Conveyor system with automated carriers
US11702291B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 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 rail defining a conveyor path, the rail supporting first and second consecutive automated conveyor carriers (ACC), each of which includes a motor-powered self-driving trolley. First and second loads are suspended from the first and second ACCs. The first and second ACCs are driven independently along the rail by executing instructions from independent on-board controllers of the first and second ACCs, wherein a first spacing between the first and second ACCs is maintained through a first section of the rail. The first ACC is accelerated away from the second ACC to increase the spacing from the first spacing to a second spacing for navigating a second section of the rail, the second section being a curved section.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.