Automated container storage and delivery system
First Claim
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1. A container storage and delivery system, comprising:
- an individual container storage and delivery system;
a palletizer for forming a group of containers from said individual container storage and delivery system into a layer or a partial layer, and placing this layer or partial layer onto a pallet;
a layer storage and delivery system for taking full layers from a storage location and placing said full layers of containers onto a pallet;
a robotic container delivery system for placing individual containers onto a pallet;
a conveyor system for conveying containers and pallets bearing containers between at least two of said individual container storage and delivery system, said palletizer, said layer storage and delivery system, and said robotic container delivery system.
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Abstract
A material storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system (ICSDS). A palletizer is provided for placing containers from the ICSDS on a pallet. A layer storage and delivery system (LSDS) places full layers of containers on a pallet. A robotic container delivery system (RCDS) places individual containers on a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets between at least two of the ICSDS, the palletizer, the LSDS and the RCDS. A method for storing and delivering containers is also disclosed.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A container storage and delivery system, comprising:
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an individual container storage and delivery system;
a palletizer for forming a group of containers from said individual container storage and delivery system into a layer or a partial layer, and placing this layer or partial layer onto a pallet;
a layer storage and delivery system for taking full layers from a storage location and placing said full layers of containers onto a pallet;
a robotic container delivery system for placing individual containers onto a pallet;
a conveyor system for conveying containers and pallets bearing containers between at least two of said individual container storage and delivery system, said palletizer, said layer storage and delivery system, and said robotic container delivery system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for storing and delivering containers, comprising the steps of:
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providing an individual container storage and delivery system;
providing a palletizer for forming a group of containers from said individual container storage and delivery system into a layer or a partial layer, and placing this layer or partial layer onto a pallet;
providing a layer storage and delivery system for taking full layers of containers from a storage area and placing said full layers onto a pallet;
providing a robotic container delivery system for placing individual containers onto a pallet;
maintaining inventory data comprising position data for at least some containers in said system;
receiving customer order data;
determining at least one pallet configuration from said order data and said inventory data, said pallet configuration including layers of containers for said pallet configuration; and
,if said configuration of containers includes layers of homogeneous SKUs, placing said homogeneous SKU containers on a pallet with said layer storage and delivery system;
if said configuration requires layers of homogeneous package type, placing said homogeneous package type containers on said pallet with said individual container storage and delivery system and said palletizer; and
,if said configuration requires heterogeneous package types, placing said heterogeneous package types onto a pallet with said robotic container delivery system. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A container storage and delivery system, comprising:
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a fully automated individual container storage and delivery system;
a semi-automated individual container storage and delivery system;
a palletizer for placing containers from said fully automated container storage and delivery system and from said semi-automated individual container storage and delivery system; and
,a conveyor system for transporting said containers from said fully automated individual container storage and delivery system and said semi-automated container storage and delivery system to said palletizer. - View Dependent Claims (32)
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33. A container storage and delivery system, comprising:
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a vertically accumulating, semi-automated container storage and delivery apparatus having an upper container input location; and
,an elevated container storage station substantially adjacent to said upper container input location of said semi-automated storage and delivery apparatus, whereby an operator can remove individual containers from said storage area and place them into said vertically accumulating semi-automated storage and delivery apparatus at said upper container input location.
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34. A container storage and delivery system, comprising:
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an individual container storage and delivery system;
a depalletizer for removing layers of containers from pallets and placing said containers into said individual container storage and delivery system; and
,an automated partial pallet storage and delivery system for taking partial pallets to and from said depalletizer.
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Specification