Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for flexible rail switching components for container shuttles. In one embodiment, an example system for a shuttle may include an elongated spring steel plate, a first rail track component coupled to the elongated spring steel plate, a second rail track component coupled to the elongated spring steel plate and disposed adjacent to the first rail track component, and a third rail track component coupled to the elongated spring steel plate and disposed adjacent to the second rail track component. The elongated spring steel plate may be configured to be actuated from a first position to a second position. A distance between the first rail track component and the second rail track component when the elongated spring steel plate is in the second position may be less than when the elongated spring steel plate is in the first position.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for multi-path sorting systems that facilitate package sorting for delivery and near-real time changes to sortation for rerouting of the packages. The package sorting system may include conventional conveyor systems that deliver packages to multi-path conveyors (e.g., multi-path conveyor belts) that may cause the package to be moved in multiple directions to ultimately deposit a package onto an output conveyor system for delivery to a downstream location (e.g., packaging station, sorting station, etc.). The input conveyors may include a sensor for determining information about the package (e.g., destination address, order information, etc.) which may be used to determine the optimal downstream route for the package, which may be adjusted as conditions change.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for helical container conveyance. In one embodiment, an example container conveyance system may include a set of rails having a first rail and a second rail, the set of rails configured to guide a container from an upright position at a first point along the set of rails to an inverted position at a second point along the set of rails. The system may include a drive mechanism configured to propel the container along the set of rails, and a conveyor disposed under a portion of the set of rails corresponding to the second point.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for container shuttles having omnidirectional wheels. In one embodiment, an example system for shuttle transportation may include a first linear synchronous motor arranged in a first orientation, a second linear synchronous motor arranged in a second orientation that is offset with respect to the first linear synchronous motor, and a shuttle having a permanent magnet and a plurality of omnidirectional wheels. The shuttle may be configured to be propelled in a first direction via the first linear synchronous motor and the permanent magnet, and to be propelled in a second direction via the second linear synchronous motor and the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A system for distributing a stream of articles includes a belt assembly (210) with a plurality of belt segments (212) carrying a stream of articles (150), a sensor assembly (220) with a plurality of sensors (222), a control system (240) interfacing with the belt assembly (210) and the sensor assembly (220), wherein the sensor assembly (220) determines spacing (230) in the stream of articles (150), and wherein the control system (240) controls a speed of the plurality of belt segments (212) to minimize the spacing (230) in the stream of articles (150) when the spacing (230) is greater than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for contactless powering and control of conveyors on shuttles. An example system may include a track, a first transmitter disposed at a first location along the track, the first transmitter configured to transmit power and data wirelessly, and a shuttle configured to move along the track. The shuttle may include a conveyor, and a first receiver configured to wirelessly receive the power and the data from the first transmitter, where the power is used to power the conveyor. The shuttle may not have an onboard power source coupled to the conveyor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for transition components for gaps in shuttle rails. An example system configured to transport items may include a shuttle configured to support an item, where the shuttle includes a first wheel. The first wheel may have a first side surface, a second side surface, and a middle portion that together form a v-groove. The system may include a first rail configured to engage the first side surface and the second side surface, a second rail configured to engage the first side surface and the second side surface, where the second rail is separated from the first rail, and a first transition block coupled to the first rail. The first transition block may be configured to transfer a load of the shuttle from the first side surface and the second side surface to the middle portion of the wheel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for shuttle turning systems having linear synchronous motors. In one embodiment, an example system for shuttle transportation may include a first linear synchronous motor arranged in a first orientation, a second linear synchronous motor arranged in a second orientation that is transverse to the first orientation, and a shuttle. The shuttle may have a first permanent magnet coupled to the shuttle and a second permanent magnet coupled to the shuttle, where the first permanent magnet is arranged parallel to the first orientation and the second permanent magnet is arranged parallel to the second orientation. The shuttle may be configured to be propelled in a first direction via the first linear synchronous motor and the first permanent magnet, and to be propelled in a second direction via the second linear synchronous motor and the second linear synchronous motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for interconnected sortation systems with multiple inputs and destinations. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first sortation system, a second sortation system, a first induction station to induct items into the system, and a second induction station to induct items into the system. The system may include a track configured to connect the first sortation system to both the first induction station and the second induction station, and to connect the second sortation system to both the first induction station and the second induction station. The system may include a number of shuttles configured to move along the track.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for contactless powering and control of conveyors on shuttles. An example system may include a track, a first transmitter disposed at a first location along the track, the first transmitter configured to transmit power and data wirelessly, and a shuttle configured to move along the track. The shuttle may include a conveyor, and a first receiver configured to wirelessly receive the power and the data from the first transmitter, where the power is used to power the conveyor. The shuttle may not have an onboard power source coupled to the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyance device can include a conveyance surface and a conveyance constraint. The conveyance surface can receive a container and advance the container along the conveyance pathway. The conveyance constraint can be positioned across the conveyance pathway and include an opening. The conveyance constraint can block containers having a width or height larger than the respective width or height of the opening.

