Optimized shipment transfer

US11111076B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Stephen T. Campbell · Newton, US
• Robert M Whitten · Billerica, US
• Shilpi Gupta · Bengaluru, IN
• Ibolya Horvath · Pembroke, US
• Oksana Mikhailovna Kharchenko · Cambridge, US
• Justina Lakinger · Boston, US
• Ryan Clarke · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 12, 2020
• Grant date: Sep 7, 2021
• Expiry date: Oct 12, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G2812/02168
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

With respect to a transfer facility configured to optimize package transfers therethrough, a container housing packages may be delivered to a first floor of the transfer facility. The packages may be transported to consolidation stations based on destinations associated therewith. In some examples, the packages may be bound for a single destination and thus transported to a single consolidation station. In some examples, the packages may be bound for multiple destinations and thus transported to a second floor of the transfer facility for sortation. A destination and mode of transportation associated with the package may be determined at an induction station on the second floor, as well as a consolidation station associated therewith. A drive unit may insert the package into a chute for transit down a slide to the consolidation station, where it may be placed into another container for shipment to the destination via the mode of transportation.