Mobile storage unit with holding brake and single status line for load and drive detection
First Claim
1. A mobile storage unit comprising:
- a) a housing adapted to receive and retain items therein;
b) a shaft rotatably secured to the housing;
c) at least one wheel interconnected with the shaft for rotation therewith;
d) an electric motor operably connected to the shaft to rotate the shaft; and
e) a motor brake operably connected to the shaft,wherein the motor brake is operably connected to a motor brake and status controller, and wherein the motor brake and status controller is operably connected to a main controller via a single status line.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is a mobile storage unit including an electric motor operably connected to wheels movably supporting the unit, and a motor brake operably connected to the electric motor. A shaft is rotatably mounted to the unit and supports the wheels on which the unit moves, and is engaged with an electric motor. The electric motor operates to rotate the shaft and the wheels to move the unit in the desired direction. Upon deactivation of the motor, the motor brake, which is also engaged with the shaft, operates to prevent any further rotation of the shaft to maintain the mobile storage unit in a specified location regardless of deflection of the surface on which the storage unit is positioned.
55 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A mobile storage unit comprising:
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a) a housing adapted to receive and retain items therein; b) a shaft rotatably secured to the housing; c) at least one wheel interconnected with the shaft for rotation therewith; d) an electric motor operably connected to the shaft to rotate the shaft; and e) a motor brake operably connected to the shaft, wherein the motor brake is operably connected to a motor brake and status controller, and wherein the motor brake and status controller is operably connected to a main controller via a single status line. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for controlling the movement of a mobile storage unit in a mobile storage unit system, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a storage unit including a housing adapted to receive and retain items therein, a shaft rotatably secured to the housing, at least one wheel secured to the shaft for rotation therewith, an electric motor operably connected to the shaft to rotate the shaft, and a motor brake operably connected to the shaft; b) connecting a power supply to the motor brake to allow rotation of the shaft; and c) providing a status signal from a motor brake and status controller to a main controller along a single status line connecting the motor brake and status controller to the main controller after connecting the power supply. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification