A method and apparatus are provided for automating the conveyance and transfer of items and for accommodating sortation of at least some of those items into containers to form groups, the manner in which items are transferred varying according to one or more item handling attributes (e.g., size, weight, shape, fragility, resistance to impact damage, intended destination, etc) of each item. Sortable items are transferred at an induct zone onto a first type of carrier which is dimensioned and arranged to move continuously along an elevated, looped conveyance path that overlies a plurality of movable item delivery platforms. Items are dropped onto the delivery platforms as the carriers pass overhead, the timing, direction and rate of platform movements as the items descent being determined by at least one of the item handling attributes. Each platform is configured to move along a respective vertical path sufficiently close to a corresponding group of vertically spaced destination containers that a transfer mechanism of the vehicle is operable to transfer one or more items into an adjacent destination container. In an embodiment, items too large or too heavy to be dropped or transferred into one of the containers are transferred to an alternative type of carrier and, at a discharge zone along the looped conveyance path, such items are diverted away from the looped conveyance path and onto a chute, conveyor other discharge assistant by operation of a discharge mechanism.
A method and apparatus are provided for automating the conveyance and transfer of items and for accommodating sortation of at least some of those items into containers to form groups, the manner in which items are transferred varying according to one or more item handling attributes (e.g., size, weight, shape, fragility, resistance to impact damage, intended destination, etc) of each item. Sortable items are transferred at an induct zone onto a first type of carrier which is dimensioned and arranged to move continuously along an elevated, looped conveyance path that overlies a plurality of movable item delivery platforms. Items are dropped onto the delivery platforms as the carriers pass overhead, the timing, direction and rate of platform movements as the items descent being determined by at least one of the item handling attributes.
A method and apparatus are provided for automating the conveyance and transfer of items and for accommodating sortation of at least some of those items into containers to form groups, the manner in which items are transferred varying according to one or more item handling attributes (e.g., size, weight, shape, fragility, resistance to impact damage, intended destination, etc) of each item. Sortable items are transferred at an induct zone onto a first type of carrier which is dimensioned and arranged to move continuously along an elevated, looped conveyance path that overlies a plurality of movable item delivery platforms. Items are dropped onto the delivery platforms as the carriers pass overhead, the timing, direction and rate of platform movements as the items descent being determined by at least one of the item handling attributes.
B07C 3/08 - Apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution using arrangements of conveyors
B07C 5/38 - Collecting or arranging articles in groups
B65G 47/38 - Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyors by dumping, tripping, or releasing load-carriers
B65G 47/46 - Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyors with distribution, e.g. automatically, to desired points
B65G 1/127 - Storage devices mechanical with article supports or holders movable in a closed circuit to facilitate insertion or removal of articles the circuit being confined in a vertical plane
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
4.
MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC RETRIEVAL OF SORTED ITEMS
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.
A plurality of material handling vehicles are provided, each including a horizontal drive for driving the vehicle horizontally, a vertical drive for driving the vehicle vertically, and a mechanism for transferring items onto or off the vehicle. Containers of items are extracted from storage locations of a first plurality of storage locations and transferred by corresponding material handling vehicles to bi-directional conveyors that convey the containers toward transfer stations at which items may be removed and transferred.
Mail opening machines, each having optical imaging apparatus for scanning documents to obtain optical image data and electronically transmit the image data to computer terminals or data storage devices; document processing machines incorporating optical scanners for scanning documents to obtain optical image data and electronically transmit the images to computer terminals or data storage devices.
A vehicle for use in an inventory management system having a plurality of destination areas and a guide system includes a platform for receiving and transporting items to and from the destination areas, a plurality of motors, a first drive system, a second drive system, a transfer mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The transfer system is configured to transfer and retrieve items to and from the destination areas, and the clutch mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the transfer mechanism from at least one of the motors, whereby the second drive system drives movement of the vehicle independently of the transfer mechanism.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle.
A container exchange station for a material handling system. The system may include a plurality of vehicles for retrieving items from a first plurality of storage locations located in one or more racks. In an embodiment, the container exchange station is configured to accommodate the vehicles so that the vehicles drive into the container exchange station and drive upwardly along a track in the container exchange station. A transfer mechanism on the vehicle cooperates with a transfer mechanism on the container exchange station to displace an item from the vehicle to a conveyor. In an embodiment, the container exchange station includes an elevator having a plurality of elevator platforms movable vertically within columns and a plurality of elevated buffer storage locations to and from which items are inserted and retrieved by a transfer mechanism of each elevator platform, for release of containers from storage to a workstation when required.
