Abstract: The invention relates to a scalable freight loading system, especially for an aircraft, said system comprising drive means (L1-L9, R1-R9), covering sensors, bolts, proximity switches (PL1-PL9, PR1-PR9), and a central control device (CCB). According to the invention, the loading surface is divided into sectors (S1, S2, S3); a local control unit (SCB1, SCB2, SCB3) is associated with each sector; the drive means, covering sensors, and proximity switches of a sector are connected to IO ports of the local control unit; and the local control units are connected to the central control unit by means of a bus system (CAN-Bus).

Abstract: A sortation conveyor includes a method of calibrating the control system to provide a calibration value indicative of the spacial correlation between the sort induct sensor and the first shoe sensor.

Abstract: A method is provided for utilizing target of opportunity to perform at least one special operation while a removable storage medium is mounted within a data storage drive for another purpose. A target of opportunity is recognized by determining if at least one special operation may be performed by the data storage drive. If it is determined that at least one special operation may be performed then a first notification that the data storage drive is to remain in a not ready state is sent in response. At least one special operation is performed, and in response to the at least one special operation being performed, a second notification is sent that the removable storage medium is in a ready state or an error state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the screening of objects in-transit and materials, for security purposes (i.e. explosives detection). The invention provides an adjustable computerized system suitable for use at airports, seaports, land terminals, distribution centers, railway terminals, border crossings or other transit terminals, in order to achieve maximal efficiency and detection reliability, by adjustment of the screening process of any specific object to its risk factor in conjunction with the characteristics of the available in-line detection equipment. The invention provides an automated security inspection and conveying system for in-transit objects, comprising means for identifying the sender of each package and to profile and import the security status data relevant to the object into the system, and a plurality of various security screening machines in combination with conveying and sorting components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a batch of mail items. A number of sheets are assembled to at least two documents, wherein at least two of the documents each contain at least two sheets. Each of the sheets in the batch is provided with a unique identification code unique to each sheet in the batch. The documents are assembled to one or more mail items. At least one unique identification code is read and the read unique identification codes are tested against a criterion. An error message is provided if the characteristic does not meet the criterion.

Abstract: An automatic wafer storage system and a method of controlling the system are disclosed. The automatic wafer storage system includes an analysis module and a storage unit. The analysis module estimates the locations between an idle equipment, a transport tool, and the storage unit, so as to control the storage unit and the transport tool to move to the best location for the transport tool to receive wafers from the storage unit. After that, the transport tool carries the wafers to the idle equipment for processing.

Abstract: The present application relates to techniques and equipment for printing documents, inspecting the quality of the documents and correcting for defective printed material in a document processing environment. The present techniques and equipment detect one or more defective pages in a document and uniquely identify the defective document. Once the defective document is identified, it can be removed from a document processing system while continuing the document processing run for subsequent documents in a mailing.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to systems and methods for improving a sort plan. According to one embodiment, several groups are formed where each group contains articles having an identifier of a hierarchical structure. In certain embodiments, the identifier may include a geographical indication, such as a postal or ZIP code. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for conducting sort plan optimization where at least some prior data is known or otherwise obtainable. In one embodiment, data relating to the quantity of groups within the sort plan, the quantity of articles associated with each identifier, and/or the quantity of articles within each group may be estimated or known. In certain embodiments, such data may be utilized to assign articles to specific bins, including any available bin, and then optimize the sort plan by selecting at least one bin for improvement.

Abstract: A hybrid data collection and component installation scheme for optimizing equipment cost, throughput, and quality practices in a multi-stage manufacturing environment. A kit comprising a plurality of parts corresponding to an order for a product is received from one of the stages in the multi-stage manufacturing environment. The parts in the kit were validated in the stage using data collected about the plurality of parts in the stage. At a subsequent stage in the manufacturing environment, a determination is made if the product qualifies for mass installation. If the product qualifies for mass installation, a set of parts in the kit is selected for mass installation. The set of parts are re-verified using the data collected in the previous stage in the environment to determine if the set of parts selected for mass installation is valid. If valid, the set of parts are installed en masse.

