A spreader (10) for lifting an intermodal transport container (22) comprises a main beam (24) extending in a longitudinal direction (L), the main beam formed of a first, upper C-beam of a relatively thicker material thickness and a second, lower C-beam of a relatively thinner material thickness; and an indicator configured to provide an indication if a distance in a transversal direction (T) between a pair of twist-locks (18) is set in a wide-body position when lowered onto respective lifting castings (20) provided with top openings (50) separated by a transversal distance corresponding to a standard position.

A universal gripper is disclosed for transferring totes and sub-totes, for example in an order fulfillment center. The universal gripper includes adjustable tines and pins capable of being positioned to engage within slots in the different configurations of totes and sub-totes.

A detachable attachment assembly has a receptacle unit and a carrier unit. The receptacle unit includes a housing defining a receptacle slot and a piston having a profile substantially matching the receptacle slot. The piston is movable between an engaged position, proximal the receptacle slot, and a retracted position, distal to the receptacle slot. A biasing member biases the piston toward the engaged position. A flange of the carrier unit has a width greater than the length of the receptacle slot. A lock tab is offset from the flange and is configured to pass through the receptacle slot. A first angle of the carrier unit lets the lock tab move the piston from the engaged position to the retracted position. A second angle prevents passage of the lock tab through the receptacle slot. An accessory is attached to the carrier unit.

A system for connecting two or more wheel modules operating on an automated storage and retrieval system, wherein the system comprises: a rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged to guide movement of a container handling vehicle in a first direction (X) across the top of a frame structure, and a second set of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails to guide movement of the container handling vehicle in a second direction (Y) which is perpendicular to the first direction (X), the first and second sets of parallel rails dividing the rail system into a plurality of grid cells, and a Service Vehicle Unit (SVU) configured to operate on the rail system and is wherein that the SVU is mounted on two or more wheel modules that are coupled together using a connecting device, wherein the connecting device and the frame of the two or more wheel modules are attached to each other at attachment points and that there are placed a shock absorbing component at the attachment point between the connecting device and the frame of the two or more wheel modules.

The disclosure relates to a gripper assembly and in particular a gripper assembly for a load-handling device used to carry storage containers. In one embodiment, the gripper assembly includes a pair of gripper arms moveable between an open configuration, in which the gripper arms can engage with a storage container, and a closed configuration, in which the gripper arms are prevented from engaging the storage container. The gripper assembly includes an actuator having a plunger and two pins connected to the plunger, each pin is received within a respective track formed within each gripper arm. The plunger is configured to move in an opening stroke to move the pair of gripper arms into the open configuration and a closing stroke to move the pair of gripper arms into the closed configuration.

The invention provides a container manipulation device comprising a frame, two container engagement members, two pivoting mechanisms for pivoting the engagement members with respect to the frame, the pivoting mechanisms each include a coupler, pivotally connected with a first end to the engagement member at a first distance from the engagement member pivot axis, a rocker, pivotally connected with a first end to the frame and with a second end to a second end of the coupler, and an actuator for pivoting the rocker about the rocker pivot axis such that the engagement member pivots between the first and second orientation. The invention also provides a hoisting device comprising such a container manipulation device.

The flippers consist of a new type of flippers which operate as a rigid assembly in the usual operation thereof, but which elastically yield against impacts and overloads, recovering the usual operation afterwards. This flexibility is achieved two ways, which exclusively affect the flipper itself, not the connection thereof with the spreader or the possible driving system thereof. Mainly: use of elastic materials and use of geometries which are stable against service loads but are readily deformed against impacts.

This application describes an infrastructure for storing fabric totes, as well as techniques for use of fabric totes in the infrastructure that use mechanical systems to transport the fabric totes and/or access inventory items in the fabric totes. The infrastructure may include a conveyor system configured to transport the fabric totes, drive units configured to transport the fabric totes, inventory pods configured to house the fabric totes, and/or various other mechanical systems for accessing contents and/or transportation of the fabric totes. Additionally, the fabric totes may be accessed and transported manually within the infrastructure.

A transport vehicle for transporting a transportation-target object to a placement location that is provided at a lower position, includes: a supporting portion configured to support the transportation-target object; a lifting/lowering portion configured to lift and lower the transportation-target object in a suspended state; and a weight detecting portion configured to detect a weight of the transportation-target object, wherein a lowering speed of the transportation-target object is increased after a detection value that is detected by the weight detecting portion while the transportation-target object is being lowered by the lifting/lowering portion in a state where the transportation-target object is supported by the supporting portion has become smaller than or equal to a first set value, and thereafter, the supporting of the transportation-target object by the supporting portion is canceled after the suspending of the transportation-target object by the lifting/lowering portion has been canceled.

A lifting element connection device for connecting a lifting element suspended from a cable to a sling element. The lifting element connection device includes a top surface having at least one angled portion which guides the lifting element towards a receiving area, and a lifting element receiving portion which holds the sling element, receives the lifting element from the receiving area, and provides a connection between the lifting element and the sling element when the lifting element is positioned in the lifting element receiving portion.