Patent ID: 6208908
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: B65G,G06Q

Abstract:
An order selection and distribution system for selecting and delivering a plurality of articles associated with a preselected order to a packing area, the order selection and distribution system comprising: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.