Abstract: A commissioning device having a first shelf row with horizontal shelf surfaces and at least one second shelf row with multiple shelf surfaces disposed one above the other and forming storage shafts. A lane formed between the first and the second shelf rows includes an operating unit movably disposed in the lane. The commissioning device also includes an input device, an output device and an auxiliary output device. The operating unit includes a gripping device for inputting and/or outputting piece goods onto or from the horizontal shelf surfaces and for filling the goods into the storage shafts. A control unit coupled to the operating unit is configured to output identical piece goods in a row from the horizontal shelf surfaces, to input the piece goods into the storage shafts and to output and transfer one or more piece goods located on the horizontal shelf surfaces to the auxiliary output device.

Abstract: A stocking system is provided. The stocking system includes a wafer carrier, a stocking unit, a plurality of pod stoppers and at least one positioning pin. The stocking unit is configured to store the wafer carrier, and includes a carrying plate for carrying the wafer carrier. The pod stoppers stand on an edge of the carrying plate. The at least one positioning pin is disposed on a front portion of the carrying plate, such that the wafer carrier leans against the at least one positioning pin and is tilted toward a back portion of the carrying plate.

Abstract: A shelf management method and device are provided. The method comprises: controlling a conveying means to convey a first shelf to a workbench in a warehouse, the first shelf being a shelf in the warehouse; controlling, if the first shelf is one of high-frequency shelves, the conveying means to convey the first shelf to a first storage position in the warehouse, wherein the high-frequency shelves comprise a preset number of shelves subject to the highest numbers of deliveries in the warehouse; and controlling, if the first shelf is one of low-frequency shelves, the conveying means to convey the first shelf to a second storage position in the warehouse, wherein the low-frequency shelves comprise shelves other than the high-frequency shelves, and a distance between the first storage position and the workbench is less than a distance between the second storage position and the workbench. Efficiency of delivery can be improved.

Abstract: A product order fulfillment system including a multi-level transport system and a lifting transport system. Each level of the multi-level transport system having a corresponding independent asynchronous level transport system separate and distinct from the asynchronous level transport system corresponding to each other level of the multi-level transport system. Each independent lift axis of the lifting transport system being configured to independently hold at least one case and being communicably coupled to each asynchronous level transport system so as to provide for exchange of the at least one case between each asynchronous level transport system and each independent lift axis. Each independent lift axis is communicably coupled to each other independent lift axis of the more than one lift axis and forms a common output of mixed cases so as to create an ordered sequence of mixed cases in accordance to a predetermined case out ordered sequence.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle comprising: a chassis, comprising an upper surface arranged on a first loading surface, a plurality of components coupled thereto, including; a power source, a drive motor, at least one drive wheel powered by the drive motor, at least one stabilizing wheel, at least one object sensor for detecting objects in the vehicle surroundings, a wireless interface for communication with other system units, a control unit, and a navigation device. The chassis further comprises at least one opening, arranged at a lowermost portion of the chassis, and extending from a first side portion of the chassis. The one opening arranged to receive a material handling element, and comprises an upper abutment surface and sidewalls, extending along the extension of each opening. A material handling system comprises a group of material handling vehicles, the group comprises at least one of the vehicles and at least one forklift truck.

Abstract: A drive carriage for a transport device, which drive carriage has an undercarriage, by means of which the drive carriage is movable along a drive rail. The drive carriage has a frame structure connected to the undercarriage, a slide supported by the frame structure and at least one driver which is coupleable to the transport device. The slide and the driver are mounted so as to be displaceable in relation to the frame structure. In addition, a transport system with such a drive carriage and with at least one transport device for an item to be transported is specified, in which the transport device is supported by at least one supporting carriage and the transport device has a driver which is coupleable to the driver of the drive carriage.

Abstract: Provided is an article transport apparatus which can transfer an article to a transfer target portion at a low height. A movable member having a support portion includes a transfer mechanism for moving an article between the support portion and a transfer target portion. The transfer mechanism includes an interlocking portion capable of being interlocked with an article along the front-and-back direction, a first guide portion for guiding the interlocking portion along the front-and-back direction, and a second actuator for moving the interlocking portion along the front-and-back direction. The transfer mechanism moves an article between the support portion and the transfer target portion by moving the interlocking portion along the front-and-back direction. The first guide portion and the second actuator are located higher than an article supported by the support portion.

