Patents by Inventor Max A. Winkler

Max A. Winkler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11858749
    Abstract: A conveying device includes a plurality of conveying zones having conveying elements, each conveying zone having at least one conveying drive for the conveying elements of the zone in question and being associated with a control unit that controls the conveying drive of the conveying zone, with the conveying device being designed having a support structure. Each conveying zone is formed by an individual independent conveying module that is fastened on the support structure as a complete individual unit and forms the entirety of the conveying device with additional adjacent conveying modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Dematic GmbH
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Publication number: 20230242338
    Abstract: A goods-storage and order-fulfillment system having a rack store consisting of stackable rack units forming a multi-level shelving rack, with each shelf configured to store a plurality of articles, and including an automated depositing and retrieving machine that has its own travel drive and is automatically controlled and contactlessly guided for depositing trays or articles into and/or retrieving the same from the shelving racks. The system includes an automated transport unit for receiving articles from or transferring articles to the depositing and retrieving machine to transport an individual article unloaded from the tray to a picking station or to transfer an individual article to the tray or to the machine, the transport unit being floor-bound and having its own travel drive and being automatically controlled and contactlessly guided. The system includes at least one picking station supplied with individual articles by the transport unit for at least partial order fulfillment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2021
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 11321548
    Abstract: It is discloses a device and method for controlling a material flow (18) in a storage and picking system (10) at a sensor-controlled node (12) of the material flow (18), where a decision on a future direction of material flow or on a velocity of the material flow (18) is to be taken, wherein at least an inlet section (28) of the node (12) is detected by a, preferably single, sensor (22), comprising the steps of: by means of the sensor (22) generating (S10) sensor data (46) representing the material flow (18) which is defined by one or more material-flow objects (36), approaching the node (12) in a downstream direction, in a field of vision (26) of the sensor (22), in particular in an inlet section (28) of the node (12); checking (S16) whether the sensor data (46) includes for each of the approaching objects (36-1, 36-2) at least one associated object feature (40) allowing certain identification of the corresponding object (36); and, if the sensor data (46) includes for each of the objects (36-1, 36-2) the at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SSI Schäfer Automation GmbH (AT)
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Publication number: 20220002091
    Abstract: A conveying device includes a plurality of conveying zones having conveying elements, each conveying zone having at least one conveying drive for the conveying elements of the zone in question and being associated with a control unit that controls the conveying drive of the conveying zone, with the conveying device being designed having a support structure. Each conveying zone is formed by an individual independent conveying module that is fastened on the support structure as a complete individual unit and forms the entirety of the conveying device with additional adjacent conveying modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 10889439
    Abstract: A rack device including a storage and retrieval device for storing and retrieving storage goods in and from rack compartments. The storage and retrieval device includes a load-handling device having at least one gripping arm moveable in a depth direction of the rack compartments and including a gripping device for moving the goods along the depth direction. The gripping arm includes a first guiding device, and the rack device includes rack compartments. The rack compartments include a shelf and at least two depth supports extending along the depth direction and distanced from each other in a longitudinal direction, thereby defining a storage location. The depth supports include a second guiding device extending in the depth direction configured to cooperate with the first guiding device such that the gripping arm, during storage or retrieval, is in contact with and guided by the depth support via the guiding devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: SSI Schäfer Automation GmbH
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 10807797
    Abstract: It is discloses a storage and picking system (10) for retrieving handling units (66) comprising: a rack arrangement (12) including a plurality of racks (14), which are aligned along a longitudinal direction (X) of the system (10) and which comprise several rack planes (54) in a height direction (Y) of the system (10) on top of each other, wherein the rack arrangement (12) comprises in a transversal direction (Z) of the system a central region (32) and two outer regions (30) enclosing the central region (32) in the transversal direction (Z) between each other, and wherein the rack arrangement (12) comprises: a first outer rack (20) positioned in one of the outer regions (30) of the rack arrangement (12) and defining a first retrieval rack (22), from which handling units (66) which are to be retrieved, or articles contained therein, exit the rack arrangement (12) in the transversal direction (Z); at least one central rack (26) positioned in the central region (32) of the rack arrangement (12); a first rack aisl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SSI Schäfer Automation GmbH (AT)
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Publication number: 20200074126
    Abstract: It is discloses a device and method for controlling a material flow (18) in a storage and picking system (10) at a sensor-controlled node (12) of the material flow (18), where a decision on a future direction of material flow or on a velocity of the material flow (18) is to be taken, wherein at least an inlet section (28) of the node (12) is detected by a, preferably single, sensor (22), comprising the steps of: by means of the sensor (22) generating (S10) sensor data (46) representing the material flow (18) which is defined by one or more material-flow objects (36), approaching the node (12) in a downstream direction, in a field of vision (26) of the sensor (22), in particular in an inlet section (28) of the node (12); checking (S16) whether the sensor data (46) includes for each of the approaching objects (36-1, 36-2) at least one associated object feature (40) allowing certain identification of the corresponding object (36); and, if the sensor data (46) includes for each of the objects (36-1, 36-2) the at
