System and method for exchanging and selectively buffering article containers in a material handling device

Abstract

A container exchange station for a material handling system is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of vehicles for retrieving items from a first plurality of storage locations located in one or more racks. In one embodiment, the container exchange station is configured to receive a vehicle such that the vehicle drives into the container exchange station and travels up a track in the container exchange station. A transfer mechanism on the vehicle cooperates with a transfer mechanism on the container exchange station to move an item from the vehicle to a conveyor. In one embodiment, the container exchange station includes an elevator having a plurality of elevator platforms vertically movable within a column and a plurality of elevated buffer storage locations into which items are inserted and retrieved by the transfer mechanism of each elevator platform to release containers from storage to a work station when needed.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 544,986, filed October 20, 2023; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 410,211, filed September 26, 2022; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 152,842, filed February 23, 2021. The entire disclosure of each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for storing, retrieving and transferring articles, and more specifically to systems and methods incorporating multiple destination areas and multiple vehicles, wherein containers of articles are transferred to and from destination areas, and vehicles are used to transport articles to and / or from destination areas. Background Technology

[0003] Retrieving items from storage locations and subsequently replenishing those locations to maintain the ability to retrieve them can be laborious and time-consuming, especially in systems storing thousands of items. Storing and retrieving items from thousands of storage areas requires significant manual labor. To address this, various systems and methods have been proposed to at least partially automate the retrieval of items from inventory so that groups of these items can undergo subsequent processing. For example, as part of an order fulfillment process, groups of items retrieved by an automated system can be packaged into containers for shipment to the customer. Similarly, during manufacturing, retrieved groups of items can then be transferred to workstations and assembled together or otherwise consumed to obtain finished or intermediate products.

[0004] Known systems for automating the retrieval and replenishment of stored inventory items offer significant advantages over purely manual methods. These advantages are particularly evident in reducing the labor costs they impose. Nevertheless, there remains a need for systems and methods to automate the storage, retrieval, and transfer of items in a scalable, cost-effective, and space-efficient manner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The aforementioned needs have been addressed and progress has been made in the field through various inventive aspects relating to material handling and / or storage and retrieval processes.

[0006] According to one aspect, a material handling system is provided, comprising: a storage component sized and arranged to receive and support a plurality of containers; a plurality of material handling vehicles; a first conveyor; and a container exchange station configured to exchange item storage containers with the vehicles to convey a first subset of containers toward or away from the conveyor, and to accumulate a second subset of one or more containers in a buffer storage location within a buffer storage area (or zone) for subsequent transfer to the first conveyor.

[0007] According to another aspect of embodiments conforming to this disclosure, the storage assembly includes a rack defining a plurality of vertically and / or horizontally spaced storage locations. In embodiments, the storage locations are arranged as a series of vertically spaced rows or columns, and are respectively sized and arranged to accommodate the insertion and retrieval of one or more inventory storage containers. In some such embodiments, a track is positioned adjacent to the storage locations to guide the vehicle as it traverses vertical and / or horizontal path segments to facilitate the retrieval and return of inventory storage containers from and to the storage locations defined by the rack.

[0008] According to another aspect of embodiments conforming to this disclosure, a carrier among a plurality of carriers is configured to transport containers and retrieve one container from one of storage locations. Similarly, a carrier may be configured to return one container to one of storage locations defined by a rack structure. For this purpose, a carrier constructed according to one or more embodiments may optionally include: a drive system configured to drive the carrier along an optional track segment to a first storage location, such that the carrier can retrieve a first container arranged within a rack storage location and / or a buffer storage location; and a rechargeable power source for providing power to the drive system. In embodiments, each carrier also defines a surface configured to support one of the containers.

[0009] According to optional aspects of embodiments conforming to this disclosure, the drive system of each vehicle includes one or more rotatable elements. For example, the drive system may include multiple wheels or rollers and both a horizontal drive system and a vertical drive system. Optionally, the horizontal drive system may be configured to drive the vehicle along a horizontal surface, while the vertical drive system may be configured to drive the vehicle vertically along a track. In embodiments incorporating these optional aspects, a storage location within the rack and / or buffer may be raised relative to the horizontal surface, and the vertical drive system may be configured to drive the vehicle upward toward a first storage location.

[0010] In one or more embodiments consistent with this disclosure, the first transmitter is a horizontal transmitter configured to receive containers from a container exchange station and transport the containers to one or more workstations along a first horizontal transport path. Optionally, the first horizontal transport path is in a first direction. In an optional embodiment, the first horizontal transmitter defines a circular transport path and includes a first transport segment configured to displace containers away from the container exchange station and a second transport segment configured to displace containers into the container exchange station.

[0011] According to another optional aspect conforming to this disclosure, the system further includes a central controller comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to control the operation of each of the plurality of vehicles. Optionally, the processor of the central controller is also configured to execute instructions stored in the memory for sequencing the delivery of at least one container to a first workstation such that one or more items can be removed from at least one container within a time window of acceptable duration. The sequencing instructions include instructions executable by the processor during a first interval prior to the time window, for: determining in a first determining step that a first container arranged in a rack needs to be buffered at a first buffer storage location to ensure that one or more items stored in the first container are accessible at the first workstation within the time window; operating a first vehicle to retrieve the first container; transferring the first container to one of an elevator or a second conveyor operable to transfer the first conveyor to the elevator; operating the elevator to raise the transferred first container to a height approaching one of the buffer storage locations; and operating a transfer mechanism of the elevator to transfer the first container to the first buffer storage location.

[0012] According to another optional aspect of embodiments conforming to this disclosure, the instructions for sorting further include instructions executable by the processor during a second interval after the first interval but before the time window, which are used to: operate the transfer mechanism of the elevator to retrieve the first container from the first buffer storage location and transfer the first container to the first conveyor for delivery to the first workstation, thereby enabling the first container to arrive at the first workstation within the time window.

[0013] According to another optional aspect of embodiments conforming to this disclosure, the instructions for sorting further include instructions executable by a processor during a third interval that includes a second interval but precedes a time window and has a duration longer than the second interval, for: determining in a second determining step that a second container arranged in a rack needs to be delivered to a first conveyor; operating a second of a plurality of carriers to retrieve the second container; and operating a transfer mechanism of the second carrier to transfer the second container toward the first conveyor, thereby enabling the second container to be delivered to a first workstation during the time window.

[0014] A material handling system constructed according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of storage locations vertically spaced apart from each other in a rack, each of the plurality of storage locations being sized and arranged to receive and support one or more containers; a track positioned adjacent to the storage locations; a plurality of containers positioned in the storage locations; and a plurality of carriers respectively configured to retrieve containers from the storage locations and transport containers away from the storage locations, the containers being containers for inventory items or being inventory items themselves, wherein each carrier includes: a drive system configured to drive the carrier along the track to a target storage location among the plurality of storage locations and to position the carrier to retrieve a target container from the target storage location; The system includes a power supply for providing power to a drive system, wherein a first vehicle of a plurality of vehicles can be positioned by the drive system to retrieve a first container from a first storage location; a first conveyor configured to receive containers delivered by the vehicles and to convey the delivered containers to a workstation in a first direction along a first conveying path, at which one or more items can be transferred into or out of the containers; and a container exchange station configured to receive containers from the vehicles, direct a first subset of containers to the first conveyor for conveying along the first conveying path, and accumulate a second subset of containers in a storage location in an elevated buffer storage area for subsequent conveying to the first conveyor and the workstation.

[0015] In some embodiments, the container exchange station is configured such that containers retrievable from a buffer storage location for transfer to a first transmitter are characterized by a lower retrieval latency than those defined by a rack. By way of example, the buffer storage location may have a reduced density compared to the rack-defined storage location. Thus, in a first embodiment, the rack-defined storage location is characterized by a depth sufficient to accumulate multiple containers, such that one or more containers within the target storage location may need to be removed and repositioned so that a delivery vehicle can approach and retrieve the target container to be delivered to the container exchange station. Similarly, in a second embodiment, the rack-defined storage location may be scaled and arranged to store multiple containers one on top of another in a column, such that one or more containers may need to be removed and repositioned so that a delivery vehicle can approach and retrieve the target container. Alternatively or additionally, the delivery path extending between the buffer storage location and the first transmitter may be much shorter than the delivery path extending between the rack-defined storage location and the first transmitter.

[0016] The reduced retrieval latency and / or shorter delivery path length for containers of items that are more frequently needed at one or more workstations result in fewer delivery vehicles being sufficient to complete the retrieval tasks required to supply containers of items that are less frequently needed, especially when multiple unloading and relocation tasks may be required to access and retrieve containers of items that are less frequently needed.

[0017] In some embodiments, the container exchange system includes: a second conveyor configured to displace containers toward a first conveyor along a second conveying path; and an elevator configured to receive a second subset of containers and vertically elevate the respective containers of the received second subset toward a plurality of corresponding buffer storage locations, such that the containers of the second subset can accumulate in a buffer storage area arranged closer to the workstation than the plurality of storage locations defined by the rack.

