US 7,583,037 B2 · Mobile storage unit with holding brake and single status line for load and drive detection

Abstract

The present invention is a mobile storage unit including an electric motor operably connected to wheels movably supporting the unit, and a motor brake operably connected to the electric motor. A shaft is rotatably mounted to the unit and supports the wheels on which the unit moves, and is engaged with an electric motor. The electric motor operates to rotate the shaft and the wheels to move the unit in the desired direction. Upon deactivation of the motor, the motor brake, which is also engaged with the shaft, operates to prevent any further rotation of the shaft to maintain the mobile storage unit in a specified location regardless of deflection of the surface on which the storage unit is positioned.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A mobile storage unit comprising:

a) a housing adapted to receive and retain items therein;
b) a shaft rotatably secured to the housing;
c) at least one wheel interconnected with the shaft for rotation therewith;
d) an electric motor operably connected to the shaft to rotate the shaft;
and
e) a motor brake operably connected to the shaft,
wherein the motor brake is operably connected to a motor brake and status controller, and wherein the motor brake and status controller is operably connected to a main controller via a single status line.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mobile storage unit with holding brake and single status line for load and drive detection

Life of this patent

Mobile storage unit with holding brake and single status line for load and drive detection

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13