In embodiments of the invention, cartridge bins of laundry are disposed into drums for continuous flow (progressive) laundry processing. Each drum is supported by a carriage; the carriage is configured to articulate the drum and to cooperate with a space-saving processing track.

A vehicle tilting device for tilting a delivery vehicle for increasing access to items from a storage container transported on the delivery vehicle. The vehicle tilting device comprises a base structure and a tiltable platform connected to the base structure, wherein the tiltable platform comprises guiding features adapted to guide the delivery vehicle onto the tiltable platform. The tiltable platform is arranged to be connected to a delivery grid cell of a delivery rail system such that that there is a path to and/or from the tiltable platform for the delivery vehicle via the delivery grid cell. The invention is also related to an access station, a delivery system and a method of accessing a storage container.

A vehicle tilting device for tilting a delivery vehicle for increasing access to items from a storage container transported on the delivery vehicle. The vehicle tilting device comprises a base structure and a tiltable platform connected to the base structure, wherein the tiltable platform comprises guiding features adapted to guide the delivery vehicle onto the tiltable platform. The tiltable platform is arranged to be connected to a delivery grid cell of a delivery rail system such that that there is a path to and/or from the tiltable platform for the delivery vehicle via the delivery grid cell. The invention is also related to an access station, a delivery system and a method of accessing a storage container.

An Urban Intermodal Freight System is capable of transporting large volumes and tonnage of freight by containerized or other means on a mass transit rail system. It captures excess capacity in the existing mass transit rail infrastructure to move packages, parcels, and freight by using miniaturized intermodal cargo containers that are designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing transit infrastructure, while displacing delivery trucks from increasingly crowded city streets. By enabling inbound trucks to transfer their cargo to the Urban Intermodal Freight System at a city's outskirts, freight is delivered without trucks entering congested downtown areas, greatly alleviating traffic congestion, delays, greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts. The Linear Loading Dock and Conveyor System may have other useful applications, for example to access a facility, building or vehicle, or in other circumstances where off street truck parking or loading docks are not available.

An object is to provide novel traffic system and transportation method capable of realizing door-to-door movement in a wide range by using a plurality of operation systems. A transfer box 100 capable of accommodating a passenger and/or freight, a plurality of operation systems 200 capable of transporting the transfer box 100, a transfer means 300 which transfers the transfer box 100 from one operation system 200 to another operation system 200, and a system management unit 400 which communicates with the plurality of operation systems 200 to manage a transportation status of the transfer box 100 are provided, in which the operation system 200 includes a transfer unit 210 on which the transfer box 100 is loaded, and an operation management unit 220 which manages an operation status of the transfer unit 210.

An object is to provide novel traffic system and transportation method capable of realizing door-to-door movement in a wide range by using a plurality of operation systems. A transfer box 100 capable of accommodating a passenger and/or freight, a plurality of operation systems 200 capable of transporting the transfer box 100, a transfer means 300 which transfers the transfer box 100 from one operation system 200 to another operation system 200, and a system management unit 400 which communicates with the plurality of operation systems 200 to manage a transportation status of the transfer box 100 are provided, in which the operation system 200 includes a transfer unit 210 on which the transfer box 100 is loaded, and an operation management unit 220 which manages an operation status of the transfer unit 210.

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

A lift system for an automated storage system of the type where storage containers are stacked in storage columns arranged in a grid, and where automated container handling vehicles retrieve and replace containers from a top level of the grid. The lift system has a platform vertically movable adjacent to a face of the grid, arranged for receiving and transporting one or more containers. A dedicated mechanical device is arranged for grabbing, lifting and moving the storage containers from a staging area at the top of the grid and placing containers on the platform and vice versa.

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

An automatic storage and retrieval system includes: a delivery vehicle; a storage container carried by the delivery vehicle; and an unloading station for unloading an item from the storage container while it is being carried by the delivery vehicle. The unloading station includes: an unloading device; and a destination conveyor configured to convey the item to a target destination, wherein the unloading device is configured to move the item through a side opening of the storage container to the destination conveyor.