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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
2.
Document Imaging Apparatus with Leading Edge Engagement for Improved Performance
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 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 - Commande de l'alimentation en articles, de l'enlèvement des articles, de l'avance des piles ou d'appareils associés permettant de tenir compte d'une alimentation incorrecte, de la non présence d'articles ou de la présence d'articles défectueux par palpeurs ou détecteurs sensibles à la non présence d'articles, p. ex. après épuisement de la pile
B43M 7/00 - Dispositifs pour ouvrir des enveloppes
B43M 7/02 - Dispositifs pour à la fois ouvrir les enveloppes et sortir leur contenu
B65H 1/02 - Supports ou magasins pour les piles dans lesquelles on prélève des articles adaptés pour supporter les articles sur la tranche
B65H 5/00 - Transfert des articles retirés des pilesAlimentation des machines en articles
B65H 7/06 - Commande de l'alimentation en articles, de l'enlèvement des articles, de l'avance des piles ou d'appareils associés permettant de tenir compte d'une alimentation incorrecte, de la non présence d'articles ou de la présence d'articles défectueux par palpeurs ou détecteurs sensibles à la présence d'articles défectueux ou à l'enlèvement ou à une alimentation incorrecte
4.
Method and Apparatus for Retaining Items on Material Handling Apparatus Delivery Vehicles
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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
5.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETAINING ITEMS ON MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS DELIVERY VEHICLES
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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B07C 5/36 - Appareils trieurs caractérisés par les moyens qu'ils utilisent en vue de la distribution
6.
Document imaging apparatus with leading edge engagement for improved performance
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/69 - Commande coordonnée de la position ou du cap de plusieurs véhicules
G05D 1/692 - Commande coordonnée de la position ou du cap de plusieurs véhicules impliquant une pluralité de véhicules disparates
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B07C 3/00 - Tri du courrier ou des documents selon la destination
B07C 3/12 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés pour détecter la destination utilisant des moyens de détection électriques ou électroniques
12.
Document imaging system and method for imaging documents
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.
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B07C 5/36 - Appareils trieurs caractérisés par les moyens qu'ils utilisent en vue de la distribution
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
14.
Method and apparatus for sorting or retrieving 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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
16.
Material handling apparatus having separate workstation and method of use
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
G05D 1/69 - Commande coordonnée de la position ou du cap de plusieurs véhicules
G05D 1/692 - Commande coordonnée de la position ou du cap de plusieurs véhicules impliquant une pluralité de véhicules disparates
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
18.
MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS HAVING INPUT/OUTPUT STATION AND METHOD OF USE
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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 69/00 - Mesures auxiliaires ou dispositifs utilisés en liaison avec le chargement ou le déchargement
19.
Material Handling Apparatus having Input/Output Station and Method of Use
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
22.
Document imaging apparatus with leading edge engagement for improved performance
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
G05D 1/69 - Commande coordonnée de la position ou du cap de plusieurs véhicules
G05D 1/692 - Commande coordonnée de la position ou du cap de plusieurs véhicules impliquant une pluralité de véhicules disparates
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
25.
MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING OR RETRIEVING 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 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 ou automotrices caractérisées par la manière dont l'effort de traction est appliquéDisposition des organes de roulement autres que les roues motrices normales l'effort de traction étant appliqué à des crémaillères
B65G 67/02 - Chargement ou déchargement des véhicules terrestres
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
26.
MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS WITH ITEM SCANNING STATION
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.
B65G 35/00 - Transporteurs mécaniques non prévus ailleurs
B07C 5/36 - Appareils trieurs caractérisés par les moyens qu'ils utilisent en vue de la distribution
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 43/08 - Dispositifs de commande actionnés par l'alimentation, le déplacement ou le déchargement des objets ou matériaux
G06K 19/067 - Supports d'enregistrement avec des marques conductrices, des circuits imprimés ou des éléments de circuit à semi-conducteurs, p. ex. cartes d'identité ou cartes de crédit
B07C 5/08 - Séparation selon la dimension les mesures étant faites électriquement ou électroniquement
27.
Material handling apparatus with item scanning station
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.
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B07C 3/12 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés pour détecter la destination utilisant des moyens de détection électriques ou électroniques
B07C 3/00 - Tri du courrier ou des documents selon la destination
28.
MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS WITH DELIVERY VEHICLES AND RECIRCULATION
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.
B65G 43/08 - Dispositifs de commande actionnés par l'alimentation, le déplacement ou le déchargement des objets ou matériaux
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
30.
DOCUMENT IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGING DOCUMENTS
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.
B65G 39/00 - Rouleaux, p. ex. rouleaux d'entraînement, ou leurs aménagements incorporés dans des chemins de roulement ou dans d'autres types de transporteurs mécaniques
31.
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.
Material handling machines for non-manufacturing purposes, namely, storage and retrieval machines for automated storage and retrieval of goods. Storage racks.
33.
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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
35.
Material handling apparatus for delivering or retrieving 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 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 ou automotrices caractérisées par la manière dont l'effort de traction est appliquéDisposition des organes de roulement autres que les roues motrices normales l'effort de traction étant appliqué à des crémaillères
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 67/02 - Chargement ou déchargement des véhicules terrestres
36.
Systems and methods for dynamically managing the location of inventory items in an inventory management facility
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
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.
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B65G 67/02 - Chargement ou déchargement des véhicules terrestres
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives ou automotrices caractérisées par la manière dont l'effort de traction est appliquéDisposition des organes de roulement autres que les roues motrices normales l'effort de traction étant appliqué à des crémaillères
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
42.
Material handling apparatus for delivering or retrieving 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.
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B07C 7/02 - Meubles à compartiments, p. ex. classeurs à casiers
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 67/02 - Chargement ou déchargement des véhicules terrestres
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives ou automotrices caractérisées par la manière dont l'effort de traction est appliquéDisposition des organes de roulement autres que les roues motrices normales l'effort de traction étant appliqué à des crémaillères
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
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 - Procédés ou dispositions pour le traitement de données en agissant sur l'ordre ou le contenu des données maniées
B65G 1/00 - Emmagasinage d'objets, individuellement ou avec une certaine ordonnance, dans des entrepôts ou des magasins
B65G 1/133 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports ou porte-objets mobiles en circuit fermé pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets le circuit étant entièrement situé dans un plan horizontal
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
G01B 11/02 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur
45.
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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
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.
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
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 - Réceptacles rigides ou semi-rigides ayant des corps d'une seule pièce formés, p. ex. par coulage d'un matériau en métal, par moulage d'un matériau plastique, par soufflage d'un matériau vitreux, par coulage d'un matériau en céramique, par moulage d'un matériau fibreux cuit ou par étirage d'un matériau en feuille
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
48.
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
G06Q 10/08 - Logistique, p. ex. entreposage, chargement ou distributionGestion d’inventaires ou de stocks
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
49.
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.
G06Q 10/08 - Logistique, p. ex. entreposage, chargement ou distributionGestion d’inventaires ou de stocks
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
50.
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives ou automotrices caractérisées par la manière dont l'effort de traction est appliquéDisposition des organes de roulement autres que les roues motrices normales l'effort de traction étant appliqué à des crémaillères
52.
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.
B07C 3/14 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés pour détecter la destination utilisant des moyens de détection photosensibles
B41J 25/308 - Mécanismes mobiles pour têtes d'impression ou chariots mobiles vers ou à partir de la surface du papier avec des mécanismes de réglage de la distance entre l'élément d'impression et le matériau d'impression
G06V 30/12 - Détection ou correction d’erreurs, p. ex. en effectuant une deuxième exploration du motif
G06V 30/224 - Reconnaissance de caractères caractérisés par le type d’écriture de caractères imprimés pourvus de marques de codage additionnelles ou de marques de codage
H04N 1/00 - Balayage, transmission ou reproduction de documents ou similaires, p. ex. transmission de fac-similésLeurs détails
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
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 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/16 - Disposition particulière des objets dans les aires de stockage
B65G 1/18 - Objets inclinés de façon à se soutenir mutuellement
60.
Material handling apparatus for delivering or retrieving 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.
B61C 11/04 - Locomotives ou automotrices caractérisées par la manière dont l'effort de traction est appliquéDisposition des organes de roulement autres que les roues motrices normales l'effort de traction étant appliqué à des crémaillères
B65G 67/02 - Chargement ou déchargement des véhicules terrestres
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
61.
