An auto sort and label (ASL) system (100,200) includes a conveyor, a controller (150), a sensor (121,122,220,222,224,226), and a label, print, and apply (LPA) system (106,208). The conveyor conveys articles through the ASL system. The sensor is positioned along the conveyor and identifies an article. The controller receives sensor data from the sensor. The LPA is positioned alongside the conveyor and prints labels in sequence with the corresponding article as it travels along the conveyor and applies the labels to the corresponding articles as the article passes the LPA. The controller controls the conveyor such that a gap and/or pitch between first and second articles is adjusted to an optimal distance to match the operation capability of the LPA. The controller verifies placement and contents of the label upon the article as defined by sensor data and accepts or rejects the labeled article for further handling based on the verification.
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B65C 1/02 - Affixing labels to one flat surface of articles, e.g. of packages, of flat bands
B65C 9/18 - Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls
B07C 5/00 - Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
An auto sort and label (ASL) system includes a conveyor, a controller, a sensor, and a label, print, and apply (LPA) system. The conveyor conveys articles through the ASL system. The sensor is positioned along the conveyor and identifies an article. The controller receives sensor data from the sensor. The LPA is positioned alongside the conveyor and prints labels in sequence with the corresponding article as it travels along the conveyor and applies the labels to the corresponding articles as the article passes the LPA. The controller controls the conveyor such that a gap and/or pitch between a first article and a second article is adjusted to an optimal distance to match the operation capability of the LPA. The controller verifies placement and contents of the label upon the article as defined by sensor data and accepts or rejects the labeled article for further handling based on the verification.
A conveyor surface adjustment system (100) includes first and second belt tracking actuators(106a, 106b) positionable at opposite first and second sides (102a, 102b) of a conveyor belt (102). An adjustable roller (120) in movable contact with the belt (102) has a fixed end (120a) and an adjustable end (120b) coupled to an adjustment gear (118). When the belt (102) is improperly positioned or aligned towards the first (106a) or second belt tracking actuator (106b), the belt (102) physically contacts or engages the first (106a) or second belt tracking actuator (106b). The engaged belt tracking actuator (106a, 106b) causes the gear (118) to rotate in either a first direction or a second direction to move the adjustable end (120b) of the adjustable roller (120) to adjust the tension of the belt (102). This tension change causes the belt (102) to track towards a corrected position or alignment.
An order fulfillment control system for a warehouse in accordance with the present invention includes a controller, a memory module, and a training module. The controller controls mobile autonomous devices, fixed autonomous devices, and issues picking orders to pickers. The controller controls fulfillment activities in the warehouse using hierarchically tiered algorithms, and records operational data for the fulfillment activities in the warehouse. The memory module holds the operational data. The training module retrains the algorithm using reinforcement learning. The training module performs the reinforcement learning on the operational data to retrain/update the algorithms. The training module retrains a macro algorithm according to a first set of priorities for optimal operation of the warehouse and retrains a plurality of micro algorithms according to corresponding second sets of priorities for optimal operation of a particular location and/or activity within the warehouse. The controller adaptively controls the fulfillment activities using the updated algorithms.
A conveyor system for transporting goods within a warehouse facility. The system includes an array of guide tracks and carriages moveable along the guide tracks for transporting goods within the warehouse facility. A drive system includes drivers spaced along the guide tracks. The drivers may utilize linear induction motors, propels the carriages along the guide tracks. The linear induction motors utilize stepper motors, and optionally microstepping motors. A warehouse management system controls the linear drive system to transport goods throughout warehouse facility for storage and order fulfilment. The linear driver conveyor system includes perpendicular transfers at which carriages can be transferred from one conveyor line to another, without the need for mechanical processes, such as lift or buffers, to move the carriage between conveyor lines.
B60L 13/04 - Magnetic suspension or levitation for vehicles
B60L 15/00 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performance; Adaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train
An order fulfillment control system (300) for a warehouse (200) includes a controller (301), storage (103), and a training module (102). The controller (301) controls mobile autonomous devices, fixed autonomous devices, and issues picking orders to pickers (202, 204). The controller (301) controls fulfillment activities in the warehouse (301) using hierarchically tiered algorithms, and records operational data for the fulfillment activities. The training module (102) retrains the algorithm using reinforcement learning and performs the reinforcement learning on the operational data to retrain/update the algorithms. The training module (102) retrains a macro algorithm according to a first set of priorities for optimal operation of the warehouse and retrains a plurality of micro algorithms according to corresponding second sets of priorities for optimal operation of a particular location and/or activity within the warehouse (200). The controller (301) adaptively controls the fulfillment activities using the updated algorithms.
A sound attenuated conveyor roller assembly reduces the noise or vibration produced by the conveyor roller assembly during operation, and includes a conveyor roller having a cylindrical portion to which a sound damper may be coupled. The conveyor roller may include an unreduced outer surface and a reduced outer surface, in which the sound damper is disposed at the reduced outer surface such that an outer surface of the damper and the unreduced outer surface of the conveyor roller are located at substantially equal radial distances from a longitudinal axis of the conveyor roller. A tapered end connector having a tapered plastic tip may be coupled to each end of the conveyor roller to further reduce noise and vibration in the conveyor roller assembly.
A motor driven roller transmission system for a conveyance assembly includes a transmission assembly connected between a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member, in which the first and second rotatable members are oriented at an angle from one another. The transmission assembly is adapted to efficiently transfer rotational motion of the first rotatable member to the second rotatable member. Rotation of the second rotatable member causes a conveyance surface to move in order to convey an object. The transmission assembly decreases the power required to drive the first rotatable member in order to move the conveyance surface by increasing the torque output of the first rotatable member, while also reducing the rotational speed required of the first rotatable member to drive the conveyance surface at a desired speed, thus extending the operational life of the first rotatable member.
B65G 47/54 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices between conveyors which cross one another at least one of which is a roller-way
12.
MOTOR DRIVEN ROLLER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR CONVEYANCE SYSTEM
A motor driven roller transmission system for a conveyance assembly (20) includes a transmission assembly (30) connected between first and second rotatable members (28, 32) that are oriented at an angle from one another. The transmission assembly (30) is adapted to efficiently transfer rotational motion of the first rotatable member (28) to the second rotatable member (32). Rotation of the second rotatable member (32) causes a conveyance surface (26) to move in order to convey an object. The transmission assembly (30) decreases the power required to drive the first rotatable member (28) in order to move the conveyance surface (26) by increasing the torque output of the first rotatable member (28), while also reducing the rotational speed required of the first rotatable member (28) to drive the conveyance surface (26) at a desired speed, thus extending the operational life of the first rotatable member (28).