Each vehicle of a plurality of vehicles defines a support surface for receiving an item to be sorted, and including a power source, a plurality of rotatable drive elements, a transfer mechanism, and at least one motor. Stored instructions are executable by the processor of a controller to: assign available destination areas to respective orders to be fulfilled, acquire item characterizing data for items transferred to a vehicle, determine based on acquired item characterizing data that an item corresponds to an order, transmit an assigned destination area to the sortation system for each item determined to correspond to an order, and determine that an item transferred to a destination area is a final item of a group of items needed to complete an order. Stored instructions are executable by the processor of a second controller to manage starting, stopping, and movement of each vehicle and operation of the transfer mechanism.
A container exchange station for a material handling system is provided. The system may include a plurality of vehicles for retrieving items from a plurality of storage locations located in one or more racks. In an embodiment, the container exchange station is configured to accommodate the vehicles so that the vehicles drive into the container exchange station and drive upwardly along a track in the container exchange station. A transfer mechanism on the vehicle cooperates with a transfer mechanism on the container exchange station to displace an item from the vehicle to a conveyor. The container exchange station may include an elevator having a plurality of elevator platforms and a plurality of elevated buffer storage locations to and from which items can be inserted and retrieved by the elevator platforms for release to a workstation when required.
A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. The documents may be conveyed to a feeder for feeding documents to a scanner. The scanner scans each document to obtain image data and then discharges the document to one or more output or sort locations. The system may include a skew reduction assembly for reducing skew in the documents as the documents are fed to the scanner. The system may also include elements for improving image quality and reducing document damage while the document is scanned. The system may further include features for improving the stacking of the discharged documents.
Each vehicle of a plurality of vehicles defines a support surface for receiving an item to be sorted, and including a power source, a plurality of rotatable drive elements, a transfer mechanism, and at least one motor. Stored instructions are executable by the processor of a controller to: assign available destination areas to respective orders to be fulfilled, acquire item characterizing data for items transferred to a vehicle, determine based on acquired item characterizing data that an item corresponds to an order, transmit an assigned destination area to the sortation system for each item determined to correspond to an order, and determine that an item transferred to a destination area is a final item of a group of items needed to complete an order. Stored instructions are executable by the processor of a second controller to manage starting, stopping, and movement of each vehicle and operation of the transfer mechanism.
A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. A feeder serially feeds envelope from a stack of mail. Two cutters at a cutting station cuts one or two edges of the envelopes. As the envelopes travel from the feeder to the cutters the envelope is jogged on two edges to justify the contents with the envelopes. Additionally, an improved feeder is provided to reduce the number of jams created when feeding the envelopes from the stack.
B65H 7/04 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to absence of articles, e.g. exhaustion of pile
B43M 7/02 - Devices for both opening envelopes and removing contents
B65H 1/02 - Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles on edge
B65H 5/00 - Feeding articles separated from pilesFeeding articles to machines
B65H 7/06 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed
17.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETAINING ITEMS ON MOVABLE ITEM DELIVERY AND TRANSFER MECHANISMS
Respective items are retained as they are transported by mobile delivery mechanisms. An item to be delivered to a target storage location of a plurality of storage locations is positioned upon the carrying surface of a delivery mechanism. The carrying surface defines a retention zone bounded by a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall. At least one of the third wall or the fourth wall are displaceable to define an opening in the retention zone. The delivery mechanism moves from the location where an item is received to a location proximate the target storage location to facilitate transfer of the item through the opening obtained by displacing one of the third wall or the fourth wall. Irregularly shaped items are free—during movement of the delivery mechanism—to move upon the carrying surface and within the boundaries of the retention zone.
Respective items are retained as they are transported by mobile delivery mechanisms. An item to be delivered to a target storage location of a plurality of storage locations is positioned upon the carrying surface of a delivery mechanism. The carrying surface defines a retention zone bounded by a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall. At least one of the third wall or the fourth wall are displaceable to define an opening in the retention zone. The delivery mechanism moves from the location where an item is received to a location proximate the target storage location to facilitate transfer of the item through the opening obtained by displacing one of the third wall or the fourth wall. Irregularly shaped items are free - during movement of the delivery mechanism - to move upon the carrying surface and within the boundaries of the retention zone.
