Inclined Members Patents (Class 414/276)
-
Patent number: 11389012Abstract: An automated multi-dispenser and multi-replenisher of products for concurrent loading and unloading of products that simplifies existing systems, consisting of an elongated structure (1) which supports several central shelving units (2) with a set of inclined shelves (3) arranged at different heights one below the other and one next to the other, comprising a plurality of horizontal shelves (5) at each longitudinal side of the elongated structure (1); at least one rear loading subsystem in the form of a cart (6), which travels over these lateral shelving units (4) in order to leave the products on the highest section of the inclined shelves (3); at least one front unloading subsystem in the form of a cart (7), which collects the products from the lowest section of the inclined shelves (3), where the carts (6) and (7) also cover a plurality of inclined channels (8) including a support (9).Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Inventor: Jorge Benitez Torres
-
Patent number: 11167849Abstract: Examples relate to modular cargo handling. An example system for positioning and securing cargo includes a pair of rails extending longitudinally in a parallel configuration. The system includes floor beams coupled between coupling links (e.g., sets of wheels) that removably couple to the pair of rails such that each floor beam can move along the length of the rails with less friction. Each floor beam can include one or more coupling points that can be used to secure units of cargos to the floor beams.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Max U. Kismarton, Robert Erik Grip, Ted K. Rothaupt
-
Patent number: 10974900Abstract: An item picking and replenishment method is provided. According to the item picking and replenishment method, an item position corresponding to at least one item is output according to an order by a host, and the item position is received by a processing unit of a picking vehicle. A moving signal is generated by the processing unit according to a current position of the picking vehicle and the item position. A rotary encoder of the picking vehicle is used to move the picking vehicle to the item position according to the moving signal. The item is obtained from a shelf by an insertion fork of the picking vehicle. The insertion fork is disposed on a placement layer of a placement shelf, and the placement layer is a tilted layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Chen-Jyh Fan, Wan-Ru Huang
-
Patent number: 10940998Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for storing or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a path to/from the destination areas that are positioned along the path. The destination areas are configured such that the destination areas have a depth to accommodate a plurality of containers in a horizontal line one behind another. The containers may be releasable interconnected so that retrieving one of the interconnected containers displaces one or more connected containers.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: OPEX CorporationInventors: Joseph Valinsky, Robert R. DeWitt, Alexander Stevens, Dhruva Kumar
-
Patent number: 10913612Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Berkshire Grey, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Kevin Ahearn, John Richard Amend, Jr., Benjamin Cohen, Michael Dawson-Haggerty, William Hartman Fort, Christopher Geyer, 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: 10913599Abstract: A picking rack is provided, including a frame having at least one inclined pallet. The inclined pallet includes a pair of fork plates for picking up goods and a blocking mechanism for fixing loaded goods to the inclined pallet. Therefore, the labor cost of picking up goods is reduced, and the goods picking up efficiency is increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Chen-Jyh Fan, Wan-Ru Huang, Wen-Hsin Lin
-
Patent number: 10839347Abstract: A product order fulfillment system includes multiple decks arrayed at different levels and defining multilevel decks, at least one autonomous transport vehicle on each of the decks, and configured for holding and transporting a pickface on each deck, at least one lift, traversing and connecting more than one level of the decks, and arranged for lifting and lowering the pickface from the decks, and at least one pickface transfer station on each deck interfacing between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift to effect transfer of the pickface between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift, the at least one lift defines a fulfillment stream of mixed case pickfaces outbound from the multilevel decks to a load fill, at least one stream of the fulfillment stream has an ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces wherein the ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces is based on another fulfilment stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Symbotic LLCInventors: Kirill K. Pankratov, Juergen D. Conrad, Robert Hsiung, Larry M. Sweet
-
Patent number: 10815060Abstract: A buffer (1) for paper cores comprises: a structure (2); a plurality of planes (5), arranged one over the other for accumulating cores; a mechanism (6) for feeding the cores associated with the planes (5) to provide the cores being fed; a first device (11) for transferring cores by the mechanism (6) to one of the planes (5), the first device (11) being interposed between the mechanism (6) and the planes (5) and being movable from one plane (5) to another in order to transfer the cores to the latter; a mechanism (16) associated with the planes (5) in order to discharge the accumulated cores; a second transferring device (21), interposed between the planes (5) and the mechanism (16), for transferring cores from the planes (5) to the mechanism (16), the second device (21) being movable from one plane (5) to another in order to empty the planes (5).Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: GAMBINI S.p.A.Inventors: Giovanni Buffa, Fabio Picchi
