Charging Or Discharging Means Includes Elevating Device, Movable In Horizontal Direction (e.g., Portable, Etc.), Having Load-sustaining Surface Patents (Class 414/281)
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Patent number: 12258211Abstract: A structure and method for safely loading and unloading pallet carts to and from multi-level commercial storage racks includes a security structure to catch the carts, in case they fall during the loading or unloading procedure. A pair of rail structures typically extends from the front to the rear of a storage bay. Pallet transportation carts travel on a lower surface of these rail structures and the pallets rest on an upper surface of the rails. A cart security structure in the form of a grate is positioned under the rails, at least at the front of the storage bay. The cart security structure should be about as wide as the space between the rails and should be sufficiently below the rails, so as not to interfere with cart movement. The structure should be constructed to prevent the accumulation of items that can interfere with pallet loading.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2022Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: Frazier Industrial CompanyInventors: Domenick Iellimo, Emery Louis (Jim) Kocsis
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Patent number: 12175826Abstract: A charging locker including a charging station. The charging locker can receive a power connection to a user device via the charging station. The charging locker can actuate a lock for a door of the charging locker to a locked state. the charging station can provide power that charges the user device. Responsive to receiving a user event when the lock for the door of the charging locker is in the locked state, the charging locker can actuate the lock for the door of the charging locker to an unlocked state.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Vikram Rengarajan, Subil Mathew Abraham
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Patent number: 12159270Abstract: A vending machine system includes: a vending machine including at least one legacy payment module configured to process payment using a credit card, a wireless communication module configured to pay for a product by communicating with a user terminal through short-range wireless communication, and a control module configured to discharge a product when the product is selected and paid for; a service server configured to provide information of the vending machine; and a user terminal configured to execute a user application to request the vending machine connected thereto through short-range wireless communication to receive information about products on sale of the vending machine from the service server, display a list of products on sale, and discharge a selected product after payment of the selected product. Products may be purchased continuously through the user application without canceling short-range wireless communication established with the vending machine.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: IncuTech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ji Weon Seo
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Patent number: 12151891Abstract: A method, a computer program product, and a device determine a transport instruction for an automated vehicle which transports a pallet with goods in a pallet rack channel by determining a pallet depth; determining a first pallet position; determining a firebreak zone; calculating a second pallet position from the determined pallet depth, the determined first pallet position, and the determined firebreak zone, such that the second pallet position lies between the load end and the first pallet position and such that the pallet with the pallet depth does not extend into the firebreak zone when it is stored at the second pallet position; and forming a transport instruction based on the second pallet position such that the automated vehicle can transport the pallet to the second pallet position.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2019Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: EAB AktiebolagInventors: Christer Larsson, Stefan Kjellstrom
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Patent number: 12148643Abstract: A transport vehicle system includes a transport vehicle having a first travel unit configured to travel on a track and a transfer unit configured to move in a horizontal direction with respect to the first travel unit to transfer an article and a buffer vehicle having a second travel unit configure to travel on the track on which the transport vehicle travels and an article placement unit provided to be movable integrally with the second travel unit and to be able to deliver the article with the transfer unit of the transport vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhisa Ito
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Patent number: 12139336Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first track system and a second track system. The first track system includes a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a first horizontal plane and extending in a first direction of the first track system and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the first horizontal plane and extending in a second direction of the first track system which is orthogonal to the first direction of the first track system. The first and second sets of tracks of the first track system forming a grid pattern in the first horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent grid cells. Each grid cell of the first track system comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of neighboring tracks of the second set of tracks. Storage columns are located beneath the first track system for storing storage containers in a plurality of stacks. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: AutoStore Technology ASInventor: Trond Austrheim
