Patent Description:
Having a mobile battery powered workstation cart with the computer, printer, labels, supplies, and spare batteries all in one convenient mobile battery powered workstation cart would be very desirable for increasing workflow efficiency. Currently available mobile battery powered workstation carts do not have enough battery life to power all of those devices to make an efficient impact on improving warehouse and retail operations. Thus, having a workstation cart with long lasting batteries, or easily replaceable batteries, would also be desirable for increasing efficiency. These workstations can be utilized advantageously at any point in a workflow operation, including as part of quality assurance and/or analysis. It would further be desirable to have a mobile battery powered workstation cart that integrates a voice activated smart hub, an internal RFID system, GPS and/or GPS locator, WiFi, and/or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

Battery powered workstation carts generally take the form of a wheeled base connected to an upper work area wherein the two are connected via an adjustable column. One known example, <CIT> ("Enovate") describes a medical cart having such a base, adjustable column and upper work area. Said cart also utilizes a swappable battery positioned within a storage area of the wheeled base. In another embodiment, there is an external battery that aids in powering the cart. Some existing workstation carts forgo an external battery, such as the medical cart taught in <CIT>. The main benefit of a mobile cart is the ability to move the cart to the area it is needed. For example, in a hospital setting, a patient may be bedridden and unable to move. In a warehouse setting, the packages that need to be labeled, scanned etc, may be many times heavier than a cart, or movement may not be realistically feasible. Further having a mobile cart allows for a more efficient use of resources as one mobile cart may serve many bedridden patients or many immovable packages. Efficiency is increased when a mobile cart can cover a larger area, such as many large packages or patients, before needing a recharge. Thus a mobile cart having a longer life may have a greater impact on workflow efficiency.

In a first aspect there is provided a mobile battery powered workstation according to claim <NUM>.

A method of calculating remaining battery life in a mobile battery powered workstation, comprises: determining a set power consumption rate (Pset), wherein Pset is the average power consumption of all electronic devices and accessories connected to the mobile battery powered workstation, and wherein Pset is determined during production or manufacture of the mobile battery powered workstation; and applying a custom runtime algorithm, wherein remaining battery runtime is calculated by taking remaining battery capacity (in Watt/hour) and dividing it by the set power consumption rate (Pset).

A mobile battery powered workstation, comprises: a wheeled base portion having a sliding battery power bay for receiving a battery therein; an upper workstation area having electronic components operably coupled to, and powered by, the battery in the sliding battery power bay; a glass overlay display positioned over a top surface of the upper workstation area and operable to provide haptic feedback regarding remaining battery life calculated via a custom runtime algorithm; and a technology bay to house integrated RFID, Wi-Fi, BLE, and /or GPS systems.

An exemplary workstation is a mobile battery powered workstations, comprising a wheeled base portion having a sliding battery power bay for service and replacement of a least one battery therein; an upper workstation area having a monitor, and operably coupled to the at least one battery in the sliding battery power bay; a computer and printer operably coupled to the monitor and the at least one battery in the sliding battery power bay; and at least one adjustable height column operably coupling the wheeled base portion to the upper workstation area and configured to electronically slide vertically to adjust the height of the upper workstation area. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a voice activated smart hub or artificial intelligence hub. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a technology bay in the upper workstation area to house the computer, an RFID reader, Wi-Fi, BLE, and/or GPS systems. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a glass overlay display positioned on a top surface of the upper workstation area, and having haptic feedback controls for passcode input, adjustment of the adjustable height column, and display of remaining battery life via custom runtime algorithm. In at least one embodiment, remaining battery runtime is calculated using an algorithm, taking remaining battery capacity (in Watt/hour) and dividing it by the set power consumption rate (Pset), wherein Pset is the average power consumption of all electronic devices and accessories connected to the mobile battery powered workstation, and wherein Pset is determined during production or manufacture of the mobile battery powered workstation. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a bracket on the adjustable height column for storing at least one spare battery. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises an RFID device integrated with a glass overlay. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a handle or handle bar for easy maneuvering of the workstation, an integral pull-out tray for additional work surface area, and a lower shelf unit for additional storage. In at least one example, the adjustable height column comprises UHMW low friction compressible material for smooth and stable vertical motion during adjustment to account for any gaps due to tolerance stack-up and result in a sturdy column assembly. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a service door positioned below the upper work surface area to provide easy access to power bricks and USB hub. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a slide-out keyboard tray using precision linear ball-bearing guiderails positioned on the upper workstation area. In at least one example, the sliding battery power bay comprises modular compartments for receiving multiple batteries therein, wherein more than one battery may be used to adjust runtime of the workstation. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises battery separating tabs disposed between battery compartments within the sliding battery power bay to reduce heat and/or improve individual battery performance. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises at least one spare battery for adjusting runtime of the workstation. In at least one example, the monitor itself may comprise a laptop or tablet. In at least one example, the workstation is a warehouse cart. In at least one example, the workstation is an order fulfillment cart. In at least one example, the glass overlay display has anti-bacterial and chemical resistant properties.

