US 12,134,112 B2
Systems and methods for lifting and descending payload shuttles with high throughput and a reduced footprint
Filippo Navarria, Milan (IT)
Assigned to Amazon Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA (US)
Filed by Amazon Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA (US)
Filed on Dec. 12, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/064,504.
Prior Publication US 2024/0189865 A1, Jun. 13, 2024
Int. Cl. B07C 5/36 (2006.01); B65G 1/06 (2006.01); B65G 1/127 (2006.01); B65G 17/18 (2006.01)
CPC B07C 5/362 (2013.01) [B65G 1/065 (2013.01); B65G 1/127 (2013.01); B65G 17/18 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system comprising:
a support structure having an upper portion and a lower portion;
a first drive shaft positioned on a lower portion of the support structure;
a second drive shaft positioned on the lower portion of the support structure and offset from the first drive shaft;
a first tether loop and a second tether loop each rotationally connected to the first drive shaft and configured to extend between the first drive shaft and the upper portion of the support structure;
a first outer drive shaft positioned on the lower portion of the support structure and configured to house a portion first drive shaft, the first outer drive shaft and the first drive shaft configured to rotate independently;
a transfer tether loop configured to transfer rotational motion from the second drive shaft to the first outer drive shaft;
a third tether loop and a fourth tether loop each rotationally connected to the first outer drive shaft and configured to extend between the first outer drive shaft and the upper portion of the support structure;
a first shelf coupled to the first tether loop and the second tether loop and configured to receive a first shuttle;
a second shelf coupled to the third tether loop and the fourth tether loop and configured to receive a second shuttle;
a first motor configured to rotate the first drive shaft to cause the first tether loop and the second tether loop to rotate to move the first shelf along the tower structure; and
a second motor configured to rotate the second drive shaft to cause the third tether loop and the fourth tether loop to rotate to move the second shelf along the tower structure independent of the first shelf.