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Patent number: 12129120Abstract: There are disclosed method and system (10) for picking of articles (12), in particular flat-pack articles (12), in accordance with picking orders, wherein the system (10) comprises: a rack (24) extending substantially along longitudinal and height directions (X, Y) of the system (10) and comprising a plurality of storage locations (30) configured to store source pallets (30); a gantry robot (36) including a manipulation unit (37) configured to transfer the articles (16); a packing position (62) configured to buffer a target pallet (34); a plurality of conveyors (38); and a control (74), which is preferably configured to determine, for each of the orders, an order-specific packing pattern for automatically packing, by the gantry robot (36), several of the articles (12) in accordance with the respective order from one or more of the source pallets (30) on a target pallet (34) in the packing position (62); wherein each of the conveyors (38) comprises a receiving position (66), which is positioned within the rackType: GrantFiled: April 27, 2022Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: SSI Schäfer Automation GmbH (DE)Inventor: Tim Langenbach
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Patent number: 12122600Abstract: A control unit causes a transfer machine to execute a first article take-out operation by moving a locking part to a depth-direction near side with the locking part locked to a rear surface portion of a first article; and a second article position adjustment operation of moving the locking part disposed between the first article and a second article in the depth direction toward a far side to a position corresponding to a front surface portion of the second article located at a second article proper position, and the control unit is configured to, after the locking part has been disposed between the first article and the second article during execution of the first article take-out operation using the transfer machine, cause the transfer machine to execute the second article position adjustment operation, and to complete the first article take-out operation upon completion of the second article position adjustment operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichi Ueda, Masashige Iwata
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Patent number: 12122638Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a vertical platform lift assembly control system are disclosed. The control system may provide a method for monitoring sensors for the vertical platform lift, and may determine operating modes and fault conditions from the sensor data. An indicator system for the vertical platform lift may provide user feedback based on sensor data and the status of the control system.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Harmar Mobility, LLCInventors: Derek J. Nash, Byron C.y. Kim
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Patent number: 12103795Abstract: A system for transporting goods, includes a transport container for holding goods, a driverless transport vehicle for transporting the transport container, and a transfer station, on which the transport container is positionable. The transport container includes a locking device, which is lockable to a first locking unit of the driverless transport vehicle, and to a second locking unit of the transfer station. In a method for transporting goods: the locking device of the transport container is locked to the first locking unit; the transport container is transported by the driverless transport vehicle to the transfer station; the locking device of the transport container is unlocked from the first locking unit; and the locking device of the transport container is locked to the second locking unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Maximilian Winter, Friedrich Lagier, Frank Schönung, Josef Schmidt
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Patent number: 12065321Abstract: The invention relates to a transport and handover system for storing and removing or relocating storage goods (1) in high-bay warehouses (2), in particular in a transshipment facility of a seaport or inland port for the storage of standard containers, wherein the high-bay warehouse (2) consists of an arbitrary number of warehouse modules (10), which are arranged next to each other in the longitudinal direction and in the width direction of the high-bay warehouse (2) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and which have a plurality of rack compartments (12) lying one over the other in the vertical direction, said warehouse modules being separated from each other by aisles (11) extending parallel to the storing and removal sides of the rack compartments (12) or warehouse modules (10), wherein at least one storage and retrieval machine (19) that can move back and forth is provided in each aisle (11) for transporting and storing and removing or relocating the storage goods (1), and a storage and retType: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: AMOVA GMBHInventors: Carsten Heide, Volker Brueck
