Abstract: A pass-through mechanism that couples a first linear tape library string to a second linear tape library string is maintained. A first robotic assembly associated with the first linear tape library string places a tape from the first linear tape library string into the pass-through mechanism. The pass-through mechanism moves the tape to a position where the tape can be removed by a second robotic assembly associated with the second linear tape library string. The second robotic assembly removes the tape from the pass-through mechanism and places the tape into the second linear tape library string.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A tape cartridge handler for transmitting a tape cartridge in a tape library. The handler comprises a deck for supporting a tape cartridge thereon; a gripper assembly in translatable engagement with the deck; and at least one arm in rotatable engagement with the gripper assembly, the arm being rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the arm and having a catch for engaging an aperture in a tape cartridge.

Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a single tape picker device that is adapted to hold two tape cartridges at the same time facilitating an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.

Abstract: An article storage facility includes a storage rack that includes a plurality of storage units that store articles; a first article transport that includes a first vertically movable body guided by a first vertical guide and a first transit body configured to move along a path defined along the storage rack, the first vertical guide being provided in the first article transport so as to be positioned on one side of a lateral direction of the path; and a second article transport that includes a second vertically movable body guided by a second vertical guide and a second transit body configured to move along the path, the second vertical guide being provided in the second article transport so as to be positioned on the other lateral side of the path. The first transit body and the second transit body are configured so as to be able to pass each other.

Abstract: Scalable storage can be achieved with linear array storage of wafers, comprising two linear arrays of storage compartments on opposite walls, with a middle transfer mechanism. Together with a buffer station for automatic material handling system, a scalable bare wafer stocker can provide flexible and uninterrupted services to a fabrication facility.

Abstract: A storage rack comprises a plurality of slacked supporting ledges each spaced away from each other arranged in pairs on facing sidewalls for receiving plate-type carriers for stored articles. Storage and retrieval of the carriers in the storage rack is provided by a transport device. The supporting ledges are a snaked press fit in the sheet metal of the sidewalls and the sidewalls are secured to upright rack stanchions. To define a storage rack ensuring exact positioning of the supporting ledges, it is proposed that the rack stanchions comprise horizontally protruding pegs engaging cavities in the supporting ledges.

Abstract: An automatic warehouse includes a rack including vertically arranged shelves and traveling vehicles each of which is provided to a corresponding one of the shelves. The automatic warehouse includes stations receiving an article to be stored on and an article unloaded from the rack, elevators each mediating traffic of articles between the corresponding station and at least one of the traveling vehicles, and a shelf assigning unit assigning, to each of the stations, one or more of the shelves to which the station has priority of use over the rest of the stations.

Abstract: A cartridge-type-loading transit case system and method for loading electronic racks in a receiver rack aligning a front side of the transit case with a modular slot of the receiver rack and sliding a slidable sliding rack out of the transit case into the modular slot by exerting a force from a rear slide of the transit case.

Abstract: An automatic store comprises a main support structure, at least one storage unit with a stowage member which extends along an endless path, and storage elements mounted on the stowage member and movable along the endless path as a result of an activation of the storage unit in order selectively to reach a collection position in which collecting means can collect products stored on predetermined storage elements. The storage elements define stowage locations which are identified by a set of at least three coordinates and are movable along at least one predetermined path.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manual order picking of items in an order-picking installation with a dynamic-storage rack (1) as a store for the manual order picking. It is proposed that the items are automatically transported, preferably separately according to type, in containers or boxes (2) to the dynamic-storage rack/flow shelf (1) on a driven conveying line (4). After reading and identifying the containers (2), they are automatically introduced by an activated stationary lift (5) and activated level conveyor unit (6) of the dynamic-storage rack (1) into selected dynamic-storage channels (3) of the dynamic-storage rack. The channels have exits (A) that can be manually reached by an order picker (17). Items are fed by an order picker (17) at the picker's order-picking station in an order-related manner from a container/box (2) at a selected exit (A) of a dynamic-storage channel (3) to a provided order container (30).

