Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080221728 | Article Processing Facility and Its Control Method - An article processing facility includes an article carrier movable along a track and having an article gripper, and a pair of article racks for temporarily supporting articles. Each of the article racks is configured to be shiftable between an extended position and a retracted position. When an article for loading gripped by the article gripper is to be delivered to an article loading and unloading station but an article for unloading is present at the article loading and unloading station, the article for loading is stored temporarily on one of the article racks, and thereafter the article for unloading at the article loading and unloading station is temporarily stored on the other article rack. | 09-11-2008 |
20080234858 | Conveyor drive control system - A drive control system for conveyor utilizes a dynamic chain pull calculation program that is integrated with a PLC, which communicates to a plurality of controllers. The controllers in turn automatically adjust their associated drive motors so as to maximize efficiency at moving material on a conveyor system. Sensing devices provide continuous load parameters to a PLC that in turn, processes the data and adjusts the system's operation based upon desired conditions. | 09-25-2008 |
20080262647 | Speed Monitoring Method In An Automation System For A Conveyor Installation - The invention relates to a speed monitoring method in a automation system for a conveyor installation, particularly for a pit. A speed monitoring method is provided that eliminates the need for detection elements for determining position that are arranged along the path of conveyance. An actual path value and an actual speed value are determined by means of at least one pulse counter. The actual path value is used for reading out a speed limiting value from a data table, which is stored in the automation system and which represents a stepped limiting value curve and for comparing the actual speed value with the read out speed limiting value | 10-23-2008 |
20080306626 | FEEDBACK-BASED DOCUMENT HANDLING CONTROL SYSTEM - A method and system for performing sheet registration are disclosed. Output values for a sheet may be identified within a reference frame. A difference between each output value and a corresponding desired output value may be determined. Input values may be determined based on at least the differences. State feedback values may be determined based on information received from one or more sensors. Jerk values may be determined for multiple drive rolls based on the input values and the state feedback values. A desired angular velocity for each drive roll may be determined based on the corresponding jerk value. A motor voltage may be determined for each drive roll that tracks an observed angular velocity value to the desired angular velocity value. The jerk values may create a linear differential relationship between the input values and the output values. The steps may be performed multiple times. | 12-11-2008 |
20090012645 | Mail Processing System and Method of Loading Articles with Reduced Speed - A mail processing system has an infeed line coupled to receive a first article from a feeder. A loading device is coupled to receive the first article from the infeed line at a first speed, and a transfer unit is coupled to receive the first article from the loading device, wherein the transfer unit is configured to transport the first article at a second speed, which is lower than the first speed. | 01-08-2009 |
20090043420 | CONTROL DEVICE IN FEEDING LINE - The present invention relates to a control method in the feeding of plate shaped workpieces to a work station, comprising feeding of the workpiece ( | 02-12-2009 |
20090082904 | Bulk Material Handling System and Control - A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory. | 03-26-2009 |
20090099687 | Method and apparatus for continuous motion tipping of tip-on products onto continuously moving base products - A method and apparatus to facilitate accurately matching and placing non-uniformly spaced tip-on products from a friction feeder onto non-uniformly spaced base products that are traveling on a base conveyor while both the friction feeder and the base conveyor are continuously moving. Using encoders on the conveyor drive motors to track conveyor position and electronic sensors to detect the arrival on tip-on products and base products at predetermined points along their respective conveyors, a programmed microcontroller implements an algorithm for adjusting the speed of the sheet feeder's discharge conveyor so that the tip-on product and base product arrive at a matchpoint simultaneously. | 04-16-2009 |
20090171501 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A GAP BETWEEN SUCCESSIVE OBJECTS - Systems and method are provided for controlling a gap between objects to be scanned by security scanning systems. In one aspect, a method is provided for maintaining a predetermined gap between successive objects to be scanned by a security scanning machine. The method includes measuring an initial gap defined between a trailing edge of a first object and a leading edge of a second object and, based on a comparison between the initial gap and the predetermined gap, controlling a speed of a first conveyor relative to a speed of a second conveyor operatively coupled to the first conveyor such that the predetermined gap between the first object and the second object is maintained. | 07-02-2009 |
20090228141 | Electrical equipment for material flow coordination between a plurality of conveyors, which are mechanically connected to one another, for conveying piece goods - The electrical equipment of mechanical conveyors and the associated material flow coordination between them, when a plurality of conveyors for conveying piece goods is connected, are provided. Intelligent motor starters are included, which are associated with the individual conveyors and respectively combine an autonomous totality composed of logic modules, and which are programmable with the functions required for material flow coordination, corresponding to the characteristics of the conveyor. | 09-10-2009 |
20090276084 | TARGETED PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process. | 11-05-2009 |
20090287345 | SHUTTLE TYPE CONVEYING DEVICE, MICROPLATE FEEDING AND COLLECTING DEVICE, PICKUP DEVICE FOR MICROPLATE, CASSETTE FOR MICROPLATE, AND SHELF FOR RECEIVING MICROPLATE - A shuttle-type conveying system to convey an article. The system includes a feeding and collecting device capable of setting a cassette in which articles to be conveyed are stacked as they are on a rotating and feeding table, a pickup device taking out the article and placing it on a receiving/delivery table, and a conveying device feeding the article on the receiving/delivery table to another receiving/delivery table by a shuttle conveying portion traveling on conveying paths below the receiving/delivery table. After the article is lifted up by the shuttle conveying portion and moved to outside the receiving/delivery table, the article is lowered below the receiving/delivery table and made to travel under the receiving/delivery table to another receiving/delivery table. | 11-19-2009 |
20090287346 | Drive for the Cross Belt of a Cross Belt Sorter - A cross belt sorter is provided for transporting and sorting piece goods, composed of a plurality of sorter elements which are moved on a conveyor track and which are coupled to form a train or can be moved individually and which are in each case provided with a cross belt which circulates continuously around deflection rollers and can be driven transversely with respect to the transport direction of the sorter elements and on which the piece goods can be transported in a resting position and loaded and/or unloaded at fixed loading and/or unloading locations, for which purpose at least one deflection roller of the cross belt corresponds to a drive. The drive of the at least one deflection roller for the cross belt be provided by means of a barrel motor which is arranged within the deflection roller. | 11-19-2009 |
20090292392 | Multiplexed Gathering Device and Method - A multiplexing gathering device includes a first gatherer for forming first gathered printed products on a first line and a second gatherer for forming second gathered printed products on a second line. A collecting device collects the first and second gathered printed products. A first transporter transports the first gathered products from the first line to the collecting device and a second transporter for transports the second gathered products from the second line to the collecting device. At least one controller for controls the first gatherer and second gatherer so that second gathered products are selectively formed as a function of the formation of first gathered printed products. A method is also provided. | 11-26-2009 |
20090312865 | ARTICLE METERING SYSTEM - A system for metering articles (C) includes staging conveyor ( | 12-17-2009 |
20100017020 | Sorting system - A sorting system and method with a conveyance for transporting items to be sorted at a predetermined speed. An XRF spectrometer subsystem includes at least one x-ray source directing x-ray energy at an item carried by the conveyance and a detector responsive to x-rays emitted by the item and producing a spectral signal characterizing a leading edge of the item and a trailing edge of the item. A diverter subsystem downstream of the XRF subsystem is for diverting sorted items. An electronic processing subsystem is responsive to the detector signal and is configured to determine if the item is to be diverted based on the elemental makeup of the item from its x-ray spectrum. The same processing subsystem is also configured to calculate the position of the item on the conveyance based on the detector signal and together with the predetermined speed of the conveyance controlling the diverter subsystem to divert selected items. | 01-21-2010 |
20100030375 | CONTROL METHOD FOR A COMPLEX CONSISTING OF A PLURALITY OF MULTIAXIAL HANDLING DEVICES ARRANGED IN SUCCESSION AND/OR SIDE BY SIDE, AND ALSO DATA STORAGE MEDIUM, CONTROL SYSTEM AND COMPLEX - A control method for a complex consisting of a plurality of multiaxial handling devices arranged in succession and/or side by side, is provided. A complex consisting of a plurality of multiaxial handling devices, arranged in succession and/or side by side, for the execution of multidimensional working and/or handling movements and consisting of at least one conveyor facility for transporting objects is controlled. The handling devices are provided for picking up, processing and setting down the objects being transported along. The guide value for the multidimensional movement sequence of handling devices is modeled on one or more objects transported along by a conveyor facility as a guide value in a distributed multiaxial system with synchronous operation, such as for example in the case of a printing machine, a paper mill or rolling mill or the like. | 02-04-2010 |
20100042254 | METHOD OF FEEDING FLATTENED CARDBOARD CARTONS IN A CARTON OPENING MACHINE IN A BOTTLE, CONTAINER, OR ARTICLE PACKAGING PLANT, AND A DEVICE THEREFOR - Method of feeding flattened cardboard cartons in a carton opening machine in a bottle, container, or article packaging plant, and a device therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. | 02-18-2010 |
20100057249 | THERMAL PROCESSING APPARATUS, THERMAL PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - When a substrate is transferred by a holding arm to a multiple tier wafer boat, contact between the holding arm and the substrate is prevented. When the wafer boat is not subjected to a thermal effect, a normal height position of a ring member is obtained by relatively elevating and lowering a transfer base member with respect to the wafer boat. Before a wafer, which is not yet thermally processed, is transferred to the wafer boat, a height position of the corresponding ring member is obtained. By comparing a difference between the normal height position of the ring member and the height position of the ring member before the wafer is transported, with a threshold value, whether to transfer the wafer by the wafer transfer mechanism to the wafer boat can be judged. | 03-04-2010 |
