James J Dempsey

US Patent:

53792297, Jan 3, 1995

Filed:

Jun 18, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/900964

Inventors:

Donald F. Parsons - West Chester PA
Kyle Gress - Denver PA
James M. Dempsey - Phoenixville PA
Joseph Ross - Downington PA
William Parsons - Boothwyn PA
Stephen Parsons - Devon PA

Assignee:

Communications Test Design, Inc. - West Chester PA

International Classification:

G06F 1546
B65G 100

US Classification:

364478

Abstract:

An automated system for storing and retrieving objects from multiple object categories. A plurality of storage rack assemblies is included. Each storage rack assembly has a plurality of slots sized for storing objects. A storage transport is movable alongside each respective storage rack assembly for positioning adjacent any slot. A plurality of horizontal tracks are arranged to be perpendicular to the storage rack assemblies. Each storage rack assembly has an end adjacent the tracks. A runner transport is coupled to and movable on each track for receiving one of the objects from, or providing one of the objects to a storage transport. Two conveyor rack assemblies are located at opposite ends of the tracks, aligned perpendicularly to the track. Conveyor transports are adjacent the conveyor rack assemblies for transferring objects between the conveyor rack assembly and the runner transports. Storage and retrieval operation requests are generated by simultaneously providing positioning signals to a conveyor transport, a runner transport and a storage transport.