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Patent number: 12049358Abstract: A storage system Includes a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern having a plurality of grid spaces. A plurality of stackable storage containers are arranged in stacks, the stacks of storage containers being located beneath the rails or tracks. Each stack is located within the footprint of a grid space. A load handling device is arranged to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks of storage containers. The load handling device includes a lifting device arranged to lift storage containers from a top of a stack. The lifting device includes a cable to provide a service from a service source in the load handling device to the one or more storage containers.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2022Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITEDInventors: Paul Clarke, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo
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Patent number: 11999604Abstract: A cargo conveying device includes: a horizontal direction conveying section that conveys cargo in a horizontal direction, and that includes a transfer section at which cargo is transferred between the transfer section and a cargo handler; a height adjusting section that adjusts a vertical direction height of the transfer section; and a control section that, at a time at a time at which cargo is transferred between the transfer section and a cargo handler, operates the height adjusting section, and adjusts the vertical direction height of the transfer section.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2021Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsuya Kanata, Masao Tajima, Takashi Hayashi, Nobuyuki Tomatsu, Hideki Fukudome, Takashi Hayashi, Yoshiumi Kawamura, Kosuke Akatsuka, Manabu Yamamoto, Kosuke Sakakibara
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Patent number: 11996531Abstract: A modular unit, for use in a modular battery system, that can include a housing having a roof portion, a base portion, and two side portions; a central component disposed within the housing; and one or more electrical distributor units coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the central component. The modular unit can be configured to be operatively connected to one or more additional modular units to create a modular battery system.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Powin, LLCInventors: Stu Statman, Geoff Brown
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Patent number: 11976423Abstract: A device for securing a railway apparatus, comprising a support platform and a mechanism for securing the apparatus on the platform, the securing mechanism comprising:—at least one guiding slide extending in a longitudinal direction, supported by the support platform; and—a member for attaching the apparatus to the platform capable of moving along the guiding slide. The securing mechanism also comprises an upper beam supporting the guiding slide and a lower beam, connected by means of a connecting member so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guiding slide. Moreover, the securing mechanism comprises locking mechanism configured to prevent the movement of the upper beam with respect to the lower beam in said perpendicular direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2019Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: MATISA MATERIEL INDUSTRIEL S.A.Inventor: Marc-Henri Ellenberger
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Patent number: 11970340Abstract: A significantly self-contained station for providing selective control and operation of motorized equipment (such as a conveyor) via a momentary contact switch or wireless remote, where the self-contained station is connected to and receives power from an existing service disconnect line of the equipment, where upon the service disconnect line being powered, the self-contained station receives power to provide electrical signals to a motor contactor of the self-contained station, which then selectively provides electrical signal to a motor of the equipment to selectively operate the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Industrial Maintenance Services, Inc.Inventor: Michael G. Parrott
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Patent number: 11955364Abstract: A telescoping linear extension robot includes a base configured to support the telescoping linear extension robot, a first driven platform, drivingly coupled to the base, a second driven platform, drivingly coupled to the first driven platform, and a floating intermediate platform. The intermediate platform is configured to increase the extendable range of the driven extensions by facilitating additional extension using force generated by the driven platforms of the robot. This, in turn, allows for long-reach robot solutions with reduced physical footprint, complexity and cost.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Kimball Electronics Indiana, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence A. Wise, Anthony J. Kilaita
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Patent number: 11942347Abstract: A storage system includes an overhead stocker including an overhead crane track, shelving in which tiers of storages to accommodate articles therein are arranged vertically, and a crane to travel along the overhead crane track and transfer an article between the tiers of storages, an overhead transport vehicle system to perform receiving or delivering of an article from or to a predetermined transfer destination, and a transporter to vertically transport an article between the overhead stocker and the overhead transport vehicle system, the overhead transport vehicle system being provided below a lower end of the overhead stocker.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.Inventors: Eiji Wada, Yoshiki Yuasa, Kosuke Irino
