System for storage and retrieval of warehousable objects

Abstract

A track system for storage and retrieval of materials for use with warehousing vehicle that rides upon tracks in horizontal configuration for storage locations, and that is capable of switching to and riding a sloped track to ascend or descend vertically. A set of transition exchanges allows the vehicle to access multiple levels of storage “flooring” or shelving. The exchanges use ramps, or movable sections of railway, that may be moved out of the way of a set of wheels of the vehicle, while other ramps are set in place to provide support to some wheels of the vehicle, whereby the vehicle may selectively either travel along the elevator track, or to move between elevator track and level storage locations.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 098,224 filed Apr. 4, 2005, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 558,822 filed Apr. 2, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to solutions for storing, moving, and retrieving objects in warehousing or high density storage environments. More particularly, the invention is directed toward a system for racking or storage and retrieval of multiple items as in a warehouse or librarying environment.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]The industry is aware of the need for increasing efficiency and capabilities of storage in high density situations. In the art, warehouses and high volume storage are typically effected with the use of devices that rely upon an overhead or floor-based support. By way of example, forklifts are frequently employed, which ride on the floor, and lift products to various shelving level...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a track system for a vehicle that can store and retrieve materials in a warehouse. The vehicle can move on both horizontal and sloping tracks, allowing it to access different levels of storage. The system uses ramps to support the vehicle and can move between elevator tracks and level storage locations. The technical effect of this system is to provide a flexible and efficient way to handle materials in a warehouse."

Problems solved by technology

Passage under the forklifts for persons, other equipment, and the like is not practicable.

Similarly, the number of operable pendant systems is limited by the fact that such devices have difficulty passing one another.

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