Abstract: A stocker for storing a plurality of wafer carriers is provided. The stocker includes a frame, a plurality of pod stoppers, a plurality of truss members and a plurality of partitions. The frame includes a plurality of stocking units. Each of the stocking units includes a carrying plate for carrying one of the plurality of wafer carriers. The pod stoppers stand on an edge of each of the carrying plates. The truss members are disposed diagonally across at least one side surface of at least one of the stocking units, wherein each of the truss members comprises a shock absorber. The partitions are disposed on side surfaces of the stocking units and fixed to the frame.

Abstract: Increased robotic sophistication and more efficient autonomous operation is implemented by providing separate physical autonomous robots shared and remote access to the sensory array and information from the sensory array of one another. Each robot can access a sensor of any other robot, or scans or other information obtained from the sensor of any other robot. The robots leverage the shared sensory access in order to perform batch order fulfillment, dynamic rearrangement of item or tote locations, and opportunistic charging. These coordinated robotic operations based on the shared sensory access increase the efficiency and productivity of the robots without adding resources or hardware to the robots, increasing the speed of the robots, or increasing the number of deployed robots.

Abstract: An automated system and method for storing/retrieving vessel holders is presented. A first storage compartment comprises first storage sections. A first translating mechanism vertically translates one storage section to a loading level for loading holders into the first storage compartment and translates one storage section to a handing-in level for handing in holders to/from an analyzer. A second storage compartment comprises second storage sections. A second translating mechanism vertically translates one second storage sections to a handing-out level and translates one storage section to an unloading level for unloading holders from the second storage compartment. A first transport mechanism comprises a first conveyor for transporting holders from a first storage section at the handing-in level to a handing-over station. A second transport mechanism comprises a second conveyor for transporting holders from the handing-over station to a second storage section at the handing-out level.

Abstract: An article transfer device includes: a guide movement mechanism for moving a first guide portion and a second guide portion independently along a first direction; and an interlocking mechanism for interlocking movement of the first guide portion and the second guide portion along the first direction with movement of an article supporting portion such that the article supporting portion is located midway between the first guide portion and the second guide portion in the first direction.

Abstract: A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of storage shelves has a shelf plate for supporting a container. Each of the storage shelves is 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. The rail has some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear. The sections are arranged in a loop. Example configurations of the storage system include one or more of stationary shelves, extended horizontal tracks for a hoist, a conveyor at a level of the storage system, and a manual loading station. The hoist, with an extended horizontal track interfaces with the manual loading station.

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 bin-module based automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) includes a plurality of storage shelves, each removably supporting a plurality of bin modules. Each bin module includes multiple bins. The system also includes a collection shelf configured to removably support bin modules. The system further includes a dolly including: (a) a dolly frame, (b) a drive module configured to propel the dolly, and (c) an actuator configured to move a coupler to couple to the bin module supported in one of the plurality of storage shelves when the dolly is positioned adjacent to said storage shelf, the actuator being further configured to remove said bin module from said storage shelf to the dolly frame, and to move said bin module from the dolly frame to the collection shelf when the dolly is positioned adjacent to the collection shelf.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot arm having a first member rotatably provided on a base, a second member rotatably provided on the first member, a third member rotatably provided on the second member, and a fourth member rotatably provided on the third member. The fourth member has an arm rotatable about a rotation axis in an axis direction different from an axis direction of a rotation axis of the first member with respect to the base. In a first state, the first member, the second member, and the third member overlap. In a second state, at least one of a distal end of the robot arm and an end effector provided on the distal end of the robot arm overlaps with the second member.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a first engaging member to be inserted between a first engagement receiving portion, which is spaced away from a first surface portion of an article toward an outside in a transfer direction by a predetermined distance, and the first surface portion, due to rotation of the first engaging member about a first axis of rotation along the transfer direction. The first engaging member includes a first push-up portion which lifts the first surface portion by making contact with a first jaw portion in a state in which the first jaw portion protrudes toward the outside from the first surface portion.

Abstract: A dispensing station comprises beneficial products for patients of a health care provider. An inventory database tracks inventory available in the dispensing station. A patient is associated with a prescription record, which specifies a prescribed beneficial product. The patient may provide patient identifying information to the dispensing station, such as credentialed payment information, which may be used to identify a prescription record, authenticate the patient, transfer a payment, and/or dispense the prescribed beneficial product to the patient. The prescription record may be valid for a limited time period, may be restricted to fulfillment within a particular location, and/or may be restricted to one or more specified dispensing stations. The dispensing station may validate the beneficial products before dispensing the products to the patient.

