to a parking space which is evaluated as being optimum by the control device.

Abstract: A robot hand capable of reducing the load moment applied on the wrist of the robot hand in lifting an article includes a base, a first hand arm, and a second hand arm. The first hand arm is mounted on the base, includes a holding part configured to hold the article, and is configured such that the holding part is movable between a first distal position away from the base in a first direction, and a first proximal position close to the base more than the first distal position. The second hand arm is mounted on the base, includes a counter balancer weight, and is configured such that the counter balancer weight is movable between a second distal position away from the base in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a second proximal position close to the base more than the second distal position.

Abstract: An automated parking system comprising a multi-level vehicle parking structure including multiple parking spaces arranged in one or more rows on each level of said structure; and an automatic vehicle positioning system configured to position and retrieve vehicles in said one or more rows of parking spaces, and further configured to shift a parking space of one or more vehicles in one row for retrieving one or more other vehicles in said row.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the parking and storage capacity of a vehicle parking garage wherein rows of vertical columns of parking spaces or cubicles are spaced in opposing relationship with one another such that at least one automatic guided and self propelled vehicle (AGV), with or without a vehicle support tray mounted thereon, is vertically movable in engagement with the opposing racks or chains that extend on opposite sides of the vertical columns of parking cubicles so that a vehicle may be loaded onto the AGV and thereafter transferred to, and later removed from a parking cubicles and transferred to an exit of the garage. If tray are used on the AGV, additional trays are stored in storage spaces adjacent each parking cubicle.

Abstract: A system of shuttle cars for transporting a vehicle in an automated parking facility. Each shuttle car includes an x-shuttle that supports two z-shuttles. The z-shuttles move from the x-shuttle and under the vehicle for transport. The z-shuttles locate and engage the front and rear tires of a vehicle to lift the vehicle from the floor. Once the z-shuttles have engage the vehicle tires, the z-shuttles return to the x-shuttle so that the x-shuttle can transport the vehicle (and the z-shuttles) to and from the appropriate parking space.

Abstract: An object moving apparatus is provided which is different from coordinated conveyance through real-time information exchange between carriages only by wireless communication and which can move an object reliably and in a more stable manner by coordinated control of carriages without the object falling off. Arranged is a leader carriage A with a carriage body 2 travelable in all directions by travel drivers 1 and a lifter 5 attached to the carriage body via a link mechanism 3 for lifting up a vehicle 4 as object. The leader carriage is movable along a given target track. Further arranged is a follower carriage B with a carriage body 2 travelable in all directions and a lifter 5 attached to the carriage body via a link mechanism 3 for lifting up the vehicle 4. The follower carriage estimates and follows movement of the leader carriage so as to move the vehicle 4 in coordination with the leader carriage.

Abstract: An automated storage system comprises a plurality of storage locations, at least one access location, a plurality of storage containers provided on the storage locations, a control system and at least one user interface, the control system further comprising a retrieval mode and a storage mode, and a delivery system for delivering a storage container from a storage location to an access location during the retrieval mode, and for returning the storage container to a storage location during the storage mode. User instructions at the control interface initiate the retrieval mode and the storage mode, and a user is provided access to the retrieved storage container while it is located at the access location.

Abstract: A multi-level vehicle lift comprising a first platform mounted for movement between a lowered position and a raised position. A second platform is positioned below the first platform and is coupled to the first platform by a lift member such that movement of the first platform above a first raised position causes movement of the second platform. A third platform is positioned below the second platform and coupled to the first platform by a lift member such that movement of the first platform above a second raised position causes movement of the third platform A pit may be positioned below the platforms, and the lower-most platform is in the pit when the first platform is in the lowered position. Preferably, the pit is recessed into a ground surface, and an upper surface of the first platform is substantially flush with the ground surface when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A parking facility for motor vehicles having fixed parking places arranged above each other and each having a guide for a pallet that is displaceable along the guide as well as a lift, which is disposed alongside the fixed parking places and which also carries a guide for the pallet is provided. For displacement of the pallet between the respective guides of a parking place and the lift, the lift is stopped alongside a parking place such that the respective guides are aligned with one another. The guide of the lift at its end facing the parking place is supported on a supporting surface connected to the parking place. The guide of the lift after being set down onto the supporting surface is pivoted about a horizontal pivotal axis until the guide of the lift is in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A structure having floors for receiving and delivery of cars, and parking floors. Receiving and delivery floors have slat conveyors with platform carriers placed in slots in the conveyor. Cars are parked by patrons on the platform carriers. After the patron exits the car the conveyor conveys the carrier on which the car is parked to the front of an elevator. A power arm in the elevator draws the carrier into the elevator, and the elevator rises to a parking floor. On the parking floor the elevator power arm pushes the platform carrier with the car on top onto a waiting transfer module, which moves laterally to the front of an allotted parking slot. A power arm on the transfer module pushes the platform carrier with the car on top into the parking slot. Upon the patron's return the car is retrieved as described above but in reverse order.

