Communicating bins with electrically conductive members
US10342337B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02G3/18
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention is an apparatus comprising a suspendable box, especially a storage bin or appliance, with electrically conductive members mounted thereon that both suspend and supply electrical power to the box. The electrically conductive members comprise insulative housings with openings that attach to wall hooks. Both the members and the wall hooks comprise electrical conductors. When the wall hooks are fitted inside the members, the electrical conductors engage to provide electrical power to the box, simultaneously suspending the box from the wall to which the wall hooks are mounted. The power supplied to the box may power electrical features like outlets, lights, or, especially, a microcontroller with a data transceiver, which allows the box to communicate with other like boxes, robots, or central controllers. The box is ideally suited to function within an automated storage and retrieval system, and preferably has specific dimensions that allow it to do so.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.