Abstract: A flow measuring device includes an intake portion configured to be connected to an ejecting portion, one or more gas lines each of which is connected to the intake portion and in which gas ejected from the ejecting portion flows, one or more flow meters each of which is configured to measure a flow rate of gas that flows through corresponding one of the one or more gas lines, at least one resisting member configured to provide resistance to flow of gas in at least one of the one or more gas lines, a main body portion which includes one or more supported portions each configured to be supported by the support member, the main body portion being configured to support the intake portion, the one or more gas lines, the one or more flow meters, and the at least one resisting member. The magnitude of the resistance provided by the at least one resisting member is adjustable.

Abstract: A retractable component tray holder includes: an outer tray having first and second outer tray sidewalls, and a bottom; an inner tray configured to retract into and extend from the outer tray, the inner tray having a first inner tray sidewall and a bottom; a fan chassis configured to receive at least one fan, the fan chassis being adjacent a rear of the inner tray; a bottom support assembly comprising a first bottom support slideably mounted on the bottom of the outer tray, a second bottom support slideably mounted on the first bottom support, and the inner tray being slideably mounted on the second bottom support; and a second side support assembly comprising a side support slideably mounted on the second sidewall, a bracket slideably mounted on the side support, and the fan chassis mounted on the bracket.

Abstract: There is provided a vertical lift storage system (101), comprising a storage rack (105) configured to store load units and a lift system with an upwardly and downwardly movable carrier structure (108), where the carrier structure (108) is configured to carry multiple load units at respective sections and with first transportation means configured to insert and withdraw respective load units into and from the storage rack. The system is characterized in that the carrier structure is configured with second transportation means to shift load units sideways on the carrier structure between its sections. In some embodiments the first transportation means comprises telescopic arms and the second transportation means comprises rollers. There is also provided a method of operating such a carrier structure in a vertical lift storage system.

Abstract: A material-handling system and method includes at least one first processing station, each having an input and an output. A linear transfer system made up of a plurality of transfer units that travel in unison in a linear motion past the input and output of the first processing station(s) either receives articles from the output and discharges articles to the input or transfers articles between the first processing station and a second processing station. A control sequences articles between the transfer units and the first input and output or between the first processing station and a second processing station in a manner that enhances operation of the processing station(s).

Abstract: An inspection apparatus used for an article storage facility includes an inactive gas supply portion provided with a supply nozzle provided in a placement support portion. A transport container having a supply port for an inactive gas is formed at a bottom portion thereof for accommodating substrates in a sealed state. The nozzle is joined to the supply port by a self weight of the transport container supported on the placement support portion so as to inject the inactive gas to an interior of the transport container. An inspection supply port is joined to the supply nozzle by a self weight of the inspection apparatus supported on the placement support portion, and is configured such that a gravity center position is supported on the placement support portion and coincides with a gravity center position of the transport container, the supply port inspects a state of supply of the inactive gas in the state of being supported on the placement support portion.

Abstract: A warehouse shuttle includes a chassis made up of first and second chassis portions and an article-carrying area between the chassis portions. Pairs of first and second running wheels are provided on the chassis to travel along the runway. One of a pair of arms is mounted to the first chassis portion and the other of the arms is mounted to the second chassis portion and are extendable and retractable to transfer an article between one of the shelves and the article-carrying area. A connector assembly connects the first and second chassis portions and can vary the spacing between the first and second chassis portions thereby varying the spacing between the arms to engage articles of different widths.

Abstract: A carrying device includes a rack and a platform. The platform that loads goods, is moveably arranged on a handle of the rack. The carrying device further includes a sensor that detects the goods loaded on the platform, a motor that is connected to the platform, and a controlling unit that controls the motor drive the platform to move relative to the handle with a predetermined distance, according to whether the sensor detects the goods loaded on the platform.

Abstract: An automated warehouse includes first and second stacked racks parallel to each other; first and second shipping-and-receiving stations placed at the same end of the stacked racks; transfer shuttles located between the stacked racks and between the shipping-and-receiving stations; elevator mechanisms equipped with first and second elevator platforms for receiving or transferring the packages to stand-by conveyors; and means for transferring the packages to and from the first and the second elevator platforms. The direction of motion of the stand-by conveyor of the first shipping-and-receiving station and the direction of the motion of the stand-by conveyor of the second shipping-and-receiving station, on the same level of stack, may be opposite; and the direction of motion of some of the stand-by conveyors pertaining to the first shipping-and-receiving station may be opposite to that of the rest of the stand-by conveyors of the first shipping-and-receiving station.

