US 11,987,447 B2
Article delivery system and method that includes an overhead rail network
James M. Serstad, Orlando, FL (US); and Michael C. Futch, Orlando, FL (US)
Assigned to Tompkins Robotics, Inc., Orlando, FL (US)
Filed by Tompkins Robotics, Inc., Raleigh, NC (US)
Filed on May 4, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/307,629.
Prior Publication US 2022/0356016 A1, Nov. 10, 2022
Int. Cl. B65G 1/137 (2006.01); B61B 3/02 (2006.01); B65G 1/04 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 1/1373 (2013.01) [B61B 3/02 (2013.01); B65G 1/0457 (2013.01); B65G 1/1371 (2013.01)] 23 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system comprising:
an article supply location including a plurality of articles to be sorted;
an overhead rail network comprising a plurality of rail sections, at least one rail section positioned adjacent to the article supply location;
a self-guided and self-propelled hanging vehicle configured for traveling in both directions along the plurality of rail sections, the hanging vehicle having a first position in which a carrier containing at least one selected article is engaged with the hanging vehicle and a second position in which at least one of: the carrier is detached from the hanging vehicle, and the selected article is discharged from the hanging vehicle;
a controller configured to:
receive an order;
determine a first delivery location among a plurality of delivery locations to deliver, with the hanging vehicle, at least one of the carrier and the selected article based on a destination determined for the at least one of the carrier and the selected article;
direct the hanging vehicle to transport the carrier to the first delivery location;
direct delivery of the at least one of the carrier and the selected article at the first delivery location by manipulation of the hanging vehicle from the first position to the second position;
direct a mobile transport device to travel on a platform elevated from a proximal surface to transport the at least one of the carrier and the selected article at the first delivery location and sort it to a receiving container proximal the platform, wherein the platform is a continuous planar surface, wherein the receiving container corresponds with the order, the mobile transport device comprising wheels that contact the platform while the mobile transport device travels on the platform; and
determine when the order is complete.