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Patent number: 11926246Abstract: In a local cart traveling system, a frame track includes first and second metal rails each with an L-shaped cross section and facing each other. A local cart is within the frame track, and includes a first electricity receiving tire and a second electricity receiving tire to travel on horizontal travel surfaces of the rails. A voltage supplier supplies an AC voltage to the travel surfaces, so that the first metal rail and a first electricity receiving tire define a first capacitor and the second metal rail and the second electricity receiving tire define a second capacitor. The local cart includes a power receiver to receive AC power, and a travel motor that receives power after the AC power is rectified. The frame track includes a connecting plate as an electrical insulator covering portions of the surfaces of vertical walls of the first metal rail and the second metal rail.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignees: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION TOYOHASHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Minoru Mizutani, Kazuhiro Ishikawa, Masafumi Hayakawa, Takashi Ohira, Naoki Sakai, Hiroki Kuniyoshi, Makoto Teramoto
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Patent number: 11891254Abstract: An automated guided vehicle with a multistage loading structure includes a vehicle body, and a loader in the vehicle body and operative to load articles in a multistage manner. The loader has a loading unit that is positioned between the articles loaded in the multistage manner and separately loads the articles. The loading unit moves up and down.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Inventors: Bosung Kim, Gwanho Kim, Seonghoon Park, Jaenam Lee
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Patent number: 11873199Abstract: A transfer device includes a holder that holds an article, and a self-propelled cart that supports the holder and travels. The self-propelled cart includes a wheel and a wheel drive source that drives the wheel, and the self-propelled cart travels along a traveling path provided on an elevation unit and a delivery device. The delivery device includes a positioning portion that positions the elevation unit while the elevation unit is at a transfer height, and a delivery-side guide that guides travel of the self-propelled cart along the traveling path. The elevation unit includes an elevation-side guide that guides travel of the self-propelled cart along the traveling path, and the elevation-side guide is arranged so as to be continuous with the delivery-side guide while the elevation unit is positioned by the positioning portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshinari Wada
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Patent number: 11827448Abstract: A storage system comprises a first grid structure of storage cells, each cell being arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins, the first grid structure having a top level. The system further comprises a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Autostore Technology ASInventor: Ingvar Hognaland
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Patent number: 11801951Abstract: A parcel sack management system and related process. The parcel sack management system includes a gathering conveyor configured to receive a parcel group at an intake and transport the parcel group to a sack filling station. The system includes a plurality of fill chutes that are transported along a circulating track, each fill chute configured to hold a sack. The parcel sack management system is configured to transfer parcels in the parcel group into a first sack via a first fill chute when the first fill chute is at the sack filling station.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Körber Supply Chain LLCInventors: James M. Pippin, Homer L. Dickerson
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Patent number: 11767170Abstract: A stack storage assembly with container stacking spaces, a charging space arranged below the container stacking spaces, and a charging vehicle movable in the charging space having a hoisting device to move a container into or out of a container stacking space. Each of the container stacking spaces has, at a lower end, a retaining device with at least one retaining element, which is movable, via an actuating device arranged on the charging vehicle, between a retaining position in which the at least one retaining element holds the container arranged in the container stacking spaces and a release position in which the container is relocated past the retaining element. The charging vehicle has at least one fixing element positionable into a fixing position to interact with the at least one retaining element located in the release position, and to hold the at least one retaining element in the release position.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: JUNGHEINRICH AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Michael Becker, Jörg Cavelius, Markus Liebhaber, Timm Morawietz
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Patent number: 11731834Abstract: A system may include a vehicle for delivering items and a moveable track that cooperates with the vehicle. The moveable track may cooperate with a storage system having storage locations for storing items. The vehicle may drive into the moveable track and lift the track using a vertical drive mechanism. The vehicle may include a horizontal drive system operable to drive the vehicle horizontally along the ground to carry the moveable track to a position adjacent the storage location. The vehicle may operate the vertical drive system to drop the moveable track adjacent the storage system. Additionally, the vehicle may operate the vertical drive to drive up the moveable track to an elevated position adjacent one of the storage locations in the storage system. The vehicle may include a transfer mechanism for transferring items between the vehicle and the storage location while the vehicle is in the elevated position.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: OPEX CorporationInventors: Joseph Valinsky, Alexander Stevens
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Patent number: 11713192Abstract: A system may include a vehicle for delivering items and a moveable track that cooperates with the vehicle. The moveable track may cooperate with a storage system having storage locations for storing items. The vehicle may drive into the moveable track and lift the track using a vertical drive mechanism. The vehicle may include a horizontal drive system operable to drive the vehicle horizontally along the ground to carry the moveable track to a position adjacent the storage location. The vehicle may operate the vertical drive system to drop the moveable track adjacent the storage system. Additionally, the vehicle may operate the vertical drive to drive up the moveable track to an elevated position adjacent one of the storage locations in the storage system. The vehicle may include a transfer mechanism for transferring items between the vehicle and the storage location while the vehicle is in the elevated position.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: OPEX CorporationInventors: Joseph Valinsky, Alexander Stevens
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Patent number: 11708004Abstract: A clamping vehicle lane control method and system, an electronic device and a storage medium. A clamping vehicle lane (1) has a vehicle carrying plane (11) that is used to carry an electric vehicle (9) and that can be raised and lowered. The clamping vehicle lane control method comprises: controlling the vehicle carrying plane (11) to be raised and lowered between any two heights among an initial height, a battery removal height, and a battery installation height. The height of the vehicle carrying plane (11) is controlled so that the vehicle carrying plane (11) may meet battery replacement requirements of each stage, thus shortening the overall battery replacement time, and improving the efficiency of battery replacement.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignees: AULTON NEW ENERGY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, SHANGHAI DIANBA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Jianping Zhang, Chunhua Huang
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Patent number: 11693426Abstract: A vehicle conveyance control apparatus for controlling a plurality of conveyance devices, includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. Each of the plurality of conveyance devices is configured to lift each tire of a vehicle to convey the vehicle from a predetermined area of a parking lot to a parking space. The processor is configured to perform: acquiring vehicle information including tire position information of each tire of the vehicle detected in the predetermined area; selecting conveyance devices to convey the vehicle from among the plurality of conveyance devices different in conveyance capacity for lifting each tire of the vehicle to convey the vehicle based on the tire position information of the vehicle acquired in the acquiring; and instructing the conveyance devices selected in the selecting to convey the vehicle from the predetermined area to the parking space.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuya Tamura
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Patent number: 11649112Abstract: A storage system includes a plurality of storage areas for receiving stored goods, the storage areas being situated in at least one storage level and being accessible by an associated handling device to store stored goods at the storage areas or retrieve them from these storage areas. A conveyor is provided which is designed as a continuous conveyor and is led on a storage level through the arrangement of the storage areas.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: WRH WALTER REIST HOLDING AGInventor: Markus Bretz
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Patent number: 11623541Abstract: Disclosed are a battery swapping station and a control method therefor. The battery swapping station comprises: a first battery swapping platform being arranged between a first charging compartment and a second charging compartment; a first shuttle travels between the first battery charging compartment and the first battery swapping platform, a second shuttle travels between the second battery charging compartment and the first battery swapping platform; a control unit being electrically connected to the first shuttle and to the second shuttle, used for the following operation: when operating a same vehicle on the first battery swapping platform, if the first shuttle is executing either operation of battery unmounting or battery mounting, the second shuttle executes the other operation. Through the battery swapping station and the control method therefor, the waiting time for vehicles when swapping batteries can be reduced, thus increasing the battery swapping efficiency of the battery swapping station.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignees: SHANGHAI DIANBA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., AULTON NEW ENERGY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY GROUPInventors: Jianping Zhang, Chunhua Huang, Rui Zou, Libin Wan, Junqiao Zhou
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Patent number: 11619930Abstract: A method of creating orders of individual products comprises a conveying of at least one individual product to an unloading station by means of a respective carrying device, an unloading of the at least one individual product from the carrying device at the unloading station in an order-related manner, a transporting of the at least one individual product of an order to a packing station.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbHInventor: Sigurd Voelker