A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. The documents may be conveyed to a feeder for feeding documents to a scanner. The scanner scans each document to obtain image data and then discharges the document to one or more output or sort locations. The system may include a skew reduction assembly for reducing skew in the documents as the documents are fed to the scanner. The system may also include elements for improving image quality and reducing document damage while the document is scanned. The system may further include features for improving the stacking of the discharged documents.
A vehicle for use in an inventory management system having a plurality of destination areas and a guide system includes a platform for receiving and transporting items to and from the destination areas, a plurality of motors, a first drive system, a second drive system, a transfer mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The transfer system is configured to transfer and retrieve items to and from the destination areas, and the clutch mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the transfer mechanism from at least one of the motors, whereby the second drive system drives movement of the vehicle independently of the transfer mechanism.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort bins. After the items are sorted into the sort bins the sort bins may be automatically emptied into separate containers. Alternatively, the sort bins may be discharged from the apparatus to be processed at a remote destination. The apparatus may include a plurality of delivery vehicles for delivering items to the sort bins. The apparatus may further include a plurality of retrieval vehicles for retrieving the sort bins after all the items for a grouping are sorted to the bin. The retrieval vehicles may be configured to move the retrieved bins to one or more discharge stations where the items in the sort bins may be emptied into separate containers such as boxes for shipping the items.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort bins. After the items are sorted into the sort bins the sort bins may be automatically emptied into separate containers. Alternatively, the sort bins may be discharged from the apparatus to be processed at a remote destination. The apparatus may include a plurality of delivery vehicles for delivering items to the sort bins. The apparatus may further include a plurality of retrieval vehicles for retrieving the sort bins after all the items for a grouping are sorted to the bin. The retrieval vehicles may be configured to move the retrieved bins to one or more discharge stations where the items in the sort bins may be emptied into separate containers such as boxes for shipping the items.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort bins. After the items are sorted into the sort bins the sort bins may be automatically emptied into separate containers. Alternatively, the sort bins may be discharged from the apparatus to be processed at a remote destination. The apparatus may include a plurality of delivery vehicles for delivering items to the sort bins. The apparatus may further include a plurality of retrieval vehicles for retrieving the sort bins after all the items for a grouping are sorted to the bin. The retrieval vehicles may be configured to move the retrieved bins to one or more discharge stations where the items in the sort bins may be emptied into separate containers such as boxes for shipping the items.
A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto a delivery mechanism that delivers the items to storage locations. Once at the appropriate storage location, the delivery mechanism discharges the item to the storage location and returns to receive another item to be delivered.
A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. The documents may be conveyed to a feeder for feeding documents to a scanner. The scanner scans each document to obtain image data and then discharges the document to one or more output or sort locations. The system may include a skew reduction assembly for reducing skew in the documents as the documents are fed to the scanner. The system may also include elements for improving image quality and reducing document damage while the document is scanned. The system may further include features for improving the stacking of the discharged documents.
A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations is provided. The system includes a plurality of storage locations. The storage locations may be positioned to provide an aisle and a plurality of delivery vehicles may be operable within the aisle to deliver items to the storage locations. The system may include a track that the guides the vehicles to the storage locations. A reorientation assembly may be provided for re-orienting the vehicles relative to the track to reduce misalignment between the vehicles and the track.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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 track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
A system may include a vehicle for delivering items and a plurality of racks having a plurality of storage locations. The racks may be arranged to form one or more aisles. The vehicles are configured to drive horizontally along a path that may extend along a path under the racks that is parallel to the aisles. Additionally, the vehicles may be operated to turn while the vehicle is positioned under one of the racks. The vehicles may travel under the racks and cross one or more aisles to reach a particular column in one of the aisles. The vehicle climbs upwardly within the particular column to retrieve an item from a storage location in the column.
A workstation for a material handling system is provided. The system may include a plurality of vehicles for retrieving items from a plurality of storage locations located in one or more racks. The workstation is configured to accommodate the vehicles so that the vehicles drive into the workstation and drive upwardly along a track in the workstation. In one configuration, the track is configured to tilt the vehicle at a predetermined angle relative to the horizon as the vehicle is driven upwardly. After the vehicle is tilted to the predetermined angle the vehicle continues to drive upwardly while maintaining the predetermined angle.