In an example, a method is provided for calculating remaining battery runtime in a mobile battery powered workstation, comprising determining a set power consumption rate (Pset), wherein Pset is the average power consumption of all electronic devices and accessories connected to the battery powered mobile workstation, and wherein Pset is determined during production or manufacture of the battery powered mobile workstation; and applying a custom runtime algorithm, wherein remaining battery runtime is calculated by taking remaining battery capacity (in Watt/hour) and dividing it by the set power consumption rate (Pset). In at least one example, the method further comprises displaying the remaining battery runtime on an illuminated glass overlay positioned on a top surface of the upper workstation area of the mobile battery powered workstation. In at least one example, the remaining battery runtime is communicated to a user via haptic feedback.

An exemplary workstation is a mobile battery powered workstations, comprising a wheeled base portion having a battery power bay for receiving a battery therein; an upper workstation area having electronic components operably coupled to, and powered by, the battery in the battery power bay; a glass overlay display positioned over a top surface of the upper workstation area and operable to provide haptic feedback regarding remaining battery life calculated via a custom runtime algorithm; and a technology bay to house integrated RFID, Wi-Fi, BLE, and /or GPS systems. In at least one example, the electronic components further comprise a computer, laptop, tablet, printer, barcode reader/scanner, or monitor. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a voice activated smart hub or artificial intelligence hub. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises at least one adjustable height column operably coupling the wheeled base portion to the upper workstation area and configured to electronically slide vertically to adjust the height of the upper workstation area. In at least one example, the at least one adjustable height column comprises UHMW low friction compressible material for smooth and stable vertical motion during adjustment to account for any gaps due to tolerance stack-up and result in a sturdy column assembly. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises at least one spare battery. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a handle or handle bar for easy maneuvering of the workstation, an integral pull-out tray for additional work surface area, and a lower shelf unit for additional storage. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises a service door positioned below the upper work surface area to provide easy access to power bricks and USB hub. In at least one example, the battery power bay comprises modular compartments for receiving multiple batteries therein, wherein more than one battery may be used to adjust runtime of the workstation. In at least one example, the workstation further comprises battery separating tabs disposed between the battery compartments of the battery power bay to reduce heat and/or improve individual battery performance. In at least one example, the workstation is a warehouse cart. In at least one example, the workstation is an order fulfillment cart. In at least one example, the glass overlay display has anti-bacterial and chemical resistant properties. In at least one example, the battery power bay is operated by sliding. In at least one example, remaining battery runtime is calculated using an algorithm, taking remaining battery capacity (in Watt/hour) and dividing it by the set power consumption rate (Pset), wherein Pset is the average power consumption of all electronic devices and accessories connected to the mobile battery powered workstation, and wherein Pset is determined during production or manufacture of the mobile battery powered workstation.

