Logistics Management Tower

Abstract

The logistics control tower includes a vertical storage cell column, a vertical retrieval system, and a horizontal shuttle system. The vertical storage cell column includes an elevator shaft extending therethrough and a plurality of storage modules arranged around the elevator shaft. The vertical retrieval system includes a winch and a robotic container handler. The robotic container handler is movable by the winch within the elevator shaft of the vertical storage cell column. The robotic container handler includes a massacre assembly extending inward and outward therefrom to access and retrieve storage containers from the storage modules arranged around the elevator shaft. The transport assembly includes a gripper assembly that selectively couples and decouples storage containers to and from the transport portion of the robotic container handler. The vertical retrieval system lowers storage containers coupled to the transport assembly to a robotic shuttle located in the horizontal shuttle system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 831,448, entitled "Logistics Tower," filed April 9, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 849,703, entitled "Logistics Tower," filed May 17, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 865,844, entitled "Logistics Tower And Loading System," filed June 24, 2019, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference and the benefit of each of which is hereby claimed.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to logistics warehousing systems, and more particularly to scalable logistics warehousing systems. [Background technology]

[0003] As urban and metropolitan areas become increasingly populated, the demand for last-mile logistics services continues to grow. One of the main challenges is fitting enough items into tightly confined areas. These space constraints necessitate innovative solutions. Logistics towers are essential to provide enough stock-keeping units (SKUs) in the smallest possible space, with the average tower being approximately 900 square feet and 100 feet high.

[0004] Some storage units utilize an elevator system that slides back and forth on a track to retrieve containers from both sides. A drawback of this approach is the stability of the storage unit above a certain height. More specifically, the elevator sliding back and forth on a track in a horizontal plane to retrieve containers can cause the storage unit to sway or become unstable. To counteract the effects of swaying, the speed at which the elevator travels is substantially limited (e.g., slowed down) when operating above a certain height. Therefore, such storage units can become slow and unstable.

[0005] Some storage units utilize a single bot bin retrieval system using a rack and pinion through multiple columns. The drawback of this approach is that the time to retrieve a bin decreases as the bin leaves the column with it, thus slowing the retrieval of other bins in the column. The energy consumed by a single bot traversing high elevations makes its use unsustainable. Having a dedicated elevator requires consideration of a continuous power supply to the system. It also requires consideration of an optimized elevator for fast vertical movement, reaching rapid speeds at high elevations. Optimizing both the elevator and shuttle system for maximum speed in both the Z and Y planes results in many times more bins at the collection station. In markets such as grocery stores, fast bin retrieval times are critical.

[0006] Loading and unloading storage units often requires a significant amount of time. Truck deliveries to stores and storage units require daily replenishment of additional supplies of small items. One of the main challenges is the need for large, ample spaces in dense urban areas to unload the items that need to be resupplied. There is also the labor cost, both physical and financial, of moving hundreds of boxes for a sustained period of time. While several solutions have existed to address this burden, particularly the dolly and ramp system common to many trucks, this is still time-consuming, expensive, and challenging for the person unloading the goods. This calls for innovative solutions to streamline the loading and unloading process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a fast and stable parcel storage and loading system while maximizing storage volume. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a logistics tower for storing items.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an expandable logistics tower that maximizes storage volume.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automated logistics tower that can be selectively loaded and unloaded by multiple robotic systems.

[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a logistics tower includes at least one vertical storage cell column and at least one vertical retrieval system. The vertical storage cell column includes a plurality of storage cells and storage cell modules containing storage containers. The vertical retrieval system includes a winch and a robotic container handler that selectively traverses the vertical storage cell column to selectively load and unload storage containers therefrom. The vertical retrieval system retrieves and delivers storage containers from a horizontal shuttle system that includes a rail system and one or more robotic flatbed shuttles. The flatbed shuttles transport the storage containers to one or more delivery points.

[0012] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a top, front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention with a cutaway showing vertical storage cell columns located therein; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing storage modules and storage cells of a vertical storage cell column; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a right perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing storage modules and storage cells of a vertical storage cell column; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top, right perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention with a cutaway showing the vertical storage cell columns and robotic container handler located therein. [Figure 5] 5A-5E are a series of top, front perspective and bottom, front perspective views, respectively, of a storage container being retrieved from a vertical storage cell column by a robotic container handler. [Figure 6] 1 is a cutaway front view of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is an enlarged cutaway front view of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a cutaway front perspective view of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a cutaway top plan view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing the arrangement of multiple vertical storage cell columns therein. [Figure 10] 10 is another enlarged cutaway front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing the winch of the vertical recovery system; FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is an enlarged cutaway top plan view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing the winches of the vertical recovery system; FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is another cutaway top plan view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing the winches of the vertical recovery system. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a front view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 15] 1 is an enlarged front view of a robotic container handler of a logistics control tower formed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an enlarged front perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention, showing its rail slides; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is another enlarged front perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention, showing its rail slides. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is an enlarged front perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention, showing rail slides engaging receptacles on a storage container; [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the robotic container handler placing a storage container on a robotic platform shuttle. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a robotic platform shuttle and horizontal shuttle grid of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 21] 1 is an enlarged cutaway right perspective view of a logistics control tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing its distribution area; FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is an enlarged cutaway right perspective view of a logistics control tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing its package transport system; FIG. [Figure 23] 1 is a front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing its customer center; [Figure 24] 1 is an enlarged front perspective view of a logistics control tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing its customer center; [Figure 25] 1 is another enlarged front perspective view of a logistics control tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing its customer center; [Figure 26] 1 is a front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention with a cutaway showing its customer center; [Figure 27] 1 is an enlarged front perspective view of the interior of a logistics tower customer center formed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. [Figure 28] 1 is a right perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention, showing its parcel handling system; FIG. [Figure 29] 1 is an enlarged right perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing a robotic collection area; FIG. [Figure 30] 1 is an enlarged front perspective view of a logistics control tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing a robotic collection area; FIG. [Figure 31] 1 is a cutaway rear perspective view of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 32] FIG. 1 is a top right perspective view of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 33] 1 is a block diagram of a collection station of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 34] 1A-1C are right front perspective, right plan, front plan, and top plan views of an illustrative material flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention, showing its relative dimensions; [Figure 35] 1 is an enlarged cutaway front perspective view of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 36] 1 is an enlarged right perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing an elevator lift; FIG. [Figure 37] 1 is a front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing vertical storage cells of a vertical storage cell column; FIG. [Figure 38] 1 is a top perspective view of a material handling tower formed in accordance with the present invention with a cutaway showing a vertical storage cell of a vertical storage cell column; FIG. [Figure 39] 1 is an enlarged top perspective view of a material handling tower formed in accordance with the present invention with a cutaway showing a vertical storage cell of a vertical storage cell column; [Figure 40] 1 is an enlarged front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention with a cutaway showing a vertical storage cell of a vertical storage cell column; FIG. [Figure 41] 1 is a side perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention with a cutaway showing a vertical storage cell of a vertical storage cell column; FIG. [Figure 42] 1 is an enlarged top perspective view of a material handling tower formed in accordance with the present invention with a cutaway showing a vertical storage cell of a vertical storage cell column; [Figure 43] 1 is another cutaway top plan view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing the arrangement of multiple vertical storage cell columns therein. [Figure 44] 1 is yet another cutaway top plan view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing the arrangement of a plurality of vertical storage cell columns therein. [Figure 45] 1 is a cutaway front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing vertical storage cells of a vertical storage cell column; FIG. [Figure 47] 1 is another cutaway front perspective view of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention, showing its temperature control system; FIG. [Figure 48] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cooling column of a flow control tower temperature control system formed in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 49] 1 is a front perspective view of a vertical recovery system formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 50] 1 is a partial cutaway front perspective view of a vertical recovery system formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 51] 1 is a partial cutaway front perspective view of a vertical recovery system formed in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 52] FIG. 1 is a cutaway front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing a winch being lowered through an elevator shaft. [Figure 53] 1 is another cutaway front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing a vertical storage cell of a vertical storage cell column; FIG. [Figure 54] 1 is a top perspective view of a transport assembly of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the transport assembly in a parked position; FIG. [Figure 55] 1 is a top perspective view of a transport assembly of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the transport assembly in a partially extended position; FIG. [Figure 56] 1 is a top perspective view of a transport assembly of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the transport assembly in an extended position; FIG. [Figure 57] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a transport assembly of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the transport assembly in an extended position. [Figure 58] 1 is another cutaway front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing a vertical retrieval system lowering a storage container through an elevator shaft; FIG. [Figure 59] 1 is a top perspective view of a storage container of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. [Figure 60] 1 is an enlarged cutaway top perspective view of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing the temperature control system; [Figure 61] 1 is a cutaway top perspective view of a flow control tower formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the temperature control system; [Figure 62] FIG. 1 is a top rear perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the transport assembly in an extended position; [Figure 63]FIG. 1 is a bottom rear perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the transport assembly in a parked position. [Figure 64] FIG. 1 is a top rear perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the transport assembly in a partially extended position. [Figure 65] FIG. 1 is a top rear perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the transport assembly in a parked position; [Figure 66] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a logistics tower robotic container handler formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the transport assembly in a partially extended position. [Figure 67] 1 is a cutaway front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing a robotic container handler coupled to a storage container; FIG. [Figure 68] FIG. 1 is an enlarged cutaway front perspective view of a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention showing a secondary winch cable. [Figure 69] 1 is a front perspective view of a passive elevator in a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. [Figure 70] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an active elevator in a logistics tower formed in accordance with the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 1-5 of the drawings, an expandable logistics tower 2 formed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a plurality of storage cells 4. Each storage cell 4 includes a plurality of storage modules 6 arranged around an elevator shaft 8 through which a robotic container handler 10 travels. The storage modules 6 typically include an outer frame 12 defining an interior cavity 14 or compartment for receiving storage containers 16 therein. In a preferred form, each storage cell 4 includes four storage modules 6 arranged around the elevator shaft 8.

[0015] As seen in Figures 6-8 of the drawings, storage cells 4 can be stacked vertically on top of one another to increase the storage volume of the logistics tower 2. More specifically, multiple storage cells 4 can be stacked on top of one another to form a vertical storage cell column 18. The storage modules 6 of each storage cell 4 in the vertical storage cell column 18 are aligned with the elevator shaft 8 so that a vertical retrieval system 20 can selectively retrieve and insert storage containers 16 from each of the storage modules 6 in the vertical storage cell column 18. Depending on any land variations and local laws on the lot in which the logistics tower 2 is located (e.g., the size of the lot in which the logistics tower 2 is located), additional storage cells 4 or additional vertical storage cell columns 18 can be added in a grid-like pattern within the logistics tower 2 to increase its storage volume, as shown in Figure 9 of the drawings. Thus, a logistics tower 2 formed in accordance with the present invention can be expanded both vertically and horizontally to maximize its storage volume.

[0016] For example, if a variance exists that prohibits structures above a certain height, the logistics tower 2 can be expanded horizontally to maximize storage volume by adding additional vertical storage cell columns 18 of storage cells 4. If the zoning on which the logistics tower 2 is to be constructed does not have height constraints, the logistics tower 2 can be expanded vertically to maximize storage volume by reducing the real estate footprint and increasing the number of storage cells 4 in the logistics tower 2. As previously explained, the number of storage modules 6 in each storage cell 4 can be adjusted. Therefore, to maximize the storage volume of the logistics tower 2, some vertical storage cell columns 18 can include storage cells 4 with three storage modules 6, while other vertical storage cell columns 18 in the logistics tower 2 can include storage cells 4 with four storage modules 6.

[0017] In an illustrative embodiment, the logistics tower 2 can be configured to have 64 vertical storage cell columns 18 and 64 robotic container handlers 10, as shown in Figure 9 of the drawings. Some of the vertical storage cell columns 18 include storage cells 4 with three storage modules 6, while other vertical storage cell columns 18 include storage cells 4 with four storage modules 6. Each vertical storage cell column 18 includes 75 storage cells 4, such that the logistics tower 2 has 75 storage levels. As seen in Figure 9 of the drawings, each storage level includes 244 storage receptacles 16, such that the logistics tower 2 has a total capacity for 18,300 storage receptacles 16.