Method and apparatus for storing or retrieving items
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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
62.
Feeder for feeding document to document imaging system and method for feeding documents
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 3/06 - Rouleaux ou séparateurs rotatifs analogues
B65H 3/52 - Dispositifs de retenue à friction agissant sur les côtés inférieur ou arrière des articles à enlever
B65H 5/02 - Transfert des articles retirés des pilesAlimentation des machines en articles par courroies ou chaînes
B65H 5/06 - Transfert des articles retirés des pilesAlimentation des machines en articles par rouleaux
B65H 5/26 - Alimentations en double, alternées, sélectives ou associées
B65H 7/14 - Commande de l'alimentation en articles, de l'enlèvement des articles, de l'avance des piles ou d'appareils associés permettant de tenir compte d'une alimentation incorrecte, de la non présence d'articles ou de la présence d'articles défectueux par palpeurs ou détecteurs par palpeurs ou détecteurs photo-électriques
B65H 29/12 - Délivrance ou progression des articles à la sortie des machinesProgression des articles vers ou dans les piles au moyen du resserrement entre deux rubans ou courroies mobiles, ou entre deux jeux de rubans ou courroies
B65H 29/68 - Réduction de la vitesse des articles en mouvement
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et 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 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et 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.
G06F 7/00 - Procédés ou dispositions pour le traitement de données en agissant sur l'ordre ou le contenu des données maniées
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/00 - Emmagasinage d'objets, individuellement ou avec une certaine ordonnance, dans des entrepôts ou des magasins
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
G06Q 10/08 - Logistique, p. ex. entreposage, chargement ou distributionGestion d’inventaires ou de stocks
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
G06Q 10/08 - Logistique, p. ex. entreposage, chargement ou distributionGestion d’inventaires ou de stocks
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
G06Q 10/08 - Logistique, p. ex. entreposage, chargement ou distributionGestion d’inventaires ou de stocks
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/12 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports ou porte-objets mobiles en circuit fermé pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/12 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports ou porte-objets mobiles en circuit fermé pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
74.
Automated vehicle for use in inventory management system
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.
G06F 7/00 - Procédés ou dispositions pour le traitement de données en agissant sur l'ordre ou le contenu des données maniées
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
G06Q 10/08 - Logistique, p. ex. entreposage, chargement ou distributionGestion d’inventaires ou de stocks
B65G 1/10 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports relativement mobiles pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
78.
AUTOMATED VEHICLE FOR USE IN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 61/00 - Utilisation d'appareils de prise ou de transfert, ou de manipulateurs, pour empiler ou désempiler des objets, non prévus ailleurs
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
79.
Automated storage and retrieval system and methods
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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.
B07C 3/02 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B07C 5/36 - Appareils trieurs caractérisés par les moyens qu'ils utilisent en vue de la distribution
B07C 5/38 - Rassemblement ou mise en groupes des articles
B41J 25/304 - Mécanismes mobiles pour têtes d'impression ou chariots mobiles vers ou à partir de la surface du papier
B41J 25/308 - Mécanismes mobiles pour têtes d'impression ou chariots mobiles vers ou à partir de la surface du papier avec des mécanismes de réglage de la distance entre l'élément d'impression et le matériau d'impression
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
82.
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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
An actuator for transmitting an input force in a first direction from an input mechanism to a force in a second direction at an output mechanism. The actuator may be incorporated into a tensioner for tensioning a belt. The device includes a plurality of aligned spherical elements in a curved raceway. The input mechanism transmits force to a first of the series of spherical elements. The spherical elements are substantially incompressible so that the series of spherical elements transmits the force along the curved raceway from the input mechanism to the output mechanism.
An apparatus includes an input bin for receiving a stack of envelopes, a conveyor for conveying each envelope of the stack along an envelope path, and a cartridge retainer adapted for electrical connection to an inkjet cartridge defining a 1 x M array of inkjet printing nozzles. The apparatus further includes a controller electrically coupled to the cartridge retainer and configured to activate the inkjet cartridge nozzles to deposit ink droplets according to a predetermined duty cycle able to cause printing, on an envelope conveyed at a first feed rate, a first indicium having a density of M x IN dots per inch, where N is greater than M/2 and less than M. The conveyor, however, conveys envelopes faster than the first feed rate, whereby the first indicium is printed at a density of less than M x N dots per inch on a moving envelope.