Abstract: A cart (2) for assisting in transferring mailpieces (100) for a sorting machine (1) having a row of sorting outlets (10) for the mailpieces (100) stacked on a work surface (11), said cart (2) for assisting in transferring mailpieces including a support (23) supporting a tray (101) to be filled, a back plate (20) carrying guide means (24) co-operating with a longitudinal runner (14) on said sorting machine (1), said back plate (20) being extended by a transfer ramp (26) inclined relative to said back plate (20) with which it forms an acute angle and designed to bridge over the edge of the work surface (11) to come flush with said work surface (11) from above. A postal sorting installation including a sorting machine (1) and a cart (2) as described for assisting in transferring mailpieces.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and reconstructing environments to facilitate robotic interaction with such environments are described. An example method may involve determining a three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment representative of a physical environment of the robotic manipulator including a plurality of 3D virtual objects corresponding to respective physical objects in the physical environment. The method may then involve determining two-dimensional (2D) images of the virtual environment including 2D depth maps. The method may then involve determining portions of the 2D images that correspond to a given one or more physical objects. The method may then involve determining, based on the portions and the 2D depth maps, 3D models corresponding to the portions. The method may then involve, based on the 3D models, selecting a physical object from the given one or more physical objects. The method may then involve providing an instruction to the robotic manipulator to move that object.

Abstract: A warehousing system for storing and retrieving goods disposed in containers is provided. The system includes a multilevel storage array including an array of storage shelves for holding containers thereon, at least one substantially continuous lift for transporting containers to and from at least one level of the storage array, at least one transport vehicle located on the at least one level and configured to traverse a transport area transporting containers between the at least one continuous lift and container storage locations so that the at least one continuous lift communicates non-deterministically, via the transport vehicle, with storage locations of each of the storage shelves on the at least one level, an infeed transport system linked to the at least one continuous lift, and an order fulfillment station for generating order containers corresponding to customer orders where the order containers are entered onto the storage shelves of the storage array.

Abstract: A library device includes cell units which include a plurality of cells each configured to hold a cartridge, the cell units being loaded in a rack in a state where the cell units are arranged at least along a width direction of the rack to be capable of sliding out of the rack, and a robot adjacent to the rack holding the cell units. The robot includes a first mechanism of moving the robot at least along the width direction, a second mechanism of pulling out or loading the cell units from or into the rack, and a third mechanism of unloading or loading the cartridge from or into one of the cells while the cell unit is pulled out, and loading or unloading the cartridge into or from a drive operating the cartridge.

Abstract: A rack-serving unit for storing boxes having an open box bottom, including a load pick-up device and at least one substantially horizontally telescopic article transport gripper including at least one rest for the articles for gripping under an article, is provided with a single telescopic gripper pin serving as article transport gripper and having a rest for the articles for gripping under the article in a just unstable position and at least one telescopic flank and/or a telescopic hold-down device for setting a stable transport position of the gripped article. In an order-picking warehouse equipped with said rack-serving unit having storing boxes with bottoms which are open in the center thereof, the telescopic gripper pin includes a rest for the articles of a width which is transverse to the telescoping direction for supporting the article in a just unstable position on the rest for the articles and the box bottom opening being just slightly broader than the width.

Abstract: A storage rack includes a plurality of rack units with container supports spaced one above the other, the supports being disposed in pairs on opposite side walls of the rack units to form storage locations for containers. The containers can be placed in or removed from the storage locations by means of a controllable transport device. The transport device has at least one first transport means and one second transport means, the first transport means is able to move in the vertical direction (Z), and the second transport means is supported on the first transport means and is able to move in a first horizontal direction (X) relative to the first transport means. A transfer device for handling a number of containers is arranged on the second transport means and includes a number of transfer units for placing the containers into and removing them from stock, each transfer unit can be associated with one container and each transfer unit can be controlled and moved separately.

Abstract: A Robot includes a main body, a Portable device and a supporting structure. The supporting structure is disposed at the main body for detachably connecting the Portable device. The Portable device reads digital media data from the main body or the Portable device itself, and plays the digital media data as video. After the Portable device is detached from the supporting structure, the main body and the Portable device operate independently.

Abstract: A cable processing apparatus includes a first pulley, a second pulley, and a cable. The first pulley is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The second pulley is configured to rotate about the rotational axis together with the first pulley. The cable includes a fixation region to be fixed to the first pulley and the second pulley. The first pulley is configured to rotate about the rotational axis, to thereby perform one of winding of the cable from the fixation region to one end portion and unwinding of the wound cable. The cable includes a predetermined-length portion from the fixation region to the other end portion, which is wound around the second pulley. The second pulley is configured to rotate about the rotational axis together with the first pulley, to thereby perform one of rewinding and tightening of the wound predetermined-length portion of the cable.