20100082154 | UNIFORM TURNOVER MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A uniform turnover apparatus comprises a turnover body, a linear advance device, and a fixed base. The linear advance device has a fixed end and a movable end. The fixed end is turnably provided on the fixed base by a first fulcrum. The turnover body is movably connected with the movable end of the linear advance device by a second fulcrum. The turnover body is turnably provided on the fixed base by a third fulcrum. The first, the second, and the third fulcra form a triangle. The uniform turnover apparatus comprises a control device connected with the linear advance device. The control device acquires an actual angular velocity at which the turnover body is turned, and compares the actual angular velocity with a set angular velocity, and according to the comparison, adjusts the linear velocity of the linear advance device in real time, so that the actual angular velocity of the turnover body approximates or equals to the set angular velocity. The apparatus can make the turnover body turn placidly and effectively reduce the impact force during turning over. | 04-01-2010 |
20100094453 | HANDLING SYSTEM, WORK SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - A handling system able to efficiently process information relating to a plurality of conveyed articles, the handling system provided with a conveyer for conveying workpieces, a visual sensor for detecting positions of workpieces by acquiring images of a plurality of tracking ranges obtained by dividing a belt into sections, an encoder for detecting an amount of movement of the belt, a tracking manager for monitoring amounts of movement of the plurality of tracking ranges based on the amount of movement detected by the encoder and specifying the tracking range passing through a workpiece detection area, a workpiece manager for selecting the article in the tracking range specified by the tracking manager, and a controller for controlling operations of robots so as to hold the workpiece selected by the workpiece manager. | 04-15-2010 |
20100094454 | PAN INVERTING AND/OR CLEANING SYSTEM - A pan inverting system ( | 04-15-2010 |
20100100235 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUS BI-DIRECTIONAL CONVEYOR CONTROL FOR MOVING MATERIAL HOLDERS IN A FAB - A method for managing flow of containers over asynchronous conveyors used in semiconductor automated material handling systems (AMHS) is defined. The method includes providing a conveyor and enabling travel of a first container in a first direction on the conveyor and enabling travel of a second container in a second direction on the conveyor. The second direction being toward the first direction. The method also includes determining a destination of the first and second containers along the conveyor (e.g., such as a load port). The method then directions one of the first or second containers to reverse its direction to enable one of the first or second containers to arrive to its destinations. The directing acts to minimize travel or wait time of the first or second containers on the conveyor belt. The directing enables higher throughput on the conveyor and enables more than one container to travel on the conveyor at the same time. | 04-22-2010 |
20100138036 | OPERATION METHOD FOR A LOOPING PIT WITH DRAG COMPENSATION - A band is introduced into the pit entrance of a looping pit. This band is released from the looping pit at a pit exit. A segment of the band can thereby be buffered. The entrance-sided drag that exists in the band at the pit entrance is measured by an entrance-sided drag measuring device; the exit-sided drag that exists in the band at the pit exit is measured by an exit-sided drag measuring device. The values of the entrance-sided and exit-sided drags are passed to a control device. Depending on the entrance-sided and exit-sided drags, a control signal for at least one driven roller arranged between the pit entrance and exit is identified by the control device and is passed to the at least one driven roller. The band buffered in the looping pit is acted upon by the at least one driven roller according to the control signal. | 06-03-2010 |
20100152889 | Method for controlling a machine for treating containers - The invention relates method for controlling a machine for treating containers ( | 06-17-2010 |
20100152890 | SAMPLE PROCESSING SYSTEM, SAMPLE PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A sample processing system comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting samples to a first loading position, a second loading position, and a third loading position; a first sample processing apparatus capable of being set in a first setting position and a third setting position; a second sample processing apparatus capable of being set in a second setting position; and a controller including a memory under control of a processor, the memory storing instructions enabling the processor to carry out operations comprising: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to the first loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the first setting position; and controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to the third loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the third setting position, is disclosed. A sample processing method and a computer program product are also disclosed. | 06-17-2010 |
20100179686 | DUAL POWER MOTORIZED ROLLER - A conveying system may include a frame that supports a plurality of rollers which carry articles thereon. At least one of the rollers may be a motorized roller with first and second motors adapted to rotate an outer cylindrical shell of the motorized roller. A controller external to the motorized roller may send speed control commands to the motorized roller to control both the first and second motors in a manner that increases torque of the motorized roller. The motors may be controlled in four quadrant mode, or two quadrant mode, or a combination thereof. The motorized roller may be used in a right angle transfer mechanism, or in other components of a conveying system. | 07-15-2010 |
20100185320 | TRANSFER APPARATUS FOR WORKPIECE CARRIERS - In a transfer device for workpiece carriers ( | 07-22-2010 |
20100185321 | POWER ASSIST APPARATUS, AND ITS CONTROL METHOD - Provided are a power assist apparatus and its control method, which realize improvements in positioning precision and in workability while reducing the burden of a work positioning operation on a operator by burdening a portion of the positioning work on the power assist apparatus and while making good use of the decision or experience (or institution or knack) by the operator when the operator positions the work by using the power assist apparatus. The power assist apparatus thus autonomously cooperated with the working action of the operator comprises a transfer tool including an articulated robot, a sucking jig and a free joint for gripping and transferring windows, and a control device for controlling the actions of the transfer tool. The control device divides and stores a series of working tasks into a plurality of working section, and sets control logics for the individual working sections and for the individual working directions, in which the power assist apparatus has degrees of freedom. | 07-22-2010 |
20100191368 | METHOD AND CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ADJUSTING A GAP - In a method for adjusting a gap through which a product is to be conveyed, a rotatable element is driven with a predetermined torque, and the rotatable element is moved against the product located in the gap until the rotatable element stops. | 07-29-2010 |
20100222920 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR REMOTELY MONITORING THE OPERATIONAL LIFE OF CONVEYORS OF ARTICLES - The invention relates to a monitoring system for a conveyor ( | 09-02-2010 |
20100298973 | Automated Box Opening Apparatus - An apparatus includes a conveyor, a programmable motion device, and a controller. The conveyor preferably includes actuatable rollers, and the programmable motion device is preferably a robotic arm. The controller operates the conveyor, a stopping rail, and a positioning rail to move and position a box in a cutting position relative to the robotic arm. The controller determines three dimension of the box and translates a programmed cut pattern to those determined dimensions. Based on the determined dimensions, the controller then operates the robotic arm to perform the programmed cut pattern in the box with the cutting element. The cutting element preferably has square blade so that each of the four blades can be used to cut a side of the box without having to rotate the cutting element during operation. | 11-25-2010 |
20100298974 | ROBOT AND CONVEYING SYSTEM - A robot includes an arm member, a rotary actuator that swings the arm member, a hand member provided at an end of the arm member, a joint member that connects the arm member and the hand member to each other such that the arm member and the hand member are rotatable with respect to each other, a linear actuator that supports and linearly moves the rotary actuator, and a controller that operates the rotary actuator and the linear actuator in association with each other to linearly move the hand member in a forward-backward direction. | 11-25-2010 |
20100312379 | AUTOMATIC APPARATUS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL TEST TUBES IN A PNEUMATIC MAIL SYSTEM - There is described an apparatus adapted to automatically load and unload biological material test tubes into and from a capsule ( | 12-09-2010 |
20110022221 | ROLLER-BELT SORTER WITH CONTROL GRID - Apparatus and method for sorting a mass flow of articles without collisions between articles. The apparatus includes a sorting conveyor having a plurality of article-supporting belt rollers selectively rotatable in a direction transverse to the direction of belt travel. The belt rollers are selectively rotated in individual grid cells formed along the conveyor's carryway. A control system creates an image of the incoming mass flow, computes trajectories along the sorting conveyor for each package, and actuates or deactuates the belt rollers passing through each grid cell according to the trajectories to orderly and rapidly divert articles off the side of the sorting conveyor. | 01-27-2011 |
20110035048 | METERING CONVEYOR - The task to provide a weigh feeder that permits more reliable control of the amount of bulk material transported by the weigh feeder is solved according to the invention in that a motor-driven conveyor is mounted separately and completely floating to convey the bulk material, in which a number of measurement devices are provided that are arranged and designed in order to determine the weight load of the conveyor from the bulk material. Through separate, completely floating support of the conveyor, a uniform force effect on the support of the conveyor and on the load cells arranged on it is achieved. The conveyor can therefore be weighed without a lever effect caused by a fixed bearing. Through separate, completely floating support of the conveyor, exclusively the weight of the entire conveyor without the weight of other components of the weigh feeder can also be determined. | 02-10-2011 |
20110054673 | Modular vending with centralized robotic gantry - A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor. | 03-03-2011 |
20110054674 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING ITEMS SUCH AS PIECES OF MEAT - The invention relates to a method for processing items such as pieces of meat, comprising the steps of providing a stream of items | 03-03-2011 |
20110054675 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY SWITCHING CONVEYORS FOR ROBOTS - A conveyor system and a method for dynamically switching an active work associated with a motion device, the system including a plurality of conveyors for moving at least one part, at least one production machine associated with at least one of the conveyors, at least one motion device to move the at least one part, a controller associated with the at least one motion device, wherein the controller is in data communication with the at least one production machine to receive a feedback data therefrom, the feedback data representing a state of the production machine, and a software system executed by the controller to dynamically and selectively control the at least one motion device in response to the feedback data. | 03-03-2011 |
