Patent ID: 8319603

Claim:
A control device for a mobile storage system having a plurality of storage units at least one of the storage units selectively allowed to move toward and away from another of the storage units comprising: a data entry portion on which an access code is entered; a display device configured to display messages and show the status of the mobile storage system; a real time clock containing time and date information; a memory device configured to store a data table containing at least one access code associated with a set of access rights; and a processor executing a program wherein: the access code entered is compared against the access codes stored in the data table to identify whether a matching access code is present in the data table; the access rights associated with the matching access code are read from the memory device; the mobile storage units are selectively controlled to selectively permit and deny access to an aisle between one or more of the plurality of storage units according to the access rights read from the memory device; and an activity log stores the access code in the memory device; wherein a housing is mounted on the at least one of the storage units and commonly integrates the data entry portion, the display device, the real time clock, the memory device and the processor therein, such that a user of the control device is enabled to enter the access code and monitor the status of the mobile storage system independent of any data entry portion or display device located remote from the at least one of the storage units.