Abstract

Disclosed herein is an automated cross-dock management system configured to optimize moves on a cross-dock. The automated cross-dock management system uses inbound manifest data to calculate ordered move instructions for all inbound movable platforms, inbound modular decks, and inbound freight. The ordered move instructions can be assigned to be carried out by manual conveyance vehicles or by automated guided vehicles based upon a plurality of criteria. The automated cross-dock management system is also able to detect damaged freight on the cross-dock using a combination of streams from video cameras.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• B65G 63/00 - Transferring or trans-shipping at storage areas, railway yards or harbours; Marshalling yard installations
• B65G 67/02 - Loading or unloading land vehicles
• B65G 69/30 - Non-permanently installed loading ramps, e.g. transportable
• G06Q 10/00 - Administration; Management
• G06Q 10/047 - Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
• G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
• G06Q 10/083 - Shipping
• G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• G06Q 10/10 - Office automation; Time management
• G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
• G08G 1/00 - Traffic control systems for road vehicles
• G08G 1/017 - Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled identifying vehicles
• H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

Automated document ingestion (ADI) provides a comprehensive system and method to streamline document ingestion automation through developing, deploying, and monitoring machine learning models and tools. The system is designed to integrate alongside existing manual entry pipelines within a company. ADI has multiple components to accomplish each step of this task, namely document enhancements, an augmented data entry user interface, and a machine learning operations (ML Ops) pipeline.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 16/93 - Document management systems
• G06V 30/32 - Digital ink
• G06V 30/414 - Extracting the geometrical structure, e.g. layout tree; Block segmentation, e.g. bounding boxes for graphics or text
• G06V 30/42 - Document-oriented image-based pattern recognition based on the type of document

Abstract

Automated document ingestion, ADI, provides a comprehensive system (100) and method to streamline document ingestion automation through developing (1104), deploying (1108), and monitoring (1110) machine learning models and tools. The system is designed to integrate alongside existing manual entry pipelines (208, 210, 212) within a company. ADI has multiple components to accomplish each step of this task, namely document enhancements (104, 702, 902), an augmented data entry user interface (106), and a machine learning operations pipeline (108).

IPC Classes  ?

• G06V 10/94 - Hardware or software architectures specially adapted for image or video understanding
• G06V 30/14 - Image acquisition
• G06V 30/146 - Aligning or centering of the image pick-up or image-field
• G06V 30/19 - Recognition using electronic means
• G06V 30/412 - Layout analysis of documents structured with printed lines or input boxes, e.g. business forms or tables
• G06V 30/414 - Extracting the geometrical structure, e.g. layout tree; Block segmentation, e.g. bounding boxes for graphics or text

Abstract

The piece level data collection (PLDC) system is used to identify freight and gather freight dimensions (Length×Width×Height) passively or semi-passively. At least one upper sensor and one lower sensor capture the measurements while the freight is being conveyed by a conveyance vehicle during a move event. Final dimensions for the freight are determined and communicated to a PLDC module for storage.

IPC Classes  ?

• B66F 9/075 - Constructional features or details
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06V 20/62 - Text, e.g. of license plates, overlay texts or captions on TV images
• G06V 30/10 - Character recognition
• G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light

Abstract

The piece level data collection (PLDC) system is used to identify freight and gather freight dimensions (Length x Width x Height) passively or semi-passively. At least one upper sensor and one lower sensor capture the measurements while the freight is being conveyed by a conveyance vehicle during a move event. Final dimensions for the freight are determined and communicated to a PLDC module for storage.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness
• G01B 11/22 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring depth
• G06T 7/60 - Analysis of geometric attributes
• B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks

Abstract

The ends of the adjustable shoring beam can be adjusted to different heights along one or more securement tracks on a vertical post. The adjustable shoring beam engages the securement tracks on the vertical posts and each end is independently adjustable in one degree of freedom. Modular deck tracks on the vertical posts, adjacent to the securement tracks, allow for the engagement of a modular deck with a vertical post. The modular deck and securement beam are able to be moved independently past each other on the vertical posts by a user or an autonomous machine.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47B 96/14 - Bars, uprights, struts, or like supports, for cabinets, brackets, or the like
• A47B 96/07 - Brackets or similar supporting means for cabinets, racks or shelves adjustable in themselves

