US20200270019A1 - Movable platform and actuating attachment - Google Patents
Movable platform and actuating attachment Download PDFInfo
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- US20200270019A1 US20200270019A1 US16/874,510 US202016874510A US2020270019A1 US 20200270019 A1 US20200270019 A1 US 20200270019A1 US 202016874510 A US202016874510 A US 202016874510A US 2020270019 A1 US2020270019 A1 US 2020270019A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
- B65D88/12—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport
- B65D88/129—Transporter frames for containers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/36—Preventing errors by testing or debugging software
- G06F11/3668—Software testing
- G06F11/3672—Test management
- G06F11/3688—Test management for test execution, e.g. scheduling of test suites
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
- B62B3/002—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by a rectangular shape, involving sidewalls or racks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
- B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
- B65D19/003—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/38—Details or accessories
- B65D19/40—Elements for spacing platforms from supporting surface
- B65D19/42—Arrangements or applications of rollers or wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
- B65D88/12—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/30—Monitoring
- G06F11/3003—Monitoring arrangements specially adapted to the computing system or computing system component being monitored
- G06F11/302—Monitoring arrangements specially adapted to the computing system or computing system component being monitored where the computing system component is a software system
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/36—Preventing errors by testing or debugging software
- G06F11/3668—Software testing
- G06F11/3672—Test management
- G06F11/3684—Test management for test design, e.g. generating new test cases
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/36—Preventing errors by testing or debugging software
- G06F11/3668—Software testing
- G06F11/3672—Test management
- G06F11/3692—Test management for test results analysis
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
- G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
- G06F9/46—Multiprogramming arrangements
- G06F9/54—Interprogram communication
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
- B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00736—Details
- B65D2519/00776—Accessories for manipulating the pallet
- B65D2519/00781—Accessories for manipulating the pallet for moving on a surface, e.g. wheels, pads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00736—Details
- B65D2519/00776—Accessories for manipulating the pallet
- B65D2519/00786—Accessories for manipulating the pallet for lifting, e.g. hooks, loops
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a movable platform (MP) for moving freight during cross-dock operations. The MP comprises a mechanical actuation assembly used to deploy a plurality of roller assemblies used for moving the MP. Also disclosed is an actuating attachment used to deploy the mechanical actuation assembly of the MP. The actuating attachment can be attached to a conveyance vehicle, such as a forklift, or built in to an automated guided vehicle.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/414,952, filed Oct. 31, 2016, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention provides a movable platform (MP) used to transfer freight in and out of a semi-trailer in one move. More particularly, the present invention provides a mobile MP that can be maneuvered through a warehouse using an actuating attachment.
- The present invention can be utilized in any standard or custom warehouse. Particularly, the MP of the present invention can be utilized with the systems and methods described in related U.S. Pat. No. 9,367,827, issued Jun. 14, 2016.
- The trucking industry, specifically the segment consisting of Full-Truckload (FTL) and Less-than-truckload (LTL), is a segment of the shipping industry that ships a wide array of freight. The shipment sizes can vary from an individual item consisting of one piece to a full truckload consisting of several pieces. FTL freight is typically handled only once as it is loaded into a semi-trailer at the shipper's location and unloaded at the consignee's location. In the LTL industry, freight is commonly handled multiple times, with the shipper loading the freight into a semi-trailer, then the freight is returned to a local freight terminal to be unloaded/loaded into a another trailer to be routed to the destination. This process, commonly known as a hub-and-spoke network, is used to increase the efficiency of the operation by increasing density.
- The traditional method of loading freight into a semi-trailer is to back a semi-trailer to a raised dock and unload each piece/pallet using a forklift. A 53′ semi-trailer van can hold up to 30 pallets on the floor of the trailer. To unload a loaded semi-trailer conventionally, it requires a single forklift driver to drive into the trailer to pick-up and remove each pallet. During this unloading process, a driver could take up to 30 trips into the trailer to remove each pallet. This process is typically completed utilizing 1 forklift driver but it is possible to utilize 2 forklift drivers to unload a trailer simultaneously.
- As should be apparent, this process is wasteful in that the forklift is often not conveying cargo (empty carries). Also, because the trailer is no connected to the dock, the forklift driver must be careful each time that they enter the trailer. This further reduces the speed of the process. Therefore, there is clearly a need for a movable platform which can be easily unloaded from a trailer in a single move without the forklift driver having to enter the trailer. As will be made apparent in the following disclosure, the present invention provides a solution for these aforementioned problems.
- The present invention provides a MP for moving freight during cross-dock operations. The MP comprises a mechanical actuation assembly used to deploy a plurality of roller assemblies used for moving the MP. Also disclosed is an actuating attachment used to deploy the mechanical actuation assembly of the MP. The actuating attachment can be attached to a conveyance vehicle, such as a forklift, or built in to an automated guided vehicle.