-
Patent number: 10752441Abstract: A storage system having side-by-side dual pallet bays is provided. The system includes a single level or stacked multilevel storage bay. Each bay is defined by a series of vertically extending supports and a central divider for storing two rows of pallets. Preferably, there are no vertical supports extending up from the central divider. Rails are provided on both sides of each row for supporting pallets and for pallet transportation/inventory carts to travel under the pallets. The front of the bay should be configured for access by a dual-four forklift, to insert and remove two pallets from the bay at a time.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Frazier Industrial CompanyInventors: Domenick Iellimo, Aaron Iellimo
-
Patent number: 10521767Abstract: A product order fulfillment system includes multiple decks arrayed at different levels and defining multilevel decks, at least one autonomous transport vehicle on each of the decks, and configured for holding and transporting a pickface on each deck, at least one lift, traversing and connecting more than one level of the decks, and arranged for lifting and lowering the pickface from the decks, and at least one pickface transfer station on each deck interfacing between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift to effect transfer of the pickface between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift, the at least one lift defines a fulfillment stream of mixed case pickfaces outbound from the multilevel decks to a load fill, at least one stream of the fulfillment stream has an ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces wherein the ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces is based on another fulfillment stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Symbotic, LLCInventors: Kirill K. Pankratov, Juergen D. Conrad, Robert Hsiung, Larry M. Sweet
-
Patent number: 10336541Abstract: The invention is an automated storage and retrieval system. Positionable objects are stored in columns within a frame. When a user requests an object, the objects are selectively relocated until the requested object is brought to an access point. The objects are relocated by planar motion mechanisms attached to the walls of the frame. When not moving, the objects are suspended from mountings that extend from the same walls that the planar motion mechanisms are attached to. The mountings are controlled by actuators within the walls. The mountings are retractable to allow the planar motion mechanisms to pass. Each of the objects is supported by more than one mounting so that support is not withdrawn when any one mounting is retracted to allow a planar motion mechanism to pass. The design allows objects to be arranged in more than two columns within an automated storage and retrieval system.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Hall Labs LLCInventors: David R. Hall, Joseph Blanch, Andrew Priddis, Eimi Priddis, Kevin Cheatham, Justin Robinson
-
Patent number: 10317912Abstract: A method including computing coordinated movements for a plurality of autonomous vehicles to provide access to a particular one of the autonomous vehicles, wherein each of the coordinated movements is computed to avoid movement of any one of the autonomous vehicles interfering with movement of any other one of the autonomous vehicles, and the requested access comprises one or more passengers entering into or exiting from the particular one of the autonomous vehicles, and causing the autonomous vehicles to execute autonomously the coordinated movements to provide the requested access. In addition, or alternatively, the requested access may comprise cargo being loaded into or unloaded from the particular one of the autonomous vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Lyft, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Danaher Harvey
-
Patent number: 10317913Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for access associated with a pre-assigned parking space of a particular one of a plurality of autonomous vehicles in a parking area, determining that the pre-assigned parking space of the particular autonomous vehicle has at least one blocking parking space that is pre-assigned to another autonomous vehicle, determining a state of the at least one blocking parking space with respect to the autonomous vehicle pre-assigned to it, and accessing pre-computed coordinated movements for the autonomous vehicles corresponding to the state of the at least one blocking parking space to provide the requested access.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Lyft, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Danaher Harvey
-
Patent number: 10310515Abstract: A method includes causing an autonomous vehicle in a zone controlled by the zone authority to enter a controlled mode of operation according to which the autonomous vehicle follows one or more zone rules for operation of the autonomous vehicle in the zone, causing the autonomous vehicle to follow the zone rules while operating in the zone, and causing the autonomous vehicle to be released from the zone rules and to exit the controlled mode when the autonomous vehicle leaves the zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Lyft, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Danaher Harvey
-
