Automated parking system and subassemblies therefor

A substantially circular underground parking place having a center, a ground level with an entry and an exit area for vehicles, and several lower stories where a plurality of vehicle parking areas are arranged along radii extending from the center of the parking place on each story, comprising:

• a lift truck with a rotating bearing column located substantially in the center of the parking place which moves vehicles vertically between the ground level to the lower stories and rotates around a vertical axis defined by said bearing column, whereby all parking areas and the entry and exit areas are accessible from said lift truck;
• a platform attached to said lift truck for retaining vehicles, said platform having an upper plane with a first and second end which moves in a first and a second direction along a horizonal axis, said upper plane further having a first pair of rotating chains attached to moveable staves for moving the vehicle in said first and second directions along said horizonal axis and hooking lists to avoid sliding of the vehicle;
• first engaging means on said first and second ends of said upper plane in mechanical communication with said first pair of rotating chains;
• a plurality of frame structures spatially separated from said lift truck and said platform for supporting the vehicles at said parking areas and at said entry and exit areas, said frame structures having a second pair of rotating chains attached to moveable staves, said moveable staves designed to move a vehicle in a direction along said horizonal axis of said upper plane, said frame structure further including a second engaging means in mechanical communication with said second pair of rotating chains and positioned opposite said first engaging means;
• first motor means for moving said upper plane in said first and second directions along said horizonal axis with respect to said platform to abut one of said frame structures and for temporarily connecting said first and second engaging means;
• and
• second motor means for moving said first pair of rotating chains on said frame structure at said upper plane, said second motor means also moving said second pair of rotating chains at said parking area and on said entry and exit areas when said first and second engaging means are engaged.