Patent Description:
This application claims priority from UK Patent Application Nos. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Some commercial and industrial activities require systems that enable the storage and retrieval of a large number of different products. One known type of system for the storage and retrieval of items in multiple product lines involves arranging storage containers or containers in stacks on top of one another, the stacks being arranged in rows. The storage containers or containers are accessed from above, removing the need for aisles between rows and allowing more containers to be stored in a given space.

In known storage and retrieval systems described more fully below, the containers are passive and exist simply to hold the goods. Whilst the identity of a given container may be known and linked to its contents by barcoding for example, the containers in the system have no active components or on board intelligence.

In shipping container systems, the containers comprise monitoring and controlling systems to, for example, containers that chill the contents, containers that comprise gas monitoring systems, for example, to monitor for fruit ripening and containers that comprise locating means to enable individual containers to be tracked and traced in port.

Methods of handling containers stacked in rows have been well known for decades. In some such systems, for example as described in <CIT>comprise freestanding stacks of containers arranged in rows in order to reduce the storage volume associated with storing such containers but yet still providing access to a specific container if required. Access to a given container is made possible by providing relatively complicated hoisting mechanisms which can be used to stack and remove given containers from stacks. The cost of such systems are, however, impractical in many situations and they have mainly been commercialised for the storage and handling of large shipping containers.

The concept of using freestanding stacks of containers and providing a mechanism to retrieve and store specific containers has been developed further, for example as described in <CIT>. '<NUM> discloses a mechanism for removing a plurality of stacked containers, using a robotic load handler in the form of a rectangular tube which is lowered around the stack of containers, and which is configured to be able to grip a container at any level in the stack. In this way, several containers can be lifted at once from a stack. The movable tube can be used to move several containers from the top of one stack to the top of another stack, or to move containers from a stack to an external location and vice versa. Such systems can be particularly useful where all of the containers in a single stack contain the same product (known as a single-product stack).

In the system described in '<NUM>, the height of the tube has to be as least as high as the height of the largest stack of containers, so that that the highest stack of containers can be extracted in a single operation. Accordingly, when used in an enclosed space such as a warehouse, the maximum height of the stacks is restricted by the need to accommodate the tube of the load handler.

<CIT>) describes a system in which stacks of containers are arranged within a frame structure. A system of this type is illustrated schematically in <FIG> of the accompanying drawings. Robotic load handling devices can be controllably moved around the stack on a system of tracks on the upper most surface of the stack.

Other forms of robotic load handling device are further described in, for example, <CIT>. <FIG> and <FIG> are schematic perspective views of a load handling device from the rear and front, respectively, and <FIG> is a schematic front perspective view of a load handling device lifting a bin.

A further development of load handling device is described in <CIT>) where each robotic load handler only covers one grid space, thus allowing higher density of load handlers and thus higher throughput of a given size system.

<CIT> discloses systems and methods for order processing for fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. The document discloses the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> discloses an order filling system for fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods.

In such known storage systems a large number of containers are stacked densely. The contents of the containers may degrade, may require lighting, heating or cooling, or may need some form of monitoring or control not currently provided by known systems.

Aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying claims.

According to the invention there is provided a storage system comprising: a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid spaces; a plurality of storage containers arranged in stacks, located beneath the rails and; at least one load handling device disposed on the grid, arranged to move laterally above the stacks on the rails, the load handling device comprising a lifting device arranged to lift one or more containers, or parts thereof, from a stack; wherein a number of the storage containers comprise service means for providing services to the or each storage container thereby enabling individual containers within the stacks to perform additional functions, and wherein the plurality of storage containers are held in stacks by cooperating surfaces forming interference fits between adjacent storage containers and comprise connection means at the co-operating surfaces, and adjacent storage containers are linked by routing means that form part of the storage containers as mouldings.

According to the invention there is further provided a method of condition monitoring a storage system comprising the steps of: providing sensor means and data logging and storage means within a storage container; providing communication means to communicate data logged to a central data logging device; positioning the storage container within a storage system to be monitored; and monitoring the data received.

Advantageously, in accordance with one form of the invention, individual containers within the storage system may be provided with services in addition to goods. Furthermore, individual containers within the storage system may not contain goods but may contain services for provision to other containers or to monitor or control the condition of the system.