A material handling system includes storage locations disposed in racks and a track having a vertical section adjacent one of the racks. A plurality of material handling vehicles are provided, each including a horizontal drive for driving the vehicle horizontally, a vertical drive for driving the vehicle vertically, and a mechanism for transferring items onto or off the vehicle. A vehicle accessory has an opening configured to cooperate with the vehicles. A central controller may be programmed to provide control signals to determine whether a mode of operation to perform an inventory management task is a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation. The central controller may then control the operation of one of the vehicles to operate without the vehicle accessory in a first mode or with the accessory in the second mode.
A transfer station for a material handling system is provided. The system may include a plurality of vehicles for retrieving items from a plurality of storage locations located in one or more racks. The transfer station is configured to accommodate the vehicles so that the vehicles drive into the transfer station and drive upwardly along a track in the transfer station. A transfer mechanism on the vehicle cooperates with a transfer mechanism on the transfer station to displace an item from the vehicle to a conveyor.
A transfer station for a material handling system is provided. The system may include a plurality of vehicles for retrieving items from a plurality of storage locations located in one or more racks. The transfer station is configured to accommodate the vehicles so that the vehicles drive into the transfer station and drive upwardly along a track in the transfer station. A transfer mechanism on the vehicle cooperates with a transfer mechanism on the transfer station to displace an item from the vehicle to a conveyor.
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.
A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. The documents may be conveyed to a feeder for feeding documents to a scanner. The scanner scans each document to obtain image data and then discharges the document to one or more output or sort locations. The system may include a skew reduction assembly for reducing skew in the documents as the documents are fed to the scanner. The system may also include elements for improving image quality and reducing document damage while the document is scanned. The system may further include features for improving the stacking of the discharged documents.
Machines for retrieving, conveying, and transferring containers into which products have been sorted in response to electronic processing of orders, also incorporating storage racks and self-propelled carriers.
A vehicle configured to perform inventory management tasks comprises first and second drive systems respectively actuated by a controller. In a first mode of operation, the first drive system is operable to drive the vehicle along a horizontal surface. In a second mode of operation, the second drive system is operable to drive the vehicle vertically. In a third mode of operation, the second drive system is operable to lift a module vertically to lift the module off the horizontal surface so that actuating the first drive system drives the vehicle and the module along the horizontal surface.
A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto a delivery mechanism that delivers the items to storage locations. Once at the appropriate storage location, the delivery mechanism discharges the item to the storage location and returns to receive another item to be delivered.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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, which are positioned along the path. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives or motor railcars characterised by the type of means applying the tractive effortArrangement or disposition of running gear other than normal driving wheels tractive effort applied to racks
A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto a delivery mechanism that delivers the items to storage locations. Once at the appropriate storage location, the delivery mechanism discharges the item to the storage location and returns to receive another item to be delivered.
A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto a delivery mechanism that delivers the items to storage locations. Once at the appropriate storage location, the delivery mechanism discharges the item to the storage location and returns to receive another item to be delivered.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. The system may also include vehicles having edge-detection assemblies for detecting items being loaded onto or discharged from the vehicles.
A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. The documents may be conveyed to a feeder for feeding documents to a scanner. The scanner scans each document to obtain image data and then discharges the document to one or more output or sort locations. The system may include a skew reduction assembly for reducing skew in the documents as the documents are fed to the scanner. The system may also include elements for improving image quality and reducing document damage while the document is scanned. The system may further include features for improving the stacking of the discharged documents.
A method and apparatus are provided for storing and retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. A storage and retrieval system stores and retrieves items as needed and transfer items from storage locations to transfer locations. A separate picking system conveys the items from the transfer locations to a picking station or an input out station so that the item can be selected.
A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. The documents may be conveyed to a feeder for feeding documents to a scanner. The scanner scans each document to obtain image data and then discharges the document to one or more output or sort locations. The system may include a skew reduction assembly for reducing skew in the documents as the documents are fed to the scanner. The system may also include elements for improving image quality and reducing document damage while the document is scanned. The system may further include features for improving the stacking of the discharged documents.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to form groups at respective sort destinations. A scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item fed into the apparatus. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. When an item to be manually sorted is encountered, a visual alert aligned with a selected destination is activated until manual transfer is confirmed.