[0018] Depending on the shape of the logistics tower 2, any height constraints in the logistics tower, and the footprint of the logistics tower 2, the storage volume of the logistics tower 2 can be varied by varying the number of vertical storage cell columns 18, the number of storage cells 4 in each vertical storage cell column 18, or the number of storage modules 6 in each storage cell 4. Additionally, if the shape of the logistics tower 2 is not square or rectangular, some portions of the logistics tower 2 can be filled with vertical storage cell columns 18 having a first number of storage cells 4 (e.g., storage cell levels), while other portions of the logistics tower 2 can be filled with vertical storage cell columns 18 having a second number of storage cells 4 (e.g., storage cell levels). For example, the logistics tower 2 can have a first portion extending to a first height and a second portion extending to a second height. Therefore, depending on its shape and dimensions, various storage cells 4 and vertical storage cell columns 18 can be arranged in the logistics tower 2.

[0019] The storage container 16 includes an open top end 22, a closed bottom end 24, and a sidewall 26 extending therebetween. The open top end 22, the sidewall 26, and the bottom end 24 define an interior cavity 28 or compartment for receiving at least one parcel or item therein. A plurality of flanges, including at least a first flange 30 and a second flange 32, extend outwardly from the sidewall 26 at least partially around the periphery of the storage container 16. The first flange 30 and the second flange 32 are located proximate the open top end 22 of the storage container 16. The first flange 30 and the second flange 32 define a channel 34 therebetween that extends at least partially around the periphery of the storage container 16. A plurality of protrusions 36 extend outwardly from the sidewall 26 of the storage container 16 between the first flange 30 and the second flange 32. The protrusions 36 divide the channel 34 into a plurality of receptacles 38 that are engaged by the robotic container handler 10. The storage container 16 may further include a mounting flange 42 located proximate the bottom end 24 thereof. The mounting flange 42 extends outwardly from the sidewall 26 at least partially around the periphery of the storage container 16. A storage container 16 formed in accordance with the present invention may be constructed using standard manufacturing techniques, such as molding.

[0020] The storage container 16 is generally rectangular or square in shape and includes a first side wall 44, a second side wall 46, a third side wall 48, and a fourth side wall 50, each of which extends between the closed bottom end 24 and the open top end 22. The first side wall 44 is opposite the third side wall 48 and is generally parallel to the third side wall 48. The second side wall 46 is opposite the fourth side wall 50 and is generally parallel to the fourth side wall 50. Preferably, one receptacle 38 is located in each of the second side wall 44 and the fourth side wall 48.

[0021] As seen in drawing view 500, in another form, the storage container 16 includes a third flange 33 extending outward from the side wall 26 at least partially around the periphery of the storage container 16. The third flange 33 is located proximate the open top end 22 of the storage container 16. The third flange 33 and the second flange 32 define a channel 35 therebetween that extends at least partially around the periphery of the storage container 16. A protrusion 36 extends outward from the side wall 26 of the storage container 16 between the first flange 30, the second flange 32, and the third flange 33. The protrusion 36 divides the channels 34, 35 into a plurality of receptacles 38 that are engageable by the robotic container handler 10. A plurality of metal protrusions 500, preferably steel protrusions, engageable by complementary magnets 806 located on the robotic container handler 410, are preferably formed around the periphery of the storage container 16 proximate the open top end 22.

[0022] It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention to form storage vessel 16 as any type of container or packaging capable of holding an item.

[0023] Each storage module 6 preferably includes an outer frame 12 defining an interior cavity 14 or compartment for receiving a storage container 16 therein. In one form, the outer frame 12 includes a plurality of vertical members 52 and horizontal members 54. More specifically, the outer frame 12 includes a first vertical member 56, a second vertical member 58, a third vertical member 60, and a fourth vertical member 62. Each of the first through fourth vertical members 56, 58, 60, 62 has a first axial end 64 and an oppositely arranged second axial end 66.

[0024] A first horizontal member 68 interconnects the first axial ends 64 of the first vertical member 56 and the second vertical member 58. A second horizontal member 70 interconnects the first axial ends 64 of the second vertical member 58 and the third vertical member 60. A third horizontal member 72 interconnects the first axial ends 64 of the third vertical member 60 and the fourth vertical member 62. A fourth horizontal member 74 interconnects the first axial ends 64 of the fourth vertical member 62 and the first vertical member 56. A fifth horizontal member 76 interconnects the second axial ends 66 of the first vertical member 56 and the second vertical member 58. A sixth horizontal member 78 interconnects the second axial ends 66 of the second vertical member 58 and the third vertical member 60. A seventh horizontal member 80 interconnects the second axial ends 66 of the third vertical member 60 and the fourth vertical member 62. An eighth horizontal member 82 interconnects the fourth vertical member 62 and the second axial end 66 of the first vertical member 56 .

[0025] The first through fourth horizontal members 68, 70, 72, 74 define an upper side 84 of the storage module 6. The fifth through eighth horizontal members 76, 78, 80, 82 define a lower side 86 of the storage module 6. The first vertical member 56, the first horizontal member 68, the second vertical member 58, and the fifth horizontal member 76 define a rear side 88 of the storage module 6. The third vertical member 60, the third horizontal member 72, the fourth vertical member 62, and the seventh horizontal member 80 define a front side 90 of the storage module 6. The second vertical member 58, the second horizontal member 70, the third vertical member 60, and the sixth horizontal member 78 define a first side side 92 of the storage module 6. The fourth vertical member 62, the fourth horizontal member 74, the first vertical member 56, and the eighth horizontal member 82 define a second side side 94 of the storage module 6.

[0026] A rear side 88 of the storage module 6 is opposite a front side 90 of the storage module 6. A first side side 92 of the storage module 6 is opposite a second side side 94 of the storage module 6. A top side 84 of the storage module 6 is opposite a bottom side 86 of the storage module 6. Preferably, the front side 90 of the storage module 6 is open so that the robotic container handler 10 can insert and remove storage containers 16 therethrough. However, other sides of the storage module 6 may also be open. For example, to conserve material and weight, each side of the storage module 6 (e.g., the top side 84, bottom side 86, front side 90, rear side 88, first side side 92, and second side side 94) may be open.

[0027] The storage module 6 and the storage container 16 have a generally complementary shape so that the storage container 16 can be positioned within the interior cavity 14 or compartment thereof. The storage module 6 includes a storage container support 96. In one form, the storage container support 96 includes a first elongated member 98 and a second elongated member 100 against which the second flange 32 of the storage container 16 rests when the storage container 16 is positioned within the interior cavity 14 of the storage module 6.

[0028] More specifically, the first elongated member 98 and the second elongated member 100 each include a first axial end and an oppositely aligned second axial end. The first elongated member 98 extends between the first vertical member 56 and the fourth vertical member 62 and is generally parallel to the fourth horizontal member 64 and the eighth horizontal member 82. At least a portion of the first elongated member 98 extends within the interior cavity 14 of the storage module 6 and has an upper surface 106 against which the second flange 32 of the storage container 16 rests. The second elongated member 100 extends between the second vertical member 58 and the third vertical member 60 and is generally parallel to the second horizontal member 70 and the sixth horizontal member 78. At least a portion of the second elongated member 100 extends within the interior cavity 14 of the storage module 6 and has an upper surface 108 against which the second flange 32 of the storage container 16 rests.

[0029] The first extension member 98 and the second extension member 100 may also be formed as part of the second horizontal member 70 and the fourth horizontal member 74, respectively. As seen in Figures 15-18 of the drawings, when a storage container 16 is positioned within the storage module 6, the outer frame 12 of the storage module 6 and the flanges 30, 32 of the storage container 16 define a space 110 therebetween. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, a rail slide 172 of the robotic container handler 10 inserts into and retracts from the space 110 to insert and remove the storage container 16 from the storage module 6.

[0030] As mentioned above, a storage cell 4 may include multiple storage modules 6. Preferably, each storage cell 4 includes three or four storage modules 6. As can be seen in FIGS. 5A-5E of the drawings, in a storage cell 4 including four storage modules 6, the first storage module 112 is positioned opposite the third storage module 116, and the second storage module 114 is positioned opposite the fourth storage module 118. More specifically, the front side 90 of the first storage module 112 is positioned opposite and parallel to the front side 90 of the third storage module 116. The front side 90 of the second storage module 114 is positioned opposite and parallel to the front side 90 of the fourth storage module 118. The front side 90 of each of the first storage module 112, the second storage module 114, the third storage module 116, and the fourth storage module 118 together define an elevator shaft 8 through which the robotic container handler 10 travels when inserting and retrieving storage containers 16 into and from the storage modules 6 of the storage cell 4.

[0031] 1, 6, 7, and 8 of the drawings, in a vertical storage cell column 18, multiple storage cells 4 are positioned on top of one another. More specifically, a vertical storage cell column 18 can include two or more storage cells 4. For example, in a vertical storage cell column 18 including three storage cells 4, a second storage cell 122 is positioned above a first storage cell 120, and a third storage cell 124 is positioned above the second storage cell 122. The storage modules 6 of each storage cell 4 are aligned with the corresponding storage modules 6 in the storage cell 4 positioned above or below it. For example, in a vertical storage cell column 18 formed from storage cells 4 having four storage modules 6, the first storage module 112, the second storage module 114, the third storage module 116, and the fourth storage module 118 of the second storage cell 122 are aligned with and located above the first storage module 112, the second storage module 114, the third storage module 116, and the fourth storage module 118 of the first storage cell 120, respectively. The first storage module 112, the second storage module 114, the third storage module 116, and the fourth storage module 118 of the third storage cell 124 are aligned with and located above the first storage module 112, the second storage module 114, the third storage module 116, and the fourth storage module 118 of the second storage cell 122, respectively. Thus, the front side 90 of each of the storage modules 6 of each storage cell 4 defines a level or portion of the elevator shaft 8 through which the robotic container handler 10 traverses.

[0032] In a vertical storage cell column 18 formed from storage cells 4 having three storage modules 6, the second storage module 114 is located between the first storage module 112 and the third storage module 116, and the first storage module 112, the second storage module 114, and the third storage module 116 of the second storage cell 122 are aligned with and located above the first storage module 112, the second storage module 114, and the third storage module 116 of the first storage cell 120, respectively. The first storage module 112, the second storage module 114, and the third storage module 116 of the third storage cell 124 are aligned with and located above the first storage module 112, the second storage module 114, and the third storage module 116 of the second storage cell 122, respectively. Thus, the front side 90 of each of the storage modules 6 of each storage cell 4 defines a level or portion of the elevator shaft 8 through which the robotic container handler 10 traverses. As shown in Figures 1 and 9 of the drawings, a combination of vertical storage cell columns 18 can be used to maximize the storage volume of the logistics tower 2. For example, a vertical storage cell column 18 formed from storage cells 4 having a plurality of four storage modules 6 can be used in combination with a plurality of vertical storage cell columns 18 formed from storage cells 4 having three storage modules 6 to maximize the storage volume of the logistics tower 2.

[0033] Storage containers 16 are inserted into and retrieved from the storage modules 6 of the storage cells 4 by one or more vertical retrieval systems 20. In one embodiment, the vertical retrieval system 20 includes a winch 126 and a robotic container handler 10 coupled thereto. As seen in FIGS. 1, 7, and 10-12 of the drawings, the winch 126, such as an electromechanical winch, is preferably located in an upper portion 128 of the logistics tower 2. The winch 126 is aligned with the elevator shaft 8 defined by the storage modules 6 of the storage cells 4 of a particular vertical storage cell column 18. The winch 126 includes a motor 130 that selectively advances and retracts a cable 132 through the elevator shaft 8. In one embodiment, the motor 130 can be mechanically coupled to a cable drum 134 about which the cable 132 is wound. The motor 130 selectively rotates the cable drum 134 to advance and retract the cable 132 through the elevator shaft 8 of a particular vertical storage cell column 18. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, the motors 130 are selectively controllable by electrical communication with a computer 138 of a central control system 136 of the logistics tower 2.