[0018] In some embodiments, the buffer storage locations of the container exchange station are arranged as a series of columns and / or vertically spaced rows, and optionally, corresponding elevators serve the buffer storage locations of the corresponding rows or columns, such that each elevator delivers containers to a single row or column of the buffer storage location and removes containers from a single row or column of the buffer storage location.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, one or more elevators are completely omitted, and instead, the buffer storage locations of the container exchange station are implemented as respective groups of storage elements, each sized and arranged to receive one or more containers delivered by a carrier and itself movable, for example, along a vertical loop path via an annular carrier, thus eliminating the need for elevators. That is, when a specific carrier in one of the buffer storage locations is needed, the carrier element is moved until the carrier containing the target container of the desired item is aligned with the first conveyor, thereby allowing the transfer mechanism of the storage element to transfer the target container to the first conveyor.

[0020] Some embodiments of container exchange stations include an elevator with multiple lifting platforms that are movable within a column, wherein each lifting platform includes a transfer mechanism, and thus, in the event of an inventory task, the transfer mechanism is operable to displace containers from the elevator to a first conveyor.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first transmitter forms a circular horizontal transport path having a first branch for transporting containers from a container exchange station to a workstation and a second branch for returning containers from the workstation to the container exchange station.

[0022] In any of the foregoing embodiments, each carrier may include a transfer mechanism configured to engage containers, wherein the transfer mechanism is configured to transfer containers between storage locations in the carrier and racks, and optionally transfer containers from the carrier to one of the elevators or conveyors of the container exchange station.

[0023] A container exchange system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first conveyor defining a first conveying path, the first conveyor being sized and arranged to receive a first subset and a second subset of containers capable of holding inventory items or being inventory items themselves, and conveying the retrieved containers to one of an item transfer station or workstation arranged along the conveying path; a passage zone through which containers of the first subset are transferred to the first conveyor after being retrieved from a first plurality of storage locations and upon arrival at the container exchange system; a second conveyor defining a second conveying path, the second conveyor being arranged such that a portion of the first conveying path is transverse to the second conveying path; a plurality of buffer storage locations defining buffer storage areas, the buffer storage areas being arranged in elevated positions relative to the first and second conveyors; and at least one elevator configured to receive containers from the second subset of containers, vertically lift the corresponding containers of the second subset to a first height to transfer the containers of the second subset to the corresponding buffer storage locations and accumulate the corresponding containers of the second subset, and subsequently return the containers of the second subset to a second height to transfer the containers of the second subset to the first conveyor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the buffer storage locations within the buffer storage area of ​​the container exchange system are arranged in at least one of multiple columns or multiple vertically spaced rows. In embodiments where the buffer storage locations are arranged in columns, the transfer exchange system includes an elevator having multiple lifting platforms, wherein each lifting platform is vertically movable within a corresponding column, and wherein each lifting platform includes a transfer mechanism configured to transfer a container from the elevator to a first conveyor, whereby the transfer mechanism of each lifting platform is operable to perform at least one of the following: after retrieving a container from the buffer storage location, displace the container from the elevator to the first conveyor, or displace the container from the first conveyor and / or a second conveyor onto the elevator.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the container exchange system further includes a microprocessor programmed to provide control signals to perform the following steps: in a first determining step, determining that a first container received at the container exchange and buffer station is associated with a first attribute or contains items associated with the first attribute; based on the determination, operating a second conveyor to transfer the first container to an elevator; operating the elevator to raise the first container to a first height approaching a target buffer storage location; operating a transfer mechanism of the elevator to transfer the first container to the target buffer storage location; optionally, in a second determining step, determining that a second container received at the container exchange and buffer station lacks an association with the first attribute or contains items not associated with the first attribute; and operating the second conveyor to bypass the buffer storage by transferring the second container to the first conveyor via the transfer mechanism of the elevator. In one or more embodiments, the attribute is used to distinguish between containers containing items that need to be stored in the buffer storage location and containers that do not need to be stored in the buffer storage location. By way of a non-limiting example, items requiring buffer storage locations may be needed at workstations at a sufficiently high frequency that storing them in storage locations on high-density storage racks would require a large number of delivery vehicles to retrieve and return the containers storing them.

[0026] In another embodiment conforming to this disclosure, a method of supplying a container of articles to at least one workstation arranged along a conveying path includes: determining in a first determining step that a first container retrieved by a first carrier from a first storage location defined by a rack structure and received at a container exchange and buffer station is associated with a first attribute or contains articles associated with the first attribute; determining in a second determining step that a second container retrieved by a second carrier from a second storage location defined by a rack structure and received at a container exchange and buffer station lacks association with the first attribute or contains articles not associated with the first attribute; transferring the first container to an elevator; operating the elevator to raise a first conveyor to an elevated position near a buffer storage location; operating a transfer mechanism of the elevator to transfer the first container to a first buffer storage location, the first buffer storage location being arranged at the elevated position relative to the first and second conveyors; in response to a workstation's need for articles within the first container, operating the elevator to retrieve the first container from the first buffer storage location and transfer the first container from the elevator to the first conveyor; and operating the first conveyor to convey the first container to the workstation.

[0027] Optionally, the method also includes operating another transmitter to bypass the buffer storage by transmitting a second container in the direction toward the first transmitter.

[0028] In one embodiment, the attribute includes a storage value associated with each type of item stored in the container, and the storage value determines the frequency of need for that item compared to other items managed by the material handling system, so that containers of items with the attribute can be preferentially stored in the buffer storage system. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To gain a more detailed understanding of the above-described features of the present invention, reference can be made to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, as other equivalent embodiments are permissible.

[0030] The above overview and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a material handling system; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A floor plan of the illustrated material handling system; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged plan view of the container exchange station of the illustrated material handling system; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged side view of the illustrated container exchange station; Figure 5 It is used for Figure 1 A plan view of an alternative embodiment of the container exchange station of the illustrated material handling system; and Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the vehicle of the illustrated material handling system. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for performing inventory management tasks in an inventory management system are described. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatus, or systems that would be understood by one of ordinary skill are not described in detail so as not to obscure the claimed subject matter.

[0032] Certain portions of the following detailed description are presented based on algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on binary digital signals stored in the memory of a particular device or dedicated computing device or platform. In the context of this particular specification, the term "particular device," etc., can include a general-purpose computer programmed to perform a particular function according to instructions from program software. Algorithm descriptions or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those skilled in the art of signal processing or related fields to communicate the essence of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm herein and generally considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processing that leads to a desired result. In this context, the operation or processing involves the physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not strictly necessary, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. For general reasons, referring to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, items, numbers, etc., has proven convenient in some cases. However, it should be understood that all these or similar terms are associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient notations.

[0033] Unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood, as will be apparent from the following discussion, that throughout this specification, discussions using terms such as “processing,” “calculating,” “determining,” and “processing” refer to the actions or processes of a particular device (such as a dedicated computer or similar dedicated electronic computing device). Therefore, in the context of this invention, a dedicated computer or similar dedicated electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals, which generally represent physical electronic or magnetic quantities within the memory, registers, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices of the dedicated computer or similar dedicated electronic computing device.

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0035] Illustrative embodiments conforming to this disclosure will now be described in detail. As used herein and throughout the claims, the terms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein and throughout the claims, the term "in" includes both "in" and "on," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] Now refer to the attached diagram for general information, and for specific details... Figure 1 and Figure 2 An apparatus for storing or retrieving containers of items and supplying them to one or more workstations, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is generally designated 10. The apparatus 10 includes a storage area 20. Figure 2), container exchange (input / output) station 200 and workstation 400 ( Figure 2 ).

[0037] like Figure 2 The best view in the middle is that storage area 20 includes a first structure 20a, a second structure 20b, and a third structure 20c. Figure 2 ).like Figure 1 As shown, each shelving structure (such as shelving structure 20b) defines multiple separate storage locations or destination areas 25. In embodiments conforming to this disclosure, each destination area 25 is sized and arranged to receive one or more containers 55, wherein each container 55 is further sized and arranged to receive and store one or more items (not shown). The destination areas 25 can be arranged in vertically spaced rows, columns, or any other space-efficient configuration to meet the requirements and needs of a given facility. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an illustrative embodiment, destination areas 25 are arranged in vertically spaced columns 22, such that destination areas 25 of frame structure 20b face destination areas (not shown) of frame structures 20a and 20c, wherein aisle areas 50 ( Figure 2 The carrier 100 is sized and arranged between the frame structures to allow for vertical and horizontal movement of the carrier 100 relative to the storage position 25. In this respect, as... Figure 2 The track segment, generally indicated by 40, is optimally aligned with and extends along the corresponding group of storage location 25. Figure 2 In the arrangement, the track segment 40 is horizontally oriented within each aisle 50 so that the vehicle 100 can move horizontally in the directions of arrows A1 and A2. In an alternative embodiment, the track segment 40 is vertically oriented so that the delivery vehicle (such as vehicle 100) is configured to move vertically within the aisle 50 and enter into alignment with the corresponding storage position 25 arranged in a single column.

[0038] In embodiments consistent with this disclosure, the device 10 further includes one or more mechanisms for retrieving items from a destination area 25 defined by the shelves of the storage area 20. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mechanism for retrieving items may include one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous delivery vehicles 100 configured to move vertically and / or horizontally within the aisle 50 to retrieve containers 55 of desired items from corresponding storage locations 25 and deliver the containers of desired items to container exchange stations 200.

