Patent ID: 6929440
Filing Date: 2005-08-16
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A method of loading and unloading loads in a rack storage warehouse comprising a plurality of rack bays having a plurality of rack levels, and each rack level having a plurality of rack compartments, as well as a plurality of rack aisles located between the rack bays, method of loading and unloading comprising the steps: (a) transporting the load via a portable transport device in a first horizontal direction along a loading track that extends along front ends of the plurality of rack bays to a stationary vertical conveyor at a front end of a target rack bay; (b) removing the load from the transport device; (c) depositing the load on said stationary vertical conveyor via a lifting/pushing device on said transport device which is on said loading track; (d) transporting the load in a first vertical direction via said stationary vertical conveyor up said front end of said target rack bay to a target rack level; (e) moving a transport device along a rack aisle to a position adjacent to said stationary vertical conveyor and above said loading track; (f) removing the load from said stationary vertical conveyor via a lifting/pushing device on said transport device in said rack aisle at said target rack level; (g) transporting the load in a second horizontal direction in the rack aisle via said transport device movable on guiding elements associated with each individual level of the rack bays, to a target rack compartment in said respective target rack level; (h) transporting the load in a third horizontal direction from the rack aisle into said target rack compartment via said lifting and pushing device of said transport device, capable of lifting the load over a small distance; and (i) depositing the load in said target rack compartment via said lifting/pushing device.