EP2699495B1 - Apparatus and method for managing stored goods such as packaged tobacco products - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for managing stored goods such as packaged tobacco products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2699495B1 EP2699495B1 EP12715991.1A EP12715991A EP2699495B1 EP 2699495 B1 EP2699495 B1 EP 2699495B1 EP 12715991 A EP12715991 A EP 12715991A EP 2699495 B1 EP2699495 B1 EP 2699495B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- packages
- dedicated
- package
- storage shelf
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/28—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
- G07F11/16—Delivery means
- G07F11/165—Delivery means using xyz-picker or multi-dimensional article picking arrangements
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates to a method for managing stored goods such as tobacco related products.
- A method of managing stored goods is known from
US2005/0035138A1 According to the present invention there is provided a method of managing stored goods such as tobacco related products, which products are contained in packages in an apparatus comprising an inlet device, a storage unit for storing packages in a number of dedicated storage shelves or tubes, each of the dedicated storage shelves or tubes being dedicated to a corresponding product contained in said packages, a unit for conveying a package from the storage unit to an outlet, said unit being in the form of a fetcher mechanism which comprises means for determining position of the fetcher mechanism, whereby the fetcher mechanism can be caused to be situated next to a given dedicated storage shelf or tube. The method steps according to the invention are defined inclaim 1. - The invention further relates to an apparatus for managing stored goods such as tobacco related products, which products are contained in packages in an apparatus comprising a storage unit for storing packages in a plurality of storage shelves or tubes.
US2005/0035138 A1 also discloses apparatus for managing stored goods such as tobacco related products which products are contained in packages , wherein the apparatus comprises an inlet device, a storage unit for storing packages in a number of dedicated storage shelves or tubes, each of the dedicated storage shelves or tubes being dedicated to a corresponding product contained in said packages, a unit for conveying a package from the storage unit to an outlet, said unit being in the form of a fetcher mechanism which can be situated next to a given dedicated storage shelf or tube for conveying a package from the storage unit to said outlet, a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube, a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube being a storage shelf or tube which is not dedicated to a corresponding product contained in a package, and a control unit operable to check if a dedicated storage shelf or tube is full and, if the dedicated storage shelf or tube is full, to position the fetcher mechanism under a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube to enable said package transferred to the fetcher mechanism to be transferred to the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube. - Apparatus for managing stored goods, such as tobacco related products, according to the present invention is characterised in that individual packages are detected and registered at the inlet device, the fetcher mechanism comprises means for determining the position of the fetcher mechanism, and in that the control unit is operable to position the fetcher mechanism under a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube, to control the fetcher mechanism to release one or more packages from the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube into the fetcher mechanism, to position the fetcher mechanism under a dedicated shelf or tube ready for receiving said packages released from the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube into the fetcher mechanism and, to transfer said packages released from the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube into the the fetcher mechanism, into the dedicated shelf or tube.
- The present invention deals with the problem of managing storage space for packages.
- When allocating a number of shelves or tubes to a certain product in a storage apparatus it is essential to know how many packages of each product is available for delivery in the apparatus.
- Some products are sold in higher volumes than others, and hence it is convenient to dedicate a number of shelves or tubes to a single product.
- When packages are positioned in an inlet of the storage apparatus, the individual packages are scanned and registered. When registering the packages, the individual package is assigned to a given position, corresponding to an inclining shelf or tube in the storage unit. Thereby it is possible to keep a register of the individual packages contained in the storage unit and the actual position of the packages.
- When a person, typically being a shop assistant, puts a number of packages into an insert opening of the storage apparatus and the packages are registered the storage apparatus takes over the "responsibility" for the packages, since the apparatus is designed in such a way that the shop assistant or other persons being in the store, cannot get access to the storage compartment of the storage apparatus.