B65G 47/53 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices between conveyors which cross one another
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
communication software and messaging software, namely, downloadable software for processing images, graphics, audio, video, and text; downloadable, cloud-based software for managing digital data, downloadable software for managing digital data utilizing industrial internet of things (IIOT) platforms, and downloadable, software for controlling edge devices; software platform for use in supply chain fulfillment and management, including warehouse material handling, order fulfillment facilities, product distribution centers and product logistics; cloud computing software non-downloadable software for use in operation, control, visualization, emulation, simulation, virtualization, analysis and management of warehouse material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, retail stores, intralogistics, supply chain fulfillment systems, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions; software as a service (SaaS) services, featuring software for use in operation, control, visualization, emulation, simulation, virtualization, analysis and management of warehouse material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, retail stores, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions; providing a website featuring non-downloadable software using artificial intelligence for machine learning in the field of operation, control, visualization, emulation, simulation, virtualization, analysis and management of warehouse material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, retail stores, intralogistics, supply chain fulfillment systems, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions; software as a service (SaaS) services, featuring software using artificial intelligence for machine learning in the field of operation, control, visualization, emulation, simulation, virtualization, analysis and management of warehouse material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, retail stores, intralogistics, supply chain fulfillment systems, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions; application service provider (ASP) featuring software using artificial intelligence for machine learning in the field of operation, control, visualization, emulation, simulation, virtualization, analysis and management of warehouse material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, retail stores, intralogistics, supply chain fulfillment systems, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions; software as a service (SaaS) service featuring software for use in data management, data governance, data integration, data analytics, data search, data discovery, data cataloging, data visualization, data sharing, controlling access to data, data security, and generating workflows; software as a service (SaaS) service featuring software for collecting, tagging, cataloging, obtaining, tracking, processing, monitoring, storing, securing, organizing, managing, synthesizing, cleaning, consolidating, integrating, transmitting, measuring, mining, analyzing, governing, reporting, and sharing of data and information; software as a service (SaaS) service featuring software for privacy control used in data processing, collection, and analytics; software as a service (SaaS) service featuring software for data analytics, data protection, and data security; software as a service (SaaS) service featuring software for predictive analytics, big data and business data analysis and visualization; software as a service (SaaS) service featuring software for accessing, querying, and analyzing information stored in database and data warehousing; cloud computing in the field of material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, retail stores, intralogistics, supply chain fulfillment systems, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions; cloud computing featuring software for use in operation, control, visualization, emulation, simulation, virtualization, analysis and management of warehouse material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, retail stores, intralogistics, supply chain fulfillment systems, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions; cloud computing featuring software using artificial intelligence for machine learning in the field of operation, control, visualization, emulation, simulation, virtualization, analysis and management of warehouse material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, retail stores, intralogistics, supply chain fulfillment systems, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions; cloud computing featuring software for use in data management, data governance, data integration, data analytics, data search, data discovery, data cataloging, data visualization, data sharing, controlling access to data, data security, and generating workflows; cloud computing featuring software for collecting, tagging, cataloging, obtaining, tracking, processing, monitoring, storing, securing, organizing, managing, synthesizing, cleaning, consolidating, integrating, transmitting, measuring, mining, analyzing, governing, reporting, and sharing of data and information; cloud computing featuring software for privacy control used in data processing, collection, and analytics; cloud computing featuring software for data analytics, data protection, and data security; cloud computing featuring software for predictive analytics, big data and business data analysis and visualization; cloud computing featuring software for accessing, querying, and analyzing information stored in database and data warehousing; cloud computing featuring messaging software, namely, downloadable software for processing images, graphics, audio, video, text, and sharing files; cloud computing services for logistics and supply chain fulfillment; design and development of computer software for supply chain fulfillment and management services, including could computing; non-downloadable software for use in operation, control, visualization, emulation, simulation, virtualization, analysis and management of warehouse material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions, all for logistics and supply chain fulfillment purposes; data compilation and data processing of information in the fields of warehouse material handling systems, product distribution centers, order fulfillment facilities systems, retail stores, intralogistics, supply chain fulfillment systems, warehouse and storage facilities and their functions
A system (102, 202, 302, 402) and method (500) are provided for loading trays (106), with articles using a first tray conveyor (104, 204, 304, 404) on which empty trays are delivered and an article conveyor (110, 210, 310, 410) on which articles (112) are delivered to be transferred onto empty trays. The trays (106) include a frame (116) and a movable transport plate (124) for the articles. A lifting apparatus (226, 326, 426) is provided for the transport plate (124) of the tray (106) at a height that is about equal to the height of the article conveyor (110, 210, 310, 410), such as about 10 millimeters (10 mm) or less to reduce or eliminate drop forces as articles as transferred from the article conveyor (110, 210, 310, 410) onto the tray (106).
B65G 47/22 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors
B65G 47/52 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
B65G 47/76 - Fixed or adjustable ploughs or transverse scrapers
B65G 47/82 - Rotary or reciprocating members for direct action on articles or materials, e.g. pushers, rakes, shovels
A system and method are provided for loading trays with articles using a first tray conveyor on which empty trays are delivered and an article conveyor on which articles are delivered to be transferred onto empty trays. The trays include a frame with a peripheral raised edge and a base having at least one aperture and a transport plate for the articles, the transport trays being positioned on the base of the frame. A lifting apparatus is provided for the transport plate of the tray at a height that is about equal to the height of the article conveyor, such as about 10 millimeters (10 mm) or less to reduce or eliminate drop forces as articles as transferred from the article conveyor onto the tray.
A multi-directional or omni-roller (100, 100b, 200) for a conveyor system (300, 500) includes a first transport surface (102, 202) formed by a cylindrical roller body (104, 204), and a second transport surface (110, 110b, 210) formed by multi-directional wheels (112, 212). The wheels have a main body (112, 212) that rotate about a longitudinal axis of the roller, and secondary wheels (116, 216) disposed at an outer circumference that rotate perpendicular to the roller (100, 100b, 200), and permit articles or drive belts (504) to travel over the roller (100, 100b, 200) in a conveyance direction in a driven manner and permit articles to move laterally across the second transport surface portion (110, 110b, 210) without transferring lateral forces to a conveyor frame (502). For skew roller beds, a drive belt (504) may drive the roller (100, 100b, 200) about the secondary wheels (116, 216).
B65G 39/04 - Adaptations of individual rollers and supports therefor the rollers comprising a number of roller- forming elements mounted on a single axle
B65G 39/12 - Arrangements of rollers mounted on framework
B60B 19/00 - Wheels not otherwise provided for or having characteristics specified in one of the subgroups of this group
B65G 47/24 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles
B65G 47/54 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices between conveyors which cross one another at least one of which is a roller-way
A multi-directional or omni-roller for a conveyor system includes a first transport surface portion formed by a cylindrical roller body, and a second transport surface portion formed by multi-directional wheels. The wheels have a main body that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the roller, and a set of secondary wheels around an outer circumference of the main body. The secondary wheels rotate perpendicular relative to the rotation of the roller, and permit articles or drive belts to travel over the roller in a conveyance direction in a driven manner and permit articles to move laterally across the second transport surface portion without transferring lateral forces to a conveyor frame. For skew roller beds, a drive belt may drive the roller about the secondary wheels, substantially without lateral forces being transferred or introduced to the drive belt.
A system and method are provided for decanting inbound goods into optimally dimensioned compartments of totes for storage in an ASRS storage system. The system includes decant workstations with multiple tote decant positions each dedicated to receive totes having a compartment configuration different than for those at the other decant positions. The method includes presenting a decant operator with multiple totes such that the operator substantially always has an empty or partially filled compartment of each available compartment size which to place inbound items into. A warehouse control system guides the operator to which presented tote and which compartment within that tote to place the items. The warehouse control system monitors each of the totes at the decant positions and once a tote's compartments are all filled to capacity, that tote is returned to the storage system and replaced with another tote having an identical compartment configuration.
A system and method for decanting inbound goods into compartments of totes (14a, 14b, 14c) for storage in an ASRS storage system (12) includes decant workstations (18) with multiple tote decant positions (20a, 20b, 20c) each dedicated to receive totes (14a, 14b, 14c) having differing compartment configurations at the decant positions (20a, 20b, 20c). A decant operator (22) is provided multiple (14a, 14b, 14c) totes such that the operator (22) may have an empty or partially filled compartment of each available compartment size in which to place inbound items. A warehouse control system (11) guides the operator to which tote (14a, 14b, 14c) and which compartment within that tote to place the item. When the compartments of a given tote (14a, 14b, 14c) are all filled, that tote is returned to the storage system (12) and replaced with another tote having an identical compartment configuration.
A real-time belt tension sensing system (20) includes an engagement assembly (26) that is adapted to remain in substantially continuous contact with a belt (22) that is being driven in a conveyance or drive direction. As the belt (22) is driven in the drive direction, it simultaneously causes the position of the engagement assembly (26) to move in a slack direction that is substantially perpendicular to the drive direction. A tension sensor (32) produces a slack position signal based on the current position of a portion of the engagement assembly (26). The slack position signal is transmitted to a controller or control circuit (36) in electronic communication with the tension sensor (32). The control circuit (36) interprets the slack position signal to produce a tension measurement.
G01L 5/107 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means for measuring a reaction force applied on an element disposed between two supports, e.g. on a plurality of rollers or gliders
B65G 23/44 - Belt- or chain-tensioning arrangements
F16H 3/12 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with means for synchronisation not incorporated in the clutches
G01L 5/105 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means using electro-optical means
An omnichannel order fulfilment and sortation system (100) and method (200) are provided for optimizing order fulfilment processes within an order fulfilment facility. System (100) includes multiple automated storage and retrieval systems or units (106), including aisle-based, grid-based, and full case handling systems. A centrally positioned continuous loop sorter (102) receives a multitude of items for many different work in progress orders. Order consolidators (104) are provided adjacent the sorter (102) to receive items for individual orders from the sorter (102). The quantity of consolidators (104) is higher than the quantity of storage units (106) and inducts (108) of the storage units (106), providing for many order consolidation locations such that the storage units (106) need not wait for consolidation locations to become available before retrieving items for other orders. The consolidator (104) selected to receive a particular order is optimized to reduce strain on resources within the system.
An omnichannel order fulfilment and sortation system and method for operating same are provided for optimizing order fulfilment processes within an order fulfilment facility. The system includes multiple automated storage and retrieval systems or units, including aisle-based systems, grid-based systems, and full case handling systems. A continuous loop sorter is positioned centrally relative to the storage units to receive a multitude of items for many different work in progress orders. Order consolidators are provided adjacent the sorter to receive items for individual orders from the sorter. The quantity consolidators is significantly higher than the quantity of storage units and inducts of the storage units, providing for many orders consolidation locations such that the storage units need not necessarily wait for consolidation locations to become available before retrieving items for other orders. The consolidator selected to receive a particular order is optimized to reduce the strain on resources within the system.
A real-time belt tension sensing system includes an engagement assembly that is adapted to remain in substantially continuous contact with a belt that is being driven in a conveyance or drive direction. As the belt is driven in the drive direction, it simultaneously causes the position of the engagement assembly to move in a slack direction that is substantially perpendicular to the drive direction. A tension sensor produces a slack position signal based on the current position of a portion of the engagement assembly. The slack position signal is transmitted to a controller or control circuit in electronic communication with the tension sensor. The control circuit interprets the slack position signal to produce a tension measurement.
G01L 5/107 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means for measuring a reaction force applied on an element disposed between two supports, e.g. on a plurality of rollers or gliders
24.
RECEPTACLE WITH TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED LID FOR AUTOMATED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM
An automated warehouse system and method are provided for controlling internal microclimates of totes within a warehouse or order fulfilment facility. The system provides independent environmental condition monitoring and regulation for each tote. The system enables individual totes to be maintained at adequate or substantially ideal conditions, independent of its position within a storage system or the environmental conditions of adjacent totes. The storage system includes environmental control inputs at individual storage locations to adjust or maintain environmental conditions within a tote at a particular storage location. The totes engage the environmental control inputs when they are stored at a storage location. The system may utilize standard or commercially available totes. The system is operable to monitor and control the microclimate of a tote while it is stored at a storage location and may be operable to monitor the totes while they travel throughout the system.
An automated warehouse system (10) and method (100) are provided for controlling internal microclimates of totes (12) within a warehouse or order fulfilment facility. The system (10) provides independent environmental condition monitoring and regulation for each tote (12) independent of its position within a storage system (14) or the environmental conditions of adjacent totes (12). The storage system (14) includes environmental control inputs at individual storage locations to adjust or maintain environmental conditions within a tote (12) at a particular storage location via covers (21) that are selectively engageable with the totes (12). The covers (21) engage the totes (12), which may be standard or commercially available totes (12), when they are stored at a storage location. The system (10) is operable to monitor and control the microclimate of a tote (12) via its cover (21) while it is stored at a storage location.
B65D 81/18 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
B65D 81/38 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
B65B 63/08 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on articles or materials to be packaged for heating or cooling articles or materials to facilitate packaging
G06Q 10/0832 - Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods
26.
AUTOMATED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM WITH MICROCLIMATE-CONTROLLED RECEPTACLES
An automated warehouse system and method are provided for controlling the internal microclimate of receptacles within a warehouse or order fulfilment facility. The system provides independent environmental condition monitoring and regulation for each tote. The system enables individual totes to be maintained at adequate or substantially ideal conditions, independent of its position within a storage system or the environmental conditions of adjacent totes in the storage system. The totes may include self-contained environmental control systems and/or the storage system may include environmental control inputs to adjust or maintain the environmental conditions within a particular tote. The system is operable to monitor and control the microclimate of a tote while it is stored at a storage location within the storage system or in a buffer, and may be operable to monitor and/or control the microclimates of the totes while they travel throughout the system.
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
F25D 15/00 - Devices associated with refrigerating machinery not covered by group or , e.g. non-self-contained movable devices
F25D 17/06 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating gas, e.g. by natural convection by forced circulation
27.
AUTOMATED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM AND MICROCLIMATE-CONTROLLED RECEPTACLES FOR PHARMACEUTICALS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME
An automated warehouse system and method for climate controlled storage and order fulfilment comprises a control system, an automated storage and retrieval system (“ASRS”) with a storage rack defining storage locations for storage receptacles for containing goods, where either at least some of the storage receptacles are individually temperature controllable or the storage rack is at least partially disposed in a frozen environment. A transportation system is coupled with the ASRS for transporting storage receptacles to and from the automated storage and retrieval system, and a workstation is in communication with the transportation system for picking goods to a temperature-controlled order receptacle. The control system directs order fulfilment operations comprising directing goods requiring stable temperature control from the ASRS to the workstation and directs an operator to pick the goods from the storage receptacle to the temperature-controlled order receptacle to maintain the goods within a required temperature range.
A right angle transfer device (20, 120) has a conveying surface (25, 125) defined by a plurality of driven conveying members (26, 126) for conveying objects in a conveyance direction. A diverting conveying member (24, 124) is mounted to a frame (36, 136) and is driven to divert objects in a direction angled away from the conveyance direction. A lift drive (28, 128) rotates a cam (30, 130) to move a bar (32, 132) in a substantially horizontal direction. The movement of the bar (32, 132) causes a frame link (34, 134) connected to the bar (32, 132) and the frame (36, 136) to raise and lower the frame (36, 136). Once the frame (36, 136) has been moved upward to a sufficient extent, the diverting conveying member (24, 124) is raised above the conveying members (26, 126) to move and divert an object away from the conveyance direction.
B65G 47/54 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices between conveyors which cross one another at least one of which is a roller-way
A right angle transfer device has a conveying surface defined by a plurality of conveying members that are driven to convey objects in a conveyance direction. A diverting conveying member is mounted to a frame and is driven to divert objects in a direction angled away from the conveyance direction. A lift drive rotates a cam to move a bar in a substantially horizontal direction. The movement of the bar causes a frame link connected to the bar and the frame to raise and lower the frame. Once the frame has been moved upward to a sufficient extent, the diverting conveying member will be raised above the conveying members to come into contact with the object to thereby move and divert the object away from the conveyance direction.
B65G 47/54 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices between conveyors which cross one another at least one of which is a roller-way
B65G 43/00 - Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting
Methods are provided for optimizing retail inventory receiving and putaway processes within a retail store. The methods include segregating items from inbound inventory loads by unloading and identifying each of the items in the load. Based on the identity of an item, a computer directs the operator to segregate each item to a putwall, such as to a container on a mobile inventory cart. A pick to light (PTE) system is utilized to direct the operator's segregation processes. Each item is segregated into a family or sub-family grouping of inventory items that correspond to a particular department or sub-department of the retail floor of the store. Segregated family or sub-family groupings are distributed to respective departments to be putaway by an associate on the retail floor. The methods may be adapted to process e-commerce orders for shipment out of the store or for in-store customer pickup.
Methods are provided for optimizing retail inventory receiving and putaway processes within a retail store. The methods include segregating items from inbound inventory loads by unloading and identifying each of the items in the load. Based on the identity of an item, a computer directs the operator to segregate each item to a putwall, such as to a container on a mobile inventory cart. A pick to light (PTL) system is utilized to direct the operator's segregation processes. Each item is segregated into a family or sub-family grouping of inventory items that correspond to a particular department or sub-department of the retail floor of the store. Segregated family or sub-family groupings are distributed to respective departments to be putaway by an associate on the retail floor. The methods may be adapted to process e-commerce orders for shipment out of the store or for in-store customer pickup.
An assessment system and method are provided for determining whether an item handled in a material handling system is stable and conveyable or unstable and non-conveyable. If an item is deemed non-conveyable, it is diverted or otherwise removed from the material handling system before it is transported downstream where it may affect the operation of the system or cause damage to the system and/or item. The system utilizes a dimension sensor system, such as including photo arrays, to measure contact region dimensions between an item being conveyed and the conveyor surface. The contact region is observed under constant conveyance rates, accelerating conveyance rates, and decelerating conveyance rates to determine whether the item orientation changes due to shifts in momentum. Any measured contact region changes are compared to a maximum allowed value, and if the measured change is greater than the maximum, the item is deemed non-conveyable.
An assessment system and method are provided for determining whether an item handled in a material handling system is stable and conveyable or unstable and non-conveyable. If an item is deemed non-conveyable, it is diverted or otherwise removed from the material handling system before it is transported downstream where it may affect the operation of the system or cause damage to the system and/or item. The system utilizes a dimension sensor system, such as including photo arrays, to measure contact region dimensions between an item being conveyed and the conveyor surface. The contact region is observed under constant conveyance rates, accelerating conveyance rates, and decelerating conveyance rates to determine whether the item orientation changes due to shifts in momentum. Any measured contact region changes are compared to a maximum allowed value, and if the measured change is greater than the maximum, the item is deemed non-conveyable.
A network module configured to provide switched auxiliary (AUX) power for E-stop system functionality in a network system. The network module includes a switching module and a controller. The switching module is configured to control the passage of power through a switched AUX cable for E-stop functionality. The switching module is configured to receive an unswitched AUX cable and the switched AUX cable. The controller is communicatively coupled to a communications cable. The controller is configured to control the switching actions of the switching module as defined by switching instructions received via the communications cable.
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
H01H 3/02 - Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
H01H 13/50 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
H02J 9/04 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source
A network module configured to provide switched auxiliary (AUX) power for E-stop system functionality in a network system. The network module includes a switching module and a controller. The switching module is configured to control the passage of power through a switched AUX cable for E-stop functionality. The switching module is configured to receive an unswitched AUX cable and the switched AUX cable. The controller is communicatively coupled to a communications cable. The controller is configured to control the switching actions of the switching module as defined by switching instructions received via the communications cable.