Material handling machines for non-manufacturing purposes, namely, storage and retrieval machines for automated storage and retrieval of goods. Storage racks.
51.
Material handling apparatus and method for automatic and manual sorting of items using a dynamically configurable sorting array
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to form groups at respective sort destinations. A scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item fed into the apparatus. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. When an item to be manually sorted is encountered, a visual alert aligned with a selected destination is activated until manual transfer is confirmed.
A vehicle for use in an inventory management system having a plurality of destination areas and a guide system includes a platform for receiving and transporting items to and from the destination areas, a plurality of motors, a first drive system, a second drive system, a transfer mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The transfer system is configured to transfer and retrieve items to and from the destination areas, and the clutch mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the transfer mechanism from at least one of the motors, whereby the second drive system drives movement of the vehicle independently of the transfer mechanism.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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, which are positioned along the path. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives or motor railcars characterised by the type of means applying the tractive effortArrangement or disposition of running gear other than normal driving wheels tractive effort applied to racks
An inventory management system includes pick stations, automated vehicles having an onboard power source, a first drive system configured to horizontally displace the vehicle, a second drive system configured to vertically displace the vehicle along a guide system, and a platform for supporting an item during displacement of the vehicle. A first plurality of storage locations store inventory items at a first zone of vehicle operation and a second plurality of storage areas store inventory items at a second zone of vehicle operation. A first pick station is closer to the first storage locations than to the second storage locations, Vehicles are configured to transfer a selected item from one of the second plurality of storage locations to the first pick station or to transfer the selected item from the second plurality of storage locations to the first plurality of storage locations.
A system is provided for processing documents. In particular, the system is incorporates a feeder for feeding documents to a device for further processing of the documents. For instance, the system finds particular application in the field of document imaging in which a variety of documents of varying sizes and orientation are to be fed to an imaging system, such as a document scanner. The system may provide an input mechanism for easily identifying a characteristic of one of the documents and the system may include features for handling packets of documents.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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, which are positioned along the path. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives or motor railcars characterised by the type of means applying the tractive effortArrangement or disposition of running gear other than normal driving wheels tractive effort applied to racks
A workstation for a material handling system is provided. The system may include a plurality of vehicles for retrieving items from a plurality of storage locations located in one or more racks. The workstation is configured to accommodate the vehicles so that the vehicles drive into the workstation and drive upwardly along a track in the workstation. In one configuration, the track is configured to tilt the vehicle at a predetermined angle relative to the horizon as the vehicle is driven upwardly. After the vehicle is tilted to the predetermined angle the vehicle continues to drive upwardly while maintaining the predetermined angle.
A system may include a vehicle for delivering items and a plurality of racks having a plurality of storage locations. The racks may be arranged to form one or more aisles. The vehicles are configured to drive horizontally along a path that may extend along a path under the racks that is parallel to the aisles. Additionally, the vehicles may be operated to turn while the vehicle is positioned under one of the racks. The vehicles may travel under the racks and cross one or more aisles to reach a particular column in one of the aisles. The vehicle climbs upwardly within the particular column to retrieve an item from a storage location in the column.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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 track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives or motor railcars characterised by the type of means applying the tractive effortArrangement or disposition of running gear other than normal driving wheels tractive effort applied to racks
A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations is provided. The system includes a plurality of storage locations. The storage locations may be positioned to provide an aisle and a plurality of delivery vehicles may be operable within the aisle to deliver items to the storage locations. The system may include a track that the guides the vehicles to the storage locations. A reorientation assembly may be provided for re-orienting the vehicles relative to the track to reduce misalignment between the vehicles and the track.
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.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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. Along the path, the vehicles are scanned to determine if any item on the vehicles extends beyond a dimensional constraint. If it is determined that an item on a vehicle extends above the pre-determined threshold, the vehicle is controlled, such as by stopping or re-directing the vehicle. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
B65G 1/00 - Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
B65G 1/133 - Storage devices mechanical with article supports or holders movable in a closed circuit to facilitate insertion or removal of articles the circuit being confined in a horizontal plane
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness
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.
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.
B65D 1/00 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
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.
A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations is provided. The system includes a plurality of storage locations. The storage locations may be positioned to provide an aisle and a plurality of delivery vehicles may be operable within the aisle to deliver items to the storage locations. The system may include a track that the guides the vehicles to the storage locations. A reorientation assembly may be provided for re-orienting the vehicles relative to the track to reduce misalignment between the vehicles and the track.
