US 11,702,286 B2
Intelligent shelves for automated distribution of products
Karen Lynnette Montgomery, Charlotte, NC (US)
Assigned to HOTBERRY, LLC, Henderson, NV (US)
Filed by Hotberry, LLC, Henderson, NV (US)
Filed on Feb. 23, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/678,906.
Application 17/678,906 is a continuation of application No. 16/451,635, filed on Jun. 25, 2019, granted, now 11,279,559.
Application 16/451,635 is a continuation in part of application No. 15/792,209, filed on Oct. 24, 2017, granted, now 10,611,570, issued on Apr. 7, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/689,322, filed on Jun. 25, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2022/0177228 A1, Jun. 9, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B65G 1/137 (2006.01); G06Q 10/0875 (2023.01); G05B 15/02 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 1/1373 (2013.01) [G05B 15/02 (2013.01); G06Q 10/0875 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system comprising:
a storage unit configured to be operable for a distribution of products or items;
a widget device including:
a shell;
a steel strip, rail, equipment or structure associated with the storage unit to hold the widget device at a desired location associated with a corresponding product or item;
a sensor or camera for detecting missing items on the storage unit using artificial intelligence or machine vision technology;
a motor or induction power unit to move said device to the desired position or location;
a product moving device tool mounted to the shell and configured to operate to deliver the corresponding product or item to a transfer system or to equipment; and
a processor programmed to operate the widget device to control a position of the widget device with respect to the storage unit; and
a computing system programmed to execute the steps of:
receiving an order notification indicating an order;
identifying items included in the order; and
assigning one or more widget devices to retrieve items in an order.