A system and method are provided for auditing the inventory within an automated warehouse utilizing RFID technology. The system and method enable real-time tracking and monitoring of inventory and load units as they travel through and are stored in the warehouse. The system may require only a single RFID reader coupled with an automated shuttle for traversing a majority of the warehouse storage system to read, recognize, and audit the inventory as stored in load units stored in the system. The system may utilize multiple RFID readers throughout the warehouse to provide ample coverage, enabling real-time, whole warehouse inventory tracking. The system and method of the present invention contemplate both readily available RFID technologies, as well as advanced or improved RFID technologies having greater detection range, larger information storage capabilities, and the ability to determine precise spatial location of tags relative a reader.
A system and method are provided for auditing the inventory within an automated warehouse utilizing RFID technology. The system and method enable real-time tracking and monitoring of inventory and load units as they travel through and are stored in the warehouse. The system may require only a single RFID reader coupled with an automated shuttle for traversing a majority of the warehouse storage system to read, recognize, and audit the inventory as stored in load units stored in the system. The system may utilize multiple RFID readers throughout the warehouse to provide ample coverage, enabling real-time, whole warehouse inventory tracking. The system and method of the present invention contemplate both readily available RFID technologies, as well as advanced or improved RFID technologies having greater detection range, larger information storage capabilities, and the ability to determine precise spatial location of tags relative a reader.
B65G 65/08 - Loading or unloading machines comprising essentially a conveyor for moving the loads associated with a device for picking-up the loads with reciprocating pick-up conveyors
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
An RFID enabled system and method for tracking, directing, verifying, and validating item level order picking functions within order fulfilment and warehouse facilities having different SKUs sharing an inventory tote. RFID tags are coupled to each inventory item to be read by one or more RFID reader(s) in the facility. The system and method verify that a required item is picked and transferred correctly by the picker. The system provides feedback to the picker without requiring additional verification steps and preferably without any visual inspection by the picker. The picker may be guided to the required item and later directed to a location to place the retrieved item. The verification system may be adapted for use in a material handling system to monitor and direct material handling functions based on relative positions of RFID tags on individual items relative to RFID readers positioned throughout the facility.
An RFID enabled system and method for tracking, directing, verifying, and validating item level order picking functions within order fulfilment and warehouse facilities having different SKUs sharing an inventory tote. RFID tags are coupled to each inventory item to be read by one or more RFID reader(s) in the facility. The system and method verify that a required item is picked and transferred correctly by the picker. The system provides feedback to the picker without requiring additional verification steps and preferably without any visual inspection by the picker. The picker may be guided to the required item and later directed to a location to place the retrieved item. The verification system may be adapted for use in a material handling system to monitor and direct material handling functions based on relative positions of RFID tags on individual items relative to RFID readers positioned throughout the facility.
A dynamic storage wall with reconfigurable storage cubbies and methods of operating the storage wall are provided for a storage facility. The storage wall includes a shelf with multiple storage cubbies and one or more repositionable dividers defining boundaries between the cubbies. The storage wall includes a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor array adjacent to the shelf for measuring positions of each of the repositionable dividers. The ToF is also adapted for recognizing when an item has been retrieved from or placed at either of said storage locations. A workflow control system with a computer is connected to the sensor array. The control system utilizes data from the ToF sensor array to determine when a repositionable divider has been moved and/or when an item has been retrieved from a storage location. The system may automatically or manually recognize when a divider is moved and that new measurement is required.
A sound attenuated material handling element reduces vibration and sound in a material handling system. The material handling element may be a sound attenuated roller for use in a roller conveyer or a sound attenuated nestable tote for receiving and transporting articles in the material handling system. Reducing vibration in material handling element reduces the noise produced by the element. The sound attenuated roller includes sound attenuating material disposed inside of the roller and in contact with the inner surface of the roller body. The sound attenuated nestable tote includes sound dampening material disposed in or formed with the tote structure. The sound damping material may be integrally formed with the roller or tote in order to maximize vibration and noise attenuation. Three dimensional computer analysis may be used to determine optimized locations for placement of the sound damping material on the roller or tote.
A time tracking and indicator system and method are provided for tracking and indicating initialization-to-completion times for order fulfilment operations, such as order packaging and shipping operations. The system includes a put-wall with multiple order storage locations and indicators at each of the storage locations. The indicators are independently addressable by a computer and may include color changeable lights and/or alphanumeric displays. The method and system provide visual prompts to an operator of the put-wall to indicate multiple statuses for an order at a particular storage location. Prompts include indications that (i) an order is ready to be attended to, (ii) an operation time limit has been exceeded, and (iii) that an operation for that location is exceedingly overdue. Time limits and prompts may be preset by a user or may be automatically set and adjusted by the computer based on historic operation completion times.
A time tracking and indicator system and method are provided for tracking and indicating initialization-to-completion times for order fulfilment operations, such as order packaging and shipping operations. The system includes a put-wall with multiple order storage locations and indicators at each of the storage locations. The indicators are independently addressable by a computer and may include color changeable lights and/or alphanumeric displays. The method and system provide visual prompts to an operator of the put-wall to indicate multiple statuses for an order at a particular storage location. Prompts include indications that (i) an order is ready to be attended to, (ii) an operation time limit has been exceeded, and (iii) that an operation for that location is exceedingly overdue. Time limits and prompts may be preset by a user or may be automatically set and adjusted by the computer based on historic operation completion times.
A time tracking and indicator system and method are provided for tracking and indicating initialization-to-completion times for order fulfilment operations, such as order packaging and shipping operations. The system includes a put-wall with multiple order storage locations and indicators at each of the storage locations. The indicators are independently addressable by a computer and may include color changeable lights and/or alphanumeric displays. The method and system provide visual prompts to an operator of the put-wall to indicate multiple statuses for an order at a particular storage location. Prompts include indications that (i) an order is ready to be attended to, (ii) an operation time limit has been exceeded, and (iii) that an operation for that location is exceedingly overdue. Time limits and prompts may be preset by a user or may be automatically set and adjusted by the computer based on historic operation completion times.
A tolerance adjuster and wear device, e.g. spring clip, is provided for automatically adjusting the tolerance or clearance between a pusher shoe surface and an adjacent surface of a linear slat of a positive displacement sorter. The spring clip includes an engagement portion to couple the clip to a pusher shoe and a wear portion to automatically bias or adjust a tolerance between the pusher shoe and a corresponding slat. The engagement portion includes a retainer, in the form of a pair of opposing elastic grips or teeth that are insertable through a receiver in a surface of the shoe. The wear portion includes a wear surface and spring element, such as a spring arm or convex dome. The spring element is elastic to provide a consistent and automatic bias against the slat surface. Preferably, the spring clip is extruded from a resilient, wear-resistant self-lubricating polymer.
B07C 3/06 - Linear sorting machines in which articles are removed from a stream at selected points
B07C 5/36 - Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
B65G 47/46 - Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyors with distribution, e.g. automatically, to desired points
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
46.
TOLERANCE ADJUSTER AND WEAR DEVICE FOR SORTATION SYSTEM
A tolerance adjuster and wear device, e.g. spring clip, is provided for automatically adjusting the tolerance or clearance between a pusher shoe surface and an adjacent surface of a linear slat of a positive displacement sorter. The spring clip includes an engagement portion to couple the clip to a pusher shoe and a wear portion to automatically bias or adjust a tolerance between the pusher shoe and a corresponding slat. The engagement portion includes a retainer, in the form of a pair of opposing elastic grips or teeth that are insertable through a receiver in a surface of the shoe. The wear portion includes a wear surface and spring element, such as a spring arm or convex dome. The spring element is elastic to provide a consistent and automatic bias against the slat surface. Preferably, the spring clip is extruded from a resilient, wear-resistant self-lubricating polymer.
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
B07C 3/06 - Linear sorting machines in which articles are removed from a stream at selected points
B07C 5/36 - Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
B65G 47/46 - Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyors with distribution, e.g. automatically, to desired points
47.
Tolerance adjuster and wear device for sortation system
A tolerance adjuster and wear device, e.g. spring clip, is provided for automatically adjusting the tolerance or clearance between a pusher shoe surface and an adjacent surface of a linear slat of a positive displacement sorter. The spring clip includes an engagement portion to couple the clip to a pusher shoe and a wear portion to automatically bias or adjust a tolerance between the pusher shoe and a corresponding slat. The engagement portion includes a retainer, in the form of a pair of opposing elastic grips or teach that are insertable through a receiver in a surface of the shoe. The wear portion includes a wear surface and spring element, such as a spring arm or convex dome. The spring element is elastic to provide a consistent and automatic bias against the slat surface. Preferably, the spring clip is extruded from a resilient, wear-resistant self-lubricating polymer.
B65G 47/82 - Rotary or reciprocating members for direct action on articles or materials, e.g. pushers, rakes, shovels
B65G 43/00 - Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
48.
