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:
Apr. 12, 2011
Filed:
Jan. 14, 2002
J. Randolph Lewis, Deer Park, IL (US);
J. Randolph Lewis, Deer Park, IL (US);
Walgreen Co., Deerfield, IL (US);
Abstract
Dumping stations for receiving articles and discharging the articles into a collection area are disclosed. Each dumping station includes a bin having pick and dump modes. In the pick mode, articles placed in the bin are retained, while in the dump mode, articles are deposited onto a central conveyor. The bin is biased, via gravity, toward the dump mode. A releasable latch is provided for retaining the bin in the pick mode. A processor is operably coupled to the latch and provides a release signal, whereby the latch releases the bin, thereby allowing the bin to switch to the dump mode. The bin may further include a status indicator for assisting a stock worker in identifying the bin in which to place articles.