Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe a location aware, RFID-enabled pallet mover for tracking inventory moving in a warehouse. The pallet mover includes a RFID system for detecting a pallet currently loaded on the pallet mover and a real-time location system (RTLS) tag for identifying a location of the pallet mover in the warehouse. In one embodiment, the RFID system includes an antenna and an RFID reader for detecting RFID tags in order to track inventory such as a pallet or packages. The RFID reader can communicate with the RFID tags in the environment to identify which pallet is currently loaded on the mover. In one embodiment, the RFID system waits until the pallet mover is moving before activating the RFID reader and monitoring a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of an RFID tag to determine whether the corresponding pallet is currently loaded onto the pallet mover.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a moveable support platform within the container to reduce a distance that items fall into the container when stowed. The support platform is lowered by a movement mechanism as items are placed into the container. The movement mechanism may be a bladder filled with air, a biasing device, a pneumatic device, or a mechanical device. The moveable support may form a bottom portion of the container during transport of the container. In some instances, the movement mechanism may lift items out of the container to empty the container at a destination.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring objects being placed onto a plurality of pallets. A controller is configured to analyze images captured by the plurality of camera devices to determine when a first object is placed onto a first one of the plurality of pallets. Upon determining that the first object has been placed onto the first pallet, the controller can determine a first identifier corresponding to the first object using the RFID reader corresponding to the first pallet and can determine an intended pallet corresponding to the first object. Upon determining that the first pallet onto which the first object was placed is not the intended pallet for the first object, the user is notified using the feedback mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a package management system that uses two operation modes of RFID readers (i.e., an inventory mode and a search mode) to provide feedback to an associate when a package has been mis-sorted. In one embodiment, the RFID readers are attached to one or more RFID antennas which each are disposed overhead a respective container or storage location in a warehouse. For example, each of the antennas may have a beam pattern or read region that covers the container. Using the RFID antennas, the RFID reader can query the RFID tags in the container to identify the packages stored in the container. In one embodiment, the RFID reader switches to the search mode after a new package is identified. Using the search mode, the RFID reader can quickly identify when the package is stored in the container and provide prompt feedback to the associate.

Abstract: A system for providing access to delivery locations with added security. The system can include a database of images (or other data) of keys associated with a plurality of delivery addresses, or secure delivery locations. When a special handling item—i.e., one that cannot safely be left outside the delivery location—is ordered, the system creates a key to provide access to the secure delivery location. The key can be a one-time use, disposable, shreddable, or otherwise temporary key. The system can also utilize one or more video cameras to record some or all of the delivery process to ensure the delivery driver delivers the item(s), destroys or leaves the key, and leaves the secure delivery location locked, among other things. The manufacturing of a key and/or the choice to use secure delivery can be based on the delivery location, product, delivery value, perishability, or other factors.

Abstract: A method of interrogating a plurality of RFID tags comprises interrogating a first RFID tag with a read command comprising a masking value for a predefined portion of a User Memory Bank of the first RFID tag. The predefined portion stores state information for the first RFID tag. The masking value corresponds to a non-quiesced state relative to the read command interrogation. The method further comprises receiving a response from the first RFID tag that indicates that the first RFID tag is in the non-quiesced state. The method further comprises interrogating the first RFID tag with a write command that instructs the first RFID tag to write a predefined value to the predefined portion of the User Memory Bank, wherein writing the predefined value to the predefined portion places the first RFID tag in a quiesced state relative to a subsequent read command interrogation comprising the masking value.

Abstract: The embodiments herein measure the tag to noise ratio (TNR) for a tag on an item (e.g., a package) to determine a location of the item in a warehouse. In one embodiment, the TNR is derived by comparing a measured performance parameter for a tag of interest to the combined measured performance parameters for other tags measured by the same reader or for the same tag when measured by a different RFID reader. The higher the TNR, the greater likelihood the tag is within an area assigned to the reader. In another embodiment, the TNR is derived from comparing the signal strength of a tag as measured by multiple RFID readers. In another example, respective TNR values for a plurality of tags detected by a reader can be compared to determine which tag is being carried by an associate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving, among other things, the commission and maintenance checks of material handling equipment are described. In an example, sensor data may be generated based on movement of test equipment by a material handling equipment along a path between locations of a facility. The path may be associated with movement of an item by the material handling equipment. The sensor data may be associated with different conditions along the path. The test may include a plurality of sensors configured to generate the sensor data. Based on the sensor data, an indication of a location along the path and a condition may be provided. The condition may be associated with the location along the path and may affect movement of the item at the location. The indication may be provided to a user equipment that is remote from the test equipment.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a moveable support platform within the container to reduce a distance that items fall into the container when stowed. The support platform is lowered by a movement mechanism as items are placed into the container. The movement mechanism may be a bladder filled with air, a biasing device, a pneumatic device, or a mechanical device. The moveable support may form a bottom portion of the container during transport of the container. In some instances, the movement mechanism may lift items out of the container to empty the container at a destination.

Abstract: A moveable support platform within a container may reduce a distance that items fall into the container when stowed. The moveable support platform is lowered by a movement mechanism as items are placed into the container. The movement mechanism may be a bladder filled with air, a biasing device, a pneumatic device, or a mechanical device. The moveable support platform may form a bottom portion of the container during transport of the container. In some instances, the movement mechanism may lift items out of the container to empty the container at a destination.

