Material Handling Systems, Inc.

Fortna Systems, Inc.

Robertus Arnoldus Adrianus Schmit

Michael Thomas Fleming

A system for loading and transporting parcels includes: a sorter including a plurality of chutes for offloading parcels from the sorter; a plurality of totes; a plurality of self-driving vehicles ('SDVs') configured to transport the plurality of totes between a loading area, an unloading area, and a queue area; and a control subsystem. The loading area includes a plurality of zones, with each zone corresponding to one or more chutes of the sorter. The control subsystem includes a controller, which is operably connected to the SDVs, and which selectively communicates instructions to dispatch SDVs to transport and replace totes in the loading area as they become filled to the predetermined capacity. A method for loading and transporting parcels in a sorting facility including a loading area, an unloading area, and a queue area is also disclosed.

System and method for automated parcel loading and transport

A parcel transfer system transfers a parcel or a similar article directly between a conveyor and a self-driving vehicle ('SDV') while the conveyor and SDV are moving. The conveyor, SDV, or both may be configured to initially transport a parcel in a first direction of travel and then subsequently offload the parcel in a second direction of travel. The SDV is configured to travel alongside of the conveyor in the first direction of travel and either receive the parcel as it is offloaded from the conveyor or offload the parcel onto the conveyor in the second direction of travel. The parcel transfer system further includes a vision and control subsystem, which regulates movement of the SDV and offloading of the parcel from the conveyor or SDV.

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West Bloomfield, MI, United States of America

Robertus Arnoldus Adrianus Schmit