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Automated storage and retrieval system and methods

  • US 10,633,186 B2
  • Filed: 02/26/2018
  • Issued: 04/28/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2017
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for operating an automated storage and retrieval system having a rack structure for defining first and second arrays of storage locations separated by an aisle, each storage location of the first and second arrays being accessible from the aisle and defining a first region proximal to the aisle and a second region distal to the aisle, comprising the steps of:

  • transferring a first item storage container from the aisle to the first region of the first storage location,positioning a second item storage container in the aisle proximate the first item storage container;

    interlocking the second item storage container to the first item storage container by engaging a releasable coupling structure extending there between;

    applying, in a first direction transverse to the aisle, a force to the second item storage container sufficient in magnitude and duration to cause the first item storage container to occupy the second region of the first storage location and the second item storage container to occupy the first region of the first storage location, whereby the first and second item storage containers remain interlocked while in the first storage location;

    transferring the second item storage container to a second storage location accessible from the aisle, wherein the step of moving the second container comprises the steps of;

    removing the second item storage container from the first storage location, wherein the step of removing the second item storage container displaces the first item storage container into the first region of the first storage location;

    releasably coupling the second item storage container with a third item storage container in the second storage location;

    displacing the second item storage container into the second storage location, wherein the step of displacing the second item storage container displaces the third item storage location from a first portion of the second storage location to a second portion of the second storage location.

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