In this way, depending on the services provided in individual containers, the contents may be controlled or monitored for data relating to the contents of the bin to be relayed to a central processing system. Furthermore, services and conditions within the containers or containers may be controlled, for example temperature, moisture, lighting or other parameters. Control functions may be provided either by a local control system in the bin or by a central system sending signals to actuators in the containers. Moreover, control and monitoring may be achieved for peer to peer communication via wireless or other means, between non-adjacent containers. The data transmitted may provide information on the condition of the bin, the contents of the bin or may provide information on adjacent containers to condition monitor the entire storage system. Furthermore, in this way, the containers may be heated or cooled as required by the specific contents of the bin.

In this way, the present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art and provides a system and method of increasing the reliability and reducing the overall cost of large bin handling storage systems.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, stackable containers, known as bins <NUM>, are stacked on top of one another to form stacks <NUM>. The stacks <NUM> are arranged in a frame structure <NUM> in a warehousing or manufacturing environment. <FIG> is a schematic perspective view of the frame structure <NUM>, and <FIG> is a top-down view showing a single stack <NUM> of bins <NUM> arranged within the frame structure <NUM>. Each bin <NUM> typically holds a plurality of product items (not shown), and the product items within a bin <NUM> may be identical, or may be of different product types depending on the application.

The frame structure <NUM> comprises a plurality of upright members <NUM> that support substantially horizontal members <NUM>, <NUM>. A first set of substantially parallel substantially horizontal members <NUM> is arranged perpendicularly to a second set of substantially parallel substantially horizontal members <NUM> to form a plurality of horizontal grid structures supported by the upright members <NUM>. The members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are typically manufactured from metal. The bins <NUM> are stacked between the members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>, so that the frame structure <NUM> guards against horizontal movement of the stacks <NUM> of bins <NUM>, and guides vertical movement of the bins <NUM>.

The top level of the frame structure <NUM> includes rails <NUM> arranged in a grid pattern across the top of the stacks <NUM>. Referring additionally to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rails <NUM> support a plurality of robotic load handling devices <NUM>. A first set 22a of parallel rails <NUM> guide movement of the load handling devices <NUM> in a first direction (X) across the top of the frame structure <NUM>, and a second set 22b of parallel rails <NUM>, arranged perpendicular to the first set 22a, guide movement of the load handling devices <NUM> in a second direction (Y), perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, the rails <NUM> allow movement of the load handling devices <NUM> in two dimensions in the X-Y plane, so that a load handling device <NUM> can be moved into position above any of the stacks <NUM>.

Each load handling device <NUM> comprises a vehicle <NUM> which is arranged to travel in the X and Y directions on the rails <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>, above the stacks <NUM>. A first set of wheels <NUM>, consisting of a pair of wheels <NUM> on the front of the vehicle <NUM> and a pair of wheels <NUM> on the back of the vehicle <NUM>, are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set 22a of rails <NUM>. Similarly, a second set of wheels <NUM>, consisting of a pair of wheels <NUM> on each side of the vehicle <NUM>, are arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set 22b of rails <NUM>. Each set of wheels <NUM>, <NUM> can be lifted and lowered, so that either the first set of wheels <NUM> or the second set of wheels <NUM> is engaged with the respective set of rails 22a, 22b at any one time.

When the first set of wheels <NUM> is engaged with the first set of rails 22a and the second set of wheels <NUM> are lifted clear from the rails <NUM>, the wheels <NUM> can be driven, by way of a drive mechanism (not shown) housed in the vehicle <NUM>, to move the load handling device <NUM> in the X direction. To move the load handling device <NUM> in the Y direction, the first set of wheels <NUM> are lifted clear of the rails <NUM>, and the second set of wheels <NUM> are lowered into engagement with the second set of rails 22a. The drive mechanism can then be used to drive the second set of wheels <NUM> to achieve movement in the Y direction.

In this way, one or more robotic load handling devices <NUM> can move around the top surface of the stacks <NUM> on the frame structure <NUM> under the control of a central picking system (not shown). Each robotic load handling device <NUM> is provided with means for lifting out one or more bins or containers from the stack <NUM> to access the required products. In this way, multiple products can be accessed from multiple locations in the grid and stacks at any one time.

