Systems and methods for automated loading and unloading at a dock station
US11142413B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/60
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An autonomous dock station system having an automated material lift truck (AMT), a pallet conveyor, and a facility guidance system can automatically load and/or unload a trailer at a dock station. The autonomous dock station system can coordinate these components according to a workflow procedure. In some embodiments, the workflow procedure can begin with the pallet conveyor supplying a loaded pallet to a specified position. The AMT, initially guided by fixed guidance elements of the facility guidance system, can lift the pallet off the conveyor and transport it to a trailer entrance where the AMT switches from the facility guidance system to a trailer guidance system. The AMT can then carry the pallet to an unloading position, move the pallet to one side of the trailer as needed, unload the pallet and return to the pallet conveyor. The workflow procedure can repeat until the trailer is full.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.