Abstract: A storage array includes one or more tiers including a plurality of roller pairs and at least one motor for spinning each roller pair. Plates are positioned between each roller pair. A horizontal nudge is positioned above each plate moves tires horizontally within the storage array. A tire is moved longitudinally within the storage array by causing a roller pair bearing the tire to spin followed by lifting the plate below the tire, thereby causing the tire to roll forward or backward within the storage array. The storage array may be coupled to a distribution system including a plurality of channels including a planar or concave bottom surface over which tires roll and vertical sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom surface. Accelerators, brakes, junctions, and elevators may be positioned in channels in order to control movement of tires through the distribution system.

Abstract: A storage array includes one or more tier including a plurality of roller pairs and at least one motor for spinning each roller pair. Plates are positioned between each roller pair. A horizontal nudger is positioned above each plate moves tires horizontally within the storage array. A tire is moved longitudinally within the storage array by causing a roller pair bearing the tire to spin followed by lifting the plate below the tire, thereby causing the tire to roll forward or backward within the storage array. A controller coupled to actuators for the plates and the horizontal nudger invokes movement of tires in and out of the storage array and within the storage array according to a storage, retrieval, and inventory management program. Tires may include electronically readable chips that are detected by sensors at a front edge of the storage array that are coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A fully automatic gravure preparation processing system having high degrees of freedom, which is capable of manufacturing a gravure printing roll more quickly as compared to a conventional case, achieving space saving, performing an unattended operation even in the nighttime, flexibly customizing a manufacturing line, and satisfying various customer needs. The fully automatic gravure preparation processing system includes a processing room-A having a handling area of a first industrial robot for chucking and handling a roll to be prepared and a processing room-B having a handling area of a second industrial robot for chucking and handling the roll to be prepared. The first industrial robot and the second industrial robot are configured to transfer the roll to be prepared therebetween when preparation processing is performed.

Abstract: A chassis stacker having a first and a second vertical storage rack displaced from one another by a distance wide enough to accommodate a trailer chassis, and connected at a top end by a trolley rail support beam. A trolley is positioned on the trolley rail support beam, said trolley having an elevation system capable of raising and lowering a first and a second stabilizing beam that are suspended from the trolley and guided in their vertical motion by low-friction, storage-rack contact members attached at respective first and second ends of the elevating structure, said contact members in contact with an inner surface of the respective first and second vertical storage racks. A first and a second stabilizing-beam trolley is attached to the, respective, first and second stabilizing beams while a spreader containing a chassis-clamping mechanism extends between and attaches to the first and the second stabilizing beam trolley.

Abstract: A storage array includes one or more tier including a plurality of roller pairs and at least one motor for spinning each roller pair. Plates are positioned between each roller pair. A horizontal nudger is positioned above each plate moves tires horizontally within the storage array. A tire is moved longitudinally within the storage array by causing a roller pair bearing the tire to spin followed by lifting the plate below the tire, thereby causing the tire to roll forward or backward within the storage array. A controller coupled to actuators for the plates and the horizontal nudger invokes movement of tires in and out of the storage array and within the storage array according to a storage, retrieval, and inventory management program. Tires may include electronically readable chips that are detected by sensors at a front edge of the storage array that are coupled to the controller.

Abstract: The article storage device (1) includes a warehouse (2) including racks (21) to store articles (A), a cage (4) suspended from a crane (3) so as to go up and down, and a carriage (5) disposed on the cage (4). The cage (4) includes outriggers (6) capable of extending and retracting to the racks (21) and of being engaged with the racks (21). The racks (21) each include first engagement portions (7) disposed at portions with which the outriggers (6) are engaged, and a second engagement portion (8) disposed adjacent to one first engagement portion (7) in an extending and retracting direction of the outriggers (6). The second engagement portion (8) is capable of positioning one outrigger (6). One outrigger (6) is engaged with the second engagement portion (8) disposed in a side to which the carriage (5) travels, and the other outriggers (6) are engaged with the first engagement portions (7).

Abstract: Displaceable lift truck for handling slab material (L) in a storage warehouse, including a carriage movable along a rail, columns which extend upwards from the movable carriage and a material support structure movable along the columns and including a bottom body or platform provided with extractable forks. The material support structure includes, moreover, a pick-up device including extractable arms. Further related, there is a method for making up a mixed pack of slab material.