The disclosed embodiments and other features, advantages, and examples contained herein, and the matter of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

As such, an overview of the features, functions and/or configurations of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described and some of these non-discussed features (as well as discussed features) are inherent from the figures themselves. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. Furthermore, wherever feasible and convenient, like reference numerals are used in the figures and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The figures are in a simplified form and not to precise scale.

It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

The present disclosure includes various battery powered mobile workstation (or carts) <NUM>, systems, and methods for operation of a battery powered mobile workstation <NUM>. An exemplary lithium battery (or other battery) powered mobile workstation <NUM> of the present disclosure may include a computer <NUM>, printer <NUM>, barcode reader/scanner <NUM>, a mouse <NUM>, artificial intelligence hub <NUM>, and/or other electronic devices necessary for completion of order picking or order fulfillment tasks by employees. These battery powered mobile workstations <NUM> can be utilized to improve order fulfillment efficiency in warehouses or other retail operations, as well as in various other operations and industries. These battery powered mobile workstations <NUM> may be used for a variety of tasks, including, but not limited to, order picking, order fulfillment, shipping, receiving, etc. These mobile battery powered workstations <NUM> may efficiently aid employees in larger fulfillment warehouses or in larger retail operations. These battery powered workstations <NUM> are powered by a rechargeable battery in the lower base portion <NUM> to support the mobile computer <NUM>, barcode-reading <NUM>, artificial intelligence hub <NUM>, and printing devices <NUM> needed to support order fulfillment.

A first embodiment of a mobile battery powered workstation <NUM> having an upper workstation area <NUM> and a lower wheeled base area <NUM>, is shown and described in <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary upper workstation area <NUM> of a battery powered mobile workstation <NUM> of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the mobile battery powered workstation <NUM> may comprise a standing desk height tower/cart having an upper workspace area <NUM> connected to a lower wheeled base area <NUM>. The upper workspace area <NUM> and lower wheeled base area <NUM> are connected by an elongated adjustable height column <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>. The adjustable height column <NUM> is configured to be vertically adjustable, such as by sliding, to change the height of the upper workspace area <NUM> to comfortably accommodate workers having different heights. The upper workstation area <NUM> may generally comprise several electronic components, while the lower wheeled base area <NUM> comprises the battery power bay <NUM> (described in further detail herein) and wheels <NUM> to roll or move the entire battery powered mobile workstation <NUM> anywhere necessary for performing employee tasks.

As shown in <FIG>, battery powered mobile workstation <NUM> may generally comprise four wheels <NUM> attached to lower base area <NUM>, which may be formed of a metal and/or rigid plastic frame. The frame may be a highgrade aluminum frame to provide strength and durability, while remaining very lightweight and easy to maneuver (<FIG> shows an aluminum frame). The workstation <NUM> may be assembled simply (such as using only <NUM> total screws, for example, as shown in <FIG>) to provide easy assembly and maintenance (reducing downtime) and may further use stainless steel fasteners to provide corrosion resistance. While four wheels <NUM> are shown for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that more than four wheels, or fewer than four wheels, may be used herein. The wheels may be <NUM> precision ball bearing caster wheels with locks, for example, giving the workstation <NUM> the ability to move smoothly and with minimal effort. The lower base area <NUM> comprises a sliding battery power bay <NUM>, shown in <FIG> and described in more detail herein below, for receiving one or more batteries <NUM> therein. The lower wheeled base area <NUM> is coupled to upper workstation area <NUM> by an adjustable height column <NUM>, which may also be formed of a metal or rigid plastic frame. In some embodiments, the lower base area <NUM> may be formed of an aluminum die-cast base, for example.