Abstract: A system for loading workpieces into a process chamber for processing in a matrix configuration includes a conveyor configured to transport multiple workpieces in a linear fashion. A workpiece hotel is configured to receive the multiple workpieces from the conveyor. The workpiece hotel comprises a matrix of cells arranged in N columns and M floors. A pick blade is configured to insert into the hotel and retract from the hotel in order to unload a plurality of substrates from a first floor into a single row of the pick blade, and to repeat the unloading operation to form a matrix comprising a plurality of rows of substrates disposed on the pick blade. In one example, the workpiece hotel has a staggered configuration that provides individual accessibility of each hotel cell.

Abstract: A very high density storage system comprising a storage grid having a number of storage cells and individual cargo carriers where a cargo carrier is stored in a storage cell. The storage system uses a unique set of individually actuatable gear drives on both the top and bottom of each storage cell, but installed at 90 degrees to each other, to move the cargo carrier to a specific storage cell. Software controls and manages the location of each cargo carrier such that when a specific cargo carrier is desired, software instructions cause the cargo carriers to be shuffled within the storage grid until the desired cargo carrier is located at the desired position, such as an unloading position.

Abstract: A method for loading a pack storing device of an order-picking line with packs, particularly packs of one or a plurality of beverage articles, including providing at least one group of packs, particularly a pallet, especially the at least one group of packs comprising packs at least of a single article, particularly beverage article; and manually loading the pack storing device with at least one pack from the at least one group of packs, particularly a pallet, by one or more operators.

Abstract: A method and warehouse system for feeding supply goods in the form of packages, containers, cartons, single and/or bundled goods from a feeding station via a feeding section (4) to a destination storage (6) or a storage control station of the destination storage (6), preferably a high-bay warehouse area of a picking system, includes an intermediate buffer system (10) having a reversibly driven intermediate buffer (3). The intermediate buffer system (10) receives the supply goods during or in anticipation of a stock overload at the destination storage (6) during the time of the feeding process, and after a stock overload or following an impending stock overload releases said supply goods to the destination storage (6).

Abstract: A storage retrieval machine comprising an input area, an array of storage locations, an output area, a carriage assembly adapted to hold a product when being transferred to and from the storage locations, and a drive mechanism positioned to move the carriage assembly. The drive mechanism includes a flexible element (e.g., a chain) tensioned between two points and having a plurality of spaced recesses, and a toothed element mounted to the carriage assembly and engaging the flexible element. Preferably, the flexible element is pre-tensioned to a certain percentage of the rated load of the flexible element (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of the rated load). It is also preferred that the pre-tensioned load on the flexible element is greater than the service load that is anticipated to be applied to the chain during normal operation.

Abstract: Provided is a multistory parking garage comprising first and second laminated racks arranged to face each other in parallel, first and second warehousing stations arranged adjacent to one end side of each of those laminated racks and having waiting conveyors of the same number of stages as that of the shelves of the laminated racks, transfer shuttles interposed between the first and second laminated racks and between the first and second warehousing stations, a lifting system having first and second lifts for transferring cargoes to and from standby conveyors in the first and second warehousing stations, and a conveyor system for transferring cargoes to and from the first and second lifts. At the same level, the conveying direction of the standby conveyors of the first warehousing station and the conveying direction of the standby conveyors of the second warehousing station are opposite to each other.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system is presented. The automated storage and retrieval system may have at least two zones that are thermally isolated. The automated storage and retrieval system is operative to store and retrieve items from a plurality of storage locations in the first and second zone. An access member may be provided to selectively maintain and interrupt thermal isolation of the zones.

Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop.

Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop.

Abstract: Telecommunications enclosure system comprising a first enclosure and second enclosure with each halving a pair of vertical mounting flanges. Bach mounting flange comprises a row of identical round apertures with a slotted aperture disposed at the end of each row of round apertures so that a bolt or screw is used to mount first enclosure to a backboard or equipment rack enclosing pre-selected equipment. The first enclosure further comprising a plurality of U-shaped perforated knock-outs so that existing cabling can be routed outside said first enclosure. The telecommunications enclosure system is configured to mount on an equipment rack having a first side and second side wherein said first enclosure is mounted on said first side of said telecommunications rack and said second enclosure is mounted on said second side of said telecommunications equipment rack so that telecommunications equipment is completely enclosed on all sides thereby preventing unauthorized access.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stocker. The stocker comprises multiple container storage locations arranged in a horizontal array. The horizontal array of storage locations may be suspended from the facility ceiling or supported by the facility floor. The stocker may include one or more stocker robots for transporting a workpiece container within the stocker and/or to a material transport system. The stocker may also include features such as container elevators and conveyor loops.