Abstract: In a mail-handling system comprising computer processing means associated with first print means so as to place at least one unique send number on an empty envelope and with second print means for printing at least one document, and an envelope-stuffing machine for inserting said at least one document into the empty envelope, said mail-handling system further comprises a signing set for writing, by means of a writing instrument, a recipient's address on each of the envelopes bearing said unique send number and delivered to the signing set. Said recipient's address is extracted from a database connected to the computer processing means and being indexed in the database with the unique send number borne by the envelope. The envelope-stuffing machine includes read and decode means for extracting the single send number borne on the empty envelope and for ensuring that it matches the document on the basis of the database.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a cost effective means for gathering data which associates an individual or business with an address for a given time frame. This is accomplished by utilizing resources already providing a service in a geographic area to collect the desired data. In some embodiments, data collected in relation to a service company's regular course of business are made available for other purposes such as proof of occupancy. In other embodiments, service company representatives, in addition to their primary tasks, are dispatched to specific addresses to gather data unrelated to their primary tasks.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that warns that a JOB fails to be pulled out is provided. Warning processes executed by a CPU of a printer that is one example of the image forming apparatus includes the steps of determining whether a JOB list is updated, setting a job counter JB_S_CTA for checking JOB at an initial value “1” and setting an upper limit counter JB_S_CTB at an upper limit value when the JOB list is updated, executing a failure-to-pull-out warning process if JOBs counted by JB_S_CTA belong to the same client, and incrementing the JB_S_CTA by “1”.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for handling commands requesting movement of a data storage medium (magnetic tape, optical disk, or other medium) from a source media library to a destination media library using a pass through port. Prior to issuing commands requesting movement of the data storage medium from a source location to the pass through port and from the pass through port to a destination location, embodiments of the present invention can check the status of various locations (e.g., the destination location or pass through port) to determine if the movement requested in the original command can be completed successfully. Another embodiment of the present invention can maintain reservation flags for pass through ports so that the status of particular pass through ports can be determined and an available pass through port selected.

Abstract: A passive identification system for shipping containers. The shipping containers contain passive identification devices that are interrogated by separate on-board location trackers (OBLT) located in places where shipping containers are expected to pass in proximity to during the shipping and transport process. The OBLTs contain an active transmitter and GPS device. After the OBLT interrogates the passive identification device on a shipping container, the OBLT generates a geo-word comprised of the container identification, the GPS location of the OBLT, and a time stamp, and transmits the geo-word to a receiving station for tracking and/or security purposes. The receiving station has manifest information regarding the shipping containers stored in memory. In this manner, the receiving station can compare the geo-word to the expected shipping locations and expected times for the shipping container to determine if the shipping container is lost, misplaced, or off-schedule.

Abstract: A method for dispatching wafers for processing in a tool includes identifying a queue of wafers available to be processed in the tool. One of the wafers is randomly selected based at least in part on a length of time each wafer has been in the queue. The selected wafer is dispatched for processing in the tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of monitoring a machine. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is used to monitor the operation of a mail insertion machine. The mail insertion machine is an automated mail insertion device that inserts mailing inserts into preaddressed mailing devices. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, computer software and monitoring devices are used to provide images of the mailing insert and the preaddressed mailing device in a manner that allows an operator of the mail insertion machine to compare the recipient indicia of the mailing insert with the recipient indicia of the preaddressed mailing to verify that the correct mailing insert is being inserted into the correct, matching preaddressed mailing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle part, wherein the motor vehicle or the motor vehicle part is assembled from components, wherein at least two components are each connected to at least one transponder in order to transmit an identification information item, wherein an identification information item transmitted by a transponder is received by means of a first antenna, wherein an identification information item transmitted by a transponder is received by means of a second antenna and wherein it is checked whether a component can be installed or is correctly installed, wherein the component is installed or is classified as correctly installed only if at least one identification information item received by means of the first antenna corresponds both to an identification information item received by means of the second antenna and to a predefined identification information item.