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an automated cross-dock management system configured to optimize moves on a cross-dock. The automated cross-dock management system uses inbound manifest data to calculate ordered move instructions for all inbound movable platforms, inbound modular decks, and inbound freight. The ordered move instructions can be assigned to be carried out by manual conveyance vehicles or by automated guided vehicles based upon a plurality of criteria. The automated cross-dock management system is also able to detect damaged freight on the cross-dock using a combination of streams from video cameras.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• G06Q 10/00 - Administration; Management
• B65G 69/30 - Non-permanently installed loading ramps, e.g. transportable
• B65G 67/02 - Loading or unloading land vehicles
• B65G 63/00 - Transferring or trans-shipping at storage areas, railway yards or harbours; Marshalling yard installations
• G06Q 10/047 - Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
• G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
• G06Q 10/083 - Shipping
• G06Q 10/10 - Office automation; Time management
• G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a movable platform (MP) for moving freight during cross-dock operations. The MP comprises a mechanical actuation assembly used to deploy a plurality of roller assemblies used for moving the MP. Also disclosed is an actuating attachment used to deploy the mechanical actuation assembly of the MP. The actuating attachment can be attached to a conveyance vehicle, such as a forklift, or built in to an automated guided vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 11/36 - Preventing errors by testing or debugging of software
• B65D 19/42 - Arrangements or applications of rollers or wheels
• B65D 19/00 - Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
• B62B 3/00 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
• B65D 88/12 - Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport
• G06F 9/54 - Interprogram communication
• G06F 11/30 - Monitoring

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an adjustable shoring beam in which the ends can adjusted to different heights along one or more securement tracks on a vertical post. The adjustable shoring beam engages the securement tracks on the vertical posts and each end is independently adjustable in one degree of freedom. Modular deck tracks on the vertical posts, adjacent to the securement tracks, allow for the engagement of a modular deck with a vertical post. The modular deck and securement beam are able to be moved independently past each other on the vertical posts by a user or an autonomous machine.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 88/14 - Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport by air
• B65D 19/36 - Pallets comprising a flexible load carrier extending between guide elements, e.g. guide tubes

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an adjustable shoring beam in which the ends can adjusted to different heights along one or more securement tracks on a vertical post. The adjustable shoring beam engages the securement tracks on the vertical posts and each end is independently adjustable in one degree of freedom. Modular deck tracks on the vertical posts, adjacent to the securement tracks, allow for the engagement of a modular deck with a vertical post. The modular deck and securement beam are able to be moved independently past each other on the vertical posts by a user or an autonomous machine.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47B 96/14 - Bars, uprights, struts, or like supports, for cabinets, brackets, or the like
• A47B 96/07 - Brackets or similar supporting means for cabinets, racks or shelves adjustable in themselves

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an adjustable shoring beam having a hook assembly configured to mate with E-track mating features. The adjustable shoring beam can be adjusted over a predetermined length range by adjusting the tube assembly and the rod assembly. In some embodiments, the extension length is fixed using a fixing clamp coupled to the tube assembly and the rod assembly. A connecting clamp and bracket may be used to couple a first adjustable shoring beam to a second adjustable shoring beam.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60P 7/08 - Securing to vehicle floor or sides
• B60P 7/15 - Securing or supporting by load bracing means the load bracing means comprising a movable bar
• F16B 7/04 - Clamping or clipping connections
• E04G 25/06 - Shores or struts; Chocks telescopic with parts held together by positive means
• F16B 7/14 - Telescoping systems locking in intermediate positions

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an automated conveyance robot (ACR) for conveying movable platforms (MPs) in and out of trailers. A lift carriage at a first end of the ACR is configured to couple to the MP during movement and disengage after movement. A counterweight system at a second end of the ACR counterbalances the ACR during conveyance. The ACR comprises a front drive assembly and a rear drive assembly which are independently steerable to allow for different steering methods. The ACR can function fully automated or can be controlled

IPC Classes  ?