Patent number: 10310514Abstract: A method includes receiving from a client computing device of a user, a request for access to an autonomous vehicle, determining one of a plurality of autonomous vehicles to provide the user access to in response to the request, wherein the determined autonomous vehicle is blocked by one or more other ones of the autonomous vehicles, determining locations of the determined autonomous vehicle and the blocking autonomous vehicles, and computing based on the locations of the determined autonomous vehicle and the blocking autonomous vehicles, coordinated movements to provide access to the determined autonomous vehicle as requested by the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Lyft, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Danaher Harvey
-
Patent number: 10163460Abstract: Techniques for management of movable devices are disclosed. A system receives a request for an operation associated with a position on a rail. The system selects a component on the rail to execute the operation. The system identifies a rail segment that extends from the component's initial position to the position associated with the operation. The system requests a reservation of that rail segment. If the reservation is obtained, then the system applies electrical signals to move the component along the rails segment to the rail position associated with the operation. The system may also identify one or more other components, physical cells, etc. to reserve, in order to complete the operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Michael James Dolbear, Jon Mark Holdman
-
Patent number: 10102496Abstract: A product order fulfillment system includes multiple decks arrayed at different levels and defining multilevel decks, at least one autonomous transport vehicle on each of the decks, and configured for holding and transporting a pickface on each deck, at least one lift, traversing and connecting more than one level of the decks, and arranged for lifting and lowering the pickface from the decks, and at least one pickface transfer station on each deck interfacing between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift to effect transfer of the pickface between the transport vehicle and the at least one lift, the at least one lift defines a fulfillment stream of mixed case pickfaces outbound from the multilevel decks to a load fill, at least one stream of the fulfillment stream has an ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces wherein the ordered sequence of streaming pickfaces is based on another fulfillment stream.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Symbotic, LLCInventors: Kirill K. Pankratov, Juergen D. Conrad, Robert Hsiung, Larry M. Sweet
-
Patent number: 9694975Abstract: A transport system for a storage and retrieval system having an array of storage levels, each storage level having respective storage areas, the transport system including a vertical conveyor having a frame and support shelves movably coupled to the frame, each support shelf being configured to hold one or more uncontained case units in predetermined areas of the support shelf, and transfer vehicles disposed on respective ones of the storage levels, the vertical conveyor having a conveyor to transfer vehicle interface configured to transfer the uncontained case units substantially directly between the support shelves and the transfer vehicles for transport to the storage areas in substantially one transfer vehicle picking operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Symbotic, LLCInventors: John Lert, Stephen C. Toebes, Robert Sullivan, Nathan Ulrich
-
Patent number: 9656803Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including at least one autonomous rover for transferring payload within the system and including a communicator, a multilevel storage structure, each level allowing traversal of the at least one autonomous rover, at least one registration station disposed at predetermined locations on each level and being configured to communicate with the communicator to at least receive rover identification information, and a controller in communication with the at least one registration station and configured to receive the at least rover identification information and at least one of register the at least one autonomous rover as being on a level corresponding to a respective one of the at least one registration station or deregister the at least one autonomous rover from the system, where the controller effects induction of the at least one autonomous rover into a predetermined rover space on the level.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Symbotic, LLCInventors: Forrest Buzan, Edward A. MacDonald, Taylor A. Apgar, Thomas A. Schaefer, Melanie Ziegler, Russell G. Barbour
-
Patent number: 9443748Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a mounting stand, a cover opening and closing unit, a substrate checking unit, a substrate transfer mechanism, a substrate processing unit, and a controller. While the substrate processing unit is processing a substrate within a first substrate accommodation container mounted on the mounting stand, when a second substrate accommodation container is mounted on the mounting stand, the controller provides control to open the cover of a second substrate accommodation container and check a substrate within the second substrate accommodation container by means of the substrate checking unit, and when the substrate checking is terminated, the controller provides control to close the cover of the second substrate accommodation container.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.Inventor: Makoto Shirakawa
-