Abstract: A ladder unit is slidably joined to an edge of or beneath a working surface by a mounting frame having a roller assembly or other slidable means. The ladder unit includes a stair assembly that is rotatably mounted to the mounting frame by a hinge, and configured to rotate between an open position, in which a support provided on the stair assembly does not contact the working surface, and a closed position, in which the support contacts the working surface. In this regard, the ladder unit may be slidably moved from location to location along the working surface when the stair assembly is in the open position with substantially low friction, and may be stabilized in a location for use when the stair assembly is in the closed position.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe an RFID system for detecting RFID tags in order to track inventory such as a pallet or individual packages. The RFID system includes at least one portal located in an inventory transport area. For example, the portal may be disposed at or near a dock door in a warehouse in order to detect when an RFID tag (and the corresponding inventory) passes through the door—e.g., when the inventory is loaded onto a truck. In one embodiment, the portal defines at least two RFID detection regions. For example, the portal may generate a RFID sensing region and a RFID read region. In one embodiment, a wide beam antenna generates the RFID sensing region while a narrow beam antenna generates the RFID read region.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe an RFID system for detecting RFID tags in order to track inventory such as a pallet or individual packages. The RFID system includes at least one portal located in an inventory transport area. For example, the portal may be disposed at or near a dock door in a warehouse in order to detect when an RFID tag (and the corresponding inventory) passes through the door—e.g., when the inventory is loaded onto a truck. In one embodiment, the portal defines at least two RFID detection regions. For example, the portal may generate a RFID sensing region and a RFID read region. In one embodiment, a wide beam antenna generates the RFID sensing region while a narrow beam antenna generates the RFID read region.

Abstract: Concepts of an omnidirectional pinion wheel are described. In one embodiment, the wheel includes first and second rims each including inner and outer rim surfaces, and an annular ring of rollers affixed on the outer surface of one of the first and second annular rim. Using an axis of freedom of the rollers, the wheel can move sideways in addition to forward and backward. Further, when used with a vertical rack gear, the wheel can provide vertical displacement by engagement between teeth of the gear and the pinion ring. Additionally, various racks and tracks with teeth for pinion ring engagement are described along with an example vehicle capable of vertical displacement using the wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a recirculating gantry system operating in parallel with multiple actuators on one or more gantries. A plurality of items are retrieved from a plurality of picking locations via a plurality of actuators disposed on a gantry spanning the picking locations. The gantry is moved along a horizontal track toward a plurality of stowage locations. The gantry is centered on the horizontal track. Individual items are deposited in respective ones of the stowage locations via the plurality of actuators as the gantry moves over the stowage locations.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a vertically recirculating gantry system operating in parallel with multiple actuators on multiple gantries. A plurality of items are retrieved from a plurality of picking locations via a plurality of actuators disposed on a gantry spanning a width of the plurality of conveyors. The gantry is moved along a track toward a plurality of stowage locations. Individual items are deposited in respective stowage locations via the plurality of actuators as the gantry moves over the stowage locations.

Abstract: An example system includes a first tote handling assembly having a wiper bar, a first plurality of actuators connected to and moveable with the first wiper bar, and a first tab associated with a first actuator of the first plurality of actuators. The system may also includes a second tote handling assembly disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to the first tote handling assembly. The second tote handling assembly includes a second wiper bar, a second plurality of actuators connected to and moveable with the second wiper bar, and a second tab associated with a second actuator of the second plurality of actuators. In such a system, movement of the first wiper bar in a first direction along a transverse axis of the first tote handling assembly, while the first tab is engaged with a tote disposed on the first tote handling assembly, transfers the tote from the first tote handling assembly to the second tote handling assembly.

Abstract: Concepts of an omnidirectional pinion wheel are described. In one embodiment, the wheel includes first and second rims each including inner and outer rim surfaces, and an annular ring of rollers affixed on the outer surface of one of the first and second annular rim. Using an axis of freedom of the rollers, the wheel can move sideways in addition to forward and backward. Further, when used with a vertical rack gear, the wheel can provide vertical displacement by engagement between teeth of the gear and the pinion ring. Additionally, various racks and tracks with teeth for pinion ring engagement are described along with an example vehicle capable of vertical displacement using the wheels.

Abstract: An example system includes a first tote handling assembly having a wiper bar, a first plurality of actuators connected to and moveable with the first wiper bar, and a first tab associated with a first actuator of the first plurality of actuators. The system may also includes a second tote handling assembly disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to the first tote handling assembly. The second tote handling assembly includes a second wiper bar, a second plurality of actuators connected to and moveable with the second wiper bar, and a second tab associated with a second actuator of the second plurality of actuators. In such a system, movement of the first wiper bar in a first direction along a transverse axis of the first tote handling assembly, while the first tab is engaged with a tote disposed on the first tote handling assembly, transfers the tote from the first tote handling assembly to the second tote handling assembly.

Abstract: Concepts of an omnidirectional pinion wheel are described. In one embodiment, the wheel includes a hub, first and second annular rims each including inner and outer rim surfaces, spokes that extend from the hub to the first and second annular rims, a pinion ring including pinion rods that extend between the inner surfaces of the first and second annular rims, and first and second annular rings of rollers affixed on the outer surfaces of the first and second annular rims. Using an axis of freedom of the rollers, the wheel can move sideways in addition to forward and backward. Further, when used with a vertical rack gear, the wheel can provide vertical displacement by engagement between teeth of the gear and the pinion ring. Additionally, various racks and tracks with teeth for pinion ring engagement are described along with an example vehicle capable of vertical displacement using the wheels.