20110060452 | Method And Apparatus For Radio-Controlled Friction Drive Conveyor System - A conveyor system having a conveyor path and friction drive spaced along the path to drive carriers along the path. Each friction drive is controlled by a drive controller, which communicates tracking, routing, and other information directly to other drive controllers within range via a wireless signal. The drive controllers may also directly communicate wirelessly with a central controller. If the central controller or a desired destination drive controller is out of range of a particular drive controller, that drive controller may communicate through other drive controllers until the desired destination drive controller is reached, or a drive controller that is within range of the central controller is reached. | 03-10-2011 |
20110060453 | FEED DEVICE WITH IMPROVED ENVELOPE SEPARATION - A mailpiece feed device designed to be mounted upstream from a franking machine, and comprising at least a mailpiece feed zone for receiving a stack of mailpieces of various formats supported by a first plurality of drive rollers and a separation zone for individually selecting the mailpieces and having a second plurality of drive rollers, at least first clutch means E | 03-10-2011 |
20110082582 | APPARATUS FOR THE HANDLING OF CONTAINERS WITH A MOBILE DISPLAY - An apparatus ( | 04-07-2011 |
20110087366 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING AND LOADING OF BUNDLES OF PRINTED MATERIAL - The invention relates to a method and device for producing and loading of bundles of printed material ( | 04-14-2011 |
20110098848 | TRANSPORT AND ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING VARIABLE THICKNESS COLLATIONS - A system is provided for aligning multi-sheet collations including a conveyance system having a transport deck for supporting and conveying the multi-sheet collation along a feed path. The system includes a first pair of registration members disposed orthogonal to the feed path and defining a processing station along the feed path. The registration members further define registration surfaces which are repositionable from an active position above the transport deck to an idle position below the transport deck. A first displacement mechanism raises and lowers the registration members into and out of the active and idle positions, and oscillates at least one of the registration surfaces forward and aft in a direction parallel to the feed path when the registration member is in its active position. A processor controls the motion of the conveyance system relative to the registration members of the alignment station, and controls the first displacement mechanism to: (i) raise the registration surfaces into the active position, (ii) oscillate the registration surfaces to align the opposing edges of the multi-sheet collation, and (iii) lower the registration surfaces into the idle position to facilitate conveyance of the aligned multi-sheet collation along the feed path. | 04-28-2011 |
20110106300 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OVERHEAD CROSS-SYSTEM TRANSPORTATION - A system for managing semiconductor production includes a conveyor to convey a wafer carrier to or from an overhead hoist transfer system. The system also includes a cross-system transport apparatus to transfer the wafer carrier between the conveyor and an overhead shuttle system. | 05-05-2011 |
20110144799 | PROCESSING APPARATUS AND PROCESSING METHOD - To provide a processor and a processing method to make the operation to load and unload workpieces to and from a processing chamber more efficient, and improve workpiece processing efficiency. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144800 | MODULAR WIRELESS CONVEYOR INTERCONNECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A modular conveyor system is disclosed in which components of each conveyor module is designed for wireless mesh communication. The communications may be within a module or between modules. Certain of the components may be powered by battery, such that the components may be completely wireless. The network may be entirely self-configuring such that the modules may be assembled and the network established in a straightforward manner. | 06-16-2011 |
20110172810 | Ultraviolet Sanitization in Pharmacy Environments - Systems and methods to reduce bioburden on at least a portion of a fluid transfer port include supplying a dose of radiation to the portion in optical communication with at least one source of radiation. In an illustrative example, a medical container, such as a vial or IV bag, receives a dose of ultraviolet (UV) energy substantially at a predetermined region of a fluid transfer site. In some examples, such a sanitization process may precede a fluid transfer operation in which a fluid is transferred into or out of the medical container by passing through the sanitized region. Such fluid transfers may be used in automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes, such as drug reconstitution. Various embodiments may further include one or more seal assemblies, each seal assembly having an aperture through which the radiation dose is supplied from the source to a controlled region on the fluid transfer port. | 07-14-2011 |
20110196531 | Method and System for Tamping Media During Transportation - A method for tamping media during transportation is disclosed. Multiple parallel beltsets lie between an inlet station(s) and a delivery station(s). The multiple parallel beltsets have one or more parallel belts, a motor connected to drive the beltsets, and multiple pushers attached to the belts of the beltset with the pushers of one beltset placed between the pushers of the adjacent beltset. A control module coupled to the motors accepts a set of instructions and controls tamping of the media stack during transportation. The control module varies the velocity of one of the beltsets relative to the adjacent beltset and adjusts the distance between successive pushers on the beltsets to accept media or to tamp media during transportation. | 08-11-2011 |
20110218671 | PRINT SYSTEM, PRINT CONTROL APPARATUS AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM - A print system includes: a first printer that performs printing on continuous-form paper; a second printer that performs printing on the continuous-form paper printed by the first printer; a measuring unit that measures a paper length between the first printer and the second printer; a calculator that calculates a post-conveyance amount as a distance to convey the continuous-form paper after the printing, for the first printer or the second printer, based on the paper length measured by the measuring unit; and a conveyance operation controller that controls post-conveyance operations in the first printer and the second printer based on the post-conveyance amount calculated by the calculator. | 09-08-2011 |
20110224821 | TRANSFER ASSEMBLY - Transfer assembly for transferring large numbers of products from a supply conveyor to a further position, such as one or more discharge conveyors. It is proposed to use a number of pick-and-place robots to this end, wherein the adjacent operating ranges are positioned along a line, which line extends at a small angle to the conveying direction. Preferably, the discharge conveyor extends parallel to the line and crosses the supply conveyor and is situated above it. In this way, it is possible to transfer large numbers of products using a limited number of transfer robots and to guarantee that all products are removed from the supply conveyor. | 09-15-2011 |
20110270440 | VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE FOR PNEUMATIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM - Provided herein are systems and methods for use in controlling a translocation process of a pneumatic tube system in order to reduce the amount of energy transferred from the tube system to a pneumatic carrier and, hence, its contents. Generally, these utilities entail identifying and/or reducing forces applied to a pneumatic carrier traveling through a travel path within a pneumatic tube system. The systems and method disposed herein allow for varying the velocity of a pneumatic carrier as it passes through a travel path of the pneumatic system. Such varying of the velocity allows for reducing the total forces applied to the pneumatic carrier during passage through the system. In one arrangement, the power output of a power source connected to a compressor device is altered to vary the velocity of pneumatic carries in the system. | 11-03-2011 |
20120004767 | TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM - Upon receiving first data, a stop control unit ( | 01-05-2012 |
20120029688 | ROBOT SYSTEM - A robot system is disclosed which includes at least two robots, each having a related processing unit. The processing units are connected to each other via a network bus for data transmission, and distributed sensors are provided for gathering first and/or second measurement data within a local extension of the robot system. First measurement data gathered by at least one first sensor are transmissible to at least one processing unit related thereto. Second measurement data gathered by at least one second sensor are feedable into the network bus and provided to the at least two processing units connected thereto. The processing units can analyze the second measurement data as a variable dynamic share of workload for feeding result-data of the analysis into the network bus. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029689 | LOAD-DEPENDENT ROUTING IN MATERIAL FLOW SYSTEMS - In a method for determining the route of transport units, especially in material flow systems (e.g. luggage conveyor systems in airports), a prognosis is established as to how many transport units arrive at each module (e.g. points, conveyor track) within a window of time, an evaluation function is defined based on the prognosis for each module, an edge weight is allocated to each module according to its load predicted in the window of time, and a route is determined for each transported unit (e.g. piece of luggage) in a temporally successive manner. The method enables an automation of the fine adjustment (tuning) of an installation according to the current and expected load situation. | 02-02-2012 |
20120046784 | Conveyor System for Conveying Individual Piece Goods - The invention relates to a conveyor system for conveying individual piece goods, comprising: a number of conveyor motors and at least one control unit for sending data connected to each conveyor motor for regulating and/or controlling the conveyor motors. According to the invention, the control unit is connected with a bus line, a conveyor motor, and preferably each conveyor motor by means of the bus line, preferably without electrical contact. According to the invention, it is also provided that the modem(s) is/are designed in order to take energy for driving the conveyor motor and at least one data signal for control/regulation of the conveyor motor from the bus line and send them to the conveyor motor. | 02-23-2012 |
20120078412 | DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR CENTRALIZED ROBOTIC GANTRY - A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor. | 03-29-2012 |
20120083920 | PROCESSING SYSTEM, ROBOT, AND PRODUCT MANUFACTURING METHOD - A processing system according to embodiments has an article supplier which supplies an article; a first conveyor which conveys an object to be processed; a workbench which is provided on the downstream side of the first conveyor and places thereon the object to be processed, conveyed by the first conveyor; a robot which takes out the article from the article supplier and subjects the object to be processed, placed on the workbench, to an operation using the article according to a previously instructed operation movement; and a second conveyor which is provided on the downstream side of the workbench and conveys the object to be processed, which has been subjected to the operation by the robot. | 04-05-2012 |
20120089252 | Apparatus and Method of Detecting a Rotational Setting of Plastics Material Pre-Forms - An apparatus for the detection of a geometrical position of plastics material containers, for example, plastics material pre-forms, having a base member and a thread region may include an image-recording device, which records a locally resolved image of the plastics material container. The image-recording device is arranged in such a way that it observes the plastics material container substantially along its longitudinal direction. The apparatus includes an illumination device, which illuminates at least one region of the plastics material container observed by the image-recording device, and an evaluation device, which on the basis of an image recorded by the image-recording device determines a rotary setting of the plastics material container with respect to its longitudinal direction. | 04-12-2012 |
20120109364 | Mask Conveying System And Mask Conveying Adapter - According to one embodiment, a mask conveying system includes a stocker, a conveyance path, a storage container, a conveying apparatus, and a control device. The storage container for wafer conveyance has the same structure as the storage container for mask conveyance. The control device determines whether or not the storage container is for mask conveyance when the storage container is introduced into the stocker in an exposure area or the stocker in a mask inspection area, and controls the conveying apparatus such that the storage container is conveyed to the stocker that does not have the storage container introduced when the storage container is for mask conveyance. | 05-03-2012 |
20120116574 | CONVEYING SYSTEM - A conveying system, includes control devices for controlling the operation of the conveying system. The conveying system also includes a central control. The central control is arranged to select from a plurality of the different operating modes of the conveying system the operating mode to be used at any given time. The central control is connected to the control devices with a communications channel for indicating the operating mode selected to the control devices. | 05-10-2012 |
20120123587 | INVENTORY STORAGE AND DISPENSING MECHANISM - A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or full-sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. The inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. The inventory modules comprise dispensing modules adjustably configurable to adjust the storage density of items to be vended. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls movement of the gantry elevator and dispenser module conveyor to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by controlling the gantry conveyor. | 05-17-2012 |
20120185085 | CONVEYOR WITH DYNAMIC LOGICAL QUEUING - A system and method for dynamic logical queuing in a conveyor system. A method includes receiving a transport unit in a conveyor system having a series of physical conveyor units. The method includes determining a length of the transport unit by the conveyor system, and defining a logical conveyor unit corresponding to the transport unit according to the length of the transport unit. A plurality of the physical conveyor units is assigned to the logical conveyor unit. The method includes controlling the movement of the transport item through the conveyor system using the logical conveyor unit. | 07-19-2012 |
20120209423 | CONCEPT FOR INCREASING EFFICIENCY OF ROBOTIC PACKAGING INSTALLATIONS - The invention relates to a method for moving piece goods from at least one piece goods conveyor ( | 08-16-2012 |
20120239185 | PRODUCTION SYSTEM, PROCESSED OBJECT MANUFACTURING METHOD, AND CONTAINER TRANSFERRING METHOD - The production system includes: an item feeding device having transfer mechanisms provided alongside and respectively transferring containers each storing an item to item feeding positions; a carrier device holding and carrying the container and the item at the feeding position; and a control device making: the item feeding device operate to select only one of the transfer mechanisms and to transfer the container of the selected transfer mechanism to the feeding position; the carrier device operate to hold the item from the container transferred to the feeding position and to carry the item to a transfer position; and the carrier device operate to hold the container transferred to the feeding position and to carry the container from the feeding position to a transfer position over an item feeding position for a different one of the transfer mechanisms. | 09-20-2012 |
20120277903 | Picking station and method for picking with a light grid - The invention relates to a commissioning area comprising a buffers for order containers in which items can be commissioned, the buffer comprising a plurality of adjacent buffer regions for receiving order containers. A beam field is provided above the buffer in order to monitor the commissioning of items. | 11-01-2012 |
20120283870 | CONVEYOR SAFETY CONTROL - A conveyor system has a plurality of sensors coupled to a computer system, the computer system being programmed to check a number of safety functions greater than the number of sensors. A method of controlling the safety function of the conveyor comprises providing signals from a plurality of sensors disposed in relation to the conveyor to a computer system; operating the conveyor in a learn mode; during operation in the learn mode determining in the computer system the relationship between the sensor output signals and pre-stored logic in the computer system which describes the physical geometry of the possible conveyor types and permissible operating characteristics thereof and determining the relationship between the sensor output signals to establish the safety integrity of the sensors, and storing sensor signal patterns as a reference pattern; and subsequently operating the conveyor in a run mode in which safety functions are monitored; and during the run mode comparing in the computer system the pattern of sensor signals with the reference pattern and with the pre-stored logic so as to establish the safety integrity of the sensors, of the computer system and of the operation of the conveyor. | 11-08-2012 |
20120290126 | Conveyor Controllers - Various methods, apparatuses, and program products that are used to control at least a portion of a conveyor, determine information about an article conveyed by the conveyor, or otherwise operate a conveyor are provided. One method includes detecting whether a second conveyor controller is connected to the first conveyor controller and, in response to detecting that there is a second conveyor controller connected to the first conveyor controller, identifying whether the second conveyor controller is connected to a predetermined network interface of the first conveyor controller. The method further includes configuring the first conveyor controller to rotate a motorized roller in a first predetermined direction if a second conveyor controller is connected to the predetermined network interface and configuring the first conveyor controller to rotate the motorized roller in a second predetermined direction if a second conveyor controller is not connected to the predetermined network interface. | 11-15-2012 |
20120290127 | SYSTEM FOR HANDLING SLIDES HAVING A LINEAR TRANSPORT MECHANISM FOR TRANSPORTING THE RACKS - The present invention relates to a system ( | 11-15-2012 |
20120323358 | PICKING SYSTEM - A picking system includes a conveyer, a robot, a main camera, and a control device. The conveyer conveys workpieces. The robot performs a holding operation and a moving operation on the workpieces. The main camera captures the transport path of the conveyer. The control device detects the workpiece on the basis of the image captured by the main camera and instructs the robot to perform the holding operation on the detected workpiece. Moreover, the control device instructs the robot to perform the holding operation on the overlapped workpieces when the overlapping of the workpieces is detected. | 12-20-2012 |
20130035783 | MOVING STOP STATION FOR ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY - A moving stop station includes a vehicle carrier configured to move a vehicle along an assembly line, an assembly platform disposed adjacent to the assembly line, and a synchronizer in communication with the vehicle carrier and the assembly platform. The synchronizer is configured to synchronize the motion of the assembly platform with the motion of the vehicle carrier as the vehicle carrier moves along a length of the assembly line, and includes a sensor, processor, and actuator. The sensor is configured to sense the position of the vehicle carrier and to generate a position signal corresponding to the sensed position. The processor is configured to receive the position signal and selectively provide a synchronization signal in response, and the actuator is configured to receive the synchronization signal and synchronize the motion of the vehicle carrier and the motion of the assembly platform in response. | 02-07-2013 |
20130035784 | CONTROLLED ARCHITECTURE FOR TRANSPORT SYSTEMS - Control architecture for use with transport systems, such as linear drive systems, rotary drive systems, or a combination thereof, comprising a computer system having a controller for operating control system software for receiving input commands and protocols for creating a motion profile for each transport element, and a gateway for receiving the motion profile from the control system software and for operating gateway drive software that functions to select the appropriate drives to move each transport element along one or more tracks in accordance with their motion profiles. | 02-07-2013 |
20130054008 | TARGETED PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process. | 02-28-2013 |
20130079922 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING MATERIAL THAT CONTAINS BIOMASS - A method for processing material that contains biomass. The material is led onto a conveyor. The conveyor conveys the material to an apparatus for mechanical processing and/or to a further processing plant. The moisture content is measured and/or the size of pieces of non-combustible material and/or the content of non-combustible material in the material flow is measured in connection with the conveyor. Based on at least one of the measurements, material is conveyed to the material to be conveyed for further processing and/or to the apparatus for mechanical processing, or to at least one material to be conveyed elsewhere than to the further processing plant or the apparatus for mechanical processing. Also a system for processing material that contains biomass. | 03-28-2013 |
20130123972 | ENDLESS CONVEYOR DRIVE MONITORING SYSTEM - A drive load measuring system for a conveyor-type oven is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a drive load measuring system includes: a pair of mounting assemblies that support opposing end portions of a rotating drive shaft of an oven drive unit; and a PLC control unit operatively connected to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies each include a pivot bracket mounted to the body of the oven and a force sensing fastener inserted into the pivot bracket and configured to generate an output signal representative of the load on the force sensing fastener. The PLC control unit can be configured to calculate load values of the force sensing fasteners and to detect rapid changes in the load values that may indicate jam-ups of conveyors driven by the oven drive unit. Alternatively, the PLC control unit can be configured to detect when load values of the force sensing fasteners exceed a threshold value, which may also indicate jam-ups of the conveyors. According to another embodiment, a drive load measuring system includes a pair of in-line torque sensors attached to a rotating drive shaft of an oven drive unit at or near end portions of the drive shaft; and a PLC control unit operatively connected to the mounting assemblies. | 05-16-2013 |
20130138242 | SECURE COLLECTION - An apparatus and method are disclosed for securely storing items of media. The apparatus includes a storage bag body having an open mouth region and a sealing collar extending around at least a portion of the mouth region. The collar includes a first and second elongate side bar, each having a first and second end and a first pair of hinged end bars disposed in an end-to-end configuration between respective first ends of the side bars and a second pair of hinged end bars disposed in an end-to-end configuration between the respective second ends of the side bars. At least one side bar and at least one end bar in each pair of end bars comprises at least one securing element for irreversibly sealing the mouth region of the storage bag body closed. | 05-30-2013 |
