Method and apparatus for sorting items
AssigneeOpex Corporation
InventorsGeorge Hayduchok, Robert R. DeWitt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to the sort destinations, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered.
Claims12
1-25. (canceled)
A sorter for sorting a plurality of items, comprising:
- an input station for loading a plurality of items;
- a plurality of separate sort locations for receiving the items;
- a plurality of delivery vehicles for receiving and delivering the items to the sort locations, wherein each delivery vehicle comprises a receiving area for receiving an item, wherein the receiving area has an orientation relative to the horizon;
- a track system for guiding the delivery vehicles from the input station to the sort locations, comprising:
- a first section for guiding the delivery vehicles;
- a second section for guiding the delivery vehicles, wherein the second section intersects the first section at intersections and the second section is disposed at an angle to the first section;
- a plurality of gates selectively operable to provide continuous paths for the vehicles as the vehicles travel from the first section to the second section;
- wherein the sort locations are positioned along the second section of the track system;
- and
- a controller for directing the delivery vehicles to the appropriate sort location;
- wherein each delivery vehicle comprises a drive system that interacts with the track system to drive the vehicle along the track, wherein the drive system for a vehicle is configured to interact with the track to maintain the orientation of the receiving area of the vehicle as the vehicle passes from the first section to the second section.
A material handling system for sorting a plurality of items, comprising:
- an plurality of bins for receiving items;
- a plurality of delivery vehicles for delivering item to the bins,
- wherein each vehicle comprises:
- a power source for driving the vehicle;
- and
- an ejector for ejecting an item forwardly or rearwardly to eject an item into one of the bins;
- a track for guiding the delivery vehicles to the bins, wherein the track comprises a plurality of horizontal sections intersecting a plurality of vertical sections to provide a plurality of interconnected vertical and horizontal paths
- a destination module operable to identify the bin to which one item is to be delivered by one of the delivery vehicles, wherein the destination module identifies the bin based on a marking on the item;
- and
- a controller for controlling the operation of the one vehicle as the vehicle delivers the item to the identified bin.
A material handling system for sorting a plurality of items, comprising:
- a plurality of sort destinations for receiving the items;
- a plurality of delivery vehicles for delivering the items, wherein each vehicle comprises an on-board motor for driving the vehicle;
- and
- track for guiding the delivery vehicles, wherein the track comprises a vertical portion and a horizontal portion providing a continuous path from horizontal to vertical direction.
A delivery vehicle operable with a material handling system having a plurality of sort locations and a guide system, wherein the delivery vehicle comprises:
- a platform for receiving an item to be conveyed to one of the sort locations;
- a motor for driving the vehicle to one of the sort locations;
- a drive system cooperable with the guide system to guide the vehicle to one of the sort locations, wherein the drive system is configured to maintain the orientation of the vehicle relative to the horizon as the vehicle changes from a first direction of travel to a second direction of travel, wherein the first direction is at an angle to the second direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.