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AmazonGranted patentRobots & automationInterest 4/10

Amazon patents air jets to steer packages into boxes

This patent describes a sorting system that uses targeted blasts of air to nudge packages into specific spots inside a container. A camera tracks the package's position and size, allowing a computer to calculate exactly how hard to blow air at it to guide it to the front, back, left, or right side of the box.

Why it mattersIt offers a gentle, mechanical way to organize packages tightly, which could help warehouses pack more items into shipping containers without using heavy physical arms.

In the filing’s own words

Systems and methods are disclosed for forced air package redirection for improved fill rates. In one embodiment, an example sortation system may include a diverter configured to guide packages into a container, a first air delivery device configured to direct air at the package, a sensor configured to image the container, and a controller configured to determine, using the sensor, a position for a first package to be positioned in the container, determine the first package is adjacent to the first air delivery device, and cause the first air delivery device to be actuated, such that the air is directed at the first package. The air impacts the first package and causes the first package to change a direction or trajectory of movement of the first package.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A sortation system comprising: a diverter configured to guide packages into a container; a first air delivery device configured to direct air at the package, wherein the first air delivery device is disposed below the diverter; a sensor configured to image the container; and a controller configured to: determine, using the sensor, a position for a first package to be positioned in the container, wherein the position is at least one of: a front side of the container, a rear side of the container, a left side of the container, or a right side of the container; determine a first characteristic of the package; determine a velocity of air to be directed at the first package from the first air delivery device based at least in part on the first characteristic; determine the first package is adjacent to the first air delivery device; and cause the first air delivery device to be actuated at the velocity, such that the air is directed at the first package; wherein the air impacts the first package and causes the first package to change a direction or trajectory of movement of the first package.

Facts

Company
Amazon (Amazon Technologies, Inc.)
Official title
Forced air package redirection systems for improved fill rates
Patent number
US12729025B1
Application number
19233949
Filed
Jun 10, 2025
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Inventors
3
Claims
20

Classified under

B65B 35/28 Operations & transportB65B 35/58 Operations & transportB65B 57/14 Operations & transport
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.