RECHARGING APPARATUS AND METHOD
First Claim
1. An apparatus configured to monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising:
- a transport unit central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units at a shopping facility, wherein the transport unit central control system comprises;
a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units located at the shopping facility;
a control circuit coupled with the transceiver;
a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to;
identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units;
identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and
wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising: central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units, wherein the central control system comprises: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that cause the control circuit to: identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station.
52 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus configured to monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising:
a transport unit central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units at a shopping facility, wherein the transport unit central control system comprises; a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units located at the shopping facility; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to; identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of providing recharging of a motorized transport unit at a shopping facility, comprising:
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identifying available stored power levels for each of a plurality of motorized transport units at a shopping facility; identifying an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicating one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification