Abstract: An article transporting facility includes: a single predetermined path disposed along a plurality of article transfer locations and having a first end and a second end; a predetermined number of article transporting carriages traveling on the predetermined path; controlling means for controlling traveling of the predetermined number of article transporting carriages; wherein based on article transport request information for transporting an article from an original article transfer location to a destination article transfer location among the plurality of article transfer locations, the controlling means controls the traveling of the transporting carriages such that the controlling means selects an article transporting carriage from the plurality of article transporting carriages for causing the selected carriage to transfer the article from the original article transfer location to the destination article transfer location; and when a multiple request condition exists wherein a plurality of transport re

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a robot in operation that performs transfer between the record medium storage shelf and the input-output device, a robot on standby that stands by at a predetermined position as a reserve of the robot in operation; and a control device that controls operations of two of the robot in operation and the robot on standby. The information record medium has a bar code for identification. The robot in operation and the robot on standby individually include a read unit which has an imaging device to optically read the bar code of the information record medium. The robot on standby further includes an air spray unit which blows air to the imaging device of the robot in operation which moves relatively to a predetermined position and attitude.

Abstract: An inventory control system includes a storage module having a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit is engaged with the track for selective movement along the track. An inventory control unit is associated with the storage module and has a user interface, a processor, a memory, and a mechanism for inputting object information, including storage unit placement. The processor receives the object information from the inputting mechanism, and stores the object information in the memory for user access therefrom via the user interface.

Abstract: An article transport facility includes a plurality of mobile bodies movable along a single track for transporting articles, and a control device for controlling movement of the mobile bodies. The control device is capable of executing a joint moving operation for moving the mobile bodies in combination. In this operation, a first mobile body which is one of the mobile bodies pushes a second mobile body which is another of the mobile bodies.

Abstract: A position and a speed of a stacker crane, and a position and a speed of an elevation frame are inputted to a clean room controller to correct an amount of supplied clean air, and an amount of discharged air around the stacker crane.

Abstract: A depot or a storage facility for a plurality of material rolls, which rolls are intended for further processing in a processing machine, includes two outer shelving blocks in addition to at least one inner shelving block that is situated between the two outer shelving blocks. A storage location of the inner shelving block can be loaded or unloaded by a retrieval device which can access the shelving block from both longitudinal sides of the shelving block.

Abstract: A system and method for determining relative positions of robots constrained to move along a common axis of motion, where a controller of the system has no prior knowledge of the relative positions. The robots are ordered to move in defined directions and distances and report their ability to move in the desired directions. From this information, a controller of the system can determine their relative positions.

Abstract: It is disclosed: a method and a work station (28; 28?, 28?; 28??) for order-picking and, simultaneously, packing articles onto a shipping support (54), comprising: at least one rack (12; 14), which is divided into at least one rack plane (16) respectively comprising a plurality of rack positions for storing load supports, wherein the articles to be picked are stored preferably in or on the load supports in rack positions; at least one vertical lift unit (18; 20) arranged adjacently to a longitudinal side of the rack (12) and being adapted to retrieve load supports from such rack positions being adjacent to the lift unit (20); and at least a packing station (42; 42?), which is arranged within an immediate area (62) of the lift unit (20).

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for individually positioning first and second input links of a four-bar linkage to move first and second follower links pivotally joined therebetween in order to move a chuck supported by one of the follower links between a retracted position and an extended position.

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 storage and retrieval system that includes a track assembly and a carrier defining a support surface configured to support a product stored by the storage and retrieval system. The carrier includes a guide member rotatable with respect to the support surface from a first position to a second position such that the carrier is movable in a first direction when the guide member is in the first position and the carrier is movable in a second direction when the guide member is in the second position. The track assembly includes a track member coupled to the guide member. The track member is selectively rotatable from a first orientation to a second orientation such that the carrier is movable in the first direction when the track member is in the first orientation and the carrier is movable in the second direction when the track member is in the second orientation.

