Filling a restocking package using a carousel
US7072737B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H40/20
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A carousel used in a restocking system is comprised of a drive track. A plurality of bins are arranged into rows, with the rows being driven by said drive track. A drive mechanism, e.g. an electric motor, drives the drive track. A sensor is provided to sense the position of the rows of bins. A processor is responsive to the sensor and data representative of a plurality of picks for more than one order for controlling the drive mechanism. By combining picks from different orders into a batch, the time spent driving the rows and time between picks is minimized. The carousel may be divided into a plurality of columns, each with its own drive track, drive mechanism, and sensor, to enable several rows to be brought into a pick position simultaneously. Various methods and forms of restocking packages are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.