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 10556744
    Abstract: A base frame (34) which is universally usable for different modular structured conveying vehicles (30), in particular for shuttles (32), wherein the conveying vehicles (30) can travel horizontally along a travelling direction (52) in a storage and order-picking system (10), wherein the base frame (34) comprises a supporting frame (36) and a structure (38) connected to the frame (36), wherein at least the structure (38) is made of plastic only, and wherein the structure (38) comprises a plurality of component-specific seatings (58) being formed integrally with the structure (38) and being configured to positively hold in a resilient clamp at least one of the following functional components (60) of the respective conveying vehicle (30): a bearing (62); a driving unit (64); a sensor (66); an actuator (68); a load-handling device (70); a communication unit (78); a cabling (76); and an electric controlling unit (80) wherein each of the functional components (60) is positively insertable in or on the respective com
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: SSI SCHÄFER PEEM GMBH
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 10354221
    Abstract: A method and storage and picking system for progressive picking of articles in accordance with new orders which define ordered articles with regard to a respectively ordered article type including an associated quantity, characterized by a picking warehouse in which a plurality of different article types are stored, the different article types forming an article assortment, wherein the picking warehouse has a storage capacity ensuring a picking range of several days; a picking station for conventionally picking articles stored in the picking warehouse; a buffer warehouse in which selected article types are stored in storage units, and which has a storage capacity ensuring a picking range of a few days, wherein the buffer warehouse is filled by the selected article types, which substantially originate from the picking warehouse, in accordance with a filling order which is redetermined based on data of old orders representing completed picking orders, and which defines the selected article types including assoc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SSI SCHÄFER PEEM GMBH
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Publication number: 20190047788
    Abstract: It is discloses a storage and picking system (10) for retrieving handling units (66) comprising: a rack arrangement (12) including a plurality of racks (14), which are aligned along a longitudinal direction (X) of the system (10) and which comprise several rack planes (54) in a height direction (Y) of the system (10) on top of each other, wherein the rack arrangement (12) comprises in a transversal direction (Z) of the system a central region (32) and two outer regions (30) enclosing the central region (32) in the transversal direction (Z) between each other, and wherein the rack arrangement (12) comprises: a first outer rack (20) positioned in one of the outer regions (30) of the rack arrangement (12) and defining a first retrieval rack (22), from which handling units (66) which are to be retrieved, or articles contained therein, exit the rack arrangement (12) in the transversal direction (Z); at least one central rack (26) positioned in the central region (32) of the rack arrangement (12); a first rack aisl
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Publication number: 20180312334
    Abstract: A base frame (34) which is universally usable for different modular structured conveying vehicles (30), in particular for shuttles (32), wherein the conveying vehicles (30) can travel horizontally along a travelling direction (52) in a storage and order-picking system (10), wherein the base frame (34) comprises a supporting frame (36) and a structure (38) connected to the frame (36), wherein at least the structure (38) is made of plastic only, and wherein the structure (38) comprises a plurality of component-specific seatings (58) being formed integrally with the structure (38) and being configured to positively hold in a resilient clamp at least one of the following functional components (60) of the respective conveying vehicle (30): a bearing (62); a driving unit (64); a sensor (66); an actuator (68); a load-handling device (70); a communication unit (78); a cabling (76); and an electric controlling unit (80) wherein each of the functional components (60) is positively insertable in or on the respective com
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 10059516
    Abstract: A base frame (34) which is universally usable for different modular structured conveying vehicles (30), in particular for shuttles (32), wherein the conveying vehicles (30) can travel horizontally along a travelling direction (52) in a storage and order-picking system (10), wherein the base frame (34) comprises a supporting frame (36) and a structure (38) connected to the frame (36), wherein at least the structure (38) is made of plastic only, and wherein the structure (38) comprises a plurality of component-specific seatings (58) being formed integrally with the structure (38) and being configured to positively hold in a resilient clamp at least one of the following functional components (60) of the respective conveying vehicle (30): a bearing (62); a driving unit (64); a sensor (66); an actuator (68); a load-handling device (70); a communication unit (78); a cabling (76); and an electric controlling unit (80) wherein each of the functional components (60) is positively insertable in or on the respective com
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SSI SCHÄFER PEEM GMBH
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 9882331
    Abstract: A slipring brush includes a body of a metal wire or metal band having a contact area for contacting a slipring module. The contact area is selectively coated by a contact material like gold or silver or an alloy thereof. The body preferably includes Copper, Nickel, Iron, or an alloy thereof. Coating may be done by electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLEIFRING AND APPARATEBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Max Winkler, Christian Holzapfel
  • Publication number: 20170341863
    Abstract: A rack device (10) for storing and retrieving storage goods (26) in and from rack compartments, wherein the storage and retrieval is performed automatically by means of a storage and retrieval device (42), wherein the storage and retrieval device (42) comprises a load-handling device (54) having at least one gripping arm (56), wherein the gripping arm (56) is moveable, preferably only, in a depth direction (Z) of the rack compartments and comprises a gripping device (58) which allows the storage goods (26) to be moved, in an active position of the gripping device (58), along the depth direction (Z) into the rack compartments and to be removed from the rack compartments, wherein the gripping arm (56) comprises a first guiding device, wherein the rack device (10) comprises: a plurality of rack compartments, wherein each of the rack compartments comprises a shelf and at least two depth supports (28) extending, in particular in parallel to each other, along the depth direction (Z) and being arranged distanced to