Patent number: 9390576Abstract: Described herein are a robotic distribution apparatus, system and method. The robotic distribution system may include a Package Delivery Kiosk (PDK), associated frontend and backend package delivery management systems, a package inventory management system. The PDK includes a Robotic Package Lifting Assembly which may be configured to remember the location of packages and slots and provide for automated retrieval and placement of the packages. In an embodiment, a package retrieving apparatus includes a track, a base slidably interconnected with the track, and a vertical support interconnected with the base. The apparatus includes a package picker module oriented on the vertical support to vertically move on the vertical support. The package picker module including a conveyer belt oriented in a plane parallel to the ground and first and second grippers oriented parallel to the conveyer belt to surround and grip an object beyond the surface of the conveyer belt.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Flextronics, AP LLCInventors: Stephen H. Hancock, Norman B. Desrosiers, Eric Fiest, John Rupert
-
Patent number: 9334111Abstract: A conveyor system including a rack having a first level with an input conveyor being moveable with respect to the rack in a first direction of travel, a first storage conveyor being moveable with respect to the rack in a second direction of travel, a second storage conveyor being moveable with respect to the rack in a third direction of travel, and a cross transfer assembly being movable with respect to the input conveyor in both the second direction of travel and the third direction of travel so that the cross transfer assembly moves the object from the input conveyor onto one of the first storage conveyor and the second storage conveyor. The second direction of travel and the third direction of travel are transverse to the first direction of travel.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Datalogic Automation, Inc.Inventor: Peter Hoynash
-
Patent number: 9169068Abstract: Rack storage and retrieval device for a rack storage facility, the rack storage and retrieval device comprising a carriage with a carriage drive to move the carriage on a base, a loading/removing rod that can be displaced by means of a lifting drive transverse to the base, at least one loading drive arranged on the loading/removing rod to load the rack storage facility with goods, and a separating unit for a separate removal of the goods from the rack storage facility.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: DUERKOPP FOERDERTECHNIK GMBHInventors: Michael Wend, Dirk Sieksmeier, Sigurd Völker
-
Patent number: 9139363Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system including a multilevel storage array with storage distributed along multiple aisles. Each aisle of which has a set of storage levels and each level has storage locations distributed along the aisle. The guideway network extending through the multilevel storage array and configured for autonomous vehicles to move along the guideway network within the multilevel storage array. The guideway network including an inter-aisle guideway spanning at least two of the multiple aisles and a set of guideway levels extending in an aisle of the multiple aisles and disposed so that each guideway level is at a different one of the storage levels and the vehicles on the guideway level can access the storage locations distributed along the aisle.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Inventor: John Lert
-
Patent number: 9120630Abstract: A carriage has a pivot frame which receives individual pallets. When full, a latch is released and the frame is pivoted on a base by springs into a position parallel to inclined roller tracks. An operator pushes the carriage along the tracks to an unload station, where a stack of pallets is engaged by ramps leading to elevated roller tracks. Forward movement discharges the stack to the elevated tracks, and the carriage is drawn back to the starting position, where a latch is released to allow the pivot frame to return to its original orientation against the resistance of an air cylinder. A foot latch retains the carriage within the unload station during loading.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Dennis J. Hilgendorf
-
Patent number: 8798784Abstract: Methods and apparatus for robotic induction in materials handling facilities with batch singulation inventory areas are disclosed. A control system directs the one or more robotic devices to transport a particular portable storage unit of a plurality of portable storage units to and from a particular induction station of one or more induction stations. The control system directs induction of one or more single units of items from one or more locations of the portable storage unit, while the particular portable storage unit is located at an induction station, into the conveyance mechanism at the particular induction station. The control system directs picks of batches of heterogeneous items from a separate inventory storage area. The control system directs induction of single units of items from the batches of heterogeneous items picked from the separate inventory storage area into the conveyance mechanism at a batch singulation station.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David H. Clark, Eric Young
-
Patent number: 8739958Abstract: A shipping bay arrangement (1), preferably in an order-picking installation, for accepting and delivering containers (2), with ramps (3) which are arranged next to one another and one above the other, the outlets (A) of which can be reached manually by an operator and on the filling side of which, feeding and filling devices are arranged, wherein the ramps arranged next to one another respectively form a rack level (I, II, III, IV, V) of the shipping rack. A container feeding section (4) leads to a lift (5) of the shipping rack. The lift (5) transports a fed container (2) to a selected rack level, wherein a dedicated rail-guided level conveyor device (6) is provided at each rack level, and receives the fed container (2). The level conveyor device (6) can be made to move transversely in relation to the inlets (E) of the ramps (3) for transporting the fed container (2) to a selected ramp, and for filling the selected ramp with the fed container.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Knapp AGInventor: Karl Freudelsperger