Abstract: The invention relates to a four post parking platform for motor vehicles, comprising two longitudinally directed platform tracks (20, 21) for receiving the vehicle, a front and rear transverse member (5, 6) which both are guided on their ends at the posts (1-4) in a vertically displaceable manner, flexible traction cords (27, 28, 28?) which are provided for engaging at the transverse members (5, 6) for raising and lowering the platform tracks and can be wound and unwound on spool bodies (60), a torsionally rigid shaft (19) for connecting the two spool bodies (60) to each other, and with an electrical drive assembly (15) as rotary drive for the two spool bodies (60) and the shaft (19). According to the invention, the drive assembly (15) is mounted to a vertically liftable and lowerable transverse member (6). The shaft (20) is aligned parallel to the platform tracks (20, 21) and rotatably mounted to the two transverse members (5, 6).

Abstract: In order to enable particularly rapid conveyance of motor vehicles in a parking system for motor vehicles even when it is of complicated construction wherein the parking system comprises a pallet changing mechanism in which two guide means for pallets are arranged one above the other and said pallets are displaceable horizontally into said guide means, and also comprises a lifting device which can raise a pallet from the lower guide means into the upper guide means and conversely lower a pallet from the upper guide means into the lower guide means, it is proposed that the pallet changing mechanism be movable by means of a motorised drive between an entry or an exit position in which a pallet in the upper guide means is respectively aligned with the entrance or exit of the parking system on the one hand and between a pallet transfer station in which both guide means that are arranged one above the other of the pallet changing mechanism are aligned with guide means of a rack conveyor or a parking rack on the ot

Abstract: A multi-level vehicle lift comprising a first platform mounted for movement between a lowered position and a raised position. A second platform is positioned below the first platform and is coupled to the first platform by a short collapsible lift member such that upward movement of the first platform above a first raised position causes upward movement of the second platform. A third platform is positioned below the second platform and coupled to the first platform by a long collapsible lift member such that upward movement of the first platform above a second raised position causes upward movement of the third platform. In another aspect of the invention, a pit is positioned below the platforms, and at least the lower-most platform is at least partially in the pit when the first platform is in the lowered position. Preferably, the pit is recessed into a ground surface, and an upper surface of the first platform is substantially flush with the ground surface when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A parking garage sub-module includes at least one parking pod, the parking pod including a first column, a second column, and a third column. Each parking pod includes a plurality of parking slots, wherein each of the first column, the second column and the third column each include a plurality of parking slots and wherein each slot includes at least one tilting platform associated therewith. Further, at least one of the parking slots associated with the second column includes at least one transfer slot, the transfer slot including at least one transfer platform configured to move first and second ends between raised and lowered positions to exchange trays between adjacent parking slots and to shift trays parallel to an axis about which the transfer platform rotates to move between the raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a four post parking platform for motor vehicles, comprising two longitudinally directed platform tracks (20, 21) for receiving the vehicle, a front and rear transverse member (5, 6) which both are guided on their ends at the posts (1-4) in a vertically displaceable manner, flexible traction cords (27, 28, 28?) which are provided for engaging at the transverse members (5, 6) for raising and lowering the platform tracks and can be wound and unwound on spool bodies (60), a torsionally rigid shaft (19) for connecting the two spool bodies (60) to each other, and with an electrical drive assembly (15) as rotary drive for the two spool bodies (60) and the shaft (19). According to the invention, the drive assembly (15) is mounted to a vertically liftable and lowerable transverse member (6). The shaft (20) is aligned parallel to the platform tracks (20, 21) and rotatably mounted to the two transverse members (5, 6).

Abstract: A multilevel vertical general aviation hangar, comprising a traffic inflow/outflow path and a pallet stack subsystem. There is also a pallet turntable located with the path. A pallet shuttle moves the pallet and contained vehicle from the turntable to a lift. The lift moves the pallet and vehicle to a predetermined location within a storage structure.

