System and method for unloading items

US8444369B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• William J. Watt · Wakefield, US
• Timothy Bragg · Winterport, US
• Andrew Stubbs · Somerville, US
• Matthew David Verminski · Cambridge, US
• John P. Dugan · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 30, 2009
• Grant date: May 21, 2013
• Expiry date: Aug 18, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G67/26
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for unloading inventory items includes storing an inventory item on an inventory holder and moving the inventory holder toward an unloading station with a mobile drive unit. Additionally, the method includes moving the inventory holder past a barrier of the unloading station. The method further includes preventing the inventory item from moving past the barrier as the mobile drive unit moves the inventory holder past the barrier.