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: Operation of a supply chain having a number of workstation that process items supported by pallets is managed using a sub-central controller, a number of pallet devices, each associated with a pallet, and one or more workstation devices, each associated with a workstation. A workstation device is operable to communicate with the pallet devices to acquire pallet information and to process the pallet information based upon rules provided by the sub-central controller. The workstation device acts on the processed pallet information to modify the operation of the supply chain. A central controller may be used to coordinate activities of multiple sub-central controllers.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of items wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which storage units are stored in vertically oriented cells with each storage unit being stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a storage unit 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: Cartridge-handling apparatus for a media storage system comprising a lift assembly having at least one guide track aligned along a first displacement path in the media storage system. A carriage having a transfer shaft aligned along a second displacement path in the media storage system. The transfer shaft operatively associated with the at least one guide track of the lift assembly for moving the carriage along the at least one guide track through the first displacement path. A picker slidably mounted on the carriage to the transfer shaft. The picker moving with the carriage through the first displacement path, and the picker moving on the transfer shaft through the second displacement path.

Abstract: A learning marker configured such that one of learning horizontal distance information and learning vertical distance information can be learned based on detection information from a horizontal travel distance detection device or a vertical travel distance detection device upon detection of at least one edge section of the learning marker in one direction of a horizontal travel direction and a vertical travel direction of a transfer means by a learning marker detector for detecting the learning marker, and the other of the learning horizontal distance information and learning vertical distance information can be learned based on detection information from the horizontal travel distance detection device or the vertical travel distance detection device upon detection of each of both edge sections of the learning marker in the one direction by the learning marker detector.

Abstract: The invention provides an incubator 1 wherein a microplate transport device 5 is disposed inside a chamber 11 centrally thereof. The transport device 5 comprises a transport table 50 for placing a microplate thereon and is capable of driving the table 50 along the directions of three axes, i.e., X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. A plurality of stackers 3 are arranged in the direction of Y-axis at each of opposite sides of the transport device 5 along the direction of X-axis. Each of the stackers 3 has a plurality of microplate accommodating portions arranged in the direction of Z-axis. The microplate is movable into or out of the desired accommodating portion by the transport device 5.

Abstract: A safety system for online servicing of a media library is provided, wherein the library comprises a plurality of media storage cells and at least one media picker robot that moves along the media storage cells, and wherein the library is contained within an enclosure having at least one access means. The safety system detects whether the access means in the enclosure is open or closed and operates the robot in the media library in one of two corresponding modes. If the access means is closed, the robot operates in a normal mode at a first specified speed. If the access means is open, the robot operates in a safe mode at a second specified speed that is slower than the first speed of the normal mode. In another embodiment, while in safe mode, the picker robot is excluded from moving within a restricted zone in the library.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shelf stacking machine for stocking and removing paper reels, especially in the printing industry. The shelf stacking machine can be driven in a lane with storage places at both sides. Said storage places receive paper reels which are stacked one on top of the other or behind each other in the direction of the lane. The shelf stacking machine is provided with a receptacle for a paper reel. Said receptacle is formed by a fork which can be height-adjustably pivoted around a horizontal axle. The fork is provided with measuring devices which detect the load of the received paper reel. The measuring devices supply the detected measured data via a control device to an actuator which is coupled to the fork movement-wise and which height-adjustably pivots the fork into the horizontal position according to the measured data. The actuator holds the fork in said horizontal position during paper reel transport.

Abstract: A method, system, and storage medium for facilitating a transport scheme in an automated material handling system environment are provided. The method includes detecting an occurrence of a trigger event while monitoring production operations in an automated material handling system environment, identifying a materials candidate to purge from a production line in response to the trigger event, production data captured relating to the materials candidate, and user-defined criteria for purging materials from the production line. The method also includes selecting a disposition plan for handling the materials candidate, generating a transport process job for the materials candidate for instructing the automated material handling system on executing the disposition plan, and transmitting the transport process job to the automated material handling system for execution.

Abstract: A dynamic material picking method for a warehouse system. The original materials picking list can be divided effectively and be combined or assigned as a new materials picking list. The picking operation is adjustable in response to any new order such that the loading of the picking staff is down and the job assignments are optimized.

