With Means For Selectively Charging A Plurality Of Receptacles From A Single Source, Or Selectively Discharging A Plurality Of Receptacles To A Single Destination Patents (Class 414/268)
  • Patent number: 11932501
    Abstract: A containerized robotic system is disclosed. The containerized robotic system includes a base having a first attachment area configured to securely mount a robot and a second attachment area configured to securely mount a compressor, the base further including a set of one or more channels to provide an electrical connection to supply power to the robot and the compressor, respectively, and to provide compressed air from the compressor to the robot, a detachable superstructure configured to be removably connected to the base to define an enclosed space of sufficient size to accommodate at least the robot and the compressor, and a power distribution unit secured to the base and coupled to receive electrical power as input and to provide electrical power to the robot and the compressor via the set of one or more channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Dexterity, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Lam Hau
  • Patent number: 11927958
    Abstract: An automatic traveling vehicle includes a vehicle structure including a first top plate, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to execute a storage mode when a storage execution condition is satisfied. The storage mode includes a storage posture formation process of causing the vehicle to automatically travel so as to take a predetermined storage posture together with a counterpart automatic traveling vehicle. In the storage posture, the vehicle is in a superposition state in which the vehicle overlaps with the counterpart vehicle in a plan view, or a parallel state in which the vehicle is lined up with the counterpart vehicle while the first top plate and a second top plate of the counterpart vehicle are standing and facing each other so as to be parallel to or substantially parallel to a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuta Maniwa, Tetsuya Kanata, Yozo Iwami, Yuhei Katsumata, Daisaku Honda, Saki Narita, Hideki Fukudome, Takuya Watabe, Naoko Ichikawa, Yuki Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 11738418
    Abstract: A fastener delivery arrangement includes a cylindrical sleeve member having first and second ends and an elongated relief extending between outer and inner walls and at least partially between the first and second ends of the sleeve member and in communication with the second end of the sleeve member and configured to receive a plurality of fasteners therethrough, a ram member having a circular cross-section and slidably movable within an interior space between a first position where the ram member is removed from covering the relief and a second position where the ram member covers the relief, a feed assembly configured to provide fasteners to the interior space, a cylinder assembly configured to actuate the ram member between the first and second positions, and a fastener receiver configured to receive the fasteners forced from the interior space of the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Air Way Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Ammond, Douglas E. Wilson, Anthony John Grech
  • Patent number: 11613428
    Abstract: An adjustable pitch unscrambler that can adjust the pitch to accommodate boards having different widths, and method of using the adjustable pitch unscrambler to singulate boards in a lumber processing facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: AD SERVICES OF ARKANSAS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Monroe Tinsley, James L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11518616
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for collection of products, the system comprising: at least one carrier (8) for carrying products (40); a collection point (14), at which collection point a user (10) of the system can remove products from the carrier; and a transporter arrangement (16, 20) for transporting the carrier to the collection point; wherein the system is arranged to physically inhibit (42) removal of the carrier by the user from the collection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Pompen, Henk Niemansverdriet
  • Patent number: 11404885
    Abstract: A battery system with a large-format Li-ion battery pack powers attached equipment by discharging battery cells distributed among a plurality of battery packs. A limp home notification is generated from a smart lithium-ion battery pack to one or more application devices using an analog signal. The battery pack may provide broadcast messages over electronic communication lines, that includes state of charge (SoC), fault status, etc. which can be read by one or more application devices to enter limp home mode. In another example, a “fully charged” notification is generated from the smart lithium-ion battery pack to one or more application devices using an analog signal. The end device powered by the battery pack system receives and reacts to the outputted fully charged signal by modifying the state of the circuitry on the end device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Inventus Power, Inc.