It will be appreciated that if the required container <NUM> is not at the top of the stack <NUM>, if each load handling device can only carry a single container <NUM> then multiple load handling devices will need to co-operate in order to access the target container <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a typical storage system as described above, the system having a plurality of load handling devices <NUM> active on the stacks <NUM> in order to co-operate to retrieve and replace containers <NUM> from and to the stacks <NUM>. Unwanted containers <NUM> removed from stacks <NUM> in the pursuit of a target container <NUM> are placed back in to the stacks <NUM> at vacant positions.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the bins <NUM> in stacks <NUM> within the storage system. It will be appreciated that there may be a large number of bins in any given storage system and that many different goods may be stored in the stacks, each bin may contain different goods within a single stack <NUM> or similar goods in similar stacks or multiple inventory items in an individual container <NUM>. Whilst the above described system was conceived to store and retrieve groceries in an online shopping e-commerce solution, it will be appreciated that other uses are envisaged and that other items such as parcels and letters may be stored in the containers <NUM>.

<FIG> show a container <NUM> in accordance with one form of the invention, the container <NUM> capable of being held in stacks by co-operating surfaces forming interference fits between adjacent containers <NUM>. The container <NUM> of <FIG>, additionally comprises connection means <NUM> at the co-operating surface where containers will cooperate in order to form a stack <NUM> of containers <NUM>. The connection means <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises a push fit male connector <NUM> located at the top edge of the container <NUM>. The bottom edge of the container comprises a female connector. The two containers are linked by routing means that form part of the container <NUM> as mouldings.

It will be appreciated that this form of connector means and routing means is one form only of connector and routing means that may be used, any suitable form of releasable connector means capable of latching or connecting and unlatching or disconnecting as required on movement of the container in or out of the stack <NUM>.

For example, the connection means <NUM> may comprise electrically conductive layers deposited on the co-operating surfaces of the containers <NUM> or may comprise sprung-loaded contacts or springs as contacts or any other connection means capable of carrying power, data or other signals between two or more containers <NUM>. Noncontacting methods of power transmission may also be used, for example magnetic induction or RF induction and optical methods. Furthermore, the connection means <NUM> may comprise carbon loaded rubber contacts capable of carrying signals or data between two or more co-operating containers <NUM> in a stack.

Whilst the containers may be held in stacks <NUM> by interference means or by adjacent containers <NUM> having shaped, co-operating surfaces, containers <NUM> may be latched together via suitable latching means (not shown). The latching means may act to releasably latch two or more containers <NUM> together in the stack <NUM>. The latching means must be capable of remote operation in order that the load handling means may lift individual containers <NUM> or a plurality of containers <NUM> latched together. Any form of remotely latching and unlatching means may be used. For example electromagnetic latching means or any other means suitable to perform the function.

<FIG> further show an individual bin <NUM> comprising power supply means <NUM> for supplying power to, for example, heating means <NUM>, cooling means <NUM>, data logging means <NUM>, communication means <NUM> and/or lighting means <NUM> in <FIG>. The bin <NUM> further comprises power control means <NUM> for controlling the power to the or each service and controlling the power to other containers <NUM> in the stack <NUM>, if power is to be transmitted to adjacent containers <NUM> in the stack <NUM>. It will be appreciated that containers <NUM> comprising power control and control means may power heaters <NUM>, coolers <NUM>, lights <NUM> or any other service requiring power. Anything requiring power may utilise the power supply means <NUM>. The power supply means may comprise batteries or may comprise means for transmitting power from an external power source through connection means <NUM> on the containers <NUM> from the base of the storage system or via the uprights <NUM> of the grid.

Furthermore, power, data or any other signals may be supplied to the containers <NUM> in the stacks <NUM> via power and or data connectors located in the floor of the warehouse. Power may be transmitted up the stacks <NUM> via the contacts <NUM> in the co-operating surfaces of the containers <NUM>. Moreover, services may flow up stacks <NUM> of containers <NUM> from the floor, for example cooling or heating fluids may be utilised in this manner.

<FIG> further show an individual bin <NUM> comprising at least data logging means <NUM> and communication means <NUM> for transmitting data recorded to a remote central data logging device. The data logging means <NUM> comprises sensors suitable for monitoring the conditions in the bin <NUM>, for example the temperature, any gas emission, for example as a result of decomposing fruit, and humidity. The data logging means <NUM> and communicating means <NUM> enable the content and condition of individual containers <NUM> to be monitored.

Furthermore, knowing information about specific containers <NUM> in the stacks <NUM> in the system enables the condition of the storage system as a whole to be monitored. Whilst the containers <NUM> per se may be anonymous, a unique identity may be assigned to each bin <NUM> in the storage system. In this way, the location of each bin <NUM> (and its contents) may be trackable and identifiable by the system via the communications means. In this way, the topology of the containers <NUM> can be constructed as a result of each container <NUM> having knowledge of the identity of the immediately adjacent containers <NUM> and the bottom container <NUM> in any stack having knowledge that there are no containers <NUM> below.