[0034] The robotic container handler 10 is mechanically coupled to the free end 140 of the cable 132 of the winch 126 and is typically located within the elevator shaft 8 of a particular vertical storage cell column 18. The robotic container handler 10 is selectively movable vertically within the elevator shaft 8 to deliver and retrieve storage containers 16 to and from storage modules 6 of storage cells 4 in the particular vertical storage cell column 18. More specifically, the winch 126 raises and lowers the robotic container handler 10 to a particular storage cell 4 in the vertical storage cell column 18 (e.g., to the storage cell level) so that the robotic container handler 10 can access the storage modules 6 of the storage cell 4.

[0035] As seen in Figures 13-18 of the drawings, the robotic container handler 10 includes a main housing 142 having an upper surface 144, a lower surface 146 arranged opposite the upper surface 144, and a sidewall 148 extending therebetween. The upper surface 144, the lower surface 146, and the sidewall 148 of the main housing 142 define an interior cavity 150. A cable attachment 152 is located on the upper surface 144 of the housing 142 that is coupled to the free end 140 of the winch cable 132. The housing 142 is preferably rectangular in shape to conform to the size and shape of the elevator shaft 8 and to limit unwanted movement of the container handler 10 as it traverses the elevator shaft 8. As seen in Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings, the robotic container handler 10 includes a plurality of wheels 154 located on the housing 142 for guiding the robotic container handler 10 through the elevator shaft 8. The wheels 154 may also be positioned in a plurality of recesses 156 formed in the housing 142 of the robotic container handler 10 .

[0036] The robotic container handler 10 further includes a gripper assembly 158 that inserts and retrieves storage containers 16 into and from the storage module 6. More specifically, the gripper assembly 158 includes a base 160, a first arm 162, and a second arm 164. The base 160 is rotatably mounted to the lower surface 146 of the housing 142. The first arm 162 and the second arm 164 are each mechanically coupled to the base 160 on opposite sides thereof by one or more actuators 166, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuators. The actuators 166 bias the first arm 162 and the second arm 164 between at least a first position and a second position. The distance between the arms 162, 164 in the second position is greater than the distance between the arms 162, 164 in the first position. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, an actuator 166 urges the arms 162, 164 outward from the base 160 to retrieve or deposit storage containers 16 in the storage modules 6. The base 160 is mechanically coupled to a motor 168 located at least partially within the interior cavity 150 of the housing 142 of the robotic container handler 10. The motor 158 selectively rotates the base 160 about the Z-axis (e.g., the vertical axis of the cable 132 in the elevator shaft 8). The base 160 is rotatable 360 degrees to allow the arms 162, 164 to access each of the storage modules 6 of a particular storage cell 4.

[0037] Each arm 162, 164 further includes one or more rail actuators 170 mechanically coupled to a rail slide 172. The rail actuators 170 of each of the first arm 162 and the second arm 164 drive the rail slide 172 inwardly and outwardly therefrom. The rail slide 172 can be formed as a single or multi-segment extension member. In a preferred form, the rail slide 172 includes a first extension member 174 and a second extension member 176. More specifically, as seen in FIGS. 13 and 16-18 of the drawings, the first extension member 174 and the second extension member 176 of the rail slide 172 each include a first axial end 178, a second axial end 180 aligned opposite the first axial end 178, an outer surface 182, and an inner surface 184 aligned opposite the outer surface 182.

[0038] The first and second extension members 174, 176 of the rail slide 172 are coupled to slide relative to one another by forming one of the following features: the first extension member 174 having a T-shaped rail 186 extending outward from the inner surface 184 of the first extension member 174; and a T-shaped slot 188 complementary to the outer surface 182 of the second extension member 176, which receives the T-shaped rail 186 of the first extension member 174. Such a structure couples the first and second extension members 174, yet still allows the second extension member 176 to slide along its axial length and move reciprocally relative to the first extension member 174. It should be understood, of course, that the T-shaped rail 186 could be formed in the second extension member 176 and the T-shaped slot 188 could be formed in the first extension member 174.

[0039] The inner surface 184 of the second elongated member 176 includes one or more engagement clamps 190 extending outwardly therefrom. In one form, the engagement clamps 190 are formed as one or more protrusions that are generally rectangular in shape. More specifically, the engagement clamps 190 are formed in a shape that is generally complementary to the receptacles 38 formed in the channel 34 of the storage container 16. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, when the rail actuator 170 biases the arms 162, 164 and the rail slide 172 coupled thereto toward the storage container 16, the engagement clamps 190 engage the receptacles 38 in the storage container 16. In particular, the engagement clamp 190 of the rail slide 172 of the first arm 162 engages with the receptacle 38 formed in the channel 34 in the second side wall 46 of the storage container 16, and the engagement clamp 190 of the rail slide 172 of the second arm 164 engages with the receptacle 38 formed in the channel 34 in the fourth side wall 50 of the storage container 16.

[0040] The positioning of each storage module 6 (e.g., the position within the vertical storage cell column 18 and storage cell 4 in which the particular storage module 6 is located) is stored in the central control system 136. The identity and location of the storage container 16 and any parcels contained therein are also stored. To retrieve a storage container 16 from a storage module 6 of a storage cell 4 in the vertical storage cell column 18, the winch 126 extends the cable 132 so that the robotic container handler 10 coupled thereto descends to the particular storage cell 4 (e.g., at the storage cell level) within the vertical storage cell column 18 containing the storage container 16 to be retrieved. The motor 168 of the robotic container handler 10 rotates the base 160 so that the arms 162, 164 are aligned with the storage module 6 containing the storage container 16 to be retrieved. The robotic container handler 10 may further include sensors, such as optical sensors utilized in conjunction with a visual guidance system, to assist in aligning the robotic container handler 10 and arms 162, 164 with the storage module 6 containing the storage container 16 to be retrieved.

[0041] After the robotic container handler 10 is positioned in front of the storage module 6 containing the storage container 16 to be retrieved, an actuator 166 connecting the first arm 162 and the second arm 164 to the base 160 urges the arms 162, 164 outwardly therefrom to a second position (e.g., a wider position) so that the first arm 162 and the second arm 164 are positioned adjacent the second side wall 46 and the fourth side wall 50, respectively, of the storage container 16. More specifically, after the arms 162, 164 are urged outwardly from the base 160 to the second position, a rail actuator 170 urges the rail slide 172 outwardly from the arms 162, 164 toward the storage module 6 and the storage container 16 contained therein. As can be seen in Figures 15-18 of the drawings, the rail actuators 170 advance each of the rail slides 172 into the space 110 between the channel 34 of the storage container 16 and the outer frame 12 of the storage module 6.

[0042] More specifically, the first rail actuator 192 inserts the rail slide 172 of the first arm 162 into a space 196 defined between the upper surface 106 of the second elongated member 100 of the container support 96, the fourth horizontal member 74 of the outer frame 12, and the channel 34 of the storage container 16. Similarly, the second rail actuator 194 inserts the rail slide 172 of the second arm 164 into a space 198 defined between the upper surface 108 of the first elongated member 98 of the container support 96, the second horizontal member 70 of the outer frame 12, and the channel 34 of the storage container 16. Each of the rail slides 172 is advanced such that its engagement clamp 190 is aligned with a respective receptacle 38 in the channel 34 of the storage container 16. After the engagement clamps 190 of the rail slide 172 are aligned with the receptacles 38 in the channel 34 of the storage container 16, the actuator 166 positions the arms 162, 164 in a first position by urging the arms 162, 164 inwardly toward the base 160. When the arms 162, 164 are urged inward, the engagement clamps 190 of the rail slide 172 engage the receptacles 38 in the channel 34 such that the storage container 16 is mechanically coupled to the robotic container handler 10.

[0043] Once the rail slide 172 of the robotic container handler 10 engages the storage container 16, the rail actuator 170 retracts the rail slide 172 inward toward the robotic container handler 10, thereby removing the storage container 16 from the storage module 6. As seen in Figures 2 and 19 of the drawings, after the storage container 16 has been removed from the storage module 6, the rail slide 172 and storage container 16 are positioned substantially below and engaged with the robotic container handler 10 in the elevator shaft 8, thereby enabling the robotic container handler 10 to traverse the elevator shaft 8 to reach a delivery point. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, after the storage container 16 has been retrieved from the storage module 6, the winch 126 extends the cable 132 and its associated robotic container handler 10 down the elevator shaft 8 to either a delivery station or a horizontal shuttle grid 200. At that point, the actuator 166 connecting the first arm 162 and the second arm 164 to the base 160 urges the arms 162, 164 outward from there to a second position (e.g., a wider position) to disengage the engagement clamp 190 from the receptacle 38 in the channel 34 and release the storage container 16 from the robotic container handler 10.

[0044] Similarly, the robotic container handler 10 can also transport a storage container 16 to a particular storage module 6 for storage. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, to collect a storage container 16 for transport to a storage module 6, the winch 126 lowers the robotic container handler 10 to the level where the storage container 16 is located (e.g., a loading station on the first floor or basement of the logistics tower 2). After the robotic container handler 10 has lowered to the storage container 16, an actuator 166 connecting the first and second arms 162, 164 to the base 160 urges the arms 162, 164 outward therefrom to a second position (e.g., a wider position), and a motor 168 of the robotic container handler 10 rotates the base 160 so that the arms 162, 164 are aligned with the second and fourth side walls 46, 50 of the storage container 16. The winch 126 further lowers the robotic container handler 10 so that the wider arms 162, 164 and the engagement clamps 190 of the rail slide 172 are aligned with the receptacles 38 in the channel 34 of the storage container 16. The actuator 166 of the base 160 then urges the arms 162, 164 inward toward the base 160, thereby positioning the arms 162, 164 in a first position. As the arms 162, 164 are urged inward, the engagement clamps 190 of the rail slide 172 engage the receptacles 38 in the channel 34 so that the storage container 16 is mechanically coupled to the robotic container handler 10. The winch 126 then retracts the cable 132 so that the robotic container handler 10 moves upward through the elevator shaft 8 to a particular storage cell 4 (e.g., the storage cell level) within the vertical storage cell column 18.

[0045] Once the winch 126 positions the robotic container handler 10 at the desired storage cell 4, the motor 168 rotates the base 160 so that the arms 162, 164 are aligned with the particular storage module 6 in which the storage container 16 is to be stored. The rail actuator 170 then urges the rail slide 172 and the associated storage container 16 into the storage module 6 so that the second flange 32 of the storage container 16 rests against the storage container support 96. After the storage container 16 is inserted into the storage module 6, the actuator 166 connecting the first and second arms 162, 164 to the base 160 urges the arms 162, 164 outwardly therefrom to a second position (e.g., a wider position) to disengage the engagement clamp 190 from the receptacle 38 in the channel 34 and release the storage container 16 from the robotic container handler 10.

[0046] As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the logistics tower 2 can be configured to have a vertical retrieval system 20 with 64 winches 126 coupled to 64 vertical storage cell columns 18 and 64 robotic container handlers 10 that traverse the 64 elevator shafts 8 to access 18,300 storage containers 16, as shown in Figures 1, 8, 9, and 12 of the drawings. Each of the winches 126 and robotic container handlers 10 is in electrical communication with a central control system 136 such that a particular winch 126 and robotic container handler 10 is utilized to retrieve a desired storage container 16 from a particular storage module 6 in a particular storage cell 4 within a particular vertical storage cell column 18.

