US 12,466,711 B2
Apparatus, system, and method for automating parts unloading
Lloyd R. Holland, Georgetown, KY (US); Scottie L. Foster, Lawrenceburg, KY (US); Bradley J. Garcia, Louisville, KY (US); Michael C. Greenlee, Paris, KY (US); Jeffrey L. James, Mount Sterling, KY (US); Annetta L. Allen, Trenton, MI (US); Ronnie G. Kiser, Jr., Lexington, KY (US); and Andrew B. Novian, Winchester, KY (US)
Assigned to TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., Plano, TX (US); and TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, (JP)
Filed by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Plano, TX (US)
Filed on Mar. 27, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/126,912.
Prior Publication US 2024/0327178 A1, Oct. 3, 2024
Int. Cl. B66F 9/04 (2006.01); B65G 43/08 (2006.01)
CPC B66F 9/04 (2013.01) [B65G 43/08 (2013.01); B65G 2203/0258 (2013.01); B65G 2203/044 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for receiving at least a part to be unloaded from a system, the apparatus comprising:
a platform configured to receive a first part and a second part to be unloaded from another apparatus;
a first guide member configured to engage with a first engaging member on the another apparatus to enable the first part to be unloaded from the another apparatus onto the platform; and
a second guide member configured to engage with a second engaging member on the another apparatus after the first part is unloaded and configured to actuate the second engaging member to enable the second part to be unloaded from the another apparatus onto the platform.