GB1091858A - Improvements relating to storage systems - Google Patents

Abstract

1,091,858. Automatic storage systems. FERRANTI Ltd. July 14, 1966 [July 24, 1965], No. 31652/65. Heading B8E. An automatic storage system, Fig. 1, comprises storage bays arranged in rows of columns on both sides of aisles A, B, C, conveyance means adapted to convey goods via the columns between a loading station P and an unloading station D, and a stacking crane (shown by the shaded rectangle) adapted to travel past the columns and to transfer goods between the conveyance means and the storage bays. The crane runs on rails and the conveyance means may be formed by conveyer belts disposed between the rails; switch points B1, B2, C1, C2 are provided for the rails and diverters are provided for transferring goods between belts. The crane moves from one aisle to another, travelling in opposite directions in adjacent aisles, and may run to either station P or D for maintenance purposes; it includes means for checking whether a storage bay is empty or full. The system is controlled by a computer, Fig. 2 (not shown), comprising a memory and means for feeding into the memory the identity of goods disposed at any instant in each occupied storage bay. In operation goods arriving at the station P are identified by an operator who feeds this information to the memory and places the goods on the conveyer. The goods are carried to the aisle in which the crane is operating and their storage bay location is signalled by the crane to the memory to be associated with the identity of the goods. When goods have to be withdrawn the crane is signalled when it reaches the correct location and the crane withdraws the goods and places them on the conveyer. The computer may arrange a list of items to be withdrawn to give the most efficient withdrawal sequence and may keep a continuous stock record of goods stored; it may direct goods direct from the station P to the station D if so required. The conveyance means may be formed by one or more trucks running on the same rails as the crane, between the latter and the stations P, D; the crane may have a provisional store or magazine for holding goods while the trucks are away. The crane may be supported on ground level rails (as shown) or run on an overhead gantry, or on one ground level rail and one overhead rail. The conveyance means may be disposed to one side of the rails. Trip switches or proximity devices may be used to indicate the position of the crane.