Abstract: In a transport system, a local track is disposed so as to be below an overhead travelling vehicle track in parallel or substantially in parallel therewith, and furthermore above a loading port of a processing device from upstream of the loading port to downstream of the loading port. A local vehicle including a hoist travels along the local track. Below the local track, a first buffer is disposed upstream of the loading port of the processing device, and a second buffer is disposed downstream of the loading port of the processing device, and the overhead travelling vehicle and the local vehicle can both perform delivery and receipt of the article with the first buffer and the second buffer.

Abstract: A storage system having first and second storage sections, each configured for storing containers arranged in multiple rows at various horizontal levels with respect to ground. A group of transportation devices is configured for moving in a horizontal direction along corresponding pairs of rails arranged at multiple horizontal levels in a passage between the first storage section and the second storage section so as to have access to the containers arranged in both the first and second storage sections. Each transportation device movable along a corresponding pair of rails is configured to include a container access mechanism movable up and down with respect to the corresponding pair of rails so as to handle one or more containers stored in a row above and below the corresponding pair of rails.

Abstract: An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot includes a payload bed having at least one reference datum surface and at least one payload justification device, the at least one payload justification device being configured to position a payload on the payload bed in substantial contact with the at least one reference datum surface to place the payload in a predetermined position on the payload bed.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer device is located upwardly of an article delivering and receiving portion and downwardly of a ceiling transport vehicle. A transfer device grip is provided such that the intermediate transfer device is in vertical alignment with the ceiling transport vehicle and the article delivering and receiving portion and is capable of traveling, while guided and supported by a guiding support, to and among a transfer position for the delivering and receiving portion, a transfer position for the intermediate rack, a transfer-time retracted position, and a temporary-storage-time retracted. The guiding support is configured to form a space through which the grip portion and an article can pass in the vertical direction when the ceiling transport vehicle transfers the article.

Abstract: In general, a test slot is engaged with automated machinery to inhibit movement of the test slot, thereby inhibiting transmission of vibration from the test slot to its surroundings. While the automated machinery is engaged with the test slot, the automated machinery is actuated to insert a storage device into the test slot, or remove the storage device from the test slot.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for providing throughput increase and/or physical expansion of a data storage library. Some embodiments include multiple robotic assemblies, each having its own hand assembly, which are electrically and mechanically integrated for concurrent use in a single storage library environment for increased throughput. Other embodiments include an active vertical pass-through assembly that operates to ferry cartridges from one storage library environment to another, vertically adjacent storage library environment. Some such embodiments use existing robotic mechanisms of the libraries to exploit a shared slot through which vertical pass-through functionality can be realized. Other embodiments include an active horizontal pass-through assembly that operates to ferry cartridges from one storage library environment to another, horizontally adjacent storage library environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus of a type which can be used to allow movement of goods to and from and between first and second goods storage areas. The apparatus is located in a space between openings into both of said storage areas and includes a platform which can be raised in the vertical plane so as to allow differences in height between floors of the respective goods storage areas to be taken into account such that for example goods can be moved onto the platform of the lifting apparatus from a first floor height on a first goods storage area to a floor of a second goods storage area at a different height. The lifting apparatus can be used to move goods to and from a floor of a goods storage area which is at the similar height to a support surface on which the other of the goods storage areas is located, with the other of the goods storage areas typically being a vehicle trailer.

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: 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 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 transport system includes a first track that passes above loading ports of the processing devices, and an overhead travelling vehicle that travels along the first track and includes a hoist. A second track is below the first track, passes above the loading ports, and is disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel with the first track. A buffer is provided below the second track at a position higher than the loading ports, and is arranged such that the articles can pass in a vertical direction over the loading ports. The buffer is disposed such that the articles can pass through the height position of the buffer in a vertical direction over the loading ports. A local vehicle travels along the second track and includes a hoist to perform delivery and receipt of the articles between the buffer and the loading ports.

Abstract: A wafer buffering system is provided herein. In some embodiments, a wafer buffering system may include a frame having a vertical shaft disposed therethrough; two storage platforms, coupled to the frame on either side thereof, each to receive a wafer carrier thereon; and a transfer mechanism coupled to the vertical shaft and capable of vertical movement therealong and lateral movement along an x-axis extending in either direction from the frame at least sufficient to move over the two storage platforms. The transfer mechanism may further include a telescoping fork arm capable of laterally extending in a first direction and in a second direction corresponding to lateral positions of the two storage platforms on either side of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods to store and transfer objects, and more particularly to workpiece stocker configurations such as stocker for semiconductor wafers, reticles or carrier boxes.