- These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily understood with the reference to the following specifications and attached drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of the movable platform. -
FIG. 1B depicts a bottom view of the MP. -
FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of the frame of the MP. -
FIG. 2B depicts an enhanced view of the front of the frame of the MP. -
FIG. 2C depicts an enhanced view of the underside of the front of the frame of the MP. -
FIG. 2D depicts an enhanced view of the underside of the frame of the MP showing the axel channels. -
FIG. 2E depicts an enhanced view of the underside of the frame of the MP showing the fixed roller assemblies. -
FIG. 2F depicts an alternate embodiment for the rear of the frame of the MP. -
FIG. 3 depicts a view of the mechanical actuation assembly in combination with a portion of the frame. -
FIG. 4A depicts an enhanced view of the T-bar and drawbar of the mechanical actuation assembly. -
FIG. 4B depicts an alternate embodiment showing a lunette eye attached to the drawbar instead of a T-bar. -
FIG. 5A depicts the connection between the drawbar, the connection plate, and a ramp connector. -
FIG. 5B depicts an alternate construction for the connection plate. -
FIG. 6A depicts the connection between the ramp connectors and a ramp guide. -
FIG. 6B depicts an alternate construction for the ramp guide. -
FIG. 7 depicts a view of a roller assembly in isolation. -
FIG. 8 depicts the positional relationships of the mechanical actuation assembly and roller assemblies within the frame (in phantom). -
FIG. 9 depicts a lengthwise post to show the positional relation of a ramp guide to a roller axel prior to rollers being deployed. -
FIG. 10 depicts a bottom view of a front of the MP showing the connection plate moved to a deployed position. -
FIG. 11 depicts the actuation of the roller assemblies by the mechanical actuation assembly. -
FIGS. 12A-12D depict various views of the actuating attachment used to deploy the mechanical actuation assembly of the MP. -
FIGS. 13A-13B depict a hydraulic caster assembly in undeployed and deployed positions, respectively. -
FIGS. 14A-14B depict the hydraulically actuated hook in undeployed and deployed positions, respectively. -
FIGS. 15A-15B depict an alternate embodiment of an actuating attachment. -
FIGS. 16A-16H depict a second alternate embodiment of an actuating attachment. -
FIGS. 17A-17H depict a third alternate embodiment of an actuating attachment. -
FIG. 18A depicts a schematic for a first embodiment of a MP collision avoidance sensing system. -
FIG. 18B depicts a schematic for a second embodiment of a MP collision avoidance sensing system. -
FIGS. 19A-19B depict views of a female quick mate (QM) connector. -
FIG. 20 depicts a view of the female QM connector attached to an MP. -
FIGS. 21A-21B depict views of a male QM connector. -
FIG. 22 depicts a view of the male QM connector attached to an actuating attachment. - Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail because they may obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. While the present invention is generally directed to LTL operations for use in the trucking industry, the teachings may be applied to other shipping industries, just as those by air, sea, and rail. Therefore, the teachings should not be constructed as being limited to only the trucking industry.
- Referring first to
FIG. 1A , depicted is a perspective view ofMP 100 used to convey freight in and out of trailers. Generally,MP 100 comprisesframe 102, decking 104, andmechanical actuation assembly 106.MP 100 preferably has a height of 4″ or less when resting on the ground and 5″ or less when rollers are engaged to limit impact on load capacity in a trailer.MP 100 is designed to be loaded with up to 24,000 pounds of freight.MP 100 can be raised without the forklift operator getting off the forklift via the actuating attachment and vice versa.MP 100 is designed to be conveyed with a standard 4,000 pound capacity forklift to unload/load MP 100 in and out of a trailer. Other conveyance vehicles, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), can also be used to automatically convey theMP 100 during cross-dock operations. -
Empty MPs 100 can be stacked up to 8 high in a pup trailer, allowing more economical shipping from the manufacturer or for repositioning ofMPs 100 from one hub/spoke to another. Generally,MP 100 is 26′ in length, allowing it to fit into a standard pup trailer which has an interior length of 27.5′ or two into a van trailer which has an interior length of 52.5′. Preferably, the width ofMP 100 can be modified to fit either a roll door trailer or a swing door trailer. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that these dimensions can be modified to fit any global standard of trailer or for any custom trailer. -
FIG. 1B depicts the underside ofMP 100 to show additional features. A plurality ofroller assemblies 108 can be raised/lowered bymechanical actuation assembly 106 as will be described later. A rear portion of theMP 100 comprises a plurality of fixedrollers 110 that are always deployed. However, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that fixedrollers 110 could be replaced by aroller assembly 108 and connected tomechanical actuation assembly 106. -