MULTI-FUNCTION ORDER FULFILLMENT SYSTEM WITH GRID STORAGE
A system and methods for utilizing a grid storage array for high rate picking in a micro-fulfilment facility. The system includes a grid storage array and multiple transfer ports that are dedicated to a particular directional function, i.e. discharge ports and intake ports. The system includes a multi-function workstation that can operate as either a picking station or a decant station. A conveyor loop is provided and includes right-angle-transfers (RATs) and accumulators to transport and sequence the flow of storage bins and order totes. The combination and configuration of the grid storage array, conveyor loop, and multi-function workstation optimizes space utilization which is particularly beneficial in micro-fulfilment facilities where space is at a premium.
A system and methods for utilizing a grid storage array for high rate picking in a micro-fulfilment facility. The system includes a grid storage array and multiple transfer ports that are dedicated to a particular directional function, i.e. discharge ports and intake ports. The system includes a multi-function workstation that can operate as either a picking station or a decant station. A conveyor loop is provided and includes right-angle-transfers (RATs) and accumulators to transport and sequence the flow of storage bins and order totes. The combination and configuration of the grid storage array, conveyor loop, and multi-function workstation optimizes space utilization which is particularly beneficial in micro-fulfilment facilities where space is at a premium.
An automated warehouse material movement system and method of moving material in a warehouse. A computer based vehicle tasking subsystem (VTS) is programed with computer code to respond to mission commands from a computer based warehouse executive subsystem (WEX) to issue commands to a computer based mobile robot automation subsystem (MAS) to reserve and schedule mobile robots including movement of inventory between a source and a destination within the warehouse and to report status information from the MAS to the VTS regarding status of missions. At least one microservice component is configured to be tightly designed, stateless and loosely coupled with said WEX and MAS. The VTS is the at least one microservice component.
An automated warehouse material movement system and method of moving material in a warehouse. A computer based vehicle tasking subsystem (VTS) is programed with computer code to respond to mission commands from a computer based warehouse executive subsystem (WEX) to issue commands to a computer based mobile robot automation subsystem (MAS) to reserve and schedule mobile robots including movement of inventory between a source and a destination within the warehouse and to report status information from the MAS to the VTS regarding status of missions. At least one microservice component is configured to be tightly designed, stateless and loosely coupled with said WEX and MAS. The VTS is the at least one microservice component.
A method for operating an order fulfilment warehouse utilizing a gig-based labor force (e.g. freelance delivery drivers) performing picking functions in the warehouse and subsequently delivering the order to the customer. Preferably, the facility is staffed with only supervisory labor and receiving/putaway labor to replenish the warehouse inventory. The delivery driver may access an order database via a mobile application to accept a customer's online order, such as a grocery item order. The customer's order may additionally include retrieving items from another facility, such as a restaurant. The grocery order may be from a limited or dedicated warehouse facility that has a curated group of items/SKUs. The delivery driver enters the warehouse, checks in, and then proceeds to pick the order from the warehouse. The driver validates the order and then departs the facility and proceeds toward delivery of the order directly to the customer.
An automated warehouse material movement system and method of moving material in a warehouse, includes a computer based warehouse executive subsystem (WEX) that is programed with computer code to maintain inventory location and quantity information, schedule inventory movement and track inventory movement within the warehouse and a computer based mobile robot automation subsystem (MAS) that is programed with computer code to maintain information of floor layout of the warehouse, maintain information on mobile robots in the warehouse, allocate and deallocate mobile robots to particular missions, control and track movement of mobile robots and provide situational reporting of the mobile robots. A computer based vehicle tasking subsystem (VTS) is programed with computer code to respond to mission commands from the WEX to issue commands to the MAS to reserve and schedule mobile robots including movement of inventory between a source and a destination within the warehouse and to report status information from the MAS to the VTS regarding status of missions. At least one microservice component is configured to be tightly designed, stateless and loosely coupled with said WEX and MAS. The VTS is the at least one microservice component.
A method and system for opportunistically picking order items during decant processes. An order management system determines which items required for a pending order are depleted within a decant function or storage system and orders replenishment, such as inbound vendor cases containing the depleted required items, to the decant function. Operators at decant workstations pick the required items from the inbound vendor cases into order containers while simultaneously decanting any remaining, non-required vendor items into inventory containers. The order containers and the inventory items are stored in a storage system until all required items for an order are present therein. Once all required items are present, the items are released to a downstream picking workstation, sorter, and/or packing station. The method with opportunistic decant may enable minimized facility space requirements, labor reductions, and resource reductions while improving facility throughput.
A method and system for opportunistically picking order items during decant processes. An order management system determines which items required for a pending order are depleted within a decant function or storage system and orders replenishment, such as inbound vendor cases containing the depleted required items, to the decant function. Operators at decant workstations pick the required items from the inbound vendor cases into order containers while simultaneously decanting any remaining, non-required vendor items into inventory containers. The order containers and the inventory items are stored in a storage system until all required items for an order are present therein. Once all required items are present, the items are released to a downstream picking workstation, sorter, and/or packing station. The method with opportunistic decant may enable minimized facility space requirements, labor reductions, and resource reductions while improving facility throughput.
A method and system for opportunistically picking order items during decant processes. An order management system determines which items required for a pending order are depleted within a decant function or storage system and orders replenishment, such as inbound vendor cases containing the depleted required items, to the decant function. Operators at decant workstations pick the required items from the inbound vendor cases into order containers while simultaneously decanting any remaining, non-required vendor items into inventory containers. The order containers and the inventory items are stored in a storage system until all required items for an order are present therein. Once all required items are present, the items are released to a downstream picking workstation, sorter, and/or packing station. The method with opportunistic decant may enable minimized facility space requirements, labor reductions, and resource reductions while improving facility throughput.
A system and method for consolidating order items into individual or batch orders within an order fulfilment workstation and discharging the order items to a takeaway device, such as a trackable segmented conveyor. The system includes a temporary holding container at the workstation and a discharge mechanism to release or transfer the contents of the temporary container to the takeaway device. The system and method reduce or eliminate the process of an operator replenishing order transport containers to the workstation once a completed order container has dispatched from the workstation. Empty order containers are supplied the workstation via the takeaway device. The empty order container is positioned adjacent the temporary container such that the discharge mechanism may transfer the order items from the temporary container into the empty order container. The discharge mechanism may transfer the order items directly to the surface of the takeaway device.
G06Q 30/06 - Buying, selling or leasing transactions
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
B65G 15/22 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration comprising a series of co-operating units
58.
GOODS TO PERSON ORDER PICKING WITH DISCHARGE MECHANISM
A system and method for consolidating order items into individual or batch orders within an order fulfilment workstation and discharging the order items to a takeaway device, such as a trackable segmented conveyor. The system includes a temporary holding container at the workstation and a discharge mechanism to release or transfer the contents of the temporary container to the takeaway device. The system and method reduce or eliminate the process of an operator replenishing order transport containers to the workstation once a completed order container has dispatched from the workstation. Empty order containers are supplied the workstation via the takeaway device. The empty order container is positioned adjacent the temporary container such that the discharge mechanism may transfer the order items from the temporary container into the empty order container. The discharge mechanism may transfer the order items directly to the surface of the takeaway device.
A system and method for consolidating order items into individual or batch orders within an order fulfilment workstation and discharging the order items to a takeaway device, such as a trackable segmented conveyor. The system includes a temporary holding container at the workstation and a discharge mechanism to release or transfer the contents of the temporary container to the takeaway device. The system and method reduce or eliminate the process of an operator replenishing order transport containers to the workstation once a completed order container has dispatched from the workstation. Empty order containers are supplied the workstation via the takeaway device. The empty order container is positioned adjacent the temporary container such that the discharge mechanism may transfer the order items from the temporary container into the empty order container. The discharge mechanism may transfer the order items directly to the surface of the takeaway device.
A contactless order dispensing system is provided for dispensing e-commerce orders to customers at a store without a person-to-person interaction. The dispensing system includes a customer access portal for presenting orders to the customer, preferably at an exterior location. A transportation system (e.g. conveyer system) transports orders from a storage buffer system to the customer access portal. The storage buffer holds customer orders until the customer arrives to retrieve them and may store portions of orders at different temperatures. The dispensing system includes a confirmation sensor system to verify whether a customer has retrieved their entire order or whether the customer has rejected one or more of the order items. The dispensing system provides the order to the customer within about two minutes of the customer indicating that they are at the access portal and ready for their order.
A contactless order dispensing system is provided for dispensing e-commerce orders to customers at a store without a person-to-person interaction. The dispensing system includes a customer access portal for presenting orders to the customer, preferably at an exterior location. A transportation system (e.g. conveyer system) transports orders from a storage buffer system to the customer access portal. The storage buffer holds customer orders until the customer arrives to retrieve them and may store portions of orders at different temperatures. The dispensing system includes a confirmation sensor system to verify whether a customer has retrieved their entire order or whether the customer has rejected one or more of the order items. The dispensing system provides the order to the customer within about two minutes of the customer indicating that they are at the access portal and ready for their order.
