Automated 3-dimensional multitasking, stocking, storage, and distribution system

An automated 3-dimensional multitasking, product stocking, storage and distributing system comprising:

• a) a system of rails comprising:
• i) a plurality of horizontal rails running in the x-direction and a plurality of vertical rails running in the y-direction,
• ii) said rails have a plurality of notches to provide a means for meshing with toothed rotational devices,
• iii) said rails are paired and mounted to allow open spaces between said rails,
• iv) said horizontal rails running in the x-direction are interrupted along their length by a plurality of trapdoors,
• v) said trapdoors have a hinge mechanism on one side and are torsion mounted to be normally in the open position,
• vi) said trapdoors close when toothed rotational devices roll onto said trapdoors from said hinged side,
• vii) said trapdoors when closed, complete said horizontal rails running in the x-direction, preventing access to said vertical rails running in the y-direction,
• viii) when said toothed rotational devices roll into said trapdoors from the open side, said trapdoors guide said toothed rotational devices onto said vertical rails running in the y-direction,
• ix) when said toothed rotational devices reverse direction of rotation on said vertical rails running in the y-direction, the said trapdoors guide said toothed rotational devices back onto said horizontal rails running in the x-direction,
• whereby access to and from said horizontal rails running in the x-direction, to and from said vertical rails running in the y-direction is facilitated,
• b) a plurality of carriages, each of said carriages comprising:
• i) a frame of dimensions to fit between pairs of said rails,
• ii) a drive motor mounted on said frame for producing rotational energy from said drive motor,
• iii) a plurality of the toothed rotational devices,
• iv) a means for controllably coupling rotational energy from said drive motor to said toothed rotational devices,
• whereby said carriage can be propelled along said horizontal rail,
• v) a plurality of rail guides are mounted fore and aft of said toothed rotational devices, said rail guides engage said vertical rails running in the y-direction to provide a means to hold said toothed rotational devices meshed with said vertical rails running in the y-direction,
• whereby said carriages can be propelled up and down said vertical rails running in the y-direction,
• vi) a braking system to hold said carriages in place when operating on said vertical rails running in the y-direction,
• vii) a sensor to indicate location of said carriages on said system of rails,
• viii) a control device to receive instructions and act in concert with said sensor to provide a means to control said carriages,
• whereby said carriages will be self propelled and self controlled along said system of rails.