Bundling system for banding item(s)
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorOliver Watmough
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bundling system that is configured to band item(s) together. The bundling system may have a platform having a plurality of actuatable rods that are configured to move between a retracted state and an extended state. The retraction of the rods may create a pocket within the rods for receiving the item(s), and may keep the item(s) in place while the item(s) are banded together. For example, a banding mechanism may place one or more band(s) around the item(s) in order to secure the item(s) together. In some instances, the item(s) may be banded together at one or more banding locations and/or different orientations to secure the item(s) together. After being banded, the item(s), now as single unit, may be packaged or further processed.
Claims20
A method comprising:
- receiving first data indicating a first item being placed on a platform that includes a plurality of rods;
- determining, based at least in part on the first data, one or more first rods of the plurality of rods that at least partially receive the first item;
- causing the one or more first rods to be at least partially retracted on the platform;
- receiving second data indicating a second item being placed on the platform;
- determining, based at least in part on the second data, one or more second rods of the plurality of rods that at least partially receive the second item;
- determining a first banding location at which to place a first band around the first item and the second item;
- and
- causing the one or more second rods to be at least partially retracted on the platform.
A method comprising:
- receiving first data indicating a first item being placed on a bed of rods;
- determining, based at least in part on the first data, one or more first rods of the bed of rods that at least partially receive the first item, the one or more first rods being at least partially retracted;
- receiving second data indicating a second item being placed on the bed of rods;
- determining, based at least in part on the second data, one or more second rods of the bed of rods that at least partially receive the second item, the one or more second rods being at least partially retracted;
- determining one or more banding locations associated with placing one or more bands around the first item and the second item;
- and
- receiving third data indicating a removal of the first item and the second item from the bed of rods.
A method comprising:
- receiving first data indicating a first item being placed on a bed of rods;
- determining, based at least in part on the first data, one or more first rods of the bed of rods that at least partially receive the first item, the one or more first rods being at least partially retracted;
- receiving second data indicating a second item being placed on the bed of rods;
- determining, based at least in part on the second data, one or more second rods of the bed of rods that at least partially receive the second item, the one or more second rods being at least partially retracted;
- causing one or more bands to be placed around the first item and the second item;
- and
- receiving third data indicating a removal of the first item and the second item from the bed of rods.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.