Abstract: A system (500) for distributing a stream of articles (100) at a fix pitch (P) includes a belt assembly (250) with belt segments (252) carrying a stream of articles (100), a sensor assembly (510) with sensors (512), a control system (550) interfacing with the belt assembly (250) and the sensor assembly (510), wherein the sensor assembly (510) provides measurements of initial positions of each article of the stream of articles (100) and transmits the measurements to the control system (550), wherein the control system (550) utilizes the measurements to determine deficits of the initial positions to final positions for each article based on a predefined pitch value (P), and wherein the control system (550) controls a speed of the plurality of belt segments (252) to provide the final positions for each article according to the predefined pitch value (P).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for external mobility systems for heavy machinery and equipment. In one embodiment, an example system may include a first module, a second module coupled to the first module, and a third module coupled to the first module and the second module. Systems may include an air bearing system disposed under the third module, where the air bearing system is configured to apply an upward force on the third module, and an air supply coupled to the air bearing system. The upward force on the third module may reduce a static friction of the third module with respect to a floor surface by at least 90%, such that the third module can slide from a default position to an expanded position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for elevators for material handling shuttles. In one embodiment, an example system configured to change elevation of a shuttle may include an elevator track disposed between a loading zone and an unloading zone, and a platform coupled to the elevator track and configured to move between the loading zone and the unloading zone. The platform may be configured to engage with a lower surface of the shuttle at the loading zone. The platform may be configured to lift the shuttle off a first set of rails at the loading zone, and to position the shuttle onto a second set of rails at the unloading zone.

Abstract: Item singulation systems and methods may include an input conveyor, a vision system, and an output conveyor that receives items from the input conveyor. The vision system may determine individual columns of items from among a plurality of items on the input conveyor. Operations of the input conveyor and output conveyor may be controlled substantially as a pull system to transfer individual columns of items to the output conveyor, such that singulated items can be transferred by the output conveyor to downstream processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for wireless powering and control of conveyors on shuttles. An example system may include a track, and a shuttle configured to move along the track, the shuttle having a conveyor, and a first induction coil. The system may include a second induction coil disposed at a first location along the track, where the second induction coil is configured to interact with the first induction coil to power the conveyor. The shuttle may not have an onboard power source coupled to the conveyor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for wireless powering and control of conveyors on shuttles. An example system may include a track, and a shuttle configured to move along the track, the shuttle having a conveyor, and a first induction coil. The system may include a second induction coil disposed at a first location along the track, where the second induction coil is configured to interact with the first induction coil to power the conveyor. The shuttle may not have an onboard power source coupled to the conveyor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for retractable rail components for container shuttle rails. In one embodiment, an example system for a shuttle may include a linear rail segment, and a first retractable rail segment assembly disposed adjacent to the linear rail segment. The first retractable rail segment assembly may include a first rail segment configured to move vertically from a first position aligned with the linear rail segment to a second position that is retracted with respect to the linear rail segment, and a first actuator configured to push the first rail segment from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for automated container retrieval and delivery systems. In one embodiment, an example container handling system may include a platform, a first rotatable arm disposed on a lower side of the platform, where the first rotatable arm is offset from a front end of the platform, a motor configured to rotate the first rotatable arm from a first position to a second position, and a first wheel disposed at a distal end of the first rotatable arm. The container handling system may be configured to raise a container from an angled position to a horizontal position, and the container may be in the horizontal position when the first rotatable arm is in the second position.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for multimodal asynchronous transportation. In one embodiment, an example system may include a portable conveyor assembly configured to receive one or more items, the portable conveyor assembly including a conveyor belt, a drive motor, and a magnet. The portable conveyor assembly may be configured to couple to an item sortation system to receive sorted items, and to couple to a vehicle for transportation of the portable conveyor assembly from the item sortation system to a different system of a fulfillment center.