B41J 2/505 - Machines à écrire ou mécanismes d'impression sélective caractérisés par le procédé d'impression ou de marquage pour lequel ils sont conçus caractérisés par le procédé de formation de caractères applicable à plusieurs types de procédés d'impression ou de marquage à partir d'un ensemble d'éléments d'impression identiques
85.
Apparatus for opening and printing indicia upon envelopes
An apparatus includes an input bin for receiving a stack of envelopes, a conveyor for conveying each envelope of the stack along an envelope path, and a cartridge retainer adapted for electrical connection to an inkjet cartridge defining a 1×M array of inkjet printing nozzles. The apparatus further includes a controller electrically coupled to the cartridge retainer and configured to activate the inkjet cartridge nozzles to deposit ink droplets according to a predetermined duty cycle able to cause printing, on an envelope conveyed at a first feed rate, a first indicium having a density of M×N dots per inch, where N is greater than M/2 and less than M. The conveyor, however, conveys envelopes faster than the first feed rate, whereby the first indicium is printed at a density of less than M×N dots per inch on a moving envelopes.
B41J 3/28 - Machines à écrire ou mécanismes d'impression ou de marquage sélectif caractérisés par le but dans lequel ils sont construits pour l'impression de haut en bas des surfaces planes, p. ex. de livres, dessins, boîtes
B43M 7/00 - Dispositifs pour ouvrir des enveloppes
86.
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 a plurality of 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 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.
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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 ou automotrices caractérisées par la manière dont l'effort de traction est appliquéDisposition des organes de roulement autres que les roues motrices normales l'effort de traction étant appliqué à des crémaillères
B65G 67/02 - Chargement ou déchargement des véhicules terrestres
B65G 1/06 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des moyens pour que les objets se présentent à l'enlèvement dans des positions ou à des niveaux prédéterminés
89.
Material handling apparatus with delivery vehicles and recirculation
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 of each item being delivered by each vehicle. The system may also include vehicles having an assembly for detecting items being loaded onto or discharged from the vehicles.
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B65G 43/08 - Dispositifs de commande actionnés par l'alimentation, le déplacement ou le déchargement des objets ou matériaux
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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 - Procédés ou dispositions pour le traitement de données en agissant sur l'ordre ou le contenu des données maniées
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
B65G 1/00 - Emmagasinage d'objets, individuellement ou avec une certaine ordonnance, dans des entrepôts ou des magasins
B65G 1/133 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec supports ou porte-objets mobiles en circuit fermé pour faciliter l'insertion ou l'enlèvement des objets le circuit étant entièrement situé dans un plan horizontal
G01B 11/02 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la longueur, la largeur ou l'épaisseur
Material handling machines for non-manufacturing purposes, namely, storage and retrieval machines for automated storage and retrieval of consumer products inside warehouses in response to electronic processing of consumer orders, namely, storage racks for use with self-propelled carriers
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 an assembly for detecting items being loaded onto or discharged from the vehicles.
B65G 43/08 - Dispositifs de commande actionnés par l'alimentation, le déplacement ou le déchargement des objets ou matériaux
B07C 3/08 - Appareillages caractérisés par les moyens utilisés en vue de la distribution utilisant des systèmes de transporteurs
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of 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 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.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
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 work station 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 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 work station 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 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 delivery mechanism may be operable within the aisle to deliver items to the storage locations. A displaceable safety mechanism may be provided to impede access to the aisle from the storage location.
B65G 1/137 - Dispositifs d'emmagasinage mécaniques avec des aménagements ou des moyens de commande automatique pour choisir les objets qui doivent être enlevés
100.
MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED SERVICE PLATFORM
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 delivery mechanism may be operable within the aisle to deliver items to the storage locations. A service platform may be provided. The service platform may be displaceable within the aisle to provide an elevated platform for an operator to provide service to the delivery mechanism or the storage locations.
E06C 9/12 - Échelles caractérisées par le fait d'être fixées en permanence à des structures fixes, p. ex. échelles de secours en cas d'incendie mobiles avec montants rigides déplaçables latéralement
