The present disclosure relates to a centering apparatus for the orderly insertion of objects into a storage container comprising: a plate-like base body, a plurality of first indentations adjacent to one another in an outer edge of the base body, a cut-out in the base body, and a plurality of mutually adjacent second indentations in an edge of the cut-out, wherein the first indentations and the second orientations have the same orientation.

A recharge tube stocker for storing and managing a recharge tube used for a single crystal pulling apparatus, including an inlet-outlet section for taking the recharge tube in the recharge tube stocker and taking the recharge tube out of the recharge tube stocker, a storage for storing the recharge tube, a raw-material charging device for charging the recharge tube with a raw material, a weighing device for weighing a weight of the raw material charged into the recharge tube, a transferring device for enabling a transfer of the recharge tube, being taken in through the inlet-outlet section, among the inlet-outlet section, the raw-material charging device, and the storage, and a managing device for collectively managing storage information on the recharge tube stored in the storage. This recharge tube stocker stores and manages tubes in a space saving manner without taking time for searching and without causing mix-up of recharge tubes.

A recharge tube stocker for storing and managing a recharge tube used for a single crystal pulling apparatus, including an inlet-outlet section for taking the recharge tube in the recharge tube stocker and taking the recharge tube out of the recharge tube stocker, a storage for storing the recharge tube, a raw-material charging device for charging the recharge tube with a raw material, a weighing device for weighing a weight of the raw material charged into the recharge tube, a transferring device for enabling a transfer of the recharge tube, being taken in through the inlet-outlet section, among the inlet-outlet section, the raw-material charging device, and the storage, and a managing device for collectively managing storage information on the recharge tube stored in the storage. This recharge tube stocker stores and manages tubes in a space saving manner without taking time for searching and without causing mix-up of recharge tubes.

Two transport units are provided with a partition device. The partition device includes a partition body, a partition body guide mechanism, and a movement assist mechanism. The movement assist mechanism includes a cable body and a cable body guide mechanism. A coupling portion is coupled to an upper portion of the partition body. A grip portion is provided on the cable body spaced apart from the coupling portion. The cable body guide mechanism includes a guide body. The cable body extends along a curved extending direction along the guide body. A portion of the cable body on the coupling portion side relative to the guide body extends along a width direction on a protruding side in the width direction relative to the guide body, and a portion of the cable body on the grip portion side relative to the guide body extends along an up-down direction below the guide body.

Two transport units are provided with a partition device. The partition device includes a partition body, a partition body guide mechanism, and a movement assist mechanism. The movement assist mechanism includes a cable body and a cable body guide mechanism. A coupling portion is coupled to an upper portion of the partition body. A grip portion is provided on the cable body spaced apart from the coupling portion. The cable body guide mechanism includes a guide body. The cable body extends along a curved extending direction along the guide body. A portion of the cable body on the coupling portion side relative to the guide body extends along a width direction on a protruding side in the width direction relative to the guide body, and a portion of the cable body on the grip portion side relative to the guide body extends along an up-down direction below the guide body.

A picking device for piece goods is disclosed, in which cleaning of the picking device is facilitated. The picking device may include a shelf row having shelf bases, each including a plurality of storage chutes, and a retrieving device, via which piece goods can be retrieved. A shelf base may include a frame structure, chute partitions, chute bases, and blocking devices, which are coupled to a control device. Two chute partitions and one chute base may define one elongate storage chute, assigned to each chute base is a support device, on which the chute base rests and which is designed such that another chute base can be slid between the resting chute base and the support device. Assigned to each chute base is a holding means, which prevents the chute base from sliding in the longitudinal direction of the storage chute when the chute base is on the support device.

A picking device for piece goods is disclosed, in which cleaning of the picking device is facilitated. The picking device may include a shelf row having shelf bases, each including a plurality of storage chutes, and a retrieving device, via which piece goods can be retrieved. A shelf base may include a frame structure, chute partitions, chute bases, and blocking devices, which are coupled to a control device. Two chute partitions and one chute base may define one elongate storage chute, assigned to each chute base is a support device, on which the chute base rests and which is designed such that another chute base can be slid between the resting chute base and the support device. Assigned to each chute base is a holding means, which prevents the chute base from sliding in the longitudinal direction of the storage chute when the chute base is on the support device.

The present disclosure provides an automatic loading and unloading system that is adaptable for an array of freight sizes, trucks and/or trailers. In some examples, the automatic loading and unloading may inventory the parcels scheduled for delivery, identify the dimensions of the parcels, and plot a loading configuration that maximizes the use of the truck or trailer. Based on the plotting, the automatic loading and unloading system may direct the automated guided vehicles (e.g., automatic forklifts) to the parcels scheduled for delivery. The automated guided vehicles may utilize the information received from the automatic loading and unloading system to identify a route from the parcel's storage location in the warehouse, for example, to the plotted position in the truck or trailer.

Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.

Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.