Abstract: The present inventions provide self-supporting drawer type storage carts for the storage of pallets or other loads, including heavy and relatively fragile loads, that may be smoothly moved between an open or forward position and a closed or rearward position.

Abstract: A method of rationally storing and transferring containers within a short time in a tower type container loading system and an apparatus using the same are disclosed. The method includes the steps of designating a position where a container to be stored is stored when the container enters a steel structure; elevating the container to a storage in a layer at the storing position along an elevation passage of the steel structure with a traveler; transferring and temporally storing the container to and in a temporary storing place positioned at the leading end of the storage when the container is positioned in the storage; and transferring and storing the container in the temporary storing place to and in a designated storing position using a transferring traveler installed in the storage.

Abstract: An automated storage system for vehicles or the like is provided with a guidance system that interacts with a remote-controlled transport system that transports a vehicle between an access location, such a drive-up location, and a storage location. More particularly, in one embodiment, an omni-directional, battery-powered, wirelessly-controlled, transport system or so-called automated guided vehicle (“AGV”) is designed to follow magnetic field generating wires and RFID chips on the floors of the parking facility to move forward, backward and side to side underneath cars that are parked on a flat surface. In one embodiment, the AGV automatically contracts and expands its body to slide its arms under the wheelbase of a car, lift the car, and roll with speed and precision in any direction on to a waiting lift, that will then raise and lower the AGV and its automobile payload toward its ultimate destination.

Abstract: An overhead traveling vehicle travels along a rail suspended from an upper position. Further, a buffer is suspended from an upper position. The buffer can be retracted from a storage space for an article, or the buffer is foldable compactly.

Abstract: A storage rack has a plurality of supporting brackets arranged one above the other for supporting storage product carriers conveyable by means of an automatic filling and withdrawal apparatus, and at least one filling and withdrawal opening for inserting and removing the storage product carriers. At a top side of the filling and withdrawal opening, an indicating means is arranged for indicating storage locations of a storage product in the storage product carrier, wherein the indicating means has a plurality of discrete lighting elements. The lighting elements are arranged in a two-dimensional grid in such a way that a light beam of the lighting elements is essentially vertically directed onto a storage surface of the storage product carrier.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying unit loads, comprising at least one conveyor element, said conveyor element comprising a conveyor for transporting at least two unit loads in a conveying direction, the at least two unit loads being arranged side by side in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and to a storage and retrieval device comprising at least one carrier and a load bearing module, wherein the load bearing module has at least two carriages. A logistics system for storage, retrieval and collation of unit loads, comprising at least a store for storing unit loads, and at least one conveyor system. Moreover, a method of operating a logistics system with at least one storage and retrieval device and/or a conveyor system is disclosed, wherein at the storage and retrieval device and/or the conveyor system at least two unit loads are operated at the same time.

Abstract: A conveyor conveys sheets and deposits the sheets at a location to be stacked. The conveyor includes a sensor for determining the presence of a sheet before the sheet arrives at the location. A controller is coupled to the sensor and responsive to sensor inputs for controlling a movable support for projecting into a projected orientation to receive the sheets as the sheets exit the conveyor. The movable support moves to a retracted orientation to assist a stack to be withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: A storage rack (30) for use in an order-picking system (100) includes a plurality of rack planes (44) being arranged on top of each other, which respectively comprise a plurality of rack compartments (46, 48) being arranged side-by-side, a filling side (34) and a removal side (32), being different to the filling side (34), wherein the removal side preferably is arranged oppositely, wherein the rack compartments (46, 48) are filled with articles (66-70) at the filling side (34), wherein the articles in term are removed at the removal side (32) for the purpose of order-picking, and a plurality of serving units (52), each of which comprises at least a display element (54), a transmitter (62) and a receiver (64) and is at least arranged such at the filling side (34) that each of the rack compartments (46, 48) is assigned to one serving unit (52).

Abstract: A media storage library for storing a plurality of media cartridges is provided. The media storage library includes at least one media transfer mechanism, and a plurality of storage panels for storing media cartridges, including at least a first movable storage panel. The first storage panel is movable from the first position to a second position, and each storage panel of the plurality of movable storage panels includes at least a first access face for the at least one media transfer mechanism to access the media cartridges. An access space is formed between the first movable storage panel and a second storage panel, and the at least one media transfer mechanism is able to access the media cartridges via the access space and the first access face.