    Inventors: William Tenorio, Anvin Joe Manadan
  • Patent number: 11352016
    Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system (1) comprising a storage grid structure (104) and multiple container handling vehicles (200,300), the storage grid structure comprises vertical column profiles (102) defining multiple storage columns (105), in which storage containers (106) can be stored one on top of another in vertical stacks (107), and at least one transfer column (119,120), the column profiles are interconnected at their upper ends by top rails (110,111) forming a horizontal top rail grid (108) upon which the container handling vehicles (200,300) may move in two perpendicular directions, the container handling vehicles are able to retrieve storage containers (106) from, and store storage containers in, the storage columns (105), and transport the storage containers on the storage grid structure, wherein the storage grid structure (104) comprises at least one horizontal transfer section (2); and the storage system comprises multiple container transfer vehicles (6) and transfer rails (110?,111
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventor: Trond Austrheim
  • Patent number: 11167960
    Abstract: A gantry crane for a container includes a portal main frame, a traveling mechanism, a translation mechanism, a hoisting mechanism and a spreader assembly. The spreader assembly includes a spreader body, two telescopic girders and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a cam, a sliding way and two sliding blocks. Two arc-shaped first sliding grooves are circumferentially provided on the cam. A middle of the sliding way is rotatably connected with the cam. Two sides of connection of the sliding way and the cam on the sliding way are provided with a second sliding groove. Each sliding block matches with the first and second sliding grooves, and can slide back and forth along them. The telescopic beams are slidably connected to the spreader body, and are symmetrically provided and connected to the sliding blocks, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zeqiang Zhang, Peiyu Xu, Silu Liu, Mengke Xie, Yu Zhang, Feng Chen
  • Patent number: 10941000
    Abstract: A method of processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of a plurality of objects and directing the plurality of objects toward an input area from at least one input conveyance system, acquiring an object from the plurality of objects at the input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, and moving the acquired object toward an identified processing location using the programmable motion device. The identified processing location is associated with the identifying indicia and the identified processing location is provided as one of a plurality of processing locations along a first direction. The step of moving the acquired object includes moving the programmable motion device along a second direction that is substantially parallel with the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, William Hartman Fort, Christopher Geyer, Victoria Hinchey, Jennifer Eileen King, Thomas Koletschka, Michael Cap Koval, Kyle Maroney, Matthew T. Mason, William Chu-Hyon McMahan, Gene Temple Price, Joseph Romano, Daniel Smith, Siddhartha Srinivasa, Prasanna Velagapudi, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 10793355
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage system has at least one storage module having a shelving system, a conveyor, and a robotic transport system. The shelving system has a plurality of shelves that are spaced from one another along a vertical direction and that define a plurality of inventory storage locations. The conveyor is positioned alongside the shelving system and is configured to convey inventory items along a longitudinal direction. The robotic transport system is positioned alongside the shelving system and spaced above the conveyor along the vertical direction. The robotic transport system has a track, and a trolley that translates along the track and that includes a robotic manipulator. The trolley moves the robotic manipulator along the track to a position that is adjacent a select one of the inventory storage locations so as to stow an inventory item to, or retrieve the item from, the select storage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Douglas Garcia, Martin Peter Aalund, Jon Stuart Battles, William Kalm
  • Patent number: 10773889
    Abstract: A method of fulfilling orders in a warehouse with an order fulfillment area comprising the steps—storing slow-moving items in a first storage comprising mobile shelf units, automated transportation of slow-moving items needed for order fulfillment on the mobile shelf units from the first storage to an unloading station, where at least one of the slow-moving items needed for a certain order is manually transferred into a receptacle, routing of the receptacles directly to picking stations if needed right away, otherwise routing of the receptacles to a second storage and storing the receptacles therein. When all of the items to complete an order are available and/or are stored in the second storage, retrieving the receptacles containing items for fulfillment of the certain order and transporting to one of the picking stations for specific item retrieval for fulfilling the certain order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Dematic GmbH
    Inventor: Shin Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10723545
