Abstract: A system for storing and picking storage units including a rack arrangement having a plurality of racks, a plurality of rack-bound vehicles adapted to travel in a rack aisle for storing and retrieving the storage units into and from the storage locations in a transversal direction, wherein a rack-integrated lifter includes a load-handling device for transferring storage units between a rack-integrated handing-over location and at least one rack-integrated buffer location arranged only vertically beneath, or only vertically above, the handing-over location and at a transferring device for exchanging storage units between a feeding/discharging conveyor and the handing-over location.

Abstract: Storage device for storing and/or retrieving articles from storage, includes a frame having a first series of mutually parallel elongated storage sections, preferably positioned in a column set-up, that extend between a first end and a second end of the frame; a number of holders for the articles; storage sections being provided with holder supports, wherein at the first and second ends of the frame, first and second platforms, respectively, have been arranged for accommodating at least one holder; and first movement elements for moving the platforms, from one storage section to another; second movement elements for horizontally moving at least one holder from the first platform at the first end of the frame to the holder supports of a selected storage section while moving one or more holders from the selected storage section to the second platform at the second end of the frame, and vice versa.

Abstract: Rack storage and retrieval device for a rack storage facility, the rack storage and retrieval device comprising a carriage with a carriage drive to move the carriage on a base, a loading/removing rod that can be displaced by means of a lifting drive transverse to the base, at least one loading drive arranged on the loading/removing rod to load the rack storage facility with goods, and a separating unit for a separate removal of the goods from the rack storage facility.

Abstract: A tube sorter comprising: a rack stocker configured to have stocked therein a sample rack capable of holding one or more sample tubes; a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack; a tube conveyor configured to perform an unloading operation of unloading a sample tube from a sample rack that was transported by the transporting section and a loading operation of loading the sample tube onto a sample rack supplied from or stocked in the rack stocker; and a rack conveyor configured to convey an empty sample rack or a sample rack to be emptied to the rack stocker, is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for assembling and dispensing an order made up of one or more individually packaged items from a plurality of different individually packaged items includes a storage module containing one or more packages of each of the items, and a conveyor having selectively assignable spaces configured to receive the packaged items associated with a particular order and to transport the packaged items to a processing location. A pick device is movable relative to the storage module and is configured to retrieve a package from the storage module. A transfer station adjacent the conveyor receives one or more of the packaged items from the pick device and an actuator associated with the transfer station moves the packaged items from the transfer station to the conveyor when the assigned space associated with the order is in registration with the transfer station.

Abstract: Order allocation techniques pertaining to stops that a container makes in the process of fulfilling a customer order is disclosed. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by first identifying a pod that stocks the largest number of different items in a customer order. Then, a second pod is identified that stocks the largest number of remaining items in the customer order. The collection of pods defines a container path through the distribution center.

Abstract: A traveling body of a stacker crane is separable into a lower traveling portion and an upper traveling portion by separating a post into a lower post portion and an upper post portion, in which the lower traveling portion in a separated state separated from the upper traveling portion and supporting a lift body is moved in a width direction with its traveling posture being maintained to be taken in or out between a moving space and a take-in/out space.

Abstract: An article storage facility includes a transport device for transporting the transporting containers to the plurality of storage units, a controller, and a supply state detecting device for detecting a supply state of the inactive gas to the plurality of storage units. The controller makes a determination based on detected information from the supply state detecting device as to whether the inactive gas is properly supplied, and manages the plurality of storage units by distinguishing the disallowed storage units for which it is determined that the inactive gas is not properly supplied from the allowed storage units that are the storage units that are not the disallowed storage units. The controller performs a retreating transport operation in which a transporting container, that is stored in the storage unit that is changed from the allowed storage unit to the disallowed storage unit, is transported to an allowed storage unit.

Abstract: Automated handling systems move container through storage facilities with transfer elements that move to storage spaces, to an elevator, a margin space, and/or to a loading/unloading point. Different assemblies, arms, and structures are useable in these areas, including multiple arms and assemblies to uniformly and automatically move containers through the several different system parts. Containers may be fully-supported while stationary or moving by the handling systems, and securing structures, drives, and/or sensors are useable with each of the arms, assemblies, and spaces. A universal controller can communicate with and control every element of the systems, permitting coordinated and automated handling of many containers throughout the system. Storage and/or retrieval algorithms for containers may be programmed into the controller to automatically move containers from/to a loading/unloading point to/from a storage space.

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 system of shuttle cars for transporting a vehicle in an automated parking facility. Each shuttle car includes an x-shuttle that supports two z-shuttles. The z-shuttles move from the x-shuttle and under the vehicle for transport. The z-shuttles locate and engage the front and rear tires of a vehicle to lift the vehicle from the floor. Once the z-shuttles have engage the vehicle tires, the z-shuttles return to the x-shuttle so that the x-shuttle can transport the vehicle (and the z-shuttles) to and from the appropriate parking space.

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: 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 mobile drive unit is provided for transporting an inventory holder. The mobile drive unit is operable to dock with the inventory holder, move the inventory holder in a first translational direction, and while docked with the inventory holder, selectively rotate the inventory holder while continuing to move in the first translational direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the automated discharge of treated sewage sludge to trucks, via inventory management by tracking the flow of sludge from bins in which it is located to trucks, on a first-in/first-out basis, including automated truck positioning, automated precision truck loading and monitoring and controlling the various interrelated components via a PLC computer program.

Abstract: An apparatus and method determines the location of wafer boat plate elements having a plurality of plate elements arranged substantially parallel to each other. At least three sensors are moved along travel paths perpendicular to the plate elements, wherein at least a first travel path is above, at least a second travel path is below the wafer boat and at third travel path is laterally spaced from the first or second travel paths above or below the wafer boat. During this movement the position of the sensors along a respective travel path is determined continuously, and it is determined, in which position a respective plate element enters the measuring area of a sensor and exits the same. A distance between a sensor and an edge of a plate element is measured and the location of a respective plate element is determined by means of the sensor signals.

Abstract: The invention generally provides methods and devices for handling materials including the sorting or storing of waste. The invention further provides a modular materials handling and storage workstation unit for sensitive materials such as hazardous materials or waste common in a retail environment.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical storage and retrieval device and a method of accessing and loading the device. The device includes a housing, at least one port with controlled access to inventory stored within the device, a robotic transfer mechanism for moving inventory items to and from the controlled port, software for tracking the inventory and users of the device, and an interface with the pharmacy software system to track and monitor which inventory is authorized for access by each user and which inventory is needed to fill a prescription.

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: During picking products (P) stored in high-bay racking (R), the products are transported to manual goods-to-person picking stations (M1-M8) by means of a conveyor system (2). Order transport units (B) can be supplied to the goods-to-person picking stations (M1-M8), into which order transport units products supplied to the goods-to-person picking stations (M1-M8) are picked manually according to picking orders. All products (P) of the high-bay racking (R) which are to be picked manually can be supplied to all goods-to-person picking stations (M1-M8). If a picking order includes products (P) to be picked manually, at least one order transport unit (B) is allocated to those products to be picked manually, wherein each order transport unit is supplied to only one manual goods-to-person picking station (M1-M8) at which all products to be picked manually which have been allocated to this order transport unit are picked.

Abstract: A load handling device of a storage and retrieval device, which can travel in a longitudinal direction along a storage and retrieval side of a storage rack and can be positioned in front of the storage and retrieval side so that storage goods can be stored and retrieved in a transverse direction, including a loading platform; at least one tine comb comprising a plurality of tines which are substantially oriented along the transverse direction and are distanced to each other so that each of the tines can engage a space between neighbouring cantilever arms of the storage rack for delivering or lifting one or more of the storage goods on the cantilever arms or from the cantilever arms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for selective gripping and/or releasing of media cartridges using a robotic ratcheting gripper mechanism. Embodiments operate in context of a data storage library having a number of media cartridges physically located within slots of one or more magazines. A robot with a hand assembly uses a gripper mechanism to retrieve and ferry the cartridges between the magazines and one or more media drives. A novel gripper mechanism is provided that toggles between open and closed states according to movement of the gripper. In some embodiments, movement of a carriage from a retracted to an extended position extends the gripper mechanism and toggles its state, while movement of the carriage from the extended to the retracted position retracts the gripper mechanism while maintaining its state. Certain embodiments implement this functionality with simple mechanical components.

Abstract: An order-picking system and method includes a pallet warehouse (12), preferably in terms of a high-bay warehouse, being used as a supply warehouse dedicated to a plurality of, preferably different, packing units (40) which are stored, preferably by one sort only, on pallets (14) in the pallet warehouse (12); a tray warehouse (24) which is used as a picking buffer for supplying connected order-picking stations with packing units (40), wherein trays (38) are stored in the tray warehouse which have been loaded with a pallet layer of packing units (40) before; a conveyor (22) which transports from the pallet warehouse to the tray warehouse trays (38) which are respectively loaded with a pallet layer of packing units, particularly across longer distances; and at least a rack-transport unit (36) for trays (38), the rack-transport unit allowing receipt of a plurality of trays being respectively loaded with a pallet layer.

Abstract: A method for fulfilling requests in an inventory system includes receiving a request indicating an activity to be completed. The method also includes selecting a holder to fulfill the request and an inventory station at which to fulfill the request. The inventory station is associated with a queue that includes a plurality of queue spaces. The method further includes moving the selected holder from a first location to a second location remote from the selected inventory station. Additionally, the method also includes determining that a trigger event has occurred and, in response to determining that the trigger event has occurred, moving the selected holder from the second location to a queue space of a queue associated with the selected inventory station.

Abstract: A carriage with a cell carrier engages and retains a vertically driven cell so that the cell and its contents, such as a data storage cartridge, may be moved laterally from one linear library to another. A portal engagement device of the cell carrier includes a movable rack so that a pinion of the cell may move up or down the rack, and has pins that, when the device is down, engage a library vertical portal having a fixed rack. A cam state machine of the cell carrier guides a spring loaded cam follower hook of the cell in a pattern to lock the hook in position and, when hooked, attempted downward movement of the vertically driven cell moves the portal engagement device upward to disengage the pins of the portal engagement device from the vertical portal. The carriage may then transport the cell to another vertical portal.

Abstract: A rack includes: a rack main body including a storage space configured to store a plurality of plate-shaped members and a carry-in opening; a plurality of upper supporting portions configured to respectively support upper edge portions of the plurality of plate-shaped members; lower supporting portions respectively provided under the plurality of upper supporting portions and configured to respectively support lower edge portions of the plurality of standing plate-shaped members; and lower edge portion storage portions provided to be each located at an outer side of an end of the upper supporting portion and an end of the lower supporting portion in the arrangement direction and configured to store the lower edge portions of the plate-shaped members, and at least one of the upper supporting portions is configured to be able to support the upper edge portion of the plate-shaped member.

Abstract: A storage rack with a multiplicity of stacked supports for supporting containers transferable by means of an automatic storage/retrieval device, featuring at least one access opening for storage/retrieval of containers and including a computer in which information as to the stored articles is saved, at least one digital camera being provided imaging the articles held in the containers and the digital image information being saved in the computer for display by means of a display means, has in addition assigned to a display means a pointer device by means of which the article to be retrieved is selectable from the digital image information.

Abstract: A transfer vehicle includes a lateral pair of extendable and retractable arms, openable and closable hooks at front and rear ends of the arms, an arm opening and closing mechanism configured to change spacing between the arms, and a controller configured and programmed to control the arms and the arm opening and closing mechanism as well as the hooks. During article pickup, the controller pulls in an article onto the transfer vehicle by causing the arms to protrude to a position beyond the article in a state in which the hooks at a distal end in a pickup direction as viewed from the transfer vehicle are opened, thereafter closing the hooks to clamp the article, opening the arms after the clamping to provide a gap between the article and at least one of the arms, and retracting the arms in a state in which the hooks are closed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems adapted to aid in a handling of sample containers (e.g., sample containers) in a processing or testing system. The method includes a sequence of motions of gripper fingers and a seater to accomplish a pick and place operation of a sample container where the sample container includes a sticky surface. A sample container positioning system is disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Device for storing articles and forming groups thereof, includes a frame having a first series of mutually parallel elongated storage sections, that extend between a first end and a second end of the frame, a number of holders for the articles, the storage sections having holder supports, first and second platforms arranged at the first and the second end of the frame, respectively, for accommodating at least one holder, first movement elements for moving the platforms, from one storage section to another storage section, second movement elements for horizontally moving at least one holder from the platform at the first end of the frame to the holder supports of a selected storage section while moving one or more holders, from the selected storage section to the platform at the second end of the frame. At least at one longitudinal side of the device having one or more feeder devices.

Abstract: A storage system includes a rack with a plurality of layers, each layer including an aisle and a plurality of rows extending from the aisle defining storage locations for items. A shuttle usable with the rack includes a first cart movable along the aisle and a second cart configured to be carriable by the first cart and to be movable along a row. The second cart is configured to carry an item between the first cart and the storage locations. A conveyor is located on one of the first or second carts to move the item onto or off the first cart. Related methods of storing and/or retrieving items from a rack are also disclosed. A rack system is disclosed and is readily assembled without welding, transferring loading so that the weight of the rack and any item stored therein is supported by the upright elements via support brackets.

Abstract: A magazine-based data storage library is described that includes plurality of chambers each adapted to hold a magazine, that in turn, is adapted to hold a plurality of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a vacant chamber that shifts from a first chamber when a recently used magazine is disposed therein to a second chamber when a new magazine is withdrawn there from. The recently used magazine most recently being withdrawn from a different chamber than the first chamber where it is later disposed.

Abstract: Cartridges of a computer-implemented cartridge library are moved without host system move commands to avoid bonding of cartridges to storage slots. Via a non-host interface providing external communication with respect to the cartridge library, an inventory list is obtained of cartridges of the cartridge library, bypassing host-based inventory limitations which limit each host's view to its own virtual library. Using the library inventory list, cartridges are identified that have been stored in one storage slot for a period of time that exceeds a threshold. The cartridge library is operated to move the identified cartridges, each moving to a different storage slot than the inventoried storage slot, and a library element address of each moved cartridge is updated without altering a host address for the cartridge.

Abstract: A method (400) for handling a container is disclosed. It can include the steps of: providing (410) a multi-level structure (450) including a plurality of levels (470) including a first level (472) with an opening (474) to receive a container (476) and a second level (478); locating (420) a plurality of shelves (480) adjacent to the opening (474) including a port shelf (482) and a starboard shelf (484), each configured to receive a container (476); and providing (430) a transfer mechanism (530) configured to pick a container (176) and place it on one of the plurality of shelves (480). Advantageously, the method (400) provides enhanced container handling and logistics, and has wide use cases in warehousing, assembly manufacturing, ports and distribution hubs.

Abstract: A vertical storage rack system includes a vertically moveable transport conveyor and one or more vertical feed conveyors that vertically extend between the various rack levels so that items can be loaded and/or unloaded at any of the levels without the need for the vertically moveable transport to return to a loading/unloading level. This vertical rack system can be used to load and unload items from the racks as well as rearrange items in the racks. This system and technique allows items to be continuously moved in a vertical direction as well as sorts or merges the items at high speeds. In other words, this arrangement minimizes the vertical positioning of the vertically moveable transport conveyor, such as a cross-belt conveyor, before it can discharge (and/or load) items, thereby improving throughput.

Abstract: A modular sample storeincluding a storage area; a service area; a transfer area; a motorized robot with a lifting device and at least one platform; and a controller. The sample store service area includes one integrally formed cubic vat module and the sample store storage area includes at least one integrally formed cubic vat module. Each one of the aforementioned vat modules includes an essentially horizontal vat floor and four joining vat walls that are connected to the vat floor and that are leaving an open vat space. The modular sample store also includes upper side walls and a cover plate to close the sample store. Each vat floor and vat wall includes an outside liner and an inside liner, which outside and inside liners in each case are separated by a clearance.

Abstract: A multiplicity of wafer-type workpieces are buffer stored in a device having, a frame, at least two transport elements which each circulate in a vertical direction around an upper and a lower deflection device connected to the frame and are provided, at uniform intervals, with a multiplicity of bearing areas for the horizontal mounting of workpieces, wherein at least one of the deflection devices of each transport element is driven and a free space is situated between the transport elements, a loading position between the upper deflection devices at which a workpiece can be placed onto corresponding bearing areas, and a stationary removal device below the loading position, comprising a horizontal transport device, the first end of which lies within the free space between the transport elements. The invention also relates to a method for buffer-storing a multiplicity of wafer-type workpieces using the abovementioned device.

Abstract: A system for and method of unloading parts includes a rack and at least a first part held in a first position within the rack. At least one rack robot picks up the rack and moves the rack to a first orientation so as to position and orient the first part in a removal locus for removal from the rack. At least one line side robot removes the first part from the rack at the removal locus. The rack robot may move the rack to a second orientation so as to position and orient a second part in the removal locus for removal by the line side robot. The rack may include a plurality of clips moveable between a locked position in which the clip can securely hold a part, and an open position in which a part can be inserted or removed from the clip.

Abstract: Storing and retrieving articles in and from rack warehouses which are filled and emptied, wherein articles are stored on load supports at storage locations of at least one rack of rack warehouse comprises moving a storage and retrieval device, which is movable in a longitudinal direction of the rack and has a lifting table movable in height, to a receiving point of the rack; receiving a load support, which is loaded with an article, from the rack on a load suspension device of the storage and retrieval device; separating article from the received load support on the lifting table by means of a separation station; moving storage and retrieval device to hand-over point, where storage and retrieval device is coupled in a transverse direction of the rack to article conveyor extending in longitudinal direction of rack; and delivering separated article from lifting table to the article conveyor.

Abstract: A workpiece container storage and handling system includes a base, a number of wheels connected to the base, and a container handling system connected to the base. The wheels provide for movement of the base. The container handling system is defined to hold at least two containers in a vertically overlying orientation relative to each other. The container handling system is defined to provide for controlled vertical travel of the at least two containers in unison relative to the base. Also, the container handling system is defined to provide for controlled and independent horizontal travel of each of the at least two containers relative to the base.

Abstract: A method of transferring a plurality of containers to storage is provided, the method comprises providing at least one multi-level structure (12) with an elevator (22) configured to receive and transport one or more containers thereupon and being configured to ascend and descend to a predetermined level (18a), each of the levels (18a) comprising a plurality of bays (24) being sized to receive and store therein one of the containers; providing a plurality of unmanned autonomous guided vehicles (AGV) configured to perform front/back and sideways movements and to receive a container thereupon; receiving each of the containers on a receiving AGV (rAGV) of the AGVs; and positioning the rAGV with the container received thereby in a target bay (24) on a target level (18a) of the structure (12).

Abstract: A rack-to-rack packaged semiconductor device exchanger has a length with a midpoint thereof, and includes an inner portion, a first outer rail and a second outer rail on opposite edges of the inner portion for accepting from opposite ends of the exchanger a first rack and a second rack configured to store packaged semiconductor devices therein. At least a first stopper has a retractable extended position which protrudes from the first outer rail for stopping the first rack or second rack from advancing past a location near the midpoint of the exchanger only from one direction. The first stopper and a second stopper can both be included.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A carriage with a cell carrier engages and retains a vertically driven cell so that the cell and its contents, such as a data storage cartridge, may be moved laterally from one linear library to another. A portal engagement device of the cell carrier includes a movable rack so that a pinion of the cell may move up or down the rack, and has pins that, when the device is down, engage a library vertical portal having a fixed rack. A cam state machine of the cell carrier guides a spring loaded cam follower hook of the cell in a pattern to lock the hook in position and, when hooked, attempted downward movement of the vertically driven cell moves the portal engagement device upward to disengage the pins of the portal engagement device from the vertical portal. The carriage may then transport the cell to another vertical portal.

Abstract: In a storage system (1; 18) with at least one shelving level (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), comprising at least one transport aisle (10), shelves (8, 9; 19, 20) situated alongside the transport aisle (10) with storage spaces (L) for products (P) and a level transport device (EBG) movable in the transport aisle (10) for approaching the storage spaces (L), with a conveyor system (2; 24) for supplying products (P) to the shelving level (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and removing therefrom, with at least one intermediate buffer (Z), in which the products (P) supplied by means of the conveyor system (2; 24) are temporarily stored until their storage in a storage space (L) and in which products (P) that are removed from the storage places (L) are temporarily stored until their transfer to the conveyor system (2; 24), there is provided that substantially each storage space (L) has a movable compartment floor (F) and that the level transport device (EBG) has compartment floor-moving means, by means of which a compartment floor (F) may be transfe

Abstract: A pallet includes a platform and a plurality of support assemblies located at multiple positions on the platform. One support assembly is associated with each location of the component to be supported. Each support assembly has a linkage assembly to support and enable movement of a support element. The support assemblies also each include multiple bases secured to the platform, to position the support element in a desired location for each version of a component. An alignment mechanism on each base allows for rotational alignment of the support element relative to the pallet. An error proofing mechanism compares the selected location of the support element for each of the plurality of support assemblies and provides confirmation and correction information as required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for storing containers (1a, 1b) in, and retrieving the containers from, a storage rack (2) including storage rack levels (3) arranged one above the other. Containers can be stored in, and retrieved from, said storage rack levels by a satellite vehicle (4). The containers can be displaced horizontally to and from a lift (5) preferably located in a storage rack passage (G), and can also be moved vertically in the lift, along with the satellite vehicle, to at least one conveyor mechanism level (E) in the region of the storage rack. The containers being transported on the satellite vehicle to and from the conveyor mechanism level are loaded and unloaded on the level of the conveyor mechanism level. The satellite vehicle (4) is loaded and unloaded on the level of the conveyor mechanism level (E) using a loading and unloading device (V) arranged outside of the satellite vehicle, and which is preferably stationary.