20130166064 | TRANSFER APPARATUS AND TRANSFER METHOD - A transfer apparatus for mounting and transferring a transferred component on a driven means, the transfer apparatus includes: a driving means for rotating a driving side pulley by a rotational driving force of a motor to move a belt wound around the driving side pulley, thereby moving the driven means coupled to the belt in a predetermined direction; and a transfer monitoring means for monitoring a transfer state of the driven means, wherein the transfer monitoring means detects a torque value of the motor required to move the driven means, calculates a torque differential value of the torque value with respect to time based on the detected torque value, and detects the transfer state using the calculated torque differential value. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166065 | Method for Controlling Material Flows, E.G., in the Form of Bulk Material and the Like and Corresponding Device - A device for controlling material flows may include at least one feeding device for feeding material of at least one type of material, at least one output device for outputting material of at least one type of material, a transport device for transporting the material, at least one sensor for determining at least one state-dependent parameter of the device, and a control device for controlling the devices, the control device being designed to process event-based signals, e.g., signals from the at least one sensor. | 06-27-2013 |
20130173051 | METHOD FOR ANTI-COLLISION CONTROL AND THE MANAGEMENT OF PICKING DEVICES WITH SHARED WORKING AREAS IN A PACKAGING LINE - Methods for anti-collision control of pickers in a packaging line are disclosed. The line includes linear conveyors for the inlet of items and for the outlet of items, robots or picking devices that operate with shared working areas. The anti-collision method comprises an algorithm to assign a pickup location or a delivery location to a generic first robot including: checking for a pickup or delivery location already assigned to other robots and in a working area shared with the first robot; dynamically redefining the working area of the first robot to obtain a new working area such that the locations already assigned to other robots are outside of the dynamically-redefined area; assigning of a respective pickup or delivery location belonging to the redefined working area to the first robot. A prediction algorithm is disclosed to improve management of items and balancing of work load between the robots. | 07-04-2013 |
20130211581 | METHOD AND CONTROL AND TRACKING SYSTEM OF THE CHARGE OF MATERIAL TRANSPORTED BY A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY CONVEYOR OF A METALLURGICAL FURNACE, PARTICULARLY AN ELECTRIC FURNACE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF STEEL - A method, control, and tracking system of a charge of material transported by a continuous supply conveyor of a metallurgical furnace, for example an electric furnace for production of steel. The continuous conveyor includes, in sequence starting from its inlet end towards its outlet end, a loading section of the charge of material to be supplied to the furnace, a preheating section of the charge of material loaded, and an introduction section into the furnace of the preheated charge of material, and along the loading section at least a first loading station of material. | 08-15-2013 |
20130261790 | GRAIN AUGER PROTECTION SYSTEM - The present invention is a grain auger protection system that includes an electric motor that generates power to operate the system that is shut-off when movement by a person is detected by the system, a motor cord that is an electrical cord that runs from the motor and a grain bin doorway that receives the motor cord running from the motor that allows a person access to the system. The system also includes a motion detector sensor that includes a circuit controller, a motion detector eye, a controller sensor, a sensor cable, a control circuit and a voltage line that is connected to the motor and terminates the system when movement by the person is detected, a plurality of cords to a controller and a bin sweep auger that is controlled by the system that sweeps a grain bin being protected by the system. | 10-03-2013 |
20130268114 | System and Method for Vibration Transport - A transport system and method has a support frame which carries at least a first reciprocating conveyor and a second reciprocating reference mass. The reciprocating conveyor and reference mass are connected by springs. The system has at least one first force generating apparatus and at least one activation spring connected to the force generating apparatus. The activation spring is connected to at least one reciprocating conveyor or the reciprocating reference mass. The system and method for vibration transport of goods determines the mass of goods delivered by the transport system. The support frame is carried by at least one load cell. The load cell is connected to a computer system. The computer system performs a calculation of the mass of transported goods. The computer system delivers a continuous measurement of the mass of the goods which are transported. | 10-10-2013 |
20130274916 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEALING PRODUCTS IN A PNEUMATIC TUBE CARRIER - A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing. | 10-17-2013 |
20130282167 | TRANSPORTING APPARATUS - A transporting apparatus includes a motor, a transporting mechanism which receives a power from the motor and transports the sheet, and a control section which controls the motor in accordance with a predetermined control sequence to make the transporting mechanism transport the sheet up to a target position, and detects an occurrence of an electric-current saturation phenomenon in the motor. When the control section detects the occurrence of the electric-current saturation phenomenon, the control section performs correction of the predetermined control sequence including correction in which a target transporting velocity of the sheet is lowered from a predetermined value determined in the predetermined control sequence, and controls the motor in accordance with the corrected control sequence to make the transporting mechanism transport the sheet so that the sheet is stopped at the target position. | 10-24-2013 |
20130282168 | Method For Controlling Movement Of Travelling Carriers - A method for controlling movement of travelling carriers includes providing, to a rear travelling carrier approaching a work area at a high speed, current location information corresponding to distances from a measurement starting point to the rear travelling carrier and a front travelling carrier, the rear travelling carrier calculating a following distance between the front and rear travelling carriers based on the current location information, and the rear travelling carrier performing deceleration control to the operating speed based on decremental changes of the following distance. | 10-24-2013 |
20130289763 | CONVEY CONTROL DEVICE FOR LONG OBJECT - A convey control device for a long object includes an upstream side conveying unit, a buffer unit, a downstream side conveying unit, and a convey control unit. When starting to convey the long object, by a catalyst of starting output of conveying speed information of the long object output after receiving a convey start instruction sent from another device following the downstream side conveying unit, the convey control unit releases the restricting of a driving source of the upstream side conveying unit and the downstream side conveying unit and starts the convey control of the long object. | 10-31-2013 |
20130297065 | Loading System for an Aircraft and Method for Conveying a Piece of Cargo on a Cargo Deck - The invention concerns a loading system for an aircraft, wherein the loading system comprises a control computer; a multiplicity of cargo conveying devices for conveying a piece of cargo on a cargo loading deck of the aircraft, wherein to control the cargo conveying devices, the control computer is communicatively connected with the cargo conveying devices; at least one input device which is communicatively connected with the control computer to transfer user inputs to the control computer. An aspect of the invention is that the one input device may be formed as a touchscreen. | 11-07-2013 |
20130325169 | Apparatus and Method for Transferring Gloves - The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a glove ( | 12-05-2013 |
20130345858 | MANIPULATOR AUTO-TEACH AND POSITION CORRECTION SYSTEM - A substrate processing system including a housing for housing at least part of a processing device, at least one target affixed to the processing device, the processing device having a first processing device reference point in a known relationship with the at least one target, at least one transmitter located within the housing and configured to transmit an identification signal identifying the at least one transmitter to the at least one target and a controller operably connected to the at least one target and the at least one transmitter, the controller being configured to receive data signals, based on the identification signal, from one of the at least one target and the at least one transmitter and control an operational characteristic of the processing device, based on the data signals. | 12-26-2013 |
20140018955 | PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY IMPROVING APPARATUS, PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY IMPROVING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - A production efficiency improving apparatus includes a first communicating means for communicating information with a plurality of processing apparatuses that process objects, and a second communicating means for communicating conveyance control information, with a conveyance system comprising conveyance apparatuses for conveying the objects between the plurality of processing apparatuses. A means for predicting, on the basis of information communicated by the first communicating means, the conveying timing at which the processing apparatus needs to send out processed objects, and the conveying timing at which the processing apparatus needs to bring in unprocessed objects. A generating means generates the control information such that the conveyance apparatus will arrive at the processing apparatus that is the destination of the communication of information at the predicted timing predicted by the means for predicting. | 01-16-2014 |
20140039671 | APPARATUS FOR PROCESS AUTOMATION USING A PIN AND BUSHING ARRAY - An apparatus and method for transferring plurality of samples from one sample container to another one is disclosed wherein each sample is randomly accessible and can be “cherry picked”. The disclosed method of actuation allows for using a smaller number of actuators than the number of sample transferring channels or pins and thereby simplifies the design and control of the sample transferring apparatus. | 02-06-2014 |
20140081448 | CONTROL OF PNEUMATIC CARRIER SYSTEM BASED ON CARRIER OR PAYLOAD IDENTIFICATION - A system and method provides for controlling a pneumatic carrier system based on identification information read from a carrier or a payload of the carrier. Each carrier or payload which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon information for the carrier or payload. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the identification device. Based on reading the identification device at locations within the system, the operation of the system is altered. | 03-20-2014 |
20140088759 | METHOD AND TOOL FOR GIVING OUT INFORMATION IN A CONTAINER FLOW SYSTEM - A method and a tool for information output. The method involves determining and/or assessing one or more physical parameters of one or more components in a system or apparatus. Also included is a first assigner which associates a first is-information or a first is-not-information, respectively, to several parameters, which first is- or is-not-information is output and/or displayed depending on the determined and/or assessed parameters. Further included is a second assigner, which associates a second is-information or a second is-not-information, respectively, to several of the determined and/or assessed parameters, which second is- or is-not-information is output and/or displayed depending on the determined and/or assessed parameters in addition to, or in place of, the first is- or is-not-information. The system is a container flow system in which containers are directed and/or guided between the at least two components in a predetermined transport direction and/or along a predetermined transport path. | 03-27-2014 |