    Abstract: The present invention corresponds to materials storage devices; specifically to a specialized container for the storing of granulated raw materials and its operations support base; which has been created in response to the need of storing granulated raw materials, preferably silica meant to be used in, preferably but not limited to, petroleum wells; and which is fitted with specific modifications that facilitate both the loading and discharge of said raw materials in a shorter time lapse than that displayed by conventional technologies. The invention's preferred configuration contemplates the setting up of three containers on top of the operations support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventors: Eddy Kornelsen, Jose Eliseo Meraz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10710801
    Abstract: A pallet storage system and method are provided. A rack for storing pallets loaded with goods is constructed with a corresponding pair of left and right rails. Carts for supporting the pallets ride on those rails. The rails can have an I-beam shape cross section, include a lower horizontal wall, a vertical wall extending up from the lower horizontal wall and an upper horizontal wall at the top of the vertical wall. The lower and upper horizontal walls include an outer flange extending from the vertical wall in a sideways direction away from the corresponding other rail and an inner flange, extending sideways towards the corresponding other rail. The carts can nest, until loaded and the front of the carts can be flush at the front of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Frazier Industrial Company
    Inventors: Domenick Iellimo, Aaron Iellimo
  • Patent number: 10661992
    Abstract: A material handling system automatically each picking orders using a put wall. A controller determines whether any of more than one removable intermediate holders in a put wall that are within the reach of a first robotic arm contain one or more articles that are ready for transporting away from the put wall. The controller directs the first robotic arm to: (i) engage the selected removable intermediate holder, (ii) move the selected removable intermediate holder to an empty order container, and (iii) reorient the selected removable intermediate holder to transfer the one or more articles from the selected removable intermediate holder to the empty order container. In one or more embodiments, the articles can be placed in the put wall by conveying donor totes to an each picking robotic arm that places picked articles into an end effector of a second robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Wicks, David E. Franklin, Thomas Michael Ferner
  • Patent number: 10586418
    Abstract: Provided herein is a system for automated dispensing of articles. Systems may include: a robotic arm; an end-of-arm tool attached to the robotic arm; a scanning device proximate the end-of-arm tool; and a controller to control the robotic arm and the end-of-arm tool. The end-of-arm tool may include a body and two or more vacuum cups extending from the body, where the controller controls a level of suction provided to each of the two or more vacuum cups individually. Each of the two or more vacuum cups extending from the body may be movable between a retracted position proximate the body, and an extended position away from the body of the end-of-arm tool in response to instruction from the controller. Suction may be provided only to the vacuum cups of the two or more vacuum cups that are disposed in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn T. Greyshock, Patrick Joseph Braun, William B. Pattison
  • Patent number: 10532388
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a bending press for bending metal sheets, having a top beam and a lower beam, as well as two drawers. The drawers are arranged at both sides of the lower beam as well as within the bending press housing itself and are designed to selectively house bending tools and other parts within the drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: BYSTRONIC LASER AG
    Inventors: Friedemann Seibert, Raymond Arndt, Karsten Trutvetter
  • Patent number: 10489555
    Abstract: A kiosk includes a processor configured to receive, from a user interface device, medication information and determine, via a database, that medication associated with the medication information satisfies criteria. The processor is also configured to receive, from a first camera, an image of the medication and to determine that the image of the medication satisfies a visual criterion. The processor is further configured to receive, from the scale, a weight of the medication and to determine that the weight of the medication satisfies an expected weight criterion. The processor is also configured to cause a display to display an indication that the medication satisfies the criteria based at least in part on the determination that the image of the medication satisfies the visual criterion and the determination that the weight of the medication satisfies the expected weight criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: QUALANEX, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Cano, Donald W. Stark, Alan Lewis Dubois, Dan Ezell
  • Patent number: 10384872
