Patent ID: 7931431
Filing Date: 2011-04-26
Classification: B63B,B65G,B66B,Y02B

Abstract:
1. An automated material transfer and storage system for moving articles along and between a plurality of vertically spaced levels, the system comprising: at least one vertical trunk extending between and communicating the plurality of spaced levels, said at least one trunk defining an open trunk including access openings at said plurality of levels and having opposite sides; generally opposing pairs of spaced rack means extending vertically along at least portions of said opposite sides; a load transfer vehicle having a body defining an article support surface, said body having opposite ends and opposite sides, at least one first drive assembly having first drive means for mobilizing said load transfer vehicle horizontally across the plurality of levels, and a plurality of second drive assemblies each having second drive means engageable with said first rack means for moving said load transfer vehicle vertically within said at least one vertical trunk; a plurality of first deployment mechanisms for selectively extending said plurality of second drive means from first positions in spaced relationship from the rack means to a second oppositely deployed positions spaced outwardly relative to said body so as to mesh with said rack means such that said plurality of second drive means may be selectively moved to the first positions in spaced relationship from the rack means to thereby permit said load transfer vehicle to exit the at least one trunk through one of the access openings; means for supplying power to said transfer vehicle and connected to said at least one first and second drive means; and control means carried by said transfer vehicle for controlling said at least one first and plurality of second drive means so as to maneuver said load transfer vehicle along said plurality of levels and within said at least one trunk whereby an article supported on said load transfer vehicle can be automatically transported from point-to-point along and between said plurality of levels and within said at least one trunk.