-
Patent number: 8721249Abstract: A method for loading a pack storing device of an order-picking line with packs, particularly packs of one or a plurality of beverage articles, including providing at least one group of packs, particularly a pallet, especially the at least one group of packs comprising packs at least of a single article, particularly beverage article; and manually loading the pack storing device with at least one pack from the at least one group of packs, particularly a pallet, by one or more operators.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Peter Tiebel, Dieter WĂĽnsche
-
Patent number: 8616822Abstract: An automatic system for replenishing display shelves in retail business. The display shelves each including a shelf board having a conveyor belt circulating around the respective shelf board. Each of the display shelves further including a stop bar and a removable fall-off guard at respective front and rear sides of the display shelves to prevent goods from falling off of the display shelves, and wherein the display shelf is designed to cooperate with a shelf-stocking vehicle such that the fall-off guard is automatically opened when the display shelves are refilled by the shelf-stocking vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventor: Walter Winkler
-
Publication number: 20130336750Abstract: Storing vehicle tire casings (4) by providing at least two channels (12) for storing casings, each one having an end stop (22), and a casing conveyor, capable of coming into alignment with any of the channels and containing a platform (32) that can receive a casing. A casing located in the channel is lifted until it is higher than the end stop. The lifting is done by a roller (46), which is mounted in such a way that it can move in the vertical direction in relation to the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventor: Francis Marti
-
Patent number: 8335585Abstract: The invention describes a goods distribution center (1) and a method for its operation for goods (9) to be handled preferably in partitioned storage and transport containers (8) with at least two storage areas (5, 7) for groups of goods with varying turnover frequencies. It comprises an incoming goods area (2), an outgoing goods area (6) and at least one order picking area (4). Conveying devices (10) form for example conveyor belts, roller conveyors, storage and retrieval means (12), e.g. shelf operating devices. Storage devices form e.g. high shelf, flow shelf storage etc. Furthermore, data input and output devices (26) are provided at workstations (18) and connected communicatively with a storage, control and monitoring device (25). The conveying devices (10) of the incoming goods area (2) and the order picking area (4) are in the form of continuous conveying devices (14, 16), which are connected via transfer conveying means (15) to one another and to storage and retrieval means (12).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignees: TGW Logistics Group GmbH, Klug GmbH Integrierte SystemeInventors: Rudolf Hansl, Dieter Klug
-
Patent number: 8286779Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a first and second plurality of substantially vertically spaced shelf assemblies supported by support structure. Each of the shelf assemblies includes a shelf tray for receiving, storing, and discharging containers. Spring biasing structure is provided for urging the shelf to the receiving position. Dampening structure dampens the movement of the shelf between the upwardly tilted receiving position and the downwardly tilted discharge position. A transfer control and transfer control linkage are provided for retaining the shelf when a shelf of a next lower shelf assembly is not prepared to receive a container, and allowing the shelf to move to the discharge position under the weight of a container disposed on the shelf when the shelf of the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. A method for storing and retrieving containers is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Vertique, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Stingel, III, Ernest Emory Devlin, Jr., John Robert French
-
Patent number: 8186928Abstract: An accommodating and transport device for prefabricated steps of an escalator which are reduced in terms of their overall height or prefabricated pallets of a moving walkway includes a frame body separate and independent of the escalator or moving walkway. The frame body includes lateral guide tracks to receive rollers connected to the steps or pallets. The steps or pallets are stackable inside the frame body for transport purposes.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Kone CorporationInventor: René Vlad
-
Patent number: 7993088Abstract: A storage system for storing products is provided that includes a frame having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a dynamic support carried by the frame. A mover assembly is carried by the frame and is configured to engage an area of a product at rest on the dynamic support. The mover assembly moves the product along the dynamic support relative to the frame from a first location near the first side to a second location near the second side.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: The Kroger Co.Inventors: James A. Sonon, Alex W. Myers, Gary Van Hoagland
-