- When a customer wants to purchase a package, which for example can be a pack of cigarettes, the shop assistant presses an icon on a display, which icon represents the desired product. A fetcher mechanism will be positioned relative to the storing shelf or tube containing the specific pack of cigarettes, the fetcher mechanism releases the pack of cigarettes from the inclining storage shelf or tube and the package slides into a chamber in the fetcher mechanism. Hereafter, the fetcher mechanism moves to an outlet opening, to which the pack of cigarettes is delivered and from where the shop assistant or the customer can pick up the purchased pack of cigarettes.
- Hereby it is only possible to distribute the exact number of packages corresponding to the packages bought, and no one may obtain a pack of cigarettes that has not been properly processed and bought.
- When a dedicated shelf, shelves or tube(s) representing a product is running low, the shop assistant will have to input some more packages of such product. This operation can be very difficult during busy periods with a lot of people to serve within a short timeframe.
- When the apparatus is filled it may occur that a number of packages from a carton or outer cannot be contained in a shelf or tube. If the product has additional available dedicated tubes, the system will place the surplus packages in the next shelf or tube dedicated for this product. If there are no additional available dedicated shelves or tubes to receive the further packages, the further packages are placed in one or more shelves or tubes, which are not dedicated to a certain product. Such non-dedicated shelves or tubes are referred to herein as chaos tubes and are used to contain surplus packages. The chaos tubes act like a kind of buffer to the dedicated tubes.
- A feeding device comprising a detecting device for detecting a unique code provided on a package makes it possible to register and keep track of packages inputted into the system.
- Therefore the aim of the invention is to minimize the need for filling up shelves or tubes at short notice and to allow stock to be replenished more efficiently whilst reducing the risk of the system running out of stock of a particular product.
- Hereby is achieved that the system is able to provide a reliable overview over the flow of packages into and out of the storage apparatus.
- By having a unit for conveying one or more packages from the storage unit to an outlet, said unit being in the form of a fetcher mechanism which comprises means for determining position, whereby the fetcher mechanism can be caused to be situated next to a given storage shelf or tube, it is possible to position an exact package at an exact location.
- By having chaos tubes provided to hold an assortment of packages and where the apparatus is able to obtain any one package from any position in the tube due to the unique code assigned to the individual packages inserted through the inlet and convey the package to a designated tube, another chaos tube or into the discharge opening, it is possible to retrieve an exact package and to have an active buffer when further packages of an exact product are needed.
- As used herein, the terms tobacco-related products and cigarettes are taken to include all tobacco industry products and for example include smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also heat-not-burn products.
- Further embodiments and advantages are disclosed below in the description and in the claims.
- The invention will now be described more fully below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 shows a section of a feeding device with packages positioned in an inlet opening and a pushing device ready to push one or more packages; -
Figure 2 shows a section of the feeding device with one or more packages pushed towards a bend; -
Figure 3 shows a section of the feeding device with a package pushed beyond a bend; -
Figure 4 shows a storing unit; -
Figure 5 shows a position of the inlet opening in the storing unit; -
Figure 6 shows the fetcher mechanism positioned just below a chaos tube; -
Figure 7 shows the fetcher mechanism ready to pick up a stored package from a chaos tube; -
Figure 8 shows the fetcher mechanism releasing a package from a chaos tube; -
Figure 9 shows the fetcher mechanism with a package in a chamber for delivery to the outlet opening or to a storage shelf or tube; -
Figure 10 shows the fetcher mechanism with a package in the chamber for delivery to a storage shelf or tube; -
Figure 11 shows the fetcher mechanism ready to place a package in a storage shelf or tube; -
Figure 12 shows the fetcher mechanism delivering a package showing a lifting device lifting the package over the stop means of a storage shelf or tube; -
Figure 13 shows the fetcher mechanism with the lifting device and the second restraining device positioning the package in a storage shelf or tube; -
Figure 14 shows the fetcher mechanism retracting the lifting device and the second restraining device holding the package; and -
