Stott D Barwick

US Patent:

20100183409, Jul 22, 2010

Filed:

Jan 15, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/688813

Inventors:

Stanley J. Checketts - Providence UT, US
Stott Barwick - Smithfield UT, US
Merin Swasey - North Logan UT, US

Assignee:

BOOMERANG SYSTEMS, INC. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

E04H 6/18
B65G 1/06
E04H 6/12
B62D 1/24

US Classification:

414231, 414267, 414273, 414281, 180167

Abstract:

An automated storage system for vehicles or the like is provided with a guidance system that interacts with a remote-controlled transport system that transports a vehicle between an access location, such a drive-up location, and a storage location. More particularly, in one embodiment, an omni-directional, battery-powered, wirelessly-controlled, transport system or so-called automated guided vehicle (“AGV”) is designed to follow magnetic field generating wires and RFID chips on the floors of the parking facility to move forward, backward and side to side underneath cars that are parked on a flat surface. In one embodiment, the AGV automatically contracts and expands its body to slide its arms under the wheelbase of a car, lift the car, and roll with speed and precision in any direction on to a waiting lift, that will then raise and lower the AGV and its automobile payload toward its ultimate destination.

US Patent:

20100185353, Jul 22, 2010

Filed:

Jan 15, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/688838

Inventors:

Stott Barwick - Smithfield UT, US
Merin Swasey - North Logan UT, US
Lance Beeny - Cove UT, US
John A.M. Petersen - Providence UT, US

Assignee:

BOOMERANG SYSTEMS, INC. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

G05D 1/00

US Classification:

701 23

Abstract:

A Variable Offset Positioning Antenna Array for Enhanced Guidance of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in automated warehousing or storage systems for automobiles or the like, includes two or more inductor coils producing output as a result of interaction with a guidance wire located in or near the surface of the floor which is energized by a frequency generator, and an on board programmable microprocessor which processes the coil output to determine an exact position of the antenna array relative to the guidance wire. In one embodiment, the antenna array enables an AGV to follow a guidance wire at an offset to the direction of travel in order to allow automated storage and retrieval systems to handle asymmetrical items, such as automobiles, more efficiently and cost effectively by decreasing the building space required for travel aisles, vertical conveyors and storage locations as well as decreasing total individual item processing time.