Article automatic storage and retrieval system

Claim 1

A commodity retrieval and storage arrangement of the type having at least one shelf for holding a plurality of the commodity, the shelf having an elongated configuration whereby the plurality of the commodity is arranged along the elongated configuration, and a carriage displaceable along the elongated dimension of the shelf, the arrangement further comprising: holding means for holding the commodity in place as the carriage is displaced, said holding means including a frame forming an enclosure which at least partially encloses the commodity held by said holding means, said frame including an opening therein facing said shelf, actuatable clamping mechanism mounted within said enclosure and having means for selectably engaging the commodity within the holding means for securing the commodity during displacement of the carriage said clamping mechanism comprising a pair of bias lever means pivotally mounted within said enclosure to engage opposite vertical sides of the commodity; and retrieval means including guide means and a slide member with a forwardly extending arm displaceable along said guide means from a first position within said enclosure of said holding means to a second position exterior of said enclosure where contact is made with the commodity, said retrievel means including engagement means for engaging the commodity for transferring the commodity from the shelf to said holding means where the commodity is clamped by said actuatable clamping mechanism, said engagement means including an arm pivotally mounted to said slide member, a vacumm head pivotally mounted to the lower portion of said arm, a support pad mounted to the upper portion of said arm, said extending arm being located below said vacuum head and means located on each side of said vacuum head to prevent lateral displacement of the commodity.