A storage container handling system and a method thereof

Abstract

A storage container handling system includes a base, a remotely operated vehicle, and a storage station. The remotely operated vehicle includes rollers configured to operate the remotely operated vehicle on the base. The remotely operated vehicle includes at least one container carrier configured to carry a storage container. The storage station stores a storage container that is to be picked-up by or dropped off by the remotely operated vehicle. The storage station includes a container support, a delivery position, and an elevating system. The container support is configured to support the storage container. The delivery position is for the remotely operated vehicle picking-up or dropping off the storage container. The elevating system is configured to lift and lower the container support between a transfer position and a storage position. The transfer position is where the storage container can be picked-up or dropped off by the remotely operated vehicle. The storage position is where the storage container can be stored off the remotely operated vehicle on the container support. The elevating system is a vertical elevating system configured to lift and lower the container support vertically between the transfer position and the storage position such that, when the remotely operated vehicle is in the delivery position at the storage station and the container support is in the transfer position, the storage container may be transferred between the remotely operated vehicle and the container support of the storage station. The elevating system is powered by mechanical power transmitted from the rollers of the remotely operated vehicle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.