Exchange of containers

US10450138B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Tamas Pikler · Westford, US
• Fei Hoai Lee · Medford, US
• Jeremiah David Brazeau · Hudson, US
• Jon Stuart Battles · North Bend, US
• Martin Peter Aalund · Seattle, US
• Jayson Michael Jochim · Seattle, US
• Gregory Lisso · Seattle, US
• Samuel Christopher Uhlman · Bellevue, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 6, 2017
• Grant date: Oct 22, 2019
• Expiry date: Apr 17, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0635
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Containers can be exchanged between container holders and container shuttles using an inventory conveyance system within a workspace. The container holders are configured to hold one or more containers having consolidated inventory items in high density storage. The container shuttles are also configured to hold one or more containers for performing other operations with respect to inventory items in the one or more containers. The containers are configured to hold inventory items while the inventory items move for various operations throughout the workspace and while the inventory items are stowed in high density storage in the workspace.