Automated dolly assemblies with loading and unloading racks

US11117752B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. · US

Inventors

• Scottie L. Foster · Lawrenceburg, US
• Bradley J. Garcia · Louisville, US
• Lloyd R. Holland · Georgetown, US
• Michael C. Greenlee · Paris, US
• Eric F. Cornett · Georgetown, US
• Randall Johnson · Monee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 19, 2019
• Grant date: Sep 14, 2021
• Expiry date: Dec 6, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G2811/09
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to automated dolly assemblies having loading and unloading racks and traveling along a track secured to a floor. In one embodiment, an automated dolly assembly includes a moveable frame having a mobility mechanism, one or more loading racks, one or more unloading racks, a receiver arm connected to the moveable frame and a moveable pulley connected to the receiver arm. The moveable pulley has weights. The mobility mechanism is coupled to a bottom surface of the moveable frame. The one or more loading racks and the one or more unloading racks are proximate to a top surface of the moveable frame. The receiver arm is rotatably moveable between a horizontal position and a vertical position and configured to engage the automated dolly assembly with an overhead conveyor.