Figure 15 shows the fetcher mechanism with the second restraining device after positioning the package in place on a storage shelf or tube. - The invention is carried out in a
storage unit 16 for storing packages in a number ofstorage shelves 15, saidstorage shelves 15 forming an angle to the horizontal which is larger than or smaller than 90°, aunit 14 for conveying one ormore packages storage unit 16 to an outlet, saidunit 14 being in the form of afetcher mechanism 14 which comprises means for determining position, whereby thefetcher mechanism 14 can be caused to be situated next to a givenstorage shelf 15. - The
shelves 15 can be tubes, which tubes are positioned in an angle to the horizontal which is larger than or smaller than 90°. Thetubes 15 are provided with an edge or protrusion at their bottom end to prevent the packages from falling out. The packages must be moved or pushed over the edge or protrusion to be released from the storage shelf or tube. - When inserting one or
more packages insert opening 2 of the apparatus for storing and dispensing goods such as tobacco related products, the one ormore packages feeding device 3 on abase surface 4. In a feeding device 3 a number ofpackages 1 can be positioned on top of each other in such a way, that they rest against each other with respect to their largest surfaces, with abottom package 100 resting against afirst pushing device 7 on the largest surface of thepackage 100 and the packaging or packages resting with their edges on the base surface in such a way that it is possible for a detectingdevice 6 to detect read or in another way scan a code for the specific kind of package. - When a package is detected and identified through the code in the inlet, the package is provided with a unique code, which code can comprise an electronic "time stamp". This "time stamp" makes it possible at any time to determine when a given
package - This "time stamp" or unique code makes it possible to withdraw certain packages from the storage unit for example if a given group of packages are recalled and need to be removed from circulation.
- The unique code makes it also possible to offer certain products and
packages - In an embodiment of the invention the detecting
device 6 is placed below the base surface and at least a part of thebase surface 4 is provided with atransparent part 5, whichtransparent part 5 in the rest of the description for convenience will be called awindow 5. - When the one or
more packages base surface 4 and thereby across thewindow 5 the detectingdevice 6 is able to scan the unique codes of the packages one at the time. - The
inlet chamber 3 can be provided with a line pattern at thetop 20 of theinlet 3 opposite thebase surface 4 and thewindow 5. Further amirror 24 can be placed at thetop 20 of theinlet 3 to reflect an image of a line pattern placed ontop 21 of thebase surface 4, which pattern is visible for the detectingdevice 6 if nopackages inlet 3 in front of thefirst pushing device 7, when thefirst pushing device 7 is retracted to its initial position. Theunderside 22 of thefirst pushing device 7 can also be provided with a line pattern. - The purpose of the line pattern is to make it possible to distinguish between packages with authorized codes, objects with unauthorized codes and if objects with no codes are present in the
inlet opening 3. - If the pattern is visible for the detecting
device 6 the system will know that there is no objects present in the inlet ahead of the first pushingdevice 7. If the detectingdevice 6 detects that the line pattern is interfered the first pushingdevice 7 will be advanced and the system checks through the detecting device if an authorized bar code is present. If this is the case, the first pushingdevice 7 is advanced to push the one ormore packages edge 9 from where the one ormore packages first package member 10. If the system does not detect an authorized bar code, the first pushing device will return to its initial position and a display or other form for signal will give the instruction "remove object". Thereby no fingers or hands should be caught in the inlet, when the first pushingdevice 7 moves forwards. Further a person operating the system will know the instruction can be caused by apackage - If only one or a
few packages device 7 will start advancing after a defined time interval. Hereby it is possible for the system to await insertion of anyfurther packages package - The lines in the pattern will have a certain thickness, which is larger than the average thickness of a bar code. The line pattern is provided by lines preferably in black and white, but other colours or greyscale contrasts can be used. The black and white lines can be of the same thickness or they can be of different thickness. The most important is that the detecting device is capable of recognising the pattern or can recognise if the pattern is interfered by an unauthorized object, which object could be a finger or a hand.
