Patent ID: 6379096
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: B65G,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of storing objects, comprising the steps of:(a) providing at least three columns, including first and second end columns and at least one central column disposed between the first and second end columns, each column including a plurality of storage locations; (b) positioning the columns in a first arrangement in which the at least one central column is positioned to be spaced apart from the second end column to create a first travel space between the second end column and the at least one central column; (c) moving the at least one central column to position the columns in a second arrangement in which the first end column is spaced apart from the at least one central column to create a second travel space between the first end column and the at least one central column; (d) engaging an object to be stored using an automation system the automation system including an end effector moveable along a first axis and along a second axis; and (e) after step (c), using the automation system to move the end effector along the first axis to position the object within the second travel space, to move the end effector along the second axis to carry the object through the second travel space, and to move the end effector along the first axis to place the object in a selected storage location in the first end column or one of the at least one central columns.