A contactless order dispensing system is provided for dispensing e-commerce orders to customers at a store without a person-to-person interaction. The dispensing system includes a customer access portal for presenting orders to the customer, preferably at an exterior location. A transportation system (e.g. conveyer system) transports orders from a storage buffer system to the customer access portal. The storage buffer holds customer orders until the customer arrives to retrieve them and may store portions of orders at different temperatures. The dispensing system includes a confirmation sensor system to verify whether a customer has retrieved their entire order or whether the customer has rejected one or more of the order items. The dispensing system provides the order to the customer within about two minutes of the customer indicating that they are at the access portal and ready for their order.
Methods and systems are provided for verifying a pick/put operation within an order fulfilment workstation or a storage rack. An optical device observes an operator performing a pick/put operation at the workstation. An indicia is located on the operator such that it is visible to the optical device. Image data of the indicia captured by the optical device is transmitted to a control system of the workstation. The control system determines a relative location of the indicia and then determines the location at which an item was picked from or put to relative to the workstation within a high degree of positional accuracy. The method verifies that the operator has completed the assigned pick/put operation at the required location. The methods and systems may be adapted to track or monitor relative positions of mobile and stationary equipment in an automated warehouse.
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
Methods and systems are provided for verifying a pick/put operation within an order fulfilment workstation or a storage rack. An optical device observes an operator performing a pick/put operation at the workstation. An indicia is located on the operator such that it is visible to the optical device. Image data of the indicia captured by the optical device is transmitted to a control system of the workstation. The control system determines a relative location of the indicia and then determines the location at which an item was picked from or put to relative to the workstation within a high degree of positional accuracy. The method verifies that the operator has completed the assigned pick/put operation at the required location. The methods and systems may be adapted to track or monitor relative positions of mobile and stationary equipment in an automated warehouse.
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
Methods and systems are provided for verifying a pick/put operation within an order fulfilment workstation or a storage rack. An optical device observes an operator performing a pick/put operation at the workstation. An indicia is located on the operator such that it is visible to the optical device. Image data of the indicia captured by the optical device is transmitted to a control system of the workstation. The control system determines a relative location of the indicia and then determines the location at which an item was picked from or put to relative to the workstation within a high degree of positional accuracy. The method verifies that the operator has completed the assigned pick/put operation at the required location. The methods and systems may be adapted to track or monitor relative positions of mobile and stationary equipment in an automated warehouse.
G06Q 50/28 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
66.
TOUCHLESS CONFIRMATION FOR PICK AND PUT SYSTEM AND METHOD
A confirmation system including a touchless sensor and method for confirming that an order fulfilment operation has been performed. The system includes at least one touchless sensor to sense or recognize a gesture given by an operator, wherein the gesture confirms that a desired operation has been performed. The touchless sensor is connected to a workflow control system configured to transmit order fulfilment information to and from the touchless sensor. The touchless sensor is configurable to recognize a plurality of gestures, and may be configured to recognize those gestures at a plurality of distances away from the touchless sensor. The touchless system is configurable to provide alerts to operators to indicate locations requiring action. The confirmation system may be provided with a cubby or bin order fulfilment system. Additional features include placement or retrieval sensors, cubby illumination lights, pick-to and put-to lights, and information scanners.
A system and method is provided for controlling an automated warehouse or order fulfillment facility. The system includes a sequencing tower, which functions as a buffer for inbound items and shipping containers, and various pick/decant workstations which are connected between the sequencing tower and an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The sequencing tower is adapted for receiving, storing, and releasing newly erected shipping containers and inbound vendor cases. The pick/decant workstations function as a hub between the sequencing tower and the ASRS, where operators at the pick/decant workstations pick order items to shipping containers to fulfil orders or pick inbound/vendor items to inventory containers to be stored in the ASRS. The system and methods synchronize the sequencing tower and ASRS to release items to arrive at the workstations simultaneously to optimize efficiency and throughput of the facility.
A system and method is provided for controlling an automated warehouse or order fulfillment facility. The system includes a sequencing tower, which functions as a buffer for inbound items and shipping containers, and various pick/decant workstations which are connected between the sequencing tower and an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The sequencing tower is adapted for receiving, storing, and releasing newly erected shipping containers and inbound vendor cases. The pick/decant workstations function as a hub between the sequencing tower and the ASRS, where operators at the pick/decant workstations pick order items to shipping containers to fulfil orders or pick inbound/vendor items to inventory containers to be stored in the ASRS. The system and methods synchronize the sequencing tower and ASRS to release items to arrive at the workstations simultaneously to optimize efficiency and throughput of the facility.
A system and method is provided for controlling an automated warehouse or order fulfillment facility. The system includes a sequencing tower, which functions as a buffer for inbound items and shipping containers, and various pick/decant workstations which are connected between the sequencing tower and an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The sequencing tower is adapted for receiving, storing, and releasing newly erected shipping containers and inbound vendor cases. The pick/decant workstations function as a hub between the sequencing tower and the ASRS, where operators at the pick/decant workstations pick order items to shipping containers to fulfil orders or pick inbound/vendor items to inventory containers to be stored in the ASRS. The system and methods synchronize the sequencing tower and ASRS to release items to arrive at the workstations simultaneously to optimize efficiency and throughput of the facility.
A de-traying method and apparatus for removing articles from trays, is useful with a plurality of trays. The article is detrayed at the detraying assembly by elevating the moveable bottom of the tray at least to the level of the tray rim with an article lifter from below the tray. The article lifter includes a lifting base and a plurality of lifting blocks fixed to the lifting base. The lifting blocks are sized and arranged to engage the tray bottom through the opening in response to the lifting base being elevated. The lifting blocks are sized and arranged to maintain orientation of the tray with at least one of said blocks positioned outside of the tray adjacent the rim. The article is displaced off of the elevated tray bottom.
A de-traying method and apparatus for removing articles from trays, is useful with a plurality of trays. The article is detrayed at the detraying assembly by elevating the moveable bottom of the tray at least to the level of the tray rim with an article lifter from below the tray. The article lifter includes a lifting base and a plurality of lifting blocks fixed to the lifting base. The lifting blocks are sized and arranged to engage the tray bottom through the opening in response to the lifting base being elevated. The lifting blocks are sized and arranged to maintain orientation of the tray with at least one of said blocks positioned outside of the tray adjacent the rim. The article is displaced off of the elevated tray bottom.
A de-traying method and apparatus for removing articles from trays, each of the trays having a base, a rim around the base and an opening in said base and a bottom covering said opening and liftable from said base. A tray supporting an article is transported to a detraying assembly where the article is detrayed by elevating the bottom at least to the level of the tray rim with an article lifter having a lifting base and a plurality of lifting blocks. The lifting blocks are sized and arranged to engage the tray bottom through the opening in response to the lifting base being elevated, and to maintain orientation of the tray with at least one of said blocks positioned outside of the tray adjacent the rim. The article is displaced off of the elevated tray bottom.
An automated storage and retrieval system and method of storing articles to and retrieving articles from at least one stacked storage rack that is configured to store articles double deep in each storage location with one article at a front position and another article at a back position behind the one article includes a robot having an end of arm tool (EOAT). The EOAT has a platform and an extendable article manipulator. The platform is sized to support at least two articles. The robotic arm selectively positions the end of arm tool to retrieve articles from front and back storage positions of said at least one stacked storage rack and storing at least one of the articles from the platform to a front or back storage position after the robot rotates the EOAT about a generally vertical axis.
An automated storage and retrieval system and method of storing articles to and retrieving articles from at least one stacked storage rack that is configured to store articles double deep in each storage location with one article at a front position and another article at a back position behind the one article includes a robot having an end of arm tool (EOAT). The EOAT has a platform and an extendable article manipulator. The platform is sized to support at least two articles. The robotic arm selectively positions the end of arm tool to retrieve articles from front and back storage positions of said at least one stacked storage rack and storing at least one of the articles from the platform to a front or back storage position after the robot rotates the EOAT about a generally vertical axis.
An automated storage and retrieval system and method of storing articles to and retrieving articles from at least one stacked storage rack that is configured to store articles double deep in each storage location with one article at a front position and another article at a back position behind the one article includes a robot having an end of arm tool (EOAT). The EOAT has a platform and an extendable article manipulator. The platform is sized to support at least two articles. The robotic arm selectively positions the end of arm tool to retrieve articles from front and back storage positions of said at least one stacked storage rack and storing at least one of the articles from the platform to a front or back storage position after the robot rotates the EOAT about a generally vertical axis.