Abstract: A parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces with a waterproof underground structure therebelow as an additional parking space is provided. The underground structure has a first waterproof member mounted around opening. A hydraulically-powered platform is mounted in the underground structure. A hydraulically-powered cover has a peripheral second waterproof member. In response to parking an automobile on the platform the platform is activated to lower and the cover is adapted to close onto the underground structure, and the second waterproof member is sealingly engaged with the first waterproof member when the platform lowers to a stop position in the underground structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a parking lot at least partly automatic comprising at least one floor (1; 1a, 1b) including parking lanes (4) separated by lateral boundaries (5), characterized in that each parking lane (4) comprises one or more driving means (7) to drive a vehicle in the longitudinal direction up to a free place and in that the entry and exit ends of the parking lanes (4) are connected to transport means (8, 9) allowing the automatic entry and exit of the vehicles in and out of the parking lanes (4).

Abstract: A system for moving a pallet is provided. The system provides for a pair of pallets each having means for inducing movement in relation to an other pallet. Further, logic is provided for calculating a movement instruction to move the pallets relative to each other. Additionally, the present invention provides for means for communicating the movement instruction to the movement means on the pallets to prompt movement of one of said pair of pallets relative to the other pallet. As no special floor surface or configuration is necessary, the present invention described herein may be readily adaptable for utilization within existing storage and inventory facilities.

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: An elevator type parking system is disclosed. The system includes a main frame having a plurality of vertical columns and horizontal columns for forming a hoist way in a center portion thereof a plurality of parking rooms at both sides of the hoist way, a lift movable along the hoist way formed in the main frame, a lift lifting and lowering drive unit for lifting and lowering the lift, a parking unit installed in each floor of the parking room and being horizontally movable, a parking unit actuating unit installed on the lift for horizontally pulling the parking unit from the parking room to the hoist way and pushing the same from the hoist way to the parking room, a driven unit fixed to the parking unit and driven by the parking means actuating unit for thereby horizontally moving the parking unit.

Abstract: A vehicle parking system including a pair of horizontal rails (11,12) spaced apart to define a line of vehicle parking spaces between them, a horizontal carrier (10) movable over the rails (11,12) for conveying vehicles to selected parking spaces, and a vertical lift laterally of the pair of rails (11,12) for lifting onto the horizontal carrier (10) a vehicle to be parked, the horizontal carrier (10) comprising a frame structure for receiving a vehicle to be parked, and four legs (14) depending from four corners of the frame structure and carrying wheels (15) rollable along the rails (11,12), the legs (14) being of a height to enable the frame structure, and the vehicle supported thereby, to move over other vehicles that may be parked in the parking spaces, at least the rail (11) adjacent to the vertical lift being interrupted to produce a gap (11a) sufficiently large to accommodate the vertical lift when lifting a vehicle onto the horizontal carrier (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously loading/unloading a plurality of wafer boats (24) onto/from a cantilever paddle includes a cantilever paddle (47-1) and a carriage (42-1) supporting the cantilever paddle First and second vertical translation mechanisms (34A,B) each include a stationary part (62,63) and a vertically moveable support (61). First and second horizontal translation mechanisms (50A,B) each have a base (86) supported by one of the vertically moveable supports and a horizontally moveable arm (51) supported by the base (86). A horizontal boat support assembly (102) supports the loaded wafer boats and has an end supported by a first horizontally moveable arm (51A) and another end supported by a second horizontally moveable arm (51B).

Abstract: A mechanical automobile parking facility with auto parking pallets, in which a vehicle is driven onto an auto parking pallet which is moved with the vehicle thereon to a predetermined space inside the facility. In order to guarantee reliable and abrasion free parking, a driving unit on rails is included whereby the driving unit with the auto parking pallet lying thereon, proceeds along a parking aisle and the auto parking pallet is pushed sideways from the driving unit by telescopic cylinders over glide rails into a free parking space, or conversely the auto parking pallet is taken from there onto the driving unit.

Abstract: Driverless motor vehicles are conveyed to unoccupied parking spaces in a building by a transport system comprising at least two trackless transport elements and, for each motor vehicle, four detachable wheel support elements on the parking space and the two transport elements, on which wheel support elements the vehicle remains during parking in the parking space.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing vehicles in a multi-level structure defining several spaces, each one with an entrance. The vehicles are driven to a platform mounted on the upper level of an entrance supporting assembly. The platform is engaged to a carrier assembly with a longitudinal traction mechanism that brings the platform to its upper level while within platform is passed from the lower level of the carrier assembly to the lower level of the entrance supporting platform. The carrier assembly brings the vehicle, mounted on the platform housed with its upper level, in alignment with an entrance of a parking space wherein a similar procedure takes place. The vehicle and the platform with upper level is delivered to the upper level of the parking space while, simultaneously, the lower platform is retrieved and housed within the lower level of the carrier assembly ready for the next car.