[0039] At container exchange station (or system) 200, some containers 55 delivered by carrier 100 can be immediately transferred to an alternative material handling system and thus "pass through" (i.e., without buffer storage) to a processing destination, such as a supplementary workstation or an item transfer workstation. Alternatively, containers 55 of items can be transferred at container exchange station 200 onto carrier 100, such that carrier 100 can deliver the container 55 items from container exchange station 200 to destination area 25 of storage area 20. Thus, container exchange station 200 constitutes a mechanism for continuously storing items in various storage areas of device 10 and retrieving items from them and supplying these items to various processing stations as needed, according to the reconfigurable workflow of a given facility.

[0040] In embodiments consistent with this disclosure, the container exchange station 200 is also configured as a buffer storage system and therefore includes a second storage area that is sized and arranged to accumulate a plurality of item containers 55. In embodiments, the second storage area is a raised buffer storage area that includes a plurality of raised buffer storage locations 250, 260 for storing item containers, allowing items to be easily accessed and easily transported to workstations (such as workstation 400). For example, the buffer storage locations can be used to store items that are fast-moving, allowing them to be sorted at a higher frequency.

[0041] The inventors have determined here that by distinguishing between items that are needed more frequently and those that are needed less frequently at one or more workstations (such as workstation 400), priority can be given to buffer storage locations (such as locations 250 and 260) in a manner that requires fewer container retrieval trips by delivery vehicles, and this even allows for a relatively small number of vehicles to perform the necessary inventory management tasks, including the individual container retrieval cycles, even in high-density shelving implementations.

[0042] Examples of preliminary inventory management tasks that must be performed by one or more delivery vehicles before retrieving a target container may, in some embodiments, include moving non-target containers out of their current storage location so that target containers behind or below them can then be approached and retrieved for delivery to container exchange station 200. While containers storing more frequently needed items will tend to require fewer preliminary inventory management tasks due to their higher probability of being in the nearest container returning to a shelf storage location (e.g., location 55), the inventors have found that this advantage is entirely offset by the need to allocate more vehicles to the retrieval task than would be required with a sufficient number of appropriately positioned buffer storage locations.

[0043] Thus, one or more container exchange stations 200 constructed according to embodiments of the present disclosure are advantageously used to store, retrieve and transfer a subset of containers (which are or contain one or more items having a first attribute), and to allow another subset of containers (which are or contain one or more items lacking the first attribute) to reach one or more workstations, for example, when they are delivered by vehicle 100 to one or more container exchange stations 200.

[0044] In embodiments consistent with this disclosure, the items having the first attribute are those items that are needed more frequently at one or more workstations (such as workstation 400) than other items handled and supplied to the workstations by material handling equipment. In embodiments, a subset of containers 55 in which one or more items having the first attribute are arranged are stored in elevated buffer storage locations, such as front buffer storage location 250 and rear buffer storage location 260. Buffer storage locations 250 and 260 collectively include elevated buffer storage areas arranged sufficiently close to one or more workstations 400 that they can be quickly and efficiently retrieved from the buffer storage locations and transferred to one or more workstations without further use of delivery vehicle 100.

[0045] In the manner described above, one or more container exchange stations 200 provide rapid access to a first subset of containers 55 (and thus the items stored within them), while shelves 20a, 20b, and 20c of storage locations 20 provide storage locations for a second subset of containers. As storage locations 20 are further away and characterized by higher retrieval latency, the second subset of containers continues to be retrieved and returned on demand by delivery vehicle 100 to provide access to the items stored therein at one or more workstations 400. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the storage area 20 defined by shelves 20a, 20b, and 20c has significantly more storage locations than the buffer storage locations of the transfer exchange stations 200.

[0046] It should be understood that the various items and sub-components of the entire system can be used individually or in combination with material handling systems that have a different structure or operation than the system illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below.

[0047] Material handling system 10 may include any of a variety of different systems for storing items. For example, the material handling system may include a system incorporating multiple autonomous vehicles, such as the system described in U.S. Patent No. 11,254,504. The entire description of U.S. Patent No. 11,254,504 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] If already combined Figure 1 and Figure 2As mentioned, the material handling system 10 may optionally incorporate one or more racks, such as racks 20a, 20b, and 20c. Each rack may include multiple storage locations 25. Optionally, the storage locations may be arranged in one or more vertical columns 22. For example, Figure 1 Multiple shelves 20 are illustrated, each shelf may include multiple columns 22, and each column includes multiple storage locations 25.

[0049] The items transported by the system can be stored directly in the storage location. Alternatively, items can be stored in a box or tote bag 55, and storage location 25 can be configured to store tote bag 55. Therefore, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated in the following description, when referring to a container, the term container is intended to be broad enough to include containers for holding one or more items as well as items that simply do not need to be held in a box or tote bag.

[0050] refer to Figure 3 The system may include multiple shelves 20, which may optionally be positioned to form rows or aisles 50. For example, a first shelf 20a may be spaced apart from a second shelf 20b, such that an aisle 50 is formed between the two shelves. In particular, the first shelf 20a may be substantially parallel to the second shelf 20b to form an aisle with a substantially uniform width. Alternatively, the system may include multiple shelves forming multiple aisles 50. The aisles 50 may be aligned as a series of parallel rows. However, it should be understood that if the system incorporates multiple shelves 20, the shelves can be arranged in various configurations, and if the system includes multiple aisles 50, the aisles do not need to be parallel.

[0051] Optionally, the system includes automated components for storing and retrieving large bags from storage locations. One such automated component is an automated vehicle. For example, as discussed further below, the automated component may include multiple autonomous vehicles 100. Additionally, the automated vehicles 100 may be configured to retrieve large bags from rack 20 and deliver them to a container exchange station 200, where they may be stored or transported to a workstation 400, where one or more items may be removed from the large bags on one of the vehicles 100.

[0052] System 10 and / or various components of the system can be controlled by a central controller 90 (such as a microcomputer). The central computer can receive signals from various elements, such as various sensors that detect the position of items or vehicles. Based on the received signals, the controller controls various aspects of the system. The central controller can also store data about the position of various items, such as the position of containers along the path from the shelf to the workstation or the position of individual vehicles. In addition, the central controller can include data about the identification of items to be retrieved, such as the quantity of items fulfilling customer orders and the quantity of such items. In this way, the central controller can control and coordinate the operation of various elements to schedule the retrieval and processing of various items from storage locations.

[0053] Frame system As described above, the system may include one or more racks 20 having multiple storage locations 25. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Details of an exemplary storage rack 20 are illustrated. However, it should be noted that the system may include any of a variety of elements for organizing multiple storage locations 25.

[0054] Each shelf may include multiple generally vertically extending support legs and multiple generally horizontally extending brackets, the brackets interconnecting with the support legs. The brackets may be planar elements forming shelves, such that the shelves form storage locations 25. Alternatively, the horizontal brackets may be L-shaped brackets forming horizontal ledges to support the edges of large handbags 55. The horizontal brackets may be spaced upwards from each other along the height of the vertical legs to form vertically spaced columns 22 of storage locations 25.

[0055] As described above, the system may include multiple shelves spaced apart to form one or more aisles 50. Optionally, tracks may be positioned along one or more shelves, and the tracks may be configured to vertically guide the carrier 100 such that the carrier can be conveyed up and down along column 22 to a storage location within the column. Additionally, it may be desirable to position a first track along one side of the aisle along a shelf (such as along shelf 20a) and a second track along the opposite side of the aisle along a shelf (such as along shelf 20b). The carrier 100 may be configured such that the carrier travels vertically within the aisle 50 along the track on shelf 20a while simultaneously traveling vertically along the track on shelf 20b.

[0056] If the system uses one or more vehicles and one or more frames, the frames may be configured to allow vehicles to travel beneath the frame 20 and to travel across or along any aisles that can be incorporated into the system. Reference Figure 2 The vehicle can follow a path that moves along one or more segments, which can be parallel or transverse to the aisle. In particular, the frame can be configured to facilitate horizontal turning of the vehicle under the frame.

[0057] Vehicle Figure 6 Examples Figures 1 to 5 Details of a vehicle 100 are shown. As mentioned above, the structure of the vehicle can vary if the system incorporates a vehicle. Details of an exemplary delivery vehicle 100 are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,254,504. Details of the disclosure in U.S. Patent No. 11,254,504 are incorporated herein by reference. However, it should be understood that the various vehicle features described in U.S. Patent No. 11,254,504 or discussed below are optional features that can be changed or eliminated depending on the application.

[0058] Vehicle 100 may be an autonomous system including an onboard power supply for driving the vehicle. The vehicle may also include a communication system for wirelessly receiving and transmitting control signals between the various vehicles and control elements (such as a central controller). In this way, the vehicle can receive control signals regarding the location of the retrieved item and the location where the vehicle will deliver the item.

[0059] The central controller may include any of a variety of control mechanisms, including but not limited to a central processing unit, such as a microprocessor. Aspects of the controller may be embodied in hardware and / or software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), which may be collectively referred to herein as “circuit” or “module.” Furthermore, aspects of the invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium embodying computer-usable or computer-readable program code for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system. In the context of this specification, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium capable of containing, storing, transmitting, propagating, or transporting a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, causing the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable memory to produce an article of writing comprising the functions specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0060] Computer-usable or computer-readable media can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices. More specific examples (list) of computer-readable media include the following: hard disks, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic and optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM).