    Abstract: A material handling system automatically each picking orders using a put wall. A controller determines whether any of more than one removable intermediate holders in a put wall that are within the reach of a first robotic arm contain one or more articles that are ready for transporting away from the put wall. The controller directs the first robotic arm to: (i) engage the selected removable intermediate holder, (ii) move the selected removable intermediate holder to an empty order container, and (iii) reorient the selected removable intermediate holder to transfer the one or more articles from the selected removable intermediate holder to the empty order container. In one or more embodiments, the articles can be placed in the put wall by conveying donor totes to an each picking robotic arm that places picked articles into an end effector of a second robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Wicks, David E. Franklin, Thomas Michael Ferner
  • Patent number: 9913535
    Abstract: A locker system includes a body, a driving unit, and a computer unit. The body includes a casing, a separating plate, horizontal plates, vertical plates and covering plates. The separating plate is disposed inside the casing to form an accommodating space and a storage space. The horizontal plates and the vertical plates are disposed inside the accommodating space and cooperate with the casing to form accommodating subspaces. Each covering plate is pivoted to the casing. The driving unit connects to the horizontal plates and the vertical plates. The computer unit obtains the size of an object. When the size of the object exceeds a preset size, the computer unit sends a driving signal to the driving unit, and the driving unit controls at least one horizontal plate or at least one vertical plate to move into the storage space according to the driving signal to accommodate the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tsang-Gang Lin, Chen-Jyh Fan, Ching-Tsung Cheng, Chao-Hui Tu, Yung-Ping Tien
  • Patent number: 9230387
    Abstract: A robotic retail wall is presented allowing for the dispensing of merchandise within a retail location. The robotic wall includes commodity products and robotics that pick and deliver products to consumers in response to input at a kiosk. The robotics and products are separated from a retail space by a transparent barrier, allowing consumers in the retail space to view the actions of the robotics in retrieving a product. Behind the robotic wall is a product stocking area, where commodity products can be added to the robotic wall with assistance from the robotics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: BBY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Chad Stiernagle
  • Patent number: 9176036
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling specimen slides comprises a first module receiving region (18) in which a coverslipping module (100, 200), for coverslipping thin sections arranged on the specimen slides with a coverslipping medium and a coverslipping element, is receivable. A first electrical interface is provided in the first module receiving region (18) for attachment of a coverslipping module (100, 200), this interface being embodied so that by way of it, both a glass coverslipping module (100) for coverslipping with glass wafers and a tape coverslipping module (200) for coverslipping with tapes is attachable. The first module receiving region (18) is furthermore embodied in such a way that a tape coverslipping module (200) or a glass coverslipping module (100) is selectably receivable in it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventor: Markus Berberich
  • Patent number: 9004839
    Abstract: A glass substrate storage and transportation system is provided, including a storage platform and a transportation platform. The storage platform includes a plurality of storage housings for receiving the upright glass substrates. A glass substrate storage platform is also provided. The glass substrate storage and transportation system and the glass substrate storage platform adopt a vertical storage mode to store the glass substrates for solving the technical problems of the space utilization rate being low and the product having defect resulted by the particle pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun Wang
  • Patent number: 8944740
    Abstract: A method and system for handling granular material, such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing in well drilling, is provided. In an operational configuration, a delivery module having conveyors receives and conveys granular material to a delivery location, and one or more mobile storage modules receive, hold and dispense granular material downward to the delivery module. The mobile storage modules comprise a raised, angular container portion for holding granular material. Each module may comprise a rock-over chassis for support against ground. In a transportation configuration, each of the delivery modules and mobile storage modules are separately transportable as semi-trailers. System redundancy features such as hydraulic power packs are also provided for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ty-Crop Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary Teichrob, Scott Mason, Dave Keck, James Easden
  • Patent number: 8827619
