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.

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.

In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an inverter assembly comprising a base plate to interface with a bottom of an upright gas tank; a rotatable shaft; and at least one swing arm coupled to the base plate and the rotatable shaft; wherein the inverter assembly is to pivot about a horizontal axis to swing the base plate and a bottom side of an upright gas tank placed thereon in an upward arc responsive to rotation of the rotatable shaft.

In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an inverter assembly comprising a base plate to interface with a bottom of an upright gas tank; a rotatable shaft; and at least one swing arm coupled to the base plate and the rotatable shaft; wherein the inverter assembly is to pivot about a horizontal axis to swing the base plate and a bottom side of an upright gas tank placed thereon in an upward arc responsive to rotation of the rotatable shaft.

A bin exchange system is disclosed that includes a plurality of automated carriers, each of which is adapted to be remotely movable on an array of track sections, at least one input station by which bins may be introduced to the array of track sections, at least one processing station in communication with the array of track sections wherein objects may be moved between bins, and at least one output station by which bins may be removed from the array of track sections.

An unloading apparatus for unloading a load contained in a tray of a load carrying vehicle having a transporter adapted to releasably receive the tray, the unloading apparatus comprising a rotator having a support surface for parking of the load carrying vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention, and a plurality of frames arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other along the support surface, the frames being adapted to secure the tray to the rotator and lifting the tray from the transporter, and means for rotating the rotator about the longitudinal axis of the tray for unloading of the load. There is also provide a load carrying vehicle including a transporter and a tray releasably attached to the transporter as well as a system and method from loading load from a first location into the tray and unloading the load at a second location using the unloading apparatus.

An unloading apparatus for unloading a load contained in a tray of a load carrying vehicle having a transporter adapted to releasably receive the tray, the unloading apparatus comprising a rotator having a support surface for parking of the load carrying vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention, and a plurality of frames arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other along the support surface, the frames being adapted to secure the tray to the rotator and lifting the tray from the transporter, and means for rotating the rotator about the longitudinal axis of the tray for unloading of the load. There is also provide a load carrying vehicle including a transporter and a tray releasably attached to the transporter as well as a system and method from loading load from a first location into the tray and unloading the load at a second location using the unloading apparatus.

A storage system includes a storage grid structure and multiple container handling vehicles. The storage grid structure includes vertical column profiles defining multiple storage columns, in which storage containers can be stored one on top of another in vertical stacks, and at least one transfer column, the column profiles are interconnected at their upper ends by top rails forming a horizontal top rail grid upon which the container handling vehicles may move in two perpendicular directions, the container handling vehicles are able to retrieve storage containers from, and store storage containers in, the storage columns, and transport the storage containers on the storage grid structure. The storage grid structure includes at least one horizontal transfer section. The storage system includes multiple container transfer vehicles and transfer rails forming a transfer rail grid upon which the container transfer vehicles may move in at least one horizontal direction.

A storage system includes a storage grid structure and multiple container handling vehicles. The storage grid structure includes vertical column profiles defining multiple storage columns, in which storage containers can be stored one on top of another in vertical stacks, and at least one transfer column, the column profiles are interconnected at their upper ends by top rails forming a horizontal top rail grid upon which the container handling vehicles may move in two perpendicular directions, the container handling vehicles are able to retrieve storage containers from, and store storage containers in, the storage columns, and transport the storage containers on the storage grid structure. The storage grid structure includes at least one horizontal transfer section. The storage system includes multiple container transfer vehicles and transfer rails forming a transfer rail grid upon which the container transfer vehicles may move in at least one horizontal direction.

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.