Systems and methods for processing objects including space efficient distribution stations and automated output processing

US10438034B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Berkshire Grey, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Thomas Wagner · Concord, US
• Kevin Ahearn · Nebo, US
• John Richard Amend, Jr. · Belmont, US
• Benjamin Cohen · Somerville, US
• Michael Dawson-Haggerty · Pittsburgh, US
• William Hartman Fort · Stratham, US
• Christopher Geyer · Arlington, US
• Victoria Hinchey · Winchester, US
• Jennifer Eileen King · Oakmont, US
• Thomas Koletschka · Cambridge, US
• Michael Cap Koval · Mountain View, US
• Kyle Maroney · Dodgeville, US
• Matthew T. Mason · Pittsburgh, US
• William Chu-Hyon McMahan · Cambridge, US
• Gene Temple Price · Cambridge, US
• Joseph Romano · Arlington, US
• Daniel Smith · Pittsburgh, US
• Siddhartha Srinivasa · Seattle, US
• Prasanna Velagapudi · Pittsburgh, US
• Thomas Allen · Reading, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 18, 2018
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2019
• Expiry date: Apr 18, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G2203/041
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A space efficient automated processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The processing system includes an input conveyance system for moving objects from an input area in at least an input conveyance vector that includes an input conveyance horizontal direction component and an input conveyance vertical direction component, a perception system for receiving objects from the input conveyance system and for providing perception data regarding an object, a primary transport system for receiving the object from the perception system and for providing transport of the object along at least a primary transport vector including an primary transport horizontal component and a primary transport vertical component that is generally opposite the input conveyance horizontal direction component, and at least two secondary transport systems, each of which receives the object from the primary transport system and moves the object in either of reciprocal directions that are each generally parallel with the input conveyance horizontal direction component and the primary direction horizontal direction component.