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

Abstract: A device for moving and attaching a component between an operating position in which the component is rigidly connected to a structure and a non-operating position below the operating position and in which the component is detached from the structure. The device includes: a frame rigidly secured to the ground and including vertical guiding columns; a lifting table for moving the component from the operating position to the non-operating position and vice versa, the lifting table being guided vertically along the guiding columns; a mechanism locking and unlocking the component on and outside the structure and rigidly connected to the lifting table; and an assembly of four cables associated with return pulleys, wherein one end of the cables is mounted to a winch that can raise and lower the lifting table between the non-operating position and the operating position, while the other cable end is rigidly connected to the lifting table.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle for transferring case units to and from predefined storage areas in an automated case unit storage system, the automated case unit storage system including an array of multilevel storage racks with picking aisles passing therebetween and at least one multilevel vertical conveyor having movable shelves, the autonomous transport vehicle including a frame configured to traverse the picking aisles and a transfer deck connecting the picking aisles to the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor for transferring case units between the predefined storage areas and the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor, and a controller connected to the frame, the controller being configured to effect movement of the autonomous transport vehicle through the picking aisles for accessing each storage area within a respective level of the array of multilevel storage racks and each shelf of the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor.

Abstract: In an optical disc library apparatus having a cartridge storing discs; a drive carrying out recording and playback with respect to the discs; and a robot carrying out disc movements between the aforementioned cartridge and the aforementioned drive; wherein: the periphery of a disc is point restrained in three places during disc movement.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus, which utilizes a first transfer apparatus and a second transfer apparatus which are configured to transfer a transfer container containing a plurality of substrates, along a first transfer path and a second transfer path whose lateral positions differ from each other, respectively, including a first load port where the transfer container is loaded and unloaded by the first transfer apparatus, and a second load port that is arranged stepwise with respect to the first load port, with the transfer container being loaded to and unloaded from the second load port by the second transfer apparatus.

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

Abstract: A system for selectively disallowing unwinding of a storage library robotic mechanism cable assembly in a direction that would otherwise allow a platform of the robotic mechanism to move downwardly via the force of gravity while at the same time allowing for winding up of the cable assembly and the platform, such as during shipping, manual access, replacement of the robotic mechanism, and/or the like. The system may include a ratchet pawl for engaging between adjacent teeth of a drive assembly of the robotic mechanism and an actuator for selectively moving or allowing for movement of the ratchet pawl into and out of the engaged position. In one embodiment, the system may include an electric switch or the like to sense when the pawl is engaged with the drive assembly.

Abstract: A lengthy article transferring apparatus transfers lengthy articles between the apparatus and target locations for the transfer. A lifting driving device lifts and drives a platform and a transferring device mounted thereon by winding a cord-like member. A controller controls actuation of the lifting driving device and the transferring device. A lifted position detector monitors the position of the platform. The controller performs the transferring operation to actuate the transferring device when end portions of the platform are received and supported by receivers provided at the target locations for the transfer, and performs a lifted position adjustment procedure controlling actuation of the lifting driving device based upon information detected by the lifted position detector during the transferring procedure to absorb variation in the position of the platform caused by a shift in the load acting on the platform as the article is transported in the article transferring direction.

Abstract: An automated warehouse system may require less space than conventional warehouse systems. The automated warehouse system is configured so that loads are stored in storage areas formed by vertically extending support pillars and horizontally extending beams. The loads are loaded into the storage areas, and the loads are unloaded from storage areas. The automated warehouse system comprises: vertical guide rails disposed on the support pillars; horizontal guide rails disposed on the beams; and a movable platform having a frame body and guide rollers, at least part of the frame body having the same rectangular shape as a shape of at least part of at least one of the storage areas and having vertical frame members and horizontal frame members, the guide rollers being disposed on the vertical frame members and engaging the vertical guide rails or disposed on the horizontal frame members and engaging the horizontal guide rails.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tube sorter comprising: a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack; a storage arranged at a higher level than the transporting section, capable of storing a plurality of sample tubes; a lifting section configured to lift up the sample rack transported by the rack transporting section; and a sample tube transferring section configured to remove a sample tube from the sample rack lifted up by the lifting section and set the removed sample tube in the storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and fully automatic output of a multiplicity of different products having substantially cuboid geometry, such as packaged CDs, DVDs, printer cartridges, books, etc., comprising at least one permanently installed storage rack for stocking the multiplicity of products, at least one selection station for selecting, from the multiplicity of stocked products, one product to be output by the apparatus at a product output point, at least one handling device that is movable relative to the at least one storage rack for retrieval of a selected product from the at least one storage rack and for transport of the product in question to a product output point of the apparatus, and at least one computer-assisted control unit for controlling the apparatus and its components.