[0061] The computer program code used to perform the operations of the embodiments of the present invention can be written in an object-oriented programming language such as Java RTM, Smalltalk, or C++. However, the computer program code used to perform the operations of the embodiments of the present invention can also be written in a conventional procedural programming language, such as the "C" programming language and / or any other low-level assembly language. It should also be understood that the functionality of any or all program modules can also be implemented using discrete hardware components, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or a programmed digital signal processor or microcontroller.

[0062] Figure 6 The illustrated vehicle includes a horizontal drive assembly 120 for driving the vehicle 100 in a horizontal direction. The horizontal drive 120 can be configured to drive the vehicle along a track or along an open horizontal surface, such as a floor. For example, one option for the horizontal drive includes multiple rotatable elements, such as wheels or rollers. One or more drive mechanisms can be provided for rotating the rotatable elements. Additionally, the rotatable elements can be turned from one side to the other to steer the vehicle.

[0063] Alternatively, such as Figure 6 For example, the carrier may have a horizontal drive 120 formed by a plurality of rollers 122, 123, 124, which are rotatable about a first axis (such as about a wheel axle). Alternatively, the rollers 122, 123, 124 may be constrained to rotate about a single axis. For example, the horizontal drive 120 includes a pair of central rollers 124 and first and second sets of outer rollers 122, 123. The first set 122 is positioned in front of the central rollers, while the second set of rollers 123 is positioned behind the central rollers 124. The outer rollers 122, 123 may include rollers spaced apart along the length of the horizontal wheel axle, such that each set of outer rollers includes a first roller on one side of the carrier and a second roller on the opposite side of the carrier. Alternatively, each set of outer rollers may include a pair of rollers on each side of the carrier.

[0064] As described above, the vehicle 100 can have any of a variety of steering mechanisms for controlling the direction of travel of the vehicle. For example, an optional steering mechanism is a zero-turn mechanism, which can cause the vehicle to rotate without moving forward substantially. Optionally, the zero-turn mechanism provides means for rotating the vehicle about a vertical axis extending through the vehicle.

[0065] In addition to the horizontal drive mechanism 120, the carrier may also include a vertical drive mechanism 140 for vertically driving the carrier 100 within the frame 20. Specifically, as described above, the system may include a guide mechanism, such as a track 40 arranged adjacent to the frame 20. The vertical drive mechanism 140 may be configured to work in conjunction with the vertical guide mechanism (such as the track 40). Figure 2 Collaboration to vertically drive vehicle 100.

[0066] Figure 6 An exemplary vertical actuator 140 comprising a plurality of rotatable gears is illustrated; however, it should be understood that the vertical actuator may include any one of a plurality of drive mechanisms for a vertically driven vehicle. The vertical actuator 140 may include drive gears that rotate about a horizontal axis transverse to the horizontal axis of rotation of the horizontal drive mechanism 120. These gears 140 may be driven synchronously. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, the carrier may include two pairs of vertical drive elements spaced apart from each other along the length of the carrier. In particular, optionally, the carrier includes a first pair of vertical drive elements at a first end of the carrier and a second pair of vertical drive elements at a second end of the carrier.

[0067] refer to Figures 1 to 2 The frame 20 can be configured such that the tracks on one frame are spaced apart from the tracks on the second frame by a distance corresponding to the spacing between the first set of vertical drive elements and the second set of drive elements. Thus, the first vertical drive element can cooperate with the first track to drive the vehicle upward along the first track, while the second vertical drive element can cooperate with the second track to drive the vehicle upward along the second track. Optionally, the two vertical drive elements 140 are driven synchronously such that the vehicle maintains a horizontal orientation when it transitions from horizontal to vertical movement.

[0068] The vehicle may also include an optional transfer mechanism for transferring items between the vehicle and a destination, such as a storage location. The transfer mechanism 150 is operable to transfer items between the platform surface of the vehicle and one of a plurality of destination areas 25. Figure 6 As shown, the platform surface may optionally be defined by the outer surfaces of a plurality of rollers.

[0069] The transfer mechanism 150 can be any of various mechanisms used for loading items onto a vehicle and unloading items from a vehicle to a storage area. Additionally, the transfer mechanism 150 can be specifically tailored for a particular application. In this example, the transfer mechanism 150 includes one or more displaceable elements configured to engage items stored at a storage location and pull the items onto the vehicle. More specifically, in this example, the vehicle includes one or more displaceable elements configured to move toward and releasably engage a large bag in the storage location. After the one or more displaceable elements engage the large bag, the respective displaceable elements displace away from the storage location, thereby pulling the large bag onto the vehicle 100.

[0070] The displaceable element of the transfer mechanism can be any of various articles, such as a rod, bar, or another element configured to join articles (e.g., a tote bag). For example, see reference... Figure 6The transfer mechanism 150 may include one or more movable pins. The transfer mechanism is preferably configured to cooperate with a large tote bag to releasably engage the tote bag. For example, in this example, the pins are configured to engage with recesses on the tote bag, allowing the transfer mechanism to engage the tote bag. However, it should be appreciated that the transfer mechanism may include any of a variety of elements for engaging articles to be transferred to or from a vehicle.

[0071] Conveying device In one or more embodiments consistent with this disclosure, system 10 includes methods for transferring items arriving via container exchange station 200 to one or more workstations (e.g., Figure 2 The workstation 400 shown and the means for conveying items from it, thereby providing a flow of containers 55 from container exchange station 200 to one or more workstations. Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 In the illustrative embodiment shown, the conveying device includes a main conveyor, generally indicated by 300, which moves the container 55 along a first conveying path to one or more workstations 400. In this embodiment, the main conveyor 300 has a conventional construction and may, for example, include one or more roller conveyors or belt conveyors configured to advance the container 55 along a horizontal conveying path defined by respective roller surfaces or continuous belt surfaces (as applicable), moving the container 55 toward and away from the workstations 400 along this horizontal conveying path. Thus, the main conveyor 300 can provide a generally horizontal surface for supporting articles, such as the container 55 or other articles in a generally horizontal orientation.

[0072] In a modified embodiment, the transfer device may include a second plurality of delivery vehicles (not shown) that, due to their limited purpose of exchanging containers between container exchange station 200 and workstation 400, are characterized by low complexity and minimal energy consumption compared to delivery vehicle 100, and therefore can be implemented at a relatively low cost.

[0073] exist Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 In the exemplary arrangement shown, the main conveyor 300 includes one or more interconnected conveyor segments, which, as described above, may include conveyor belts, roller conveyors, or similar conveying elements. The conveyor segments or elements are powered by one or more motors (not shown), operable to drive the conveyor and advance containers along a path to a workstation. In this respect, the main conveyor 300 may include any of a variety of conveyor segments or branches. Figure 2 and Figure 3As best viewed from the center, the main conveyor 300 includes a first segment 300a, located away from the container exchange station 200 and facing one or more workstations 400, and a second segment 300b, located away from one or more workstations 400 and facing the container exchange station 200. The first and second conveyor segments 300a and 300b are connected by lateral conveyor segments 300c and 300d. The surfaces of conveyor segments 300a to 300d together form a circular first conveyor path through which containers / items travel along... Figure 3 Move forward in the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0074] In one or more embodiments consistent with this disclosure, and as Figures 2 to 3 As shown, container exchange station 200 is connected to main conveyor 300, allowing containers 55 or other items to flow from container exchange station 200 along a supplementary conveying path to main conveyor 300, and also from main conveyor 300 to the transfer exchange station. (Continue to the previous section) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment shown, the supplementary transport path is defined by one or more surfaces of an input transport segment, hereinafter referred to as buffer input transporter 310. Buffer input transporter 310 extends from main transporter 300 to container exchange station 200 and enables containers to return to a buffer storage location or to rack storage.

[0075] In the case of segments 300a to 300d of the main conveyor 300, the buffer input conveyor 310 may consist of various conveying components that, in the illustrative example, define a generally horizontal conveying path surface for transporting articles, as described above in conjunction with the main conveyor 300. In one or more embodiments, the buffer input conveyor 310 is constructed similarly to the main conveyor 300.

[0076] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment shown, the supplementary transport path is further defined by one or more surfaces of an output transport segment, hereinafter referred to as a buffer output transporter 320. The buffer output transporter 320 extends from the container exchange station 200 to the main transporter 300 and enables containers to be supplied via the main transporter 300 from a buffer storage location or directly from rack storage (as applicable) to one or more workstations 400. As previously described, the buffer output transporter 320 can be any of a variety of transporters having or defining one or more generally horizontal surface portions for transporting articles, as described above in conjunction with the main transporter 300. Similarly, the buffer output transporter 320 can be constructed similarly to segments 300a to 300d of the main transporter 300.

[0077] Special Reference Figure 3Furthermore, as described below, the container exchange station 200 according to one or more embodiments also includes a buffer transfer transmitter 330. The buffer transfer transmitter 330 can be any of a variety of transmitters providing one or more generally horizontal surface portions defining a generally horizontal transfer path. In one or more embodiments, the transfer transmitter 330 is configured to be substantially similar to the buffer input transmitter 310 and the buffer transmitter 320.