Abstract: The positioning of a robot accessor in an automated data storage library is rezeroed with respect to a home position which potentially avoids moving the robot accessor to the home position in every rezero operation. The robot accessor is moved to the expected location of a reference point in the library. If the reference point is sensed by a robot accessor sensor at substantially the expected location, the rezero operation is completed; else, the rezero operation is continued. Alternatively, if there is an offset between the sensed location of the reference point and the expected location, the robot accessor is moved to a second expected location of a second reference point. If the offsets are consistent, the calibration is updated, completing the rezero operation.

Abstract: A data storage library is disclosed that provides a variable sized load/unload area within the library. The data storage library includes a housing defining an exterior and an interior region, storage slots disposed in the interior region for storing data cartridges, a barrier door, a front door, and a controller. The barrier door has a closed position for dividing the interior region into a first interior region and a second interior region. Thus, the interior region is divided into two regions when the barrier door is closed. The controller closes the barrier door prior to the front door being opened, and opens the barrier door after the front door is closed. Thus, access is permitted to only the first interior region from the exterior region when the front door is opened. The first interior region is sized to permit a user to entirely physically enter the first interior region.

Abstract: A method packs input rectangles into a target rectangle. The rectangles are permuted into one or more an ordered list according to dimensions of the rectangles, e.g., width, height, perimeter, and area. The rectangles are then marked as unaccepted. A next unaccepted rectangle is selected from the ordered list beginning with a first rectangle in the list. Accepting the next rectangle if it is the last unaccepted rectangles, and otherwise, accepting the next rectangle with a probability p, and marking the next rectangle as accepted, and repeating the steps until all rectangles have been accepted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for picking articles situated on retrieval pallets (38) in a pallet rack (52), characterized by a vehicle (10) capable of travelling along the picking front of the pallet rack (52) and having a first lifting device (14) with a height-adjustable picker-carrying device (26) for the picker (18) and having a second lifting device (16) with a height-adjustable pallet-carrying device (28) for an order pallet (20), wherein the picker-carrying device and the pallet-carrying device are positionable heightwise relative to the respective retrieval position independently of one another. The picker situated on the picker-carrying device may therefore be transported along the picking front by means of the vehicle. The two independently operating lifting devices of the vehicles make it possible to achieve the, in each case, ergonomically most advantageous retrieval height and delivery height for the picker-carrying device and the pallet-carrying device respectively.

Abstract: A method for scaling a media storage library is provided, wherein the library comprises a plurality of media storage cells and at least one media picker robot. The method comprises connecting a new physical component to a section of the library. Examples of new components include additional robots, storage cell arrays, media players, as well as connecting a second adjacent library by means of a pass-through mechanism. Control software integrates this new physical component into the function of the library by auditing the content and function of the new component. During the connection and functional integration of the new component, the rest of the library continues its current operations. The method may further comprise defining at least one work zone within the library, wherein robots do not enter the work zone but continue to operate in other areas of the library.

Abstract: A configuration for treating wafers in at least one clean room includes a configuration of production units and measuring units that receive wafers via a transport system for transporting cassettes. Several functionally allocated production units and/or measuring units are combined to form a manufacturing cell which is provided with a loading and unloading station for receiving and forwarding cassettes with wafers. Individual wafers can be supplied to the production units and/or measuring units within the manufacturing cell in order to be treated.

