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.

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.

An automated warehouse includes shelves, a carrier, an elevator, and a controller. The shelves include a first shelf storing a first article and a second shelf which is larger than the first shelf and stores the first article and the second article. The carrier is provided at each shelf and transfers articles. The elevator moves articles up or down. When the vacancy rate of the second shelf is equal to or more than the predetermined ratio, the controller controls the carrier and the elevator to store the first article onto the second shelf. When the vacancy rate of the second shelf is less than the predetermined ratio, the controller controls the carrier and the elevator to store the first article only onto the first shelf.

An automated warehouse includes shelves, a carrier, an elevator, and a controller. The shelves include a first shelf storing a first article and a second shelf which is larger than the first shelf and stores the first article and the second article. The carrier is provided at each shelf and transfers articles. The elevator moves articles up or down. When the vacancy rate of the second shelf is equal to or more than the predetermined ratio, the controller controls the carrier and the elevator to store the first article onto the second shelf. When the vacancy rate of the second shelf is less than the predetermined ratio, the controller controls the carrier and the elevator to store the first article only onto the first shelf.

A transport trolley for consignments having wheels which define a contact plane for moving the trolley, having a load compartment for receiving consignments during transport, and having a shelf for carrying consignments. The shelf can be adjusted from a lower non-use position arranged in the load compartment into an upper, moderate use position arranged outside the load compartment, and back. The shelf can be adjusted from a lower non-use position arranged in the load compartment into an upper, elevated use position arranged outside the load compartment, and back. The moderate use position and the elevated use position are arranged in a range between 1.0 m and 1.7 m above the contact plane. The elevated use position is arranged above the moderate use position, and a drive is provided for at least partially adjusting the height of the shelf above the contact plane.

A transport trolley for consignments having wheels which define a contact plane for moving the trolley, having a load compartment for receiving consignments during transport, and having a shelf for carrying consignments. The shelf can be adjusted from a lower non-use position arranged in the load compartment into an upper, moderate use position arranged outside the load compartment, and back. The shelf can be adjusted from a lower non-use position arranged in the load compartment into an upper, elevated use position arranged outside the load compartment, and back. The moderate use position and the elevated use position are arranged in a range between 1.0 m and 1.7 m above the contact plane. The elevated use position is arranged above the moderate use position, and a drive is provided for at least partially adjusting the height of the shelf above the contact plane.

A transfer apparatus includes a lower plate including a lower link arm and a lower support, the lower support being fixed to an upper surface of the lower plate, an upper plate on the lower plate and configured to support a wafer stacking box on an upper surface of the upper plate, the upper plate including an upper link arm, and an upper support that is fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate, and a fixing member that is connected to the upper link arm, the fixing member configured to selectively contact the wafer stacking box. The upper plate is aligned with the lower plate in a first horizontal direction, and is configured to perform linear movement on the lower plate in the first horizontal direction.

A transfer apparatus includes a lower plate including a lower link arm and a lower support, the lower support being fixed to an upper surface of the lower plate, an upper plate on the lower plate and configured to support a wafer stacking box on an upper surface of the upper plate, the upper plate including an upper link arm, and an upper support that is fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate, and a fixing member that is connected to the upper link arm, the fixing member configured to selectively contact the wafer stacking box. The upper plate is aligned with the lower plate in a first horizontal direction, and is configured to perform linear movement on the lower plate in the first horizontal direction.

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 height adjuster moves a platform along a cart frame, and the platform contacts an alignment stop when the platform is in a loading position on the cart frame. Platform slots are connected to the platform, and the platform slots are sized and shaped to match the size and shape of linear projections of a replaceable printing module. Clamps are sized and shaped to connect to connection points of a printing device and align the cart frame to the printer frame. The platform slots are positioned by the platform to be aligned with housing slots of the printing device when the clamps connect the transport cart to the printing device, and when the platform contacts the alignment stop (and is in the loading position) this allow the replaceable printing module to be transferred between the transport cart and the printing device.