[0078] In an embodiment, the buffer transfer transmitter 330 is configured to intersect with one or both of the buffer input transmitter 310 and the buffer output transmitter 320. Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the buffer transfer transmitter 330 has a first end intersecting with the buffer input transmitter 310 and a second end intersecting with the buffer output transmitter 320. Through Figure 3 As best seen in this illustrative placement, the buffer transfer transmitter 330 connects the buffer input transmitter 310 to the buffer output transmitter 320. Thus, the transfer transmitter 330 forms a continuous horizontal transfer path that aligns with and extends between the end surface portions of the buffer input transmitter 310 and the buffer output transmitter 320.

[0079] like Figures 2 to 3 As can be seen, buffer input transmitter 310, buffer transfer transmitter 330, and buffer output transmitter 320 form a segment interconnecting container exchange station 200 with the main transmitter. In one or more embodiments, transmitters 310, 320, 330, and 300 collectively form elements of a first transmitter, wherein the purpose of the first transmitter is to exchange containers 55 between workstation 400 and buffer exchange station 200 arranged along a first transport path.

[0080] As described above, conveyors 300, 310, 320, and 330 can be formed from any of a variety of conveyors. Optionally, the conveyor is formed from multiple conveying segments, and one or more segments can be formed from multiple parallel rollers forming a roller conveyor. These segments may optionally intersect, such that an item leaves from one segment onto the next.

[0081] One or more conveyors may intersect at right angles. In this orientation, the system may include one or more transfer mechanisms for transferring items from one conveyor segment to the next. Optionally, the transfer mechanism may be a right-angle transfer device.

[0082] An exemplary right-angle transfer device may be one or more conveyor belts driven around multiple rollers or pulleys. The conveyor belt may extend in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.

[0083] The right-angle transfer device is displaceable between a first position and a second position, such that in the first position, the right-angle transfer device is concealed or otherwise positioned outside the movement path of the conveyors 300, 310, 320, or 330. Thus, in the first position, the right-angle transfer device does not obstruct movement along the conveyor (e.g., along its length). In the second position, the right-angle transfer device may obstruct movement along the length of the conveyor.

[0084] By way of example, the right-angle transfer device can be a conveyor arranged between the rollers of a transfer conveyor. The right-angle transfer device can be displaced between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the right-angle transfer device can be positioned below the top surface of the rollers of conveyors 300, 310, 320, or 330, such that an article, such as container 55, can move freely along the length of the conveyor toward either the main conveyor 300 or toward the loading station 400. In the second position, the right-angle transfer device can be positioned upward, such that the top surface of the right-angle transfer device is raised above conveyors 300, 310, 320, or 330. In the raised position, the right-angle transfer device can be operated to displace an article from one conveyor segment to an adjacent conveyor segment.

[0085] Although the transfer mechanism has been described as a right-angle transfer device (having a raised position operable by the loading mechanism for transferring items and a lowered position in which the transfer mechanism is loaded or retracted), it should be understood that the transfer mechanism can be any of a variety of mechanisms used to displace items across the width of the conveyor or to transfer items from one transfer segment to the next.

[0086] Container Exchange Station refer to Figures 1 to 4 System 10 includes a container exchange station 200 for receiving containers 55 from racks 20 and storing or transporting containers to workstation 400. Alternatively, container exchange station 200 is operable to transfer containers from workstations to carriers 100, allowing the containers to be stored in racks (such as racks 20a, 20b, and 20c). In this way, container exchange station 200 can operate as a central hub for distributing containers 55 between storage racks 20 and workstation 400.

[0087] As mentioned above Figure 1 and Figure 2The container exchange station 200 includes an elevated buffer storage area consisting of a front buffer storage location and a rear buffer storage location, generally indicated by 250 and 260, respectively. The buffer storage locations are sized and arranged to store a first subset of containers 55 according to determined needs or attributes that specify the first subset of containers as desirable to be held in positions that allow for rapid transport to workstation 400, in contrast to containers being retrieved from storage areas 25 of racks 20a to 20c. Thus, the container exchange station 200 operates as a storage buffer between workstation 400 and rack storage 20. In one embodiment, determining whether a qualifying attribute is associated with a particular container is performed by reading a barcode, RFID tag, or other marking when the container arrives at or shortly thereafter at the inlet of the container exchange station 200 and then determining whether a database entry confirms the suitability of the attribute. In some embodiments, when the container itself is an item that can be identified by an image acquired by an imaging camera, qualifying determination may alternatively be performed by comparing the image with an image library entry in the database. Containers that have not undergone proper qualification checks (such as the suitability of attributes) simply bypass the buffer storage and are transferred directly to the main transporter.

[0088] However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that for a monitoring system guiding the movement and destination of vehicle 100, the suitability of qualifying attributes for containers delivered by vehicle 100 to container exchange station 200 is known. That is, the location of each container in shelves 20a to 20c of storage area 20 must be known in order for the appropriate container to be retrieved by the vehicle first. Therefore, in embodiments, the determination of whether qualifying attributes are applicable is generally known before the delivery vehicle arrives at container exchange station 200. Thus, in one or more embodiments, container 55 is delivered to a port 210 of container exchange station 200 (… Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 5 It is established a priori that the delivered container will be stored in a buffer storage location.

[0089] Similarly, containers that are not suitable for buffer storage properties or requirements can be delivered by a vehicle to an alternative or via a port (not shown) through which these containers pass directly to the buffer transfer conveyor 330. In one or more embodiments, a bidirectional conveyor (not shown) may be positioned between each of these ports and the buffer transfer conveyor 330 to accommodate container transfer, or alternatively, containers may be transferred directly from the vehicle to the buffer transfer conveyor 300.

[0090] In one embodiment, the container is loaded onto a carrier at one or more locations along a first conveying path to replenish inventory stored in shelves 20a to 20c or in buffer storage locations. In this application, the conveying system 300 can automatically convey the container 55 to a port of container exchange station 200 (through which the container is loaded onto carrier 100 for return of the replenished container to shelf storage location 25), or to a port 210 for return of the replenished container to the raised buffer storage area defined by buffer storage locations 250 and 260. In the former case, carrier 100 returns the replenished container 55 to shelves 20a, 20b, and 20c, and then transfers the container to storage location 25.

[0091] As previously described, the vehicle 100 can retrieve the container 55 from storage location 25 in racks 20a to 20c and deliver the container to the container exchange station 200. At the container exchange station 200, the container 55 can be unloaded from the vehicle 100 and stored in one of storage locations 250, 260 within the container exchange station. Alternatively, the container 55 can be transferred to an output conveyor that transports the container toward the main conveyor 300. The main conveyor then transports the container to a workstation, where one or more items can be removed from or loaded into the container.

[0092] Similarly, the system is operable to transfer container 55 from one or more workstations along main conveyor 300 to container exchange station 200. At the container exchange station, the container can be stored in one of storage locations 250, 260. Alternatively, the container can be loaded onto vehicle 100 (such as vehicle 100a) at the transfer exchange station. Figure 1 )) and transported to storage location 25 in a storage rack in storage area 20.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, container exchange station 200 cooperates with conveyor system 300 to form a complementary portion of a continuous loop, such that containers 55 transferred from container exchange station 200 are subsequently transferred back to container exchange station 200. In this regard, conveyor system 300 may include one or more forward conveyor segments that transfer containers 55 away from container exchange station 200 and one or more return conveyor segments that transfer containers toward container exchange station 200. The workstations described above may be positioned along either the forward or return conveyor segments.

[0094] As previously described, the container exchange station 200 constructed according to one or more embodiments includes one or more carrier ports 210, wherein containers are in carriers such as 100a ( Figure 1The transfer is between carrier 100 and container exchange station 200. Carrier port 210 may include a transfer mechanism for engaging containers on the carrier and moving them to a receiving surface of the container exchange station. For example, carrier port 210 may include one or more telescopic arms or similar mechanisms for engaging large bags or containers. However, as described above, each carrier includes a transfer mechanism 150 ( Figure 6 It can be operated to transfer a container onto a vehicle or unload a container from a vehicle.

[0095] Each vehicle port 210 can be configured such that the vehicle moves on a lower support surface and, upon entering and aligning with a target transfer surface, transfers the container horizontally into the container exchange station 200. Alternatively, the vehicle port 210 may include elements for vertically lifting the vehicle to a height that positions the container on the target transfer surface. For example, the vehicle port may include a lift or similar structure for lifting the vehicle. However, in this example, as described above, the vehicle 100 includes a vertical actuator for vertically lifting the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle port 210 may include a track configured to cooperate with the vertical actuator 140 of the vehicle. Thus, as Figure 4 Each of the vehicles 100 shown in the vehicle 100a is operable to drive into the vehicle inlet 210 and move upward to an elevated level to load or unload containers.

[0096] Optionally, each carrier port 210 includes a surface for supporting the container. This surface may be a generally horizontal surface, such as a shelf. Alternatively, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the carrier port 210 includes a corresponding conveyor 218 configured to support a container delivered by the carrier. Optionally, the conveyor 218 may be a driven conveyor, such as a conveyor belt or a powered roller conveyor. Thus, when the carrier is at the carrier port, the conveyor can operate to support the container and drive the container toward or away from the carrier.

[0097] A mechanism 230 is provided for lifting a container from carrier port 210. The lifting mechanism can be any of a variety of devices, such as a lift or climbing vehicle. Optionally, the lifting mechanism can be a lift having a platform 236 that moves vertically in column 234.

