Importance

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Abstract

A storage system includes a first area, a second area, a vehicle, and a vehicle gate arrangement. The first area includes a framework structure including upright members and a two-dimensional first rail system arranged across a top of framework structure. The first rail system includes a first set of parallel rails arranged to guide movement of vehicles in a first direction across the top of the frame structure, and a second set of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails to guide movement of the vehicles in a second direction across the top of the framework structure that is perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second sets of parallel rails divide the first rail system into a plurality of access openings in the first rail system for allowing lifting and lowering of a storage container between a position above the first rail system and a position below the first rail system. The vehicle operable on the first rail system. The vehicle includes a first set of wheels for driving in the first direction and a second set of wheels for driving in the second direction. The second area includes a second rail system. The vehicle gate arrangement controls passage of the vehicle between the first area and the second area via a connecting rail system. The vehicle gate arrangement includes a space for accommodating the vehicle; a first shutter for separating the space and the first area; and a second shutter for separating the space and the second area. Both the first shutter and the second shutter are each actuatable between: an open position which allows passage of the vehicle therethrough; and an obstructing position which restricts passage of the vehicle therethrough. The first shutter and the second shutter are coupled to each other for synchronous movement such that one shutter moves in one direction with respect to a first opening and the other shutter moves in an opposite direction with respect to a second opening, and wherein the first shutter and/or the second shutter is in the respective obstructing position at any time.

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First Claim