US 11,873,168 B2
Real-time hanger orientation detection for a rail-based garment conveyor
Jimmy Melancon, Hoschton, GA (US)
Assigned to THREDUP INC., San Francisco, CA (US)
Filed by ThredUp Inc., San Francisco, CA (US)
Filed on Nov. 5, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/519,959.
Prior Publication US 2023/0142043 A1, May 11, 2023
Int. Cl. A47G 25/14 (2006.01); B65G 43/08 (2006.01); B65G 35/06 (2006.01); A47G 25/44 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 43/08 (2013.01) [A47G 25/14 (2013.01); A47G 25/44 (2013.01); A47G 25/447 (2013.01); B65G 35/06 (2013.01); B65G 2201/0229 (2013.01); B65G 2203/0233 (2013.01); B65G 2203/042 (2013.01)] 21 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for determining an orientation of a hanger on a rail of a garment conveyor, the method comprising:
moving the hanger along the rail of by the garment conveyor past a pivotable detection arm coupled to the rail;
monitoring, by a control unit, a pivot state of the pivotable detection arm;
sensing, using the control unit, a deflection of the pivotable detection arm when the pivot state of the pivotable detection arm changes; and
responsive to sensing a change in the pivot state of the pivotable detection arm and using the control unit, outputting a signal indicating that the orientation of the hanger on the rail is in an incorrect orientation.