System and apparatus for materials transport and storage

• US 20030093178A1
• Filed: 10/10/2002
• Published: 05/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Paul Robert Russell, Toby L. Baumgartner
• Original Assignee: Paul Robert Russell, Toby L. Baumgartner
• Inventors: Russell, Paul Robert, Baumgartner, Toby L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,123,988 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/217
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 1/04 mechanical
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/28 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping

Abstract

A system for moving a pallet is provided. The system provides for a pair of pallets each having means for inducing movement in relation to an other pallet. Further, logic is provided for calculating a movement instruction to move the pallets relative to each other. Additionally, the present invention provides for means for communicating the movement instruction to the movement means on the pallets to prompt movement of one of said pair of pallets relative to the other pallet. As no special floor surface or configuration is necessary, the present invention described herein may be readily adaptable for utilization within existing storage and inventory facilities.

Claims

1. A system for moving a pallet, the system comprising:

a pair of pallets each having means for inducing movement in relation to an other pallet;

a control engine having logic for calculating a movement instruction to move one of said pair of pallets; and

means for communicating said movement instruction to said movement means on one of said pair of pallets to prompt movement of one of said pair of pallets.

2. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said logic is responsive to an electronic request.

3. The system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a database for storing coordinate locational data relative to said pair of pallets.

4. The system as set forth in claim 3, wherein said control engine is capable of communicating with said database to retrieve said data.

5. The system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising low friction movement means to reduce energy required to move said pair of pallets.

6. The system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said low friction movement means is an air cushion.

7. A moveable pallet comprising:

a pallet; and

an arm assembly connected to said pallet, said arm assembly capable engaging an other pallet for inducing relative movement between said pallet and said other pallet.

8. The pallet as set forth in claim 7 further comprising low friction movement means disposed on said pallet to assist in movement of said pallet.

9. The pallet as set forth in claim 8 wherein said low friction movement means is an air pallet assembly.

10. The pallet as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a transmitter for sending locational data.

11. The pallet as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a receiver for receiving a movement instruction from a control engine.

12. The pallet as set forth in claim 7 wherein said arm assembly is a scissor-type arm assembly.

13. The pallet as set forth in claim 7 wherein said arm assembly is a telescopic-type arm assembly.

14. A pallet comprising:

a surface for supporting a load;

at least one arm assembly means disposed beneath said surface; and

means for actuating said at least one arm assembly to induce relative movement between said pallet and an other pallet.

15. The pallet as set forth in claim 14 further comprising at least one latching mechanism disposed on said pallet.

16. The pallet as set forth in claim 14 wherein said actuating means is an electric motor.

17. The pallet as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a transmitter for sending locational data relative to said pallet.

18. The pallet as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a receiver for receiving a movement instruction from a control engine.

19. The pallet as set forth in claim 14 wherein said arm assembly is a scissor-type arm assembly.

20. The pallet as set forth in claim 14 wherein said arm assembly is a telescopic-type arm assembly.

21. A method for moving a pallet, said method comprising the steps of:

identifying available and unavailable locations in a grid;

creating a grid table representative of grid coordinate data relative to said available and unavailable locations in said grid;

identifying pallet occupied and unoccupied locations in said grid;

creating a pallet table representative of pallet coordinate data relative to said occupied and unoccupied locations in said grid;

comparing said grid table to said pallet table;

determining a movement instruction;

communicating said movement instruction to said pallet to induce movement relative to an other pallet;

actuating an arm assembly on said pallet to engage an other pallet; and

inducing relative movement between said pallet and said other pallet.