Abstract: A vehicle storage apparatus including a plurality of storage frames. The apparatus is provided with a passage, which is located at the middle section of the frames, along the length of the apparatus. Storage compartments are provided at the left and right sides of the passage. Each compartment is provided with a transfer tray. An orienting tray is provided in a compartment of one of the frames. The orienting tray is moved between its associated compartment and a carriage. The transfer tray is also moved laterally between the compartments and the carriage. When a vehicle is stored in or retrieved from a designated compartment, the carriage is moved carrying the transfer tray. The orienting tray is accommodated in its associated compartment in this state.

Abstract: A device for the efficient parking of vehicles is provided. The device includes: 1) a car-pan comprised of steel plate; 2) strengthening rods on the car-pan; 3) a parking space frame comprising a pair of steel C bars as its side beams and another pair of steel C bars as its end beams; 4) a number of (preferably two set) of free rollers with supports; 5) two pairs of driving rollers; 6) a parking power/control box affixed between the two side beams of the parking space; 7) chains connecting the driving rollers with the parking power/control box; 8) an elevator; 9) vertical rack-rails located at the two sides of the elevator; 10) an elevator power/control box affixed between the two side beams of the elevator; and 11) two pairs of chains connecting the driving rollers and the climbing gears of the elevator power/control box. The present device may further include 12) four cables with connectors, and 13) two balance weights between the vertical rack-rails.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for storing objects in a storage block having identical storage places arranged behind, next to or above each other in the X, Y and Z directions and at least one lifting member associated to the storage block. Each storage place is equipped with a driving unit for moving the objects in the Y direction. Further driving units are provided for moving the objects in the X direction between the entrance area and the transfer side of the storage block. All successive rows in the X direction have at least one free storage place and one plane of the storage block is designed as a storage and return plane for empty pallets.

Abstract: The mechanical facility, according to the invention, for the space-saving parking of motor vehicles has at least one entrance and exit EA and a multiplicity of parking spaces EP, and a multiplicity of stacking carriages SW, which are arranged one beside the other and can be displaced to the side, is provided, of which each stacking carriage is formed such that a multiplicity of pairs of pallets PL, located one beside the other and intended for receiving parked motor vehicles, can be arranged thereon one above the other and/or one beneath the other. By lateral displacement of the stacking carriages SW, a lifting passage HGS can be produced between any two selected stacking carriages SW. A lifting carriage HW can travel to the lifting passage, which lifting carriage can remove individual pallets PL from a stacking carriage SW adjacent to the lifting passage HGS, and introduce them into said stacking carriages SW. The lifting carriage HW can lift any pallet PL onto the level of at least one entrance or exit EA.

Abstract: An automated parking garage simultaneously parks and retrieves multiple vehicles. Each vehicle entering the facility is videotaped to make a record of its physical condition prior to entry into the garage to protect the garage owner from baseless damage claims. Vehicles are simultaneously measured and entry into the garage is denied to oversized vehicles. Upon being granted entry, a customer parks the customer's vehicle on a pallet near the garage entrance and leaves the facility. In single floor designs, the pallet is carried by a self-propelled carrier to a parking space by a series of longitudinal and transverse movements on rails. A multiple story embodiment employs a lifting device that includes a pallet support member that shuttles back and forth between two contiguous floors.

Abstract: A parking system for a motor vehicle formed as a high-level rack storehouse including at least one rack-operating device for transporting a car, which is loaded on a pallet at a parking station, to one of a parking spot and an unparking station, and an arrangement for handling empty pallets and including a pallet-receiving device and a displaceable pallet-stacking device.

Abstract: An automated system for storing, retrieval and transporting of goods of any shape and size in aisleless warehouses, ships, airplanes, trains and the like. The system also provides aisleless warehouses, parking lots and the like and enables a computerized fully automated handling of stored items such as loading and evacuating of containers. The system provides the moving of the goods by placing same on pallets which travel on a flat and smooth floor. The pallet is provided with elastic air cushions which enable its hovering over the flat surface and a drive to enable the movement to any required direction.

Abstract: An automated high-raised parking system is disclosed. The system has a parking construction including a parking rack structure having a plurality of stories of parking racks for parking an automobile as mounted on a pallet, a lift passage for a lift-translator device, the passage being formed besides the parking racks. The lift-translator device includes a lift table and a translator device. An automobile entrance/exit section is provided for allowing entrance and exit of the automobile to and out of the construction. A holding unit is provided at a predetermined height of the entrance/exit section for holding the pallet so as to maintain a horizontal posture of this pallet mounting the automobile. The automobile as mounted on the lift table is vertically moved to a predetermined rack and then translated by the translator device onto this rack. A turntable device is provided at the entrance/exit section.

