B65G2201/0258

Unloading Device
20230079659 · 2023-03-16 ·

An unloading device for unloading a tote from a shelf in a warehouse includes at least two arms for grabbing the tote in the shelf, whereby the arms essentially each extend in a horizontal direction and are arranged distant and parallel to each other. The arms are movable in a vertical and/or horizontal direction in respect to a position of the tote in the shelf and in their horizontal distance to each other in respect to the shape of the tote. Additionally, each arm includes a motorized conveyer belt extending along the essential horizontal direction on the arm up to touching a tip of the respective arm for unloading the tote from the shelf.

Automated outdoor terminal for storage and handover of online orders and a method to operate the terminal

An automated temperature-controlled outdoor terminal for storage and handover of online grocery orders allowing simultaneous operation of two transactions and a method to operate the terminal is described here.

AUTOMATED REPITCH SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS

A method of repitching workpieces in an automated mass production system includes: (a) unloading a set of workpieces from a plurality of first retainers arranged at a first pitch, the unloading step including gripping of the workpieces by corresponding grippers of a repitch robot; (b) adjusting the workpieces from the first pitch to a second pitch different from the first pitch, the adjusting step including translating the grippers relative to each other from a first spacing corresponding to the first pitch to a second spacing corresponding to the second pitch; and (c) loading the workpieces into a plurality of corresponding second retainers arranged at the second pitch, the loading step including positioning and releasing the workpieces in the second retainers via the grippers.

INTELLIGENT ACTIVELY COOLED TOTE

Systems and methods for cold chain deliveries are provided. In some embodiments, a method of operating a tote to enable cold chain delivery, the method comprising one or more of: providing storage of one or more cold products in the tote in a micro-fulfillment center; facilitating a pick and pack process of one or more cold products where the one or more cold products are picked from a tote and/or are packed into a tote; and dispensing the one or more cold products using a tote. In this way, cold chain requirement compliance is improved while saving time, money, and energy.

Automatic tote accumulator with cam-actuated stack retaining latch
11479420 · 2022-10-25 · ·

A tote accumulator includes stack retaining latches that are configured to be acted on by a cam and follower mechanism and additionally by a holding mechanism. The cam and follower mechanism is configured to act on the stack retaining latches when the stack of totes is moved vertically by a lifting member, to move the stack retaining latches into an active dwell wherein the stack retaining latches are engaged with the stack of totes. The holding mechanism is configured to be activated to extend the active dwell after the cam and follower mechanism ceases to act on the stack retaining latches. The active dwell is extended even further by a mechanical interlocking feature between the latches and the totes. In various implementations, the design of the cam and follower arrangement and the activation timing of the holding mechanism may be adapted to execute a stacking or an unstacking operation.

ROBOTIC STACK MOVER

The present application discloses a robotic stack mover system, and a method and a computer system for controlling the robotic stack mover system. The robotic stack mover system includes a driving unit comprising a motor, a drive chain, a tensioning unit that enforces tension of the drive chain, and a guide rail traversing a distance between the driving unit and the tensioning unit. The motor is operatively coupled to the drive chain, and the motor is configured to drive the drive chain when the motor is driven. The guide rail comprises or supports the drive chain. The driving chain comprises a set of pusher units. The pusher units are respectively configured to engage one or more vehicles inserted to the system, and to cause one or more vehicles to traverse a path having a same direction as a longitudinal direction of the guide rail when the driving chain is driven.

SUBSTRATE TRAY
20230070970 · 2023-03-09 · ·

A substrate tray for accommodating at least one ceramic substrate therein including: an accommodation part including a first opening part of which the upper side is open so that the ceramic substrate can be accommodated and withdrawn; and a support part formed on the circumference of the accommodation part so as to support the side wall circumference of the ceramic substrate, wherein the support part includes: an inner wall in contact with at least one surface of the ceramic substrate; an outer wall spaced a predetermined distance from the inner wall; an upper surface for connecting the inner wall to the outer wall; and a second opening part formed to be open in the direction opposite to the first opening part at a location facing the upper surface between the inner wall and the outer wall.

Systems and methods for processing objects, including automated processing

A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system includes a plurality of supply bins providing supply of a plurality of objects, with the plurality of supply bins being provided with a bin conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the bin conveyance system, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected supply bin, and a movable carriage for receiving the selected object from the end effector of the programmable motion device, and for carrying the selected object to one of a plurality of destination containers.

Container handling vehicle with first and second sections with motor in second section
11472631 · 2022-10-18 · ·

A container handling vehicle for picking up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of an underlying storage system includes a first set of wheels, arranged at opposite portions of a vehicle body of the container handling vehicle, for moving the vehicle along a first direction on a rail system of the grid; and a second set of wheels, arranged at opposite portions of the vehicle body, for moving the vehicle along a second direction on the rail system of the grid. The second direction is being perpendicular to the first direction. The vehicle body includes walls on all sides forming a footprint defined by horizontal peripheries in the first and second directions of the vehicle body. The container handling vehicle further includes a first section and a second section arranged side-by-side such that a centre point of a footprint of the first section is arranged off centre relative a centre point of the footprint of the vehicle body, and a size ratio of the footprint of the first section relative a footprint of the second section is at least 2:1. The first section is configured to accommodate a storage container, and the second section includes an assembly of motors for driving at least one wheel of each of the sets of wheels.

Discontinuous grid system for use in systems and methods for processing objects including mobile matrix carrier systems

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.