Abstract: A self-driven carriage (2) stores and accesses containers (4) in a storage rack arrangement (3) and includes a first wheel set (37) driving along a first axis (x) and a second wheel set (43) driving along a second axis (y) transverse to the first axis (x). At least one of the wheel sets is essentially vertically movable between a driving position and an idle position. A lower one of the wheel sets is in the driving position and the upper one of the wheel sets is in the idle position. The carriage includes a support surface (39) that carries a bottom surface of the container and a centering and securing system, centering and securing a container on the support surface, and including engaging elements movable in opposite directions between an idle position and a securing position in which the engaging elements engage the container.

Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A container retrieval apparatus includes: a warehouse arranged inside a body and provided with a goods inlet; an extendable device having extendable arms arranged on two opposite sides of the goods inlet, each extendable arm having at least three arms capable of sliding relatively and extending in a first direction corresponding to a goods inlet and outlet direction of the warehouse, first arm sections of the arms are slidably connected to the body, and tail ends of tail arm sections that are away from the body are provided with shifting finger structures; a driving device including a driving assembly for driving the first arm sections to slide relative to the body, and a linkage mechanism for driving linkage between adjacent arms in each extendable arm; and a control device which controls the shifting finger structure to rotate to a position where a container to be carried can be shifted.

Abstract: A system for storing goods system, including a main path configured to enable movement of a robot thereon, multiple storage devices containing goods to be delivered, where the multiple storage devices are connected in series in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main path, where the robot carries storage devices along the main path, and where engagement of one storage device to another storage device is enabled by movement of the robot.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system including a storage structure having storage shelves, each storage shelf having slats for supporting stored items where the slats are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, an autonomous transport vehicle including at least one sensor configured to sense each of the slats and output a signal indicating when a slat is sensed, and a controller for verifying a location of the autonomous transport vehicle within the storage structure based on at least the output signal.

Abstract: A low-temperature storage system 100 is provided, which can, with a simple structure, minimize heat transfer into the low-temperature storage chamber, reduce the operation noise, allow easy positioning of a reciprocating part inside the low-temperature storage chamber, and preclude device bulkiness outside the low-temperature storage chamber. The low-temperature storage system 100 includes a low-temperature storage chamber 110, and a transfer mechanism 120. The transfer mechanism 120 includes an in-storage unit 121 and an external unit 140. The in-storage unit 121 includes a reciprocating part 122 that holds the storage objects C, a turn guide 126 that guides the reciprocating part 122, and a lift member 131 that causes the reciprocating part 122. The external unit 140 includes a torque transmission part 141, a lift transmission part 147, and a detachable moving part 150 that drives the torque transmission part 141 and lift transmission part 147.

Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins is in communication with a bin conveyance system for moving selected storage bins to a storage bin processing location, a programmable motion device in communication with the bin processing location for receiving a selected storage bin from the plurality of bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and a plurality of destination bins in communication with the bin conveyance system for moving a selected destination bin from a destination bin processing location that is proximate the programmable motion device to the plurality of destination bins.

Abstract: A storage array in an automated storage and retrieval system includes storage spaces arrayed on racks along picking aisles, multiple level decks, where at least one deck communicates with each aisle, where the decks and aisles are configured to define a rolling surface for an autonomous transport vehicle at each level of the decks, racks along at least one aisle at each level are at multiple rack levels that are accessed from a respective rolling surface that is common to the multiple rack levels, and a vertical pitch between rack levels varies for a portion of a respective aisle, the vertical pitch between at least two rack levels of the portion of the respective aisle is related to another vertical pitch between at least two other rack levels of another aisle portion of the respective aisle so the vehicle effects multiple picks in ordered sequence in a common aisle pass.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of autonomous Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) comprising a fully autonomous growing environment. More specifically, disclosed herein is an apparatus and method in which a plurality of frame assembly may be stored and manipulated within a track assembly that is configured within a rack through the motivational input a carriage-mounted manipulators. Each frame assembly is configured to be coupled to an adjacent frame assembly supported by the track assembly by at least one coupler disposed on a forward end and a rearward end of each frame assembly. With the frame assembly including a low friction bearing surface to orient within a track assembly, it may be configured to satisfy various utilities necessary within the farm, such as but not limited to the housing grow media for the cultivation or the housing of electromechanical systems.

Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A product order fulfillment system includes multiple decks arrayed at different levels and defining multilevel decks, at least one autonomous transport vehicle on each of the decks, and configured for holding and transporting a pickface on each deck, at least one lift, traversing and connecting more than one level of the decks, and arranged for lifting and lowering the pickface from the decks, and at least one pickface transfer station on each deck interfacing between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift to effect transfer of the pickface between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift, the at least one lift defines a fulfillment stream of mixed case pickfaces outbound from the multilevel decks to a load fill, at least one stream of the fulfillment stream has an ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces wherein the ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces is based on another fulfilment stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the cultivation of horticultural products, more specifically mushrooms. A first and a second rack are arranged adjacent and aligned with each other, providing a working space therebetween. Each rack comprises support structures arranged at support heights for supporting cultivation packages at a plurality of heights. The support heights are aligned with each other. The arrangement comprises moving means for moving packages from the first to the second rack or back, via the working space. Cultivation packages can be supported such that at most a single package is supported at each of the aligned support heights. This enables the packages to be alternatingly supported in either the first or the second rack across the support heights. The arrangement further includes an operator platform within the working space which is moveable in a vertical direction to enable working at different heights.

Abstract: In a printing device, a second storage position is displaced from a first storage position so as to enable a moving member to move a second mask arranged in a second storage in a state in which a first mask is arranged in the first storage position by movement of the first mask from an operation position to the first storage position by the moving member.

Abstract: An apparatus and an operating method for automated wafer carrier handling are provided. The apparatus includes a base frame and an engaging mechanism disposed on the base frame. The engaging mechanism includes a controller and an active expansion component moveably coupled to the base frame and controlled by the controller to perform a reciprocating movement relative to the base frame. The active expansion component is driven by the controller to pass through the base frame to be engaged with a top flange mounted on the wafer carrier.

Abstract: Agricultural structures for housing livestock and/or agricultural commodity, the structure having a floor that is inclined between first and second walls and a roof that is substantially parallel to the floor. In some aspects, the floor is configured such that a bottom of the first wall is vertically higher than a bottom of the second wall with the bottoms of the first and second walls being level with the underlying ground. In some aspects, a first portion of the floor adjacent to the first wall is at a first elevation, a second portion of the floor adjacent to the second wall is at a second elevation that is vertically lower than the first elevation, and a bottom of the first wall is at a third elevation that is equal to or lower than the first elevation.

Abstract: A cultivation method repeats a cultivation step, an exporting step, a working step, and an importing step in this order. In the cultivation step, plants are cultivated in a state where a plurality of cultivation units are accommodated in a storage rack. A plurality of cultivation vessels are disposed in the plurality of cultivation units. Each of the plurality of cultivation vessels is configured to hold the plants and a culture solution. In the exporting step, at least one of the cultivation units is transported by a transportation device from the storage rack to a workstation. In the working step, a new culture solution is supplied to a plurality of cultivation vessels. In the importing step, the cultivation unit is imported into the storage rack by the transportation device.

Abstract: A system for an automated storage includes store blocks, in each of which store blocks there is at least one transverse aisle extending through the store block. In addition, in a store block there are several store aisles diverging from the transverse aisle. The system includes, in each store block, at least one parent car arranged to operate in the transverse aisle of the store block. In addition, the system includes one or more transfer cars arranged to operate across the store blocks on the store aisles arranged end-to-end in the parallel store blocks. The system further includes at least one shuttle arranged to operate in the store aisles.

Abstract: A storage array in an automated storage and retrieval system includes storage spaces arrayed on racks along picking aisles, multiple level decks, where at least one deck communicates with each aisle, where the decks and aisles are configured to define a rolling surface for an autonomous transport vehicle at each level of the decks, racks along at least one aisle at each level are at multiple rack levels that are accessed from a respective rolling surface that is common to the multiple rack levels, and a vertical pitch between rack levels varies for a portion of a respective aisle, the vertical pitch between at least two rack levels of the portion of the respective aisle is related to another vertical pitch between at least two other rack levels of another aisle portion of the respective aisle so the vehicle effects multiple picks in ordered sequence in a common aisle pass.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of at least one transporting device arranged to transport containers in stacks arranged in a facility, the facility having pathways arranged in a grid-like structure above the stacks, the at least one transporting device being configured to operate on the grid-like structure, the system. A receiving unit is configured to receive information about a product to be returned to a container in a stack, wherein the product is located at a workstation; and a control unit is configured to select a container located in the stacks into which the product is to be placed and instruct a transporting device to move the selected container to a location of the workstation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for implementing and managing order fulfilment processes are generally described. An order fulfilment system may include order management device configured to manage order information associated with a plurality of orders having one or more units orders for the order fulfillment system. The system may also include an order procurement device configured to receive order information from the order management device and to implement the fulfilment of the orders. The order procurement device may transmit completed order information to the order management device. The order management device may assign orders to the order procurement device responsive to receiving an indication that the order procurement device has completed an order. The orders may be assigned based on various order assignment factors, such as travel costs, order ranking, unit characteristics, customer characteristics, or the like.

