Light tree display for a horizontal carousel
AssigneeWhite Consolidated Industries, Inc.
InventorMichael L. Murphree
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A programmable, visible display system or "light tree" for indicating loading and picking information to an operator of a storage conveyor of the horizontal carousel type is disclosed. The system includes a vertically extending array of regularly spaced lightable elements that is located adjacent the position occupied by a selected shelf of trays or bins for containing items to be stored or distributed. The display is programmed to match the vertical spacing of the shelves in each carrier of the storage conveyor so as to display information regarding the number of items to be removed from or placed in the bins when adjacent to the array, such information being horizontally aligned with the associated bin.
Claims25
A carousel system for delivering items to a loading or picking station and communicating information to an operator, comprising:
- at least one horizontally movable carousel having a plurality of vertically spaced shelves for storing and delivering items to a specific location;
- a visible display including an array of regularly spaced, lightable elements positioned adjacent the carousel and substantially spanning the vertical height of the carousel;
- and
- means to operate the display responsive to an operating condition of the horizontal carousel such that loading or picking information regarding a selected shelf is displayed substantially horizontally aligned with and adjacent that shelf.
A carousel system for delivering items to a loading or picking station and communicating information to an operator, comprising:
- a horizontally movable carousel having a plurality of vertically adjustable, vertically spaced shelves for storing and delivering items to a specific location;
- a visible display including an array of regularly spaced, lightable elements positioned adjacent the carousel and substantially spanning the vertical height of the carousel;
- means to operate the display responsive to an operating condition of the horizontal carousel such that loading or picking information regarding a selected shelf is displayed substantially horizontally aligned with and adjacent that shelf;
- and
- means to determine the position of the carousel operatively connected to the display operating means so that the display operating means is responsive to the position of the carousel.
A carousel system for delivering items to a loading or picking station and communicating information to an operator, comprising:
- a horizontally movable carousel having a plurality of vertically adjustable, vertically spaced shelves for storing and delivering items to a specific location;
- a visible display including a plurality of modules of regularly spaced, lightable elements capable of displaying graphic symbols and positioned adjacent the carousel and substantially spanning the vertical height of the carousel, the modules being vertically spaced at a distance substantially equal to the minimum spacing between the shelves;
- means to operate the display responsive to an operating condition of the horizontal carousel such that loading or picking information regarding a selected shelf is displayed substantially horizontally aligned with and adjacent that shelf;
- means to control the carousel including a switch tripped by the operator at the completion of a picking or loading operation;
- means to determine the position of the carousel operatively connected to the display operating means so that the display operating means is responsive to the position of the carousel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.