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 9789985
    Abstract: It is disclosed a packing-work station for packing articles, which belong to one picking order, into shipping units comprising: a packing device comprising a packing plane where the articles are stackable to an article stack; a stacking aid having a plurality of lateral sides against which the articles are positioned to form the article stack, wherein the stacking aid is configured to be positioned on the packing plane; and a measuring device for determining dimensions of the article stack in order to individually produce the shipping unit in accordance with the so-determined dimensions; wherein the lateral sides of the stacking aid, which are closed in a circumferential direction of the stacking aid, are connected to each other; wherein the lateral sides define an open bottom side as well as an open top side of the stacking aid, wherein the lateral sides are adjustable in length at least along the circumferential direction for positioning the lateral sides circumferentially compact against the article stack;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SSI SCHÄFER PEEM GMBH
    Inventors: Max Winkler, Elmar Issing
  • Publication number: 20170278055
    Abstract: A method and storage and picking system for progressive picking of articles in accordance with new orders which define ordered articles with regard to a respectively ordered article type including an associated quantity, characterized by a picking warehouse in which a plurality of different article types are stored, the different article types forming an article assortment, wherein the picking warehouse has a storage capacity ensuring a picking range of several days; a picking station for conventionally picking articles stored in the picking warehouse; a buffer warehouse in which selected article types are stored in storage units, and which has a storage capacity ensuring a picking range of a few days, wherein the buffer warehouse is filled by the selected article types, which substantially originate from the picking warehouse, in accordance with a filling order which is redetermined based on data of old orders representing completed picking orders, and which defines the selected article types including assoc
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Publication number: 20160340067
    Abstract: It is disclosed a packing-work station for packing articles, which belong to one picking order, into shipping units comprising: a packing device comprising a packing plane where the articles are stackable to an article stack; a stacking aid having a plurality of lateral sides against which the articles are positioned to form the article stack, wherein the stacking aid is configured to be positioned on the packing plane; and a measuring device for determining dimensions of the article stack in order to individually produce the shipping unit in accordance with the so-determined dimensions; wherein the lateral sides of the stacking aid, which are closed in a circumferential direction of the stacking aid, are connected to each other; wherein the lateral sides define an open bottom side as well as an open top side of the stacking aid, wherein the lateral sides are adjustable in length at least along the circumferential direction for positioning the lateral sides circumferentially compact against the article stack;
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Max Winkler, Elmar Issing
  • Patent number: 9429930
    Abstract: An order-picking station for manual picking of articles from storage containers into at least one order container in accordance with a picking order is disclosed, which may consist of a plurality of different articles, comprising: a rack having a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side being arranged oppositely to the first longitudinal rack side; a plurality of channels comprising feeding channels and at least one discharging channel, wherein each of the feeding channels comprises a transfer end and a provision end; a supply device configured for transporting the storage containers from a warehouse to the transfer ends of the feeding channels, and for transferring the storage containers to the transfer ends, wherein each of the transfer ends is arranged and configured such that the storage containers are transferable in an automated manner by the supply device; a material-flow control device, wherein the material-flow control device is configured to control a material flow of the storage conta
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SSI SCHÄFER PEEM GMBH
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Publication number: 20160137417
    Abstract: A base frame (34) which is universally usable for different modular structured conveying vehicles (30), in particular for shuttles (32), wherein the conveying vehicles (30) can travel horizontally along a travelling direction (52) in a storage and order-picking system (10), wherein the base frame (34) comprises a supporting frame (36) and a structure (38) connected to the frame (36), wherein at least the structure (38) is made of plastic only, and wherein the structure (38) comprises a plurality of component-specific seatings (58) being formed integrally with the structure (38) and being configured to positively hold in a resilient clamp at least one of the following functional components (60) of the respective conveying vehicle (30): a bearing (62); a driving unit (64); a sensor (66); an actuator (68); a load-handling device (70); a communication unit (78); a cabling (76); and an electric controlling unit (80) wherein each of the functional components (60) is positively insertable in or on the respective com
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Publication number: 20150378345
    Abstract: An order-picking station for manual picking of articles from storage containers into at least one order container in accordance with a picking order is disclosed, which may consist of a plurality of different articles, comprising: a rack having a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side being arranged oppositely to the first longitudinal rack side; a plurality of channels comprising feeding channels and at least one discharging channel, wherein each of the feeding channels comprises a transfer end and a provision end; a supply device configured for transporting the storage containers from a warehouse to the transfer ends of the feeding channels, and for transferring the storage containers to the transfer ends, wherein each of the transfer ends is arranged and configured such that the storage containers are transferable in an automated manner by the supply device; a material-flow control device, wherein the material-flow control device is configured to control a material flow of the storage conta
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Max Winkler