Random-access robotic inventory dispensary: replenishment and purge operation prioritization
US10414049B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/30
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present application is directed to a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored in an inventory storage unit (ISU), one item per bin. Controller logic allows items to be stored in, and retrieved from, arbitrarily-assigned storage locations. The bins hang on rails within drawers. Upon a request from a consumer (or other user) in a fulfillment operation, the robot retrieves a bin holding the first item from the ISU. Upon a request from an operator in a replenishment operation, the robot transfers an empty bin to an operator station (such as a replenishing unit). Upon a request from an operator in a purge operation, the robot transfers bins containing the affected items to the operator station. The controller logic further allows certain operations to be prioritized and performed for the replenishment and purge operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.