US 10,196,209 B2 · Storage systems and methods

Abstract

A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage while reducing cost and inefficiency.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A storage system comprising:

a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern having a plurality of grid spaces;
and
a plurality of storage containers arranged in stacks, located beneath the rails and;
at least one load handling device disposed on the grid, arranged to move laterally above the stacks on the rails, the load handling device having a lifting device arranged to lift one or more containers, or parts thereof, from a stack;
wherein a number of the containers include service means for providing services to the or each container, thereby enabling individual containers within the stacks to perform additional functions.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Storage systems and methods

Life of this patent

Storage systems and methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19