Patent number: 7963383Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a first and second plurality of substantially vertically spaced shelf assemblies supported by support structure. Each of the shelf assemblies includes a shelf tray for receiving, storing, and discharging containers. Spring biasing structure is provided for urging the shelf to the receiving position. Dampening structure dampens the movement of the shelf between the upwardly tilted receiving position and the downwardly tilted discharge position. A transfer control and transfer control linkage are provided for retaining the shelf when a shelf of a next lower shelf assembly is not prepared to receive a container, and allowing the shelf to move to the discharge position under the weight of a container disposed on the shelf when the shelf of the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. A method for storing and retrieving containers is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Vertique, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Stingel, III, Ernest Emory Devlin, Jr., John Robert French
-
Publication number: 20110142582Abstract: A shipping bay arrangement (1), preferably in an order-picking installation, for accepting and delivering containers (2), with ramps (3) which are arranged next to one another and one above the other, the outlets (A) of which can be reached manually by an operator and on the filling side of which, feeding and filling devices are arranged, wherein the ramps arranged next to one another respectively form a rack level (I, II, III, IV, V) of the shipping rack. A container feeding section (4) leads to a lift (5) of the shipping rack. The lift (5) transports a fed container (2) to a selected rack level, wherein a dedicated rail-guided level conveyor device (6) is provided at each rack level, and receives the fed container (2). The level conveyor device (6) can be made to move transversely in relation to the inlets (E) of the ramps (3) for transporting the fed container (2) to a selected ramp, and for filling the selected ramp with the fed container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Karl Freudelsperger
-
Patent number: 7959013Abstract: A telescopic support device for supporting a storage bin for storing mailpieces comprises a first slideway with a first slide on which the bin rests, and a second slideway with a second slide, the first slideway being hinged pivotally on the second slide.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: SolysticInventors: Raymond Chifflet, Olivier De Sousa, Fabrice Eyraud, Pierre Jourdan
-
Publication number: 20100158647Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Daniel R. Lafontaine
-
Patent number: 7682122Abstract: A warehousing system and apparatus for retrieving articles from a preselected storage area containing a quantity of the same and delivering them to a designated area spaced therefrom. A track extends a selected distance along a predetermined path that is offset a selected distance from the stored articles. A motorized carriage is rollingly mounted on the track and has a load carrying support surface thereon on which a payload is accumulated one article after another during the building of such load. A rigid superstructure is carried by the carriage and an extendible and retractable reach is mounted on thereon. A power operated article gripping assembly is carried by the reach for grasping articles one at a time in the storage area and loading them in sequence onto the carriage for delivery to the designated area.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Inventors: Michael D. Maynard, Richard C. Young, Ronald E. Ward
-
Patent number: 7553118Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving loaded pallets from one location to another, such as from a region of an assembly line to a vertically lower region of the same assembly line. A first conveyor track is angled downwardly from a source of loaded pallets toward a diverter, which is driven to pivot about one end. The diverter receives the pallet when the diverter is parallel to the first conveyor track and then pivots to a horizontal orientation at which it is unloaded. Upon the last object on the pallet being removed, the diverter pivots downwardly to become parallel to a second conveyor track that is angled downwardly from the diverter, and is released to slide down the second conveyor track. The pallet is preferably precisely located and clamped in the diverter.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: The Schnipke Family LLCInventor: Brian T. Doepker
-
Publication number: 20090074545Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: CasePick SystemsInventors: John G. Lert, JR., Foster D. Hinshaw
-
Publication number: 20090016864Abstract: The article storage facility comprises an article transporter configured to move along a path via an article transfer location with respect to an article storage rack; an article loader for bringing articles into and taking articles out of the article storage rack, provided to the article storage rack so as to project and retract between a protruding position for article receipt that projects to an outside of the article storage rack, and a retracted position for retracting toward the article storage rack; and a protrusion and retraction operating device provided to the article transporter, for causing the article loader to protrude and retract between the protruding position and the retracted position when the article transporter is at the article transfer location.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Yoshida, Yoshitaka Inui
-
Patent number: 7401709Abstract: An adjustable positioning apparatus for positioning containers on a shelf tray assembly of a vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus has a container abutting portion and engagement structure for securing the container abutting portion on a portion of the shelf tray assembly so as to position the container on the shelf tray. A vertically accumulating storage and retrieval apparatus having adjustable container positioning structure is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Vertique, Inc.Inventors: Frederick J. Stingel, Jr., Jeffrey W. Stingel, Frederick J. Stingel, III
