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Material handling apparatus and method for sorting items using a dynamically configurable sorting array

A technology for items and materials, applied in the field of material handling systems, can solve problems such as laborious, error-prone, and time-consuming

Inactive Publication Date: 2018-12-21
OPEX
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] The inventors of the present application have found that aggregating items into distinct groups (e.g., during fulfillment of corresponding pending orders to consumers or retail outlets and / or returns of these items) is laborious, time-consuming, inefficient, and easy go wrong

Method used

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  • Material handling apparatus and method for sorting items using a dynamically configurable sorting array
  • Material handling apparatus and method for sorting items using a dynamically configurable sorting array
  • Material handling apparatus and method for sorting items using a dynamically configurable sorting array

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Embodiment Construction

[0041] Describes methods for automating the accumulation of one or more items at corresponding sort destinations to form corresponding groups of items (e.g., for shipping to customers for order fulfillment or for bulk replenishment of items into inventory) systems and technologies. Items are automatically identified through a scanning process as they are transported along or between induction module conveyors. Optionally, one or more characteristics (eg weight, length, height or width) are determined by reference to identification-related data. Additionally or alternatively, one or more sensors of the induction module may be operated to determine one or more characteristics. In an embodiment, the identified and / or characterized items are transferred from the transfer conveyor of the induction module to an autonomous vehicle movable within a lane extending parallel to the vertical array of storage locations. Each vehicle is self-propelled and includes an unloading mechanism t...

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PUM

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Abstract

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 (140-1-J). The delivery vehicles (140-1-J) 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. Additionally, a controller (110) is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle (140-1-J).

Description

[0001] References to related applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 331,020, filed May 3, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to material handling systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for aggregating items into groups based on automated identification, detection and / or identification processes. Background technique [0004] The inventors of the present application have found that aggregating items into distinct groups (e.g., during fulfillment of corresponding pending orders to consumers or retail outlets and / or returns of these items) is laborious, time-consuming, inefficient, and easy error. This disadvantage is more acutely felt when items must be retrieved from (or put back into) discrete locations within a warehouse or other large facility. A single fulfillment center may receive hundreds, ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): B07C3/00B07C5/38B07C3/02B07C3/08
CPCB07C5/36B07C5/18B65G1/0492B65G1/1378B07C3/10B07C3/082B07C7/02B07C3/008B07C5/38B07C5/361B07C3/006B07C3/02B07C2301/005
Inventor M·麦克沃D·雷斯勒D·迪特里希A·史蒂文斯K·奥玛拉K·谢里R·霍奇M·约克R·德威特
Owner OPEX