Abstract: A staircase area at which a staircase is installed across a first floor and a second floor is provided in a building. A part of the staircase area is a non-installation space in which a staircase is not installed, and a lifting space through which a transport robot moves up and down between the first floor and the second floor is provided using the non-installation space. The lifting space and a staircase hall having a spandrel wall there between are adjacent to each other the second floor. An opening through which the transport robot moves between the lifting space and the staircase hall is provided in the spandrel wall.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes at least one container handling vehicle, a horizontal rail system for the container handling vehicle to run on, and a charging station for recharging a replaceable power source of the container handling vehicle. The container handling vehicle includes a power supply compartment for accommodating a replaceable power supply when the container handling vehicle is in use. The charging station includes one or more charging racks. Each charging rack provides a column of charging positions for recharging replaceable power supplies and each charging position is configured to accommodate a replaceable power supply during a recharging process. The charging station includes an automated loader including a power supply support. The automated loader is arranged to move vertically and horizontally for exchanging and transporting a replaceable power supply between the charging rack and the power supply compartment of the container handling vehicle.

Abstract: There are disclosed a picking method (100) as well as an automated storage system (12) including a high-temperature zone and a low-temperature zone. The storage system comprises: at least one rack (30) including several rack levels (36) on top of each other and an aisle (32) laterally adjacent to the rack (30); a plurality of shuttle (50) in the aisle for storing and retrieving storage goods (70) in and from storage locations (42) of the at least one rack (30) and for horizontally transporting the storage goods (70); a stationary lifter (16) for vertically transporting the storage goods (70); and a tub (34) defining the low-temperature zone (52); wherein, in a height region of at least one of the rack levels (36), the tub (34): encloses, in a circumferentially closed manner, a group of contiguous storage locations (42) and the lifter (16); encloses closed downwards the group of contiguous storage locations (42); encloses closed, or closable, downwards the lifter (16); and is open upwards.

Abstract: A lift structure of a rack storage system including a pair of vertical post, a pair of guide rail portions stacked one on top of the other, a mounting brace, and a mounting platform attached to the pair of vertical post. The mounting brace includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust an alignment between the pair of guide rail portions fastened together by a clamping plate. A load handling station is secured to the mounting platform to support loads transported to and from the rack storage system, wherein the load handling station is located by locating a position of the mounting platform.

Abstract: A rack storage system has two storage racks, a rack aisle therebetween, a loading good manipulation unit with a buffer device for buffering loading goods, and a loading good lifting device for storing and/or retrieving loading goods. The lifting device includes a vertical mast having a lifting guide, a lifting drive having a drive station and a traction device drive, and a lifting frame mounted on the guide and vertically movable using the lifting drive. The frame is connected to the traction device drive and includes a transport device. Furthermore, the system has an automated storage and retrieval unit displaceable in the aisle on guide tracks on the racks, and a conveying system adjoined to the manipulation unit. The frame is arranged on a mast side facing away from the aisle. The drive station with the drive motor located inside the aisle is arranged on a mast side facing the aisle.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for dynamically retrieving objects are disclosed herein. In one example, a retrieval apparatus is provided. The example retrieval apparatus comprises: at least one moveable arm mechanism configured to engage a surface of at least one of a plurality of objects; at least one sensing element configured to obtain sensor data describing locations and characteristics of the plurality of objects as the retrieval apparatus traverses an environment associated with the plurality of objects; and a controller component in electronic communication with the at least one arm mechanism and the at least one sensing element, wherein the controller component is configured to modify operational data based at least in part on the sensor data.

Abstract: A storage system includes: a storage device including a shelf, wherein the shelf includes at least two layers of article platforms; an article transport device, configured to access the articles on the article platforms; and a lifting drive mechanism disposed on the storage device and configured to have a power connection state with the article transport device to drive the article transport device to lift up or down along the shelf in the power connection state.

Abstract: A storage arrangement having multiple storage racks, a storage buffer device for interim buffering of a load during storage, a retrieval buffer device for interim buffering of a load during retrieval, and storage and retrieval devices for servicing the storage places of the storage racks is provided. The storage arrangement additionally comprises a storage vertical conveying device having multiple storage transport platforms and a retrieval vertical conveying device having multiple retrieval transport platforms. A storage conveying system is connected to the storage vertical conveying device, and a retrieval conveying system is connected to the retrieval vertical conveying device. A control system ensures that the storage transport platforms and the retrieval transport platforms are moved independently of one another. In addition, an order-picking system with a storage arrangement of the above-mentioned type and a method for operating the storage arrangement are provided.