    Abstract: It is disclosed a order-picking method and a rack warehouse (10; 100; 200; 308) for order-picking goods stored in load supports (52), particularly on trays, comprising: at least one rack (20; 30) having first and second longitudinal sides (24, 25) and two front faces (22, 23), wherein the rack has at least one rack plane (40-44), wherein each rack plane (40-44) comprises a plurality of rack rows (46), wherein the rack rows (46) are arranged on top of each other and respectively comprise a plurality of rack positions (48) arranged side-by-side; at least one rack feeder (33) for each rack plane (40-44) comprising at least one load suspension device for the purpose of storing and retrieving load supports (52) into or from the rack positions (48) of a rack plane (40-44), wherein the rack feeder can travel in horizontal and vertical directions (37, 35) along the first longitudinal side (25) of the rack (20, 30), in order to store and retrieve load supports (52) in or from its rack plane (40-44); and several vertic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: SSI Schafer Noell GmbH Lager—und Systemtechnik
    Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
  • Patent number: 8721252
    Abstract: A work aligning system capable of easily altering the kind of works to be aligned. The work aligning system (1) comprises a storage device (10) in which nuts (11) are stored, a take-out base (30) on which the nuts (11) are placed, and a robot (20) for grasping and taking out the nuts from the take-out base (30) and aligning the nuts. An electromagnet (53) is provided at the tip end of the robot arm (23) of the robot (20). The storage device (10) is equipped with a plurality of buckets (131-134) in which nuts (11) of different kinds are stored, and a feed screw mechanism (14) for moving one bucket selected from the plurality of buckets (131-134) to a position near the take-out base (30). The take-out base (30) is equipped with a part (31) on which the nuts (11) are placed and a drive device (32) for discharging the nuts (11) on the part (31) to one bucket selected from the plurality of buckets (131-134).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Osada, Kenichi Asamizu, Hirofumi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8707658
    Abstract: A method and a work station for order-picking and simultaneously packing articles onto a shipping support includes at least one rack which is divided into at least one rack plane respectively comprising a plurality of rack positions for storing load supports, wherein the articles to be picked are stored preferably in or on the load supports in rack positions; at least one vertical lift unit arranged adjacent to a longitudinal side of the rack and being adapted to retrieve load supports from such rack positions being adjacent to the lift unit; and at least a packing station, which is arranged within an immediate area of the lift unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: SSI Schafer Noell GmbH Lager- und Systemtechnik
    Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20140017044
    Abstract: A system for assembling and dispensing an order made up of one or more individually packaged items from a plurality of different individually packaged items includes a storage module containing one or more packages of each of the items, and a conveyor having selectively assignable spaces configured to receive the packaged items associated with a particular order and to transport the packaged items to a processing location. A pick device is movable relative to the storage module and is configured to retrieve a package from the storage module. A transfer station adjacent the conveyor receives one or more of the packaged items from the pick device and an actuator associated with the transfer station moves the packaged items from the transfer station to the conveyor when the assigned space associated with the order is in registration with the transfer station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: ATS AUTOMATION TOOLING SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Kimberly Hawkes, Christopher J. Fisher, Justin J. Clark, Richard W. Snodgrass, Steven D. Hoenig, Roger J. Gerdeman, Wyatt Culbertson
  • Patent number: 8491249
    Abstract: A storage system (100) and a method for storing container articles (2) such as bottles or syringes, the system (100) is of a type associable to at least a supply line (1) of the container articles (2). The system (100) comprises: at least a support member (7, 8, 9) arranged adjacent to the supply line (1), which support member (7, 8, 9) affords a plurality of seatings (14) arranged side-by-side in order each to receive a plurality of container articles (2); and means (6) for picking-up a group of container articles (2) from the supply line (1) and for positioning the group of container articles (2) in a corresponding seating of the support member (7, 8, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 8480347
    Abstract: An order-picking system and method includes a pallet warehouse (12), preferably in terms of a high-bay warehouse, being used as a supply warehouse dedicated to a plurality of, preferably different, packing units (40) which are stored, preferably by one sort only, on pallets (14) in the pallet warehouse (12); a tray warehouse (24) which is used as a picking buffer for supplying connected order-picking stations with packing units (40), wherein trays (38) are stored in the tray warehouse which have been loaded with a pallet layer of packing units (40) before; a conveyor (22) which transports from the pallet warehouse to the tray warehouse trays (38) which are respectively loaded with a pallet layer of packing units, particularly across longer distances; and at least a rack-transport unit (36) for trays (38), the rack-transport unit allowing receipt of a plurality of trays being respectively loaded with a pallet layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
