Systems and methods for high-speed warehouse order sortation

US12077385B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TARGET BRANDS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Gervasio Mutarelli · Minneapolis, US
• Carlos Loza · Minneapolis, US
• Ernesto Saldana Pena · Minneapolis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 27, 2021
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2024
• Expiry date: Mar 22, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T90/16
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Warehouse automation and methods of automatically sorting and sequencing items can be implemented to streamline and expedite order fulfillment and store replenishment processes in a cost-effective manner. Some embodiments described herein include: (i) picking or retrieving items from an inventory storage area, (ii) decanting individual items and placing them on carriers of a high-speed sorting and conveyance system, and (iii) final sortation as per customer orders. In some embodiments, the high-speed sorting and conveyance system includes multiple shuttles that each carry an individual item to a designated final order sortation system.