US 12,486,109 B2
Automated shuttle apparatus and methods of using the same
Jarl Nicholas Sebastian, Charlotte, NC (US); Christopher J. Hathaway, Mason, OH (US); and Anthony James Turco, Liberty Township, OH (US)
Assigned to INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLC, Mason, OH (US)
Filed by INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLC, Mason, OH (US)
Filed on Jun. 3, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/732,321.
Application 18/732,321 is a continuation of application No. 17/643,990, filed on Dec. 13, 2021, granted, now 12,024,363.
Prior Publication US 2024/0317490 A1, Sep. 26, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B65G 1/04 (2006.01); B65G 1/12 (2006.01); B65G 1/137 (2006.01); G06Q 10/08 (2023.01)
CPC B65G 1/0414 (2013.01) [B65G 1/0478 (2013.01); B65G 1/12 (2013.01); B65G 1/1373 (2013.01); G06Q 10/08 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A shuttle configured for use in an automated storage and retrieval system, the shuttle comprising:
a plurality of retractable load arms at least partially secured relative to a shuttle body and configured to be extendable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, the plurality of retractable load arms configured to extend at least substantially away from the shuttle body in a lateral direction, wherein each load arm extends in the lateral direction along a guide track configured to define a load arm travel path of each load arm between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration, wherein at least a portion of the guide track is defined by a non-linear feature configured to cause the at least the portion of each load arm to exhibit a longitudinal shift in a longitudinal direction from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position as each load arm travels along the guide track in one of an extension direction or a retraction direction; and
a retractable mechanical finger provided at a distal portion of each load arm of the plurality of retractable load arms and configured to facilitate handling of at least one object.