Abstract: A system for loading workpieces into a process chamber for processing in a matrix configuration includes a conveyor configured to transport multiple workpieces in a linear fashion. A workpiece hotel is configured to receive the multiple workpieces from the conveyor. The workpiece hotel comprises a matrix of cells arranged in N columns and M floors. A pick blade is configured to insert into the hotel and retract from the hotel in order to unload a plurality of substrates from a first floor into a single row of the pick blade, and to repeat the unloading operation to form a matrix comprising a plurality of rows of substrates disposed on the pick blade. In one example, the workpiece hotel has a staggered configuration that provides individual accessibility of each hotel cell.

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 method for loading a pack storing device of an order-picking line with packs, particularly packs of one or a plurality of beverage articles, including providing at least one group of packs, particularly a pallet, especially the at least one group of packs comprising packs at least of a single article, particularly beverage article; and manually loading the pack storing device with at least one pack from the at least one group of packs, particularly a pallet, by one or more operators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dry stack craft storage system, such as for storing and retrieving watercraft from a body of water. The storage system generally comprises an enclosure having a support system provided therein to form a series of storage positions for craft. The support system may be of various types, including one or more floor supports, on which a plurality of watercraft may be positioned and stored via a tram system to allow movement of the watercraft on the support floor. Alternatively, the support system may comprise a framework system generally formed as a series of support columns that stand parallel to the enclosure wall and provide support and protection of watercraft stowed in the storage facility. The framework may further have a series of cross beams that together with the columns provide a series of adjustable berths for the watercraft.

Abstract: An interment method and facility for interment and automated retrieval and visitation of interred subjects. The facility includes an interment area for holding the interred subjects, at least one visitation area for visitor access to a selected one of the interred subjects, a system retrieval mechanism for transporting the selected interred subject between the interment area and the visitation area, and a facility management system providing automated control of interment, visitation, and transport therebetween. Identification information for, and a location of, the interred subjects held in the interment area are recorded. A sensory system reads identification information associated with each interred subject, monitoring location and orientation. A request is received by a visitor, as programmed into a facility management system, for visitation of a selected interred subject.

Abstract: A pair of carousels is provided in an automated storage and retrieval system. A mast, a pair of elevation frames, and a pair of scara arms are provided between the carousels. One of the scara arms includes a plurality of arms stacked from lower to upper arms such that a hand of the scara arm takes a high position. The other of the scara arms includes a plurality of arms stacked from upper to lower arms such that a hand of the scara arm takes a low position.

Abstract: Displaceable lift truck (10) for handling slab material (L) in a storage warehouse, comprising a carriage (12) movable along a rail (11), columns (14) which extend upwards from the movable carriage (12) and a material support structure (13) movable along the columns (14) and comprising a bottom body or platform (16) provided with extractable forks (20). The material support structure (13) includes, moreover, a pick-up device (18) comprising extractable arms (18) provided with releasable engaging means (28). The invention also relates to a method for making up a mixed pack of slab material.

Abstract: A method and warehouse system for feeding supply goods in the form of packages, containers, cartons, single and/or bundled goods from a feeding station via a feeding section (4) to a destination storage (6) or a storage control station of the destination storage (6), preferably a high-bay warehouse area of a picking system, includes an intermediate buffer system (10) having a reversibly driven intermediate buffer (3). The intermediate buffer system (10) receives the supply goods during or in anticipation of a stock overload at the destination storage (6) during the time of the feeding process, and after a stock overload or following an impending stock overload releases said supply goods to the destination storage (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of introducing article carriers (4) in a storage facility (1), wherein an article carrier (4), during introduction, is received by a conveying apparatus (2) and transported to a storage location (3). The invention also relates to a stationary conveying apparatus (2) for a storage facility (1), in particular for a storage rack (1), having at least one accommodating means (3, 11, 2) for an article carrier (4), and it further relates to a storage facility (1), in particular a storage rack (1), having at least one storage location (3), at least one introduction region (9) connected to the storage location (3), and at least one conveying apparatus (2) which can be moved back and forth between the storage location (3) and the introduction region (9).

