An automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure constructed of a plurality of upright members connected by horizontal members to define a storage grid of storage columns, within which storage columns may be stacked a plurality of storage containers. The framework structure has a rail system arranged at the upper level of the framework structure, with parallel rails in a first direction and parallel rails in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, upon which rails a plurality of wheeled container handling vehicles travel. The container handling vehicles are equipped with a gripping and lifting device for removing storage containers from the storage columns and replacing the storage containers in the storage columns. The upright members of the framework structure have corner sections directed towards an interior of a particular storage column. The corner sections include two vertically elongated, perpendicular corner guiding plates. The corner guiding plates of the upright members are proximate to a storage column forming a guide for corners of the storage containers stored in that storage column A bracing system includes a plurality of plate members mounted between adjacent upright members. The bracing plate members include a plate segment removably mounted between two retaining profiles. Each retaining profile has a shape adapted to engage an upright member. The retaining profiles of the plate members have a box shape adapted to be securely inserted between and essentially occupy the space between the corner guiding plates of two adjacent corner sections of an upright member. A plate segment of plate member is arranged to be connected to a flange of the inserted retaining profiles. The bracing plate members are arranged to provide structural support stability for the framework structure. The guiding plates have inwardly projecting ribs that engage corresponding grooves of the retaining profiles by snap fit.

A fire protection sprinkler system includes a horizontal barrier that covers two adjacent racks, and the vertical flue space between the racks. The horizontal barrier is provided at a predetermined height, and has a width that is at least equal to a width of the rack, and a depth that is at least equal to a sum of a depth of the rack, a depth of the other rack, and a depth of the vertical flue space. In addition, the horizontal barrier is a sheet having one or more apertures. The system also includes a rack level fire protection sprinkler connected to a fluid supply conduit, and being disposed in the vertical flue space below the horizontal barrier. The rack level sprinkler has a K-factor of 11.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 or greater, and is vertically spaced from commodities stored on the rack and the other rack covered by the horizontal barrier.

The present invention is a shipping container adapted to isolate and extinguish a fire within the container, the container comprising a container body having a bottom, an interior wall defining an internal region, an opening into the internal region, a cover positionable over the opening, an insert or liner provided within the container and at a fixed distance from its interior wall, the insert having apertures extending therethrough, the region between the container's interior wall and bottom and the insert containing a free-flowing expanded glass granulate having fire insulating, fire suppressing and smoke absorbing properties.

A fire extinguishing robotic service device is described for use with a robotic picking system grid. The fire extinguishing robotic service device is configured for driving to any location on the grid in order to extinguish a fire. The service device may also be provided with a camera sensor to locate the fire.

A storage facility includes a storage space enclosing a storage and retrieval system, a transit space, and a first separation wall. The storage and retrieval system includes a storage grid configured to store a plurality of storage containers in vertical stacks, a first upper vehicle support extending in an upper horizontal plane above the storage grid, and a container handling vehicle configured to transport at least one of the plurality of storage containers on a wheel arrangement between at least two locations on the first upper vehicle support. The transit space includes a second upper vehicle support extending in the upper horizontal plane and arranged relative to the first upper vehicle support such that the container handling vehicle may move between the storage space and the transit space. The first separation wall separating the storage space and transit space. The first separation wall includes a first upper opening having a minimum size and vertical position allowing the container handling vehicle to pass through, and a first upper closable gate configured to open and close the first opening.

System and methods using automatic fire protection sprinklers to provide ceiling-only fire protection of rack storage. The systems and methods provide for hydraulic and system parameters that include a hydraulic design area based upon five to no more than twelve hydraulically most remote fire protection sprinklers with a prescribed hybrid minimum design pressure.

An unmanned aerial vehicle airport, an unmanned aerial vehicle system, a tour inspection system and an unmanned aerial vehicle cruise system. The unmanned aerial vehicle airport comprises a support base, a parking apron, a protective cover and a protective cover opening and closing driving device. The parking apron is installed on the top of the support base; the protective cover covers the top of the apron; the protective cover opening and closing driving device is installed between the support base and the protective cover, and the protective cover opening and closing driving device is configured to cause a bar linkage mechanism to drive the protective cover to switch between an open position and a closed position. The unmanned aerial vehicle airport is provided with the protective cover for the parking apron. If the protective cover is open, the unmanned aerial vehicle is parked on the parking apron, and takes off from the parking apron.

Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others. The storage container can provide flame retardant protection and/or electrical isolation to one or more items located within the storage container.

System and methods to provide ceiling-only suppression fire protection of up to fifty feet (50 ft.) of rack storage of cartoned unexpanded plastic commodities and less hazardous commodities, such as for example, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and/or combinations thereof beneath a ceiling having a maximum ceiling height up to fifty-five feet (55 ft.). The systems and methods provide for hydraulic and system parameters that include a hydraulic design area based upon five to no more than twelve hydraulically most remote sprinklers spaced at a preferred sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight to ten feet (8-10 ft.) coupled to two to four branch lines tied to a common cross main supply pipe of firefighting fluid.

A storage system is disclosed where goods can be stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of rails (e.g., tracks) on which load handling devices can run. To take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensors, and data logging devices. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, can allow for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.