US 9,598,238 B2 · Automated loading and unloading items

Abstract

Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method for retrieving items from a vehicle comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory, data indicative of a storage location of each of one or more items, wherein the storage locations are assigned locations at which each of the one or more items are placed within the vehicle;
identifying the one or more items to be retrieved;
retrieving data indicative of the storage location of each of the one or more items from the memory;
actuating a load/unload device to retrieve each of the one or more items from the storage location, wherein the load/unload device comprises a selectively rotatable platform having one or more power rollers, and wherein actuating the load/unload device comprises moving a lifting mechanism to adjust the relative height of the rotatable platform to gain access to the storage location;
and
transporting the one or more items to an access port for retrieval from the vehicle.

3 more elements

A system for retrieving items from a vehicle comprising:

a vehicle having a cargo area with an access port and a plurality of storage locations, wherein each of said plurality of storage locations are configured for storing one or more items;
a load/unload device configured to transport an item from one of the plurality of storage locations to the access port for retrieval from the vehicle, wherein the load/unload device comprises:
a selectively rotatable platform having one or more power rollers;
and
a lifting mechanism configured to adjust the relative height of the rotatable platform to gain access to one or more of the plurality of storage locations;
and
a controller disposed within the vehicle and comprising at least one processor and at least one memory having program code instructions embodied therein, the memory and program code instructions being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the controller to:
store, in the at least one memory, data indicative of a storage location of each of one or more items, wherein the storage locations are assigned locations at which each of the one or more items are placed within the vehicle;
receive input indicative of the one or more items to be retrieved;
retrieve data indicative of the storage location of each of the one or more items from the at least one memory;
and
provide instructions to the load/unload device to retrieve the one or more items from the storage location of each of the one or more items.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automated loading and unloading items

Life of this patent

Automated loading and unloading items

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15