- When the line patterns are placed out of optimal focus of the scanner, it is advantageous to have a line pattern of relatively wide lines to ensure that the scanner is able to detect the difference between "pattern" and "not pattern" At the top of the inlet 3 a
hatch 23 can be provided. Thehatch 23 is connected to the first pushingdevice 7 and prevents that apackage storage unit 16 without first being detected and registered by the detectingdevice 6 - In alternative embodiment the detecting
device 6 can be placed behind a window (not shown) placed behind thepackages figure 1 . In such an embodiment thepackages base surface 4 with their shortest edges facing towards thebase surface 4 and the surfaces of thepackages device 6. - In an alternative embodiment of a
feeding device 3, thepackages base surface 4 on one of their narrow sides of thepackages - In an embodiment the
window 5 and the detectingdevice 6 are preferably arranged relative to each other in such a way that the window is not positioned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis through the detecting device. Hereby reflections are avoided. - On the other hand an angle between the window and the detecting device must not be too wide since total reflection then can occur and the detecting device will not be able to detect the code on the packages, which code can be a bar code.
- In yet an alternative embodiment (not shown) packages is placed in the inlet with a bottom package resting on the base surface on the largest surface of the package.
- The way of positioning the packages on the base surface in the inlet is determined by a position of the window and the detecting device for detecting, reading or in another way scanning a unique code for the specific kind of package. Such a unique code could be a bar code or another code presenting information i.e. about size of the package, price, content, date of production or the like.
- When a number of packages are positioned on the base surface of the inlet or feeding device a first pushing device moves into an engaging position, bringing a protrusion into position to push the bottom package from the its position and over a bend or edge from where the package slides in a substantially downwards direction until the package rests against a stopping member.
- To ensure that only the bottom package is pushed out from a stack of packages in this embodiment, a first restraining device holds back the package lying on top of the bottom package.
- To position the first restraining device in a suitable distance from the base surface to hold back the package lying on top of the bottom package, the restraining device is provided with a distance sensing device.
- In an embodiment, the distance sensing device is provided by an arm, which is hinged at a hinging point to the restraining device in such a way, that the length of the arm ensures that the restraining device is positioned to hold back the package lying on top of the bottom package.
- When the bottom package is pushed against and beyond the bend, the arm will pivot around the hinging point allowing the bottom package to pass under the first restraining device while the first restraining device is holding back the package (if any) lying on top of the bottom package.
- When the package is pushed towards the bend, the restraining device can follow the package guiding the package downwards in an inclining direction towards the stopping member.
- When the package is resting against the stopping member, the package is ready to be collected by a fetcher mechanism.
- The
fetcher mechanism 14 is arranged to be moved under a number of storage shelves ortubes 15, which storage shelves ortubes 15 are arranged inclining relative to astorage unit 16 in such a way that thepackages tube 15 due to gravity. Hereby it is possible to release a package, stored on a shelf or tube, by means of thefetcher mechanism 14. Thefetcher mechanism 14 can then transport thepackage device 17 can simply let thepackage fetcher mechanism 14 by moving the second pushing device to the side so it will no longer support thepackage package package - On the second pushing device 17 a substantially vertically positioned
plate 18 is provided. Theplate 18 can lift apackage member 10 when it extends through a slit in a storage shelf ortube 15, in achaos tube 25, or in aninlet shelf 25 in order to release thepackage - A third pushing
device 19 is positioned on another side of a chamber in thefetcher mechanism 14 in relation to the position of the storage shelves ortubes 15 or theinlet shelf 25 to be able to push apackage fetcher mechanism 14. The third pushing device is able to follow apack package package member 10 of a storage shelf ortube 15. Further the third pushingdevice 19 could be capable of lifting a package over the stoppingmember 10 to release apackage - The third pushing device also secures that a released
package - In an embodiment the second and third pushing
