초록 ▼

An integrated order selection and distribution system is provided for selecting and delivering a plurality of articles associated with a preselected customer order. The system includes discrete article receptacles, a conveyor, and a plurality of pack stations. The receptacles releasably retain artic

An integrated order selection and distribution system is provided for selecting and delivering a plurality of articles associated with a preselected customer order. The system includes discrete article receptacles, a conveyor, and a plurality of pack stations. The receptacles releasably retain articles associated with a preselected customer order. Each receptacle is transported to predetermined locations within the system by the conveyor. The pack stations are arranged along the direction of movement of the conveyor to receive the articles to be discharged from the receptacles. A system controller tracks the location of the receptacles in the system and generates a signal that causes each receptacle to discharge its articles at a predetermined location, relative to the pack stations. In the preferred embodiment, the system controller assigns each receptacle to at least one of the pack stations in round-robin fashion based upon the type of articles to be discharged.

대표청구항 ▼

[We claim:] [1.]a discrete article receptacle for releasably retaining articles to be delivered, having an interior space for receiving the articles and a discharge opening for discharging the articles,a conveyor for transporting the receptacle to predetermined locations within the system,an order i

[We claim:] [1.]a discrete article receptacle for releasably retaining articles to be delivered, having an interior space for receiving the articles and a discharge opening for discharging the articles,a conveyor for transporting the receptacle to predetermined locations within the system,an order identification item associated with the receptacle to assign the receptacle to carry specified articles associated with a preselected order,a pack station arranged along a direction of movement of the conveyor for receiving the articles to be discharged from the receptacle,an actuator associated with the pack station for selectably engaging the receptacle to cause the articles in the interior space to be discharged through the discharge opening, anda system controller for tracking the location of the receptacle in the system and for generating a discharge signal to cause the actuator to engage the receptacle when the receptacle is at a predetermined discharge location in the system, relative to the pack station.