Tote handling system with integrated hand and method of using same
US11981023B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2022 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25J19/023
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An integrated hand and method for manipulating items received in a shipping container. The integrated hand is carried by a tote handler and includes a base with a slotted plate, fingers, and flat plates. The fingers are extendable from and slidably movable along slots in the slotted plate. The flat plates are extendable from the base. The fingers and flat plates are selectively extendable about the base to define a grip space shaped to receivingly grip the items whereby the items are secured in position. The method includes receiving items in an original orientation from the shipping container by: selectively extending fingers and plates of an integrated hand to define an item space shaped to support and grippingly receiving the items; and inserting the items into a tote while maintaining the items in the original orientation by selectively rotating the integrated hand and inserting the integrated hand into the tote.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.