초록 ▼

The storage and retrieval apparatus of this invention comprises parallel tracks, each normally supporting numerous upright storage bins that are in close proximity to one another and to bins on laterally adjacent tracks. Each bin is open at its front and is mounted on wheels to roll rearward along i

The storage and retrieval apparatus of this invention comprises parallel tracks, each normally supporting numerous upright storage bins that are in close proximity to one another and to bins on laterally adjacent tracks. Each bin is open at its front and is mounted on wheels to roll rearward along its track. An overhead carrier lifts a desired bin off its track to a level above the other bins and carries it forward. A pusher near the front end of that track pushes rearward on the front bin, moving bins back to fill the space left by the lifted bin, which is then lowered into the space at the front of the track for loading or unloading, through its open front. On the top of each bin is an identifier plate distinctive to the bin. A sensor on the overhead carrier, connected with a computer, reads the identifier plates as the carriage moves rearward along a track and is thus able to find and lift a desired bin even though it is in a random position along the track. Gates at the front of the tracks are arranged to prevent personnel from getting in the way of bins being lowered.

대표청구항 ▼

Storage and retrieval apparatus comprising: A. A plurality of mobile storage bins, all of uniform height, each said bin (1) having an open front through which its interior is accessible, and (2) being mounted on wheels for forward and rearward movement; B. a horizontally elongated straight track on

Storage and retrieval apparatus comprising: A. A plurality of mobile storage bins, all of uniform height, each said bin (1) having an open front through which its interior is accessible, and (2) being mounted on wheels for forward and rearward movement; B. a horizontally elongated straight track on which the bins are normally supported in proximity to one another with their open fronts facing a front end of the track, by which the bins are guided for rearward motion, and from which the bins are upwardly removable; C. an overhead bin carrier comprising (1) a carriage guided for movement lengthwise along said track at an elevation substantially above the same, and (2) hoisting means on the carriage, selectively engageable with each bin, whereby a selected bin can be lifted above the other bins, transported forward by movement of the carriage and lowered onto a front end portion of the track; and D. a pusher adjacent to said front end portion of the track, engageable with a bin thereat for pushing that bin rearward along the track to make room for a bin to be lowered.