Abstract: A seedling growing system includes: a cargo transport container provided with heat insulating treatment; a movement robot for moving on a path in the cargo transport container; seedling growing tray racks including a multi-shelf germination rack for holding, until germination, a seedling growing tray on which seeds are sown, a multi-shelf seedling growing rack for holding a seedling growing tray on which seedlings have germinated, and a multi-shelf shipment rack for holding a seedling growing tray for shipping grown seedlings; and an arm or table provided to the movement robot and capable of transferring each seedling growing tray between the movement robot and each of the multi-shelf germination rack, multi-shelf seedling growing rack, and the multi-shelf shipment rack.

Abstract: A backpack that uses magnetic forces to alter the load distribution on a user in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a backpack for changing load distribution on a user comprising: an outer portion comprising; a compartment to hold an inner portion; an opening; the inner portion comprising; a compartment configured for a load; an opening; a first plurality of magnets on the outer portion, wherein the first plurality of magnets is: oriented such that a consistent magnetic pole of each magnet points towards the compartment; a second plurality of magnets on the inner portion, wherein the second plurality of magnets is; oriented such that a consistent magnetic pole of each magnet points towards the compartment; wherein the first plurality of magnets is oriented such that a magnetic field of the first plurality of magnets exerts a repulsive force on the second plurality of magnets.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle includes a frame forming a payload section configured to hold one or more pickfaces, a transfer arm movably mounted to the frame, a drive section connected to the frame, and a controller connected to the drive section, the controller being configured to effect an on-the-fly sortation of pickfaces carried by the autonomous transport vehicle according to a predetermined case out order sequence where the controller commands the drive section so that two or more pickfaces are picked from one or more first case unit holding locations and placed at one or more different second case unit holding locations according to the predetermined case out order sequence.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present livestock structures comprise a floor, wherein the floor is configured to support livestock housing; a roof, wherein a majority of the roof is substantially parallel to the floor; and one or more supporting structures configured to support the roof; in some embodiments, the floor comprises a non-zero slope. Some embodiments of the present livestock structures comprise a passageway extending a majority of a distance between a first side and an opposing second side of the structure, wherein the passageway is positioned at an elevation that is below an elevation of the floor.

Abstract: A conveyance system includes: a first track and a second track arranged parallel in a vertical direction such that device ports are positioned therebelow and on one side thereof; a plurality of overhead conveyance vehicles configured to travel along each of the first track and the second track and each convey a FOUP, and storage shelves provided below and on the other side of the first track and the second track and each configured to have the FOUP placed thereon. Each of the overhead conveyance vehicles includes: a gripping unit capable of gripping the FOUP; a movement mechanism capable of moving the gripping unit to a position above the device ports or above the storage shelves; and a hoisting mechanism capable of raising and lowering the gripping unit, which has been moved to the position above each thereof by the movement mechanism.