A method, a palletizing sleeve, and a hand truck are provided for preparing a plurality of shipments of goods and transporting each shipment to one of a plurality of delivery destinations. The method includes determining the goods for the shipment, virtually building an optimized stacking configuration of those goods, physically building the stack based on the optimized configuration, transporting the shipment to a pre-determined delivery destination, and unloading the shipment at the delivery destination. The palletizing sleeve includes a base and a vertical wall that cooperate to support and stabilize a stack of goods that make up a portion of the shipment. Standoffs on the sleeve base provide openings to accept forks from the hand truck so that the hand truck can engage the sleeve from underneath the base. A fork height adjustment system selectively adjusts the fork height relative to the bottom of the hand truck.
A method, a palletizing sleeve, and a hand truck are provided for preparing a plurality of shipments of goods and transporting each shipment to one of a plurality of delivery destinations. The method includes determining the goods for the shipment, virtually building an optimized stacking configuration of those goods, physically building the stack based on the optimized configuration, transporting the shipment to a pre-determined delivery destination, and unloading the shipment at the delivery destination. The palletizing sleeve includes a base and a vertical wall that cooperate to support and stabilize a stack of goods that make up a portion of the shipment. Standoffs on the sleeve base provide openings to accept forks from the hand truck so that the hand truck can engage the sleeve from underneath the base. A fork height adjustment system selectively adjusts the fork height relative to the bottom of the hand truck.
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
G06Q 10/0835 - Relationships between shipper or supplier and carriers
B65G 61/00 - Use of pick-up or transfer devices or of manipulators for stacking or de-stacking articles not otherwise provided for
G06Q 10/0875 - Itemisation or classification of parts, supplies or services, e.g. bill of materials
B62B 1/14 - Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor in which the load is intended to be transferred totally to the wheels involving means for grappling or securing in place objects to be carried; Loading or unloading equipment
B07C 1/18 - Orientating articles other than in a stream
A method of sorting articles with a sorter apparatus and a sorter apparatus having a conveying surface that is adapted to transport articles in a direction of conveyance and a mechanism adapted to displace articles on the conveying surface, the sorter apparatus having an endless web of bodies travelling in an endless loop defining the conveying surface includes a distributed drive system having at least one drive that is adapted to produce to provide force with at least one of the bodies to propel the endless web. A diagnostic device traveling with the web and positioned at one of the bodies of the endless web. The diagnostic device is adapted to monitor operation of the sorter apparatus and includes at least one sensor that is adapted to detect at least one parameter of a proximate drive that is proximate to the at least one sensor, and a controller adapted to receive the at least one parameter from the at least one sensor. A stationary thermal sensor may also monitor the endless loop via another controller including receiving thermal data from the stationary thermal sensor and the another controller correlates the thermal images with a portion of the endless loop.
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
B07C 5/36 - Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
B65G 43/00 - Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting
An automatic belt biasing device is provided for biasing a drive belt into frictional contact with rollers of a conveyor. The belt biasing device maintains a drive belt in contact with rollers of a live roller conveyor to provide drive for the rollers to propel items or packages along the conveyor. A spring attached to a pivot arm or pair of scissoring pivot arms adjusts a biasing force applied by guide wheels of the belt biasing device to the drive belt due to changes in drive belt tension. The belt biasing device may be selectively adjustable based on required roller pitch distances. The belt biasing device is pivotably coupled to the roller conveyor allowing the guide wheels to apply equal pressure to the drive belt while allowing the pivot arms to actuate and increase or decrease the biasing force provided by the belt biasing device.
A method and system for fulfilling customer orders having a data base that is adapted to store a plurality of customer orders and identity of warehouse inventory items and return inventory items that make up each of the customer orders. Some of the orders are single item orders with only one inventory item assigned to that order. Some of the orders are multiple item orders with multiple inventory items assigned to that order. Returned items that are processed and determined to be acceptable to be re-distributed are re-introduced into the inventory data base and are available to be assigned to an order. Warehouse inventory and return inventory are maintained independent of each other to reduce redundant operations. The order fulfilment system retrieves items from either or both of the warehouse inventory and return inventory to fulfil customer orders. The order fulfilment system may utilizes human associates or robot associates.
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
B65G 1/08 - Storage devices mechanical with means for presenting articles for removal at predetermined position or level the articles being fed by gravity
B65G 9/00 - Apparatus for assisting manual handling having suspended load-carriers movable by hand or gravity
A confirmation system including a touchless sensor and method for confirming that an order fulfilment operation has been performed. The system includes at least one touchless sensor to sense or recognize a gesture given by an operator, wherein the gesture confirms that a desired operation has been performed. The touchless sensor is connected to a workflow control system configured to transmit order fulfilment information to and from the touchless sensor. The touchless sensor is configurable to recognize a plurality of gestures, and may be configured to recognize those gestures at a plurality of distances away from the touchless sensor. The touchless system is configurable to provide alerts to operators to indicate locations requiring action. The confirmation system may be provided with a cubby or bin order fulfilment system. Additional features include placement or retrieval sensors, cubby illumination lights, pick-to and put-to lights, and information scanners.
A confirmation system including a touchless sensor and method for confirming that an order fulfilment operation has been performed. The system includes at least one touchless sensor to sense or recognize a gesture given by an operator, wherein the gesture confirms that a desired operation has been performed. The touchless sensor is connected to a workflow control system configured to transmit order fulfilment information to and from the touchless sensor. The touchless sensor is configurable to recognize a plurality of gestures, and may be configured to recognize those gestures at a plurality of distances away from the touchless sensor. The touchless system is configurable to provide alerts to operators to indicate locations requiring action. The confirmation system may be provided with a cubby or bin order fulfilment system. Additional features include placement or retrieval sensors, cubby illumination lights, pick-to and put-to lights, and information scanners.
A multiple temperature automated storage system includes a rack with multiple levels of shelves defining item storage positons, an aisle at each level, and a plurality of shuttles to operate in the aisles for storing items to and retrieving items from the storage positons. A thermally insulated enclosure encloses some levels of the rack to define a low temperature zone with the remaining levels of the rack defining a higher temperature zone. A method of storing items at two different temperatures in a common automated storage system includes having a first portion of the automated storage system enclosed in a thermally insulated enclosure and a second portion of the automated storage system outside of the thermally insulated enclosure. A lift is provided in the second portion for supplying items to and retrieving items from both of the first and second portions, without entering the first portion.
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
F25D 13/02 - Stationary devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. cold rooms with several cooling compartments, e.g. refrigerated locker systems
F25D 13/04 - Stationary devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. cold rooms with several cooling compartments, e.g. refrigerated locker systems the compartments being at different temperatures
F25D 13/06 - Stationary devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. cold rooms with conveyors carrying articles to be cooled through the cooling space
F25D 25/02 - Charging, supporting, or discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves
F25D 25/04 - Charging, supporting, or discharging the articles to be cooled by conveyors
84.
Multiple temperature automated storage system and method
A multiple temperature automated storage system includes a rack with multiple levels of shelves defining item storage positions, an aisle at each level, and a plurality of shuttles adapted to operate in the aisles for storing items to and retrieving items from the storage positions. A thermally insulated enclosure encloses some of the levels of the rack to define a low temperature zone with the remaining levels of the rack defining a higher temperature zone. A method of storing items at two different temperatures in a common automated storage system includes having a first portion of the automated storage system enclosed in a thermally insulated enclosure and a second portion of the automated storage system outside of the thermally insulated enclosure. A lift is provided in the second portion for supplying items to and retrieving items from both of the first and second portions, without entering the first portion.
F25D 13/06 - Stationary devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. cold rooms with conveyors carrying articles to be cooled through the cooling space
F25D 17/00 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
A positive displacement sorter and method of diverting articles includes a conveying surface configured to convey articles in a longitudinal direction and at least one diagonal take-away lane, extending diagonally from the conveying surface to receive articles being diverted from said conveying surface. A plurality of pushers are configured to move together in a lateral direction in order to displace an item on the conveying surface to the diagonal take-away lane. A rotational system is configured to rotate a leading portion of a diverted article in the direction of the take-away lane. A belt drive system is provided for driving live roller conveyors about a curved section of a roller conveyor of the sorter. The drive belt is guided along a single conical drive plane that maintains the orientation of the drive belt relative to the single conical drive plane and limits twisting and stress in the drive belt.
B65G 13/07 - Roller driving means having endless driving elements
B65G 47/84 - Star-shaped wheels or devices having endless travelling belts or chains, the wheels or devices being equipped with article-engaging elements
B65G 13/071 - Roller driving means with frictional engagement
A positive displacement sorter and method of diverting articles includes a conveying surface to convey articles in a longitudinal direction and at least one diagonal takeaway lane extending diagonally from the conveying surface to receive articles being diverted from the conveying surface. The sorter includes plurality of pushers to move together in a lateral direction to displace an item on the conveying surface to the diagonal takeaway lane and a rotational system to rotate a leading portion of a diverted article in the direction of the takeaway lane. The rotational system may be a portion of the takeaway lane including a conveying surface having a first portion of rollers and a second portion of rollers. The first portion of rollers direct a diverted article toward the second portion of rollers and the second portion of rollers convey the diverted article in the direction of the takeaway lane.