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Patent number: 11584253Abstract: Disclosed are a battery swapping station and a control method therefor. The battery swapping station comprises: a first battery swapping platform being arranged between a first charging compartment and a second charging compartment; a first shuttle travels between the first battery charging compartment and the first battery swapping platform, a second shuttle travels between the second battery charging compartment and the first battery swapping platform; a control unit being electrically connected to the first shuttle and to the second shuttle, used for the following operation: when operating a same vehicle on the first battery swapping platform, if the first shuttle is executing either operation of battery unmounting or battery mounting, the second shuttle executes the other operation. Through the battery swapping station and the control method therefor, the waiting time for vehicles when swapping batteries can be reduced, thus increasing the battery swapping efficiency of the battery swapping station.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignees: SHANGHAI DIANBA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., AULTON NEW ENERGY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY GROUPInventors: Jianping Zhang, Chunhua Huang, Rui Zou, Libin Wan, Junqiao Zhou
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Patent number: 11524865Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a vertical platform lift assembly control system are disclosed. The control system may provide a method for monitoring sensors for the vertical platform lift, and may determine operating modes and fault conditions from the sensor data. An indicator system for the vertical platform lift may provide user feedback based on sensor data and the status of the control system.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Harmar Mobility, LLCInventors: Derek J. Nash, Byron C. Y. Kim
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Patent number: 11518258Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative electrical power dispensers for electrical vehicle charging systems, charging systems, and methods of sensing presence of a charge coupler in a holster of an electrical power dispenser. In an illustrative embodiment, an electrical power dispenser for an electrical vehicle charging system includes a housing. A charge coupler is configured to dispense direct current electrical power. A holster is disposed on the housing and is configured to receive the charge coupler therein. A holster sensor is configured to sense presence of the charge coupler in the holster and is further configured to generate a signal indicative of presence of the charge coupler in the holster.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Silva Hiti, Steven E. Schulz, Tyler J. Erikson
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Patent number: 11485574Abstract: A control unit is provided to improve positioning of transporting devices to thereby allow transporting devices to be driven at faster speeds and/or accelerations with minimal positional errors allowing for a reduction in the spacing between transporting devices. A control unit is arranged to control movement of at least one transporting device for containers stored in a facility having a plurality of pathways arranged in cells so as to form a grid-like structure above the stacks which extends in a first direction and in a second direction. The control unit includes a receiving unit arranged to receive information from a first sensor mounted on the at least one transporting device, and a calculating unit arranged to calculate a position of the at least one transporting device based on the received information.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITEDInventors: Matthew Whelan, David Sharp, David Brown
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Patent number: 11396426Abstract: A system of warehouse racks placed perpendicularly to a working aisle. After selecting a place of storage of a given product, at least one rack is moved to the working aisle. The goods are placed or removed from the indicated place in the rack, and then the rack is moved to an initial position. The movement of the rack to the working aisle and its return to its initial position is made by movable, shared platform moving under at least one row of racks that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the rack and parallel to the working aisle. The system includes a drive system, a power supply system, at least one running gear, a rack lifting system and a positioning system extending or retracting the rack. During movement to the working aisle and return to the initial position, the rack is lifted above the ground surface by the positioning system of the shared platform.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: PPUH Zrembud w Cieszynie Sp. z o. o.Inventors: Tomasz Kunc, Jacek Dolata
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Patent number: 11261025Abstract: A robotic object handling system and robotic load handling device for operation thereon is disclosed. The object handling system includes a number of robotic load handling devices operational on a grid-like structure, the structure having sets of parallel tracks, disposed above a hive of stacked bins. The bins contain inventory items to be picked by the system. Load handling devices capable of carrying multiple bins of a single grid-spacing size or single bins of a multiple grid spacings are operational on the grid and retrieve and transport bins under the control of a computerised order picking utility.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITEDInventors: Sverker Lindbo, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd
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Patent number: 11192167Abstract: A loading and unloading device for a machine, a machine for machining panel-like workpieces, and a workpiece support for such a machine and a method for loading and unloading such a machine, having a loading and unloading module, wherein the loading and unloading module has a vertically upwardly oriented raising device for lifting a cut-free workpiece part and a vertically downwardly oriented gripping device (38) for holding an unmachined, panel-like workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignees: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG, J. Schmalz GmbHInventors: Magnus Deiss, Peter Epperlein, Frank Schmauder, Fabian Gaeckle, Jens Ottnad, Heinz-Juergen Prokop, Stefan Stroebel, Walter Dunkmann, Thomas Eisele, Rainer Hoehn, Dirk Plaueln, Hermann Reinisch
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Patent number: 11142400Abstract: An automated warehouse storage system for storage and retrieval of items and conveying items within the storage system comprises a plurality of primary multilevel storage racks, the primary multilevel storage racks positioned parallel with one another, and extending in a first direction. The plurality of primary multilevel storage racks have at least one storage rack exchange level, in which items are delivered to or retrieved from the storage racks, and at least one exchange position in the at least one storage rack exchange level. At least one transfer shuttle is configured to travel in a second direction spanning the exchange positions of the storage racks and transverse to the first direction, with the transfer shuttle and the exchange positions configured for exchanging items between the transfer shuttle and the exchange positions of the storage racks to retrieve or deliver items.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Dematic GmbHInventor: Jad Abou-Chakra
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Patent number: 10981463Abstract: A charging system for autonomous transport vehicles including at least one charging contact disposed on each pick floor level of a storage and retrieval system, each of the at least one charging contact being located at a transfer station, at least one power supply configured to supply power to the at least one charging contact, and a controller in communication with the transfer station and being configured to communicate information relating to a transfer of items between the transfer station and a predetermined one of the autonomous transport vehicles and to apply power from the power supply to the at least one charging contact for charging the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle corresponding to the transfer and located at the transfer station, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to the charging contacts simultaneously with the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle exchanging items related to the transfer at the transfer station.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Symbolic LLCInventors: Robert Sullivan, Dmitry Vasilyev
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Patent number: 10894674Abstract: A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 10888991Abstract: A mobile robot includes an electric device unit disposed inside a cover and upward of a robot, and a transport mechanism disposed downward of the robot. An end part of a rotation shaft of a motor driving an arm portion of the robot faces downward. The cover includes a partition plate separating a first housing space in which the electric device unit is housed and a second housing space in which the robot is housed. The partition plate has a protrusion protruding into the first housing space. The protrusion provides a motor housing space in the second housing space. At least one part of the first motor is housed in the motor housing space when a base of the robot is elevated to an uppermost position.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATEDInventors: Yoshinori Takahashi, Shigeru Takeda
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Patent number: 10865042Abstract: A device for gripping a load including first and second frame portions, a translation for moving the frame, first and second gripping arms mounted on the first and second frame portions, respectively, so as to move a load, and a width-adjustment for adapting a width of the first and second gripping arms. The width adjustment includes first locking/unlocking elements that lock the first frame portion relative to the path of travel, second locking/unlocking elements that unlock the second frame portion relative to the first frame portion, and a translation that moves the second frame portion along the path of travel.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: SAVOYEInventors: Adrien Mariusse, Erwan Godot
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Patent number: 10838293Abstract: A dome screen projection system includes a dome screen unit and two sets of projectors. The dome screen unit includes a top side, two opposite lateral sides extending downward from two opposite ends of the top side, and a curved projection surface extending downwardly from the top side between the opposite lateral sides. Each of the two sets of projectors are disposed on the top side proximally to one of the lateral sides. The two sets of projectors are directed toward the curved projection surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: BROGENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Kuan-Chih Liu, Chih-Yung Hsu, Ping-Hsiu Wu, Pei-Te Su
