Product manipulation tool

US11027921B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ABB Schweiz AG · CH

Inventors

• Gregory A. Cole · Town of West Hartford, US
• Harald Staab · Peising, DE
• Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge · Ellington, US
• Carlos Martinez · South Windsor, US
• Sangeun Choi · Simsbury, US
• Gregory F. Rossano · Enfield, US
• Jianjun Wang · Troy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 10, 2019
• Grant date: Jun 8, 2021
• Expiry date: Aug 26, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J15/0052
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A product manipulation tool for interacting with products and containers at, for example, a retail facility can include a securing mechanism to secure an exposed portion of the container with respect to a horizontal surface such as a shelf. The product manipulation tool can also include a stabilizing device to stabilize the container with respect to the horizontal surface prior to securing the container. The product manipulation tool can also include a support structure for insertion underneath the container to support the load. The stabilizing mechanism may lift or tilt the container prior to insertion of the support structure. In an example, the product manipulation tool may be disposed on a mobile unit configured for locomotion about the retail facility.