Frame 102 provides the structural support forMP 100.Frame 102 is mostly constructed from rectangular or square tubular segments which are welded together to formframe 102. Decking 104 is preferably a lightweight material, such as plywood or plastic, which prevents smaller freight from falling throughframe 102 whenMP 100 is in transport. Theframe 102 anddecking 104 are designed to allow a standard 4,000 lb. forklift to drive onMP 100 unload/load freight conventionally. It should be apparent thatdecking 104 may also be a metal mesh or other material if weight ofMP 100 is a priority. -
Mechanical actuation assembly 106, which will be described in more detail later, is used to raise or lower theroller assemblies 108 ofMP 100 by exerting a lateral pulling force on T-bar 112. The majority ofmechanical actuation assembly 106 resides withinframe 102 and only T-bar 112 is visible from the top view shown inFIG. 1A .FIG. 1B also depictsconnection plate 114 which primarily transmits the force from T-bar 112 to the additional components ofmechanical actuation assembly 106 located withinframe 102. - In some embodiments,
frame 102 further comprisesrub rail 116 located along the opposing lengthwise edges offrame 102.Rub rail 116 is preferably a ¼″ plate raised above thedecking 104 which helps to releaseMP 100 from forklift blades and to prevent freight from shifting.Rub rail 116 may further comprisecutouts 118 along a top or side of rub rails 116.Cutouts 118 can be used to secure freight toMP 100 with straps or webbing. -
Adjacent rub rail 116 at the corners ofMP 100 are a plurality ofbumpers 120 having angled edges (e.g., 45°).Bumpers 120 are preferably replaceable and made from a plastic or other softer material.Bumpers 120 allow for easier loading and unloading ofMP 100 by helping to guideMP 100 into and out of a trailer. -
Frame 102 may also comprise a plurality of vertical post pockets 122 into which vertical posts (not shown) can be secured. A modular decking system comprising a combination of vertical posts, engagement members, and decks that can be placed on the vertical posts to transport freight is described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/414,967, filed Oct. 31, 2016, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Vertical post pockets 122 are preferably bolted or welded to an exterior offrame 102 -
FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of theframe 102 shown in isolation without decking 104 ormechanical actuation assembly 106. As depicted inFIG. 2A ,frame 102 generally comprises fourlengthwise members 202 and a plurality ofsmaller cross members 204.Lengthwise members 202 andcross members 204 are preferably rectangular or square tubular metal segments which are welded together to form the majority offrame 102. -
Frame 102 also comprises three roller covers 206 which coverroller assemblies 108 and fixedrollers 110. A welded or bolted metal covering is preferably used in this section instead of decking 104 to ensure thatroller assemblies 108 and fixedrollers 110 do not become damaged when freight is placed onMP 100. -
FIG. 2B depicts an enhanced view of the front offrame 102. Similar to roller covers 206,connection plate 114 is also covered byconnection plate cover 208 to protectmechanical actuation assembly 106.Attachment connectors 210, located on the front surface offrame 102, allow hooks (shown later) of theactuating attachment 1200 to be connected toMP 100. Drawbar post 212 houses the drawbar (shown later) which connects T-bar 112 toconnection plate 114. -
FIG. 2C depicts a bottom view of the front offrame 102. Underneathplate cover 208 are located a plurality ofhorizontal slots 214 throughdrawbar post 212 andlengthwise members 202, forming a channel the entire width ofMP 100. The length ofhorizontal slots 214 limits the lateral movement ofmechanical actuation assembly 106 by limiting the lateral movement ofconnection plate 114 within the channel. -
FIG. 2D depicts the underside of asingle roller cover 206. The other roller cover 206 (not shown) has the same construction. Eachlengthwise member 202, underneathsingle roller cover 206, includesaxel channels 216 there through for accommodating the axel ofroller assembly 108.Axel channels 216 preferably have an obround or stadium shape to allow the circular axel ofroller assemblies 108 to move vertically withinaxel channel 216 as will be shown later. -
FIG. 2E depicts the rear of the underside offrame 102. For clarity, only a single fixedroller 110 is depicted to show the geometry of fixedroller assembly 218. Each fixedroller assembly 218 is formed from two parallel plates having a hole there through to accommodate a single fixedroller 110 as shown inFIG. 2E . -
FIG. 2F depicts an alternate embodiment for the rear offrame 102. Here, adrawbar 220 connected to a lunette eye 222 (or other attachment) is provided on the rear offrame 102 to help with conveyance ofMP 100 and/or to help secureMP 100 in a trailer. -
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of themechanical actuation assembly 106 within a cutaway portion offrame 102.Mechanical actuation assembly 106 generally comprises T-bar 112,drawbar 302,connection plate 114,ramp connectors 304, ramp guides 306, androller assemblies 108. -
FIG. 4A depicts an enhanced view of the connection between T-bar 112 anddrawbar 302. T-bar 112 is preferably bolted or welded todrawbar 302.FIG. 4B depicts an alternate embodiment in which T-bar 112 is replaced bylunette eye 402 which is bolted and/or welded ontodrawbar 302. In this embodiment, the end oflunette eye 402 has notch 404 (or raised surface) which mates with a corresponding raised surface indrawbar post 212 to maintainmechanical actuation assembly 106 in a deployed position. - Referring back to