Abstract: A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic store comprises a main support structure, at least one storage unit with a stowage member which extends along an endless path, and storage elements mounted on the stowage member and movable along the endless path as a result of an activation of the storage unit in order selectively to reach a collection position in which collecting means can collect products stored on predetermined storage elements. The storage elements define stowage locations which are identified by a set of at least three coordinates and are movable along at least one predetermined path.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a stocking system and its operating method. The stocking system comprises a shelf assembly, a first crane, and a second crane. The shelf assembly stores a plurality of cassettes. The first crane is installed at one side of the shelf assembly and loads/unloads the cassettes to/from the shelf assembly. The second crane is installed at the other side of the shelf assembly and loads/unloads the cassettes to/from the shelf assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting and combining packages in an outbound container by employing autonomous transfer and transport vehicles which move on a network of roadways to carry a plurality of individual cases each containing the same kind of product from a loading station and to a destination station where individual packages are combined in the outbound container. The travel of each vehicle through the roadway network is computer controlled, and each vehicle includes means for automatically loading and unloading packages from predetermined locations on the network.

Abstract: An article storage facility comprising a storage rack that includes a plurality of storage units that store articles; a first article transport that includes a first vertically movable body guided by a first vertical guide and a first transit body configured to move along a path defined along the storage rack, the first vertical guide being provided in said first article transport so as to be positioned on one side of a lateral direction of the path; and a second article transport that includes a second vertically movable body guided by a second vertical guide and a second transit body configured to move along the path, the second vertical guide being provided in the second article transport so as to be positioned on the other lateral side of the path. The first transit body and said second transit body are configured so as to be able to pass each other.

Abstract: A mobile, thermally insulated storage and retrieval unit for housing tube racks on shelves and having an elevator and conveyor for moving racks between shelves and an exterior loading tray.

Abstract: A storage system for items such as substrate carriers includes at least one stocker including a plurality of storage areas each adapted to store at least one storage device. At least one movable support is arranged on the at least one stocker. A control controls movement of the at least one movable support at least between a first position wherein the at least one movable support receives the at least one storage device outside one of the storage areas and a second position wherein the at least one movable support is arranged substantially within the one of the storage areas.

Abstract: A transporting platform and a transporting module composed of plurality of transporting platforms, for stacking non-standard containers on standard containers or standardized transporting equipment. The transporting platform includes a pair of transverse beams and a pair of longitudinal beams arranged between the transverse beams. Each of the transverse beams includes: at least one top fitting, arranged on the upper part of the transverse beam for fitting the bottom corner fitting of the non-standard container; and a pair of bottom corner fittings, arranged on the lower part of the transverse beam, and having a center distance therebetween corresponding to the center distance between the corner fittings along the width direction of the standard container.

Abstract: Individual items or multiple items are stored on vertical stacks (or racks) of conveyors. The stacks of conveyors are located on both sides of a vertical transport on which cartons, totes, and/or pallets are loaded. The vertical transport is able to be vertically lifted in a fashion similar to an elevator so that the totes on the conveyor can receive items from the various levels of the storage rack conveyors. To speed up the loading process, items can be loaded in the containers simultaneously from both sides of the container and/or sequentially. In one form, a cross-belt conveyor is used to load the items. Alternatively or additionally, robotic arms can be used to load the items. One or more conveyor drivers can be used to power multiple conveyors in order to index items to a loading position on the conveyors.

Abstract: An article supply apparatus includes a container storage rack for storing containers, and an article storage rack for storing articles taken out of the container. The article supply apparatus includes a transfer apparatus for transporting the articles between the container of the container storage rack and the article storage rack. The article supply apparatus includes a transportation apparatus for transporting the container between the transfer apparatus and the container storage rack, and a supply apparatus for taking required articles out of the article storage rack, and supplying the articles to a processing tool and supply the articles from the processing tool to the article storage rack.

