US 9,457,970 B1 · Modular cross-docking system

Abstract

An example system includes a plurality of trailers arranged such that a given trailer of the plurality is connected to at least one other trailer of the plurality, where the plurality of trailers includes a plurality of respective conveyance systems to transport objects between connected trailers. The system further includes a control system configured to cause a conveyance system of a first trailer of the plurality to move at least one object to the first trailer from a first external trailer, cause respective conveyance systems of one or more trailers of the plurality to transport the at least one object from the first trailer of the plurality to a second trailer of the plurality that is connected to a second external trailer, and cause a conveyance system of the second trailer of the plurality to move the at least one object to the second external trailer.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A system, comprising:

a plurality of trailers arranged such that a given trailer of the plurality is connected to at least one other trailer of the plurality, wherein the plurality of trailers comprises a plurality of respective conveyance systems to transport objects between connected trailers;
and
a control system configured to:
cause a conveyance system of a first trailer of the plurality to move at least one object to the first trailer from a first external trailer that is connected to the first trailer;
cause respective conveyance systems of one or more trailers of the plurality to transport the at least one object from the first trailer of the plurality to a second trailer of the plurality that is connected to a second external trailer;
and
cause a conveyance system of the second trailer of the plurality to move the at least one object to the second external trailer.

4 more elements

A control system, comprising:

at least one processor;
and
data storage comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor to the cause the control system to perform functions comprising:
identifying at least one object within a first external trailer for transport to a second external trailer;
causing a conveyance system of a first trailer of a plurality of connected trailers to move the at least one object to the first trailer of the plurality from the first external trailer, wherein the first external trailer is connected to the first trailer of the plurality;
causing respective conveyance systems of one or more trailers of the plurality of connected trailers to transport the at least one object from the first trailer of the plurality to a second trailer of the plurality that is connected to the second external trailer;
and
causing a conveyance system of the second trailer of the plurality to move the at least one object from the second trailer of the plurality to the second external trailer.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modular cross-docking system

Life of this patent

Modular cross-docking system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26