Methods and systems for in-route item sorting and packaging
US10899541B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q50/60
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems for in route mail sorting and packaging are disclosed. One aspect disclosed is a vehicle including a freight bay. The freight bay includes a plurality of item storage bins. The freight bay also includes a robot. The robot includes a means for grasping items and moving them between the item storage bins. For example, the robot may include an item manipulating attachment that in some aspects may include two or more extending portions for grasping items. The robot may assemble item packages from a plurality of individual items based on addresses of the items. The robot may also manipulate shrink wrap around the item package and position the item package within a station that heats the package and causes the shrink wrap to shrink around the items in the package, thereby forming the items into a package that is easy to deliver to a single address.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.