Eric Gregg Benjamin - Carmel IN, US Masahiko Minamikawa - Columbus IN, US Toshihide Tanaka - Indianapolis IN, US John Campbell - East Liberty OH, US David Wayne Hicks - Shelbyville IN, US
Assignee:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - Tokyo Midwest Express Inc. - East Liberty OH
International Classification:
B66C 1/42
US Classification:
294 8641, 294 6733, 294117
Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The dimensions of the grasping device do not have to be adjusted prior to engaging a container which allows an operator to move a variety of different-sized containers in a short period of time. A hoisting device with a counter weight provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced.
Eric Gregg Benjamin - Carmel IN, US Masahiko Minamikawa - Columbus IN, US Toshihide Tanaka - Indianapolis IN, US John Campbell - East Liberty OH, US David Wayne Hicks - Shelbyville IN, US
Assignee:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - Tokyo Midwest Express Inc. - East Liberty OH
International Classification:
B66C 1/42
US Classification:
2941101, 294 6731, 294117
Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The device contains a set of clamps which securely attach to a plurality of different-sized containers and allow them to be quickly lifted and relocated by an operator. A toggle device may also be used to hold the clamps in the open position for added security and efficiency. A hoisting device with a translating mechanism provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced.
Computerized System And Method For Automated Demand-Based Parts Delivery
John Campbell - East Liberty OH, US Hiroshi Kawaguchi - Indianapolis IN, US Joseph Lewis - Indianapolis IN, US Masahiko Minamikawa - Columbus IN, US Steven Swank - Lawrenceburg IN, US Toshihide Tanaka - Indianapolis IN, US
Assignee:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - Tokyo Midwest Express Inc. - East Liberty OH
A computerized automated demand-based parts delivery management system and method is disclosed. Parts for use in a production facility are received at a warehouse and housed in storage inventory areas such as trailers parked in a yard. Data about the parts in storage inventory areas and their locations as well as an inventory of parts in the warehouse are stored in a database. A “demand pegging” operation is performed by viewing current delivery inventory levels within the warehouse and applying them to production demand data to determine when parts will be depleted from delivery inventory areas. The operation further identifies storage inventory areas that have the needed parts. Process times for transporting parts between locations are considered in determining task times for transporting parts from storage inventory areas to delivery inventory areas so parts are replenished in advance of the deplete time determined by the demand pegging operation.
Computerized System And Method For Managing Parts Shortages
John Campbell - East Liberty OH, US Hiroshi Kawaguchi - Indianapolis IN, US Joseph Lewis - Indianapolis IN, US Masahiko Minamikawa - Columbus IN, US Steven Swank - Lawrenceburg IN, US Toshihide Tanaka - Indianapolis IN, US
Assignee:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - Tokyo Midwest Express Inc. - East Liberty OH
A computerized system and method for managing parts shortages is disclosed. The computerized system and method analyzes inventory and production demand data over a period of time to whether the parts in inventory are sufficient to meet production demand. The projections allow a logistics provider to determine when parts shortages are likely to occur and the nature of the potential shortages. Information about the type and time of potential parts shortages allow the logistics provider to take action to prevent shortages entirely or minimize their impact on production. Some shortages may be covered by requesting delivery of parts from various locations within the site inventory or by locating parts within the site inventory. Other shortages may be covered by ordering more parts from suppliers. The ability to detect various types of shortages and take mitigating actions allow a logistics provider to maintain a flow of parts to production.
Synchronous And Optimum Line Delivery Utilizing Tact Information
Ryan Christopher Ames - Greensburg IN, US John Campbell - East Liberty OH, US Yozo Handa - Mie, JP David Wayne Hicks - Shelbyville IN, US Hiroshi Kawaguchi - Indianapolis IN, US Joseph P. Lewis - Indianapolis IN, US Masahiko Minamikawa - Columbus IN, US Steven Michael Swank - Springfield OH, US Toshihide Tanaka - Indianapolis IN, US Yasushi Nagura - Indianapolis IN, US
Assignee:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - Tokyo Midwest Express Inc. - East Liberty OH
International Classification:
G06F 19/00 B60P 1/04 G07B 15/02
US Classification:
700119, 700113, 414467, 235384
Abstract:
A parts delivery management system and method that synchronizes production line side parts deliveries with a production schedule to facilitate delivering the right part to the right production line location at the right time. A consolidation center for receiving parts from suppliers is co-located with an assembly plant. Parts are received in returnable containers and organized for line side delivery according to the manufacturer's production schedule. Parts are delivered to production line locations using multi-cart “trains” that transport parts to the locations. Trains made of multiple carts are assembled throughout the production day and loaded with containers holding the parts that are then delivered line side. A delivery management system application executing on a computer receives production schedule data as well as part and container data to determine which parts are needed throughout the day at the various production line side locations and when they are needed.
Container Unloading System With Auto-Unload Capability
- East Liberty OH, US John Campbell - East Liberty OH, US Masahiko Minamikawa - Columbus IN, US Toshihide Tanaka - Indianapolis IN, US David Wayne Hicks - Shelbyville IN, US
Assignee:
Midwest Express Inc. - East Liberty OH
International Classification:
B65G 47/04
US Classification:
700213
Abstract:
A container unloading system that is adapted to automatically unload containers from carts while the containers and carts reside in an unloading station. The containers may be off-loaded onto a conveyor. The system includes a frame that is movable along the path of ingress/egress of the carts, and a vertically and horizontally movable lifting device that is supported on the frame and adapted to engage and lift the containers. A number of sensors may be present to gather information about the carts and/or containers and to send corresponding signals to a controller that is programmed to automatically operate the system.