Abstract: A system and method of scanning a number of objects such as crates or intermodal containers in a storage area having a plurality of movable racks, each rack occupying at least one level and capable of carrying at least one object. The racks are capable of being moved to establish successive vacant multi-level aisles among the racks. At least one scanner is movable substantially vertically within the successive vacant aisles to scan successive objects substantially adjacent to each vacant aisle to detect at least one pre-determined characteristic.

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

Abstract: A storage (10) is provided with a supporting portion (11) capable of supporting a load (3), a horizontal driving portion (13) capable of moving said supporting portion back and forth in a horizontal one direction, a vertical driving portion (14) capable of moving said supporting portion back and forth in a vertical direction, and a rack (15) having a plurality of putting surfaces, each being capable of transferring said load mutually with said supporting portion, said putting surfaces being disposed at a plurality of stages in the vertical direction to each of which said supporting portion can access by said horizontal driving portion, one or more than one of said putting surfaces being disposed at a horizontal position to which said supporting portion can access by said horizontal driving portion. At least one of said putting surfaces functions as a port for unloading and loading said load.

Abstract: A driver assist device is provided for an industrial truck (1) that has a load handling device (5). The driver assist device, when located on the industrial truck (1), projects a lighting effect onto the roadway (13). The lighting effect forms a position marking (12) of the load handling device (5) on the roadway (13) which will be reached by the load handling device (5) for a particular steering angle after the industrial truck (1) travels around a curve by a defined curve angle.

Abstract: There is provided a storage system for storing and retrieving watercraft or other items to or from a storage position in a storage area as part of an enclosure having a plurality of storage areas. The storage system may include at least one carrier to support the item during movement to or from a storage position, and a positioning system to move the carrier system. An elevator system is usable to move the positioning system and carrier system to and from a storage area, and a control system is usable to control the positioning system to move the carrier system and item into and out of its storage position.

Abstract: A robotic device movable in a vertical direction between rails arranged in multiple rows at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails, and a movable platform provided on the frame. The platform is configured for moving the frame in a vertical direction between first rails and second rails arranged above the first rails, and for placing onto the robotic device first and second loads arranged at different levels with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A robotic device for carrying loads is movable in a vertical direction between rails arranged in multiple rows at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails, and a platform provided on the frame to carry a first load when the frame is moved in a vertical direction between first rails and second rails arranged above the first rails. Movable carriages are configured for being moved in the vertical direction at distance greater than a distance between the first rails and the second rails. A lifting mechanism moves the carriages in the vertical direction with respect to the frame. Support handles are arranged on the movable carriages and configured for providing engagement with the first or second rails to raise the frame above the respective rails to a level sufficient to disengage the wheels from the respective rails.

Abstract: A robotic device movable in first, second and third mutually perpendicular directions along rails arranged in multiple rows, where the rails in a row are arranged along the first and second mutually perpendicular directions, and the multiple rows are arranged along the third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails in the first and second directions, and support handles for lifting the frame in the third direction from first rails arranged in a first row of the rails to second rails arranged in a second row of the rails. The support handles are configured for providing engagement with the second rails so as to lift the robotic device in the third direction from the first rails to the second rails.

Abstract: An article storage facility includes an elevating scaffold capable of ascending/descending in a movement space across a withdrawal height that is set on an upper side and a plurality of working heights that are set in intermediate locations in the movement space in the vertical direction. A plurality of support bodies that support the elevating scaffold are provided in the vertical direction so as to respectively correspond to the plurality of working heights, and at least a support body other than the lowermost support body of the plurality of support bodies is configured to be movable to an acting position at which the support body protrudes toward the movement space so as to support the elevating scaffold and a withdrawal position at which the support body retracts toward the article storage shelf so as not to come into contact with the elevating scaffold moving up and down.

Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tube racks are disclosed. The laboratory system includes a storage section (14) with a plurality of shelves (110) for storing a plurality of storage racks (SR), a disposal unit (18) for disposing sample tubes from the storage racks (SR), a robotic transfer system (510) for loading storage racks (SR) into the storage section (14), for retrieving storage racks (SR) from the storing section (14) and for bringing storage rack to the disposal unit (18) after a given storage time has elapsed.

Abstract: A robotic device movable in a vertical direction and in prescribed horizontal directions along rails arranged in the prescribed horizontal directions in multiple rows provided at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame and configured for moving the frame along the rails, and support handles for lifting the frame in the vertical direction from first rails arranged in a first row of the rails to second rails arranged in a second row of the rails. The support handles are configured for providing engagement with the second rails to lift the robotic device in the vertical direction, and for turning the frame into a desired horizontal direction by pushing against the second rails on an intersection between the second rails and third rails arranged in the same row as the second rails.

