Modular material handling system for order fulfillment
US8892240B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65C2009/401
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for material handling in an order fulfillment center. An order fulfillment system may include inventory storage, a processing area, and a control system. The inventory storage may in some instances include two storage areas, and in some cases the processing area may be disposed between the two storage areas. The processing area may include a router module that is configured to receive inventory items that have been picked from the inventory storage. Inventory items may be received by the router module via conveyance receptacles (e.g., totes, bins) that are conveyed using a conveyor mechanism. The processing area may also include a plurality of processing modules that may be configured to receive inventory items from the router module. In some instances, the processing modules may receive the inventory items via conveyance receptacles that are conveyed using the conveyor mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.