Patent ID: 6707028
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A47B,B65G,G01V

Abstract:
A mobile storage system, comprising:at least one upright movable storage unit, wherein the storage unit defines one side of a space defining an open end, and wherein the movable storage unit includes a drive arrangement adapted to move the storage unit across the space; a pivotable light beam emitter located toward a first side of the space, wherein the light beam emitter is configured and arranged to pivot about a generally vertical pivot axis so that pivoting movement of the light beam emitter functions to move the light beam in a generally horizontal plane across the space toward a second side of the space; a reflector arrangement located toward the second side of the space opposite the light beam emitter, wherein the reflector arrangement reflects the light beam from the second side of the space toward the first side of the space; and a sensor located toward the first side of the space for sensing the light beam reflected by the reflector arrangement, wherein the presence of an object within the space functions to obstruct passage of the light beam through the space such that the light beam is prevented from reaching the sensor; wherein the light beam emitter is configured to pivot to a position at which the light beam impinges on the reflector arrangement adjacent the open end of the space without movement of the light beam into the open end of the space.