It will be appreciated that any type and method of communication may be used, for example WiFi, Bluetooth, <NUM>-wire serial, SigFox or other proprietary systems such as that described in UK Patent Application No. <CIT>. It will be appreciated that any other suitable communications means or protocol may be used.

<FIG> further show an individual bin <NUM> from the stack <NUM>, the bin <NUM> comprising heating <NUM> and/or cooling means <NUM> and temperature monitoring means <NUM> for monitoring the temperature in the bin <NUM>. The heating means <NUM> may comprise flow of hot fluid via direct means, for example hot air, or indirect means, for example radiator means or may further comprise electrical heaters or electromagnetic induction heaters.

The cooling means <NUM> may comprise Peltier coolers or may comprise flow of cold fluid via direct means, for example cold air or via indirect means, for example radiator means, including ice slurry compressor driven.

In these ways, the temperatures of individual containers <NUM> may be monitored, controlled and varied depending on the content of the individual bin <NUM>. If the contents of the bin need to be chilled or frozen, then the individual bin can have a temperature of <NUM> degrees C maintained, for chilled, and lower for frozen, rather than requiring a portion of the stacks <NUM> in the storage system to be maintained at a predetermined temperature by space heaters and coolers.

It will be appreciated that these are examples only and any suitable form of heater or chiller may be used to achieve the desired effect. The containers <NUM> may be designed and arranged such that each bin <NUM> is sealed, for example in an airtight fashion, by the bin <NUM> located above. The top bin <NUM> in each stack <NUM> may be provided with a lid, not shown, to seal the top bin <NUM>. Sealing the containers <NUM> in this fashion enables the temperature within an individual bin to be more easily controlled by suitable heating or cooling means.

<FIG> show an alternative form of the container <NUM> comprising lighting means <NUM> and fluid supply means <NUM>. The same connectors <NUM> and <NUM> may be used to route power to the lighting means <NUM> or water, for example to the fluid supply means <NUM>.

<FIG> show and expanded view of the male connector <NUM> and the female connector <NUM> located on or in the side of the container <NUM>. <FIG> show one example only of the connection means that may form the connections between adjacent containers <NUM> in a stack <NUM> of containers <NUM> in detail.

<FIG> shows three examples of an individual bin <NUM> from the stack <NUM>, the bin <NUM> comprising lighting means. The lighting means <NUM> may be provided in the base of a bin to light the bin <NUM> below. Alternatively the lighting means <NUM> may comprise a lid <NUM> containing suitable bulbs, LEDs or any other suitable form of lighting. The lid <NUM> may be removeably attached to the bin <NUM> and fold away during removal of the bin <NUM> from the stack <NUM>. Again the power supply to the lighting means <NUM> is supplied via the connector means <NUM> and <NUM> located on the container <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a stack of containers <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The containers <NUM> comprise fluid supply means and lighting means <NUM>. The connectors <NUM> and <NUM> cooperate together to connect each container <NUM> the container immediately above and below. In this way, services such as power, to power the lighting means <NUM> or water to irrigate the contents of an individual container <NUM> may be routed through the containers in the stacks <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a portion of the framework of the storage system comprising a plurality of containers located therein, the containers <NUM> carrying services upwardly through the system by wires, cables or pipes or any other suitable means <NUM>. As can be seen in more detail in <FIG>, the bottom container <NUM> in the stack <NUM> connects to supply means routed through the base of the storage system via connectors <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the supply means in the base may be located in a false base <NUM> of the system as shown in <FIG> but may otherwise be routed under the floor of the building comprising the storage system or may be routed via other means.

<FIG> shows the connection means between a stack <NUM> of containers and the supply means in the base <NUM> of the system in more detail. It will be appreciated that this is one example only of a suitable connection means and that any connector system of releasably connecting containers <NUM> to a power, electrical, lighting, telecommunications or other supply may be envisaged.

<FIG> shows yet another form of individual container <NUM> in accordance with the invention from a stack <NUM>, the bin <NUM> comprising fluid supply means <NUM> and further comprising a fluid reservoir <NUM>. The contents of the bin <NUM> may require water to be supplied thereto. Accordingly, the bin <NUM> is provided with a reservoir <NUM> that may be filled with a liquid or gas. In order to fill the reservoir <NUM>, the bin <NUM> may be removed from the stack <NUM> by the robotic load handling device and taken to a location in the system where the reservoir can be topped up as required. Alternatively, the required fluids may be routed to specific containers <NUM> via the uprights <NUM> of the grid system.

