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Automatic order selection system and method of operating

  • US 5,720,157 A
  • Filed: 03/28/1996
  • Issued: 02/24/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/28/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An order selection system for retrieving multiple types of items stored in preselected storage locations and delivering retrieved items in an orderly sequence to a plurality of packing stations in accordance with the specific requirements of different orders, said system comprising:

  • at least one dispenser, arranged to engage items stored in the preselected storage locations, for selectively dispensing the items;

    at least one conveyor for receiving items dispensed by said at least one dispenser and for transporting dispensed items toward the packing stations;

    a dispensing control system for controlling said at least one dispenser to selectively dispense desired items from the preselected storage locations in an alternating fashion such that the items are dispensed onto said at least one conveyor in an alternating order sequence in accordance with the requirements of sequential orders;

    at least one sorter, disposed between said at least one conveyor and the packing stations, for alternately sorting the items being transported toward the packing stations so as to divert every other item toward separate packing stations;

    a plurality of stacking devices, disposed between said at least one sorter and the packing stations, for stacking the sorted items into discrete continuous stacks conforming with the specific requirements of the orders; and

    identifying means to identify the end of each order.

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