Abstract: A storage apparatus has an rack of storage bins, a a pick head drive unit to drive a pick head to an access location for a selected bin, and a platform drive unit to drive a platform forming part of the pick head into and out of the rack to pick or load packages at a selected bin of the rack. The platform has a cam formation which, in the course of entry of the platform into the rack acting to lift a desired package until the platform reaches a clearance position at which the cam formation clears the package. Subsequent withdrawal of the platform from the rack acts to drag the desired package from the selected bin.

Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus consisting of an indexer block and a processing block, a substrate is transported between the indexer block and the processing block by an indexer robot. The indexer robot includes two hands that are provided one above the other on a rotating stage. The other hand moves in a vertical direction to one hand. A difference in height between the one hand and the other hand can be adjusted so as to be equal to spacing between substrate storing grooves of a carrier where the substrate that is to be carried into the indexer block is stored. In addition, the difference in height between the one hand and the other hand can be adjusted so as to be equal to spacing between support plates of a substrate platform provided between the indexer block and the processing block.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system including a vertical array of storage levels, each storage level having storage locations, a multilevel vertical conveyor system configured to transport the uncontained case units to and from the vertical array of storage levels, each storage level being configured to receive uncontained case units from the multilevel vertical conveyor system, at least one autonomous transport confined to each storage level, the at least one autonomous transport being configured to transport the uncontained case units between respective storage locations and the multilevel vertical conveyor system, and a controller configured to effect operation of the multilevel vertical conveyor system and at least one autonomous transport for assembling orders of uncontained case units of different types without moving bundles of the same uncontained case unit type throughout the storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A transport system for a storage and retrieval system having an array of storage levels, each storage level having respective storage areas, the transport system including a vertical conveyor having a frame and support shelves movably coupled to the frame, each support shelf being configured to hold one or more uncontained case units in predetermined areas of the support shelf, and transfer vehicles disposed on respective ones of the storage levels, the vertical conveyor having a conveyor to transfer vehicle interface configured to transfer the uncontained case units substantially directly between the support shelves and the transfer vehicles for transport to the storage areas in substantially one transfer vehicle picking operation.

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: 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 system and method for the safe storage of boats wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which boats are stored in vertically oriented cells with each boat being carried within a boat storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the boat storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a body of water such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a boat contained within a boat storage unit relative to the body of water and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.

Abstract: A system for merchandise ordering and order fulfillment for highly efficient and accessible remote placement and assembly of merchandise orders. The system includes a network comprising a programmed central station and remote stations of various types permitting customer entry and employee fulfillment of merchandise orders.

Abstract: An article transport apparatus is provided with a path that is arranged along a plurality of article transferring locations and that has a first end and a second end, a plurality of article transporting vehicles that run along the path, and a controller that controls movement of the plurality of article transporting vehicles, and that processes transport request data that includes information specifying an article transfer location for transfer among the plurality of article transfer locations. The controller selects an article transporting vehicle for a transport process from the plurality of article transporting vehicles based on the transport request data, and moves the selected article transporting vehicle for a transport process to the article transferring location for transfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for introducing loading auxiliary means (8) with a transport device (7) into a shelf compartment (9) with storage spaces (11a to 11d) arranged one behind the other. The loading auxiliary means (8) is conveyed by the transport device (7) into the shelf compartment (9) to the front storage space (11a to 11d) in the direction of introduction (10), after which a further loading means (8) is moved by the transport device (7) into the shelf compartment (9) to the front storage space (11a to 11d) and in this way the preceding loading auxiliary means (8) conveyed to the front storage space (11a to 11d) in introduction direction (10) is moved to the storage space (11a to 11d) that is behind and the additional loading auxiliary means (8) is moved into the front storage space (11a to 11d).

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 stocker system and a method of managing a stocker, the stocker system including a stocker, a rack master, and a sensor to easily examine a shelf of the stocker. The stocker includes the shelf on which a product is loaded. The rack master includes a body part and an arm part connected to the body part to move the product toward or away from the stocker. The sensor unit faces the shelf when the arm part is moved above or below the shelf and the sensor unit is disposed on the arm part. The sensor unit includes a facing surface that is not in contact with the arm part. A plurality of displacement sensors is disposed on the facing surface of the sensor unit to measure relative positions between the sensor unit and the shelf at a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A conveyor 4 for transporting a reticle cassette 18 is provided. A lifter 16 of a rail vehicle 14 lifts the reticle cassette 18 for transferring the reticle cassette 18 between the inside of a dummy FOUP 22 and the conveyor 4.

Abstract: Storage and retrieval systems and methods are provided to automate the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. In one embodiment, the stowage and retrieval system comprises a storage area comprising a plurality of stationary cell modules arranged in a matrix, wherein each cell module comprises at least one motor. The system also comprises a plurality of carriers comprising at least one magnet disposed on an underside of each of the carriers and at least one engagement mechanism disposed on a top side of each of the carriers. The at least one magnet of the carrier is configured to engage the at least one motor of a corresponding cell module, and the at least one motor is configured to move the carrier within the storage area.

Abstract: A multi-level parking lot has a multi-level parking lot comprising a roadway disposed on aground surface. A plurality of parking containers each adapted to receive and store an automotive passenger vehicle. At least two of the parking containers being vertically stacked to form an inner stack of vertically stacked parking containers extending generally parallel to a first side of the roadway. At least two of the parking containers are vertically stacked to form an outer stack of vertically stacked columns of parking containers extending generally parallel to the first side of the roadway, and located between the first side of the roadway and the inner stack of vertically stacked parking containers. Each of the plurality of parking containers having an access aperture generally facing toward the first side of the roadway for passage of the vehicle therethrough.

Abstract: A method of rationally storing and transferring containers within a short time in a tower type container loading system and an apparatus using the same are disclosed. The method includes the steps of designating a position where a container to be stored is stored when the container enters a steel structure; elevating the container to a storage in a layer at the storing position along an elevation passage of the steel structure with a traveler; transferring and temporally storing the container to and in a temporary storing place positioned at the leading end of the storage when the container is positioned in the storage; and transferring and storing the container in the temporary storing place to and in a designated storing position using a transferring traveler installed in the storage.

Abstract: An automatic warehouse 8 is provided parallel to a running rail 4 for an overhead travelling carriage 6. Open shelves 16 each of which is open on its side are provided in a rack 10. According to the present invention, articles can be transferred directly to and from a shelf in the automatic warehouse.

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: An order-picking system comprising a storage rack, wherein the rack (16, 18) is divided into a number of planes (RPi) arranged on top of each other each having rack-storage locations (54) arranged side-by-side, which are preferably formed by hold elements mounted laterally to rack posts, and wherein the rack is coupled to a vertical elevator, wherein the vertical elevator (12, 14) serves for transporting load supports (50) from a rack-plane level (RRi) of the storage rack (16, 18) to a handing-over level, and vice versa, wherein the elevator (12, 14) is provided with a first vertical traction unit (40) endlessly rotating, and a second vertical traction unit (42) endlessly rotating, wherein the first and second traction unit (40, 42) can be driven substantially synchronous and are distanced to each other such that a plurality of first support elements (48), which are mounted on the first traction unit (42), and a plurality of second support elements (48), which are mounted on the second traction unit (42), def

Abstract: An automated case order preparation system including a crane for transporting groups of depalletized product cases to temporary storage on shelving, and to a plurality of gravity-powered case guides, for accumulating and dispensing cases to fulfill client order pallets.

Abstract: A method of assembling pallets containing stock units is disclosed using a negative pick/put transfer having donor pallets 14 containing quantities of stock units and recipient pallets 20 receiving stock units. A distribution system 10 and control system 32 is provided to implement negative pick/put transfers of pallets. Also disclosed are methods and systems for sequencing the assembly of pallets by matching stock orders to create negative pick/put transfer opportunities.

Abstract: A cassette insertion control method, wherein when a cassette (1) is sent to the storage part (41) of a garage (8a), the cassette (1) is tilted without positioning the garage (8a) and the cassette (1) to oppose to each other, and sent to the front opening part (40) of the garage (8a) from a tip corner part (45) of the cassette (1), thereby to securely store the cassette (1) in the garage (8a). Thus, even if the accuracy of the stop position of a picker running in a direction parallel with the arranged direction of the garage is not so high, the cassette can be securely stored in the garage.

Abstract: A system for controlling stocked items to be picked in a warehouse. The system has a first support assembly upon which a plurality of items can be stored in a predetermined array, including a plurality of rows, and from which stored items can be picked from a first location. The first support assembly has at least (a) a first state with no item upon the first support assembly, (b) a second state with at least one item in at least one of the rows and no items in another of the rows and (c) a third state with at least one item in each of the plurality of rows. The system includes a repositioning assembly that is operable to cause an item upon the first support assembly to be shifted from a first position in a first row to a second position in a second row. An item upon the first support assembly is situated to be more accessible to an operator for picking from the first location with the item in the second position than with the item in the first position.

Abstract: A rack and conveyor shuttle system for placing and retrieving articles of various sizes including a rack system having a shelving framework of at least two tubes spaced apart from one another at a distance, wherein the distance between the tubes is sufficient to support the article in a single stack and a motorized, conveyor shuttle system having at least two finger-like conveyors spaced apart from one another at a distance, wherein the distance between the finger-like conveyors is sufficient to move in between the two tubes so as to engage the article wherein the conveyor shuttle system is adapted to interlace in between the rack system for both placing and retrieving the article.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a racking system and method of storing palletized items in the racking system. The present disclosure also relates to a racking system for storing multiple pallets stacked with the palletized items, the multiple pallets being deliverable for storage in the racking system by a fork lift vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of storing storage products in a storage rack, the storage rack comprising several rack units providing a plurality of storage spaces for the storage products. The storage rack comprises a transport shaft, a transport device being traversable on the transport shaft to transport the storage products between a service opening and a storage space. A first rack unit has the service opening and a second rack unit is spaced from the first rack unit by the transport shaft. In the method, a first storage product is transported into a buffer area spaced from the service opening of the first rack unit by the transport device for intermediate storage. A second storage product is supplied to the transport device via the service opening. The second storage product to be stored is transported into the buffer area using the transport device.

Abstract: A method and a storage and manipulation system for manipulating and transferring cassettes used for storage. The system includes a rack for storing cassettes. The rack includes supports on which the cassette rests. A transfer device includes a slide, onto which the cassette can be transferred. The slide includes a lifting and lowering movement. The transfer device also includes grippers that grip the cassette and moving it onto or off the slide. The slide can be placed underneath the front part of the cassette and, by a lifting movement, elevate the front part of the cassette such that the cassette can be transferred along the support onto the slide. A rear part of the cassette is simultaneously supported by the support. The slide can also lower the front part of the cassette onto the support when the rear part of the cassette is transferred onto the support of the rack.

Abstract: A storage rack (30) for use in an order-picking system (100) includes a plurality of rack planes (44) being arranged on top of each other, which respectively comprise a plurality of rack compartments (46, 48) being arranged side-by-side, a filling side (34) and a removal side (32), being different to the filling side (34), wherein the removal side preferably is arranged oppositely, wherein the rack compartments (46, 48) are filled with articles (66-70) at the filling side (34), wherein the articles in term are removed at the removal side (32) for the purpose of order-picking, and a plurality of serving units (52), each of which comprises at least a display element (54), a transmitter (62) and a receiver (64) and is at least arranged such at the filling side (34) that each of the rack compartments (46, 48) is assigned to one serving unit (52).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a stocking system and its operating method. The stocking system comprises a shelf assembly, a first crane, and a second crane. The shelf assembly stores a plurality of cassettes. The first crane is installed at one side of the shelf assembly and loads/unloads the cassettes to/from the shelf assembly. The second crane is installed at the other side of the shelf assembly and loads/unloads the cassettes to/from the shelf assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to construction waste removal and provide a method, system and apparatus for construction waste removal. In one embodiment of the invention, a construction waste removal system can be provided. The system can include an assembled waste chute, the assembled waste chute comprising a set of waste chute sections that are joined together in an end-to-end matter and a collapsible waste container configured to receive waste from a downstream end of the assembled waste chute. The system further can include a waste transport vehicle including a main frame disposed along the longitudinal axis of the waste transport vehicle, a grasping mechanism configurable for removing waste from the collapsible waste container and disposed adjacent to an operator cab, and a waste-receiving vehicle bed coupled to the main frame.

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. A locking mechanism on each support element allows for selectively preventing vertical movement of the support element relative to the pallet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting and combining items in an outbound container through the use of autonomous vehicles, each of which includes means for automatically loading and unloading a payload, to perform both transfer and transport functions in moving containers of items within a workspace via a network of roadways. Under computer control, said autonomous vehicles transfer and transport case containers of item units between incoming receiving stations, intermediate storage locations, and outgoing order-assembly stations where entire containers or individual item units are combined in the outbound container.

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 tire loading apparatus and method of packing tires that includes placing the tires in a rack, compressing the tires, and assembling the rack are disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more conveyors, scanners, and robots that load tires from a conveyor to a rack. A tire unloading apparatus is also disclosed. The unloading apparatus includes a scissor mechanism to raise and/or lower tire racks to an unloading platform. The unloading apparatus additionally includes one or more unloaders and conveyors. The sorting and unloading of tires is accomplished with one or more automated conveyors, scanners, and storage structures for reading information from incoming tires and using the tire information to sort and store the tires. A rack to improve compression and support of tires during storage and shipment is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an order-picking systems (100; 100?), wherein the order-picking system comprises a high-bay warehouse (10), at least one tray warehouse (16), at least one packing station (20; 32), and at least one shipping station (22), comprising the following steps: a) depalletizing (S20) in a layerwise manner packing units (42), which form a, particularly complete, pallet layer (40), from a pallet (44), particularly a EuroPallet, which respectively carries a plurality of packing units (42), which are to be picked, of a type of article, onto a correspondingly dimensioned tray (46); b) bringing (S30) the tray (46) loaded with the pallet layer (40) into the tray warehouse (16), preferably by means of a conveyor technique (14), a storage machine and/or a lift; c) recalling (S40) the tray (46) loaded with the pallet layer (40) in accordance with an order-picking order or several order-picking orders to the packing station (20; 32); removing in accordance with the order-picking or

Abstract: A container changing system able to prevent deterioration in the working rate of substrate processing apparatuses and deterioration in the amount of production of semiconductor devices. A second mounting portion is arranged between a carrier of a container conveying unit and a first mounting portion of a substrate processing apparatus with respect to a lifting direction of a container. The second mounting portion is configured to freely advance and withdraw to/from a lifting path of the container. A container lifting unit is arranged between the carrier and the second mounting portion with respect to the lifting direction.

Abstract: A method of automatically depositing and withdrawing storage-goods carriers (2) in and from a storage rack (4, 4?) with the aid of transport vehicles (1) is improved according to the invention in that at least two storage-goods carriers (2) are stored each in a first and at least one other storage level (28) one upon the other on a transport vehicle (1), the transport vehicle (1) is driven near the storage rack (4, 4?) and positioned in a transfer position (U) at the storage rack (4, 4?), and subsequently the storage-goods carriers of the first and then of the at least one other storage level (28) are deposited in or withdrawn from the storage rack (4, 4?) in the transfer position (U), wherein a relative difference of level (?Y) between a working level (E) of a transfer device (3, 36, 36?) and the respective storage levels (28) of the storage-goods carriers (2) is automatically compensated for deposition and withdrawal.

Abstract: A glass substrate distribution system includes a cassette, a first transmission mechanism, and a second transmission mechanism. The first transmission mechanism transmits the glass substrate to several standby positions outside the cassette. The second transmission mechanism transmits the glass substrate between the standby positions and the glass substrate.

Abstract: A storage system for items such as substrate carriers includes at least one stocker including a plurality of storage areas each adapted to store at least one storage device. At least one movable support is arranged on the at least one stocker. A control controls movement of the at least one movable support at least between a first position wherein the at least one movable support receives the at least one storage device outside one of the storage areas and a second position wherein the at least one movable support is arranged substantially within the one of the storage areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for operating a shelf in a commissioning system, comprising a shelf (1) and a storage and retrieval unit (2) associated therewith for storing and retrieving containers (3), trays or the like in or from the shelf. A height range of the shelf (1) comprising a plurality of superimposed shelf planes (a, b, c, d) can be operated as an autonomous shelf unit (I, II, III or IV) via at least one mechanically coupled longitudinally adjustable storage and retrieval unit (2) and at least two autonomous shelf units are provided for a single shelf. The invention is characterized in that the storage and retrieval unit (2) is displaced from a shelf unit (I; II; III or IV) to another shelf unit (II, III, IV or I, III, IV or I, II, IV or I, II, III) of the same shelf (1) or of another shelf (1?), preferably to another shelf unit which is not yet provided with a storage and retrieval unit of the same kind.