STORAGE, RETRIEVAL AND SORTATION SYSTEM

摘要

A material handling systems provides efficient storage, retrieval and sortation of articles, utilizing a plurality of carts capable of traveling under storage areas with a three dimensional warehouse system and on multiple levels. The carts may convey items from storage to a goods to operator user interface. The carts may function as decoupled sortation units capable of providing sortation at multiple mobile sortation locations, providing vertical sortation. Carts may include conveying surfaces, and sort articles from between carts. Carts may transport more than one article and a plurality of carts may transport a single article.

主权项

1. A material handling system for storing and retrieving containers or articles, comprising:
a) a grid comprising
i) a first plurality of first paths defined by a plurality of spaced apart tracks extending in a first direction; andii) a second plurality of second paths defined by a plurality of spaced apart tracks extending in a second direction; b) a plurality of carts configured to selectively travel along said first and second paths; c) a plurality of storage areas, respective portions of a third plurality of said second paths underlying said storage areas, said storage areas configured to support containers or articles above said respective underlying portions such that said carts may travel along said underlying portions without being impeded by containers or articles held by said storage areas; and d) a controller in communication with said plurality of carts, wherein said controller comprises at least one processor that executes instructions to cause said carts to perform operations, said operations comprising selectively traveling to any of a plurality of locations within said grid, said travel including traveling along respective underlying portions of said second paths to reach destinations not on said respective underlying portions.