Abstract: The present invention has a communication connection means (21) which mutually connects communicatably control units (Ca, Cb) for individually controlling operations of robots (Ra, Rb) to constitute a network, input means (37a, 37b) which are respectively installed in the control units and input operation instructions of the robots, and timing signal generation means (69a, 69b). The control units are selectively set to any one of an independent function execution mode, a master function execution mode, and a slave function execution mode, and among the control units, the control unit (Ca) to perform a master operation is set to the master function execution mode, and the residual control unit (Cb) is set to the slave function execution mode, and by correcting a minimum interruption period (Ts(b)) of the slave side control unit (Cb), a control time (ta11, ta12, ta13) to the master robot (Ra) of the master side control unit (Ca) is delayed by a predetermined time (T) to perform the cooperative operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the screening of objects in-transit and materials, for security purposes (i.e. explosives detection). The invention provides an adjustable computerized system suitable for use at airports, seaports, land terminals, distribution centers, railway terminals, border crossings or other transit terminals, in order to achieve maximal efficiency and detection reliability, by adjustment of the screening process of any specific object to its risk factor in conjunction with the characteristics of the available in-line detection equipment. The invention provides an automated security inspection and conveying system for in-transit objects, comprising means for identifying the sender of each package and to profile and import the security status data relevant to the object into the system, and a plurality of various security screening machines in combination with conveying and sorting components.

Abstract: A method of allocating excess space associated with a primary component includes determining the excess space associated with the primary component, identifying at least one information insert compatible with the excess space, providing an output advertising the excess space, and receiving a request in response to the output. The request may be based at least in part on the at least one information insert. The method also includes associating the at least one information insert with the primary component.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for determining and recording characteristics of particulate material in a batch of such material comprising a separator chamber having an inlet, means for reading an identifier on a batch of particulate material supplied to the inlet and providing the identifier as a digital output, means for causing a flow of gas in the separator chamber to separate the particulate material into a first fraction and a second fraction, first counting means, second counting means, means for weighing the first fraction and providing the result as a digital output, and means for integrating the digital outputs and for transferring them to a computer programmed to store data in prescribed format in a database, from which it may be manipulated to afford comparison of characteristics of batches of particulate material.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a control logic to selectively audit transactions between the apparatus and a separate entity based on a type for the transactions. The apparatus also includes an encryption logic to encrypt an audit log that includes at least one attribute of one of the selectively audited transactions.

Abstract: A paper-handling unit serves for generating groups of items, wherein each group includes a plurality of items. The paper-handling unit includes at least one input channel for receiving the items, a portion to generate groups from the received items, a drive-out station for driving out a generated group, a detector detecting predetermined features from the items of a driven-out group, and a controller. The controller is operable to determine whether a predetermined event has occurred to drive the drive-out station to drive out a group if the predetermined event has occurred, to determine whether information was obtained from the detector during a predetermined interval, to stop the paper-handling unit if no information was obtained from the detector during the predetermined interval, and to stop the paper-handling unit if information was obtained from the detector during the predetermined interval which indicates that the driven-out group does not meet at least one predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A disk tag reading device is a device for reading contents of an electronic tag attached to a disk. A holder which is inserted into a central hole of the disk configures an antenna for communicating with the electronic tag attached to the disk.

Abstract: In a mail inserting machine that a user uses to process mailpieces for a prepaid quantity, a counter is installed in an inaccessible manner to keep count of the processed mailpieces. The machine is disabled when the prepaid quantity is used up. In order to allow the user to pay for additional quantity, the manufacturer embeds a finite number of unlocking codes in the machine. Each code for the particular machine is activated in sequence. When the user needs to replenish the inserter counter, he calls the service counter and gives his machine serial number. The user is given the next unlocking code after he agrees to pay for the additional amount. The user can enter the code to unlock the additional preset quantity. The same code will not work again. In a further embodiment, the rate of mailpiece processing is also monitored to ensure that design limitations are not exceeded. The machine is automatically shut down when a predetermined processing rate is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention improves supply of an electronic circuit components by a component tape. When a number of the components remaining in each feeder becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, an operator is informed of a fact that another component tape can be connected to a currently used component tape. In response to the informed fact, the operator connects the currently used component tape as a preceding component tape to the above-described another component tape as a following tape such that a trailing end portion of the preceding component tape and a leading end portion of the following component tape are connected through a connecting tape. A connecting portion of the two connected component tapes is detected by a connecting-portion detecting device in S11, and a two-dimensional code printed on the connecting tape is recognized by an ID decoder in S12.