FIG. 3 ,drawbar 302 has a cross-section slightly smaller than that ofdrawbar post 212 to allowdrawbar 302 to freely slide from a first position to a second position withindrawbar post 212.Connection plate 114 generally has a wing-shaped construction and passes through a center ofdrawbar 302. The remainder ofconnection plate 114 passes throughslots 214 contained inframe 102 as shown inFIG. 2C . -
FIG. 5A depicts the connection betweendrawbar 302,connection plate 114, andramp connector 304. As shown,brackets 502 are bolted toconnection plate 114. Abolt 504 is then placed through anopening 506 inramp connector 304.Connection plate 114 contains a total of fourbrackets 502 for each of the fourramp connectors 304 which are housed inlengthwise posts 202 as depicted inFIGS. 3 and 8 . - An alternative embodiment of
connection plate 114 is depicted inFIG. 5B . In this embodiment,connection plate 114 is formed fromfirst plate 508 andsecond plate 510 joined together bybolt plate 512. -
FIG. 6A depicts the connection between tworamp connectors 304 andramp guide 306. As shown, each end oframp guide 306 comprisesconnector openings 602.Ramp connectors 304 are inserted intoconnector openings 602 and abolt 604 is passed throughopening 506 toconnector ramp connector 304 to rampguide 306. This connection is similar to that betweenbrackets 502 andramp connector 304 already described. - The
upper surface 606 oframp guide 306 is flat and covered with a lubricant (or coating) so that it can freely slide laterally along the upper inner surface of eachlengthwise post 202 asmechanical actuation assembly 106 is actuated. Preferably, the lubricant is Mystik Grease No. 1 manufactured by Mystik® Lubricants. - The
lower surface 608 oframp guide 306 comprisesfirst surface 610,ramp 612, andsecond surface 614.Ramp 610 is preferably angled 4-6° from the plane of first surface, but more preferably 4.8°.First surface 610 preferably has a total length of 2-3″ andsecond surface 612 preferably has a length of 1-2″.Ramp guide 306 preferably has a total height of 1.5-2″ at the end adjacent thefirst surface 610 and a total height of approximately 1-1.5″ at the end adjacent thesecond surface 610. Further,ramp guide 306 preferably has a total width of 2-4″, but more preferably 3″. As will be depicted later, the axel ofroller assembly 108 is located beneathsecond surface 614 when themechanical actuation assembly 106 is not deployed and belowfirst surface 610 when themechanical actuation assembly 106 is deployed. -
FIG. 6B depicts an alternate embodiment of ramp guides 306. In this embodiment, theconnector openings 602 are provided as bores inconnector members 616.Connector members 616 are joined to rampmember 618 via a bolted connection. The lower surface oframp member 618 containsfirst surface 610,ramp 612, andsecond surface 614. -
FIG. 7 depictsroller assembly 108 in isolation.Roller assembly 108 generally comprises a plurality ofrollers 702 which are evenly spaced aboutroller axel 704. Eachroller 702 can independently rotate aboutroller axel 704.Roller axel 704 fits throughaxel channels 216 in frame 102 (FIG. 2D ). Becauseroller axel 704 is circular andaxel channels 216 are obround or stadium shaped, theroller axel 704 can move vertically withinaxel channels 216 to deployrollers 702.FIG. 8 depicts the positional relationships ofmechanical actuation assembly 106 androller assemblies 108 withinframe 102. -
FIG. 9 depicts alengthwise post 202 in phantom to show the positional relation of aramp guide 306 toroller axel 704 prior torollers 702 being deployed. As shown,second surface 614 is spaced apart fromroller axel 704, allowingroller axel 704 androllers 702 to move up/down withinaxel channels 216. Thus, whenMP 100 is placed on the ground in this configuration, the bottom ofrollers 702 are free to become level with a bottom offrame 102, preventingMP 100 from being conveyed. - The steps utilized to actuate
mechanical actuation assembly 106 will now be described. First, using an actuating attachment to be described later, a lateral force is exerted on T-bar 112 in direction A to move it to the position depicted inFIG. 10 . The amount that T-bar 112 can be extended is limited by the width of slots 214 (e.g., the movement ofconnection plate 114 is limited). - As shown in
FIG. 11 , the movement of T-bar 112 is translated to eachramp guide 306 through ramp connectors 304 (in each lengthwise post 202),drawbar 302, andconnection plate 114. This causes a downward force onroller axel 704 byramp 612 andsecond surface 614 asramp guide 306 is moved forward (in direction A), thus deployingrollers 702. The force onroller axel 704 can be reversed by causing T-bar 112 to move opposite direction A. - Actuating Mechanism
- As has been described, a force must be exerted on T-
bar 112 in order to deployrollers 702, allowingMP 100 to be conveyed. To accomplish this, theMP 100 must remain stationary as the force is applied to T-bar 112. Otherwise, theMP 100 will begin rolling forward beforerollers 702 are fully deployed. Therefore, described next is an actuating attachment that can be utilized to deployrollers 702 and conveyMP 100 in a warehouse using a standard forklift. The actuating attachment can also be made integral to an AGV to allow for automated moving ofMPs 100 as described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/415,054, filed Oct. 31, 2016, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. -
FIG. 12A depicts a perspective view ofactuating attachment 1200.Actuating attachment 1200 is formed from two sections:conveyance vehicle section 1202 andMP section 1204.Conveyance vehicle section 1202 is used to connectactuating attachment 1200 to a conveyance vehicle, such as a forklift, usingforklift slots 1206 which are shaped to accommodate and retain the tines of a standard forklift.Conveyance vehicle section 1202 further comprisesplatform 1208 havingpower supply 1210 andhydraulic power unit 1212 placed thereon. The power forhydraulic power unit 1212 can be supplied from eitherpower supply 1210 or directly from the conveyance vehicle (e.g., through a connector). -