A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations is provided. The system includes a plurality of storage locations. The storage locations may be positioned to provide an aisle and a plurality of delivery vehicles may be operable within the aisle to deliver items to the storage locations. The system may include a track that the guides the vehicles to the storage locations. A reorientation assembly may be provided for re-orienting the vehicles relative to the track to reduce misalignment between the vehicles and the track.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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 track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
B65G 1/06 - Storage devices mechanical with means for presenting articles for removal at predetermined position or level
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives or motor railcars characterised by the type of means applying the tractive effortArrangement or disposition of running gear other than normal driving wheels tractive effort applied to racks
70.
Material handling apparatus with vehicle track for reducing vehicle damage
A method and apparatus are provided for delivering items to a plurality of storage locations is provided. The system includes a plurality of storage locations. The storage locations may be positioned to provide an aisle and a plurality of delivery vehicles may be operable within the aisle to deliver items to the storage locations. The system may include a track that the guides the vehicles to the storage locations. A reorientation assembly may be provided for re-orienting the vehicles relative to the track to reduce misalignment between the vehicles and the track.
A system is provided for processing documents. In particular, the system incorporates a feeder for feeding documents to a device for further processing of the documents. For instance, the system finds particular application in the field of document imaging in which a variety of documents of varying sizes and orientation are to be fed to an imaging system, such as a document scanner. The system may provide a sorting station that receives documents from a workstation and sorts the documents to a plurality of sort locations. The system may export the image data for the documents to a fileserver so that a remote operator can provide instructions for the processing of the documents so that the documents can be subsequently processed according to the instructions provided by the operator.
A system is provided for processing documents. In particular, the system is incorporates a feeder for feeding documents to a device for further processing of the documents. For instance, the system finds particular application in the field of document imaging in which a variety of documents of varying sizes and orientation are to be fed to an imaging system, such as a document scanner. The system may provide an input mechanism for easily identifying a characteristic of one of the documents and the system may include features for handling packets of documents.
A method for operating an automated storage and retrieval system includes transferring a first item storage container from an aisle to a first region of a first storage location, positioning a second item storage container in the aisle proximate the first item storage container, interlocking the second item storage container to the first item storage container by engaging a releasable coupling structure extending there between, and applying, in a first direction transverse to the aisle, a force to the second item storage container sufficient in magnitude and duration to cause the first item storage container to occupy the second region of the first storage location and the second item storage container to occupy the first region of the first storage location, whereby the first and second item storage containers remain interlocked while in the first storage location.
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.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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 track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
A workstation for a material handling system is provided. The system may include a plurality of vehicles for retrieving items from a plurality of storage locations located in one or more racks. The workstation is configured to accommodate the vehicles so that the vehicles drive into the workstation and drive upwardly along a track in the workstation. In one configuration, the track is configured to tilt the vehicle at a predetermined angle relative to the horizon as the vehicle is driven upwardly. After the vehicle is tilted to the predetermined angle the vehicle continues to drive upwardly while maintaining the predetermined angle.
A workstation for a material handling system is provided. The system may include a plurality of vehicles for retrieving items from a plurality of storage locations located in one or more racks. The workstation is configured to accommodate the vehicles so that the vehicles drive into the workstation and drive upwardly along a track in the workstation. In one configuration, the track is configured to tilt the vehicle at a predetermined angle relative to the horizon as the vehicle is driven upwardly. After the vehicle is tilted to the predetermined angle the vehicle continues to drive upwardly while maintaining the predetermined angle.
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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 track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives or motor railcars characterised by the type of means applying the tractive effortArrangement or disposition of running gear other than normal driving wheels tractive effort applied to racks
A method and apparatus are provided for storing and retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. A storage and retrieval system stores and retrieves items as needed and transfer items from storage locations to transfer locations. A separate picking system conveys the items from the transfer locations to a picking station or an input out station so that the item can be selected.
A method and apparatus for processing documents are provided. The apparatus includes a feeder for receiving a packet of a plurality of documents and separating the documents to serially feed the documents to a scanner. A drop feeder conveys the document packets to the feeder. A sensor provides information related to the thickness of the document packets and the drop feeder is controlled in response to the information related to the thickness of a packet in the feeder. The method includes the control of the drop feeder in response to information related to the thickness of a document packet at the feeder.
