Gregory J Wilson

US Patent:

20210070552, Mar 11, 2021

Filed:

Nov 10, 2020

Appl. No.:

17/094411

Inventors:

- Moorestown NJ, US
Alexander Stevens - Philadelphia PA, US
Robert DeWitt - Marlton NJ, US
James Walsh - Pittsford NY, US
Gregory Wilson - Moorestown NJ, US

International Classification:

B65G 43/08
B07C 3/08
B65G 1/137
B65G 1/04

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. The system may also include vehicles having edge-detection assemblies for detecting items being loaded onto or discharged from the vehicles.

US Patent:

20200062512, Feb 27, 2020

Filed:

Oct 30, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/669003

Inventors:

- Moorestown NJ, US
Alexander Stevens - Philadelphia PA, US
Monty McVaugh - Mount Holly NJ, US
James Walsh - Pittsford NY, US
Gregory Wilson - Moorestown NJ, US

International Classification:

B65G 43/08
B07C 3/08
B65G 1/137
B65G 1/04

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. The system may also include vehicles having an assembly for detecting items being loaded onto or discharged from the vehicles.

US Patent:

20190160493, May 30, 2019

Filed:

Aug 11, 2017

Appl. No.:

16/082465

Inventors:

- Seattle WA, US
Robert R. DEWITT - Marlton NJ, US
Monty MCVAUGH - Mount Holly NJ, US
Alexander STEVENS - Philadelphia PA, US
James WALSH - Pittsford NY, US
Gregory WILSON - Moorestown NJ, US

International Classification:

B07C 5/10
B07C 5/34

Abstract:

In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus () and associated method for sorting a plurality of items includes a plurality of sort destinations and a plurality of delivery vehicles () for delivering items to the sort destinations. Each vehicle () includes a surface () for supporting items to be delivered and an edge-detection assembly () for detecting an edge of an item when the item is conveyed onto or discharged from the vehicle. The edge-detection assembly () includes an emitter for emitting a beam of light toward the surface. The emitter () is positioned below the surface so that the beam of light is projected transverse the surface. The emitter edge-detection assembly also includes a plurality of detectors for detecting the beam of light, wherein an object on the surface of the vehicle affects the beam of light received by the detectors.

US Patent:

20170260008, Sep 14, 2017

Filed:

May 3, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/586247

Inventors:

- Moorestown NJ, US
Alexander Stevens - Philadelphia PA, US
Monty McVaugh - Mount Holly NJ, US
James Walsh - Pittsford NY, US
Gregory Wilson - Moorestown NJ, US

International Classification:

B65G 43/08
B65G 13/02
B65G 1/04

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. The system may also include vehicles having edge-detection assemblies for detecting items being loaded onto or discharged from the vehicles.