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 stack lifting assembly for incrementally lifting stacks of flats loaded typically with produce to an unloading device and system. The assembly is configured to receive stacks of flats full of produce such as berries, and to lift the stacks to an unloader. The stack of flats is lifted allowing for the top flat to be removed and dumped, with the remaining stack of flats lifted and the process repeated. The stack lifting assembly has a frame, with two counter rotating belts that have flat support tabs that engage the bottom flat in a stack of flats, and lift the entire stack of flats. The dumping operation is allowed to proceed continuously, with no pauses to load stacks of flats. Throughput and safety are greatly improved.

A stack lifting assembly for incrementally lifting stacks of flats loaded typically with produce to an unloading device and system. The assembly is configured to receive stacks of flats full of produce such as berries, and to lift the stacks to an unloader. The stack of flats is lifted allowing for the top flat to be removed and dumped, with the remaining stack of flats lifted and the process repeated. The stack lifting assembly has a frame, with two counter rotating belts that have flat support tabs that engage the bottom flat in a stack of flats, and lift the entire stack of flats. The dumping operation is allowed to proceed continuously, with no pauses to load stacks of flats. Throughput and safety are greatly improved.

An access station for a storage system includes at least one container holder arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is inclined at a first angle relative to a vertical. The container holder is arranged to accommodate a storage container and is configured such that a centreline of the storage container when supported by the container holder is inclined at a second angle relative to the axis of rotation. The container holder may rotate between a first position, where the centreline of an accommodated storage container is vertical, and a second position being opposite the first position relative to the axis of rotation. The centreline of an accommodated storage container is inclined at a third angle relative to the vertical. The third angle is equal to the sum of the first angle and the second angle.

An access station for a storage system includes at least one container holder arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is inclined at a first angle relative to a vertical. The container holder is arranged to accommodate a storage container and is configured such that a centreline of the storage container when supported by the container holder is inclined at a second angle relative to the axis of rotation. The container holder may rotate between a first position, where the centreline of an accommodated storage container is vertical, and a second position being opposite the first position relative to the axis of rotation. The centreline of an accommodated storage container is inclined at a third angle relative to the vertical. The third angle is equal to the sum of the first angle and the second angle.

An automatic storage and retrieval system includes: a delivery vehicle; a storage container carried by the delivery vehicle; and an unloading station for unloading an item from the storage container while it is being carried by the delivery vehicle. The unloading station includes: an unloading device; and a destination conveyor configured to convey the item to a target destination, wherein the unloading device is configured to move the item through a side opening of the storage container to the destination conveyor.

An automatic storage and retrieval system includes: a delivery vehicle; a storage container carried by the delivery vehicle; and an unloading station for unloading an item from the storage container while it is being carried by the delivery vehicle. The unloading station includes: an unloading device; and a destination conveyor configured to convey the item to a target destination, wherein the unloading device is configured to move the item through a side opening of the storage container to the destination conveyor.

An automated storage and retrieval system includes a grid-based rail structure and a plurality of remotely operated vehicles arranged to operate on the grid-based rail structure. The automated storage and retrieval system includes a locking device arranged in a zone of the grid-based rail structure where a human and/or a robotic operator is permitted to interact with the remotely operated vehicle or contents of a storage container that the remotely operated vehicle is carrying. The locking device is arranged to lock the remotely operated vehicle against accidental displacement prior to interaction with the human and/or robotic operator, and wherein the locking device being arranged to unlock the remotely operated vehicle once interaction with the human and/or robotic operator is no longer required.

An automated storage and retrieval system includes a grid-based rail structure and a plurality of remotely operated vehicles arranged to operate on the grid-based rail structure. The automated storage and retrieval system includes a locking device arranged in a zone of the grid-based rail structure where a human and/or a robotic operator is permitted to interact with the remotely operated vehicle or contents of a storage container that the remotely operated vehicle is carrying. The locking device is arranged to lock the remotely operated vehicle against accidental displacement prior to interaction with the human and/or robotic operator, and wherein the locking device being arranged to unlock the remotely operated vehicle once interaction with the human and/or robotic operator is no longer required.

A dispensing mechanism having an engagement device, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The engagement device can receive a container on a stand. The actuator can be mounted to the stand to move the stand in an axis parallel to a height of the container. The engagement device moves the container between a load position and a sealed position. A rim of the container abuts a sealing member of the valve assembly in the sealed position. The dispensing mechanism is pivotally mounted to the hopper. The dispensing mechanism and container are movable together between two positions: the load position, where the valve assembly operates as a lid for the container; and a dispense position, where the valve assembly operates as a lid for the hopper. A valve of the valve assembly is opened to discharge a product from the container while in the dispense position.