20140100690 | KIVA Transporting Inventory Items #3 - A method for transporting inventory items includes moving a mobile drive unit to a first point within a workspace. The first point is a location of an inventory holder. The method further includes docking the mobile drive unit with the inventory holder and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to a second point within the workspace. The second point is associated with conveyance equipment. The method further includes moving the inventory holder to a third point within the workspace using the conveyance equipment. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107834 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING OBJECTS - The invention relates to a process for aligning an object such as a hollow body in which the object is fed to an aligning and/or positioning device by means of a conveyor system such as a conveyor belt, wherein the actual orientation and actual position of the object is determined by means of an image acquisition system comprising a camera and software run on a computer for evaluating a camera picture of the object, and the orientation and/or positioning device is controlled in response to said evaluation in order to change the actual orientation and actual position of the object to a desired orientation and/or desired position. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out such a process. | 04-17-2014 |
20140114468 | CONVEYOR AND METHOD TO CONVEY ANIMAL PRODUCTS IN AN AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS - The invention relates to a conveyor and a method to convey animal products in an agricultural business. Such a conveyor comprises a conveyor belt, a belt drive to drive the conveyor belt in at least one conveying direction, and a sensor to record a deviation of a position of a conveyor belt edge. The sensor is designed and arranged to output a deviation signal when the position of the conveyor belt edge deviates by a predetermined value from the target position. Furthermore, a correction device and a control unit are provided, whereby the correction device is designed and arranged to change the belt drive orientation dependent on a correction signal and whereby the control unit is designed to generate a correction signal dependent on the deviation signal and to output it to the correction device. | 04-24-2014 |
20140129026 | Multi-Zone Conveyor System Having LAN Based Control - A control system for a conveyor system having one or more upstream and downstream conveyor zones and whose operation effectuates transportation of a series of loads via operation of motors and drive arrangements associated with the respective conveyor zones. The control system includes a Local Area Network (LAN) connection between each component of the control arrangement associated with each zone control such that status and operational information associated with the configuration or operation of each conveyor zone, including the zone motor, can be communicated to other conveyor zones so that operation of each conveyor zone can be manipulated in a controlled manner in response to changes to operation of other conveyor zones. | 05-08-2014 |
20140142747 | Selectable Release Mode Merge Subsystem - Methods, devices, non-transitory storage media, and systems that utilize operations including configuring each feed conveyor in the plurality of feed conveyors to operate in a slug-building merge mode, monitoring to identify a first predefined condition, configuring each feed conveyor in the plurality of feed conveyors to operate in a zippering merge mode in response to identifying the first predefined condition, monitoring to identify a second predefined condition, and configuring a first set of the feed conveyors in the plurality of feed conveyors to operate in the slug-building merge mode and a second set of the feed conveyors in the plurality of feed conveyors to simultaneously operate in the zippering merge mode in response to identifying the second predefined condition. | 05-22-2014 |
20140156063 | ACCUMULATION CONTROL - Systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory processor readable media of the various embodiments enable control of a conveyor having a plurality of zones each having a control module configured to control a selectable speed of the zone. The various embodiments are disclosed in connection with, but not necessarily limited to, accumulation conveyors with control systems which selectively set the speeds of zones based on conditions of upstream and downstream zones. The various embodiments are directed to improving efficiency of accumulation systems by controlling zones based upon consideration of conditions of neighboring zones. The various embodiment also enable the generation and use of translation tables correlating zones with network addresses of their respective control modules. | 06-05-2014 |
20140163723 | FEED STATION FOR FEEDING FLAT ITEMS TO A PROCESSING APPARATUS - A feed station has a pre-separation region, a separation region and a transport region in succession along a transport path. A first sensor is at the start of the separation region and a second sensor is at the start of the transport region. A control unit processes signals from the sensors and encoders to determine the position of the flat item, and is connected with a separation motor to drive the separation device, so that a flat item is separated from a stack with a predetermined separation velocity. If unacceptably small gaps exist between the flat items, the separation process is stopped when the leading edge of a subsequent flat item reaches the second sensor and is continued when the preceding separated flat item achieves a predetermined clearance from the leading edge of the aforementioned flat item due to its transport. | 06-12-2014 |
20140163724 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AND/OR REGULATING A FLUID CONVEYOR FOR CONVEYING A FLUID WITHIN A FLUID LINE - A method for controlling/regulating a fluid conveyer for conveying a fluid within a fluid line is provided. The method includes the steps, receiving information regarding a setpoint flow rate of the fluid within the fluid line, determining an energy consumption of the fluid conveyer during operation within a working range of the fluid conveyer, controlling the fluid conveyer, with regard to a generated flow of the fluid, on the basis of the information regarding the setpoint flow rate of the fluid within the fluid line in such a way that the setpoint flow rate of the fluid is stained and the energy consumption required for this is minimized, wherein it is taken into consideration that the working range of the fluid conveyer is bounded by a non-linear boundary. Also described is a corresponding device. | 06-12-2014 |
20140172155 | Flow Control Conveyor - The discharge case length rate of a collector conveyor is controlled to provide a more consistent case length rate to the infeed of a downstream conveyor, such as a singulator conveyor, to control or maintain a desired case length rate at the exit of the collector conveyor without stopping the infeed conveyors. The discharge case feet rate accounts for the requirements of downstream devices, such as accounting for trailing gap requirements of a sortation conveyor disposed downstream of a singulator conveyor feed by a conveyor system constructed in accordance with this aspect of the present invention. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172156 | FEED STATION FOR FEEDING FLAT ITEMS TO A PROCESSING APPARATUS - A feed station feeds a flow of items along a transport path, in which a path, a path point W | 06-19-2014 |
20140180471 | CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CARRIERS IN A MACHINE - A control device ( | 06-26-2014 |
20140207276 | AUTOMATED COLLATING CONVEYOR SYSTEM - A method of moving and boxing packages, including positioning a conveyor belt assembly having distal and proximal ends to receive a package at the distal end, sending a signal when a first package is placed upon the distal end, generating an air pulse to reorient the first package into a predetermined orientation, moving the first package to a loading area, and removing the first package into a shipping container. Next, the first package is moved far enough to make room for a second package, a second package is placed onto the distal end, a signal is sent when the second package is placed upon the distal end, and an air pulse is generated to reorient the second package into a predetermined orientation. | 07-24-2014 |
20140236348 | MONITORING SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORT CHAINS FOR CONVEYORS OF ARTICLES - Monitoring system for a conveyor of articles ( | 08-21-2014 |
20140244028 | Method and Apparatus for Changing Carriage Speed on a Closed-loop Track - A method and apparatus for managing different traffic speeds of carriages moving along a closed-loop track is disclosed. The closed-loop track has at least four different speed zones, which include a slow speed zone, a fast speed zone, an acceleration zone, and a deceleration zone. A computerized control system monitors and controls the movement of the carriages along the different speed zones of the closed loops track, so different traffic speeds are maintained along the closed loop track, simultaneously, with no collisions. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244029 | Conveying Apparatus - The present invention is a conveying apparatus for the bi-directional guidance of one or more objects, ingredients, products, containers, packs or packaging components from a primary location to a secondary location. Matter, such as the objects, ingredients, products, containers, packs or packaging component, supplied to the conveying apparatus from the primary location are monitored and corresponding speed and directional values are determined that are indicative of the relationship between matter supplied to the conveying apparatus and the matter being guided by the conveying apparatus to the secondary location. Based upon the speed and directional values, the conveying apparatus may be managed for bi-directional guidance of one or more objects from the primary location to the secondary location. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244030 | Conveyor Controllers - Methods, apparatuses, and program products for controlling a conveyor. One embodiment of the method includes operating a motorized roller of the conveyor to rotate in a first direction corresponding to a direction of travel, and in response to detecting that a jam has occurred, operating the motorized roller to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. Another embodiment of the method includes sending a message to a second controller controlling a downstream conveyor requesting data to determine whether the downstream conveyor is occupied by an article. In response to determining the downstream conveyor is not occupied by the article, operating a motorized roller of an upstream conveyor to convey an incoming article at a target speed, and in response to determining the downstream conveyor is occupied by the article, operating the motorized roller to convey the incoming article at an adjusted target speed slower than the target speed. | 08-28-2014 |
