Item handler and method for flow through storage

US6409451B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• IBP, inc. · US

Inventors

• Larry W. Fallin · Dakota Dunes, US
• Barbara J. Scalia · Sioux City, US
• Ronald D. Smith · Phoenix, US
• James F. Dill · Foxborough, US
• Timothy J. Mason · Uxbridge, US
• Edward M. Kolvek · West Newbury, US
• Stephen N. Forti · Stoneham, US
• Roland H. Estey, III · Concord, US
• James R. Downer · Cambridge, US
• Carl Brian Candiloro · Hudson, US
• Andrew Courier · Mansfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2000
• Grant date: Jun 25, 2002
• Expiry date: Apr 13, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G47/82
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An autonomous remote controlled vehicle for use in the automation of an existing refrigerated flow through storage facility food processing application. The remote vehicle is specifically designed to operate within a network of centrally controlled remote vehicles that are adapted to receive selectable items from production and temporarily store them for later retrieval. The system is adapted to minimize travel time for the remote vehicle and optimize cycle time. The system is specifically adapted to handle cardboard shipping boxes containing meat products.