Abstract: An example system may include the following features: slots configured to receive devices to be tested; a device transport mechanism to move devices between a shuttle mechanism and slots; a feeder to provide devices untested devices and to receive tested devices; and a shuttle mechanism to receive an untested device from the feeder and to provide the untested device to the device transport mechanism, and to receive a tested device from the device transport mechanism and to provide the tested device to the feeder.

Abstract: A transferring shuttle, which transfers package(s) between a pair of layered stacked racks in a three dimensional automated warehouse, includes a mobile platform which runs between the stacked racks; elastic mechanisms, which include telescoping rails that extend into the stacked racks and surround a package; and terminal fingers placed at the ends of the rails, which can move between an extended position, which allows the package to be engaged and a contracted position. The rails also contain inner fingers between the terminal fingers. The inner fingers can push the package further into the stacked rack than previously possible.

Abstract: An automatic system for replenishing display shelves in retail businesses. The display shelves each including a shelf board having a conveyor belt circulating around the respective shelf board. Each of the display shelves further including a stop bar and a removable fall-off guard at respective front and rear sides of the display shelves to prevent goods from falling off the display shelves and, wherein, the display shelf is designed to cooperate with a shelf-stocking vehicle such that the fall-off guard is automatically opened when the display shelves are refilled by the shelf-stocking vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic system for replenishing display shelves in retail businesses. The display shelves each including a shelf board having a conveyor belt circulating around the respective shelf board. Each of the display shelves further including a stop bar and a removable fall-off guard at respective front and rear sides of the display shelves to prevent goods from falling off the display shelves and, wherein, the display shelf is designed to cooperate with a shelf-stocking vehicle such that the fall-off guard is automatically opened when the display shelves are refilled by the shelf-stocking vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (10) for handling bulky articles (such as a PLET or ILT (12)) on a deck (14) of a vessel at sea. The apparatus (10) includes a cradle (16) which supports the bulky article (12?), first translational movement means (32 42, 46) provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16) and second translational movement means (20, 31, 35, 37) moveable along the deck (14). The first translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) to be moved from a storage area and transferred to the second translational movement means, and the second translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) on its cradle (16) to be moved toward an operational location (F). An actuator (26) is also provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16), in order to adjust the orientation of the bulky article (12) relative to the deck (14), when in the operational position. A method of handling bulky articles on a deck of a vessel at sea is also provided.

Abstract: An article transfer device with a simpler structure is provided which can transfer an article to a proper position. Operation of a first projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the first projecting and retracting motor when a first article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the first projecting and retracting motor. And operation of a second projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the second projecting and retracting motor when a second article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the second projecting and retracting motor.

Abstract: In a method for introducing loading auxiliary structures with a transport device into a shelf compartment with storage spaces arranged one behind the other, a loading auxiliary structure is conveyed by the transport device into the shelf compartment to the front storage space in the direction of introduction, after which a further loading structure is moved by the transport device into the shelf compartment to the front storage space and in this way the preceding loading auxiliary structure is moved to the storage space that is behind and the additional loading auxiliary structure is moved into the front storage space. The transport device includes a removing unit with a stop device adjustable at its front end in the introduction direction into the movement path of the loading auxiliary structure and a drive member on a side facing the loading auxiliary structure.

Abstract: A goods-to-person picking station and method of picking goods from a product container and placing the goods in at least one order container includes a product container-handling mechanism and at least one order container-handling mechanism juxtaposed with the product container-handling mechanism. The product container-handling mechanism supplies a product container to a pick area. The at least one order container-handling mechanism supplies at least one order container to the pick area. In this manner, an operator can pick goods from a product container at the pick area and place the goods selectively to the at least one order container at the pick area. The product container-handling mechanism includes a product container elevator assembly and a product container extractor assembly. The elevator assembly elevates a product container from the feed area to the pick area. The extractor assembly transfers a product container from the pick area.

Abstract: A component transfer device includes a holding mechanism (20) that positions and holds a component on a carrying surface (S) located at a predetermined height and a pull-out unit (40) that pulls out the component held on the carrying surface by the holding mechanism in a horizontal direction. The pull-out unit includes a grasping member (43, 44) that can separably grasp the component from a vertical direction, a cam member (42) that causes the grasping member to perform a component grasping operation and a component releasing operation at predetermined timings by exercising a cam function to the grasping member, a driving mechanism (41, 46, 47) that drives the cam member and the grasping member.

