Inventory storage module having a closed conveying loop in a horizontal plane
US10196208B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2017 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G1/1373
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has first to fourth conveyor segments that define a closed conveying loop in a horizontal plane. The storage module can translate inventory carriers around the closed loop until a desired one of the inventory carriers is presented at one end of the module. The first conveyor segment translates inventory carriers along a first longitudinal direction. The second conveyor segment is offset from the first segment along a first lateral direction and translates inventory carriers along a second longitudinal direction, opposite the first longitudinal direction. The third conveyor segment translates inventory carriers from the first conveyor to the second segment along a first lateral direction at a second end of the module. The fourth conveyor segment translates inventory carriers from the second segment to the first segment along a second lateral direction, opposite the first lateral direction, at a first end of the module.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.