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Patent number: 10815058Abstract: This document generally describes warehousing systems that can, in certain instances, improve the efficiency of warehousing operations and improve utilization of available space in a warehousing facility. The warehousing system may be implemented in an automated warehouse, such as an automated cold-storage facility, that uses programmable equipment to automate tasks associated with warehousing operations, such as transporting inbound storage items to specified storage positions of storage racks in the warehouse and removing outbound storage items from storage so that they may be loaded onto trucks for delivery away from the warehouse.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Lineage Logistics, LLCInventors: Elliott Gerard Wolf, Christopher Eckman, Brian Gutschow
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Patent number: 10783599Abstract: An autonomous package handling system includes: one or more autonomous delivery vehicles and one or more locker units. Each autonomous delivery vehicle includes: a motorized conveyor rack, the motorized conveyor rack including a plurality of horizontal conveyors supported by a plurality of support beams; a collection bin for temporarily holding the packages; a vertical lift to move the collection bin between the plurality of horizontal conveyors; a collection bin conveyor configured to extend and retract the collection bin from and back to an interior of the delivery vehicle; and a vehicle wireless unit for communicating with a server. Each locker unit includes: a compartment; a door having an electronic closing and opening mechanism; an electronic lock; a locker wireless unit for communicating with the server; and a locker unit base.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Inventor: William Dean Hartman
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Patent number: 10612261Abstract: An AGV comb-type transfer robot, comprising: a lifting frame (2), comb teeth being mounted on the lifting frame (2); and a traveling frame (1), a comb tooth lifting apparatus (15) being mounted on the traveling frame (1), and a traveling drive mechanism (13) and a central control system being mounted in the traveling frame (1). The comb tooth lifting apparatus (15) comprises a lifting drive motor (151) and a gear set (152) in transmission connection with the motor (151). The traveling drive mechanism (13) comprises a traveling drive motor and a traveling wheel set mounted in the traveling frame (1). The present invention also relates to a method for storing and retrieving a vehicle using the robot. The transfer efficiency and intelligent level of the robot are high.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: SHENZHEN YEEFUNG ROBOTICS & DYNAMICS LTD.Inventors: Hao Wu, Yingjie Cai, Sihan Fang, Jingyang Que
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Patent number: 10479601Abstract: A compact and high capacity sorting system includes a transportation vehicle travelling along a travelling route where the transportation vehicle may diverge and merge, and raising and lowering a transfer device; racks provided along the travelling route and having a height corresponding to multiple floors; an arrival area, a shipment area, and a sorting area, each provided along an outer periphery of the travelling route; and a controller controlling the transportation vehicle to transport commodities from the arrival area to the sorting area via the racks, and transport commodities from the sorting area to the shipment area.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.Inventor: Akito Tai
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Patent number: 10449872Abstract: A charging system for autonomous transport vehicles including at least one charging contact disposed on each pick floor level of a storage and retrieval system, each of the at least one charging contact being located at a transfer station, at least one power supply configured to supply power to the at least one charging contact, and a controller in communication with the transfer station and being configured to communicate information relating to a transfer of items between the transfer station and a predetermined one of the autonomous transport vehicles and to apply power from the power supply to the at least one charging contact for charging the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle corresponding to the transfer and located at the transfer station, wherein the controller is configured to supply power to the charging contacts simultaneously with the predetermined autonomous transport vehicle exchanging items related to the transfer at the transfer station.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: SYMBOTIC, LLCInventors: Robert Sullivan, Dmitry Vasilyev
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Patent number: 10446427Abstract: A conveyance system includes a track, ceiling conveyance vehicles, and a conveyance controller configured or programmed to output a conveyance instruction for a FOUP to the ceiling conveyance vehicles. When a first FOUP on a downstream port is waiting for collection, the conveyance controller waits without outputting a conveyance instruction instructing collection of the first FOUP until any of the conveyance vehicles conveying a second FOUP to an upstream port has been recognized until a waiting time set in advance has elapsed since the first FOUP changed to a state waiting for collection and outputs the conveyance instruction instructing collection of the first FOUP when the waiting time has elapsed since a point in time when the first FOUP changed to the state waiting for collection.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.Inventors: Osamu Honda, Keiji Yamada, Takashi Nozawa, Daisuke Ono