Systems and methods for separating objects using a vacuum roller with one or more object processing systems

US11055504B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Berkshire Grey, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Thomas Wagner · Concord, US
• Matthew T. Mason · Pittsburgh, US
• Christopher Geyer · Arlington, US
• John Richard Amend, Jr. · Belmont, US
• Kyle Maroney · Dodgeville, US
• Joseph Romano · Arlington, US
• Victoria Hinchey · Winchester, US
• Jeffrey Kittredge · Lexington, US
• Andrew Gauthier · Somerville, US
• Lakshman Kumar · Burlington, US
• Prasanna Velagapudi · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 8, 2020
• Grant date: Jul 6, 2021
• Expiry date: Jan 8, 2040

Classification

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

Abstract

In an induction system for use with an object processing system, a distribution system is disclosed for providing dissimilar objects into one of a plurality of receiving units. The distribution system includes a conveyor section that travels over a vacuum roller, and the plurality of receiving units arranged generally below the vacuum roller such that an object with a mass will fall toward one of the plurality of receiving units based on both the object's mass and a vacuum force applied to the object through the conveyor section.