B65H 3/52 - Friction retainers acting on under or rear side of article being separated
B65H 5/02 - Feeding articles separated from pilesFeeding articles to machines by belts or chains
B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from pilesFeeding articles to machines by rollers
B65H 5/26 - Duplicate, alternate, selective, or coacting feeds
B65H 7/14 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors by photoelectric feelers or detectors
B65H 29/12 - Delivering or advancing articles from machinesAdvancing articles to or into piles by means of the nip between two, or between two sets of, moving tapes or bands
B65H 29/68 - Reducing the speed of articles as they advance
B65H 29/70 - Article-bending or stiffening arrangements
B65H 37/00 - Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating devices for performing specified auxiliary operations
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Recorded and downloadable computer software for automated order fulfillment management, namely, software configured to process customer order requirements for the purpose of providing retrieval control instructions to autonomous mobile warehouse robots and self-propelled warehouse carriers within storage racks, all of the aforementioned used in connection with providing control instructions to physical warehouse fulfillment robots
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Mail processing machines, namely, mail opening machines and machines for extracting documents from mail, each also having optical imaging apparatus for scanning documents to obtain optical image data and electronically transmit the image data to computer terminals or data storage devices Document processing machines, namely, optical scanners for scanning documents to obtain optical image data and electronically transmit the images to computer terminals or data storage devices
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.
A vehicle for use in an inventory management system having a plurality of destination areas and a guide system includes a platform for receiving and transporting items to and from the destination areas, a plurality of motors, a first drive system, a second drive system, a transfer mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. Drive elements of the first drive system are rotated by a first subset of one or more motors to move the vehicle vertically. Drive elements of the second drive system are rotated by a second subset of two or more motors to move the vehicle horizontally. The transfer system is configured to transfer and retrieve items to and from the destination areas, and the clutch mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the transfer mechanism from the second subset of motors, whereby the second drive system drives movement of the vehicle independently of the transfer mechanism.
A vehicle configured to perform inventory management tasks comprises first and second drive systems respectively actuated by a controller. In a first mode of operation, the controller is configured to control rotation of drive elements of the second drive system to align drive elements of the first drive system with a guide system and to control rotation of the drive elements of the first drive system to displace the vehicle vertically, relative to an underlying support surface, to reach a storage location. In a second mode of operation, the controller is configured to control rotation of the drive elements of the second drive system to cause the vehicle to enter an accessory module and to displace the accessory module horizontally and to control rotation of the first plurality of drive elements of the first drive system to displace the accessory module vertically.
An inventory management system includes pick stations, automated vehicles having an onboard power source, a first drive system configured to horizontally displace the vehicle, a second drive system configured to vertically displace the vehicle along a guide system, and a platform for supporting an item during displacement of the vehicle. A first plurality of storage locations store inventory items at a first zone of vehicle operation and a second plurality of storage areas store inventory items at a second zone of vehicle operation. A first pick station is closer to the first storage locations than to the second storage locations, Vehicles are configured to transfer a selected item from one of the second plurality of storage locations to the first pick station or to transfer the selected item from the second plurality of storage locations to the first plurality of storage locations.
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.
A system may include a vehicle for delivering items and a plurality of racks having a plurality of storage locations. The racks may be arranged to form one or more aisles. The vehicles are configured to drive horizontally along a path that may extend along a path under the racks that is parallel to the aisles. Additionally, the vehicles may be operated to turn while the vehicle is positioned under one of the racks. The vehicles may travel under the racks and cross one or more aisles to reach a particular column in one of the aisles. The vehicle climbs upwardly within the particular column to retrieve an item from a storage location in the column.
A system may include a vehicle for delivering items and a plurality of racks having a plurality of storage locations. The racks may be arranged to form one or more aisles. The vehicles are configured to drive horizontally along a path that may extend along a path under the racks that is parallel to the aisles. Additionally, the vehicles may be operated to turn while the vehicle is positioned under one of the racks. The vehicles may travel under the racks and cross one or more aisles to reach a particular column in one of the aisles. The vehicle climbs upwardly within the particular column to retrieve an item from a storage location in the column.
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.