device device 19 can also in this embodiment be provided with a platform (not shown), which platform is held parallel with the bottom of thepackage 1 and perpendicular to the travelling direction of the package when moved in relation to thefetcher mechanism 14. - The control arm and the third pushing device are at one end both pivotably hinged to the platform and at the other end both pivotably hinged such that their mutual movement enables the platform to be held at the same angle relative to the
fetcher mechanism 14 and to the package when the third pushingdevice 19 supports and moves thepackage 1 on its way into the chamber in thefetcher mechanism 14 or out of the same. - The
fetcher mechanism 14 can be moved in a substantially horizontal direction to bringpackages feeding device 3 to the storage shelves ortubes 15 and from the storage shelves ortubes 15 to an outlet (not shown). - The invention comprises a method for storing and dispensing goods such as tobacco related products, which products are contained in packages in an apparatus comprising a
storage unit 16 for storing packages in a number of storage shelves ortubes 15, aunit 14 for conveying one ormore packages storage unit 16 to an outlet, saidunit 14 being in the form of a fetcher mechanism which comprises means for determining position, whereby thefetcher mechanism 14 can be caused to be situated next to a given storage shelf ortube 15, comprising the steps of: - Placing one or
more packages inlet device 3 from where theindividual packages - Transferring one or
more packages -
fetcher mechanism 14; - Checking if a dedicated shelf or
tube 15 is full; - If the dedicated shelf or tube is full, positioning the
fetcher mechanism 14 under achaos tube 25; - Transferring the one or
more packages chaos tube 25. - Further the method can comprise the following steps:
- Positioning the
fetcher mechanism 14 under achaos tube 25; - Releasing one or
more packages chaos tube 25 into thefetcher mechanism 14; - Positioning the
fetcher mechanism 14 over a discharge opening, which discharge opening is in connection to an outlet opening; - Releasing the one or
more packages - Alternatively the method can comprise the following steps:
- Positioning the
fetcher mechanism 14 under achaos tube 25; - Releasing one or
more packages chaos tube 25 into thefetcher mechanism 14; - Positioning the
fetcher mechanism 14 under a dedicated shelf ortube 15, ready for receiving one ormore packages - Transferring the one or
more packages tube 15. - In another embodiment the number of
packages more packages more packages - In yet another embodiment the exact place of each
package - Use of the chaos tubes can be described as follows in following example. A customer wants to buy five packages of a specific type and there are three packages of this specific type left in the dedicated shelf or tube. Now the shop assistant has to get one or more cartons or outers to have enough packages to sell to the customer and to fill up the dedicated shelf or tube.
- If packages of the specific type were present in a chaos tube, the system would tell the shop assistant how many packages are left in the apparatus. If no packages are present in the chaos tubes, the shop assistant will sell the three remaining packages from the dedicated shelf or tube and two packages from the carton or outer. Afterwards the remaining packages from the one or more cartons or outers are placed in the inlet of the apparatus. The packages will be registered and by the fetcher mechanism filled into the tube or tubes dedicated to the specific type of packages. If more packages than the tube or tubes can contain are filled into the inlet, the remaining packages are filled into one or more chaos tubes from where they can be retrieved when needed.
- To ensure that the packages from the carton or outer, which was handed directly to the customer will not disappear from the register, a deviation report is generated due to the fact that the shop assistant counts for the cartons and outers taken from another storage facility, which cartons or outers are registered in the same or in another system.
- When comparing the stockpiles a deviation occurs, but the deviation should be balanced by comparing to the list of sold packages.
- Rules can be set up in the system for when to supply with packages from the chaos tubes to supply the dedicated tubes.
- In general the number of packages in the chaos tubes should be kept low in case chaos tubes are needed for filling the dedicated tubes before or during busy periods or for holding other products held within the storage unit.
- These rules are incorporated in the control unit in the apparatus and thereby the apparatus is capable of determining when packages from chaos tubes should be transferred to dedicated tubes. The apparatus can run consolidation sequences cleaning up the chaos tubes by moving packages from chaos tubes into dedicated tubes when the fetcher mechanism is not occupied for other duties.
