Parcel transfer system
    3.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US11897702B2

    公开(公告)日:2024-02-13

    申请号:US17142795

    申请日:2021-01-06

    CPC classification number: B65G47/50 B65G2201/0285

    Abstract: A parcel transfer system transfers a parcel or a similar article directly between a conveyor and a self-driving vehicle (“SDV”) while the conveyor and SDV are moving. The conveyor, SDV, or both may be configured to initially transport a parcel in a first direction of travel and then subsequently offload the parcel in a second direction of travel. The SDV is configured to travel alongside of the conveyor in the first direction of travel and either receive the parcel as it is offloaded from the conveyor or offload the parcel onto the conveyor in the second direction of travel. The parcel transfer system further includes a vision and control subsystem, which regulates movement of the SDV and offloading of the parcel from the conveyor or SDV.

    System and method for preventing debris buildup in vacuum sensor lines

    公开(公告)号:US11839970B2

    公开(公告)日:2023-12-12

    申请号:US17982868

    申请日:2022-11-08

    CPC classification number: B25J15/0625 B01D46/0012 B25J19/0066 B01D2273/28

    Abstract: A system for preventing debris buildup in vacuum sensor lines includes: a manifold, including a positive air pressure source and a controller; and one or more positive air pressure lines. Each positive air pressure line is in fluid communication with the manifold and can be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum sensor line. The controller is operably connected to and selectively activates the positive air pressure source to emit a positive flow of air, which can be directed into the one or more positive air pressure lines, and then into and through the associated vacuum sensor lines to evacuate debris. In some embodiments, a positive flow of air can also be directed through one or more vacuum lines of the end effector to promote the release of a parcel engaged with the end effector and/or clear the vacuum lines of debris.

    CONVEYOR SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE ROBOT SINGULATORS AND BUFFERING CONVEYOR

    公开(公告)号:US20230001569A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-01-05

    申请号:US17941735

    申请日:2022-09-09

    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a first robot singulator, a second robot singulator, and a picking area from which parcels of a bulk flow of parcels can be engaged and transferred by the first robot singulator or the second robot singulator. The conveyor system further includes a first place conveyor positioned downstream of the picking area and configured to receive parcels transferred by the first robot singulator. The conveyor system further includes a second place conveyor positioned downstream of the picking area and the first place conveyor, the second place conveyor configured to receive parcels transferred by the second robot singulator and to receive parcels from the first place conveyor. A buffering conveyor is positioned between the first place conveyor and the second place conveyor for regulating a rate at which parcels offloaded by the first place conveyor are transferred to the second place conveyor.

    Parcel cart
    7.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US11453424B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-09-27

    申请号:US16804310

    申请日:2020-02-28

    Abstract: A parcel cart for transporting parcels comprises a substructure, with a frame mounted to and supported by the substructure. The frame defines an internal volume in which parcels are received and stored for transport. The frame also includes: a base; a first end wall; a second end wall; a first side wall; and a second side wall. To facilitate loading or unloading of the parcel cart, the frame can include at least one end wall configured to transition between an upright position and a lowered position. To facilitate autonomous transport of the parcel cart, the substructure and the frame can define a cavity for receiving a mobile robot. To avoid occlusion of the field of view of one or more cameras associated with the mobile robot, the frame can include at least one end wall that is in a non-perpendicular orientation relative to the base.

    System for handling parcel flow with damming conveyor

    公开(公告)号:US11203493B2

    公开(公告)日:2021-12-21

    申请号:US17092660

    申请日:2020-11-09

    Abstract: A system for managing parcel flow includes: an upstream conveyor for receiving and conveying a bulk flow of parcels; and a damming conveyor positioned to receive parcels offloaded from the upstream conveyor. The system may also include: a destacking conveyor positioned to receive parcels offloaded from the damming conveyor and configured to separate vertically stacked parcels; and a downstream conveyor positioned to receive parcels offloaded from the destacking conveyor. The damming conveyor can be selectively activated and deactivated to offload parcels in discrete batches, instead of a continuous flow. Selective activation and deactivation of the damming conveyor and/or destacking conveyor can be based on instructions communicated from a control subsystem in accordance in a prearranged sequence or based on data from one or more sensors configured to acquire data corresponding to the positioning of parcels within the system.

    CONVEYOR SUBSYSTEM FOR HANDLING UNCONVEYABLE PARCELS AND PARCEL TRANSFER SYSTEM INCLUDING SAME

    公开(公告)号:US20250091822A1

    公开(公告)日:2025-03-20

    申请号:US18829770

    申请日:2024-09-10

    Abstract: A parcel transfer system for loading parcels into a cargo area of a transport vehicle includes: one or more robots for transferring parcels from the parcel transfer system to the cargo area; a conveyor subsystem for handling parcels for potential loading in the cargo area; and a control subsystem operably connected to, and configured to affect the operation of, one or more components of the conveyor subsystem. The conveyor subsystem includes a feed conveyor and a rejection apparatus. The feed conveyor conveys a flow of parcels towards the one or more robots and selectively directs unconveyable parcels off the feed conveyor. The rejection apparatus is positioned to receive unconveyable parcels directed off of the feed conveyor and subsequently transports the received unconveyable parcels in a desired manner. The rejection apparatus can be in the form of a rejection conveyor or a self-driving vehicle.

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