US 12,065,315 B2
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for locating, engaging, and shifting objects in automated or semi-automated fashion
Julio Gil, Veldhoven (NL); Julian Leland Bell, Decatur, GA (US); and Youngjun Choi, Atlanta, GA (US)
Assigned to United Parcel Service of America, Inc., Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed by United Parcel Service of America, Inc., Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed on Apr. 24, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/138,448.
Application 18/138,448 is a continuation of application No. 17/553,599, filed on Dec. 16, 2021, granted, now 11,667,476.
Prior Publication US 2023/0257209 A1, Aug. 17, 2023
Int. Cl. B65G 47/24 (2006.01); B65G 15/10 (2006.01); B65G 65/02 (2006.01); B65G 67/46 (2006.01); B65G 67/08 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 47/24 (2013.01) [B65G 15/105 (2013.01); B65G 65/02 (2013.01); B65G 67/46 (2013.01); B65G 67/08 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for engaging and shifting objects of different sizes in a space, the space having a horizontal length and a vertical length, the system comprising:
a plurality of shifter assemblies positioned in the space,
wherein each shifter assembly of the plurality of shifter assemblies comprises at least a pair of shifter mechanisms that are operable in coordination to displace along the vertical length to engage an object,
wherein the plurality of shifter assemblies are positioned side-by-side in the storage space along the horizontal length,
wherein the plurality of shifter assemblies are operable in different combinations based on a size of the object and in coordination along the horizontal length to shift the object within the space, and
wherein at least one shifter mechanism of the pair of shifter mechanisms for each of the shifter assemblies of the plurality of shifter assemblies is coupled to a position-changing mechanism that is operable to shift a distal end of the at least one shifter mechanism to a plurality of different positions.