Patent ID: 8708349

Claim:
A configurable column tool for transferring items, said configurable column tool comprising: a column assembly comprising a support column defining a first end and an opposing second end wherein said first end defines a column interface configured for being mechanically associated with a transporter interface defined by a transporter and wherein said second end is mechanically associated with a column motion facilitator assembly; at least one beam assembly mechanically associated with said column motion facilitator wherein at least one of said at least one beam assembly comprises a beam assembly effector comprising a beam motion facilitator, wherein one beam motion facilitator is mechanically associated with at least one tool attachment interface; at least one tool attachment mechanically associated with said at least one tool attachment interface; wherein said at least one beam assembly moves along said support column when said column motion facilitator is activated; wherein said tool attachment interface moves along a beam assembly when said beam motion facilitator is activated; wherein said tool attachment comprises a tool motion facilitator and wherein said tool attachment is configured to perform a function when said tool motion facilitator is activated; and a controller configured to selectively activate said column motion facilitator, said beam motion facilitator, and said tool motion facilitator.