The adjustable height column <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, may be partially hollow to provide a conduit to electrically couple the electronic components on the upper workstation area <NUM> with the battery in the lower wheeled base area <NUM>. The adjustable height column <NUM> is configured to electronically move vertically up and down, such as by sliding, so that the overall height of the upper workstation area <NUM> can be changed to comfortably accommodate workers of different heights. In some embodiments, the adjustable height column may comprise interior UHMW low friction tape to provide smooth and stable vertical motion.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper workstation area <NUM> may generally comprise a worksurface area <NUM> having several electronic components thereon and a handle or handle bar <NUM>, all of which are adjustable in height due to the adjustable height column <NUM>. A user can roll and guide the movement of the mobile workstation <NUM> using the handle bar <NUM>. The handle bar <NUM> may run the length or width of the perimeter of the worksurface area <NUM>, so that a user can easily grasp the handle bar <NUM> to roll and guide the movement of the workstation <NUM>. In some warehouse operations, the mobile workstation <NUM> may need to be moved frequently and/or long distances thus, handle or handle bar <NUM> may be a comfortable <NUM>" diameter grip handle and/or handle-bar, for example.

The top worksurface area <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, may include an area for a laptop computer or tablet <NUM> (or monitor), a printer <NUM>, a barcode reader/scanner <NUM>, a mouse <NUM>, and space for a voice-activated smart hub or artificial intelligence hub <NUM>. The voice-activated smart hub <NUM> may be an integral part of computer <NUM> (such as software or another program), or may be a separate component <NUM>, such as an Amazon Echo Dot® or Google Home®, or other similar voice-activated platform using artificial or machine intelligence (i.e., machine mimicking human cognitive function), mounted to or resting on worksurface area <NUM> and may interact with the warehouse's software database(s) and/or WiFi to send and receive warehouse and/or retail order fulfillment information. The voice-activated smart hub <NUM> may help order fulfillment employees answer questions on stocking or cart status, for example. Equipping a mobile battery powered workstation <NUM> with an artificial intelligence hub <NUM> will allow the workstation cart to have an artificial intelligence powered hub <NUM> at the point of fulfillment to assist the employees in performing their jobs faster and more efficiently and will establish the foundation for future artificial intelligence software within order fulfillment operations. The artificial intelligence hub <NUM> can interact with the warehouse's software/database(s) so that the employees can use a hands-free device to send and receive information, such as order fulfillment information.

Computer <NUM> represents various types of computing devices (e.g. laptop PCs, desktop or tower PCs, tablets, and phones), while printer <NUM> represents multiple standard printers and/or label printers, and each can include components and accessories to power the same. Printer <NUM> and printer holder <NUM> (implying an apparatus for retaining a printer) are used interchangeably herein. A large printer shelf <NUM> may be located below printer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Computer <NUM>, as referenced herein, is a general term for a computing device, which may include, but is not limited to, a laptop computer, a tablet, and the like. In some embodiments, a laptop lock may be used to lock or secure computer <NUM> (or laptop) to the top worksurface area <NUM> to prevent accidental damage. The mouse <NUM> may be a computer mouse apparatus separate from computer <NUM> or may be an integral part of computer <NUM>, such as a touchpad, and is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> only for exemplary purposes. Barcode reader/scanner <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>) and barcode reader/scanner holder <NUM> (implying an apparatus for retaining a barcode reader/scanner) are used interchangeably herein. Barcode reader/scanner <NUM> can refer to a holder and/or scanner with or without a holder, can support standard barcode scanner models, and can include components and accessories to charge the same. Computer <NUM>, printer <NUM>, barcode reader/scanner <NUM>, mouse <NUM>, and artificial intelligence hub <NUM> are shown herein for purposes of illustration, but some embodiments may comprise additional, or fewer, electronic components as being within the scope of the present invention.

The top worksurface area <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, may also include a glass overlay display <NUM>. The glass overlay display <NUM> may generally comprise push or touch button password controls for haptic feedback and/or an illuminated display showing relevant mobile workstation <NUM> information. For example, the haptic feedback of the glass overlay display may vibrate, or otherwise signal a user, when the cart <NUM> needs a battery replacement. Additionally, the glass overlay display <NUM> may also have anti-bacterial or chemical-resistant properties. In some embodiments, the glass overlay display <NUM> may also be made out of plastic, or some other transparent material other than glass.

