1) Vertical lift module
A Vertical Lift Module, or VLM is a storage system that consists of two parallel columns each of which is divided into fixed shelf locations that can hold a single storage module such as a tray or tote. The shelving locations are single deep. A tray or tote is inserted, extracted and transported between storage levels and picking locations via an elevator-like device with an automatic shuttle that travels up and down within the space between the storage columns. See also Carousels and/or AS/RS .
2) Carousel
Carousels are a technology used to store items for eventual picking or retrieval. There are two primary types of carousels and one related technology, all of which operate under some form of computer control. Since the late 1990s, carousels have been placed under the more general category of AS/RS. See also Horizontal Carousels , Vertical Carousels , Vertical Lift Modules and/or AS/RS .
3) Horizontal Carousels
As a storage device, a horizontal carousel consists of a fixed number of adjacent storage columns or bays that are mechanically linked to either an overhead or floor mounted drive mechanism to form a complete loop. Each column is divided into a fixed number of storage location or bins which in most applications are constructed of a welded wire frame. Loads consisting of containers or totes may be inserted and retrieved either manually or by an automatic inserter/extractor mechanism. However, rotation of the carousel, whereby a specific storage location is brought to the picking location, is almost always controlled automatically. See also Vertical Carousel , Vertical Lift Module , Rotary Rack , and/or AS/RS .
4) Vertical Carousels
As a storage device, a vertical carousel provides for closed loop automatically controlled rotation of the basic storage unit, which in this case may be a shelf that can be subdivided into multiple bin locations. However, a shelf or a given vertical position need not be divided in order to handle large items such as a bolt of fabric or a roll of carpet. Because storage is vertical, such systems are popular when conserving floor space. Although automatic insertion and extraction of individual items or loads is possible, it is not as common as it is with horizontal carousel applications. See also Horizontal Carousels and/or AS/RS .
5) Vertical creep
Extremely slow speed movement of a scissors lift that is the result of normal, internal leakage of fluid control valves.
6) Vertical travel
The difference between the fully raised height of the platform deck and the fully closed height of the platform deck on a scissors lift.
7) Lift
The maximum vertical distance through which the load hook can travel. The total allowable hook movement between its upper limit of travel and its lower limit of travel.
The term "Lift" or "Lifts" may also refer to lift tables, scissor lifts and personnel lifts.
Lift tables are ergonomic devices utilized to raise, lower or tilt work loads such as pallets and containers. Lift tables are a scissors lift device used to raise, lower, stack, convey and/or transfer material between two or more elevations and not limited to landings. Such movement enables the worker to access the load at an acceptable level so as to not exert undue physical strain while working with the item(s).
A scissors lift is a raising/lowering device that is supported or stabilized by one or more pantograph leg sections.
Likewise, personnel lifts are used to raise and lower humans to appropriate working heights so that they may work at a safe reaching level and will have benefit of increased movement not afforded by a conventional ladder.
8) Vertical reciprocating conveyor
A conveyor that moves perpendicular to the floor and provides intermittent operation of a single load-carrying platform or cage which travels up and down on steel rails or guideways. There are many configurations of vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs) including those with a single mast, single rail, double mast, double rail and even models which offer incline travel versus strict vertical travel. There are also numerous platform configurations ranging from a simple flat steel surface to a powered roller conveyor deck with controls that are integrated with the controls of powered feed and take away conveyor lines at the different levels.
9) Lift cart
A hand cart with a scissor or mast supported lifting platform.
10) Structural lifter
A lifter which consists of one or more rigid parts for attaching the load to the lifting device.
11) Lifting capacity
The rated load of a material handling lifting device (i.e., scissors lift, hoist) applied as uniformly distributed load.
12) Supporting lifter
A lifter that carries the load on rigid projections or weight bearing surfaces.
13) Vacuum lifter
A lifting device utilizing the creation of vacuum to attach itself to an object via the use of an electric-powered extraction pump and sealed pads.
Generally suspended from a hoist/crane, manipulator, balancer, or positioner. Often attaches to the lifting mechanism by means of a bail and hook arrangement or is an integral part of the positioning and lifting mechanism.
14) Lift tables
A scissors lift device used to raise, lower, stack, convey and/or transfer material between two or more elevations and not limited to landing.
15) Tong grab
A lifting attachment usually used in conjunction with a hoist or forklift that utilizes a "scissors" action to grip a load for vertical lifting or transport.