Abstract: A spindle with an RFID function includes a disc support and an RFID tag. The disc support has a bottom seat, and a positioning axle connecting to the bottom seat. The disc support is used to support discs in a disc production process. The RFID tag is installed inside or attached onto the disc support for managing the disc production process. Whereby, the spindle with RFID tag can not only be used to accommodate the at least one disc, but also to manage or quickly integrate the disc production process and the disc material flow, prevent the disc production process from error-occurring, and to provide a burglarproof function.

Abstract: In order to produce high quality final products cheaply using a large-scale production chains, not just the production being performed in the present production unit, but also parts supplies chains must be rational and without waste or overburdening. However, there is presently no means for discovering whether parts supplies chains are irrational, without waste or overburdening, or are rational and without waste or overburdening. A hierarchical tree table of product-parts lists of multi-stages may be displayed with at least one item of parts supply information, this being selected out of production unit of the parts, number of parts, lead time of the parts, cost of the parts, etc. The retrieved parts supply information is displayed in a manner allowing it to be distinguished from other items of parts supply information. The method of retrieval can be set as desired. The entirety of the parts supplies chains is displayed graphically, and the location where the problems exist becomes clear.

Abstract: A system for combined mailing of a plurality of diverse publications to a plurality of recipients at an optimized mail rate. The system includes a bindery for binding a plurality of the signatures where the bindery binding the plurality of signatures creates a plurality of first publications and a plurality of second publications. Each of the plurality of first and second publications are in a unique order, where the unique order identifies each of the plurality of first publications and each of the plurality of second publications with each of the plurality of recipients. A co-mailer is part of the system for combining the plurality of first publications with the plurality of second publications to form a plurality of diverse publications. The co-mailer merges the plurality of first and second publications in the unique order to send the plurality of diverse publications to the plurality of recipients at the optimized mail rate.

Abstract: A method of allocating excess space associated with a primary component includes determining the excess space associated with the primary component, identifying at least one information insert compatible with the excess space, providing an output advertising the excess space, and receiving a request in response to the output. The request may be based at least in part on the at least one information insert. The method also includes associating the at least one information insert with the primary component.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring the quality of service of logistic services. A shipping device, which is shipped along a travel route from a source location to a destination location, includes an electronic device. Times are logged at one or more locations during the travel. The electronic device includes: a GPS-indoor receiver device connected to a control logic, a storage connected to the control logic, a power supply, and an I/O interface. The control logic is arranged for logging, during the shipping device traveling time, datasets including at least the current Time of Day and the current geographic location information derived from GPS signals received en route into the storage. The log data is read out via the I/O interface. The log data is evaluated according to predetermined rules reflecting the quality of service of the actual shipping device shipping.

Abstract: A system and method for merge-sequencing ordered subsets of items into a single merged set in a predetermined sorted sequence and error-checking the resulting merged set to provide information about out of order items to allow for efficient error correction methods. The system uses an outcome verifier module to ensure that items placed onto the single merged set are in the proper sequence. Items that are not in the proper sequence are temporarily removed from the merged set. If it is determined that items are missing from the sorted sequence a placeholder may be inserted to mark the place of missing items.

Abstract: A product and document fulfilment system for merging together discrete articles and specific documentation which pertains to each discrete article, and for packaging and labelling the same. The system comprises an article conveyor on which discrete articles are carried seriatim, a first machine code reader for reading the unique machine readable code on each discrete article, a printer for printing a specific document pertaining to the article, instruction control means governing the delivery of the appropriate document to be merged with the article, a merging station where the specific document and the article are merged, a second machine code reader for reading the machine readable code on the specific document, first memory and counter means for recognizing the identity of the discrete article at the merging station, and accept/reject means to accept the merged article and specific document when a match occurs, or reject the item when no match occurs.

Abstract: A process monitoring system (100) for monitoring a plasma processing system. The process monitoring system (100) includes a plurality of processing subsystems (120), and a control system (110) coupled to the processing subsystems (120). The control system (110) is configured to receive monitor data from the processing subsystems (120) and send control data to the processing subsystems (120). The process monitoring system (100) also includes an external interface (140) coupled to the control system (110), where the external interface (140) includes a paging system. The process monitoring system further includes a man-machine interface (MMI) coupled to the control system (110). The MMI is configured to display the monitor data, display the control data, and access the paging system.