Abstract: A system for ordering elements. The system includes i) a source with a plurality of elements that are randomly arranged; ii) a plurality of source output lines associated to the source; iii) a synchronising station with a plurality of synchronising channels; and iv) a processing unit configured for starting up and timing the functions of one or more from among the source with a plurality of elements, the plurality of source output lines and the synchronising station. The processing unit has a synchronising module configured for sending, independently, to each motorising means, one from among a setting signal of a predefined velocity or a stop signal. Also included is a method for ordering elements that describes the functions of the corresponding system.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems and methods. According to certain embodiments, provided is an integrated analysis system that includes a first module including a sample analysis component and a first internal container conveyor system. The integrated analysis system further includes a second module including a second internal container conveyor system. The first and second modules are positioned adjacent each other such that the first and second internal container conveyor systems are aligned and adapted to transport containers from the first module to the second module. Also provided are methods of analyzing and preparing samples (e.g., blood and body fluid samples), as well as components that find use within the analysis systems of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A storage array in an automated storage and retrieval system includes storage spaces arrayed on racks along picking aisles, multiple level decks, where at least one deck communicates with each aisle, where the decks and aisles are configured to define a rolling surface for an autonomous transport vehicle at each level of the decks, racks along at least one aisle at each level are at multiple rack levels that are accessed from a respective rolling surface that is common to the multiple rack levels, and a vertical pitch between rack levels varies for a portion of a respective aisle, the vertical pitch between at least two rack levels of the portion of the respective aisle is related to another vertical pitch between at least two other rack levels of another aisle portion of the respective aisle so the vehicle effects multiple picks in ordered sequence in a common aisle pass.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle includes a frame forming a payload section configured to hold one or more pickfaces, a transfer arm movably mounted to the frame, a drive section connected to the frame, and a controller connected to the drive section, the controller being configured to effect an on-the-fly sortation of pickfaces carried by the autonomous transport vehicle according to a predetermined case out order sequence where the controller commands the drive section so that two or more pickfaces are picked from one or more first case unit holding locations and placed at one or more different second case unit holding locations according to the predetermined case out order sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for a picking station operation, provides switched flexibly between single-step- and dual-step-picking into various types of order containers. The task is solved by the provision of a second order container conveyor technique for transporting second order containers, in particular boxes, for receiving articles into order container bays, arranged also in the arrangement row, of the picking station.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for implementing and managing order fulfillment processes are generally described. An order fulfillment system may include order management device configured to manage order information associated with a plurality of orders having one or more units orders for the order fulfillment system. The system may also include an order procurement device configured to receive order information from the order management device and to implement the fulfillment of the orders. The order procurement device may transmit completed order information to the order management device. The order management device may assign orders to the order procurement device responsive to receiving an indication that the order procurement device has completed an order. The orders may be assigned based on various order assignment factors, such as travel costs, order ranking, unit characteristics, customer characteristics, or the like.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an organism cultivation facility suitable for industrial, economical, and large-scale cultivation of an organism by efficient air conditioning which is required for the cultivation of the organism. The object can be achieved with an organism cultivation facility comprising, in a building: a cultivation unit having organism containers capable of storing organisms, and a support structure that supports the organism containers; and a conveying device for the organism containers; wherein the organism cultivation facility has a partition wall(s) that can divide the space of the operating area of the conveying device into two or more spaces in the height direction, and at least a part of the partition wall is movable.

Abstract: There is provided a vertically stacked multi-layer storage system suitable for the provision of temperature and/or humidity controlled storage of materials. There is particularly provided a vertically stacked multi-layer system having suitable lighting for use with any tray, pot, aeroponic and hydroponic plant growing system and apparatus to combine growing in an integrated growth tray having a suitable lighting source located under the growth tray.

Abstract: A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.

Abstract: A storage array in an automated storage and retrieval system includes storage spaces arrayed on racks along picking aisles, multiple level decks, where at least one deck communicates with each aisle, where the decks and aisles are configured to define a rolling surface for an autonomous transport vehicle at each level of the decks, racks along at least one aisle at each level are at multiple rack levels that are accessed from a respective rolling surface that is common to the multiple rack levels, and a vertical pitch between rack levels varies for a portion of a respective aisle, the vertical pitch between at least two rack levels of the portion of the respective aisle is related to another vertical pitch between at least two other rack levels of another aisle portion of the respective aisle so the vehicle effects multiple picks in ordered sequence in a common aisle pass.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle includes a frame forming a payload section configured to hold one or more pickfaces, a transfer arm movably mounted to the frame, a drive section connected to the frame, and a controller connected to the drive section, the controller being configured to effect an on-the-fly sortation of pickfaces carried by the autonomous transport vehicle according to a predetermined case out order sequence where the controller commands the drive section so that two or more pickfaces are picked from one or more first case unit holding locations and placed at one or more different second case unit holding locations according to the predetermined case out order sequence.

Abstract: The disclosed inventory system and methods can be used to improve storage time for storing less frequency accessed inventory items. Specifically, a mobile drive unit may be selected from a plurality of mobile drive units to store an inventory item by obtaining storage densities of available storage locations and selecting a storage location for an inventory item based on the projected frequency of access of the inventory item. An overhead drive unit may be selected over a ground drive unit to store less-frequently accessed inventory items in densely-packed storage areas. Inventory holders may be selected based on projected frequency of access of other inventory items stored therein.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for horizontal movement of a group or layer of articles (10) from a vertically movable first support level (38) of a first module (12) to a vertically movable second support level (40) of a second module (14) immediately downstream of the first conveyor module (12) in a direction of transport or transfer (20, 50) while substantially maintaining the relative positions of a plurality of articles (16) forming the group or layer of articles (10). The movement or transfer is carried out by means of a transfer device (19). Additionally, the horizontal movement of the group or layer of articles (10) while the first and second support levels (38, 40) of the first and second modules (12, 14), which can move vertically in a synchronized fashion during the transfer process, are approximately aligned.