[0098] The container exchange station 200 can be configured to allow direct transfer of containers between the elevator 230 and the carrier 100 at the carrier port 210. Alternatively, as... Figure 4 As shown, the system can be configured to allow containers to be transferred between elevator 230 and transfer surfaces (such as transfer conveyor 218).

[0099] The lift may include mechanisms for transferring containers from the transfer conveyor 218 onto the platform 236. For example, the lift may include one or more transfer elements or telescopic arms for engaging containers.

[0100] The container exchange station may optionally include multiple storage locations 250, 260. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a container exchange station may include a first set of storage locations 250 adjacent to the front of the input station 200 and a second set of storage locations adjacent to the rear of the input station. The storage locations may be arranged as a series of rows or columns. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, multiple storage locations 250, 260 can be vertically spaced apart from each other along the height of container exchange station 210. Optionally, each storage location can be configured to receive multiple containers 55. For example, each storage location 250, 260 can have a length greater than twice the length of each container 55. Optionally, as Figure 4 As shown, each storage location can have a length sufficient to accommodate 3 containers.

[0101] Container exchange station 210 may include equipment for transferring containers away from elevator 230. For example, see reference... Figures 3 to 4 The container exchange station 210 may include a transfer conveyor 330 operable to transfer containers away from the elevator. Additionally, as described above, the transfer conveyor may be configured to transfer containers to the elevator.

[0102] As described above, the elevator 230 may include a transfer mechanism operable to transfer containers between the elevator and the carrier 100 or an input location (such as the input conveyor 218). Optionally, the same mechanism may be operable to transfer containers between the elevator 230 and the transfer conveyor 330. Specifically, the transfer mechanism is configured to transfer articles from the transfer conveyor 330 to the elevator or from the elevator to the transfer conveyor. In this way, the elevator is operable to transfer containers between the carrier port 210 and the transfer conveyor 330.

[0103] The lift is operable to transfer containers between storage locations 250, 260 and carrier inlet 210 or transfer conveyor 330. Specifically, the lift is operable to move vertically upward to a storage location and transfer a container from one of storage locations 250, 260 onto the lift platform 236. The lift is operable to move vertically downward from the storage location along with the container to the carrier inlet or transfer conveyor. The lift can then operate a transfer mechanism to transfer the container in a first direction to a carrier at the carrier inlet. The carrier can then be removed from the carrier inlet along with the container, conveying the container to storage location 25 in a rack 20. Alternatively, the lift transfer mechanism can transfer the container in a second direction to a transfer conveyor 330. The transfer conveyor 330 can transfer the container away from the lift to one or more conveyors to deliver the container to a workstation 400.

[0104] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The input / output station 200 may include multiple columns. Each column includes a separate carrier port 210, an elevator 230, and a series of front and rear storage locations 250, 260. The transfer conveyor 330 may extend along the length of the container exchange station 210. For example, see reference... Figure 3 The floor plan of the container exchange station shows the storage locations, indicated by dashed lines. Each elevator is adjacent to the transfer conveyor 330 so that the transfer conveyor can receive containers from any elevator and transfer the containers out of the container exchange station.

[0105] Charging components The container exchange station 200 may optionally include a charging mechanism for charging the vehicle 100 at the vehicle port 210. The charging mechanism may be connected to a power source to provide charging current, thereby recharging the vehicle's power supply. For example, optionally, each vehicle includes an onboard rechargeable power source. The rechargeable power source may be a rechargeable battery. However, in this example, the vehicle includes a power source comprising multiple supercapacitors that can be rapidly recharged. For example, the power source may include multiple supercapacitors or supercapacitors sufficient to power the vehicle when it is moving horizontally or vertically with a payload of 30-40 kg.

[0106] The charging mechanism can be any of a variety of elements used to provide charging current to the vehicle. For example, in this example, the charging mechanism can be a charging rail that cooperates with electrical contacts on the vehicle 100.

[0107] The charging rail may include one or more elongated conductive elements. The rail may form one or more channels or grooves configured to cooperate with electrical contacts of the carrier. For example, the carrier may include one or more charging contacts, such as brushes. Brushes may project outward from the carrier. Brushes are oriented and configured to mate or cooperate with the charging rail. For example, the charging rail may be horizontally oriented and may project horizontally outward from the rear side of the carrier, such that when the carrier is in the carriage, the brushes protrude to make electrical contact with the charging rail.

[0108] In the foregoing description, the system is described as having a single container exchange station 200. However, it should be understood that the system may include multiple container exchange stations 200. Each system may include one or more transmitters for connecting the container exchange station to the main transmitter 300. For example, each container exchange station may include buffered input transmitters and buffered output transmitters similar to the transmitters 310 and 320 described above.

[0109] Additionally, in the above description, the container exchange station 200 includes a transport loop that receives containers from the respective columns and transports them along a common path forming a loop interconnected with the main transporter 300. However, it may be desirable to include one or more transporters for the respective columns in the container exchange station 200.

[0110] Now for reference Figure 5 The alternative container exchange station is designated as 200'. The alternative container exchange station 200' includes multiple columns, each column comprising the same or substantially similar vehicle ports 210, elevators 230, and storage locations 250, 260 as those described above in conjunction with container exchange station 200. However, the method of exchanging containers between the main conveyor and the container exchange station differs. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, each column of the container exchange station 200' is aligned with the corresponding transfer conveyors 340a, 340b, and 340c that lead from the platform 236 of the elevator 230 to the main conveyor 300.

[0111] Optionally, each of the transfer conveyors 340a to 340c may include multiple conveyors. For example, each of the transfer conveyors 340a to 340c may include a first segment defining a conveying path for transferring containers from platform 236 of elevator 230 to main conveyor 300. Additionally, each transfer conveyor may include a second segment defining a conveying path for transferring containers from main conveyor 300 to platform 236 of elevator 230. In one embodiment, the first and second segments of each transfer conveyor are vertically spaced apart from each other so that one is stacked on top of the other. In such an embodiment, the elevator lifts the container to a first height to unload the container onto the first segment, thereby conveying the container to the main conveyor. Containers conveyed from the main conveyor 300 along the second segment of a transfer conveyor such as transfer conveyor 340a to the elevator may be conveyed at a second height above or below the first segment. When the container on the second segment of transfer conveyor 340a arrives at the elevator, the elevator moves to the second height to retrieve the container from transfer conveyor 340a. In this way, the two segments of the transfer transmitter form the forward and return branches of the transfer loop between the main transmitter 300 and the container exchange station 200'.

[0112] operate The system 10 and its various sub-components described above can be configured to facilitate various operational methods related to material handling as described below.

[0113] System 10 may include multiple autonomous vehicles 100 for delivering items to container exchange station 200. The vehicles may be configured to travel along a horizontal path, such as along the ground. Optionally, the vehicles may travel along the ground to a storage area where multiple items are stored. For example, multiple items may be stored in multiple containers (such as large bags). Optionally, large bags may be stored in multiple shelves 20, spaced apart to form longitudinally elongated aisles 50. The aisles may be parallel to each other.

[0114] Vehicle 100 can travel under a shelf 20 in a direction parallel to an aisle 50. Vehicle 100 can travel under the shelf until it reaches the destination column 22 in the shelf, which is the column where items are to be stored or retrieved.

[0115] Optionally, when the vehicle reaches the destination column, it can rotate or turn to change its direction of travel. For example, when the vehicle is in the destination column, it can change from a direction of travel parallel to the aisle to a direction of travel across the aisle. Alternatively, the vehicle can travel to the destination column under the frame 20 along a path substantially perpendicular to the aisle. After reaching the destination column, the vehicle can optionally travel perpendicular to the aisle into the aisle of the destination column.

[0116] In the aisle, vehicle 100 may optionally travel upwards to destination location 25, where items will be stored or retrieved. Vehicle 100 may rise along column 22 via an elevator or other mechanism. However, in this example, the vehicle includes a vertical drive mechanism 140 operable to drive the vehicle upwards. Additionally, the system may include a rail or guide positioned adjacent to the column, and the vertical drive 140 of the vehicle may engage the rail or guide to drive the vehicle upwards along the column to the destination location.

[0117] Once the vehicle is raised to the destination location, items such as a large tote bag 55 can be transferred between the vehicle and the destination location. For example, the vehicle may include a transfer mechanism for transferring the tote bag, and the vehicle may actuate the transfer mechanism to transfer the tote bag from the vehicle to the destination location or vice versa.

[0118] After transferring items between the vehicle and the destination location, the vehicle can optionally travel down to a horizontal path, such as the ground. The vehicle can then travel horizontally along a path perpendicular to the passageway.

[0119] The system may also include one or more container exchange stations 200. The system may include methods for operating an autonomous vehicle at the exchange station 200. For example, a vehicle 100 may travel along a horizontal path carrying items (such as a large tote bag 55) to the container exchange station 200. The vehicle may be controlled such that it is aligned with an input position 210 at the container exchange station. The container exchange station may have multiple input positions. Therefore, optionally, the method includes the step of determining the input position to which the vehicle is guided. After determining the input position, the vehicle with the retrieved container is controlled to align the vehicle with the determined input position.

[0120] A first method, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, controls multiple vehicles to transfer items such as large bags or containers at a container exchange station 200. A vehicle 100, controlled by an embodiment of the first method, aligns with an input position at the container exchange station 200, and then the container is transferred from the vehicle toward a container handling mechanism. Optionally, the container handling mechanism is a lift 230 operated by the first method to raise the containers.