- The packages are selected in such a way that the packages of a specific product first filled into the apparatus also are the packages first selected when the specific product is sold. This is a particularly beneficial feature of the system as it ensures that product is sold on a "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) basis, and so older product stock is held for longer than is necessary.
- The FIFO system also ensures that older stock for example product from discontinued product lines or lower priced product is sold before newer products.
- The invention also comprises an apparatus for managing stored goods such as tobacco related products, which products are contained in
packages storage unit 16 for storingpackages tubes 15, where thestorage unit 16 further compriseschaos tubes 25. - In an embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a
unit 14 for conveying one ormore packages storage unit 16 to an outlet, saidunit 14 being in the form of a fetcher mechanism which comprises means for determining position, whereby thefetcher mechanism 14 can be caused to be situated next to a given storage shelf ortube 15. - In yet an embodiment the
chaos tubes 25 is provided to hold an assortment ofpackages package tube 25 due to the unique code assigned to theindividual packages inlet 3 and convey thepackage tube 15, anotherchaos tube 25 or into the discharge opening. - Further in operation the system may need to move
packages chaos tube 25 to further tubes (designated tubes or chaos tubes) to access the desiredpackage - Throughout the description we have used expressions such as packages and cigarette pack. It is obvious that the apparatus can be used for vending other types of packages of a certain value.
Claims (8)
- A method for managing stored goods such as tobacco related products, which products are contained in packages (1,100) in an apparatus comprising an inlet device (3), a storage unit (16) for storing packages in a number of dedicated storage shelves or tubes (15), each of the dedicated storage shelves or tubes (15) being dedicated to a corresponding product contained in said packages (1,100), a unit (14) for conveying a package (1, 100) from the storage unit (16) to an outlet, said unit (14) being in the form of a fetcher mechanism which comprises means for determining position of the fetcher mechanism, whereby the fetcher mechanism (14) can be caused to be situated next to a given dedicated storage shelf or tube (15), comprising the steps of:• placing a package (1, 100) in the inlet device (3) from where individual packages are detected and registered;• transferring a package (1, 100) from the inlet device (3) to the fetcher mechanism (14);• checking if the dedicated shelf or tube (15) dedicated to a corresponding product contained in said package transferred to the fetcher mechanism (14) is full and, if said dedicated shelf or tube (15) is full;• positioning the fetcher mechanism (14) under a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25), a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) being a storage shelf or tube which is not dedicated to a particular product contained in a package;• transferring the package (1, 100) from said fetcher mechanism (14) to the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25),• positioning the fetcher mechanism (14) under a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25);• releasing one or more packages (1, 100) from the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) into the fetcher mechanism (14);• positioning the fetcher mechanism (14) under a dedicated shelf or tube (15) ready for receiving one or more packages (1, 100);• transferring the one or more packages (1, 100) into the dedicated shelf or tube (15).
- A method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps:• positioning the fetcher mechanism (14) under a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25);• releasing one or more packages (1, 100) from the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) into the fetcher mechanism (14);• positioning the fetcher mechanism (14) over a discharge opening, which discharge opening is in connection to the outlet;• releasing the one or more packages (1, 100) into the discharge opening.
- A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the number of packages and the identity of the one or more packages are registered before handing out the one or more packages (1, 100).
- A method according to claim 3, characterised in that the exact place of each package (1, 100) is registered and processed in a processing unit.
- A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each package passing the inlet device (3) is assigned a unique code.
- A method according to claim 5, characterised in that the unique code comprises a time stamp.
