Conveyor system with automated carriers
US11685607B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2811/0673
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of operating a conveyor system includes providing a fixed, non-powered first rail supporting first and second trolleys of a first carrier, at least one of which is self-driving. The first and second trolley are conveyed in line along the first rail with a load bar therebetween. The first carrier defines a length measured along the first rail and a width measured transverse. The first carrier is conveyed to a branch point where a second rail branches from the first rail. The second trolley is conveyed along the second the rail to turn the first carrier so that it is conveyed with the load bar traversing between the first and second rails. The width is substantially less than the length such that the turning of the first carrier reduces an occupancy of the first carrier along the first rail.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.