Patent ID: 7352889

Claim:
An automated storage and retrieval device for trays holding subject matter, comprising: A) an access device for the insertion and removal of a plurality of trays, B) a storage rack comprising a plurality of vertically aligned storage slots for vertically storing a plurality of trays, C) at least one automated machine, D) a storage gantry for vertical and horizontal movement of said plurality of trays between said storage rack, said access device and said at least one automated machine, said storage gantry being adopted to remove trays one-at-a-time from any one of said plurality of vertically aligned storage slots, transport the removed tray to said at least one automated machine, remove trays one-at-a-time from said at least one automated machine, and to return the removed tray to any one of said plurality of vertically aligned storage slots, and D) at least one computer system programmed to control said storage gantry.