Conveyance vehicle section 1202 further comprises vertical pivot joint 1214 which allowsconveyance vehicle section 1202 to pivot withrespect MP section 1204. Vertical pivot joint 1214 allowsMP 100 to easily be conveyed by a conveyance vehicle, especially during turns. Additional details of vertical pivot joint 1214 will be described later. -
MP section 1204 comprisesMP frame 1216 which connectsMP section 1204 toconveyance vehicle section 1202; twohydraulic caster assemblies 1218;static hooks 1220; and hydraulically actuatedhook 1222.Hydraulics junction box 1224 is connected to hydraulicspower unit 1212 on conveyance vehicle section 1202 (e.g., through tubing) and provides the hydraulics used to operatehydraulic caster assemblies 1218 and hydraulically actuatedhook 1222. -
Static hooks 1220 are sized and spaced to mate withattachment connectors 210 depicted inFIG. 2B . Specifically,attachment connectors 210 have a lip along their upper surface which engages withstatic hooks 1220. Similarly, hydraulically actuatedhook 1222 is sized to mate with T-bar 112 and is used to exert the required force onmechanical actuation assembly 106 as will be described later. -
FIG. 12B depicts a side view ofactuating attachment 1200 andFIG. 12C depicts a rear perspective view ofactuating attachment 1200. Specifically,FIG. 12B provides a better view of vertical pivot joint 1214 and a partial view of conveyancevehicle locking mechanism 1226. As depicted inFIG. 12C , conveyancevehicle locking mechanism 1226 compriseshydraulic cylinder 1228 which is connected toconveyance vehicle section 1202 at a first end by pivot joint 1230. A second end ofhydraulic cylinder 1228 is connected tocylinder 1232 by pivot joint 1234. The ends ofcylinder 1232 are connected toforklift slots 1206.Further cylinder 1232 is also connected to lockingbars 1236. As hydraulics supplied fromhydraulic power unit 1212 throughtubing 1238 causehydraulic cylinder 1228 to contract as shown inFIG. 12D ,cylinder 1232 and lockingbars 1236 are rotated upward. Specifically, the lockingbars 1236 mate with cutouts in the tines of the forklift placed intoforklift slots 1206, preventing the conveyance vehicle from disengaging fromconveyance vehicle section 1202. -
FIG. 13A depicts ahydraulic caster assembly 1218 in its retracted position.Hydraulic caster assembly 1218 comprisesframe connector 1302, vertical shaft 1304 (shown in phantom), hydraulically actuatedsleeve 1306,caster 1308, andtubing 1310.Frame connector 1302 connectshydraulic caster assembly 1218 toMP frame 1216 and allowscaster 1308 to be deployed and retracted. Hydraulically actuatedsleeve 1306 is connected tovertical shaft 1304 in a sliding connection. A first end of hydraulically actuatedsleeve 1306 is fixed withinvertical shaft 1304 by fixingpin 1312.Tubing 1310 provides hydraulics fromhydraulics junction box 1224 to deploy/retract hydraulically actuatedsleeve 1306 andcaster 1308. -
FIG. 13B depicts a front view ofactuating attachment 1200 having bothhydraulic caster assemblies 1218 fully deployed. As shown, the expansion of hydraulically actuatedsleeve 1306 causescaster 1308 to be deployed below a bottom surface ofMP frame 1216. The upward movement ofMP frame 1216 causesstatic hooks 1220 to actively engageattachment connectors 210 onMP 100. Further, this also causes hydraulically actuatedhook 1222 to actively engage/lock T-bar 112. Hydraulically actuatedhook 1222 can then be contracted to cause the actuation ofmechanical actuation assembly 106 as has already been described. - Referring now to
FIG. 14A , depicted is a bottom view ofactuating attachment 1200 to show vertical pivot joint 1214,MP frame 1216, and hydraulically actuatedhook 1222 in more detail. Vertical pivot joint 1214 consists ofinner cylinder 1402 fixed toconveyance vehicle section 1202 and anouter cylinder 1404 forming a part ofMP frame 1216. Aball bearing assembly 1406 located betweeninner cylinder 1402 andouter cylinder 1404 allowsMP frame 1216 to freely rotate aboutinner cylinder 1402. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other types of joints (e.g., ball and socket), may also be utilized. -
MP frame 1216 further comprises central shaft 1408 (shown in phantom) in which hydraulically actuatedhook 1222 is located. A fixingpin 1410 is passed throughcentral shaft 1408 and a first end of hydraulically actuatedhook 1222 preventing movement of the first end of hydraulically actuatedhook 1222 with respect tocentral shaft 1408. - Hydraulically actuated
hook 1222 is shown fully contracted inFIG. 14B . As shown, the hook is retracted intocentral shaft 1408. When hydraulically actuatedhook 1222 is connected to T-bar 112 and hydraulically actuatedhook 1222 is retracted (as shown inFIGS. 14A-14B ), this causesmechanical actuation assembly 106, and subsequentlyroller assemblies 108, to become deployed. - The deployment of
casters 1308 provides a number of functions. First, the deployment ofcasters 1308 causes a front portion ofMP 100 to be lifted off the ground. For this reason, only two sets ofroller assemblies 108 are needed inMP 100, leading to a weight reduction. However, as already explained, theMP 100 can easily be modified to include any number ofroller assemblies 108. -