Abstract: In a cell with linked horizontal machining centers, each with two swivel arms for manipulating and changing pallets, which can be conveyed to and from a support in a conveying direction, each horizontal machining center is assigned at least one multi-storey pallet rack which is offset in the conveying direction relative to the front side and in which a pallet through-path is provided, and at least one rack storage and retrieval device with a lifting function transverse to the conveying direction is moveable at least between the pallet racks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for under-floor storage include a robotic retrieval system. The robotic retrieval system includes a robot disposed under an upper floor. The robot may retrieve and deposit objects in a space under the upper floor. A portal provides access to the space from above the upper floor. Objects are stored in locations within the space. The robot selectively locates and retrieves the objects.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multilayer circuit board manufacturing apparatus. The present disclosure includes: uncoiler configured to provide a member; a process unit configured to perform a process on the member provided from the uncoiler; a recoiler configured to wind the member on which the process is completed in the process unit; and a tension adjustment unit which is located in at least one of the uncoiler, the recoiler, a region between the uncoiler and the process unit, and a region between the process unit and the recoiler, and adjusts tension of the member.

Abstract: The transport system has a transport vehicle. The transport vehicle includes two racks, each of the two racks being configured to accommodate a plurality of boxes, and a drive arm that is disposed at a position between the two racks and that moves each of the boxes in and out of each of the racks. The transport vehicle moves each of the boxes in and out of each of the two racks by changing an orientation of the drive arm.

Abstract: A tray-type component supply device includes a device main body, a magazine configured to be detachably held by the device main body and to accommodate multiple trays in each of which multiple components are arranged vertically, a shuttle mechanism configured to draw any of the trays from the magazine to enable the components to be supplied, a lifting/lowering mechanism configured to move the magazine or the shuttle mechanism up and down to select a tray to be drawn by the shuttle mechanism, and an automatic exchange section configured to exchange the magazine to be collected from the device main body and the magazine to be provided to the device main body.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated storage and retrieval system includes transferring a first item storage container from an aisle to a first region of a first storage location, positioning a second item storage container in the aisle proximate the first item storage container, interlocking the second item storage container to the first item storage container by engaging a releasable coupling structure extending there between, and applying, in a first direction transverse to the aisle, a force to the second item storage container sufficient in magnitude and duration to cause the first item storage container to occupy the second region of the first storage location and the second item storage container to occupy the first region of the first storage location, whereby the first and second item storage containers remain interlocked while in the first storage location.

Abstract: A shoe organizer unit, a method of using a shoe organizer unit, and a method for storing shoes in a plurality of shoe storing shelves of a shoe organizer unit are described. The shoe organizer unit includes a plurality of shoe storing shelves adapted to store shoes therein. A plurality of linear actuators moves the plurality of shoe storing shelves in a path within a cabinet.; A controller manages operation of the linear actuators to move the shoes along the path. Transparent panels secure the shoes within the cabinet. Secure storage and retrieval of the shoes is controlled by electronics including a keypad, a push button and a shoe shelf identification code card printer. The shoe organizer unit provides for sterilization of the shoes stored and secure storing and retrieval of the shoes.

Abstract: The traveling unit main body and the accommodation unit are adapted to be uncoupled and re-coupled. The traveling unit main body includes a first driving unit and a second driving unit configured to perform at least one of operations of taking out or storing the article from or in the accommodation unit and transporting the article taken out from the accommodation unit. The traveling unit main body performs at least one of the operations of taking out, storing, and transporting the article using the first driving unit and the second driving unit in a state in which the traveling unit main body and the accommodation unit are uncoupled.

Abstract: A palletizing elevator is provided that lowers gradually a pallet thereon from an upper level as it is filled with products, and by providing an empty pallet infeed system that moves empty pallets towards the palletizing elevator simultaneously to the palletizing of products thereon. The empty pallet infeed system includes an empty pallet elevator for raising empty pallets to the upper level and a conveying system between the empty pallet elevator and the palletizing elevator for moving the empty pallets of from the empty pallet elevator at the upper level to the palletizing elevator while a pallet is moved by the palletizing elevator during its filling.

