System and method for automated parcel loading and transport
US12181897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2024 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D2111/10
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for loading and transporting parcels includes: a sorter including a plurality of chutes for offloading parcels from the sorter; a plurality of totes; a plurality of self-driving vehicles (“SDVs”) configured to transport the plurality of totes between a loading area, an unloading area, and a queue area; and a control subsystem. The loading area includes a plurality of zones, with each zone corresponding to one or more chutes of the sorter. The control subsystem includes a controller, which is operably connected to the SDVs, and which selectively communicates instructions to dispatch SDVs to transport and replace totes in the loading area as they become filled to the predetermined capacity. A method for loading and transporting parcels in a sorting facility including a loading area, an unloading area, and a queue area is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.