- Apparatus for managing stored goods such as tobacco related products, which products are contained in packages (1,100), wherein the apparatus comprises an inlet device (3), a storage unit (16) for storing packages in a number of dedicated storage shelves or tubes (15), each of the dedicated storage shelves or tubes (15) being dedicated to a corresponding product contained in said packages, a unit (14) for conveying a package (1,100) from the storage unit (16) to an outlet, said unit (14) being in the form of a fetcher mechanism (14) which can be situated next to a given dedicated storage shelf or tube (15) for conveying a package (1, 00) from the storage unit (16) to said outlet, a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25), a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) being a storage shelf or tube (25) which is not dedicated to a corresponding product contained in a package, and a control unit operable to check if a dedicated storage shelf or tube (15) is full and, if the dedicated storage shelf or tube (15) is full, to position the fetcher mechanism (14) under a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) to enable said package (1,100) transferred to the fetcher mechanism (14) to be transferred to the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25), characterised in that individual packages (1,100) are detected and registered at the inlet device (3), the fetcher mechanism (14) comprises means for determining the position of the fetcher mechanism (14), and in that the control unit is operable to position the fetcher mechanism (14) under a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25), to control the fetcher mechanism (14) to release one or more packages (1, 100) from the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) into the fetcher mechanism (14), to position the fetcher mechanism (14) under a dedicated shelf or tube (15) ready for receiving said packages (1,100) released from the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) into the fetcher mechanism (14) and, to transfer said packages (1,100) released from the non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) into the the fetcher mechanism (14), into the dedicated storage shelf or tube (15).
- Apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the non-dedicated storage shelves or tubes (25) are provided to hold an assortment of packages (1, 100) and the control unit is operable to control the fetcher mechanism (14) to obtain a package (1, 100) from a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) and convey the package (1, 100) to a dedicated storage shelf or tube (15) due to the unique code assigned to the individual packages (1, 100) inserted through the inlet (3), said control unit further being operable to convey the package from a non-dedicated storage shelf or tube to another non-dedicated storage shelf or tube (25) or, into the discharge opening.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DKPA201170192A DK177550B1 (en) | 2011-04-19 | 2011-04-19 | Apparatus and method for managing stored goods such as tobacco related products, which products are contained in packages |
PCT/EP2012/057181 WO2012143453A1 (en) | 2011-04-19 | 2012-04-19 | Apparatus and method for managing stored goods such as packaged tobacco products |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2699495A1 EP2699495A1 (en) | 2014-02-26 |
EP2699495B1 true EP2699495B1 (en) | 2017-08-23 |
Family
ID=45998352
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP12715991.1A Not-in-force EP2699495B1 (en) | 2011-04-19 | 2012-04-19 | Apparatus and method for managing stored goods such as packaged tobacco products |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2699495B1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK177550B1 (en) |
NO (1) | NO2699495T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012143453A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN108877040A (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2018-11-23 | 北京无人店科技有限公司 | Automatic monitoring method, device, electronic equipment and the computer readable storage medium of open unmanned counter |
CN114735382B (en) * | 2021-01-07 | 2023-09-26 | 中国石油天然气股份有限公司 | Straight pipe section access system |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5337919A (en) * | 1993-02-11 | 1994-08-16 | Dispensing Technologies, Inc. | Automatic dispensing system for prescriptions and the like |
US20050035138A1 (en) * | 2003-07-22 | 2005-02-17 | Scriptpro Llc | Fork based transport storage system for pharmaceutical unit of use dispenser |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT234325Y1 (en) * | 1994-05-18 | 2000-03-09 | Progetto Automazione Srl | AUTOMATIC DISPENSER FOR STACKED PACKAGING. |
DE29817529U1 (en) * | 1998-10-01 | 2000-02-17 | Willach Gmbh Geb | Dispenser |
US20020087231A1 (en) * | 2001-01-04 | 2002-07-04 | Lewis Jimmy Randolph | Method and apparatus for filling stock orders |
ITBO20050521A1 (en) * | 2005-08-03 | 2007-02-04 | U T I T Spa | MACHINE FOR AUTOMATIC ORDER COMPOSITION WITH PRODUCTS |
DK176641B1 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2009-01-05 | House Of Prince As | Apparatus and method and system for delivery of goods |
DE202007013104U1 (en) * | 2007-09-19 | 2007-11-15 | Gebr. Willach Gmbh | Automatic warehouse |
-
2011
- 2011-04-19 DK DKPA201170192A patent/DK177550B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2012
