Importance

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Abstract

An access station, which is for presentation of a storage container from an automated storage and retrieval system to an operator at the access station, includes an access module, a drawer, and a first actuator. The access module includes a frame defining a drawer compartment provided within the frame and a front opening for allowing presentation of the storage container. The drawer includes a drawer base and a drawer front. The drawer is movably connected to the frame. The drawer base includes a support on which the storage container can be supported. The first actuator is for moving the drawer relative to the frame between a presentation position in which the drawer is protruding through the front opening of the frame and a retracted position in which the drawer is retracted within the drawer compartment. The access station includes a safety mechanism located above the front opening. The safety mechanism includes a cover, a safety plate, and a safety sensor. The cover is secured to the frame. The safety plate is movable relative to the cover between a non-activated position and an activated position. The safety sensor is for sensing the movement of the safety plate. The access station is configured to allow movement of the drawer relative to the frame when the safety sensor is sensing that the safety plate is in its non-activated position. The access station is configured to stop or reverse the movement of the drawer relative to the frame when the safety sensor has sensed that the safety plate is in its activated position.

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First Claim