Abstract: An automated data library system includes a data library housing drive clusters. The drive clusters include drive arrays of disk drives. The drive clusters are statically mounted within the data library and are not powered when not in use. The system includes a robotic librarian operable for moving about the data library to locate, engage, and access a desired drive cluster. The robotic librarian includes its own power source for providing power to the desired drive cluster in order to enable operation of the desired drive cluster. The robotic librarian further includes a cooling device for cooling off desired drive cluster while the drive cluster is operating. The robotic librarian further includes a writer and a reader for writing data to and reading data from the disk drives of the desired drive cluster using the connection while the desired drive cluster is operating.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval apparatus including a robotic device capable of gripping items stored in the apparatus and delivering the item to a separate, proximate instrument. The items to be stored are loaded from the outside of the apparatus at each face of the hexagonal or octagonal shaped storage carousel. The storage carousel, which can be manually rotated, is mounted on a stationary base, both structures including a hollow core. The robotic device includes slider bars within the core of the apparatus and is rotatable about the central axis of the apparatus. The robotic device is capable of translating vertically, telescoping horizontally, rotating and gripping an item stored at a desired location within the storage carousel. Upon retrieval of a desired item, the robotic device will proceed to retract and translate downward to an aperture within the base. The item is transferred to an adjacent instrument through the aperture using the telescopic arm of the robotic device.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a storage and retrieval system for product held in containers is provided. The apparatus includes multiple, parallel spaced-apart support members (41) defining a plurality of rows (20), each adapted to support a base of a plurality of containers thereby forming a container store. One or more conveying means (44) is engageable with containers in a row (20) to transport the containers longitudinally within that row, the conveying means (44) movable transverse and below the rows. One or more loading means (45) is movable transverse to the rows (20) along an end of the rows to enable loading of one or more containers into a selected row. A computer control system automatically controls operation of the loading means and conveying means. The loading means (45) may include a transfer conveyor (49) extending beneath at least a portion of said rows and moveable transverse to said rows below said rows.

Abstract: A storage system for receiving, delivering and storing items, e.g. mail items, to be distributed. Items are stored in a flexible manner allowing sufficient space to be allocated to each item while ensuring that the total available space is utilised in an optimal manner. Items may be carried on trays. The size of the items is determined in order to allocate the correct amount of space. Items may be repositioned during non-operational periods in order to reduce time consumed during delivery of items from the system. Further, methods for receiving and delivering items to/from the system. A payment system is provided.

Abstract: A part housing or extracting apparatus is here disclosed which comprises a housing shelf which has a plurality of cylindrical bodies coaxially laminated in a vertical direction and equipped with at least one stage of a part housing unit the peripheral edge of which is partitioned into many columns so that the outer peripheral edge surface of the part housing unit may be opened, the respective cylindrical bodies being independently rotatable; at least one part housing or conveying means which has first part holding means disposed opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the housing shelf so that the part held by the first part holding means may be conveyed to a predetermined part housing unit and then housed therein; and at least one part extracting or conveying means which has second part holding means disposed opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the housing shelf so that the part housed in the predetermined part housing unit may be held and extracted by the second part housing means and then conve

Abstract: An automated storage library structure, a structure of at least one robot operating within the automated storage library, and a method of connecting the robot to test equipment to facilitate testing. The robot is operative to move about the automated storage library on a guide structure. The test equipment is disposed in a diagnostics center associated with the automated storage library. Communication between the robot and the diagnostics center is provided through a main connector, disposed adjacent to the guide structure at a predetermined position and electrically connected to the diagnostics center, and a test connector mounted on the robot's chassis and electrically connected to the robot's electronics. A second robot may be used to support testing of a sick robot.

Abstract: Described herein is an oscillating-drawer device for loading and unloading tools into/from the tool magazine of a machine-tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides removable-unit storage modules, which can be combined into a network. The storage modules comprise storage cells arranged in a rule based structured configuration, and robotic hands to which move along tracks in order to retrieve objects from the storage cells. In one embodiment, the storage cells are used to contain data storage units. Several modules can be combined into a network by means of bridge tracks which connect the tracks of different modules, allowing the robotic hands to move between modules. The bridge tracks can be dynamically connected and disconnected from the modules, allowing the network configuration to change according to user needs. The individual modules are mobile and can be transported to other locations and connected with other removable-unit storage networks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for picking articles situated in a rack storage unit, comprising a plurality of parallel rack rows (60, 62, 63) for the storage of articles situated on retrieval pallets (38) and/or in containers (80), storage aisles (70) and picking aisles (72) formed alternately between the rack rows (60, 62, 63), at least one storage vehicle (56) in each storage aisle (70), which vehicle is designed to accommodate at least one retrieval pallet (38) and/or container (80) and is capable of travelling along each storage aisle (70) to place the retrieval pallets and/or containers into storage in the pallet racks, at least one picker vehicle (10) in each picking aisle (72) for picking the articles to be picked, which is capable of travelling along in each case one of the two mutually opposing picking fronts forming the picking aisle (72), buffer locations (64), which are disposed in the picking aisles (72) between the routes of the picker vehicles (10) travelling along the two opposing picking