In one embodiment, the glass overlay display <NUM> may display remaining battery life and/or battery charging status, whether or not the cart <NUM> is plugged in, whether or not the cart <NUM> is in use, etc. The remaining battery life may be more precisely calculated by determining a set power consumption rate and then applying a custom runtime algorithm for increased accuracy. The custom runtime algorithm may take the remaining battery capacity and divide it by a set power consumption (set by the installer or integrator on the utility software) to obtain a more accurate battery runtime reading.

The glass overlay display <NUM> may further include controls for automatic height adjustment of the adjustable height column <NUM>. These haptic feedback control features of the glass overlay display <NUM> are advantageous for providing order fulfillment employees with additional relevant information about the mobile workstation <NUM> to increase overall employee efficiency in order fulfillment operations.

As shown in <FIG>, the top worksurface area <NUM>, may also include a technology bay <NUM> housing internal RFID, GPS and/or GPS locator, WiFi, and/or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (or Wi-Fi Triangulation, or program similar to iBeacon) systems therein. The RFID may be used for employee identification purposes. The Wi-Fi capability will allow the battery powered workstation <NUM> to connect to the warehouse's WiFi network. The BLE capability can communicate the cart's location within a large warehouse or retail operation, while the GPS can transmit the workstation's location outside of the warehouse or retail operation. In very large warehouse or retail order fulfillment operations, the BLE and GPS can be used simultaneously to monitor the location of many mobile workstations <NUM>, such as to determine the number of workstations in use in on each floor, wing, or section of a warehouse or retail order fulfillment operation. The Wi-Fi capability will be important for integrating the battery powered workstation <NUM> with the existing technology and software. For example, the Wi-Fi may be used to provide the orders to the employee fulfilling the order. The Wi-Fi may also help to monitor order fulfillment progress and may also be used to map the fastest route for completing the order fulfillment tasks. With continuing reference to <FIG>, the top worksurface area <NUM> may also include a service door <NUM>. The service door <NUM> may be located below the top worksurface area <NUM> and may provide easy access to power bricks and USB hub.

These battery powered mobile workstations <NUM> may be used in combination with a tracking and monitoring system to track and monitor an entire fleet of other similar (or identical) carts <NUM>. The mobile workstation carts <NUM> using the tracking and monitoring system can all communicate via BLE and/or GPS, such as by using small tracking beacons positioned on the carts themselves <NUM>, as well as all around the warehouse or other facility. This tracking system may also use its own secure network and provide efficiency monitoring and fleet management. For example, if a cart <NUM> is constantly being plugged in when the battery charge is at <NUM>%, then the cart <NUM> is not being used efficiently and the tracking and monitoring system can send the administrator a notice to alert them that they could be using the battery life/runtime more efficiently. The tracking and monitoring system can also alert the administrator about the health of the fleet of carts <NUM>, errors detected, and can pinpoint problems or areas needing improvement.

Positioning the upper workstation area <NUM> at a comfortable and ergonomic height for each employee (via adjustable height column <NUM>), provides easy viewing of the screen of computer <NUM>, as well as easy access to the printer <NUM>, computer mouse <NUM>, barcode reader/scanner <NUM>, and artificial intelligence hub <NUM> for a user/employee using the mobile battery powered workstation cart <NUM> in a warehouse. In this embodiment, a user/employee can easily view the computer screen <NUM> while pushing the battery powered mobile workstation <NUM> through the warehouse (or other retail operation) to complete order fulfillment. Portable barcode scanners, portable printers, and/or PDAs can also have a docking station on the cart <NUM> so that the user can dock items to free up their hands while fulfilling orders.