Abstract: An insertion system for collating sheets of printed material for insertion into an envelope is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion machine, application software and an operating system. Included in the application software is a first function and a second function, where the first function performs tracking for each packet and the second function controls operation of the insertion machine. Each packet includes a plurality of pieces of printed material that may ultimately be sealed in an envelope. The operating system runs the application software at any given instant and executes the first and second functions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting information to be included with a primary component. In some cases, the insert information can be advertisements or offers, and the insert information can be included with a primary component or printed on a primary component. Such primary components can be, for example, a scheduled bill or other planned mailing. In particular cases, the systems can include a multi-bay insert holder, a primary component, and an associated primary component holder. A microprocessor associated with a computer readable medium is included with instructions executable by the microprocessor to: determine the excess space associated with a primary component; identify at least one insert information compatible with the excess space that is to be associated with the primary component; and send a control signal to the insertion system. Various methods are also disclosed for associating insert information with primary components.

Abstract: Control processes control cross direction alignment of elements being assembled as work pieces on a manufacturing line fabricating preferably absorbent article products on a continuous substrate web. The method defines a manufacturing line path traversed by the work pieces, defines a reference path along the manufacturing path, and establishes the elements on the work pieces. A camera is mounted along the manufacturing line. An image window of the camera is referenced to the reference path. The camera captures full digitized visual images of work pieces. The camera is part of a vision imaging inspection and control system which inspects and evaluates images of the work pieces, including the cross-direction positions of the elements on the work pieces, against established acceptable positions relative to the reference path. When an element is out of alignment, the control system can display visual cues identifying the elements that are inconsistent with acceptable ranges.

Abstract: A method and system for regenerating misprocessed mailpieces and the like. Control documents are produced by a data processing system and transported to an inserter system. The inserter system inputs the control documents and assembles mailpieces in accordance with coded information on the documents. If the inserter system controller identifies a misprocessed mailpiece it writes a record, which can be a separate zero byte file, to a common data store. The data processing system accesses the record in the common data store and regenerates the control document. The inserter system processes the regenerated control document to regenerate the mailpiece.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided through which printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) that share components that have a high rate of failure are identified. The components are substantially similar components, such as components that are embodied on a reel and/or components that were manufactured by the same manufacturer. The identification (ID) of substantially similar components are captured, such as by scanning a barcode ID of the substantially similar components, an ID of each printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is captured, such as by scanning a barcode ID of each PCBA. Later, an association between the ID of each PCBA and the ID of the substantially similar components is determined. PCBAs that share components that have a high rate of failure are identified from the association. The association is used to identify PCBAs that are at risk for sharing common failures.

Abstract: A printing control system for a printer includes the same number of one-page tasks as the number of printing papers which can be simultaneously present on the printing path of the printer at the maximum and a main control task which starts one of the one-page control means which are free each time a printing paper is supplied. Each of the one-page control tasks controls printing action on the corresponding printing paper from the step of supplying the corresponding printing paper to the step of discharging the corresponding printing paper and is made free when the printing action on the corresponding printing paper is successfully finished or when an error is detected during the printing action on the corresponding printing paper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for preventing components in an inserter machine from causing the inserter machine to stop or function less than optimally due to lack of proper attention from an operator. Accordingly, various component conditions are categorized based upon two or more levels of urgency, and each component having such a condition signals the category of urgency to an operator.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of associating a component source with a destination circuit board in a component placement machine equipped with a component carrier tape having a first portion positioned to deliver components for subsequent placement onto the destination circuit board and a second portion attached to the first portion by a splice. The method includes sequentially removing a plurality of components from the component carrier tape for subsequent placement onto a destination circuit board, beginning with the first portion of tape, scanning a section of the component carrier tape associated with each removed component using a scanner that is responsive to the splice and, finally, creating an association between the destination circuit board and the second portion of tape in response to the scanner detecting the splice.

Abstract: Assembly including a container (1) or a removable support (11) provided with a transponder (7, 16) and respectively filled or loaded with a plurality of units (2, 12) of goods. Each unit of goods is provided with a transponder (3, 14) including an identification number.