Abstract: A self-service kiosk having a walk-in enclosure, interactive selection panel, multi-section inventory storage area for dispensing items and accepting returns. User selections are entered via instructions entered at an interactive panel containing a selection menu of graphical icons and messages. A programmable controller monitors entered identification data and payments to control the dispensing and return of selected items from assigned storage locations via X-Y-Z track driven, transfer and end effect assemblies. Associated software manages payment transactions via a bill receiver, coin changer, credit card verifier, and receipt printer and develops associated administrative inventory status reports. One end effect includes a hook that interconnects to storage trays. The end effect extends and retracts the trays onto a support platform and conveys the trays and items back and forth from the storage space.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus and program which enables the automation of the carrying of a lot or lots of special purpose wafers between stockers and to achieve high speed processing while suppressing an increase in storage volume. The carrying control system includes stockers for storing therein special purpose lot or lots comprising wafers which will not be processed in production facilities, or said special purpose lot or lots and usual lot or lots comprising wafers which will be processed by production facilities and a carrying host computer for controlling automatic carrying of lot or lots in carrying facilities.

Abstract: A “hot spare” method for facilitating the seamless transition from a failed robotic mechanism to backup unit is provided. A spare robot is located inside a storage library on a section of rail (robotic track) from which it can be utilized on any rail layer in a multi-layer architecture. In one embodiment of the present invention, a motorized elevator assembly is used to transport the spare robot to the proper library level, which allows a single redundant robot to support multiple robots on multiple library rail levels. In another embodiment, a hot spare robot is used on each rail level and is utilized if needed on that particular level. In both embodiments, the spare robots are available for immediate backup without direct user intervention.

Abstract: A media storage library using a horizontal cell array structure is provided. The library comprises an enclosure containing at least one horizontal array of storage cells and at least one picker robot that can move horizontally over the cell array by means of guide rails. Multiple horizontal cell arrays may be stacked vertically in separate rows, wherein the space between the rows is limited by the vertical height of the picker robot. The horizontal arrays may slide horizontally out of the library enclosure, creating an access pathway for human operators. In addition, multiple horizontal arrays may be arranged end to end within each row.

Abstract: A robotic containerization and palletizing system having a multiple-fingered end effector. The system includes a frame that defines one or more cells. Each cell has one gantry-type robot, which is mounted in a set of tracks on top of the frame. The robot is movable along two axes and has an arm to which the end effector is mounted. The end effector is designed to grasp trays, tubs, and similar items from a conveyor system running through the cell and load them in a cart or on a pallet. The items are gripped by two sets of fingers. One set of fingers may be mounted to a first plate and another set of fingers may be mounted to a carriage that moves in a horizontal direction, either toward or away from the first set of fingers. Each finger has a main shaft and a bent tip. The shafts are rotatable such that the tips can be moved underneath or out from under a load, depending upon whether a pick-up or drop-off operation is being performed.

Abstract: A wafer management system has a first stationary wafer storage system (100) with a first buffer (110) for storing a plurality of wafers in slots, a first load-and-unload station (115) for transferring the wafers between the first buffer (110) and intra-bay pods (120, 130) assigned to a first bay (160), and a second load-and-unload station (184) for transferring wafers between the first buffer (110) and further pods (520, 530). The storage system (100) and the bay (160) form a single unit. Multiple units are linked together by tracks (500).

Abstract: A system and a method for moving cartridges between individual cartridge libraries of a multi-library system. The system includes one or more transport robots operating on one or more guide structures. The transport robots carry the cartridges independently of all individual libraries, except the sending and receiving libraries. Load ports at each library transfer the cartridges between the transport robots and the library's robotic arm. The load ports can also hold the cartridges allowing for asynchronous operations between the transport robots and sending/receiving libraries. The guide structures may be routed through one, two or all three dimensions allowing individual library placements to account for walls, columns, floors, ceilings, and other physical obstacles. One or more controllers may be included to coordinate transport robot and cartridge movement.