Casters 1308 are also connected on swivel joints (e.g., the casters have 360° freedom of rotation). This allows the front ofMP 100 to easily be steered in a warehouse by a conveyance vehicle, especially when loaded with freight. - Additional Actuating Attachments
- Different embodiments for
actuating attachment 1200 will now be described. For brevity, only the notable differences between the currently described embodiments and the actuating attachment ofFIGS. 12A-14B will be described. First, with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B , shown in an embodiment ofactuating attachment 1200 in which there is no separation betweenconveyance vehicle section 1202 and MP section 1204 (e.g., there is no vertical pivot joint 1214). In this embodiment ofactuating attachment 1200, a singlehydraulic caster assembly 1218 is mounted betweenforklift slots 1206. A rear ofactuating attachment 1200 also contains conveyancevehicle locking mechanism 1226.Shelf 1502, mounted toforklift slots 1206, is used to housepower supply 1210 and/orhydraulic power unit 1212. A single fixedhook 1504 is provided in the front center ofactuating attachment 1200 and two hydraulically actuatedhooks 1506 are mounted to the sides of eachforklift slots 1206. - In order to use the actuating attachment with
MP 100, forklift tines would first be inserted intoforklift slots 1206 and then conveyancevehicle locking mechanism 1226 would be activated to lock the forklift tines. Next, the forklift would lift theactuating attachment 1200 and convey it toMP 100. It should be noted that thisactuating attachment 1200 is better suited for when T-bar 112 is replaced bylunette eye 402 or other similar attachment. - Fixed
hook 1504 is placed under thelunette eye 402 ofMP 100 and hydraulically actuated caster assembly deployscaster 1308 so securely fastenactuating attachment 1200 toMP 100. This also lifts the front end ofMP 100 off the ground slightly. Next hydraulically actuatedhooks 1506 are extended towardsMP 100 and enterattachment connectors 210. The force suppled onMP 100 by hydraulically actuatedhooks 1506 causesmechanical actuation assembly 106 to be deployed as has already been described. -
FIGS. 16A-16H depict another embodiment ofactuating attachment 1200. As depicted,actuating attachment 1200 generally comprisesforklift connection 1602,power supply 1604,hydraulic power unit 1606, casterhydraulic cylinder 1608,casters 1610, pushinghydraulic cylinders 1612,locking mechanism 1614, andhook 1616.Hydraulic power unit 1606, powered bypower supply 1604, drives both casterhydraulic cylinder 1608 and pushinghydraulic cylinders 1612.Power supply 1604 can either be a battery or a power supply connection from an external source, such as the forklift.Pintle hook 1616 is first engaged withlunette eye 402 of MP 100 (as described with reference toFIGS. 15A-15B ) by maneuveringactuating attachment 1200 until the two interlock. Then, to actuatemechanical actuation assembly 106, the pushinghydraulic cylinders 1612 are extended as depicted inFIGS. 16E and 16F . This causes a pulling force to be exerted onmechanical actuation assembly 106 androller assemblies 108 become deployed. Next, casterhydraulic cylinder 1608 can be extended, causingcasters 1610 to pivot downward as depicted inFIGS. 16A, 16G, and 16H . This causes the front end ofMP 100 to become slightly raised off the ground andcasters 1610 can be used to steerMP 100 more easily. At this point, a fully loadedMP 100 can easily be conveyed to/from a trailer or around a warehouse by a standard 4,000 pound and to allow for removing/insertingMP 100 out of an uneven (not level with dock) trailer. - For lighter loads on
MP 100, only thecasters 1610 need to be extended and theMP 100 can be moved around similar to a wheelbarrow using fixedrollers 110 onMP 100. Further, instead of pushinghydraulic cylinders 1612, other actuating means, such as a leadscrew or internal hydraulics, may be utilized. -
FIGS. 17A-17H depict an alternate embodiment ofactuating attachment 1200. As depicted inFIG. 17A ,actuating attachment 1200 generally comprisesforklift connection 1602,power supply 1604,hydraulic power unit 1606, casterhydraulic cylinder 1608,swivel caster 1610, pushinghydraulic cylinders 1612,locking mechanism 1614,pintle hook 1616, guidelights 1702, andcontrol box 1704.Hydraulic power unit 1606, powered bypower supply 1604, drives both casterhydraulic cylinder 1608 and pushinghydraulic cylinders 1612. In this embodiment, pushinghydraulic cylinders 1612 are contained within the frame ofactuating attachment 1200. -
Power supply 1604 can either be a battery or a power supply connection from an external source, such as the forklift.Pintle hook 1616 is first engaged with lunette eye onMP 100 by maneuveringforklift attachment 1200 until the two interlock. Then, to actuatemechanical actuation assembly 106, the pushinghydraulic cylinders 1612 are extended as depicted inFIGS. 17E and 17F . This causes a pulling force to be exerted on thelunette eye 402 which actuatesmechanical actuation assembly 106. Next, casterhydraulic cylinder 1608 can be extended, causingswivel caster 1610 to pivot downward as depicted inFIGS. 17A, 17G, and 17H . This causes the front end ofMP 100 to become slightly raised andswivel caster 1610 can be used to turnMP 100 more easily. In this embodiment,swivel caster 1610 provides an increased turning radius because thesingle swivel caster 1610 can rotate in any direction. - Referring next to
