Patent ID: 7640863

Claim:
A warehousing storage and retrieval system for warehousable objects comprising: a. A plurality of main tracks, said main tracks being vertically separated, each main track comprising at least two rails separated by a horizontal distance, and b. An elevator track comprising a surface for supporting a wheel of a vehicle, which vehicle is adapted to travel along the main tracks and the elevator track, which surface is set at an incline relative to at least a portion of the plurality of main tracks; wherein near an intersection of a main track and the elevator track, the system further comprises i. a track ramp movable between a closed position and an open position, in which closed position said main track is connected to the elevator track in a manner such that the wheel of the vehicle can travel from the main track onto the elevator track, and in which open position an opening exists between said main track and the elevator track through which opening the wheel of the vehicle may pass when traveling along the elevator track; and ii. a pathway in the elevator track, said pathway being closable by an elevator ramp, wherein when the pathway is closed the elevator track is capable of supporting the wheel as it travels along the elevator track past the pathway, and wherein when the pathway is open the wheel may pass through the pathway.