B65G 47/71 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor the articles being discharged to several conveyors
B65G 47/244 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning them about an axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying plane
B65G 47/68 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices adapted to receive articles arriving in one layer from one conveyor and to transfer them in individual layers to more than one conveyor, or vice versa, e.g. combining the flows of articles conveyed by more than one conveyor
87.
Method and apparatus for controlling flow of objects in a material handling system
A material handling system having object handling and transportation devices and method of receiving objects into a warehouse having a material handling system includes scanning a machine readable code of an incoming load forming at least a portion of an order and comparing the machine readable code with an order file listing objects on the incoming load. For each object on the load, object data including a 3D image and product code of the object removed from the incoming load is received with an image capture station and reconciled with the order file. Each object is identified by comparing the 3D image of the object captured with the image capture station with the 3D images in the database. The material handling system is controlled as a function of the identity of the objects being handled and transported by the material handling system.
A material handling system having object handling and transportation devices and method of receiving objects into a warehouse having a material handling system includes scanning a machine readable code of an incoming load forming at least a portion of an order and comparing the machine readable code with an order file listing objects on the incoming load. For each object on the load, object data including a 3D image and product code of the object removed from the incoming load is received with an image capture station and reconciled with the order file. Each object is identified by comparing the 3D image of the object captured with the image capture station with the 3D images in the database. The material handling system is controlled as a function of the identity of the objects being handled and transported by the material handling system.
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
A method of order fulfillment, and system for carrying out the method, includes presenting individual items for multiple orders to an automated put wall and segregating the individual items for each order at a location on the put wall that is assigned to that order. Individual items for an order are removed together from the automated put wall and transported together to a packing function. Preferably individual items are stored as inventory items in an automated storage and retrieval system and retrieved from the automated storage and retrieval system in response to an order for those inventory items. The retrieved inventory items are sorted into order batches and automatically inducted to the automated put wall.
A method of order fulfillment, and system for carrying out the method, includes storing individual items as inventory items in an automated storage and retrieval system and retrieving inventory items from the automated storage and retrieval system in response to an order for those inventory items. The retrieved inventory items are sorted into order batches and transported to an automatic induct for an automated put wall. The order batches are automatically inducted to the automated put wall as individual items. The individual items are segregated for each order at a location on the put wall that is assigned to that order. Individual items for an order are removed together from the automated put wall and transported together to a packing function.
A method of order fulfillment, and system for carrying out the method, includes storing individual items as inventory items in an automated storage and retrieval system and retrieving inventory items from the automated storage and retrieval system in response to an order for those inventory items. The retrieved inventory items are sorted into order batches and transported to an automatic induct for an automated put wall. The order batches are automatically inducted to the automated put wall as individual items. The individual items are segregated for each order at a location on the put wall that is assigned to that order. Individual items for an order are removed together from the automated put wall and transported together to a packing function.
A method of training a robot to pick a plurality of articles includes determining an identity of an article and determining if the article has a uniform distribution of weight. If the article has a uniform distribution of weight, a three-dimensional (3D) model of the article is created and stored in a database record associated with the identity. If the article does not have a uniform distribution of weight, a 3D model is created, two-dimensional (2D) images of each side of the article are created, and a 3D center of gravity of the article is determined. The 3D model, the 2D images, and the 3D center of gravity of the article are stored in a database record associated with the identity of the article.
G05B 19/18 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
An inventory warehouse management system includes a portable computing device that is coupled to a heads up display and a scanner. The display is configured to display and interact with information received from the computing device. The scanner is operable to identify a container identification (ID) of a container in a warehouse. The computing device is operable to send the container ID to a server via a network. The computing device is operable to receive container information from the server in response to the container ID, and is further operable to communicate the container information to the display. The display is operable to initiate a delivery confirmation for the server when the container is delivered. The scanner and display are operable to audit a first container and provide an audit result of the first container to the server. The audit comprises container information compared with contents of the container.
A continuous flow material handling system and method for consolidating articles into article groups, includes a plurality of article sources and a plurality of article destinations. A plurality of article merges and at least one sorter are between the article sources and destinations, with each of the merges having a plurality of queue lanes and a discharge. The at least one sorter has an inbound lane and a plurality of outbound lanes. The merges combine articles from a plurality of queue lanes and discharge to a downstream merge or sorter inbound lane. The article queue lanes of an upstream merge receiving articles from the article sources and the sorter outbound lanes discharging to the article destinations. A control system receives data from a warehouse management system (WMS). The control system activates each group at a merge in a same sequence as the group is released to the material handling system. The control activates a new group at a merge when all of the articles of the group that is already activated at that merge have cleared that merge. Approaches for group activation including revolving bubble, sliding bubble, and sliding bubble with strict sequencing.
A continuous flow material handling system and method for consolidating articles into article groups. A plurality of article merges and at least one sorter are between the article sources and destinations. A control system receives data from a warehouse management system (WMS). The control system activates each group at a merge in a same sequence as the group is released to the material handling system. The control activates a new group at a merge when all of the articles of the group that is already activated at that merge have cleared that merge.
A system for replenishing a pick face includes a storage and retrieval machine (SRM) that traverses an aisle of a warehouse and monitors a replenishment position of each pick location of a pick face. The SRM transmits a message to the system indicating which ones of the replenishment positions are empty. The SRM delivers a replenishment load to a pick location that is indicated as empty in the message. Each pick location includes a flow lane configured to direct the motion of package loads sliding down to a picking position of the pick face. The flow lane includes a lever arm assembly that constrains and brakes the motion of package loads sliding down the flow lane. A bar stop of the lever arm assembly constrains a replenishment load, while a retainer bar of the lever arm assembly constrains a forward load. The replenishment load is behind the forward load.
A system for replenishing a pick face includes a storage and retrieval machine (SRM) that traverses an aisle of a warehouse and monitors a replenishment position of each pick location of a pick face. The SRM transmits a message to the system indicating which ones of the replenishment positions are empty. The SRM delivers a replenishment load to a pick location that is indicated as empty in the message. Each pick location includes a flow lane configured to direct the motion of package loads sliding down to a picking position of the pick face. The flow lane includes a lever arm assembly that constrains and brakes the motion of package loads sliding down the flow lane. A bar stop of the lever arm assembly constrains a replenishment load, while a retainer bar of the lever arm assembly constrains a forward load. The replenishment load is behind the forward load.
A load handling system and method of handling a load includes a load handling device with a load support that is configured for engaging a load and a first drive is adapted to drive said load support with respect to a load. A conveyor is moveable along the load support and a second drive is adapted to propel the conveyor with respect to the load support. The first and second drives are operated to handle a load. The load support may be a pair of forks or a platen or the like.
A load handling system and method of handling a load includes a load handling device with a load support that is configured for engaging a load and a first drive is adapted to drive said load support with respect to a load. A conveyor is moveable along the load support and a second drive is adapted to propel the conveyor with respect to the load support. The first and second drives are operated to handle a load. The load support may be a pair of forks or a platen or the like.
B65G 1/00 - Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
B65G 21/14 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively- movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof to allow adjustment of length or configuration of load-carrier or traction element
B65G 17/34 - Individual load-carriers having flat surfaces, e.g. platforms, grids, forks
B65G 60/00 - Simultaneously or alternatively stacking and de-stacking of articles
100.
Order fulfillment system and method with sortation at induct
An order fulfillment system and method includes a data base that is adapted to store data defining a plurality of customer orders. Each of the customer orders is a single item order having only one particular inventory item assigned to that order or a multiple item order having multiple particular inventory items assigned to that order. An inventory area stores inventory items that are available for fulfilling customer orders, and is responsive to said data base to retrieve particular inventory items from said inventory area that are assigned to customer orders in order to fulfill those orders. A sortation system combines particular inventory items together that make up an order. The sortation system has an automated induct subsystem and a sorter. The induct subsystem receives inventory items from the inventory area and forwards, in responsive to the data base, particular inventory items assigned to multiple-items orders to the sorter to be combined together to make up the multiple-item orders, but not particular inventory items assigned to single item orders. The sorter includes a pouch sorter having individual pouches and an overhead conveyor with tracts that route individual pouches to various destinations. The induct subsystem places a particular inventory item assigned to a multiple item order in an individual pouch and doesn't place a particular inventory items assigned to a single item order in a pouch. In this manner, handling of the particular inventory items for single items orders is separate from the pouch sorter thus reducing handling of inventory items and increasing system through-put.
B65G 47/61 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from conveyors of the suspended, e.g. trolley, type for articles
B65G 1/137 - Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
B65G 17/48 - Controlling attitudes of load-carriers during movement
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
G06Q 30/06 - Buying, selling or leasing transactions