A system may include a vehicle for delivering items and a plurality of racks having a plurality of storage locations. The racks may be arranged to form one or more aisles. The vehicles are configured to drive horizontally along a path that may extend along a path under the racks that is parallel to the aisles. Additionally, the vehicles may be operated to turn while the vehicle is positioned under one of the racks. The vehicles may travel under the racks and cross one or more aisles to reach a particular column in one of the aisles. The vehicle climbs upwardly within the particular column to retrieve an item from a storage location in the column.
A vehicle for use in an inventory management system having a plurality of destination areas and a guide system includes a platform for receiving and transporting items to and from the destination areas, a plurality of motors, a first drive system, a second drive system, a transfer mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. Drive elements of the first drive system are rotated by a first subset of one or more motors to move the vehicle vertically. Drive elements of the second drive system are rotated by a second subset of two or more motors to move the vehicle horizontally. The transfer system is configured to transfer and retrieve items to and from the destination areas, and the clutch mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the transfer mechanism from the second subset of motors, whereby the second drive system drives movement of the vehicle independently of the transfer mechanism.
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.
Vehicles (12) are configured to perform a first set of the inventory management tasks in an inventory management system (10, 30, 100). In order to perform further sets of one or more inventory management tasks, each vehicle (12) is further operative to interact synergistically with any of a plurality of functional accessory modules (18, 40, 50), or with a combination thereof, to perform tasks which a vehicle (12), alone, lacks the capability to completely perform. In embodiments, each FAM of a first group of FAMs is operative, in association with a vehicle, to perform a second set of inventory management tasks, and each FAM of a second group of FAMs is operative, in association with a vehicle, to perform a third set of inventory management tasks. As such, the vehicles retain their utility to a warehouse or other inventory management facility even as the complexity of that operation increases.
An inventory management system includes pick stations (PS1, PS2), automated vehicles (1412- 1 to 1412-n) having an onboard power source (1417), a first drive system (1409) configured to horizontally displace the vehicle, a second drive system (1411) configured to vertically displace the vehicle along a guide system, and a platform (211 ) for supporting an item during displacement of the vehicle. A first plurality of storage locations (110) store inventory items at a first zone of vehicle operation and a second plurality of storage areas (40, 70) store inventory items at a second zone of vehicle operation. A first pick station (PS1 ) is closer to the first storage locations (70) than to the second storage locations (110), Vehicles are configured to transfer a selected item from one of the second plurality of storage locations to the first pick station or to transfer the selected item from the second plurality of storage locations to the first plurality of storage locations.
A vehicle for use in an inventory management system having a plurality of destination areas and a guide system includes a platform for receiving and transporting items to and from the destination areas, a plurality of motors, a first drive system, a second drive system, a transfer mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. Drive elements of the first drive system are rotated by a first subset of one or more motors to move the vehicle vertically. Drive elements of the second drive system are rotated by a second subset of two or more motors to move the vehicle horizontally. The transfer system is configured to transfer and retrieve items to and from the destination areas, and the clutch mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the transfer mechanism from the second subset of motors, whereby the second drive system drives movement of the vehicle independently of the transfer mechanism.
A method for operating an automated storage and retrieval system includes transferring a first item storage container from an aisle to a first region of a first storage location, positioning a second item storage container in the aisle proximate the first item storage container, interlocking the second item storage container to the first item storage container by engaging a releasable coupling structure extending there between, and applying, in a first direction transverse to the aisle, a force to the second item storage container sufficient in magnitude and duration to cause the first item storage container to occupy the second region of the first storage location and the second item storage container to occupy the first region of the first storage location, whereby the first and second item storage containers remain interlocked while in the first storage location.
A system is provided for processing documents. In particular, the system incorporates a feeder for feeding documents to a device for further processing of the documents. For instance, the system finds particular application in the field of document imaging in which a variety of documents of varying sizes and orientation are to be fed to an imaging system, such as a document scanner. The system may provide a sorting station that receives documents from a workstation and sorts the documents to a plurality of sort locations. The system may export the image data for the documents to a fileserver so that a remote operator can provide instructions for the processing of the documents so that the documents can be subsequently processed according to the instructions provided by the operator.
Machines for conveying, sorting, and tracking inventory of consumer products inside warehouses in response to electronic processing of customer orders, also incorporating storage racks and self-propelled carriers
100.
Method and apparatus for sorting or retreiving items
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting 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 track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