- 2012-04-19 EP EP12715991.1A patent/EP2699495B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2012-04-19 WO PCT/EP2012/057181 patent/WO2012143453A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-04-19 NO NO12715991A patent/NO2699495T3/no unknown
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5337919A (en) * | 1993-02-11 | 1994-08-16 | Dispensing Technologies, Inc. | Automatic dispensing system for prescriptions and the like |
US20050035138A1 (en) * | 2003-07-22 | 2005-02-17 | Scriptpro Llc | Fork based transport storage system for pharmaceutical unit of use dispenser |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012143453A1 (en) | 2012-10-26 |
NO2699495T3 (en) | 2018-01-20 |
DK201170192A (en) | 2012-10-20 |
EP2699495A1 (en) | 2014-02-26 |
DK177550B1 (en) | 2013-10-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP0439355B1 (en) | A system for filling orders | |
US5893697A (en) | Automated system for selecting packages from a storage area | |
US5468110A (en) | Automated system for selecting packages from a storage area | |
JP7372570B2 (en) | Pharmaceutical sorting device | |
JPH06127635A (en) | Automated system for charging of prescribed medicine into vial | |
AU2017361650B2 (en) | Drug packaging device | |
ES2334845T3 (en) | AUTOMATIC ARTICLE RECEPTION DEVICE. | |
WO2014162857A1 (en) | Medicine compounding system | |
EP2699495B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for managing stored goods such as packaged tobacco products | |
CN108025870B (en) | Method for storing a plurality of identical piece goods in a picking device | |
JP2007008650A (en) | Order assortment system | |
KR20170102466A (en) | Commissioning Device and Process for Outputting Piece Goods Using the Commissioning Device | |
AU2012100435A4 (en) | Apparatus and method for managing stored goods such as tobacco related products, which products are contained in packages | |
EP3489172B1 (en) | Dispensing device | |
EP2699496B1 (en) | Apparatus for storing and dispensing goods such as packaged tobacco products | |
JP2020089681A (en) | Medicine feeding device and medicine individually packaging device | |
AU2012100439A4 (en) | Apparatus and method for storing and dispensing goods such as tobacco related products, which products are contained in packages | |
JPH09263311A (en) | Publication measurement/inspection system | |
TWI744701B (en) | Tobacco product management device and tobacco product management method | |
JP2009062142A (en) | Sorting system and sorting method | |
JP7042409B2 (en) | Selective collating system | |
JP2927740B2 (en) | Picking method of goods | |
JP3618227B2 (en) | Empty box feeder for agricultural product sorting equipment | |
CN111480187B (en) | Automatic vending machine | |
WO2022224712A1 (en) | Conveyance device and storage device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20131118 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20150105 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20170310 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: G07F 11/28 20060101ALI20170224BHEP Ipc: B65G 1/137 20060101ALI20170224BHEP Ipc: G07F 11/16 20060101ALI20170224BHEP Ipc: B65G 1/08 20060101AFI20170224BHEP |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 921081 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20170915 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602012036265 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: SE Ref legal event code: TRGR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20170823 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 921081 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20170823 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NO Ref legal event code: T2 Effective date: 20170823 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20171123 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20171223 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20171124 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602012036265 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20180524 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602012036265 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20180430 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20180419 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180419 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20181101 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180430 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180430 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180430 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180419 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180419 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180430 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180419 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20120419 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170823 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170823 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NO Payment date: 20200422 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: FI Payment date: 20200421 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 20200427 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FI Ref legal event code: MAE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NO Ref legal event code: MMEP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: SE Ref legal event code: EUG |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210419 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210430 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210420 |