Abstract: A shoe organizer unit, a method of using a shoe organizer unit, and a method for storing shoes in a plurality of shoe storing shelves of a shoe organizer unit are described. The shoe organizer unit includes a plurality of shoe storing shelves adapted to store shoes therein. A plurality of linear actuators moves the plurality of shoe storing shelves in a path within a cabinet. A controller manages operation of the linear actuators to move the shoes along the path. Transparent panels secure the shoes within the cabinet. Secure storage and retrieval of the shoes is controlled by electronics including a keypad, a push button and a shoe shelf identification code card printer. The shoe organizer unit provides for sterilization of the shoes stored and secure storing and retrieval of the shoes.

Abstract: A method includes disposing, by using a transport module of a workpiece storage system, a first workpiece on a first workpiece carrier; disposing, by using the transport module, the first workpiece carrier with the first workpiece in a workpiece container; disposing, by using the transport module, a second workpiece in the workpiece container, wherein the first workpiece and the second workpiece have different sizes; and transferring, by using the transport module, the workpiece container containing the second workpiece and the first workpiece carrier with the first workpiece to a stocker to store the workpiece container.

Abstract: A computer program product for acclimating at least one electronic data storage library component for insertion or removal from an electronic data storage library, the computer program product comprising: one or more computer readable storage media, and program instructions collectively stored on the one or more computer readable storage media. The program instructions include program instructions to insert at least one data storage library component into an acclimation device; to monitor at least one environmental condition within the acclimation device; to determine if the at least one environmental condition within the acclimation device meets a predetermined threshold; to adjust the at least one environmental condition within the acclimation device; and to remove the at least one electronic data storage library component from the acclimation device in response to determining that the at least one environmental condition within the acclimation device meets the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A picking system is realized that can efficiently perform operations from collection to delivery of articles in a limited space. A picking system (1) includes: a multi-row sorting device (2) configured to sort the article into one of the plurality of rows of exits (21) and discharge the sorted article; a container supporting device (3) capable of supporting an accommodating container (B) on a plurality of rows of container supporting portions (32) until an article group that is a set of articles for the order is collected; and a transport device (4) configured to unload the accommodating container (B) in which the article is accommodated from the container supporting portion (32), and load an empty accommodating container (B) to the container supporting portion (32).

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed configured to charge an electrical vehicle. A charge request is received for a first electrical vehicle parked at a first parking spot. A battery charging device is connected to a first head unit comprising a first charging cable located in proximity to the first parking spot. A charge request is received for a second electrical vehicle parked at a second parking spot. A determination is made as whether the first electrical vehicle is no longer being charged, and in response to determining that the first electrical vehicle is no longer being charged, the battery charging device is disconnected from the first head unit and is connected to a second head unit comprising a second charging cable located in proximity to the second parking spot.

Abstract: A volumetric, building unit including a support frame having a plurality of support frame members, a plurality of modular interior wall units, a plurality of modular interior ceiling units and a plurality of modular floor units and wherein the spaced apart coupling between the support frame and the interior walls and interior ceiling provides flexibility between the support frame and the interior wall and interior ceiling, so that the deformation of the support frame within a predetermined range is not transmitted to the interior wall and/or interior ceiling. Disclosed also a method for manufacturing a building unit and a modular building.

Abstract: A modular dynamic building system includes a superstructure and a container. The superstructure includes: a plurality of columns; a plurality of beams connected to the columns to form an opening into the superstructure; and a plurality of tracks connected to the superstructure and in the opening. The container includes an opening in one side thereof and a plurality of wheels connected to a bottom surface of the container. The wheels of the container are on the tracks of the superstructure, and the opening in the container faces into the superstructure.

Abstract: A modular facility formation system includes any number of modules that may be coupled to one another to create a facility. Walls of the facility may be provided by one or more removeable walls, the walls of a shipping container, or a combination thereof. When installed within a shipping container, upper and lower braces are pressure fit into the shipping container without penetrating the container. The lower braces are configured to engage guidance mechanisms of the modules to guide the modules into a stowage position within the shipping container and to secure the modules in place. The modules may be configured with a pre-determined internal configuration corresponding to a defined function of the room within the facility.

Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of controlling material flow can be used to streamline order fulfillment processes. For example, according to some embodiments described herein, the inventory capacity of a mobile robot field is enhanced by vertically expanding the storage space that is readily accessible by mobile robots that facilitate an order sortation process. In result, the handling of inventoried items is reduced, and the efficiency of order fulfillment processes is increased.

Abstract: A shuttle vehicle is provided for transporting stored goods in a shelving system. The shuttle vehicle includes a running gear having wheels mounted thereon in order to move the shuttle vehicle along guide rails of the shelving system. A telescopic system is movably guided at the running gear, which can be retracted and extended relative to the running gear in a plane in a self-supporting manner on both sides of the running gear A lifting system is provided for raising and lowering the telescopic system relative to the guide rails of the shelving system. A shelving system is also provided which uses the shuttle system.

Abstract: A manufacturing system manufactures a rotating assembly by attaching a plurality of attached target members in a circumferential direction of a rotating main body portion. A storage member capable of storing the plurality of attached target members is placed on a stand. A measurement device measures a physical amount of the attached target member An attachment device attaches one attached target member to a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the rotating main body portion based on the physical amount measured by the measurement device A transfer device transfers the attached target member.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous transport vehicle, a transfer deck that defines a transport surface for the vehicle, at least one reciprocating lift, a first and second pickface interface station connected to the deck and spaced apart from each other, each station forming a pickface transfer interfacing between the vehicle on the deck and the lift at each station so that a pickface is transferred between the lift and the vehicle at each station, wherein the vehicle is configured to pick a first pickface at the first station, traverse the deck and buffer the first pickface, or at least a portion thereof, at the second station so that the second station has multiple pickfaces buffered on a common support in an order sequence of pickfaces according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed case pickfaces.

Abstract: A multi-story building (200) is described for manufactured homes (212) such as container homes. The building (200) includes a ground floor (202), a number of intermediate floors (204), and a top floor (206). The building (200) includes a throughway (208) on the ground floor (202) that allows passage of a transportation vehicle (210) such as a flatbed truck carrying a manufactured home (212). The transportation vehicle (210) can use the throughway (208) to position the manufactured home (212) in alignment with a hoistway (214). A hoist mounted on the roof (216) can then be used to hoist the home (212) to a desired floor (204 or 206).

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed configured to charge an electrical vehicle. A charge request is received for a first electrical vehicle parked at a first parking spot. A battery charging device is connected to a first head unit comprising a first charging cable located in proximity to the first parking spot. A charge request is received for a second electrical vehicle parked at a second parking spot. A determination is made as whether the first electrical vehicle is no longer being charged, and in response to determining that the first electrical vehicle is no longer being charged, the battery charging device is disconnected from the first head unit and is connected to a second head unit comprising a second charging cable located in proximity to the second parking spot.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers includes a transporter that moves containers along a transport direction, a displacer, and a treatment device with two treatment positions. The displacer has three arms that move transverse to the transport direction. The arms are driven independently such that two of the three arms contact bearing points on opposite sides of a container. These two arms move synchronously to displace the container between the transporter and one of the treatment positions.

Abstract: A conveyor tunnel oven incorporating a baking case opened by longitudinal and oppositely longitudinal food passage ports; a first conveyor extending through the at least baking case, the first conveyor being adapted for carrying the food item therethrough, a second conveyor supported at the oppositely longitudinal end of the baking case, the second conveyor being adapted for carrying the food item longitudinally toward or away from the food passage port; a third conveyor carried by the second conveyor, the third conveyor being adapted for carrying the food item laterally toward or away from the food passage port; a fourth conveyor carried by the third conveyor, the fourth conveyor being adapted for orbiting the food item; and a fifth conveyor carried by the fourth conveyor, the fifth conveyor having food item engaging arms and being adapted for moving the food item upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: There is provided a conveyance system that conveys a workpiece to each of plural processing apparatuses. The conveyance system includes a conveyance passage, an automated workpiece conveying vehicle that travels on the conveyance passage, a stock unit, and a control unit. The conveyance passage is set in a space directly above the processing apparatus across the plural processing apparatus. The stock unit includes a placement base on which a workpiece stocker capable of housing plural workpieces is placed, two temporary putting bases on which the workpiece carried out from the workpiece stocker on the placement base is temporarily put, a temporary putting base movement part that moves the two temporary putting bases in such a manner as to interchange the two temporary putting bases between a first position that faces the placement base and a second position adjacent to the first position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated storage and retrieval system includes transferring a first item storage container from an aisle to a first region of a first storage location, positioning a second item storage container in the aisle proximate the first item storage container, interlocking the second item storage container to the first item storage container by engaging a releasable coupling structure extending there between, and applying, in a first direction transverse to the aisle, a force to the second item storage container sufficient in magnitude and duration to cause the first item storage container to occupy the second region of the first storage location and the second item storage container to occupy the first region of the first storage location, whereby the first and second item storage containers remain interlocked while in the first storage location.

Abstract: A maintenance apparatus of a robot includes a pair of parallel rails removably installed on opposite sides in a predetermined direction to a robot, and a number of sliders, at least one of the number of sliders is attached to each of the pair of rails, and each of the sliders is configured to support an arm part or a reducer of the robot, and move the supported arm part or reducer along the rails.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous transport vehicle, a transfer deck that defines a transport surface for the vehicle, at least one reciprocating lift, a first and second pickface interface station connected to the deck and spaced apart from each other, each station forming a pickface transfer interfacing between the vehicle on the deck and the lift at each station so that a pickface is transferred between the lift and the vehicle at each station, wherein the vehicle is configured to pick a first pickface at the first station, traverse the deck and buffer the first pickface, or at least a portion thereof, at the second station so that the second station has multiple pickfaces buffered on a common support in an order sequence of pickfaces according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed case pickfaces.

Abstract: Vertical batch furnace assembly for processing wafers comprising a cassette handling space, a wafer handling space, and a first wall separating the cassette handling space from the wafer handling space. The first wall has at least one wafer transfer opening in front of which a wafer transfer position for a wafer cassette is provided. The cassette handling space comprises a cassette storage, and a cassette handling mechanism. The cassette storage has a plurality of cassette storage positions and is configured to store a plurality of wafer cassettes. The cassette handling mechanism comprises a first cassette handler which is configured to transfer wafer cassettes between a first set of the cassette storage positions and the wafer transfer position. The cassette handling mechanism is provided with a second cassette handler which is configured to transfer wafer cassettes between a second set of the cassette storage positions and the wafer transfer position.

Abstract: An order fulfillment system is disclosed including a multi-level tote storage structure, one or more autonomous mobile robots configured to pick, transport and place one or more tote; one or more workstations configured to accommodate a picker that transports one or more eaches from a tote on one of the autonomous mobile robots to a “put” location, wherein the autonomous mobile robots are configured to move from level to level in the order fulfillment apparatus.

Abstract: A stacker crane that prevents an increase in facility cost while lightening a mast and transfers an article to a target position, includes a traveling carriage including a carriage driver and traveling on a track provided on a ceiling of a facility, a mast suspended from the traveling carriage, an elevating platform vertically movable and guided along the mast, a transfer conveyor to transfer an article, a stopper to fix the mast, a switch to switch a state of the mast between a fixed and released states by the stopper, in which the switch releases the fixing of the stopper to allow a lower portion of the mast to follow an upper portion of the mast in the traveling direction when the carriage driver drives the traveler, the stopper fixes the mast when the carriage driver stops the traveling carriage.

Abstract: A system that includes a computer processor having a plurality of input data devices, a plurality of output data devices, and a plurality of sensors; and a mechanical assembly integrated with the computer processor to reposition a piece of wood lumber based on software code executing in the computer processor. In some embodiments, the system performs a method that includes eliciting and receiving into the computer processor data parameters from a first human user; obtaining incoming data points about the lumber from the plurality of sensors; processing and storing the data parameters; comparing the incoming data points to the data parameters to obtain comparison results; and, based on the comparison results, (1) rejecting the lumber to a preprogrammed position, (2) feeding the lumber into a saw assembly as positioned, or (3) repositioning the lumber to a more optimal position prior to feeding the lumber to the saw assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carriage lift assembly including a mast member, a top and bottom bearing assembly, one or more belt members, one or more belt tensioner assemblies, and one or more carriage assemblies. Each belt tensioner assembly defines a first clamping block and a second clamping block for securing a first and a second end, respectively, of a belt member to provide initial tension, and a pair of bolt members adjusted to move a slidable plate member upon which the second block is coupled to provide final tension. Each carriage assembly is removably attached to a corresponding belt tensioner assembly, and defines a center plate and two side plates. Each side plate defines at least a removable set of guiding wheels and a first set of guiding members.