FIG. 18A , depicted is a first embodiment of MP Collision Avoidance (MPCA)sensing system 1800. TheMPCA sensing system 1800 comprisescamera 1802 andproximity sensors 1804 located on a rear portion of MP 100 (e.g., near fixed rollers 110).Proximity sensors 1804 may be any type of sensor capable of detecting collisions such as inductive, capacitive, photoelectric and ultrasonic. The purpose of theMPCA sensing system 1800 is to collect data such as, but not limited, to video, proximity of nearby objects and relay that information to the opposite end of the MP 100 (e.g., to the forklift driver). -
FIG. 18A also depicts thewiring conduit 1806 forMPCA sensing system 1800.MP 100 may be wired using any known methods. Adistribution board 1808 supplies power tocamera 1802 andproximity sensors 1804. A female quick mate (QM)connector 1810 is mounted toMP 100 and amale QM connector 1812 is mounted toactuating attachment 1200. Themale QM connector 1812 andfemale QM connector 1810 are connected whenMP 100 is being conveyed by actuatingattachment 1200. -
QM connectors actuating attachment 1200 andMP 100.QM connectors MP 100 viadistribution board 1808 andwiring conduit 1806 to thecontrol box 1814 onactuating attachment 1200. - Visual and auditory cues are outputted via high power LEDs (lights 1816) and speaker(s) 1818 on
actuating attachment 1200. A direct correlation between the proximity of objects is made to the sound and visuals of the lights outputted bylights 1816 and/orspeakers 1818. This helps the forklift driver know approximately how far away he is from an object. -
Control box 1814 works as the brain of theMPCA sensing system 1800. Thecontrol box 1814 interprets input signals such as sensor data, voltage, camera, etc. Following the inputs, thecontrol box 1814 analyzes these inputs by using stored algorithms and makes decisions as to what the proper outputs for thespeakers 1818 andlights 1816 should be. - For example, if it is determined by
MPCA sensing system 1800 that an object is becoming closer toMP 100,MPCA sensing system 1800 may causespeakers 1818 to emit a sound that increases as the object becomes closer. Further, in some embodiments, thelights 1816 may change color to indicate that an object is too close toMP 100 during transport. Essentially, MPCA sensing system uses takes the camera (video camera 1802) and sensor data (proximity sensors 1804) from the end of the MP and displays different colors based on the proximity to an object. Furthermore, thecontrol box 1814 transfers video and sensor data to atablet 1820 mounted on a forklift via a wireless and/or USB connection. - In some embodiments, the
MPCA sensing system 1800 may also comprise avideo camera 1822 attached to a front portion ofactuating attachment 1822. The video feed fromvideo camera 1822 can be supplied totablet 1820 to aid the forklift driver and aligningmale QM connector 1812 withfemale QM connector 1812. - The embodiment of
MPCA sensing system 1800 shown inFIG. 18B is substantially similar in function to that described with respect toFIG. 18A with certain differences. First, in this embodiment, a direct electrical and data connection is provided betweenvideo camera 1802,proximity sensors 1804, andfemale QM connector 1810 without the need fordistribution board 1808. Further, in this embodiment,tablet 1820 handles the functions of thecontrol box 1814 depicted inFIG. 18A . Thus, in this embodiment,tablet 1820, located on the forklift, receives data fromvideo camera 1802, proximity sensors 1804 (wired or wirelessly) and generates the appropriate outputs. Further,tablet 1820 controls the outputs oflights 1816 andspeakers 1818. And, like inFIG. 18A ,tablet 1820 also receives the video feed fromvideo camera 1822 provided onactuating attachment 1822. -
FIGS. 19A-19B depict front and rear views of an embodiment offemale QM connector 1810. As depicted inFIG. 19A ,female QM connector 1810 has arectangular housing 1902. Anangled recess 1904 on a front face ofrectangular housing 1902 has adata connector 1906 at its center.Angled recess 1904 has four inward-facing angled walls tomale QM connector 1812 to the center ofangled recess 1904 as it is inserted. -
FIG. 19B depicts a rear view offemale QM connector 1810 withrectangular housing 1902 shown in phantom.Data connector 1906 is mounted to faceplate 1908 and protrudes throughcircular opening 1910 into angledrecess 1904. A front of a first set of innercylindrical tubes 1912 are bolted withinrectangular housing 1902. Each innercylindrical tube 1912 is slidably connected within two outercylindrical tubes 1914. Arear cap 1916 connected to each innercylindrical tube 1912 prevents innercylindrical tubes 1912 from becoming disengaged from outercylindrical tubes 1914. Twosprings 1918 surrounding inner cylindrical tubes biasrectangular housing 1902 away fromface plate 1908 and allow for a connection to be maintained betweenfemale QM connector 1810 andmale QM connector 1812 over a wider distance (e.g., becausesprings 1918 can compress). A plurality ofbolts 1920 are used to securefemale QM connector 1810 toMP 100. Preferably,female QM connector 1810 is mounted toMP 100 as depicted inFIG. 20 . Specifically,female QM connector 1810 is preferably mounted to the immediate left or right of T-bar 112. -
FIG. 21A depicts a front view ofmale QM connector 1812 comprising data connector 2102 (mates with data connector 1906) withinangled housing 2104.Angled recess 1904 guides angledhousing 2104 to ensure thatdata connector 2102 mates withdata connector 1906 when fully inserted. Upon full insertion, a plurality ofsprings 2106 onmale QM connector 1812 are compressed as aresprings 1918 onfemale QM connector 1810 exposingfemale data connector 1906 which was previously recessed. This allows an electrical connection to be made betweendata connector 2102 anddata connector 1906. A plurality ofsprings 2106 connects angledhousing 2104 to faceplate 2108.Springs 2106 and springs 1918 allow for a connection to be maintained and lessen the wear and tear onfemale QM connector 1812 andmale QM connector 1812. -