Abstract: A handling device may include a frame and a carriage movably mounted on the frame. A clip assembly may be attached to the carriage and be adapted to frictionally engage a portion of an electronic device. The handling device may include at least one slot guide member attached to the frame. The slot guide member is adapted to engage within one of a plurality of slots of a magazine for holding electronic devices.

Abstract: The system for storing and retrieving shoes includes a cabinet defining a housing enclosing storage units. The housing defines a central shaft for raising and lowering shoe trays, and defines two columns of storage rack units for the shoe trays on opposite sides of the central shaft. A portal at the base of the central shaft provides access for placing shoes on a shoe tray and retrieving the shoes from the cabinet. A long support arm is movable horizontally to align a shoe tray in either the left or the right column of rack units. A short support arm is movable vertically on the long arm to align the shoe tray vertically, and has clips for grasping and releasing the shoe trays. An electronic control system controls movement of the two arms, and issues a card or claim check identifying the storage rack unit for later retrieval of the shoes.

Abstract: Within a storage compartment, closely spaced rows of adjacent stacks are supported on a plurality of parallel sliding rails. A pair of coordinated robots is positioned with one robot on one side of the stacks to push the stacks within a selected row toward the other robot. The pushing robot on one side of the row starts off with a starting stack supported in its support arms. The pushing robot pushes the starting stack into one end of the selected row, causing the row to shift toward the waiting receiving robot, which receives the stack at the opposite end of the row from the starting stack. A series of pushes between the two robots moves a stack containing a desired sample into alignment with an access port in the storage compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a transport device (207) for positioning loading aids (208) prior to the transfer thereof into a shelf compartment (209) on storage spaces (211a to 211d) arranged behind one another using a transport device (207). The loading aids (208) are positioned against one another, behind one another against a first stop device (243 to 247) of the transport device (207) in the transfer direction (210), then a separating device (256, 257) is adjusted in the movement path (251) between the loading aids (208) and the front loading aid (208) in the transfer direction (210) is positioned against the separating device (256, 257) and the rear loading aid (208) in the transfer direction (210) is positioned against a second stop device (243 to 247) of the transport (207) in the transfer direction (210). Afterwards a third stop device (243 to 247) is adjusted between the separated loading aids (208).

Abstract: A warehouse storage and retrieval system including an array of multilevel storage racks having at least one transfer deck, picking isles and storage areas disposed along picking isles, the storage areas being configured to hold differing loads, and a controller including a management module configured to variably size the storage areas of the array of multilevel storage rack modules and assign each of the variably sized storage areas to a corresponding one of the differing loads, wherein the storage and retrieval system is arranged to transport the differing loads for placement in the variably sized storage areas assigned by the controller.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes: a storage rack configured to be capable of storing a plurality of recording media; a recording-and-reproducing device configured to perform a recording operation and a reproducing operation on the recording media; a robot configured to deliver the recording media between the storage rack and the recording-and-reproducing device using a hand mechanism; an elevator platform configured to carry the hand mechanism; a pair of toothed belts, provided between a driving pulley and a driven pulley, configured to move the elevator platform vertically; a pair of belt-connecting portions configured to couple one of ends of the elevator platform to one of the pair of toothed belts respectively; and a disconnecting mechanism configured to release at least one of connections at the pair of belt connecting portions.

Abstract: A pass-through accessor comprising a fixturing apparatus that can store a plurality of portable data storage cassettes. The pass-through accessor comprises a moveable gripper assembly comprising a plurality of gripping members. The gripper assembly releaseably attaches to a portable data storage cassette disposed in a storage slot, pulls that portable data storage cassette outwardly from the storage slot, and releaseably attaches that portable data storage cassette to one of a plurality of fixturing assemblies disposed on the fixturing apparatus.

Abstract: A side buffer includes a bottom portion on which a FOUP may be placed, a restriction portion, an article receiving portion, and a link portion. The restriction portion is movable between a restricting position and a retracted position. At the restricting position, the restriction portion restricts an inclination of the FOUP on the bottom portion. At the retracted position, the restriction portion allows the FOUP to move between the bottom portion and a position directly above the bottom portion. The article receiving portion is disposed so as to receive a force from the FOUP placed on the bottom portion. The link portion moves the restriction portion from the retracted position to the restricting position with the received force.