The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 24, 2007
Filed:
Dec. 28, 2004
Jonathan J. Shakes, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Nicholas M. Hanssens, Seattle, WA (US);
Jan Bohlmann, Reno, NV (US);
Philipp K. Janert, Seattle, WA (US);
Jonathan J. Shakes, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Nicholas M. Hanssens, Seattle, WA (US);
Jan Bohlmann, Reno, NV (US);
Philipp K. Janert, Seattle, WA (US);
Amazon Technologies, Inc., Reno, NV (US);
Abstract
System and method for modular sorting stations. A sorting station may be subdivided into two or more modular bins. A modular bin may be partitioned into compartments. Each compartment may be configured to receive one order including one or more items. Modular bins may be partitioned into compartments of different sizes to receive orders of different sizes. A modular bin may be removed from a sorting station and conveyed to a packing station for packing or other sorting station to continue sorting. Picked items may be received and sorted for rebinning into the modular bins manually or using an automated sorting mechanism. A control system may direct the sorting and rebinning operation. Modular sorting stations may be located adjacent to packing stations or, alternatively, away from packing stations and, when a modular bin is complete, it may be conveyed to an appropriate packing station for packing.