  • Patent number: 8417373
    Abstract: An automatic warehouse comprises: a support structure (2) for supporting trays (50) each provided with at least a container cell (51) exhibiting an opening (52); an operating station (3), which is provided with an access opening (4) and is predisposed for receiving at least a tray (50) such that an opening of the container cell (51) faces the access opening (4); the operating station (3) being provided with a cover (5, 6), which cover (5, 6) is mobile on command between an open position, which enables access to the container cell (51) of the tray (50) and a closed position, which prevents access to the container cell (51); a manipulator device (7) to remove and transfer at least a tray (50) from the support structure (2) to the operating station (3), and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: HEN S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ivan Clo′
  • Patent number: 8288989
    Abstract: A method for managing charge of a plurality of battery-driven AGVs (automated guided vehicles) circulating on the main route provided with an automatic charge station includes: a first step of detecting, using an AGV, a marker for battery voltage check provided on a main route to measure the voltage of a battery of the AGV; a second step of changing the route of the AGV to advance it into a charge route provided in an automatic charge station, stopping the AGV in a charging position, and charging the battery automatically by using an automatic charger, if the measured battery voltage has lowered to a level requiring charging; and a third step of conveying the AGV that has been automatically charged to a standby place provided in the automatic charge station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Baba
  • Patent number: 8113758
    Abstract: A storage rack comprises a plurality of slacked supporting ledges each spaced away from each other arranged in pairs on facing sidewalls for receiving plate-type carriers for stored articles. Storage and retrieval of the carriers in the storage rack is provided by a transport device. The supporting ledges are a snaked press fit in the sheet metal of the sidewalls and the sidewalls are secured to upright rack stanchions. To define a storage rack ensuring exact positioning of the supporting ledges, it is proposed that the rack stanchions comprise horizontally protruding pegs engaging cavities in the supporting ledges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hanel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl-Bruno Hanel
  • Patent number: 8092140
    Abstract: A container storage and retrieval system (1) has first, second and third storage zones (2, 3, 4) for storing containers. The first storage zone (2) stores containers of product in frames (6), each frame (6) including a plurality of stacks (7) of containers. The second storage zone (3) stores containers of product in stacks (7). An automated retrieval system retrieves selected stacks of containers from the second storage zone (3) and replenishes the second zone (3) with containers by receiving frames (6). The third storage zone (4) includes a second automated retrieval system for retrieving selected partial stacks or stacks of containers, and replenishing the third storage zone with containers by receiving stacks from the second storage zone. Orders are collated by transferring a required number of complete frames (6) from the first storage zone (2), a required number of complete stacks (7) from the second storage zone (3) and a required number of stacks (7) or partial stacks from the third zone (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bakvertisi Limited
    Inventors: John Russell Baker, Sandra Louise Tulisi, Alan Sydney Calvert
  • Patent number: 8061504
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for extracting parts from a general-purpose storage for various vehicle models, the apparatus including a synchronization bar and a driving bar, which transfer driving force by a pneumatic cylinder for providing power of linear reciprocating movement, and an automatic part dropping unit that drops the parts placed on a plurality of plates rotated by the rotation of a plurality of shafts configured to be rotated by the transferred driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kyung Chan Wi
  • Patent number: 7991505
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting and combining packages in an outbound container by employing autonomous transfer and transport vehicles which move on a network of roadways to carry a plurality of individual cases each containing the same kind of product from a loading station and to a destination station where individual packages are combined in the outbound container. The travel of each vehicle through the roadway network is computer controlled, and each vehicle includes means for automatically loading and unloading packages from predetermined locations on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: CasePick Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John G. Lert, Jr., Foster D. Hinshaw
  • Patent number: 7963384
