Back to results
US 12,686,575 B1Granted
Automated unloading system for package stacks
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorsRajeev Dwivedi, Ameya Abhyankar, Thomas Lee Dahlberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Automated unloading systems and methods may include a preparation subsystem and a transfer subsystem. A package stack may be loaded into the preparation subsystem to open or enable access to individual packages of the stack, and the opened stack may be rotated to an unloading position. Then, conveyance mechanisms of the transfer subsystem may cause automated unloading of individual packages of the opened stack, thereby improving the safety, speed, and efficiency of such package unloading processes.
Claims20
An automated unloading system, comprising:
- a base configured to tilt between at least two positions, the base including a first portion comprising a preparation subsystem and a second portion comprising a transfer subsystem;
- a frame configured to slide within the base between the preparation subsystem and the transfer subsystem, the frame configured to receive a stack of packages at the preparation subsystem;
- the preparation subsystem including at least one element configured to enable access to the stack of packages;
- and
- the transfer subsystem including a plurality of belts configured to unload individual packages from the stack;
- wherein the preparation subsystem enables access to the stack when the base is in a first position;
- wherein the transfer subsystem unloads individual packages from the stack when the base is in a second position;
- and
- wherein in the second position, each of the base and the frame includes respective open sides that are aligned with each other, and the plurality of belts of the transfer subsystem are aligned with and extend along the respective open sides of the base and the frame.
6 more elements
A system, comprising:
- a base configured to rotate between at least two positions;
- a frame positioned within the base, the frame configured to receive a stack of packages;
- and
- a transfer subsystem including at least one conveyance mechanism configured to unload individual packages from the stack;
- wherein in an unloading position, each of the base and the frame includes respective open sides that are aligned with each other, and the at least one conveyance mechanism of the transfer subsystem is aligned with and extends along the respective open sides of the base and the frame.
2 more elements
A method, comprising:
- loading a stack of packages to a frame, the frame positioned within a base of an automated unloading system;
- rotating, via a tilt mechanism associated with the base, the stack of packages to an unloading position;
- and
- causing, via at least one conveyance mechanism of a transfer subsystem of the automated unloading system, unloading of individual packages from the stack;
- wherein in the unloading position, each of the base and the frame includes respective open sides that are aligned with each other, and the at least one conveyance mechanism of the transfer subsystem is aligned with and extends along the respective open sides of the base and the frame.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.