<FIG> shows a further embodiment of the invention in which a container <NUM> comprises a plurality of smaller containers <NUM>, each of the smaller containers <NUM> comprising a given service connectable via the connection means <NUM>, <NUM> located on at least one side of the container.

In use, the storage system described above with reference to the Figures, comprises a large number of containers <NUM> arranged in stacks <NUM>. In one embodiment of the invention, the storage system comprises containers <NUM> of different categories dispersed within the system. For example, there may be empty containers <NUM>, containers <NUM> containing goods to be stored, containers containing services such as power supplies or communications means, containers <NUM> capable of heating, containers <NUM> capable of cooling, containers <NUM> comprising goods requiring liquids and/or light. It will be appreciated that some or all of the containers <NUM> may contain one or more of the services or devices referred to above. For example a bin <NUM> with a reservoir <NUM> may also be provided with lighting means <NUM>.

The provision of data logging and condition monitoring means in containers <NUM> within the stacks <NUM> enables a map of the condition and topography of the system to be generated that would not otherwise be possible unless specific containers <NUM> were removed and examined. Furthermore, inclusion of camera means within a number of containers <NUM> allows for containers to be moved around the system to inspect the condition of the grid and or other containers or containers <NUM>.

Furthermore, providing services to specific individual containers <NUM> either via the uprights <NUM> or via bin-to-bin contacts, enables goods having different requirements to be stored within the same storage system without resorting to portioning the system and separating goods with different requirements in to separate sections of the grid.

Additionally, connections between containers <NUM> and communications between containers <NUM> and stacks <NUM> generates a knowledge base of the storage system in real time that will assist in the event of a power outage for example, that will aid in possible disaster recovery. The alternative would be to empty all the containers and rebuild the stack which would be inefficient and costly.

The system described above has many varied uses. The foregoing description provides details of specific controlling and monitoring services that may be used in some of the following circumstances. Some non-limiting examples, in accordance with aspects of the invention, of applications for smart bin or container <NUM> systems may include, but are not limited to the following:
A container <NUM> comprising temperature sensing means may be used to monitor the temperature in chilled, frozen or ambient sections of the storage system. For example, an increase in the temperature in an ambient portion of the system could result in chocolate melting or ignitables igniting. This may be a particular problem in the summer months in warmer climates.

A container <NUM> comprising camera means maybe used to monitor the condition of the grid and other containers <NUM> in the stacks <NUM>. The robotic load handling devices <NUM> may be used to move the containers <NUM> around the storage system to inspect portions of the system or other containers <NUM> or stacks <NUM> as required. This may be relevant if there have been spillages in the system or other issues with the integrity of the system, grid or containers.

A container <NUM> identification means within each individual container <NUM> together with communications means between containers <NUM> or stacks <NUM> may be used to create a topological profile of the storage system, where peer-to-peer identity is possible. In the event of a catastrophic failure of the systems controlling the stacks, the topological information may be used to create a disaster recovery situation.

Individual containers <NUM> may be provided with lighting means <NUM>, for use in conjunction with monitoring and camera means in order to assist in inspection of individual containers <NUM> or the system as a whole. Furthermore, contents of the containers <NUM> may benefit from lighting of specific wavelengths or a range of wavelengths. For example, under ripe fruit may be brought on using appropriate lighting. Additionally, it may be possible to use containers or containers <NUM> for cultivation purposes.

The storage containers and containers <NUM> may be provided with sensors to detect gas, smoke, fire or heat, the sensors activating sprinkler systems to put out any fire.

Should the storage system be used, for example, to store cars in a mechanised car park, as described in UK patent application number <CIT>, sensors detecting fire or smoke may activate sprinklers and communication means may be provided to directly communicate with a central monitoring system or directly to the emergency services.

A container <NUM> comprising gas sensing means may be used to monitor the condition of fruit in a chilled portion of the system. Ripening fruit give off gases so monitoring for these specific gases may provide an indication of over ripening fruit in storage. Should this be detected, containers <NUM>, having cooling means within the bin may be cooled to prevent over ripening of the contents.

