A transfer unit for the transfer of a load carrier from a first vehicle to a second vehicle and vice versa, or from a first vehicle to a conveyor and vice versa, is disclosed. The transfer unit includes a first entrance that allows the entry of a first vehicle, and the transfer unit opposite the first entrance includes either a second entrance, which permits the entry of a second vehicle, or is connected to the conveyor. The transfer unit may include at least one parking and receiving area for the load carrier, on which the first vehicle can park and receive the load carrier. A centering device for centering a load carrier may be arranged in the transfer unit, so that centering takes place when the load carrier is transferred from the second vehicle to the first vehicle or from the conveyor to the first vehicle.

A transfer unit for the transfer of a load carrier from a first vehicle to a second vehicle and vice versa, or from a first vehicle to a conveyor and vice versa, is disclosed. The transfer unit includes a first entrance that allows the entry of a first vehicle, and the transfer unit opposite the first entrance includes either a second entrance, which permits the entry of a second vehicle, or is connected to the conveyor. The transfer unit may include at least one parking and receiving area for the load carrier, on which the first vehicle can park and receive the load carrier. A centering device for centering a load carrier may be arranged in the transfer unit, so that centering takes place when the load carrier is transferred from the second vehicle to the first vehicle or from the conveyor to the first vehicle.

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.

A storage network includes a plurality of storage systems. Each storage system includes a storage grid structure, having at least one transfer column and a horizontal top rail grid upon which the container handling vehicle moves in two perpendicular directions, and at least one container handling vehicle. The storage system includes at least one container transfer vehicle and transfer rails forming a transfer rail grid upon which the container transfer vehicle moves in at least one horizontal direction. The container transfer vehicle includes a container carrier for carrying a storage container and a wheel arrangement for moving the container transfer vehicle in two perpendicular directions upon the transfer rail grid. The at least one transfer column extends from the top rail grid to the transfer section, such that a storage container may be transferred between the top rail grid and the container carrier of the container transfer vehicle.

A storage network includes a plurality of storage systems. Each storage system includes a storage grid structure, having at least one transfer column and a horizontal top rail grid upon which the container handling vehicle moves in two perpendicular directions, and at least one container handling vehicle. The storage system includes at least one container transfer vehicle and transfer rails forming a transfer rail grid upon which the container transfer vehicle moves in at least one horizontal direction. The container transfer vehicle includes a container carrier for carrying a storage container and a wheel arrangement for moving the container transfer vehicle in two perpendicular directions upon the transfer rail grid. The at least one transfer column extends from the top rail grid to the transfer section, such that a storage container may be transferred between the top rail grid and the container carrier of the container transfer vehicle.

A water softener device is disclosed. The device can carry, lift, and pour bags of salt into a water softener. The water softener device comprises a cradle component that comprises a base component for retaining a bag of salt, a plurality wheels, and a handle for pulling the cradle component. Further, the device comprises an A-frame component with a set of tracks for accepting the wheels from the cradle component. The A-frame component also comprises a motorized winch system which engages the cradle component to pull the cradle component and salt bag up the inclined A-frame component.

A water softener device is disclosed. The device can carry, lift, and pour bags of salt into a water softener. The water softener device comprises a cradle component that comprises a base component for retaining a bag of salt, a plurality wheels, and a handle for pulling the cradle component. Further, the device comprises an A-frame component with a set of tracks for accepting the wheels from the cradle component. The A-frame component also comprises a motorized winch system which engages the cradle component to pull the cradle component and salt bag up the inclined A-frame component.

A clamp assembly for a spool tipping system may comprise a base clamp portion and an adjustable clamp portion. The adjustable clamp portion may be adjustable relative to the base clamp portion based on a flange size of a respective spool. The adjustable clamp portion may be configured to translate through a portion of the base clamp portion and be locked to base clamp portion. The spool tipping system may comprise a lifting system configured to couple to the clamp assembly, lift the clamp assembly and the spool, and transition the spool from a side position to an upright position.

A container accessing station for accessing a storage container of an automated storage and retrieval grid. The container accessing station comprising: an access opening through which a human and/or robot may access contents of the storage container; a base opening; and a lifting device arranged to retrieve the storage container from a first level beneath the base opening and lift it up through the base opening to a second level so that the storage container may be accessed through the access opening.

The invention is also directed to a container accessing system and a method thereof.