Modular storage systems
US11927472B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2019 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02S40/38
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Modular storage systems include load sensors disposed beneath or in association with platforms. The load sensors are pulse-sampled for signals corresponding to loads at time intervals, rather than continuously, in order to conserve electrical power. An item associated with a transaction is identified based on a change in the loads, as determined from the pulse-sampled signals. The platforms are aligned at horizontal or non-horizontal angles, and photovoltaic power sources with banks of photovoltaic cells are mounted to front edges of the platforms. When a user reaches over one of the photovoltaic cells to access an item on a platform, a level of power or voltage generated by the photovoltaic cell is diminished. The item closest to the photovoltaic cell having the diminished power or voltage, or a customer that accessed the item, may be identified accordingly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.