• B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
• B66F 9/075 - Constructional features or details

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a dimensioner table (DT) that is highly transportable and can be removably or permanently affixed to a mobile platform (MP). This allows freight to be scanned at the time of pickup or each time it is unloaded/loaded onto a new MP. The dimensioning information collected from the DT can be used to create a 3D model of the freight which can be used to help provide loading instructions. The successive scans of the freight by each DT can also be used to identify any discrepancies in the 3D models or captured images which may indicate damage or partial loss of freight.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a cross-dock management system comprises: a plurality of movable platforms configured to hold one or more pallets or parcels; at least one barcode or RFID tag positioned on each of said movable platforms, pallets, or parcels, wherein the barcode readers are configured to read the barcodes and RFID readers are configured to read the RFID tags. The data scanned by the barcode readers and RFID readers is stored in a local warehouse database and is used to determine an optimized placement and load for each movable platform in the warehouse.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05F 7/00 - Regulating magnetic variables
• G06Q 10/0835 - Relationships between shipper or supplier and carriers

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an adjustable shoring beam having a hook assembly configured to mate with E-track mating features. The adjustable shoring beam can be adjusted over a predetermined length range by adjusting the tube assembly and the rod assembly. In some embodiments, the extension length is fixed using a fixing clamp coupled to the tube assembly and the rod assembly. A connecting clamp and bracket may be used to couple a first adjustable shoring beam to a second adjustable shoring beam.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 19/38 - Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered - Details or accessories

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an adjustable shoring beam having a hook assembly configured to mate with E-track mating features. The adjustable shoring beam can be adjusted over a predetermined length range by adjusting the tube assembly and the rod assembly. In some embodiments, the extension length is fixed using a fixing clamp coupled to the tube assembly and the rod assembly. A connecting clamp and bracket may be used to couple a first adjustable shoring beam to a second adjustable shoring beam.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16B 7/04 - Clamping or clipping connections

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an adjustable shoring beam having a hook assembly configured to mate with E-track mating features. The adjustable shoring beam can be adjusted over a predetermined length range by adjusting the tube assembly and the rod assembly. In some embodiments, the extension length is fixed using a fixing clamp coupled to the tube assembly and the rod assembly. A connecting clamp and bracket may be used to couple a first adjustable shoring beam to a second adjustable shoring beam.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16B 7/04 - Clamping or clipping connections
• B60P 7/08 - Securing to vehicle floor or sides
• B60P 7/15 - Securing or supporting by load bracing means the load bracing means comprising a movable bar
• F16B 7/14 - Telescoping systems locking in intermediate positions
• E04G 25/06 - Shores or struts; Chocks telescopic with parts held together by positive means

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a modular deck system that utilizes a combination of a movable platform having a plurality of vertical posts with engagement members. Decks, filled with freight, can be placed onto the vertical posts at various heights at different sections of the movable platform using a conveyance vehicle. Further, the height of the vertical posts can be extended using an extension post for securing tall cargo. The decks can also be locked to the vertical posts to prevent dislodgement of the deck during transport of the movable platform.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47B 57/30 - Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports
• B60P 3/08 - Multilevel-deck construction carrying vehicles
• B62D 33/02 - Platforms; Open load compartments
• B62D 33/08 - Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles characterised by the connection of the superstructure to the vehicle frame comprising adjustable means
• B65D 19/06 - Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
• B65D 19/38 - Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered - Details or accessories
• B65G 1/02 - Storage devices
• E04H 6/00 - Buildings for parking cars, rolling-stock, aircraft, vessels or like vehicles, e.g. garages
• E04H 6/06 - Small garages, e.g. for one or two cars with means for shifting or lifting vehicles
• E04H 6/10 - Garages for many vehicles without mechanical means for shifting or lifting vehicles, e.g. with helically-arranged fixed ramps, with movable ramps