[0047] The logistics tower 2 may further include a horizontal shuttle system 202 located below the vertical storage cell columns 18. As seen in FIGS. 19 and 20 of the drawings, the horizontal shuttle system 202 includes a horizontal shuttle grid 200 and one or more robotic platform shuttles 206. The shuttle grid is formed from a network of rails 204 or is comprised of a plurality of rail tiles 900 positioned adjacent to one another in a grid-like arrangement or with separate grooves 901 that define tracks for traversal of the wheels 218 of the robotic platform shuttles 206. Preferably, one or more of the rail tiles 900 are selectively removable for maintenance, replacement, or to access other portions of the logistics tower 2 as described in the following paragraphs. The robotic platform shuttles 206 traverse the horizontal shuttle grid 200 to receive and / or deliver storage containers 16 to one of the robotic container handlers 10.

[0048] Each robot platform shuttle 206 includes a generally rectangular housing 208 having an upper surface 210, a lower surface arranged opposite the upper surface 210, and a sidewall 214 extending therebetween. The upper surface 210, the lower surface, and the sidewall 214 define an interior cavity in which electronics, such as a motor, a wireless communication system, control circuitry, and a battery, are located. One or more antennas 216 may be positioned on the upper surface 210 of the housing 208 to transmit signals to the central control system 136. A plurality of bidirectional wheels 218 are located on the housing 208 and coupled to one or more motors located at least partially within the interior cavity of the housing 208. The bidirectional wheels and motors drive the robot platform shuttle 206 in multiple directions on the rails 204 or removable rail tiles 900 of the horizontal shuttle grid 200 (e.g., allowing the robot platform shuttle 206 to traverse the horizontal shuttle grid 200 in four directions).

[0049] The robotic platform shuttles 206 further include electronics and control systems, such as optical sensors, radar, a wireless communication system, and a wireless antenna 216, that assist the robotic platform shuttles 206 in properly navigating the rails 204 or removable rail tiles 900 of the horizontal shuttle grid 200 and in communicating the positioning of the robotic platform shuttles to the central control system 136. The central control system 136 communicates with and coordinates the operation of one or more robotic platform shuttles 206 on the rails 204 or removable rail tiles 900 of the horizontal shuttle grid 200. The wireless communication systems of the robotic platform shuttles 206 also relay information, such as the tasks and health of the robotic platform shuttles 206, to the central control system 136.

[0050] The robot platform shuttle 206 further includes a mounting base 220 located on the upper surface 210 of the housing 208 on which the storage container 16 is located. The robot platform shuttle 206 includes one or more rotatable catches 222 on the upper surface 210 of the housing 208. Each catch 222 is mechanically coupled to an actuator or gearing that selectively rotates the catch 222 between at least a first position and a second position. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, when the robotic container handler 10 places a storage container 16 on the mounting base 220 of the robot platform shuttle 206, the catches 222 rotate and the latching mechanism engages the mounting flange 42 of the storage container 16, thereby securing the storage container 16 to the robot platform shuttle 206. The upper surface 210 of the housing 208 of the robot platform shuttle 206 may also include one or more vent holes 224 that communicate with the interior cavity thereof.

[0051] When a robotic container handler 10 of the vertical retrieval system 20 retrieves a storage container 16 from a storage module 6 in a storage cell 4, the central control system 136 signals one of the robotic platform shuttles 206 to position itself down the elevator shaft 8 of the vertical storage cell column 18 that the particular robotic container handler 10 is traversing. The winch 126 lowers the robotic container handler 10 and its engaged storage container 16 down the elevator shaft 8 to the mounting platform 220 of the robotic platform shuttle 206 located below. The robotic container handler 10 may include a sensor, such as a weight sensor, in the base 160 of the gripper assembly 158 to detect when the storage container 16 is positioned on and supported by the mounting platform 220. As previously described, when the storage container 16 is delivered (e.g., placed on the mounting platform 220 of the robotic platform shuttle 206), the actuator 166 biases the arms 162, 164 outward to release the storage container 16 from the rail slide 172 of the robotic container handler 10. After the storage container 16 is positioned on the mounting platform 220, the catch 222 rotates to engage the mounting flange 42 on the storage container 16, securing the storage container 16 therein during transport to the collection station 226.

[0052] The robotic platform shuttle 206 may also be utilized to load storage containers 16 into the logistics tower 2. More specifically, the logistics tower 2 may also include a loading area 228 accessible by rails 204 or removable rail tiles 900 of the horizontal shuttle grid 200. The logistics tower 2 may also include one or more loading stations 230 where an operator loads a storage container 16 onto the robotic platform shuttle 206. More specifically, a storage container 16 is presented to a particular loading station 230 at the loading area 228. The storage container 16 is identified by the central control system 136 (e.g., by a barcode or RFID tag embedded within or on the storage container 16). The central control system 136 guides the robotic platform shuttle 206 to the loading station 230, where the storage container 16 is placed on the mounting platform 220 and secured thereto by fasteners 222. After a storage container 16 is secured to the robotic platform shuttle 206, the central control system 136 directs the robotic platform shuttle 206 to navigate the rails 204 or removable rail tiles 900 of the horizontal shuttle grid 200 to position itself below the elevator shaft 8 of the vertical storage cell column 18 where that storage container 16 is to be stored. The robotic platform shuttle 206 sends a signal to the central control system 136 indicating that it is positioned below the elevator shaft 8. The central control system 136 then directs the winch 126 of the vertical retrieval system 20 of the particular vertical storage cell column 18 to lower the robotic container handler 10 through the elevator shaft 8 toward the robotic platform shuttle 206 located below it. As previously described, the robotic container handler 10 engages the storage container 16, and the robotic platform shuttle 206 removes the storage container 16 therefrom by unlatching the catch 222. The winch 126 then pulls the robotic container handler 10 and the storage container 16 connected thereto through the elevator shaft 8, positioning the robotic container handler 10 in the storage cell 4 (e.g., at the storage cell level) containing the storage module 6 in which the storage container 16 is to be installed.

[0053] In further embodiments, the robotic platform shuttle 206 can be configured to traverse vertically the elevator shaft 8 of a particular vertical storage cell column 18 to access a particular storage module 6 to retrieve or insert a storage container 16 therein. For example, as previously described, the robotic shuttle 206 can traverse the rails 204 or removable rail tiles 900 of the horizontal shuttle grid 200 to position itself down the elevator shaft 8 of the vertical storage cell column 18 where the storage container 16 to be retrieved is located. The robotic platform shuttle 206 can include means, such as deployable wheels, tracks, or a deployable lift system, that enable the robotic platform shuttle 206 to climb from the rails 204 or removable rail tiles 900 of the horizontal shuttle grid 200 into the elevator shaft 8. As a result, the robotic platform shuttle 206 can drive itself through the elevator shaft 8 to the storage cell 4 (e.g., the storage cell level) where the storage container 16 is located. The robotic platform shuttle 206 further includes means for retrieving and / or inserting storage containers 16 from and / or into the storage module 6. For example, the robotic platform shuttle 206 can be configured to include a gripping assembly at least partially located on an upper surface 210 of the robotic platform shuttle 206, similar to the gripping assembly 158 of the robotic container handler 10. Thus, the robotic platform shuttle 206 can be used to retrieve and / or insert containers without the need for the robotic container handler 10. Alternatively, the elevator shaft 8 can include a portion extending downwardly toward the horizontal shuttle grid 200 that allows the robotic platform shuttle 206 to climb from the horizontal shuttle grid 200 into the elevator shaft 8.

[0054] Logistics tower 2 may also include a distribution area 232. As seen in Figures 21 and 22 of the drawings, distribution area 232 includes one or more collection stations 226 interconnected with horizontal shuttle grid 200 so that robotic platform shuttles 206 can transport storage containers 16 thereto. More specifically, collection station 226 includes a track 234 interconnected with horizontal shuttle grid 200. A collection port 236 is located at the end of track 234 opposite the end of the track that interconnects with horizontal shuttle grid 200. Collection port 236 includes a sidewall 238 extending upwardly from track 234 and an open top 240. A door 242 is positioned over open top 240 of collection port 236 and is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, door 242 covers open top 240 of collection port 236, preventing consumer access to its contents. In the second position, the door 242 is retracted from the open top 240 of the collection port 236, allowing a consumer to access the storage container 16 on the robotic platform shuttle 206 therein. The door 242 may be mechanically coupled to an actuator that drives the door 242 between the first and second positions. The delivery area 232 may also include one or more touch monitors 244 for use by employees or staff.

[0055] As seen in Figures 21-27 of the drawings, consumers can select desired products from one or more kiosks 246 located in a customer center 248 located adjacent to or within the logistics tower 2. The kiosks 246 are in electronic communication with the central control system 136. Once a user selects a particular product from the kiosks 246, the location of the storage bin 16 in which the product is stored is accessed by the central control system 136, and the vertical retrieval system 20 retrieves the particular storage bin 16 and transports it to the robotic platform shuttle 206. The robotic platform shuttle 206 transports the storage bin 16 on the rails 204 or removable rail tiles 900 of the horizontal shuttle grid 200 to the track 234 that leads to a particular collection port 236. Once the robotic platform shuttle 206 is positioned within the collection port 236, an actuator opens a door 242 in the open top 240 of the collection port 236. This allows the consumer to retrieve from the robotic platform shuttle 206 the storage container 16 and / or product located therein. A number of sensors, such as RFID tags, optical sensors, and weight sensors, may be utilized to determine when the consumer retrieves the storage container 16 and / or product from the robotic platform shuttle 206 and send a signal indicating this to the central control system 136. After the storage container 16 has been retrieved, an actuator closes a door 242 covering an open top 240 of the collection port 236. It is envisioned that having multiple collection stations 226 within the delivery area 232 is within reach.

[0056] As seen in Figures 21, 22, and 28 of the drawings, the delivery dock 232 can further include one or more robotic arms 250 and one or more elevator lifts 252. More specifically, the storage receptacles 16 can also be transported to the consumer by an autonomous or semi-autonomous delivery robot 254. When a consumer orders a product from their home or workplace, the storage receptacle 16 containing the product is retrieved from a particular storage module 6 and placed on a robotic platform shuttle 206. The robotic platform shuttle 206 carries the storage receptacle 16 along the horizontal shuttle grid 200 to a robotic arm 250 located at the delivery dock 232. The robotic arm 250 retrieves the storage receptacle 16 from the robotic platform shuttle 206 and moves it to the elevator lift 252.

[0057] The elevator lift 252 preferably comprises an elevator shaft 256 extending between the delivery area 232 and a parcel transport system 258 located at a lower level of the logistics tower 2. The parcel transport system 258 includes a plurality of conveyors 260 and elevators 262 that transport the storage containers 16 from the elevator lift 252 to storage lockers 264 located outside the logistics tower 2. As seen in Figures 29-32 of the drawings, the delivery robots 254 are located on the other side of the lockers 264. In one form, as shown in Figure 36 of the drawings, each elevator lift 252 comprises a motor 266, cable 268, and winch 270 that drive a built-in track 272 up and down within the elevator shaft 256. A robotic arm 250 places a storage container on the elevator lift 252, which then lowers the storage container 16 into the conveyor system 260. As seen in Figure 35 of the drawings, conveyor system 260 can include one or more conveyors 274 powered by one or more motors 276. Conveyor system 260 transports storage containers 16 located inside storage lockers 264 outside logistics tower 2 to another elevator lift 252. When delivery robot 254 drives over storage locker 264, storage locker 264 opens and elevator lift 252 raises truck 272 and the storage container 16 located therein into delivery robot 254. Delivery robot 254 then navigates to an external location and delivers storage container 16 and the packages therein to the ordering consumer.