Additionally, the upper workstation area <NUM> may also contain a storage shelf area <NUM>, such as a drawer, cabinet, shelf or bin with non-skid pads, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. This shelf <NUM> may be convenient for storing extra labels, envelopes, packing materials, forms, stickers, label rolls, and any other items necessary for order fulfillment. In one example, the shelf <NUM> may be located underneath the handle bar <NUM>, so that it is easily accessed by the user/employee. However, it should be understood the shelf <NUM> may be located in other positions on the mobile battery powered workstation <NUM>. Additionally, the upper workstation area <NUM> may include a large label holder <NUM> and/or a small label holder <NUM> to provide easy access to labels of various sizes. Having all of the necessary supply items in one place, on the upper worksurface area <NUM> of a mobile workstation <NUM>, will greatly increase employee efficiency in order fulfillment operations.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the upper workstation area <NUM> may comprise a retractable tray <NUM> to provide additional worksurface area for a user. In this embodiment, a user may pull out a sliding tray, or flip up a handing tray, to access additional work surface area. A user may pull or slide the tray out to provide a flat writing or working surface and then the user can push the tray back in when the task is complete. The retractable tray <NUM>, or pull out tray <NUM>, may operate via ball bearing drawer slides having a removable tab, for example. The retractable tray <NUM> may be positioned at a convenient height for writing or typing while standing, such as near handle bar <NUM>, or just below top worksurface area <NUM>.

The battery powered workstation <NUM> may operate as a mobile base workstation, for holding and powering the electronic components (such as a computer <NUM>, printer <NUM>, barcode reader/scanner <NUM>, mouse <NUM>, and artificial intelligence hub <NUM>) using a battery or batteries <NUM> located in the lower base area <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the battery powered workstation <NUM> comprises a battery or multiple batteries <NUM> (which may also be referred to as a power system, such as being AC powered with a cable). Battery or batteries <NUM> may comprise a lithium battery, for example, which is rechargeable (so to cover a desired amount of time, such as at least one or two work shifts, for example) and/or swappable, and/or removable. While the embodiments described herein utilize a lithium battery, other batteries may also be used herein within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, in some embodiments, a DC battery setup may be utilized to extend battery runtime to greater than <NUM> hours.

In this embodiment, shown in <FIG>, the battery or batteries <NUM> are housed in a sliding power bay <NUM> located in the lower base area <NUM> of the workstation <NUM>. Battery or batteries <NUM> are housed within a sliding battery power bay <NUM> to provide easy access to a user needing to perform maintenance or change the battery <NUM>. The sliding power bay <NUM> may easily roll or operate via ball bearing drawer slides, for example. The lithium battery or batteries <NUM> may be operably coupled to the electronic components (such as computer <NUM>, printer <NUM>, barcode reader/scanner <NUM>, mouse <NUM>, and an artificial intelligence hub <NUM>) to provide power. Additionally, the lithium battery or batteries <NUM> may be large enough to provide battery power for at least one employee shift, or approximately <NUM> hours. However, in other embodiments, the lithium battery or batteries <NUM> will be large enough to provide power for multiple employee shifts. The lithium battery or batteries <NUM> can be recharged, such as by plugging it in to a wall outlet and/or by replacing a battery <NUM> with another fully charged battery <NUM>. Extra batteries <NUM>, may be stored in a dual battery holder bracket <NUM> located on adjustable height column <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the dual battery holder bracket <NUM> may hold two extra batteries <NUM>, however, any number of extra batteries may be stored on the cart <NUM> to provide for faster and more efficient battery replacement by workers using the mobile workstation <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sliding battery power bay <NUM> is modular or reconfigurable to accommodate different numbers of batteries therein. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary configuration of a sliding battery power bay <NUM> having three batteries, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> therein. Each battery <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have its own compartment or pocket within the sliding battery power bay <NUM>. The batteries <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or battery compartments may be separated by battery separating tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, to help reduce heat and improve performance of the individual batteries. In this embodiment, the sliding battery power bay <NUM> is configurated to hold three batteries <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, thus giving the workstation triple the runtime of a workstation/cart with only one battery.