20140257555 | ROBOTIC MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM - An autonomous robotic transport system has been developed in which the individual robot vehicles are able to move in multiple directions, such as vertically as well as around curves. Through the use of a unique rail system, the vehicle is able to move around corners and turns without the need for expensive modifications. This eliminates the need for various differentials or multiple electric motors to provide the difference between inner and outer wheels in a turn. Moreover, a number of switches have been developed that allow the vehicles to move not only vertically but also horizontally as well as transition between vertical and horizontal movement. A technique for operating the robotic vehicles is also described. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257556 | TARGETED PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257557 | TRANSPORT OF AN OBJECT ACROSS A SURFACE - A basic idea of the present application is that in case of determining a position of the object on the surface, it is possible to also use transport mechanisms for the transport of the object on the surface which leads to less reproducible transport movements as the regulation may be executed directly on the basis of the observed movement as compared to the desired movement. Embodiments using compressed air, magnetism and/or bending waves are described. | 09-11-2014 |
20140277698 | Zone Controller For Modular Conveyor System - Method and apparatus for controlling a conveyor system including a conveyor zone having a plurality of conveyor regions. A zone controller is configured to track the position of one or more articles within a controlled zone. The zone controller may be operatively coupled to controllers of adjacent zones, and may receive and transmit data relating to the position of articles in the controlled zone and whether the zone is accepting articles from the other controllers. Articles are moved within the controlled zone by selectively activating the zone based on determined positions of articles within the controlled zone, the positions of articles within adjacent zones, and/or the operating mode of the zone. The zone controller may thereby operate cooperatively with adjacent zones to manage spacing between articles by selectively positioning multiple articles within the zone, and may accumulate or discharge articles from the conveyor system in a desired arrangement. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277699 | LABORATORY PRODUCT TRANSPORT ELEMENT AND PATH ARRANGEMENT - The invention concerns a laboratory product transport element for a laboratory transport system with an energy receiver and/or energy accumulator to provide drive power, at least one signal receiver to receive control signals, a control unit to generate drive signals as a function of at least one control signal obtained from the at least one signal receiver, movement devices for independent movement of the laboratory product transport element on a transfer path as a function of the drive signals of the control unit, in which the drive devices are driven by the drive power and at least one holder to hold a laboratory product being transported. The invention also concerns a laboratory transport system with at least one laboratory product transport element according to an embodiment of the invention and a transfer path arrangement. The invention also concerns methods for operation of laboratory transport systems according to an embodiment of the invention. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277700 | TRANSFER CONVEYOR ARRANGEMENT AND CONTROL - A routing module capable of conveying incoming articles from a plurality of infeed conveyor zones to a plurality of discharge conveyors is controlled efficiently to avoid gridlock. The control logic may consider upstream fullness and downstream fullness conditions. Articles may be conveyed to alternative destinations to avoid upstream articles from being delayed due to the lack of availability of the desired destination path for an article. | 09-18-2014 |
20140316559 | APPARATUS FOR THE HANDLING OF CONTAINERS WITH A MOBILE DISPLAY - An apparatus ( | 10-23-2014 |
20140330430 | CONVEYOR CARRIAGE POSITION MONITORING - A conveyor system including a conveyor belt; a conveyor rail including a track having a proximal end and a distal end, and a conveyor take-up for collecting excess conveyor belt; a conveyor carriage configured to move along the track between the proximal end and the distal end, the conveyor carriage including a base rotatably supporting the conveyor belt, and a target; a winch positioned proximate the proximal end of the track, the winch including a carriage cable coupling the conveyor carriage to the winch, a motor, and a motor sensor configured to sense a motor characteristic; a position sensor configured to sense a position of the target; and a controller having a memory and processor. The controller is configured to receive the motor characteristic and the position of the target, calculate a characteristic of the conveyor system, and output the characteristic. | 11-06-2014 |
20140336816 | SORTING SYSTEM AND SORTING METHOD - A sorting system is provided with conveying section, distance detecting section, article detecting section, determining section, acquisition section, and sorting section. The conveying section conveys an article. The distance detecting section acquires distance data indicating a distance, from above the conveying section, from the distance detecting section to an object included in a detection area including an area through which the article conveyed by the conveying section passes. The article detecting section detects one or a plurality of the articles based on the distance data. The determining section determines, when a plurality of the articles are detected, whether a plurality of the articles are sortable. The acquisition section acquires sorting information of the article. | 11-13-2014 |
20140343722 | Vibration Detection System, Apparatus and Method - A system for monitoring an endless belt conveyor, comprising a sensor for sensing a vibration of an idler roller and generating a signal corresponding to the sensed vibration, at least one of the frequency and amplitude of the generated signal being indicative of a condition of the idler roller, the sensor being integral with the endless belt conveyor. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343723 | ELECTRIC MOVER FOR SWING AWAY CONVEYOR - An electric drive apparatus for attachment to a swing away auger assembly includes a bracket and drive wheel adapted to be attached to the assembly and configured to pivot an attached swing auger. An electric drive motor rotates the drive wheel, and a control circuit assembly is connected to the electric drive motor by drive wires. The control circuit assembly is operative to activate the electric drive motor in response to forward, stop, and reverse drive signals received from a remote control unit. The control circuit is mounted to a heat sink plate such that heat generated in the control circuit assembly is conducted to the heat sink plate, and the heat sink plate forms an external wall of a circuit housing enclosing the control circuit assembly. The circuit housing is sealed. A bin spill prevention system has a sensor that shuts a discharge gate directing material into the conveyor. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343724 | PNEUMATIC TRANSPORT DELIVERY CONTROL - The presented inventions seek to create a verifiable and closed loop chain-of-custody for a specific transaction in a pneumatic tube transport system while allowing a sender and recipient to perform asynchronous activity. That is, one aspect the presented inventions allows a sender to securely send a carrier to a desired recipient while allowing the desired recipient to receive the secured carrier at a convenient time and/or location without tying up system resources. Another aspect improves the physical barriers between high value payloads and the unintended recipients. This is done in part by introducing randomness into the carrier delivery process such that no member of the general public or facility staff knows the location and/or delivery time of a secured carrier without having access to specific database records indicating the current location and/or delivery status of the secured carrier. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343725 | Automated Adjustment System for Star Wheel - A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed. An automated adjustment mechanism for adjusting a star wheel to accommodate different articles is also disclosed. The automated adjustment mechanism may be used with any suitable star wheel. | 11-20-2014 |
20140350719 | MONITORING AND CONTROL OF A TRANSPORT DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS - Method for monitoring and controlling a loading rate of a transport section with one or several individually speed-controlled consecutive partial sections (T | 11-27-2014 |
20140364998 | CONVEYOR SPEED CONTROL - Systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory processor readable media of the various embodiments enable intelligent speed control of conveyors (e.g., singulator conveyors, sortation conveyors, etc.) in a material handling system. | 12-11-2014 |
20140379122 | ACCUMULATED LOAD TRACKER - A method for tracking the accumulated load and any load events that exceed a maximum threshold in a mobile farm implement. The mobile farm implement includes a plurality of load sensors which provide a weight of the material in a bin to an indicator, and a memory that stores the accumulated load and the highest load events. | 12-25-2014 |
20150019005 | PACKAGING LINE - The present invention relates to a packaging line comprising a packaging machine and at least one additional component, wherein the packaging machine and the component each have an at least partially local control and the packaging line has a line regulation/control. The present invention further relates to a method for operating a packaging line comprising a packaging machine and at least one additional component, wherein the packaging machine and each component have an at least partially local control and the packaging line has a line regulation/control. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019006 | ROBOT SYSTEM AND ROBOT CONTROLLER - The robot system includes a first robot, a first robot controller, a loading information storage device, a second robot, and a second robot controller. The first robot holds and loads one or more target objects to form a loaded body. The first robot controller controls a movement of the first robot. The loading information storage device stores loading information of each target object loaded by the first robot. The second robot holds and unloads the one or more target objects from the loaded body. The second robot controller controls a movement of the second robot. The second robot controller comprises a first movement mode determining part. The first movement mode determining part determines a movement mode of the second robot based on the loading information of each target object. The second robot controller controls the movement of the second robot based on the movement mode. | 01-15-2015 |
20150019007 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING ITEMS SUCH AS PIECES OF MEAT - A method of processing items such as pieces of meat, by providing a stream of items by means of a primary conveyor means, allocating at least partly by means of a computer system one or more of said items to one of at least two workstations where said items are processed, e.g. cut and/or trimmed, resulting in one or more processed items, registering in said computer system information about a return of at least one of said one or more processed items to said primary conveyor means, and returning said at least one of said one or more processed items to said primary conveyor means in accordance with said information about a return, wherein the method further comprises keeping track of said items including when they are taken out and put back on the primary conveyor. The invention further relates to a processing system for carrying out the method. | 01-15-2015 |
20150025677 | DEVICE FOR DETECTING GAP IN PRODUCT AND RELATED METHOD - A detection device includes a transmission belt, a lifting mechanism positioned below the transmission belt, a sensor, a capturing unit, and a processor. The sensor generates a product presence signal after sensing the product within the field of view of the sensor. The capturing unit captures an image of the product in response to the product presence signal. | 01-22-2015 |
20150025678 | INTELLIGENT BIDIRECTIONAL MULTIFUNCTIONAL CARRIER AND INTEGRATED AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSPORTATION - An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. A central management controller can communicate wirelessly with the carriers to direct the carriers to carry a fluid sample to testing stations along a track within the automation system. The carriers control local motion and navigate decision points, such as forks in the track, to reach the appropriate testing station independently. The carriers can utilize landmarks and distance encoding to reach destinations accurately and quickly, including, for example, within less than the time for a single operation cycle of an automated clinical analyzer. | 01-22-2015 |