[0058] In summary, when an order for a particular item is placed (e.g., via an e-commerce platform), the complete order is sent via the cloud to the nearest logistics tower 2, the user. Once the logistics tower 2's central control system 136 receives the order, it is processed for immediate pickup or scheduled for pickup at a later date determined by the user. Once the order is processed, each item in each vertical storage cell column 18 is prepared for pickup. The robotic container handler 10 is moved up and down by the winch 126. The robotic container handler 10 has the ability to rotate 360 degrees. The robotic container handler 10 can access all of the storage modules 6 (e.g., two, three, or four storage modules 6) in a particular storage cell 4. Once a storage container 16 is collected, the rail slides 172 of the arms 162, 164 retract, and the robotic container handler 10, carrying the storage container 16, lowers onto the horizontal shuttle grid 200 and the robotic platform shuttle 206 thereon. The robotic platform shuttle 206 includes bidirectional wheels 218. Vision systems and radar can be used to guide the robotic platform shuttle 206 on the horizontal shuttle grid 200. Once an order is selected, the designated robotic platform shuttle 206 travels along a single track to transport the order to a designated collection station. Each item is collected and placed in an external container. The container moves to two external collection areas, as shown in Figure 33 of the drawings. The first is the courier collection area 278. This area consists of one or more conveyors that hold orders ready for collection. The second is the robot collection area 280. This is an area outside the main area that consists of lockers 264 that the delivery robot 254 can drive to collect the items.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 38 and 41 of the drawings, horizontal shuttle system 202 is located at a level below customer center 248, and a loading dock 228 and one or more elevator lifts 252 are located in customer center 248 adjacent to each kiosk 246. Elevator lifts 252 extend between customer center 248 and horizontal shuttle grid 200 of horizontal shuttle system 202. A collection port 1002 is located above elevator lifts 252. One or more elevator lifts 252 are located at loading dock 228 and extend between loading dock 228 and horizontal shuttle grid 200 of horizontal shuttle system 202. The structure and operation of elevator lifts 252 located at customer center 248 and loading dock 228 are the same as previously described.

[0060] As previously described, consumers can select desired products from one or more kiosks 246 located in a customer center 248 located adjacent to or within the logistics tower 2. Once a user selects a particular product from the kiosks 246, the location of the storage bin 16 in which the product is stored is accessed by the central control system 136, and the vertical retrieval system 20 retrieves and transports the particular storage bin 16 to a robotic platform shuttle 206 located in the horizontal shuttle grid 200 of the horizontal shuttle system 2 located below the customer center 248 and the loading area 228. The robotic platform shuttle 206 transports the storage bin 16 in the horizontal shuttle grid 200 to an elevator lift 252 that leads to a particular collection port at the customer center 248. Once the robotic platform shuttle 206 is positioned in the track 272 of the elevator lift 252, a motor 266 drives the track and shuttle 206 to the collection port 1002 located above it in the elevator shaft 256. After the storage container 16 is retrieved from the shuttle 206, the motor 266 lowers the truck 272 onto the horizontal shuttle grid 200 of the horizontal shuttle system 202, for the vertical retrieval system 20 to return the container 16 to a particular storage module 6. Alternatively, as described in more detail in the following paragraphs, the empty storage container 16 is transported by the shuttle 206 to one of the elevator lifts 252 extending between the horizontal shuttle grid 200 of the horizontal shuttle system 202 and the loading dock 228, so that the container 16 can be loaded onto a logistics trailer (not shown).

[0061] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 37 of the drawings, an expandable logistics tower 2 includes a plurality of vertical storage cell columns 418. Each vertical storage cell column 418 includes one or more vertical storage cells 400. Each vertical storage cell 400 includes a frame 402 that defines a plurality of storage columns 404 and an elevator shaft 406. The storage columns 404 are arranged around the elevator shaft 406. The number of storage columns 404 defined by the frames 402 in each vertical storage cell 400 can be selected to maximize the storage volume of the logistics tower 2 when the vertical storage cell columns 418 are arranged therein in a grid-locked fashion. Preferably, each vertical storage cell 400 includes two to four storage columns 404. A plurality of storage modules 401 that receive storage containers 16 therein are located in each of the storage columns 404. The storage modules 401 are formed as storage container support trays 408 horizontally arranged in each of the storage columns 404. The storage container support trays 408 in each of the storage columns 404 in the vertical storage cell 400 are aligned and coplanar to define a plurality of storage levels 405. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, storage containers 16 are positioned on the storage container support trays 408 in the storage columns 404 and are selectively removable therefrom by a robotic container handler 410.

[0062] As seen in Figures 38-42 of the drawings, vertical storage cells 400 may be stacked vertically on top of one another to increase the storage capacity of vertical storage columns 418 and logistics tower 2. More specifically, storage columns 404 and elevator shafts 406 of each vertical storage cell 400 may be aligned to form vertical storage columns 418 such that vertical retrieval system 20 can selectively retrieve and insert storage containers 16 from and into storage columns 404.

[0063] Depending on any land variations and local laws where logistics tower 2 is located (e.g., the size of the lot where logistics tower 2 is located), additional vertical storage cells 400 can be added to one or more of the vertical storage columns 418 to increase the height and vertical storage volume of logistics tower 2. Furthermore, additional vertical storage cell columns 418 can be added in a grid-like pattern within logistics tower 2 to increase the width and horizontal storage volume of logistics tower 2. Thus, a logistics tower 2 formed in accordance with the present invention can be expanded both vertically and horizontally to maximize its storage volume.

[0064] For example, if a change occurs where a compartment prohibits construction above a certain height, the logistics tower 2 can be expanded horizontally to maximize storage volume by adding additional vertical storage cell columns 418. As seen in Figure 42 of the drawings, one or more of the vertical storage cells 400 can share at least a portion of the frames 402 of the vertical storage cells 402 of adjacent vertical storage cell columns 418 to form one or more storage columns 404.

[0065] If the lot on which logistics tower 2 is constructed does not have height constraints, the real estate footprint will be smaller, but logistics tower 2 can be expanded vertically to maximize storage volume by increasing the number of vertical storage cells 400 in vertical storage cell columns 418. As previously explained, the number of storage columns 404 in each vertical storage cell 400 can vary. Thus, to maximize the storage volume of logistics tower 2, some vertical storage cell columns 418 may include vertical storage cells 400 with four storage columns 404, while other vertical storage cell columns 418 may include vertical storage cells 400 with three storage columns 404.

[0066] In an illustrative embodiment, a logistics tower 2 can be configured with 42 vertical storage cell columns 418 and 42 robotic container handlers 410, as shown in Figure 43 of the drawings. As a result, unused space 403, as shown by the white boxes in Figure 43 of the drawings, is minimized. Some vertical storage cell columns 418 include vertical storage cells 400 with three storage columns 404, while other vertical storage cell columns 418 include vertical storage cells 400 with four storage columns 404. Each vertical storage cell column 418 includes 70 storage levels 405, such that the logistics tower 2 has 70 storage levels. Each storage level 405 has the capacity to receive and accommodate 157 storage containers 16, such that the logistics tower 2 has a total capacity of 10,990 storage containers 16. In another illustrative embodiment, based on the known configuration of the logistics tower shown in Figure 43 of the drawings, the logistics tower 2 can be configured to include 490 robotic container handlers 410 and have a capacity to receive and accommodate 63,393 storage containers, as shown in the layout schematic shown in Figure 44 of the drawings.

[0067] Depending on the shape of the logistics tower 2, any height constraints in the logistics tower, and the footprint of the logistics tower 2, the storage volume of the logistics tower 2 can be varied by varying the number of vertical storage cell columns 418, the number of vertical storage cells 400 in each vertical storage cell column 418, or the number of storage columns 404 in each vertical storage cell 400. Additionally, if the shape of the logistics tower 2 is not square or rectangular, some portions of the logistics tower 2 can be filled with vertical storage cell columns 418 having a first number of vertical storage cells 400, while other portions of the logistics tower 2 can be filled with vertical storage cell columns 418 having a second number of vertical storage cells 400. For example, the logistics tower 2 can have a first portion extending to a first height and a second portion extending to a second height. Thus, depending on the shape and dimensions of the logistics tower 2, vertical storage cell columns 418 of various heights can be arranged in the logistics tower 2.

[0068] The frame 402 of each vertical storage cell 400 includes a plurality of vertical members 412 and horizontal members 414 that define storage columns 404 and their elevator shafts 406. Each vertical member 412 includes an upper end 413 and an oppositely arranged lower end 415. For example, the vertical storage cell 400 shown in FIG. 37 of the drawings includes a first storage column 416, a second storage column 418, and a third storage column 420. The first storage column 416 is defined by a first vertical member 422, a second vertical member 424, a third vertical member 426, and a fourth vertical member 428. The upper ends 413 of the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members 422, 424, 426, 428 are interconnected by the horizontal member 414. More specifically, the upper end 413 of the first vertical member 422 connects with the upper end 413 of the second vertical member 424. The upper end 413 of the second vertical member 424 connects to the upper end 413 of the third vertical member 426. The upper end 413 of the third vertical member 426 connects to the upper end 413 of the fourth vertical member 428. The upper end 413 of the fourth vertical member 428 connects to the upper end 413 of the first vertical member 422. Similarly, the lower ends 415 of the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members 422, 424, 426, 428 are interconnected by the horizontal member 414. More specifically, the lower end 415 of the first vertical member 422 connects to the lower end 415 of the second vertical member 424. The lower end 415 of the second vertical member 424 connects to the lower end 415 of the third vertical member 426. The lower end 415 of the third vertical member 426 connects to the lower end 415 of the fourth vertical member 428. The lower end 415 of the fourth vertical member 428 connects to the lower end 415 of the first vertical member 422.

[0069] The third storage column 420 is defined by a fifth vertical member 430, a sixth vertical member 432, a seventh vertical member 434, and an eighth vertical member 436. The top ends 413 of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth vertical members 430, 432, 434, 436 are interconnected by a horizontal member 414. More specifically, the top end 413 of the fifth vertical member 430 connects with the top end 413 of the sixth vertical member 432. The top end 413 of the sixth vertical member 432 connects with the top end 413 of the seventh vertical member 434. The top end 413 of the seventh vertical member 434 connects with the top end 413 of the eighth vertical member 436. The top end 413 of the eighth vertical member 436 connects with the top end 413 of the fifth vertical member 430. Similarly, the lower end 415 of the fifth vertical member 430 connects to the lower end 415 of the sixth vertical member 432. The lower end 415 of the sixth vertical member 432 connects to the lower end 415 of the seventh vertical member 434. The lower end 415 of the seventh vertical member 434 connects to the lower end 415 of the eighth vertical member 436. The lower end 415 of the eighth vertical member 436 connects to the lower end 415 of the fifth vertical member 430.

[0070] The second storage column 418 is defined by a third vertical member 426, a fifth vertical member 430, a ninth vertical member 438, and a tenth vertical member 440. The top ends 413 of the third, ninth, tenth, and fifth vertical members 426, 438, 440, 430 are interconnected by a horizontal member 414. More specifically, the top end 413 of the third vertical member 426 connects to the top end 413 of the ninth vertical member 438. The top end 413 of the ninth vertical member 438 connects to the top end 413 of the tenth vertical member 440. The top end 413 of the tenth vertical member 440 connects to the top end 413 of the fifth vertical member 430. The top end 413 of the fifth vertical member 430 connects to the top end 413 of the third vertical member 426. Similarly, the lower end 415 of the third vertical member 426 connects to the lower end 415 of the ninth vertical member 438. The lower end 415 of the ninth vertical member 438 connects to the lower end 415 of the tenth vertical member 440. The lower end 415 of the tenth vertical member 440 connects to the lower end 415 of the fifth vertical member 430. The lower end 415 of the fifth vertical member 430 connects to the lower end 415 of the third vertical member 426.

[0071] For stability purposes, a horizontal member 414 may also connect the upper end 413 of the eighth vertical member 436 to the upper end 413 of the fourth vertical member 428. Similarly, a horizontal member 414 may connect the lower end 415 of the eighth vertical member 436 to the lower end 415 of the fourth vertical member 428.

[0072] As shown in Figure 42 of the drawings, the vertical storage cell 400 can also include a fourth storage column 442. The fourth storage column 442 is defined by a fourth vertical member 428, an eighth vertical member 436, an eleventh vertical member 446, and a twelfth vertical member 444. The top ends 413 of the fourth, eighth, eleventh, and twelfth vertical members 428, 436, 446, 444 are interconnected by a horizontal member 414. More specifically, the top end 413 of the eighth vertical member 436 connects with the top end 413 of the eleventh vertical member 446. The top end 413 of the eleventh vertical member 446 connects with the top end 413 of the twelfth vertical member 444. The top end 413 of the twelfth vertical member 444 connects with the top end 413 of the fourth vertical member 428. The upper end 413 of the fourth vertical member 428 connects to the upper end 413 of the eighth vertical member 436. Similarly, the lower end 415 of the eighth vertical member 436 connects to the lower end 415 of the eleventh vertical member 446. The lower end 415 of the eleventh vertical member 446 connects to the lower end 415 of the twelfth vertical member 444. The lower end 415 of the twelfth vertical member 444 connects to the lower end 415 of the fourth vertical member 428. The lower end 415 of the fourth vertical member 428 connects to the lower end 415 of the eighth vertical member 436.

[0073] As previously described, each storage container support tray 408 is positioned within a respective storage column 404. More specifically, each storage container support tray 408 is horizontally aligned within one of the storage columns 404 and couples or engages with a vertical member 412 that defines the respective storage column 404 within which the storage container support tray 408 is positioned. The storage container support tray 408 is preferably U-shaped with a closed end 450, a set of parallel, spaced-apart legs 452 extending outwardly from the closed end 450, and an open end 454 at the distal end of the parallel, straight leg portions 452. The closed end 450 and the parallel, straight leg portions 452 define a receptacle 456 that receives a storage container 16 therein. The receptacle 456 generally conforms to the shape of the storage container 16.

[0074] The storage container support tray 408 includes an upper surface 458 on which the third flange 33 of the storage container 16 rests. If the storage container 16 includes only the first flange 30 and the second flange 32, the second flange 32 rests on the upper surface 458 of the storage container support tray 408. As seen in Figures 45 and 46 of the drawings, the open end 454 of the storage container support tray 408 is located proximate to the elevator shaft 406 so that a storage container 16 to be engaged by a robotic container handler 410 in the elevator shaft 406 can be inserted through the open end 454 in the receptacle 456.

[0075] The expandable logistics tower 2 formed in accordance with the present invention may also include a temperature control system 460. The temperature control system 460 includes one or more heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units 462 fluidly connected to a cooling column 464 that extends at least partially through the storage columns 404 of the vertical storage cells 400 that form the vertical storage cell column 418. More specifically, as seen in Figures 47 and 48 of the drawings, the cooling column 464 extends through an opening 466 formed through each closed end 450 of the storage container support trays 408 in the storage columns 404 of each vertical storage cell 400. A plurality of cooling arms 468 in fluid communication with the cooling column 464 extend outwardly therefrom above each storage container support tray 408. The cooling arms 468 include sparging vents or holes that extend through at least a portion of the cooling arm 468 and direct heated or cooled air toward the open top surface 22 of the storage containers 16 and their contents.

[0076] As shown in Figure 48 of the drawings, each cooling column 464 includes a first axial end 472 and an oppositely arranged second axial end 474. When the vertical storage cells 400 are stacked on top of each other to form the vertical storage cell column 418, the first axial end 472 of one cooling column 464 can engage or be received by the second axial end 474 of an upper cooling column 464 in the vertical storage cells 400. One of the ends 472, 474 of the cooling columns 464 connects to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit 462. As seen in Figure 47 of the drawings, the storage column 404 of each vertical storage cell 400 preferably includes a cooling column 464.

[0077] Storage containers 16 are inserted into and removed from their storage container support trays 408 in the vertical storage cells 400 by one or more vertical retrieval systems 20. In another form, the vertical retrieval system 20 comprises a winch 626 and a robotic container handler 410 coupled thereto. As seen in Figure 37 of the drawings, the winch 626 is preferably located in the upper portion 128 of the logistics tower 2. The winch 626 is aligned with an elevator shaft 406 defined by the frames 402 of one or more vertical storage cells 400 that form a particular vertical storage cell column 418.

[0078] As seen in Figures 49-51 of the drawings, the winch 626 includes a winch frame 625 and a housing 627 defining an interior cavity in which the internal components are located. The winch 626 includes a primary motor 630 that is located within the elevator shaft 406 and selectively advances and retracts a main cable 632 that is connected to the robotic container handler 410 traveling therethrough. In one form, the primary motor 630 can be mechanically coupled to a cable drum 634 about which the cable 632 is wound, for example, by chain drive gearing 633, 635. The primary motor 630 selectively rotates the cable drum 634 to advance and retract the cable 632 through the elevator shaft 406 of a particular vertical storage cell column 418.

[0079] Winch 626 further includes at least one, but preferably two, secondary motors 700. Each secondary motor 700 is mechanically coupled to a secondary cable drum 702 about which a secondary cable 704 is wound. A free end 708 of each secondary cable 704 is mechanically coupled to a cross member 706 located above elevator shaft 406 in the upper portion 128 of logistics tower 2, or at the top of a vertical storage cell 400 or vertical storage cell column 418. Preferably, cross member 706 includes two eye loops 710 extending downwardly therefrom toward elevator shaft 406 that are mechanically coupled to the free ends 708 of secondary cables 704.

[0080] The winch further includes a plurality of winch clamps 712 extending upward from the winch frame 626. The winch clamps 712 are mechanically actuated, for example, by gear motors 716, to selectively rotate between at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, the winch clamps 712 secure the winch 626 thereto by mechanically engaging support members 714 located above the elevator shaft 406 in the upper portion 128 of the logistics tower 2, or at the top of the vertical storage cells 400 or vertical storage cell columns 418. In the second position, the winch clamps 712 rotate inward toward the winch 626, disengaging the support members 714 and thereby releasing the winch 626 therefrom.

[0081] For maintenance purposes, as shown in Figures 45 and 52 of the drawings, the winch 626 is selectively lowerable from the top of the logistics tower 2 or the vertical storage cell column 418 through the elevator shaft 406. More specifically, to lower the winch, the winch clamp 712 disengages from the support member 714, and the secondary motor 700 rotates the drum 702 to lower the winch 626 from the logistics tower 2 using the secondary cable 704. The winch 626 can be lowered onto or through the horizontal shuttle grid 200 to a lower horizontal shuttle grid. The winch 626 and its coupled robotic container handler 410 can also be lowered onto a robotic platform shuttle 206 located on the horizontal shuttle grid 200 of the horizontal shuttle system 202. After servicing, secondary motor 700 rotates drum 702 to retract secondary cable 704 and position winch 626 adjacent top 128 of logistics tower 2 so that winch clamp 712 engages support member 714. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, primary motor 630 and secondary motor 700 are selectively controllable by electrical communication with computer 138 of central control system 136 of logistics tower 2.

[0082] The robotic container handler 410 is mechanically coupled to the free end 740 of the cable 632 of the winch 626 and is generally located in an elevator shaft 406 defined by the frames 402 of one or more vertical storage cells 400 that form a particular vertical storage cell column 418. The robotic container handler 410 can selectively move vertically within the elevator shaft 406 to deliver and retrieve storage containers 16 to and from storage container support trays 408 in the vertical storage cell column 418. More specifically, the winch 626 raises and lowers the robotic container handler 410 to a particular storage level 405 in the vertical storage cell column 418, allowing the robotic container handler 410 to access storage containers 16 in receptacles 456 on the storage container support trays 408.

[0083] As seen in Figures 49-51 of the drawings, the robotic container handler 410 includes a main housing 742 having an upper surface 744, a lower surface 746 arranged opposite the upper surface 744, and a sidewall 748 extending therebetween. The upper surface 744, the lower surface 746, and the sidewall 748 of the main housing 742 define an interior cavity 750. A frame 743 of the robotic container handler 410 is located within the interior cavity of the housing 750. A cable attachment 752 is located in a central portion 755 of the frame 743 aligned with an opening 757 in the upper surface 744 of the housing 742, through which the free end 740 of the winch cable 632 extends and couples with the cable attachment 752. The housing 742 is preferably rectangular in shape to fit the size and shape of the elevator shaft 406 and limit unwanted movement of the container handler 410 as it traverses the elevator shaft 8. As seen in Figures 49-51 of the drawings, the robotic container handler 410 includes a plurality of guides 754 that are positioned to be received within corresponding channels 759 formed in the portion of the frame 402 that defines the elevator shaft 406. The guides 754 and channels 759 guide the robotic container handler 410 through the elevator shaft 406.

[0084] The robotic container handler 410 further includes a gripper assembly 758 that inserts and retrieves storage containers 16 from the storage container support trays 408 in the vertical storage cell column 418. More specifically, the gripper assembly 758 includes a base 760 and a transport 800. The transport 800 is preferably mechanically coupled to the base 760 and selectively deployable and retractable therefrom. The base 760 is rotatably mounted to the lower surface 746 of the housing 742 by crossed roller bearings 828 that handle the radial, axial, and moment forces of the extension system 812. The base 760 is mechanically coupled to a motor 768 located at least partially within the interior cavity 750 of the housing 742 of the robotic container handler 410. The motor 768 selectively rotates the base 760 about the Z-axis (e.g., the vertical axis of the cable 632 within the elevator shaft 406). The 360 degree rotatability of the base 760 allows the transport 800 to access the storage container support trays 408 located in each of the storage columns 404 of the vertical storage cells 400 forming the vertical storage cell column 418 and selectively insert and remove storage containers 16 therefrom.

[0085] As can be seen in Figures 54-57 of the drawings, the transport section 800 includes a frame 802 and a plurality of arms or magnet mounting brackets 804 extending outwardly therefrom. Located on each arm 804 of the plurality of arms 804 and extending downwardly therefrom is at least one selectively activatable magnet 806 having a control lever 807, such as a mechanically operable magnet such as a Magswitch® or another mechanical permanent magnet that can be turned on or off by moving the control lever 806. The arms 804 and magnets 806 in the transport section 800 are oriented in a specific direction that complements the arrangement of the metal projections 500 located around the periphery of the storage container 16. The magnets 806, and in particular their control levers 807, are mechanically coupled to a linear actuator 808 by a plurality of mechanical linkages 810. The magnets are thereby mechanically switchable between at least a first state and a second state by the linear actuator 808.

[0086] More specifically, one set of magnets 806 is connected by an operative linkage 814 that is mechanically coupled to a linear actuator 808. The other set of magnets 806 is connected by a passive linkage 816 that is mechanically coupled to the operative linkage 814 by a cross link 818. When the linear actuator 808 drives the operative linkage 814 between a first position and a second position, the mechanically coupled passive linkage 816 also moves between the first position and the second position. Movement of the operative linkage 814 and the passive linkage 816 causes the magnets 806 to switch between a first state and a second state.

[0087] In the first state, the magnet 806 generates a magnetic field that attracts the metal protrusions 500 located around the periphery of the storage container 16. In the second state, the magnet 806 does not generate a magnetic field and therefore does not attract the metal protrusions 500. Therefore, as described in more detail in the following paragraphs, when the transport unit 800 is positioned over a storage container 16 located in a receptacle 456 of the storage container support tray 408, the linear actuator 808 switches the magnet 806 to the first state to magnetically couple the storage container 16 to the transport unit 800. To separate the storage container 16 from the transport unit 800, the linear actuator switches the magnet 806 to the second state, thereby releasing the storage container 16 from the transport unit 800. It is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention to couple the storage container 16 to the transport unit 800 using an electromagnet.

[0088] As previously mentioned, the transport 800 is preferably mechanically coupled to the base 760 by a multi-stage extension system 812. More specifically, as seen in FIGS. 54-57 of the drawings, the multi-stage extension system preferably includes a first five-stage slide 820 and a second five-stage slide 822. The multi-stage extension system 812 is driven by a first roller chain gear motor 824 located on the base 760 and a second roller chain gear motor 826 located on the front magnet mount 809. The roller chain gear motors 824, 826 selectively extend and retract the transport 800 to and from the base 770 to retrieve and deposit storage containers 16. The five-stage slides 820, 822 and their subcomponents previously described with respect to the robotic container handler 10 can also operate in a similar manner to the rail actuator 170 and rail slide 172.