    Abstract: An automated case order preparation system including a crane for transporting groups of depalletized product cases to temporary storage on shelving, and to a plurality of gravity-powered case guides, for accumulating and dispensing cases to fulfill client order pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: 3584925 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 7857161
    Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Asteres, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda J. Pinney, John A. Beane, Angus R. Colson, David R. Williams, Keith Kopitzke, Keith W. Reynolds, Erik Howard Barnes
  • Patent number: 7775756
    Abstract: A bucket carrier for carrying buckets (2) to store them in each storage shelf of a cart (4), the bucket carrier comprising a holding means (20) for holding buckets (2), and carrier means (28) for carrying the buckets (2) held by the holding means (20) to each storage shelf (49) of the cart (4). The arrangement is such that the holding means (20) and a transfer means (49) are drive-controlled so that the buckets (2) are stored in the storage shelves (49) obliquely from above. Thereby, the buckets (2) can be automatically stored in the cart (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Koike, Hiroyuki Koshio, Tatsuaki Kunimoto, Takashi Itou
  • Patent number: 7722307
    Abstract: A system for controlling stocked items to be picked in a warehouse. The system has a first support assembly upon which a plurality of items can be stored in a predetermined array, including a plurality of rows, and from which stored items can be picked from a first location. The first support assembly has at least (a) a first state with no item upon the first support assembly, (b) a second state with at least one item in at least one of the rows and no items in another of the rows and (c) a third state with at least one item in each of the plurality of rows. The system includes a repositioning assembly that is operable to cause an item upon the first support assembly to be shifted from a first position in a first row to a second position in a second row. An item upon the first support assembly is situated to be more accessible to an operator for picking from the first location with the item in the second position than with the item in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Daifuku America Corporation
    Inventor: Steven G. Bell
  • Patent number: 7673743
    Abstract: A conveyor conveys sheets and deposits the sheets at a location to be stacked. The conveyor includes a sensor for determining the presence of a sheet before the sheet arrives at the location. A controller is coupled to the sensor and responsive to sensor inputs for controlling a movable support for projecting into a projected orientation to receive the sheets as the sheets exit the conveyor. The movable support moves to a retracted orientation to assist a stack to be withdrawn therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Padana AG
    Inventors: Arlington D. Ruff, Clifford A. Ruff, Jürgen F. Trost
  • Publication number: 20080279657
    Abstract: A handling apparatus for information storage disks includes a conveying apparatus and a mounting base. The conveying apparatus includes a body, a conveying arm, a transmission device and a driving device. The body includes an arm holder. The arm holder has a guide channel. The guide channel includes a transverse passage and a longitudinal passage. The conveying arm is movably mounted in the arm holder and moves along the guide channel. The transmission device connects the driving device to the conveying arm so that the driving device moves the conveying arm in the guide channel. When the conveying arm moves in the transverse passage, the conveying arm has at least one linear self-alignment for positioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Ming-Hsun Liu, Zong-Wei Dong
  • Patent number: 7331440
    Abstract: An automated order mixing system includes a mixing sub-system having a plurality of angled vertically stacked product guides feeding a mixing conveyor whereon a client's order of product cases is processed, the vertical stacking enabling the creation of a number of product feed paths within a relatively small floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel R. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 7329081
    Abstract: An automated apparatus suitable for transporting containers arranged in a row of stacks or partial stacks includes an overhead gantry system. The overhead gantry system has a moveable support for supporting at least one stack or partial stack of containers and moving them along the row. The gantry system also has an engagement device such as arms which are moveable transverse to the row independently of the support between a first position in which the engagement device can engage with a required container in the row, and a second position in which the engagement device and antcontainers engaged therewith are above the support to allow the containers to be placed either on the support or on another partial stack supported by the support. The support can travel along the row when the engagement device is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Bakvertisi Limited
    Inventors: John Russell Baker, Alan Sydney Calvert, Sandra Louise Tulisi
  • Patent number: 6971833
