Patent ID: 7203570

Claim:
An automated stowage and retrieval system for the selective loading and unloading of a payload comprising: at least one standard payload interface configured to provide access to a desired payload and to allow for transportation of the desired payload, the standard payload interface comprises a plurality of engageable portions; a plurality of carriers configured in a slidable storage matrix each configured with corresponding engageable portions configured to interface with the engageable portions of the standard payload interface to generally maintain the standard payload interface in substantially fixed contact with the carriers; a robotic manipulating unit operably configured to engage and disengage the standard payload interface to move the standard payload interface to and from the plurality of carriers; a tray configured to receive and provide the standard payload interface from and to the robotic manipulating unit, wherein the tray is configured with corresponding engageable portions to interface with the engagable portions of the standard payload interface to generally maintain the standard payload interface in substantially fixed contact with the tray, and wherein the tray is operably configured for movement to and from the robotic manipulating unit; and a controller configured to instruct the system for the selective loading and unloading of the standard payload interface relative to the slidable storage matrix.