Material handling apparatus and method for automatic and manual sorting of items using a dynamically configurable sorting array

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 12115559
APP PUB NO 20230211380A1
SERIAL NO

18090633

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to form groups at respective sort destinations. A scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item fed into the apparatus. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. When an item to be manually sorted is encountered, a visual alert aligned with a selected destination is activated until manual transfer is confirmed.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
OPEX CORPORATION305 COMMERCE DRIVE MOORESTOWN NJ 08057

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Cherry, Kevin Moorestown, US 8 43
McVaugh, Monty Moorestown, US 18 125
Sauer, John Moorestown, US 7 35
Stevens, Alexander Moorestown, US 37 212

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