-
Publication number: 20080145197Abstract: A boltless roller rack is provided having upright corner support posts and one or more shelves. At least one shelf comprises front and rear cross-beams and at least one roller section. The front and rear cross-beams extend between and are secured to the front and rear corner support posts respectively. Each of the front and rear cross-beams has an inwardly facing channel which securely receives the front and back end of the roller sections. The front cross beam further provides a surface for engaging articles moving forwardly over the roller section and impeding their further forward movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Harry Randall Taylor, Dan Aurel David
-
Patent number: 7140503Abstract: A pushback cart storage system includes a cart having a first pair of wheels located at a front end of the cart, and a second pair of wheels located between a rear end of the cart and a midpoint of the cart. The wheels roll along rails on a storage rack or frame. The second pair of wheels is located closer to the midpoint than to the rear end of the cart, such that the rear end of the cart extends beyond the end of the rails when the second pair of wheels are rolled to the end of the rails. Accordingly, less steel, or other material, is required to construct the rails of the storage rack, which reduces the overall cost and weight of the system, while allowing the system to support the same number of pallets as a conventional system.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Inventors: John V. R. Krummell, Jr., Ken Davison, Thomas John Imholte
-
Patent number: 7114904Abstract: The push-back storage system includes an elongated storing lane defining opposite front and rear ends and at least one pair of spaced-apart parallel elongated rails extending between the front and rear ends of the storing lane and being inclined downwardly from the rear end towards the front end. Each rail includes a pair of elongated inclined side walls integrally linked at a common elongated top edge. At least one cart is rollably carried by the pair of rails and is rollable along the pair of rails between the storing lane front and rear ends, the cart having a load-bearing frame rollably carrying a number of wheels each engaging a corresponding one of the rails. Each wheel has a web rotatable about a rotational axis and a pair of side flanges radially extending from and axially spaced-apart along the wheel web so as to define a rail-engaging surface on the wheel web between the spaced-apart side flanges. The rail-engaging surface is wider than the top edge of the corresponding rail.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: C.O.S.M.E. Inc.Inventors: Pierre Charbonneau, Jonathan Vallée
-
Patent number: 7114606Abstract: An apparatus and method that effects selectable width of a roller track conveyance system having multiple roller tracks with asymmetric wall heights. The system includes a clip that connects lower or mating walls of two single roller tracks together. The connected roller tracks each have their own set of rollers, which form respective dispensing surfaces. A removable divider bar, which is capable of being selectively placed into the clips between the connected roller tracks, may be placed to divide the dispensing surfaces into separate surfaces or may be selectively removed to form a larger, single dispensing surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: B-O-F CorporationInventors: Kenneth A. Shaw, Edward I. Knorring, Jr., Henry Massett, Joseph Coretti, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6971833Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Knapp Logistik Automation GmbHInventors: Karl Freudelsperger, Manfred Preiss
-
Patent number: 6951441Abstract: A storage rack comprises horizontally extending front and back beams having upper surfaces, on which is supported a roller track comprising two side rails, a series of rollers journalled between and projecting above the side rails, and a series of tie rods extending between and bracing the side rails. The roller track is secured to the front and back beams by a front clip embracing an underside of the front beam, a J-bolt connected to the front clip and hooked over a front one of the tie rods, a back clip embracing an underside of the back beam, and a J-bolt connected to the back clip and hooked over a back one of the tie rods.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.Inventor: Carlton David Weaver
-
Patent number: 6851562Abstract: A push back storage rack system for storing multiple loads in a single inclined cart lane. Each lane contains at least two wheeled carts, each cart being capable of receiving and storing multiple pallet loads. The carts are vertically spaced so that they can freely slide underneath each other when unloaded. Beginning with the first or lowest level cart in the system, each successively higher cart is also wider and longer than the cart immediately beneath it. The carts are positioned on at least one but potentially two pairs of rectangular tracks or tubes, each tube being capable of supporting two or four individual carts, depending on how the carts are constructed and installed on the tubes. The tubes are mounted on an incline away from a loading end of each lane so that when loads are placed on or are removed from a lane, the carts are biased toward the loading end of the lane by the force of gravity. Each tube has a single, planar upper support surface which has inside and outside edges.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.Inventors: Theodore S. Gorniak, John B. Pellegrino, James A. Courtwright