Abstract: A transfer rack 15 loaded with a seriate number of component supply cassettes 14 to be handled collectively is carried and retained on a truck 61 so that it can be taken in and out of the truck 61. The transfer rack 15 is passed between the truck 61 and a component supply section 8. Thus, the withdrawal of the transfer rack 15 from the component supply section 8 to the truck 61 and the delivery of the transfer rack 15 to the component supply section 8 are executed in a timely manner so as to change the component supply cassettes 14 at the component supply section 8. The transfer rack 15 delivered to the component supply section 8 is positioned by operating an automatic positioning means at the component supply section 8 in a direction in which it is loaded and unloaded and in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which it is loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system. In a preferred embodiment, the data storage and retrieval system includes a polygonal array of cells that are inwardly disposed with openings configured to receive data storage units. A first robot unit to transport a data storage unit to and from the polygonal array of cells is located within the polygonal array of cells. A second robot unit is also located within the polygonal array of cells to transport a data storage unit to and from the polygonal array of cells. The second robot unit manipulates the data storage units placed in the cylindrical array of cells independently of the first robot unit.

Abstract: A knurled wheel is coupled to a sensor mounted to one mast member and the wheel is forced into another mast member so that the wheel/sensor rotate upon mast movement. The sensor generates signals, corresponding to mast movement, which are processed conventionally to determine mast height, etc. The knurled wheel forms a track on the contacted mast member and the knurl engages the track. The wheel can be forced into the mast member with a force of six to nine pounds. To enhance the versatility of the mast height sensing device, the thickness of the wheel can be made less than ⅛ inch, for example {fraction (1/16)} inch. The sensor can be an encoder or a sensor bearing and a heater can be provided for operation in cold environments to ensure rotation of the sensor under such conditions.

Abstract: An autonomous remote controlled vehicle for use in the automation of an existing refrigerated flow through storage facility food processing application. The remote vehicle is specifically designed to operate within a network of centrally controlled remote vehicles that are adapted to receive selectable items from production and temporarily store them for later retrieval. The system is adapted to minimize travel time for the remote vehicle and optimize cycle time. The system is specifically adapted to handle cardboard shipping boxes containing meat products.

Abstract: A control system for transferring and buffering material in a material transport system. A transport system and method for moving an article between a conveyor and a workstation. A robot works in conjunction with transportation buffer control system to move Pods between storage shelves, load ports and I/O ports without intervention of the material handling controller. The robots include vertical movement mechanisms and horizontal movement mechanisms together with gripping devices to handle the Pods. Movement of Pods between storage shelves, load ports and I/O ports is seen as a single activity by the material control system.

Abstract: The library apparatus of the present invention includes a cell unit having a plurality of cells which are configured to accept cartridges for accommodating storage media. The library apparatus also includes a drive unit for writing and reading to the storage media, and an accessor robot for transferring cartridges between the cell unit and the drive unit. A flat cable connects from a reference position to the accessor robot with a connecting mechanism. The flat cable winds around a cable drum, and an arm rotatably supports the cable drum. A wire rope and the arm are arranged to keep tension on the flat cable. The connecting mechanism and cable drum are constructed and arranged to prevent damage to the flat cable by preventing the flat cable from deviating towards either end of the cable drum.

Abstract: An easily installed inter-row transfer unit is disclosed employing a movable cartridge bin assembly suspended via linkage from a pair of bearing blocks, wherein the resulting bin assembly carriage travels horizontally along a support housing extending between front-to-back arrangements of rows of library systems, to enable expansion of the library systems into very large mass storage systems. The pair of bearing blocks of the bin assembly carriage are spread or closed to respectively raise or lower the bin assembly from or into a respective library system. Thus, vertical as well as horizontal motions of the bearing blocks are controlled by a motor/cable drum drive device secured to the support housing. In a preferred embodiment, a trapdoor mechanism and a cooperating roller support mechanism are used to enable reversing the direction of horizontal translation of the bin assembly carriage with a single motor/cable drum drive device. Various other embodiments and modifications are illustrated.