[0089] Typically, the entire assembly coordinates motion between the roller chain drives 824, 826 and the linear actuator 808 to minimize the total cycle time for deploying and collecting (e.g., "carrying") the storage container. The process typically includes the following steps: The winch 626 positions the robotic container handler 410 at the storage level 405 where the storage container 16 to be retrieved is located, specifically so that the robotic container handler 410 is slightly above the storage container; The extension system 812 extends the transport unit 800 from the base 760; The linear actuator 808 generates or generates a magnetic field in the magnet 806; The winch 626 slightly lowers the robotic container handler 410, causing the magnet 806 to attach to the metal protrusion 500 on the storage container 16; The winch 626 slightly raises the robotic container handler 410, causing the extension system 812 to retract the transport unit 800 toward the base 760. The winch 626 lowers the robotic container handler 410 and its coupled storage container 16 onto the horizontal shuttle grid 200. The robotic platform shuttle 206 positions itself below the elevator shaft 406 and robotic container handler 410. The winch 626 lowers the robotic container handler 410 directly above the robotic platform shuttle 206. The linear actuator 808 causes the magnet 806 to stop generating its magnetic field, thereby separating the storage container 16 from the transport 800. The horizontal platform shuttle 206 drives away. If appropriate, the vertical retrieval system 20, including the winch 626 and robotic container handler 410, waits for the next horizontal platform shuttle 206 to be positioned below it.

[0090] The location of each storage container support tray 408 (e.g., the location within the particular vertical storage cell column 418 in which the particular storage container support tray 408 is located), as well as the identity and location of the storage container 16 and any parcels contained therein, are stored in the central control system 136. To retrieve a storage container 16 from a storage container support tray 408 in a vertical storage cell column 418, the winch 626 extends the cable 632 to lower the connected robotic container handler 410 to the particular storage level 405 of the vertical storage cell column 418 in which the storage container 16 to be retrieved is located. The motor 768 of the robotic container handler 410 rotates the base 760 so that the transport 800 is aligned with the storage container support tray 408 containing the storage container 16 to be retrieved. The robotic container handler 410 may further include sensors, such as optical sensors used in conjunction with a visual guidance system, to assist in aligning the robotic container handler 410 and its transport section 800 with the storage container support tray 408 containing the storage container 16 to be retrieved.

[0091] After the robotic container handler 410 is positioned in front of the storage container support tray 408 containing the storage containers 16 to be retrieved so that the transport 800 is positioned slightly higher than the open tops 22 of the storage containers 16, the multi-stage extension system 812, specifically the first five-stage slide 820 and the second five-stage slide 822, extend outward from the base 760 to advance the transport 800 into the particular storage column 404 where the storage containers 16 to be retrieved are located. The transport 800 advances into the storage column 404 until its magnet 806 is positioned above the metal projections 500 of each storage container 16. The linear actuator 808 then drives the active linkage 814 to a first position, thereby driving the passive linkage 816, which is mechanically coupled thereto by a cross link 818, to move to the first position. Movement of active linkage 814 and passive linkage 816 to their respective first positions causes linkages 814, 816 to bias control levers 807 of magnets 806, switching magnets 806 to a first state in which each magnet 306 generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field of magnet 806 attracts storage container 16 and its metal projection 500, coupling storage container 16 to transport 800. Optionally, winch 626 lowers robotic container handler 410 slightly to facilitate coupling of magnet 806 with metal projection 500 and coupling of storage container 16 with transport 800.

[0092] After the storage container 16 is coupled to the transport 800, the winch 626 preferably slightly raises the robotic container handler 410 in the elevator shaft 406. The extension system 812, and in particular its first five-section slide 820 and second five-section slide 822, then removes the storage container 16 from the storage container support tray 408 by retracting the transport 800 inward toward the robotic container handler 410. As seen in Figure 58 of the drawings, after the storage container 16 is removed from the storage container support tray 408, the transport 800 and its engaged storage container 16 are positioned substantially below the robotic container handler 410 in the elevator shaft 406. This allows the robotic container handler 410 to traverse the elevator shaft 406 to reach a delivery point.

[0093] As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, after a storage container 16 is retrieved from the storage container support tray 408, the winch 626 extends the cable 632 to lower the coupled robotic container handler 410 through the elevator shaft 406 to the robot platform shuttle 206 in the horizontal shuttle grid 200 below. After the storage container 16 is lowered onto the robot platform shuttle, the linear actuator 808 drives the active linkage 814 to a second position, thereby driving the passive linkage 816, mechanically coupled thereto by a cross link 818, to move to the second position. Movement of the active linkage 814 and the passive linkage 816 to their respective second positions causes the linkages 814, 816 to bias the control lever 807 of the magnet 806, switching the magnet 806 to a second state in which the magnet 806 does not generate a magnetic field. After magnet 806 switches to its second state, storage container 16 is separated from transport 800, allowing robotic platform shuttle 206 to transport storage container 16 to a particular destination.

[0094] Similarly, the robotic container handler 410 can transport a storage container 16 to a particular storage container support tray 408 for storage, albeit in the reverse order of the operations previously described. More specifically, to collect a storage container 16 on a storage container support tray 408 for transport, the winch 626 lowers the robotic container handler 410 onto the storage container 16 to be retrieved. For example, the storage container 16 may be located on a robotic platform shuttle 206 located on the horizontal shuttle grid 200. Alternatively, the storage container 16 may be located at a loading station on the first floor or basement of the logistics tower 2. After the robotic container handler 410 descends onto the storage container 16 and its magnet 806 is positioned above the metal protrusion 500 of each storage container 16, the linear actuator 808 drives the active linkage 814 to a first position, thereby driving the passive linkage 816, which is mechanically coupled thereto by a cross link 818, to move to the first position. Movement of active linkage 814 and passive linkage 816 to their respective first positions causes linkages 814, 816 to bias control lever 807 of magnet 806 to switch magnet 806 to a first state in which each magnet 306 generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field of magnet 806 attracts storage container 16 and its metal projection 500, coupling storage container 16 to carrier 800.

[0095] After a storage container 16 is coupled to the transport 800, the winch 626 then retracts the cable 632, causing the robotic container handler 410 to move upward through the elevator shaft 406 to a particular storage cell level 405 within the vertical storage cell column 418 where the storage container 16 is stored. After the winch 626 positions the robotic container handler 410 at a particular storage level 405, the motor 768 rotates the base 760 so that the transport 800 is aligned with a particular storage column 404 containing a particular storage container support tray 408 that will receive the storage container 16. Thereafter, the multi-stage extension system 812, and in particular the first five-stage slide 820 and the second five-stage slide 822, extend outward from the base 760 to advance the transport 800 and the storage container 16 coupled thereto into a particular receptacle 456 of the storage container support tray 408 so that the third flange 33 of the storage container 16 is positioned on the upper surface 458. Optionally, the winch 626 can lower the robotic container handler 410 slightly to bring the third flange 33 of the storage container 16 to rest on the upper surface 458 of the storage container support tray 408.

[0096] After the storage container 16 is at least partially positioned on the storage container support tray 408, the linear actuator 808 drives the active linkage 814 to a second position, thereby driving the passive linkage 816, which is mechanically coupled thereto by a cross link 818, to move to the second position. Movement of the active linkage 814 and the passive linkage 816 to their respective second positions causes the linkages 814, 816 to bias the control lever 807 of the magnet 806, switching the magnet 806 to a second state in which the magnet 806 does not generate a magnetic field, thereby separating the storage container 16 from the transport section 800.

[0097] After the storage container 16 is separated from the transport 800, the extension system 812, and in particular its first five-stage slide 820 and second five-stage slide 822, removes the transport 800 from the storage column 404 by retracting the transport 800 inward toward the robotic container handler 410. As seen in Figure 57 of the drawings, after the transport 800 is removed from the storage column 404, the transport 800 is positioned substantially below the robotic container handler 410 in the elevator shaft 406, allowing the robotic container handler 410 to travel up and down the elevator shaft 406 for another task.

[0098] The horizontal shuttle system 202 and its components utilized in the first embodiment of the scalable logistics tower 2 described above are also utilized in the second embodiment of the scalable logistics tower 2. The rail tiles 900, particularly those above the rail tiles below the elevator shaft 406, include one or more electromechanical actuators capable of swinging the rail tiles 900 downward or hingedly separating them from adjacent rail tiles, thereby allowing a robotic container handler 410 or winch 626 to be lowered therethrough from the logistics tower 2 for servicing. The operation, control, and communication between the components of the horizontal shuttle system 202 and other components of the scalable logistics tower 2 in the first and second embodiments are also substantially the same. For example, the central control system 136 coordinates the retrieval of storage containers 16 from the storage container support trays 408 and the placement of such storage containers 16 on the robotic platform shuttles 206 that traverse the horizontal shuttle grid 200.

[0099] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 53 of the drawings, in the second embodiment of the logistics tower, the parcel transport system 258 located at a lower level of the logistics tower 2 is formed as a second horizontal shuttle system 902. The second horizontal shuttle system 902 includes the same components as the horizontal shuttle system 202; however, it is located below the horizontal shuttle system 202. A plurality of passive elevators 904 and active elevators 903 extend between the horizontal shuttle system 202 and the second horizontal shuttle system 902 located below it.

[0100] More specifically, as shown in Figure 69 of the drawings, the passive elevator 904 includes only a counterweight 906 that is equal to or slightly heavier than the weight of the lowered robot platform shuttle. A rail tile 900 located above the passive elevator 904 serves as a platform for the passive elevator 904, transporting the shuttle 206 from the horizontal shuttle grid 200 of the horizontal shuttle system 202 to the second horizontal rail system 902 located below. More specifically, when the loaded robot platform shuttle 206 with a storage container 16 runs onto the rail tile 900 that serves as the platform for the passive elevator 904, the combined weight of the robot platform shuttle 206 and the loaded storage container 16 located thereon exceeds the counterweight 906, and the rail tile 900 (e.g., the platform for the passive elevator 904) lowers the loaded shuttle 206 from the horizontal rail system 202 to the second horizontal rail system 902 located below. After the shuttle 206 rolls off the platform in the second horizontal rail system 902 , a counterweight 906 causes the passive elevator to lift the rail tile 900 back up to the horizontal shuttle grid 200 of the horizontal shuttle system 202 .

[0101] Each active elevator 903 also includes a counterweight 906. However, it also includes an electromechanical drive 909 or actuator that raises and lowers the rail tile 900 between the horizontal rail system 202 and the second horizontal rail system 902. The primary purpose of the active elevator 903 is to lift loaded and unloaded shuttles 206 from the second horizontal rail system 902 to the horizontal rail system 202.

[0102] As seen in Figures 38-41 of the drawings, a logistics tower formed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention includes a customer center 248 that is substantially similar to the customer center 248 and its components described above with respect to the first embodiment of the logistics tower 2. Additionally, a logistics tower 2 formed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention includes an unpacking station 960 that includes one or more actuated lifts 962 (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) that raise and lower pallets 964 of product 966 from the ground up adjacent to the horizontal shuttle system 202. Furthermore, a logistics tower 2 formed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention includes one or more loading stations 968 with a plurality of loading docks 970.

[0103] Each loading dock 970 preferably includes a storage bin fixture 972, a conveyor belt 974, an articulating robotic arm 976, a storage bin elevator lift 978, and a passive elevator 904. The storage bin fixture 972 is positioned above the conveyor belt 974 and stores a plurality of storage bins 16 that are selectively dropped onto the conveyor belt 974 to process new orders. More specifically, when a new order is processed by the central control system 136, the order is sent to a particular loading dock 970. One or more storage bins 16 drop or lower from the storage bin fixture 972 onto the conveyor belt. The vertical retrieval system 20 of the logistics tower 2 retrieves storage bins containing order items from the vertical storage cell column 418. The storage bins are lowered onto shuttles 206 in the horizontal shuttle grid 200 of the horizontal shuttle system 202. Shuttles 206 traverse the horizontal shuttle grid 200 of horizontal shuttle system 202 to reach passive elevators 904 located at each loading lock 970. The passive elevators 904 lower the shuttles 206 to the ground within reach of an articulated robotic arm 976. The articulated robotic arm 976 retrieves the ordered products from the storage bins and transports them to the storage bins 16 on a conveyor belt 974. A cart 980 having multiple storage levels 982 is located adjacent to a storage bin elevator lift 978. After a storage bin 16 is loaded by the articulated robotic arm 976, the conveyor belt 974 moves one of the storage bins to the storage bin elevator lift 978. The storage bin elevator lift 978 raises or lowers the storage bin located thereto to the appropriate height corresponding to the empty storage level 982 on the cart 980, allowing a user to slide a storage bin 16 therein. Once the cart 980 is full, it can be transferred to a vehicle for transport to another location, such as a store or delivery service.

