Apparatus, systems, and methods for payload pick-up and drop-off with a self-driving material-transport vehicle
US11001446B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/60
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus, systems and methods for providing smart pick-up and drop-off are presented. The apparatus comprises at least one vertical support member and at least one storage shelf supported by the at least one vertical support member. A payload transfer surface, supported by the vertical support members, is located below the lowest storage shelf. The payload transfer surface has an access channel so that a self-driving material-transport vehicle equipped with a lift appliance can pick up or drop off a payload on the payload transfer surface. A sensor associated with the payload transfer surface senses the presence or absence of a payload on the payload transfer surface, and sends a signal to a fleet-management system in communication with the self-driving material-transport vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.