Tote handling for chilled or frozen goods

US11685588B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Walmart Apollo, LLC · US

Inventors

• William J. Fosnight · Windham, US
• Christopher Hofmeister · Hampstead, US
• John G. Lert, Jr. · Westport, US
• Stephanie Waite · Burlington, US
• Julian Warhurst · Portsmouth, US
• Mark Solomon · Orefield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 26, 2020
• Grant date: Jun 27, 2023
• Expiry date: Feb 18, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25D2331/804
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An automated order fulfillment system is disclosed having different temperature zones and robots and containers capable of and/or configured to work in these different temperature zones. Containers include insulated wall panels and a thermal insert which may be chilled to maintain a temperature within the container below ambient temperature. Structure within a storage location for the containers may be used to open and close the containers to facilitate cooling of the thermal insert.