Abstract: A reliable motor vehicle parking installation having an economical construction is provided and includes an extremely flexible structure to maximize the available space. Its construction can extend above and/or below the ground. The installation includes a load-bearing structure having at least one tower with multiple cells arranged in superimposed horizontal rows. Each cell has at least one pair of longitudinal horizontal guide members disposed perpendicular to the horizontal rows of cells. A platform moves along a vertical structure, which is itself movable horizontally, parallel to the horizontal rows of cells. The platform has at least one pair of longitudinal members arranged in the same member as the longitudinal member of each cell. Multiple trays are provided each of which includes a pair of vehicle parking runways, and an actuator moves the trays between the platform and the cells of each tower.

Abstract: A system for storage and retrieval of a load, for example a motor vehicle, is arranged to be installed, for example, in a multi-storey car parking building. The system includes a plurality of substantially parallel conveyor belts installed at floor level on at least one floor of the building and an overhead pulley unit, which moves a pulley block along a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor belts and itself moves along a direction substantially parallel with the conveying direction. Containers are dimensioned to contain the load, and the containerized load is conveyed to and from a vacant storage space located on either side of the conveyor belts by the conveyor belt and pulley system. Lifts for carrying the containerized loads may be located at the end of the conveyor belts provided on floors above and/or below ground level.

Abstract: This invention is related to a multistory, multicolumn storing installation capable of efficiently storing cargoes. The assembly includes a frame structure that defines four adjacent multistory columns A, B, C and D. Movable pallets P, each of which can be loaded with a cargo such as a vehicle, are normally stored in different layers in three of the columns. The pallets are seated on movable platforms T that shift the platforms laterally between adjacent columns. Lifting mechanisms 5 and 15, each of which is attached to a separate center-located column, B and C, move the pallets and their cargoes between the base level of the structure and the intermediate storage levels. A cargo is transferred between the base level and columns B and D by lifting the pallet through column C to the selected storage level and then laterally transferring it into column, B or D.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic controlled multi-level storage system having a bottom access level, a plurality of cargo storage levels vertically spaced above the access level, and a central elevator space vertically disposed through each level, each level having an array of contiguous spaces mounted with four-way or two-way wheel assemblies longitudinally and/or transversely and pairs of parallel rails intersected with one another longitudinally and transversely for moving individual storage platforms and cargo thereon, the elevator space being installed with an elevator for raising and lowering individual storage platforms and cargo thereon to a desired level, the elevator having two register spaces vertically spaced, each resister space having four-way wheel assemblies and mechanical arms for moving each time an individual storage platform to either level, the access level having platform storage devices for storing individual storage platforms.

Abstract: A lift device includes a cable member having opposed ends thereof suspended via guide members and longitudinally movable by a lift drive unit, a lift unit connected to one of the ends of the cable member for lifting an object along a lift passage, a balance weight connected to the other end of the cable member and movable along a balance-weight lift passage, a detection device for detecting a height of the balance weight to check whether or not the balance weight is positioned higher than a lower end of the balance-weight lift passage by a predetermined value when said lift unit is moved to its uppermost position, and a warning device for warning an abnormal elongation of the cable member if the detection device detects that the balance weight is not positioned higher than the lower end of the balance-weight lift passage by the predetermined amount. The invention also discloses an automated high-raised parking system using this lift device.

Abstract: An automatic automobile parking garage is provided, particularly an underground parking garage having an entrance at ground level, which is the location of the roof of the parking garage. One or two vertical arrays of automobile loading stations are provided, and at the roof, there is an automobile loading station. An elevator carries a pallet, and means for pushing the pallet laterally onto an automobile loading station, and then pulling the pallet, with the car on it, from the elevator base, the elevator base then being lowered until it is opposite an automobile storage station, where the pallet with the automobile on it is pushed laterally by pushing apparatus onto the automobile storage station. The automobile storage station comprises a pair of parallel, horizontal cantilever support beams, which support a pallet and an automobile thereon. A hatch is provided which is of a size and shape to cover, or close, the opening.

Abstract: A multistory parking space that is provided with an entrance and exit area, an elevator, power carriers and parking pallets. A vehicle in the entrance and exit area is transported by the elevator to the power carriers, and then the vehicle is transported to the parking pallets by the power carrier. All of these elements are provided with conveyors for transferring a vehicle. Entrance and exit of vehicles to and from the entrance and exit area, vertical travelling of the elevator, travelling of the power carrier are executed simultaneously to shorten the time required for entrance and exit.