Abstract: The storage-and-retrieval cell for a parcel-handling logistics platform includes shuttle robots that position parcels in storage locations and that retrieve the parcels therefrom, which locations form two rows of storage locations that extend along a longitudinal direction, and four half-rows of storage locations that are disposed back-to-back in the longitudinal direction between the two rows, a hopper being open in the upper floor between one pair of half-rows and the other pair of half-rows, the hopper being designed to allow the parcels to pass through it while they are being retrieved, the cell further including nesting trolleys each of which is suitable for being hitched to a shuttle robot and which are suitable for nesting together in the same storage location, and, at the edge of the hopper, an unloading device for unloading a nesting trolley by sweeping its deck.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous transport vehicle, a transfer deck that defines a transport surface for the vehicle, at least one reciprocating lift, a first and second pickface interface station connected to the deck and spaced apart from each other, each station forming a pickface transfer interfacing between the vehicle on the deck and the lift at each station so that a pickface is transferred between the lift and the vehicle at each station, wherein the vehicle is configured to pick a first pickface at the first station, traverse the deck and buffer the first pickface, or at least a portion thereof, at the second station so that the second station has multiple pickfaces buffered on a common support in an order sequence of pickfaces according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed case pickfaces.

Abstract: A transporter that moves between a plurality of transfer destinations at which articles can be placed, and transfers the article to the transfer destination, the transporter including a transferer capable of extending to or retracting from the transfer destination, and that places the article at the transfer destination in a state of having extended to the transfer destination from a waiting position; a detector that detects, after the transporter has transferred the article to the transfer destination, before the transporter starts moving toward another transfer destination, and before the transporter has returned to the waiting position, a posture or a position of the article; and a determiner that determines whether or not the posture or the position of the article is within a preliminarily set appropriate range, on the basis of detection results of the detector.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided and includes a transfer deck having a longitudinal axis, a first storage section and a second storage section. The first storage section and second storage section are located on opposite sides of the transfer deck and are substantially symmetrically opposed to one another about the longitudinal axis, where each of the first and second storage sections includes storage aisles that are in communication with the transfer deck.

Abstract: A picking device for storing bottles and a corresponding method are provided. The picking device includes a plurality of storage locations for bottles, an operating device having a gripper, at least one storing device, at least one identification device and an unloading device. The storage locations have storage location receptacles and the storing device has at least one storing receptacle for bottles, wherein the storage location receptacles and the storing receptacle are configured such that the bottles are held therein in such a way that they are protected against rolling. The gripper includes a gripping member configured such that the bottles are movable from the storing receptacles and storage location receptacles by being lifted by the gripping member or by being pulled to a holding area of the gripper.

Abstract: An arrangement includes at least one shelf system including movable shelves, at least one operating station for collecting items from a movable shelf at the operating station, a first lift for transporting the movable shelves between parking positions of the shelves in the shelf system and the operating station, a second lift for transporting and engaging palletless variable size items. The second lift is capable of docking to the movable shelves of the shelf system for communicating items to the movable shelves or from the movable shelves.

Abstract: An automated mechanical loading system for loading seedling carriers into a transporter bin for transport to the field for planting. The system of the present invention includes a transport bin having a plurality of rails mounted on the inside walls of the bin for accepting a plurality of carriers, power driven projections slidably mounted on sleds which are fixedly mounted to the top frame of a lift for urging one or more carriers into a preselected set of opposing rails in the bin. The lift controls the height of the sled so that the carriers are urged into the preselected set of rails in the bin. A mechanically referenced coupler is included for securing the lift to the bin to restrict movement of the lift relative to the bin into which the seedling carriers are to be loaded during the automated loading operation.