    Abstract: The invention relates to an order picking system (1) with at least one automatic commissioning machine (2) having article racks (3) in which channels (4) for articles are positioned which are inclined in relation to the horizontal. Said channels comprise an article stop element and an article distributing device on their lower longitudinal ends and can be filled with new articles at their other, higher longitudinal ends on the rack loading side (B). The order picking system provided for in the invention is characterized in that a movable rack steering unit (5) has an article handling device (51) which is mobile in three dimensions and has an article stack retaining device (52) which can contain a vertical stack of articles and can be positioned vertically at each higher longitudinal end of an article channel (4) on the rack loading side (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Knapp Logistik Automation GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Freudelsperger, Manfred Preiss
  • Patent number: 6883681
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing system (10) for storing and dispensing pre-packaged pharmaceutical products (12) and other products. The system includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product conveyors (16) mounted within the cabinet and each configured for holding at least one product; an infeed conveyor (18) for receiving products that are to be stored in the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for receiving products that are to be dispensed from the cabinet; and a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the product conveyors and the infeed and outfeed conveyors for storing products in or dispensing products from the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: ScriptPro LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Arpita Banerjee, Lawrence E. Guerra, Keith W. Kudera, Ronald A. Leonard, Hamid Massali, David M. McDonald, Fred T. Steinbach, Tim Surgeon
  • Patent number: 6851909
    Abstract: A system for relocating elements within a storage library is provided, the library comprising plurality of adjacent horizontal arrays of storage cells and at least one robot that moves along the horizontal arrays and can retrieve objects from and place objects into the storage cells. The present invention comprises a cross-cabinet guide rail that is placed at the end of the adjacent horizontal arrays and serves as a means 1) to move media elements and robots between adjacent arrays of storage cells, 2) to provide an easy access method for the entry and removal of components from the library, and 3) to provide a method for movement of cartridges and robots between separate library enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Campbell, Timothy C. Ostwald
  • Patent number: 6821072
    Abstract: A system for staining and coverslipping specimen slides, having a stainer (1) and a coverslipper (3) that are arranged next to one another. A transfer device (2), which transports racks with specimen slides from the stainer (1) to the coverslipper (3), is provided between the stainer (1) and the coverslipper (3). Transport is automated so that operation by the user is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Thiem, Anton Lang, Heinz Plank
  • Publication number: 20040213649
    Abstract: A distribution installation for products (11) arranged in compartments (10, 10′) with transport means (13) for transferring the products (11) from said compartments (10, 10′) to a dispensing hatch (5). Said transport means (13) comprise a deformable reception means (29) which are connected to at least a first and a second attachment element (30, 31). The attachment elements (30, 31) can move relative to each so that the reception means (29) have at least a reception position in which said products (11) are transferred from said compartments (10, 10′) to the reception means (29), and a delivery position in which products (11) are transferred from the receiving means (29) to said dispensing hatch (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Jozef Robrechts
  • Publication number: 20040208731
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage system (1) with a storage region (2, 3), in which storage material may be stored, with an access region (16), physically removed from the storage system, in which access to the storage material for deposition or withdrawal of storage material (4) can be achieved, and a transport means (11), by means of which the storage material can be transported between the access region (16) and storage region (2, 3). According to the invention, an unauthorised removal of storage material may be prevented, whereby an access control system is provided, by means of which access to the storage material support (6, 7) in the access region (16) is permitted or blocked depending on an access authorisation of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: James V Evans, Timothy Robey, Paul Roy
  • Publication number: 20040191031
    Abstract: A container directing apparatus for directing containers carried by a conveyor, includes a lifting device for lifting the containers off of the conveyor. A moving apparatus moves the container off of the lifting device. The lifting device can include a lifting surface which can be inclined upward in the direction of container travel, such that containers move up onto the lifting surface. The lifting surface can then be leveled prior to moving the containers off of the lifting device. A container storage and delivery system and a method for storing and delivering containers are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Frederick J. Stingel, Jeffrey W. Stingel