The ASTro™ unit is a storage and retrieval device that rotates in both directions around a system of straight and curved track.  The requested carriers are rotated around the unit until they reach an access area.  The product is always delivered to an ergonomically correct height within the unit.

Single and multi-floor applications available!

The Details:
The ASTro™ unit spans some or all floors of a residence, including the basement and attic. On each floor, one or more access points are provided. The ASTro™ unit comes with UL and CE certification. A full capacity ASTro™ unit must reside on 5” - 2000 psi (or equal) concrete to receive a seismic certification. The maximum shelf rating is 1500 pounds, while the standard unit’s capacity is 12,000 pounds (options to 30,000 pounds).  Lighter capacity units are in development.  These designs feature: low cost, modular and light weight solutions for the Do-it-yourself Market.

The standard unit comes with a variable number of shelves, depending on the selected height of each shelf. The standard unit dimensions are variable up to 17' left-to-right, 3’ to 6' front-to-back, depending on tray depth (12" - 24") and variable in height up to 25 feet.  There is a tray stabilization option which provides an external guide mechanism for applications where the perfect transport is critical, such as kitchen China and pantry items.

Access points consist of one or more outer doors (of any design, as long as they are designed to stay closed), and a 3.75” touchscreen (16 levels of grayscale – amber color) is standard.  Full color is an option. The access heights are determined by the designer and are programmed at final installation through the unit’s “Teach Mode” – therefore, completely customizable.  The inner doors/cabinets enable access to the shelf contents (inner doors are not required, as long as the item is secured to the shelf. Access points can be from one or both sides of the ASTro™ unit (in this case, double-sides cabinets are required).

The Touchscreen:
The touchscreen is used to control the unit’s movements. The touchscreen mounting plate is available in wood or Corian (or other custom) to match surrounding decor. Only one touchscreen can be activated at a time. A four-digit access code must be entered into the touchscreen at any access point to operate the ASTro™ unit. Once a touchscreen is active, an entry must be made within 10 seconds or the touchscreen will become inactive again. To provide for the user’s safety, one full-speed (with all access points closed) movement of the ASTro™ unit is allowed per access code entry. The homeowner can modify their full-speed access code.

Some of the touchscreen operations are:

• Indication of the shelf number currently closest to the access point in use
• Indication of shelf “READY” when the shelf is aligned with the active access door(s)
• Indication of the access station currently in control. If no station is currently in control, it will be blank.
• Transport shelf “Call” button that causes the closest transport shelf to move to this access point.
• “Stop” function touch cell.
• Desired shelf number entry (keypad will pop up) for “calling” a shelf.
• Shelf destination (access point number) entry for “sending” a shelf.

The Shelves:
A specific shelf on the storage ASTro™ unit is assigned to each access point as its “local” shelf. Shelves that are not assigned as a “local” shelf for an access point can be assigned as a transport shelf or used for transporting items from one floor to another, or simply serve as additional storage space. A “local” shelf makes items designated for a particular access point (i.e. master bathroom) immediately available when the doors at that point are opened.  To illuminate shelf contents, a light at each access point automatically turns on when an access door at that point is opened.

Safety:
To provide for the user’s safety, the ASTro™ unit will not move with any access door open. When a door is open, the location of that door is indicated on all touchscreens. If any door is opened while the ASTro™ unit is in motion then motion stops immediately. There is a maintenance function that requires an eight-digit password to enable slow speed operation of the unit when a door is open. Only the access door at the controlling station’s location is permitted to be open.

To provide for the user’s safety, the sensors that detect an open door are secure and cannot be defeated with a mechanical device (i.e. coin, screwdriver, tape, etc.). These safety sensors are designed so they are not easily defeated.  The sensors monitor critical “pinch points” as the shelves of the storage ASTro™ unit move around the structure. If an object is detected at any of the pinch points then shelf motion stops immediately.  Overloading of the motor that powers the ASTro™ unit will be detected. When detected, motion stops immediately. 

Electrical System:
The electrical system detects shelf positioning faults and faults in the motor controller. In the event of fault detection, motion stops immediately and a message is shown on all touchscreens. A reset feature enables the homeowner to reset and resume operation. However, if the same fault is detected during two concurrent operations, the system will stop and the touchscreens will display a message that authorized service is required.

The ASTro™ unit is powered from conventional residential voltage – 220V, single-phase, 20A service.  Troubleshooting of the electrical system by the manufacturer will be possible by way of a phone line. The benefit for the homeowner is reduced service costs. Additionally, if the homeowner does not remember the password, it can be read by the manufacturer and supplied to the homeowner.

ASTro™ Products by OHE Home™, trademarks of Open Horizon Enterprises, Inc.  Website by Web Tek Computer Company