Should the containers or containers <NUM> be used for storing alternative goods such as parcels, the containers or containers <NUM> may contain weighing means such as scales to monitor the weight of parcels in storage before onward distribution.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the containers <NUM> comprise intelligence means such as routers, calculators or servers (not shown). The intelligence means may communicate via peer to peer communications across the containers <NUM> in the system. Furthermore, the communications may occur via contactless light through air communications, however any other suitable means for communication may be used.

The intelligence means may be powered and controlled by suitable power supply means and power control means such as those means described above.

Utilising the proximity of the containers <NUM> provides a system having relatively short communication distances between the intelligence means located in the containers <NUM>. The relatively short distances reduce latency between the intelligence means, the system being capable of fast and powerful operation.

Such a system may require extensive cooling. Such cooling means may be provided as described above or via cooling means being passed up the uprights <NUM> of the framework <NUM> from the base of the system.

In use, each calculator or server may be connected with at least its six neighbours via optical channels. For example, using slightly transparent mirrors, each calculator could transmit or receive into this channel without disturbing any other traffic, for example, using wavelength division multiplexing. In this way, each node could have a speed of light, exactly defined latency, connection to every other node in the system.

For example, the communications means may comprise laser based transmission through air. However, other communication means may be provided, for example connection of the servers or calculators by fibre optic tentacles extending to make contact with neighbours.

For example for <NUM>,<NUM> containers <NUM>, each comprising powerful intelligence means, may be combined in to a machine in a stack 60x60 and <NUM> tall in a <NUM>,<NUM> m<NUM> (<NUM> sq ft) space. Or <NUM> million containers in a 200x160 grid, <NUM> tall in a <NUM>,<NUM> m<NUM> (<NUM> sq ft) building.

It will be appreciated that there are numerous applications that may benefit from this instantaneous and defined node to node connectivity. For example, flow simulations and the like for aircraft design, weather forecasting or climate models, financial trading calculations, protein synthesis calculation and simulations of chemical reactions with whole organisms may advantageously benefit from such large, densely packed intelligence means. However, it will be appreciated that these examples are given for example only and are not limiting.

It will further be appreciated that individual containers may be provided with one service, a selection of services or all services described. Furthermore, the services listed should not be regarded as limiting. Any form of service that is capable of being carried or transmitted to a bin <NUM> may be envisaged.

Furthermore, although the embodiments of the invention described above, and shown in the Figures, detail systems in which the containers <NUM> are all of a substantially identical size and shape, it will be appreciated that this need not be the case. As described in UK Patent Application No. <CIT>, it will be appreciated that such a system may be configured to handle containers <NUM> of multiple sizes by use of load handling devices <NUM> of differing sizes capable of lifting and moving containers <NUM> of multiple sizes.

Moreover, the embodiments described above and detailed in the accompanying figures assume that the storage system comprises containers <NUM> in stacks <NUM> disposed within a framework <NUM> in an unfettered manner. It will be appreciated that the system may be partitioned by suitable partitioning means into smaller sub sections defined by, for example temperature. In this way it would be possible to have an ambient portion, a chilled portion and a frozen portion for example. It will also be appreciated that the partitioning may have additional advantages, for example, partitioning enables sections of the storage system to be isolated from other sections. This may be necessary if there is a fire, for example, and fire suppressant means are used in a given area to extinguish the fire. Furthermore, in the case where the system is used for alternative uses, there may be advantages in having different gaseous atmospheres in different portions of the system. This may be achieved by partitioning the system. It will be appreciated that the partitioning means may be temporary and remotely deployable, for example roller shutters disposed under the grid.

Claim 1:
A storage system comprising:
a first set (22a) of parallel rails (<NUM>) or tracks and a second set (22b) of parallel rails (<NUM>) or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid spaces;
a plurality of storage containers (<NUM>) arranged in stacks, located beneath the rails (<NUM>) and;
at least one load handling device (<NUM>) disposed on the grid, arranged to move laterally above the stacks (<NUM>) on the rails (<NUM>), the load handling device (<NUM>) comprising a lifting device arranged to lift one or more containers, or parts thereof, from a stack;
wherein a number of the storage containers (<NUM>) comprise service means for providing services to the or each storage container (<NUM>), thereby enabling individual storage containers (<NUM>) within the stacks (<NUM>) to perform additional functions, and wherein the plurality of storage containers are held in stacks by cooperating surfaces forming interference fits between adjacent storage containers and comprise connection means (<NUM>) at the co-operating surfaces, and adjacent storage containers are linked by routing means that form part of the storage containers as mouldings.