Order-filling distribution system and method
First Claim
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1. An order-filling system comprising:
- a pallet storage area for storing at least one pallet carrying product arranged in at least one layer;
a layer-picking cell for collecting product from a pallet in layer quantities;
a pick module for picking product in less than layer quantities; and
at least one assembly station for assembling orders comprising product received from at least one of said layer-picking cell and said pick module.
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Abstract
A system and method for filling orders and distributing products. Layer quantities of products are picked in bulk, and remaining quantities of less than a full layer quantity needed to fill orders are separately picked from a pick module. Products are distributed from the layer-picking cell and the pick module to selected assembly stations for assembly into orders.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An order-filling system comprising:
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a pallet storage area for storing at least one pallet carrying product arranged in at least one layer;
a layer-picking cell for collecting product from a pallet in layer quantities;
a pick module for picking product in less than layer quantities; and
at least one assembly station for assembling orders comprising product received from at least one of said layer-picking cell and said pick module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of filling an order, comprising:
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providing a stock of product comprising at least one layer;
layer-picking at least a portion of the order from the stock of product; and
individually picking any remainder of the order. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20)
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14. A method of filling multiple orders simultaneously, said method comprising:
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storing a plurality of pallets at a pallet storage area, each pallet having at least one layer of product supported thereon;
delivering pallets to a layer picking cell;
layer-picking product from a pallet in layer quantities at the layer picking cell;
distributing the layer-picked product from the layer picking cell to selected assembly stations;
picking product in less than layer quantity from a pick module;
distributing product picked from the pick module to selected assembly stations; and
assembling orders from the product delivered to the assembly stations.
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18. A distribution facility for filling multiple orders simultaneously, said facility comprising:
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a receiving bay for receiving products;
a pallet storage area for storing a plurality of pallets, each pallet carrying product arranged in at least one layer;
a layer-picking cell for collecting products from pallets in layer quantities;
a pick module for picking products in less than layer quantities;
a plurality of assembly stations for assembling orders from product received from said layer-picking cell and said pick module;
means for distributing product from said layer-picking cell to selected assembly stations;
means for distributing product from said pick module to selected assembly stations; and
a delivery bay for discharging assembled orders.
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Specification