[0121] In one embodiment, the first method includes the step of transferring a container directly from carrier 100 to elevator 230. Optionally, the method includes the step of unloading the container onto a container support. The container support may be a fixed element, such as a shelf. Optionally, the container support may be operated by the first method to move the container toward or away from the carrier. For example, container 55 may be transferred from the carrier to input conveyor 218. The container may be transferred from input conveyor 218 toward a container handling mechanism (such as elevator 230).

[0122] In one or more embodiments, the first method includes the step of operating the vehicle to unload a container while the vehicle is positioned on a horizontal lower surface, such as the floor of a warehouse facility, distribution center, or manufacturing operation. Figure 4 As shown, the first method can operate a vehicle such that it is lifted off a supporting surface below at an input position 210. For example, the first method can operate a vertical actuator of the vehicle to drive the vehicle vertically upward. Thus, the vehicle can travel vertically upward at the input position. In this embodiment of the first method, the vehicle is operated to travel vertically upward along a track to a predetermined height at which the container will be transferred. For example, in one embodiment, the first method operates the vehicle to travel vertically upward to align the container with a horizontal surface 218 on which the container will be unloaded. In an alternative embodiment, the first method operates a lifting mechanism arranged at the input position to vertically translate the vehicle and any containers on it together, such that the vehicle is lifted to the height of the unloading position.

[0123] refer to Figures 3 to 4 This illustrates the container flow direction from input position 210 of container exchange station 200 to the main conveyor.

[0124] Container 55 is moved from the input position to the elevator 230. The container is then loaded onto platform 236 of the elevator 230. Optionally, the container is moved onto the elevator by actuating a transfer mechanism on the elevator. Optionally, the elevator 230 vertically lifts container 55 to a storage position vertically positioned above the input position. The elevator aligns platform 234 with one of storage positions 2550, 260, and then transfers the container to one of the storage positions.

[0125] One or more methods conforming to this disclosure include the step of transferring a container from an elevator, such as elevator 230, to an output mechanism configured to convey the container toward a first conveyor including a main conveyor 300. In one embodiment, the elevator retrieves a container from a carrier 100 at an input position 210. In an alternative embodiment, elevator 230 retrieves a container from one of storage positions 250, 260. In either embodiment, the container moves from the elevator to output mechanisms 330, 340. Alternatively, the container is moved to the output mechanism by actuating a transfer mechanism on the elevator.

[0126] Optionally, the method includes the step of conveying a container from output mechanisms 330, 340 toward a workstation along a generally horizontal surface. For example, the container may be conveyed from a lift toward a workstation at the top of a horizontal conveyor.

[0127] At a workstation 400, an operator can retrieve one or more items from a container. For example, an operator can remove one or more items required for an order. The step of removing one or more items from the container can be performed by a human operator. Alternatively, the operator can be an automated device operable to retrieve items from the container.

[0128] After the items are retrieved from the container, the container may optionally be transported back to a container exchange station 200. For example, the container may be transported back to a container exchange station 200 along one or more horizontal conveyor segments.

[0129] After returning to container exchange station 200, the container is loaded onto output mechanism 330 and then onto a lift platform 234. The lift can then vertically lift the container and unload it into one of storage locations 250 and 260. Alternatively, the container can be transferred to a carrier instead of being stored in a storage location. Specifically, optionally, the container can be unloaded from the lift by actuating a transfer mechanism on the lift. Optionally, the container is transferred to transfer surface 218. The container can then be transferred to the carrier by actuating a transfer mechanism on the carrier.

[0130] After the container is loaded onto the carrier, the carrier can move away from the container exchange station 200. Optionally, the carrier moves vertically downward from the elevated position to the ground floor at the loading position 210. Once on the ground, the carrier 100 can move along the ground toward the rack 20 to return the container to a storage location 22.

[0131] A method for controlling the storage and retrieval of multiple items at different locations to fulfill multiple orders includes the step of determining where certain containers will be stored based on the frequency with which containers are needed to fulfill orders. For example, the method may include the step of identifying one or more containers to be stored at a first location (such as a workstation). In one example, a particular item may be used for a considerable number of orders. Such an item may be referred to as a high-mobility item. The system can determine that containers for high-mobility items will be stored at the workstation, making it easy to retrieve the items for orders. For example, containers for high-mobility items may be stored in shelving unit 410 adjacent to the workstation. Figure 1 As shown, multiple containers for different fast-moving items can be stored at the workstation, eliminating the need to retrieve containers for each order.

[0132] Additionally, the method may include the step of identifying multiple items that may be frequently needed in multiple orders within a series of orders. The number of orders requiring these items may not be as many as fast-moving items, and these items may be referred to as medium-moving items. The method may include the steps of identifying multiple medium-moving items needed in a series of orders and identifying multiple containers to hold the medium-moving items. The process may include the step of storing the containers of the identified medium-moving items in a storage location at container exchange station 200.

[0133] Optionally, the process may include the step of retrieving a container from a storage system comprising multiple container racks. Optionally, the retrieval step may include driving a vehicle along the ground to the container racks and driving the vehicle upwards to an elevated storage location to retrieve the container of the medium-moving item. After retrieving the container of the medium-moving item, the method may include driving the vehicle to a container exchange station and transferring the item from the vehicle to an elevator. The elevator can then store the medium-moving item in a storage location within container exchange station 200. When a container of a medium-moving item is needed at a workstation 400, the elevator retrieves the container and outputs it to output conveyors 330, 340, and then to a main conveyor. The main conveyor 300 can then convey the container toward the workstation. At the workstation, an operator can remove one or more medium-moving items from the container. The container can then be returned to the container exchange station and stored in one of storage locations 250, 260. It should be understood that the system may include multiple container exchange stations such that when a container is described as returning to a container exchange location, it means that it returns to any one of the container exchange stations, regardless of the container exchange station from which the container was retrieved.

[0134] The process may also include the step of identifying multiple items as slow-moving items, which are required less frequently for a series of orders than medium-moving items. Containers of slow-moving items can be stored in rack 20, retrieved as needed, and conveyed from rack 20 to a workstation. Specifically, when slow-moving items are needed, a vehicle retrieves the containers of the slow-moving items in a manner similar to the process of retrieving containers from the rack described above, and conveys the containers directly to a workstation or a container exchange station, allowing the containers to be loaded onto a conveyor for transport along the conveyor to the workstation.

[0135] In a further illustrative example, a method of supplying a container of articles to at least one workstation arranged along a conveyor path includes: in a first determining step, determining that a first container, retrieved by a first carrier from a first storage location defined by a rack structure and received at a container exchange and buffer station, contains articles having a first attribute; transferring the first container to an elevator; operating the elevator to raise a first conveyor to a position near a buffer storage location; operating a transfer mechanism of the elevator to transfer the first container to a first buffer storage location among a plurality of buffer locations arranged at an elevated position relative to a first conveyor and a second conveyor; operating the elevator to retrieve the first container from the first buffer storage location and transfer the first container from the elevator to the first conveyor; and operating the first conveyor to convey the first container to the workstation. Optionally, the method further includes: in a second determining step, determining that a second container, retrieved by a second carrier from a second storage location defined by a rack structure and received at a container exchange and buffer station, contains articles not associated with the first attribute; and operating the second conveyor to bypass the buffer storage by conveying the second container in a direction toward the first conveyor. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: identifying items most frequently requested for delivery to at least one workstation and assigning a first attribute to the identified items. In one embodiment, the method further includes: in a third determining step, determining a buffer storage interval applicable to the first container to expire based on the depletion of demand for items within the first container at at least one workstation.

[0136] return Figure 4 The container exchange system 200 or 200' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first transmitter defining a first transport path. The first transmitter includes a main transmitter 300 and is sized and arranged to receive a subset of containers and transport the retrieved containers toward an article transfer station or workstation (such as workstation 400) arranged along the first transport path. The container exchange system 200 further includes: a passage zone through which containers of a first subset are transferred to a first conveyor after being retrieved from a first plurality of storage locations and upon arrival at the container exchange system; a second conveyor defining a second transport path, the second conveyor being arranged such that a portion of the first transport path is transverse to the second transport path; a plurality of buffer storage locations defining buffer storage areas, the buffer storage areas being arranged at elevated positions relative to the first and second conveyors; and at least one elevator configured to receive containers of a second subset of the item storage containers, vertically lift the corresponding containers of the second subset to a first height to transfer the containers of the second subset to the corresponding buffer storage locations and accumulate the corresponding containers of the second subset, and subsequently return the containers of the second subset to a second height to transfer the containers of the second subset to the first conveyor.

[0137] In container exchange system 200 ( Figures 1 to 3 ) or 200' ( Figure 5 In one or more embodiments, buffer storage locations 250 and 260 are arranged as a plurality of vertically spaced rows and / or columns. In one embodiment, each of such buffer storage locations is deep enough to accommodate a plurality of containers 55.

[0138] In one embodiment, the elevator includes a transfer mechanism configured to exchange containers between the elevator and a second conveyor, wherein the transfer mechanism is operable to displace containers from the elevator to the second conveyor and from the second conveyor back to the elevator.

