Automatic storage and retrieval system

A storage and retrieval machine comprising

• a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface,
• a generally vertical mast supported by said base,
• a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and
• an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including a plate movable horizontally relative to said carriage, said plate having opposite first and second sides, and an engaging mechanism on said plate for selectively engaging an object so that the object moves horizontally with said plate, said engaging mechanism including a member movable relative to said plate between an upper position and a lower position, said member being generally U-shaped and having a first end pivotally connected to said first side and a second end pivotally connected to said second side.

A storage and retrieval machine comprising

• a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface,
• a generally vertical mast supported by said base,
• a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and
• a shuttle mechanism for extending above a load and sliding the load onto and off said carriage without exerting an upward force on the load.

A storage and retrieval machine comprising

• a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface,
• a generally vertical mast supported by said base,
• a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and
• an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including a plate movable horizontally relative to said carriage, a first motor for moving said plate relative to said carriage, a member movable relative to said plate for engaging an object to be moved by said shuttle mechanism, and a second motor for moving said member relative to said plate, said second motor being fixed against horizontal movement relative to said carriage, and said second motor being drivingly connected to said member.

A storage and retrieval machine comprising

• a base adapted to move horizontally along a supporting surface,
• a generally vertical mast supported by said base,
• a carriage supported for generally vertical movement along said mast, and
• an extendable and retractable shuttle mechanism supported by said carriage, said shuttle mechanism including a plate movable horizontally relative to said carriage, and an engaging mechanism on said plate for selectively engaging an object beneath said plate so that the object moves horizontally with said plate, said engaging mechanism including first and second members movable relative to said plate between respective upper and lower positions, a first link which extends between said first and second members and which is movable in opposite directions, and a second link which extends between said first and second members and which is movable in opposite directions.