This reconfigurable or modular design of the sliding battery power bay <NUM> allows the runtime of the workstation to be adjusted by providing a different number of batteries in the sliding battery power bay <NUM>, thus allowing the runtime and overall cost of the workstation to be adjusted to meet consumer needs and budgets. For example, a sliding battery power bay <NUM> having a single battery <NUM> will have a shorter runtime and a lower cost. However, a sliding battery power bay <NUM> having multiple batteries (such as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) will have a longer runtime and a higher cost. The size of the compartments and/or the sliding battery power bay <NUM> can be changed as desired to correspond to the desired number of batteries or runtime or number of hours in an employee shift. For example, the workstation having a single battery <NUM> may be a 'single shift' workstation, while the workstation having multiple batteries <NUM> may be a 'multiple shift' workstation. In one example, a single battery may have a runtime of approximately <NUM> hours, a dual battery may have a runtime of approximately <NUM> hours, and a triple battery may have a runtime of approximately <NUM> hours. However, the sliding battery power bay <NUM> may be configured to accommodate any number of batteries and/or compartments therein, having various runtimes, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Storing additional batteries on the mobile workstation <NUM> or <NUM> itself allows employees to easily and quickly swap or replace batteries during a work shift to maximize efficiency. Employees can simply pull open the sliding battery power bay <NUM>, remove an extra battery <NUM> from the battery holder bracket <NUM>, swap the old dead battery <NUM> for the new extra (fully charged) battery <NUM>, place the old dead battery <NUM> in the battery holder bracket <NUM> (for later recharging or replacement), push the sliding battery power bay <NUM> closed, and resume work operations.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile battery powered workstation <NUM> having a larger upper workstation area <NUM> with a monitor <NUM>, as well as a full computer and printer <NUM>, etc. positioned below the upper workstation area <NUM>. In this embodiment, it should be noted that monitor <NUM> may be replaced with a laptop or tablet computer. Further, the cart <NUM> may comprise two (i.e., dual) adjustable height columns <NUM> for additional support. This embodiment provides additional storage space (shown as bins in <FIG>) between the two adjustable height columns <NUM> for conveniently storing more order fulfillment supplies (i.e., labels, stickers, envelopes, boxes, tape, and other related packing and shipping materials), while still providing mobility and the full computing abilities necessary for employees to efficiently perform order fulfillment tasks.

<FIG> illustrate a perspective view of another embodiment of a mobile battery powered workstation <NUM> having a smaller upper workstation area <NUM> and monitor <NUM>, while still providing the full computer and printer <NUM>, etc. necessary for employees to efficiently perform order fulfillment tasks. In this embodiment, the cart <NUM> may also comprise two (i.e., dual) adjustable height columns <NUM> for additional support. This workstation/cart <NUM> may have a smaller profile than the workstation/cart <NUM> shown in <FIG>, for increased maneuverability within an order fulfillment setting, while still providing the full computing capabilities for efficient order fulfillment operations, thus permitting more workstation/carts <NUM> (i.e., more employees) to be positioned and working within a small space.

Claim 1:
A mobile battery powered workstation (<NUM>) having a wheeled base portion (<NUM>) and an upper workstation area (<NUM>) coupled by at least one adjustable height column (<NUM>), the wheeled base portion (<NUM>) having a sliding battery power bay (<NUM>) for service and replacement of at least one battery (<NUM>) therein;
wherein the sliding battery power bay (<NUM>) comprises modular compartments for receiving a single battery (<NUM>) or multiple batteries (<NUM>) therein, wherein the single battery (<NUM>) and multiple batteries (<NUM>) are used to adjust the runtime of the workstation;
the upper workstation area (<NUM>) having a monitor (<NUM>), and operably coupled to the at least one battery in the sliding battery power bay (<NUM>);
a computer and printer (<NUM>) operably coupled to the monitor and the at least one battery in the sliding battery power bay (<NUM>);
the at least one adjustable height column (<NUM>) operably coupling the wheeled base portion (<NUM>) to the upper workstation area (<NUM>) and configured to electronically slide vertically to adjust the height of the upper workstation area (<NUM>); and a bracket being located on the at least one adjustable height column (<NUM>),
at least one spare battery (<NUM>) being stored in said bracket for faster and more efficient battery replacement.