[0104] 38 and 39 of the drawings, the logistics tower 2 also includes an outer frame 990 that supports the arrangement of vertical storage cell columns 418. The outer frame 990 and the vertical storage cell columns 418 located therein may be surrounded by a housing or protective cover 992.

[0105] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A logistics control tower, at least one vertical storage cell column having a first end and an oppositely arranged second end, the at least one vertical storage cell column including a plurality of storage modules and an elevator shaft, the elevator shaft extending through the at least one vertical storage cell column between the first end and the second end thereof, each storage module of the plurality of storage modules positioned adjacent the elevator shaft; at least one vertical retrieval system, the vertical retrieval system including a primary winch and a robotic container handler, the primary winch operatively communicating with the robotic container handler to effect vertical movement of the robotic container handler in the elevator shaft of the at least one vertical storage cell column; at least one first horizontal shuttle system, said first horizontal shuttle system including a horizontal shuttle grid, said first horizontal shuttle system positioned below said at least one vertical storage cell column and said at least one vertical retrieval system; A logistics management tower equipped with:

2. the at least one vertical storage cell column includes a plurality of vertical storage cell columns, each vertical storage cell column of the plurality of vertical storage cell columns being positioned adjacent to another vertical storage cell column of the plurality of vertical storage cell columns; the at least one vertical retrieval system includes a plurality of vertical retrieval systems, and the robotic container handler of each vertical retrieval system of the plurality of vertical retrieval systems is vertically movable in the elevator shaft of a corresponding vertical storage cell column of the plurality of vertical storage cell columns; The logistics tower of claim 1 , wherein the first horizontal shuttle system is located below the plurality of vertical storage cell columns and the plurality of vertical retrieval systems.

3. a second horizontal shuttle system, the second horizontal shuttle system including a horizontal shuttle grid, the second horizontal shuttle system positioned below the at least one vertical storage cell column, the at least one vertical retrieval system, and the first horizontal shuttle system; The logistics tower of claim 1 further comprising:

4. at least one shuttle system elevator extending between the horizontal shuttle grid of the second horizontal shuttle system and the horizontal shuttle grid of the first horizontal shuttle system to transport one or more robot shuttles therebetween; The logistics control tower of claim 3 further comprising:

5. the at least one vertical storage cell column at least one vertical storage cell, the at least one vertical storage cell having a first end and an oppositely arranged second end, the at least one vertical storage cell including two or more storage columns and an elevator shaft, the elevator shaft extending through the at least one vertical storage cell between the first end and the second end thereof, each storage column of the two or more storage columns located adjacent the elevator shaft of the at least one vertical storage cell; Equipped with the plurality of storage modules are located in the two or more storage columns; 10. The logistics tower of claim 1, wherein the elevator shaft of the at least one vertical storage cell forms at least a portion of the elevator shaft of the at least one column of vertical storage cells.

6. the at least one vertical storage cell column further includes at least one first storage column and at least one second storage column, the first storage column and the second storage column of the at least one vertical storage cell column being located adjacent to the elevator shaft of the at least one vertical storage cell column; the at least one vertical storage cell includes a first vertical storage cell and a second vertical storage cell, the first vertical storage cell and the second vertical storage cell each including two or more storage columns and an elevator shaft; the second end of the first vertical storage cell mates with the first end of the second vertical storage cell; each storage column of the two or more storage columns of the second vertical storage cell is vertically aligned with a respective storage column of the two or more storage columns of the first vertical storage cell; each storage column of the two or more storage columns of the first vertical storage cell and each storage column of the second vertical storage cell respectively forms at least a portion of each storage column of the two or more storage columns of the at least one vertical storage cell column; 6. The logistics tower of claim 5, wherein the elevator shaft of the first vertical storage cell and the second vertical storage cell form at least a portion of the elevator shaft of the at least one column of vertical storage cells.

7. the robotic container handler of the at least one vertical retrieval system: a gripper assembly, the gripper assembly being attached to the robotic container handler, at least a portion of the gripper assembly being movable in an XY plane toward and away from at least one storage module of the plurality of storage modules; The logistics control tower of claim 1 , comprising:

8. the gripping assembly a base to which the robotic container handler is rotatably mounted; and a transport unit mechanically coupled to the base and selectively deployable and retractable therefrom between at least a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the transport unit is at least partially located within the at least one storage module of the plurality of storage modules and in the second position the transport unit is substantially located within the elevator shaft of the at least one vertical storage cell column; The logistics control tower of claim 7, comprising:

9. The conveying unit a plurality of magnets, each magnet of the plurality of magnets attached to the transport section and switchable between at least a first state in which the magnet generates a magnetic field and a second state in which the magnet does not generate a magnetic field; The logistics control tower of claim 8, comprising:

10. 10. The logistics control tower of claim 9, wherein one or more of the plurality of storage modules receives a storage container having a plurality of metal protrusions located at its upper peripheral edge, and the plurality of magnets attached to the transport unit selectively switch between the first state and the second state to selectively couple and detach the magnets to and from the metal protrusions of the storage container, respectively, thereby selectively coupling and detaching the transport unit and the storage container.

11. The conveying unit at least one actuator attached to the transport and operatively communicating with each magnet of the plurality of magnets to switch each magnet of the plurality of magnets between the first state and the second state; The logistics tower of claim 9 further comprising:

12. the gripping assembly a base to which the robotic container handler is rotatably mounted; and at least one first arm and at least one second arm, each of the first arm and the second arm attached to the base and selectively deployable and retractable therefrom between at least a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position at least a portion of each of the first arm and the second arm is at least partially located within one of the plurality of storage modules, and in the second position the first arm and the second arm are substantially located within the elevator shaft of the at least one vertical storage cell column; The logistics control tower of claim 7, comprising:

13. the primary winch of the at least one vertical recovery system at least one primary winch motor; at least one primary winch drum, the at least one primary winch drum operatively coupled to the at least one primary winch motor; at least one primary winch cable having a first axial end and a free end opposite the first axial end, the at least one primary winch cable wrapped around the at least one primary winch drum and deployable and retractable therefrom, the free end of the primary winch cable extending outward from the at least one primary winch drum and mechanically coupled to the at least one robotic container handler; The logistics control tower of claim 1 , comprising:

14. said at least one vertical recovery system: at least one secondary winch, the at least one secondary winch in operative communication with the at least one primary winch to effect vertical movement of the at least one primary winch in the elevator shaft of the at least one vertical storage cell column; The logistics tower of claim 1 further comprising:

15. at least one secondary winch of the at least one vertical recovery system; at least one secondary winch motor; at least one secondary winch drum, the at least one secondary winch drum operatively coupled to the at least one secondary winch motor; at least one secondary winch cable, the at least one secondary winch cable having a first axial end and a free end located opposite the first axial end, the at least one secondary winch cable at least partially wrapped around the at least one secondary winch drum and being deployable and retractable therefrom, the free end of the secondary winch cable extending outward from the at least one secondary winch drum and mechanically coupled to the at least one vertical storage cell column; Equipped with The logistics tower of claim 14 , wherein the secondary winch is attached to the primary winch.

16. the at least one vertical storage cell column a temperature control system for selectively heating and cooling one or more of the plurality of storage modules, the temperature control system including one or more heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units and one or more cooling columns, the one or more cooling columns extending at least partially between the first end and the second end of the at least one vertical column of storage cells and in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units; The logistics tower of claim 1 further comprising:

17. The logistics tower of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the storage modules are configured as a storage container support tray, the storage container support tray including a receptacle for receiving a storage container.

18. A logistics control tower for storing a plurality of storage containers, the logistics control tower comprising: a plurality of vertical storage cell columns, each vertical storage cell column of the plurality of vertical storage cell columns having a first end and an oppositely arranged second end, a plurality of storage modules for receiving the plurality of storage containers therein, and an elevator shaft, the elevator shaft extending through the vertical storage cell column between its first end and its second end, each storage module of the plurality of storage modules positioned adjacent the elevator shaft of the vertical storage cell column; a plurality of vertical retrieval systems, each vertical retrieval system of the plurality of vertical retrieval systems including a primary winch and a robotic container handler, the primary winch operatively in communication with the robotic container handler to effect vertical movement of the robotic container handler in the elevator shaft of the vertical storage cell column; at least one first horizontal shuttle system including a horizontal shuttle grid and one or more robot shuttles traversing the horizontal shuttle grid, the first horizontal shuttle system being positioned below the plurality of vertical storage cell columns and the plurality of vertical retrieval systems; Equipped with the robotic container handler further comprises a gripper assembly, the gripper assembly mounted to the robotic container handler, the gripper assembly including a base, the base rotatably mounted to the robotic container handler and including a transport, the transport movable in an XY plane, the transport mechanically coupled to the base and selectively deployable and retractable therefrom between at least a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the transport is at least partially located within one of the plurality of storage modules and in the second position the transport is substantially located within the elevator shaft of the vertical storage cell column; the transport unit includes a plurality of magnets, each magnet of the plurality of magnets is attached to the transport unit and is switchable between at least a first state in which the magnet generates a magnetic field and a second state in which the magnet does not generate a magnetic field; the plurality of magnets attached to the carrier are selectively switched between the first state and the second state to selectively couple and decouple the magnets to and from a plurality of metal protrusions located on one or more upper peripheral edges of the plurality of storage containers, respectively, thereby selectively coupling and decoupling the carrier to and from the storage containers; a logistics control tower, wherein one or more storage containers of the plurality of storage containers are selectively movable from one or more storage modules of the plurality of storage modules by the robotic container handler, and thereby movable to one or more robotic shuttles of the horizontal shuttle system traversing the horizontal shuttle grid to a predetermined destination.

19. 1. A vertical recovery system comprising: a primary winch and a robotic container handler, the primary winch operatively communicating with the robotic container handler to provide vertical movement of the robotic container handler along a Z-axis; A vertical recovery system comprising: The primary winch at least one primary winch motor; at least one primary winch drum, the at least one primary winch drum operatively coupled to the at least one primary winch motor; at least one primary winch cable having a first axial end and a free end opposite the first axial end, the at least one primary winch cable wrapped around the at least one primary winch drum and deployable and retractable therefrom, the free end of the primary winch cable extending outward from the at least one primary winch drum and mechanically coupled to the robotic container handler; Including, the robotic container handler includes a gripper assembly, the gripper assembly mounted to the robotic container handler, the gripper assembly including a base, the base being rotatably mounted to the robotic container handler and including a transport, the transport being movable in an XY plane, the transport being mechanically coupled to the base and selectively deployable and retractable therefrom between at least a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the transport extends outward from the robotic container handler and in the second position the transport is substantially retracted beneath the robotic container handler; The vertical recovery system comprises: a secondary winch in operative communication with the primary winch to provide vertical movement of the primary winch along a Z-axis; Furthermore, The secondary winch at least one secondary winch motor; at least one secondary winch drum, the at least one secondary winch drum operatively coupled to the at least one secondary winch motor; at least one secondary winch cable, the at least one secondary winch cable having a first axial end and a free end located opposite the first axial end, the at least one secondary winch cable at least partially wrapped around the at least one secondary winch drum and being deployable and retractable therefrom, the free end of the secondary winch cable extending outwardly from the at least one secondary winch drum and mechanically coupled to a mounting structure; Including, A vertical recovery system, wherein the secondary winch is attached to the primary winch.

Images