Bolts 2110, inserted throughface plate 2108, connectedmale QM connector 1812 toactuating attachment 1200.FIG. 22 depictsmale QM connector 1812 attached toactuating attachment 1200. Specifically,male QM connector 1812 is attached toactuating attachment 1200 preferably just to the right or the left of hydraulically actuatedhook 1222. - While the present invention has been described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
Claims (5)
1. A data connector assembly for a movable platform comprising:
a female data connector assembly comprising:
a housing;
a recess formed in a front surface of the housing a data connector port located at a center of the recess;
a face plate for coupling the female data connector assembly to the movable platform;
a first spring connector for movably coupling a rear face of the housing to a front face of the face plate; and
a data connector immovably coupled to a front surface of the face plate,
wherein a front portion of the data connector extends into the data connector port.
2. The data connector assembly according to claim 1 , wherein a rear surface of the face plate abuts a front surface of the movable platform when the data connector is coupled to the movable platform.
3. The data connector assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the recess comprises:
a plurality of walls angled inward from the front surface of the housing.
4. The data connector assembly according to claim 1 , wherein compression of the spring connector causes the front portion of the data connector to extend further into the data connector port.
5. The data connector assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first spring connector comprises:
a first spring connector port extending through the face plate;
a first cylinder extending through the spring connector port from the front surface of the face plate through a rear surface of the face plate;
a second spring connector port located in the housing;
a second cylinder coupled to a rear face of a front surface of the housing,
wherein a first end of the second cylinder extends through the second spring connector port and through both ends of the first cylinder;
a cap coupled to the first end of the second cylinder for preventing disengagement of the first cylinder and the second cylinder; and
a spring surrounding a portion of the second cylinder,
wherein a first end of the spring abuts the rear face of the front surface of the housing, and
wherein a second end of the spring abuts the front surface of the face plate.
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US16/874,510 US20200270019A1 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2020-05-14 | Movable platform and actuating attachment |
US17/203,137 US11513943B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2021-03-16 | Movable platform and actuating attachment |
US17/989,837 US11847047B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2022-11-18 | Movable platform and actuating attachment |
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US15/799,194 US10124927B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2017-10-31 | Movable platform and actuating attachment |
US16/142,673 US10654616B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2018-09-26 | Data connector assembly for a movable platform and actuating attachment |
US16/874,510 US20200270019A1 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2020-05-14 | Movable platform and actuating attachment |
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US16/874,510 Abandoned US20200270019A1 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2020-05-14 | Movable platform and actuating attachment |
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US17/989,837 Active US11847047B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2022-11-18 | Movable platform and actuating attachment |
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US17/989,837 Active US11847047B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2022-11-18 | Movable platform and actuating attachment |
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-
2017
- 2017-10-31 EP EP19214546.4A patent/EP3643648A1/en active Pending
- 2017-10-31 US US15/799,194 patent/US10124927B2/en active Active
- 2017-10-31 MX MX2019004981A patent/MX2019004981A/en unknown
- 2017-10-31 EP EP17825308.4A patent/EP3532416A2/en active Pending
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2018
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2019
- 2019-04-26 MX MX2023008289A patent/MX2023008289A/en unknown
- 2019-04-26 MX MX2023008291A patent/MX2023008291A/en unknown
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2020
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2021
- 2021-03-16 US US17/203,137 patent/US11513943B2/en active Active
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2022
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US11513943B2 (en) | 2022-11-29 |
MX2023008289A (en) | 2023-07-21 |
US11847047B2 (en) | 2023-12-19 |
EP3643648A1 (en) | 2020-04-29 |
US20230081129A1 (en) | 2023-03-16 |
US20190031395A1 (en) | 2019-01-31 |
EP3532416A2 (en) | 2019-09-04 |
US20210200666A1 (en) | 2021-07-01 |
US10654616B2 (en) | 2020-05-19 |
US10124927B2 (en) | 2018-11-13 |
US20180118409A1 (en) | 2018-05-03 |
US20220374346A9 (en) | 2022-11-24 |
MX2023008291A (en) | 2023-07-21 |
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