[0139] In one or more embodiments, the container exchange system further includes a central controller comprising a microprocessor programmed to provide control signals to perform the following steps: determining in a first determining step that a first container received at the container exchange and buffer station contains an item having a first attribute; based on the determination, operating a second conveyor to transfer the first container to an elevator; operating the elevator to raise the first container to a first height approaching a target buffer storage location; and operating a transfer mechanism of the elevator to transfer the first container to the target buffer storage location.

[0140] In some embodiments, the processor of the container exchange system 200 or 200' also executes instructions stored in memory for: determining in a second determining step that a second container received at the container exchange and buffer station lacks an association with the first attribute or contains an item lacking an association with the first attribute; and operating a second conveyor to bypass the buffer storage by transferring the second container to the first conveyor via a transfer mechanism of an elevator.

[0141] A material handling system incorporating a conveying and exchanging system according to the foregoing embodiments includes: a plurality of storage locations vertically spaced apart from each other in a rack, each of the plurality of storage locations being sized and arranged to receive and support one or more containers; a plurality of containers positioned in the storage locations; a plurality of carriers respectively configured to retrieve containers from the storage locations and convey containers away from the storage locations, wherein each carrier includes: a drive system configured to drive the carrier to a target storage location among the plurality of storage locations and position the carrier to retrieve a target container from the target storage location; and a power source for providing power to the drive system, wherein the plurality of containers... The first carrier in the vehicle can be positioned by a drive system to retrieve the first container from a first storage location; the material handling system further includes: a first conveyor configured to receive containers delivered by the vehicle and to convey the delivered containers to a workstation in a first direction along a first conveying path, at which one or more items can be transferred into or out of the containers; and a container exchange station configured to receive containers from the vehicle, guide a first subset of containers to the first conveyor for conveying along the first conveying path, and accumulate a second subset of containers in an elevated buffer storage area for subsequent conveying to the first conveyor and the workstation.

[0142] In one embodiment, a container that can be retrieved from a buffer storage location for transfer to a first conveyor is characterized by a lower retrieval latency than the storage location defined by the shelf. Additionally, in some embodiments, the delivery path extending between the buffer storage location and the first conveyor is significantly shorter than the delivery path extending between the storage location defined by the shelf and the first conveyor.

[0143] In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the first transport path is a horizontal transport path, and wherein the container exchange station includes: a second transporter configured to displace containers toward the first transporter along a second horizontal path, wherein the second horizontal path is transverse to the first horizontal path; and an elevator configured to receive a second subset of containers and vertically lift the respective containers of the received second subset toward a plurality of corresponding buffer storage locations such that the containers of the second subset can accumulate in the buffer storage area.

[0144] Therefore, it should be understood from the foregoing description that the inventive aspects disclosed herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but are intended to include all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A material handling system, comprising: Multiple storage locations, which are vertically spaced from each other in the shelf, each of the multiple storage locations is sized and arranged to receive and support one or more containers; Multiple containers are located at the storage location; The track is positioned adjacent to the storage location; Multiple vehicles, each configured to retrieve a container from the storage location and transport the container away from the storage location, wherein each vehicle includes: A drive system configured to drive the vehicle along the track to a target storage location among the plurality of storage locations and to position the vehicle to retrieve a target container from the target storage location; and A power source for supplying power to the drive system, wherein a first of the plurality of vehicles can be positioned by the drive system to retrieve the first of the containers from a first storage location; A first conveyor is configured to receive a container delivered by the vehicle and to convey the delivered container to a workstation in a first direction along a first conveying path, at which one or more items may be transferred into or out of the container; and A container exchange station is configured to receive containers from the vehicle, direct a first subset of the containers to the first conveyor for transport along the first transport path, and accumulate a second subset of the containers in an elevated buffer storage location in a buffer storage area for subsequent transport to the first conveyor and workstation.

2. The material handling system according to claim 1, wherein, The container that can be retrieved from the buffer storage location for transfer to the first conveyor is characterized by a lower retrieval latency than the storage location defined by the rack.

3. The material handling system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The delivery path extending between the buffer storage location and the first transmitter is much shorter than the delivery path extending between the storage location defined by the rack and the first transmitter.

4. The material handling system according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the first transmission path is a horizontal transmission path, and wherein the container exchange station comprises: A second conveyor is configured to displace the container toward the first conveyor along a second horizontal path, wherein the second horizontal path is transverse to the first horizontal path; and An elevator is configured to receive containers of the second subset and vertically lift the received containers of the second subset toward a plurality of corresponding buffer storage locations, so that the containers of the second subset can accumulate in the buffer storage area.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The buffer storage locations are arranged in columns, wherein the transfer exchange station includes a plurality of lifting platforms, wherein each lifting platform is vertically movable within a corresponding column, and wherein each lifting platform includes a transfer mechanism configured to transfer a container from the respective lifting platform to the first horizontal conveyor, wherein the transfer mechanism of the respective lifting platform is operable to perform at least one of displacing the container from the lifting platform toward the horizontal conveyor or displacing the container from the second horizontal conveyor toward the lifting platform.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The elevator includes a transfer mechanism configured to transfer a container from the elevator to the first horizontal conveyor, wherein the transfer mechanism of the elevator is operable to displace a container from the elevator to the first horizontal conveyor or from the second horizontal conveyor to the elevator at least one.

7. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The first conveyor forms a circular horizontal conveying path having a first branch and a second branch, the first branch being sized and arranged to convey containers from the container exchange station to the workstation, and the second branch being sized and arranged to return containers from the workstation to the container exchange station.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Each carrier includes a transfer mechanism configured to engage the container, wherein the transfer mechanism is configured to transfer the container between the carrier and the storage location in the rack.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The transfer mechanism of each vehicle is configured to transfer containers from the respective vehicle containers to the port of the container exchange station, thereby transferring containers of a first subset of the containers to the first conveyor without first storing the containers of the first subset in a buffer storage location.

10. A container exchange system, comprising: A first conveyor, defining a first conveying path, is sized and arranged to receive a first subset and a second subset of containers and convey the retrieved containers to one of an article transfer station or workstation arranged along the conveying path. After being retrieved from the first plurality of storage locations and after arriving at the input port of the container exchange system, the containers of the first subset are transferred to the first conveyor via the passage zone. A second transmitter that defines a second transmission path is arranged such that a portion of the first transmission path is transverse to the second transmission path. Multiple buffer storage locations define buffer storage areas, which are arranged in elevated positions relative to the first and second transmitters; as well as At least one elevator is configured to receive containers from a second subset of containers, vertically lift the corresponding containers of the second subset to a first height to transfer the containers of the second subset to a corresponding buffer storage location and accumulate the corresponding containers of the second subset, and then return the containers of the second subset to a second height to transfer the containers of the second subset to the first conveyor.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The buffer storage location is arranged within the buffer storage area as at least one of multiple columns or vertically spaced rows.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The buffer storage locations are arranged in columns, wherein the at least one elevator includes a plurality of elevator platforms, wherein each elevator platform is vertically movable within a corresponding column, and wherein each elevator platform includes a transfer mechanism configured to transfer a container from the respective elevator platform to the first conveyor, wherein the transfer mechanism of the respective elevator platform is operable to perform at least one of displacing a container from the elevator to the first conveyor and displacing a container from the second horizontal conveyor to the respective elevator.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one elevator includes a transfer mechanism configured to exchange containers between the elevator and the second conveyor, wherein the transfer mechanism is operable to displace containers from the elevator to the second conveyor and from the second conveyor to the elevator.

14. The system according to claim 1 or 10, further comprising: The central controller includes a microprocessor programmed to provide control signals to perform the following steps: In the first determining step, it is determined that the first container received at the container exchange and buffer station is associated with a first attribute or contains an item associated with the first attribute; Based on the determination, the second conveyor is operated to transfer the first container to the elevator; Operate the elevator to raise the first container to a first height close to the target buffer storage location; Operate the transfer mechanism of the elevator to transfer the first container to the target buffer storage location; In the second determining step, it is determined that the second container received at the container exchange and buffer station contains items that are not associated with the first attribute; as well as The second conveyor is operated to bypass the buffer storage by transferring the second container to the first conveyor via the transfer mechanism of the elevator.

15. A method of supplying containers of articles to at least one workstation arranged along a conveyor path, comprising: In the first determining step, it is determined that the first container retrieved by the first vehicle from the first storage location defined by the frame structure and received at the container exchange and buffer station is associated with the first attribute or contains items associated with the first attribute; Transfer the first container to the elevator; Operate the elevator to raise the first conveyor to a position close to the buffer storage location; The elevator's transfer mechanism is operated to transfer the first container to a first buffer storage position among a plurality of buffer positions, the plurality of buffer positions being arranged at an elevated position relative to the first and second conveyors; as well as Operate the elevator to retrieve the first container from the first buffer storage location and transfer the first container from the elevator to the first conveyor; as well as Operate the first transmitter to transfer the first container to the workstation.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: In the second determining step, it is determined that the second container, retrieved by the second vehicle from the second storage location defined by the frame structure and received at the container exchange and buffer station, contains items that are not associated with the first attribute; as well as Operate the second transmitter to bypass the buffer storage by transmitting the second container in the direction toward the first transmitter.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising identifying the items most frequently requested for delivery to the at least one workstation; The first attribute is assigned to one of the identified items or the container in which the identified items are stored.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: In the third determining step, the expiration of the buffer storage interval applicable to the first container is determined based on the depletion of demand for one of the first containers or the items within the first container at the at least one workstation.

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