20150066202 | CONTROL APPARATUS, CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD - A control apparatus controls a circulating conveyor having areas each of which stores one of articles. A storage stores inventory information indicating a state of storage of each of the articles. A computer executes a program to perform a controlling process of controlling the conveyor. The controlling process includes a receiving process of receiving an instruction of storing or carrying out an article, a computing process of computing, in response to reception of the instruction by the receiving process, an amount of travel of the conveyor based on the inventory information, the amount of travel being necessary to move one of the areas of the conveyor to a predetermined position at which one of the articles is stored in or carried out of the one of the areas, and a first controlling process of controlling an operation of the conveyor in accordance with the computed amount of travel. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066203 | CONTROL UNIT FOR CENTRALIZING CONTROL BY GROUPING A PLURALITY OF PATHS - The control of second to fourth paths (slave paths) is performed with reference to various settings and the sequence of the first path (master path), instead of various settings and sequences of the second to fourth paths, thus, control of all path groups is centralized by the sequence of the first path. | 03-05-2015 |
20150081090 | MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A material handling system comprising: a platform for receiving a plurality of articles; a plurality of sorting bins, each bin in corresponding to an article type; an object recognition system for identifying an article on the platform and categorizing said article by specific article type; said 3D object recognition system including a 3D detector for detecting said article and a database containing data on characteristics of article types; an article engagement assembly for engaging and delivering said article to said corresponding sorting bin; wherein the object recognition system is arranged to identify the article based upon the data within said database and instructs the article engagement assembly to engage and place the article in said sorting bin. | 03-19-2015 |
20150120039 | MEDICINAL AGENT FILLING DEVICE - There is provided a medicinal agent filling device that allows reduction of the operator's time and effort when the operator fills a medicinal agent into a container. A medicinal agent filling device includes: a supply device for supplying a medicinal agent of interest to a container capable of being filled with the medicinal agent; a holding body having a plurality of holding sections, each of which can hold the container; a conveyance device for conveying the holding body and moving the holding body to a supply position at which the medicinal agent can be supplied from the supply device to the container held by any one of the plurality of holding sections; and a detecting unit for detecting the holding body located on an immediately upstream side of the supply position. | 04-30-2015 |
20150332948 | TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND TRANSPORT METHOD - In a transport system, overhead travelling vehicles each including a hoist travel along an overhead travelling vehicle travelling route. A local vehicle travelling route is disposed under the overhead travelling vehicle travelling route and over load ports at a position higher than the load ports. Local vehicles each including hoist travel along the local vehicle travelling route. Buffers are disposed along the local vehicle travelling route. The local vehicle travelling route includes a plurality of local vehicle travelling routes that are provided in parallel, and the local vehicles are configured to diverge and merge from one local vehicle travelling route to another local vehicle travelling route. The local vehicles transport articles between a load port and a buffer under control of a controller. The overhead travelling vehicles, under control of the controller, transfer articles to and from a load port or a buffer and transport articles between a load port or a buffer and a section other than the local vehicle travelling routes. | 11-19-2015 |
20150344233 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MOVING ELEMENT IN A LINEAR MOTOR CONVEYOR - A system for controlling moving elements including: a zone controller; a first network and a second network operatively connected to the zone controller; at least one first motor gateway associated with a portion of the conveyor and assigned to the first network; and at least one second motor gateway associated with a different portion of the conveyor and assigned to the second network; wherein the zone controller, the at least one first motor gateway, and the at least one second motor gateway are configured to: communicate data related to control of the moving elements via the first network and the second network in a structured manner to compensate for network or processing timing. A method for controlling moving elements including: communicating data related to control of the moving element conveyor between a zone controller and at least one first motor gateway and at least one second motor gateway, wherein the data is communicated in a structured manner to compensate for network or processing timing. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344270 | REGENERATIVE POWER CAPTURE SYSTEM FOR ENDLESS TRACK ESCALATORS AND MOVING WALKWAYS - Power is recovered from an escalator or a moving walkway as the step orbits an endless track on rollers. A generator is connected to a roller orbiting the track. A battery backup is provided. The power is used for emergency lighting on the step, and for data transmission. Advertising and messages are displayed on a dynamic video screen mounted on the step. The apparatus is mostly contained within the escalator step. Information is communicated wirelessly to a remotely located central control station and back to the step, so as to display information in real time and to update advertising while the escalator is in operation. The central control station also monitors performance parameters. The visual display can include LED lighting. | 12-03-2015 |
20150360874 | CONVEYANCE SYSTEM FOR MACHINING APPARATUS - A conveyance system is provided which conveys an object to a machining apparatus using a conveying apparatus and which further enables power saving. A controller calculates a first conveyance completion estimated time when conveyance from a first mounting position to machining apparatuses at a reference speed is complete. If a request to load a next object into the machining apparatus is issued by the machining apparatus, the controller decides a first moving speed of a conveying apparatus to be a reference speed when the machining apparatus is not performing a machining operation at the first conveyance completion estimated time and to be a low speed lower than the reference speed when the machining apparatus is performing the machining operation at the first conveyance completion estimated time. | 12-17-2015 |
20150368047 | MERCHANDISE CONVEYANCE CONTROL DEVICE AND MERCHANDISE CONVEYANCE CONTROL METHOD - A merchandise conveyance control device includes a detection unit that detects first merchandise information related to conveyance control of a merchandise, and a control unit that controls a timing of when the merchandise is to arrive at a conveyance destination based on the first merchandise information. | 12-24-2015 |
20160011224 | SURFACE MARKINGS FOR AN OPTICALLY GUIDED DEVICE | 01-14-2016 |
20160023397 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING PREFORMS - A method for transporting preforms in the area of a machine for blow-molding thermoplastic containers along a sorting device configured as a roll sorter. A sensor arranged at the sorting device senses a preform passing through its detection area and generates a sensor signal that transmitted to a control system, which evaluates the sensor signal and generates a control signal as a function thereof. A process parameter of the sorting device and/or of a conveying device upstream of and supplying preforms to the sorting device is adjusted as a function of at least one of the control signals. A sensor senses a section of the sorting device and generates a signal that contains data on a gap between a pair of preforms being transported successively passed this sensor. The control signals for adjusting a process parameter of the conveying device and/or of the sorting device are dependent on gap data. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026164 | PLANT SELLING DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a plant selling device and a control method thereof, by which a ripe plant to be sold can be moved from a plant growth room to a sales room according to the information in a purchase order after the purchase order is generated. According to the technical solution of the present invention, plant factory technology can be combined effectively with automatic plant selling so that plants are sold automatically after ripening, thus providing a more convenient mode of production and sale. | 01-28-2016 |
20160042316 | ITEM HANDLING AND TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - In an airport baggage handling system bag information, flight information and airport topology information are provided to a central processor which determines a path for the bag through the handling system. The bag is scanned at various points along the path and the scan time is compared with a predetermined arrival time for the bag at the scan point. A bag is marked at risk if it arrives at a scan point after the predetermined time and the system may suggest an alternative handling path for the bag if it is determined that the risk of the bag not making an outbound flight is too high. | 02-11-2016 |
20160083198 | ROBOT SYSTEM, ROBOT APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR PICKING WORKPIECE - A robot system includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a robot, and a controller. The first conveyor conveys a plurality of kinds of workpieces. The second conveyor conveys workpiece groups each including a combination of the workpieces. The controller controls the robot, and includes a situation acquirer, a determiner, and an instructor. The situation acquirer acquires a situation in a predetermined monitor area on the first and second conveyors. The monitor area is set based on a movable range of the robot. Based on the situation, the determiner determines whether one of the workpieces on the first conveyor in the monitor area is a missing workpiece of one of the workpiece groups in the monitor area. The instructor instructs the robot to hold the one workpiece and to transfer the one workpiece from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. | 03-24-2016 |
20160090247 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING WIRE COMPONENTS THROUGH PNEUMATIC TUBES BETWEEN WIRE COMPONENT PROCESSING STATIONS - In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, a system for transporting wire components during the assembly of wire bundles includes an air-operated tube network connecting a transport source station to a plurality of transport destination stations, the air-operated tube network comprising a junction coupled between the transport source station and the plurality of transport destination stations, and a system controller that includes a wire bundle assembly program, the system controller programmed to automatically transmit wire components from the source station to at least one of the transport destination stations based on the wire bundle assembly program. | 03-31-2016 |
20160152447 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HANDRAIL OF AN ESCALATOR | 06-02-2016 |
20160252539 | SPECIMEN PRE-PROCESSING CONNECTION DEVICE AND SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH DEVICE | 09-01-2016 |
20170234899 | LABORATORY PRODUCT TRANSPORT ELEMENT AND PATH ARRANGEMENT | 08-17-2017 |