Automated warehouse systems, assemblies, apparatuses, and methods for assembling mixed pallets and facilitating order picking
AssigneeNewteq Holding B.V.
InventorHans Eil
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This disclosure is directed to automated warehouse facilities that are configured to assemble mixed pallets. The warehouse facilities can include one or more layer handling devices that are configured to remove layers from pallets in a delayering operational mode, and to add layers to pallets in a palletizing operation mode. The warehouse facilities also may include one or more item retrieval devices that are configured to retrieve individual items from storage racks. The warehouse facilities can include other automated devices as well.
Claims20
A system for use in an automated warehouse, comprising:
- a storage rack configured to store a tray comprising a layer of items removed from a pallet;
- an automated conveyor;
- and
- an item retrieval device comprising:
- a lower handling portion configured to grab the tray from the storage rack and pull the tray towards the item retrieval device;
- and
- an upper handling portion configured remove a subset of the items from the layer included on the tray after the lower handling portion pulls the tray towards the item retrieval device;
- wherein the item retrieval device is configured place the subset of items removed from the layer of items included on the tray onto the automated conveyor for use in assembling a mixed pallet.
An item retrieval device for use in an automated warehouse, comprising:
- a lower handling portion configured to grab a tray comprising a layer of items from a storage rack, and pull the tray towards the item retrieval device;
- and
- an upper handling portion configured remove a subset of the items from the layer included on the tray after the lower handling portion pulls the tray towards the item retrieval device;
- wherein the item retrieval device is configured place the subset of items removed from the layer of items included on the tray onto an automated conveyor for use in assembling a mixed pallet.
A method for operating or utilizing an item retrieval device, comprising:
- controlling a lower handling portion of the item retrieval device to grab a tray comprising a layer of items from a storage rack;
- controlling the lower handling portion of the item retrieval device to pull the tray towards the item retrieval device;
- controlling an upper handling portion of the item retrieval device to remove a subset of the items from the layer included on the tray after the lower handling portion pulls the tray towards the item retrieval device;
- and
- placing, using the item retrieval device, the subset of items removed from the tray onto an automated conveyor for use in assembling a mixed pallet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.