Abstract: A glass support pin for supporting a glass substrate for use with a liquid crystal display device is provided. In one embodiment, the glass support pin includes a plurality of branch pins, and one or more elastic members. The plurality of branch pins is structured to have top ends. The top ends of the branch pins are spread outwardly in the radial direction. The one or more elastic members are attached to the branch pins. The glass support pin is open by pulling the top ends of the branch pins outwardly according to a longitudinal movement of the glass support pin.

Abstract: A mobile picker for selecting an item from a storage unit having a plurality of locations, each location storing an item to be selected, the mobile picker being capable of movement along a guide associated with the storage unit and comprising: an onboard motor, power supply and control unit, the motor driving the mobile picker and being powered by the power supply and controlled by the control unit; and a picking tool operable to select an item from a storage location in the storage unit; and a position detector for detecting the presence of a position indicator associated with the storage unit, wherein the mobile picker is operable to determine the position of the mobile picker from information derived by the position detector.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system wherein electrically driven, computer-controlled carriages (58) can navigate a system of rails (78) in three-dimensions. Multiple carriages (58) can independently operate at the same time to accomplish a task faster or to work on several different tasks at the same time. The rails (78) have a system of trap doors (95) that allow a carriage (58) to use a single reversible motor (67) to navigate the rails (78) in three-dimensions. With the carriage (58) in positioned in font of a bin position, the carriage mounted manipulating device (125) can move bins (115) to and from the racks (107) from either side with a single reversible motor (131). The rails (78) are electrified to provide power for the drive (67) and manipulator motors (131). A main computer (146) maintains the inventory, handles transactions and assigns tasks to the computer-controlled carriages (58).

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of boats wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which boats are stored in vertically oriented cells with each boat being carried within a boat storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the boat storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a body of water such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a boat contained within a boat storage unit relative to the body of water and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: The invention is a transporting apparatus for holding lengths of tubulars and transporting tubulars to a drill floor of a drill rig, wherein the transport container for tubulars has a bottom side, a two sides connected to the bottom side, and two ends connected to the bottom side and the sides, wherein there is at least two tubular supports for supporting a plurality of tubulars secured to the two sides adapted to support a row of tubulars and to act as a guide to allow the tubulars to be inserted upward or downward into the container, each support is made of at least two parallel upright members for slidingly receiving an end of a tubular and preventing horizontal movement of the tubulars perpendicular to the side and at least one connector is located on one end and a second connector is located on the other end.

Abstract: A wire flow rack system including a longitudinal wire, a roller wire, a roller and an optional cap. The roller wire is joined with and transverse to the longitudinal wire and includes an unsupported free end that projects beyond the longitudinal wire. The roller defines an axial bore, and is positioned on the free end so that the it is free to rotate about the roller wire. A end element, for example, a cap, can be joined with the free end to prevent the roller from disengaging the free end. The cap can be friction fit with the free end and easily, manually replaceable relative to the free end, without the use of tools.

Abstract: A modular stocker for storage and retrieval of semi-conductor wafer cassettes that minimizes system down time for repair of replacement of components. The modular stocker is comprised of a rectangular or half cylindrical enclosure formed by vertical beams secured by a plurality of horizontal joists. A pick up and transfer device for storing and retrieving semi-conductor wafer cassettes in the stocker has a linear arm and a paddle or gripper for picking up the cassettes. The linear arm and paddle or gripper are driven vertically, horizontally, and rotationally by a plurality of servo motors which are mounted on a detachable chassis that forms one side of the stocker. Quick disconnect fasteners at the corners of the chassis and bottom mounted casters allow the entire chassis with the pick up and transfer device to be disconnected and rolled out of the stocker for repair or replacement. The stocker electronics are mounted on removable panels that slide in or out of the stocker on rails.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an operational failure of a stocker for use in a semiconductor factory automation system, wherein the stocker is divided into a plurality of operational parts, includes the steps of: a) generating stocker state information representing an operational state of the stocker in response to a stocker state signal issued from the stocker; b) inspecting the stocker state information to update the operational state of the stocker previously stored; c) generating a warning signal when at least one part contained in the stocker has failed; and d) generating an audiovisual warning sign in response to the warning signal. The method can effectively provide audiovisual warning signs when the stocker has failed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing a number of objects from a first group of carriers placed one above another to a second group of the same number of carriers placed one above another, comprising a trolley which is movable in horizontal direction and which is provided with a number of pushing elements, each movable in horizontal direction above one of the carriers.