An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of track sections, and a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement along at least portions of the plurality of track sections, wherein each of the remotely controllable carriers is adapted to support and transport an object processing bin.

A sample measurement system includes: a measurement unit that measures a sample stored in a sample container; a transport unit that transports a rack capable of holding sample containers via the measurement unit; a first transport-in/transport-out unit and a second transport-in/transport-out unit in each of which racks can be set alongside in a first direction, and that send the set racks to be transported to the measurement unit and receive the racks transported from the measurement unit; and a controller that controls the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit so that the racks are sequentially sent from the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit. The first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit are disposed alongside in a second direction crossing the first direction, and each send the racks from one side in the first direction, and receive the racks from the other side.

A mobile, rotatable, transport mechanism may include a rotating carrier having a plurality of conveyor sections. The rotating carrier may be moved within a facility by a robotic drive unit. In addition, the rotating carrier may be rotated between a vertical orientation for transport or storage, and a horizontal orientation for transfer of items or trays. A leveling mechanism may maintain the plurality of conveyor sections in a same relative orientation during rotation of the rotating carrier. Further, a height of the rotating carrier and/or angles of the plurality of conveyor sections may be adjusted to facilitate transfer of trays.

A multilevel indoor mobile gutter system for growing vegetation including at least a first level and a second level is provided. Each level may include a first level conveyor and a second level conveyor respectively. A transfer conveyor is operable to convey from the first level to the second level. A plurality of lights are positioned to emit light towards the first level and the second level. At least one gutter is operable to support a plant within. The first level conveyor transports the at least one gutter from the front end to the rear end of the first level, the transfer conveyor transfers the at least one gutter from rear end of the first level to the front end of the second level, and the second level conveyor transports the at least one gutter from the front end to the rear end of the second level.

The invention relates to a storage system, which comprises at least one station (2), such as a station for receiving goods, for re-shelving goods, picking goods and/or supplying goods from the store, and a high-bay warehouse (3) having a plurality of storage places (31) arranged adjacent to and on top of each other for the storage of goods, wherein the storage system (1) comprises at least one displaceable goods transport vehicle (4) which is designed to transport at least one item from the station (2) to any storage place (31) or vice versa, without reloading the goods onto a different goods transport vehicle (4) or another means of transport. The invention is characterized in that the goods transport vehicle (4) is designed to move in the horizontally oriented area between the station (2) and the high-bay warehouse (3) for transporting the goods as well as horizontally and vertically in the high-bay warehouse (3).

Goods storage and retrieval systems and materials handling vehicles are provided. The goods storage and retrieval system includes a multilevel warehouse racking system; a materials handling vehicle comprising a mast assembly, a picking attachment, and vehicle-based cart engagement hardware; a mobile storage cart; and a transporter comprising transporter-based engagement hardware. The transporter-based engagement hardware enables the transporter to engage, transport, and disengage the mobile storage cart. The vehicle-based cart engagement hardware is coupled to the mast assembly to (i) engage and disengage the mobile storage cart and (ii) transport the mobile storage cart to multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The mast assembly and the picking attachment are configured to access multiple levels of the multilevel warehouse racking system. The picking attachment is configured to transfer totes between the multilevel warehouse racking system and the mobile storage cart.

A picking system includes a multi-tier sorting device having ports in a plurality of tiers at different levels in a top-bottom direction, and sorts and discharges each of articles to one of the ports in the plurality of tiers; a plurality of first transport devices respectively corresponding to the ports in the plurality of tiers; and a second transport device configured to receive the articles from the first transport device and transport the articles. The second transport device has a second transport surface movable upward and downward, and, in a state where the second transport surface is located at a height corresponding to a terminal end portion of the first transport surface of one of the plurality of first transport devices, the second transport device receives the articles discharged from the terminal end portion of the first transport surface and transports the articles, with use of the second transport surface.

Systems and methods directed to shelving systems include a frame and one or more translatable shelves. The shelves are supported on rails and are horizontally translatable from a rearward position to a forward position. When adjacent shelves are respectively most rearward and most forward, certain shelf and frame structural cooperation enhance shelf access and shelf removability. Provided a single shelving kit, certain shelf configuration may be customized for particular end uses.

A sliding tray system for a storage unit to allow a user to easily access and utilize the rear of an elevated storage unit. The sliding tray system has a tray, roller supports, rollers, two tracks, and a pull strap. The tray has a well having a bottom wall, side walls and flanges extending outwardly from the side walls at a top of the well. The rollers are secured to the roller support and ride within the tracks. Additionally, retaining walls are secured to the flanges to provide a rear wall for the sliding tray system. Preferably, the retaining walls do not extend from the second end of the tray all the way to the first end of the tray.

Systems and methods for automated pet food dispensing are described. One apparatus includes a receptacle configured to hold a sealed container containing wet pet food. The apparatus may include an electrically-operated plunger configured to interface with the receptacle. A processing system may be connected to the electrically-operated plunger. In one aspect, the processing system is configured to initiate a pet feeding event by actuating the plunger to interface with the receptacle, puncture the sealed container, and dispense the wet pet food into the food bowl. The processing system may maintain a time history to determine one or more future pet feeding events.