Abstract: Described herein is a package delivery kiosk (PDK) including an integrated robotic package lifting assembly and shelving system. The system includes a PDK, associated front end and back end package delivery management systems, including portals for the consumer, retailer, common carrier, sender, and recipient, a package inventory management system, integrated retailer access, and a real and automated retailer bidding system. The shelving system has shelves with receiving apertures and dividers configured to fit into the receiving apertures, where the dividers each have a receiving slot. A package retrieving apparatus includes a base, a vertical support interconnected with the base, and a package picker module. The package picker module is oriented to move up and down on the vertical support. The package picker module includes grippers configured to surround and grip the object. A kiosk includes a kiosk body having a package delivery slot and an interface slot.

Abstract: The in-building storage apparatus includes a guide rail mounted in a storage space in which articles are stored, and making slidal movement in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which main rails extend, a platform car including a travelling section for running on the guide rail, and a lifting/lowering section which lifts or lowers an article, suspenders each of which suspends an article at such a height that the platform car can pass therebelow, and a control unit having functions of causing the guide rail to make slidal movement, causing the platform car to move along the guide rail, causing the lifting/lowering section to lift or lower for taking a target article out of the suspenders, and causing a target article to be suspended by the suspenders.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for use in a stack of data library units, the stack comprising a lower data library unit and an upper data library unit, each data library unit of the stack comprising a plurality of upright frames, the transmission apparatus comprising a tray for transporting a tape cartridge; a plurality of positioning pinions rotatably attached to the tray; a plurality of racks each disposed on each of the plurality of upright frames and configured to be engaged by the corresponding plurality of positioning pinions for vertical positioning of the tray within each data library unit; a plurality of partial racks each comprising an upper tooth and a lower tooth disposed adjacent the plurality of racks at each of the plurality of upright frames, the upper tooth being disposed adjacent a lower end of the frame of the upper data library unit and the lower tooth being disposed adjacent an upper end of the frame of the lower data library unit; a plurality of cross-over pinions each rotatably attached to th

Abstract: A storage (10) unloads and loads a load (3) with a transporting carriage (2). The storage is provided with a port capable of transferring said load from or to said transporting carriage; a plurality of rack portions (15) capable of accommodating or putting said load thereon; a driving device (19) capable of moving said load between said port and said plurality of rack portions, and mutually between said plurality of rack portions; and a controlling device (20) for controlling said driving device to (i) firstly move said load to an temporary rack portion for unloading, which is one of said plurality of rack portions, and (ii), after once accommodating or putting said load on said temporary rack portion, move said load to said port from said temporary rack portion, in case of moving said load from said plurality of rack portions to said port.

Abstract: A material handling system includes an overhead rack defining a plurality of storage positions. The overhead rack defines at least one interior window devoid of storage locations. First and second side rails are disposed above the overhead rack. A first cross rail is movably coupled to the first and second side rails. A first transport vehicle movably is coupled to the first cross rail and operable to descend below the overhead rack through the at least one interior window.

Abstract: A method and equipment to stack palletless and as to their size variable packages (1) on warehouse rack (15) and to retrieve them from the rack and to control the logistics of packages, in which the warehouse rack is furnished with an automatic packages stacking and retrieving robot, and in which the control of warehouse data and logistics takes place by a data system. Equipment (5) receives package (1), for instance, onto conveyor belt (2), equipment (5) carries out weighing of package (1), determination for the necessary space requirement, reading of remote code connected to package (1), as RFID code (20) in order to choose the rack space determined for it on basis of previous functions, and package (1) is retrieved from the rack steered either by the order of the user or of the data system, and the data from above mentioned stacking and retrieving functions are transmitted to the data system.

Abstract: An article transporting apparatus includes a traveling carriage adapted to run along a travel rail, a pair of front and rear lift guide masts mounted on the traveling carriage to be spaced apart from each other and connected to each other at upper ends thereof by an upper frame, a lift adapted to vertically move along the pair of front and rear lift guide masts, and an article transfer device provided in the lift, wherein one of the pair of front and rear lift guide masts includes a plurality of posts mounted upright to be spaced apart from each other and a plurality of diagonal members for connecting the adjacent posts to each other, the one of the pair of front and rear lift guide masts having a horizontal section area greater than that of the other of the pair of front and rear lift guide masts.