Abstract: An enclosure feeder system (500) and corresponding method for use in combining collations in a sequence of collations with a given number of respective corresponding specific enclosures, the enclosures for each successive collation ordinarily being separator by a divider indicator, the enclosure feeder system (500) including: an enclosure feeder (210) for feeding the enclosures, and a supervisory controller (300) for providing to the enclosure feeder (210) a dynamic over-count number, corresponding to a specific collation, equal to one more than the expected number of enclosures for the collation, with the enclosure feeder (210) implemented so as to continue feeding enclosures for a collation until either encountering a divider indicator or until the number of enclosures actually fed is equal to the expected number of enclosures for the collation.

Abstract: Data on manufacturing processes in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus mainly containing bar code data are input to a portable input unit in step S1. A main bar code label can be affixed to an extremely short bar-code-labeled component such as a reticle having only a very narrow bar-code to-be-labeled region, which enables data input by bar codes. The portable input unit is placed in a terminal in step S2, so that data input to the portable input unit are transferred to a production line terminal. The production line terminal performs a compiling process (production controlling process) in step S3 based on input data obtained from the portable input unit and master data obtained from a server. Consequently obtained are a production control system and a production controlling method capable of performing production control with high accuracy in which errors created by operators in data input are minimized.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system of pallets for handling of work pieces. Said system is ready-fitted in one or more freight containers. Preferably, it is arranged to be coupled as a part of an automatic manufacturing system. It can comprise a loading station to be conveyed inside the freight container, which is arranged to be connected outside said freight container for reception and delivery of work pieces. The system contains at least a shelving structure arranged inside the freight container and comprising several storage locations, a lift and transfer apparatus and a control system, which is arranged for maintaining and monitoring of material management and production plans, for controlling the transfers and for data transmission between said control system and another manufacturing system.

Abstract: A computerized method/system is provided for planning motion of a robot within a free space confined by obstacles, from an initial position to a goal position. In executing the method/system, a plan is generated so that the robot can hold and maneuver a workpiece throughout a sequence of bending operations to be performed by a bending apparatus. A plurality of proposed movements to be made by the robot are proposed for an mth movement within a sequence of movements, and at least a portion of the robot and the obstacles that confine the free space are modeled. A determination is made as to whether a collision will occur between the robot and an obstacle for each proposed movement, and a plan is generated including the sequence of movements by choosing for each movement in the sequence of movements, a proposed movement that will not result in a collision and that will bring the robot closer to the goal position.

Abstract: A computerized system for tracking the activities of a manufacturing system. Identifiers for parts, subassemblies or assemblies produced or used by the manufacturing system are generated and stored by a data processing system. The data processing system performs multi-level tracking of the manufacture of parts, subassemblies made from parts and assemblies made from parts and subassemblies, to facilitate detailed tracking and reconstruction of the manufacturing process and components of any assembly. The system also facilitates quality control; when a part identifier is read from the part, the system verifies that the part associated with the read identifier is supposed to be used in the manufacturing step. Also, the system ensures that all manufactured parts are tracked. The system also stores inspection and process conditions and facilitates statistical process control or statistical quality control data for parts, subassemblies and assemblies.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating business and manufacturing systems provides a computer integrated manufacturing environment. Work orders are defined in the business transaction processing system and rules contained in a plant model database generate setpoints based on the work orders. The setpoints include detailed information required by the process control system to manufacture the product specified by the work order. The setpoints are transmitted to the process control system for manufacture of the required materials.

Abstract: A basket storage and retrieval apparatus and method has spaced parallel rows of storage racks with multiple horizontal tiers having aisles between the storage racks. Guides are connected to the aisle and a stacker retriever is connected to the guides. The stacker retriever has at least one vertical member. A carriage is mounted on the vertical member for moving up and down the vertical member and for aligning with storage rack tiers on opposite sides of the aisle. Carriers are mounted on the carriage for moving into horizontal tiers and for lowering baskets within the tiers for resting on the tiers and raising baskets from the tiers for moving the raised baskets toward the carriage. A robotic input lane extends through the storage racks. A robotic output lane extends through the storage racks. An input transfer conveyor is connected to the robotic input lane and an output transfer conveyor is connected to the robotic output lane.