Abstract: A method includes determining, by a management module, to complete an inventory request, the inventory request identifying an inventory item. The method also includes identifying, by the management module, an inventory holder storing the inventory item, and identifying, by the management module, a mobile drive unit to transport the inventory holder to an inventory station.

Abstract: The disclosed inventory system and methods can be used to improve access time to less frequently accessed inventory items. Specifically, a mobile drive unit may be selected from a plurality of mobile drive units to retrieve or store an inventory item based on a density of the storage location of the inventory item and/or an estimated cost (e.g., estimated time) associated with the retrieval or storage of the inventory item. For instance, an overhead drive unit may be selected over a ground drive unit to retrieve inventory items from or store inventory items to densely-packed storage areas. As another example, an overhead drive unit may be selected over a ground drive unit when the cost of using the ground drive unit exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A drawer device and a storage device improving workability are provided. A drawer device 1 includes supporting members 2a, 2b configured to be inserted in a gap under a FOUP 120 loaded on a shelf 134 and to be fixed to the shelf 134, and lifting members configured to switch between a first height position and a second height position where the first height position enables insertion of the supporting members 2a, 2b into the gap and the second height position allows the lifting member to lift the FOUP 120 higher than the first height position, and configured to allow the FOUP 120 to slide toward the front of the shelf 134 at the second height position.

Abstract: Provided herein is an admixing apparatus and system that in various arrangements may be utilized to produce deicing solutions including salt brines. To facilitate cleaning of the interior of the device, a mixing hopper is utilized that includes a side access opening that allows for readily accessing the interior of the hopper and removing any sediment that has accumulated herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible cargo transportation vehicle. The convertible cargo transportation vehicle has a front end and a rear end with respect to the driving direction of the vehicle and comprises, in particular, a base frame, two or more containers attached to the base frame, the containers being arranged consecutively in the driving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides systems for a tape library shelf. In one embodiment, a tape library shelf is disclosed including a chassis, which contains tape cartridge slots for storing one or more tape cartridges. The tape library shelf includes at least one tape drive module, a control unit, and a moving device coupled to the chassis. The moving device is operatively connected to the control unit to move the chassis according to instructions received from the control unit.

Abstract: An automated analyzer with an on-board fridge for long-term cooling of reagents, and a method for isolating and analyzing an analyte comprising long-term cooling of reagents.

Abstract: Method for laterally replacing a heavy component of a plant assembly, the method including disconnecting the heavy component from other components of the plant assembly and from a base plate to which the heavy component is fixed; lifting the heavy component above the base plate with a lifting system provided within the base plate; connecting at least a pair of rails to the base plate, under the lifted heavy component, such that the at least a pair of rails extends at substantially a right angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the heavy component; lowering the heavy component on crawling mechanisms disposed on the at least a pair of rails; and laterally replacing the heavy component from the base plate and the other components of the plant assembly by actuating the crawling mechanisms.

Abstract: A side access tank facility including an enclosure for containing water therein. The enclosure has an opening disposed in a side wall thereof. A cover covers the opening in a water sealing engagement with the enclosure. The side access tank facility further comprises an in-tank equipment holding structure for holding in-tank equipment at a predetermined position inside the enclosure. A moving mechanism is provided for moving the in-tank equipment holding structure between a position inside the enclosure and a position outside the enclosure.

Abstract: An article transport system includes: a first transport device configured to transport an article within a first article storage area or a second article storage area; a second transport device configured to transport the article between the first article storage area and the second article storage area; an alternative power supplier configured to supply the second transport device with first power output by a first power part in the first transport device; and a power switcher configured to switch a power source for the second transport device from a second power part in the second transport device to the alternative power supplier, based on operation of the first transport device.

Abstract: Articles are stored while preventing disruption of the flow of clean air from an upper region to a lower region to alleviate degradation of clean air with an article supported by an article support. The article support (28) is provided with a movable body (30) which is supported to a fixed frame (29) to be movable in a far-near direction with respect to a travel path and which is formed to extend downwardly from the fixed frame (29), and a support member (31) formed to extend in the far-near direction from a lower end portion of the movable body (30).