Abstract: A container carrier system for carrying containers, especially blister packages, and a method of carrying containers. The system includes a body having a longitudinal channel having a central portion and two side portions, the central portion having a greater depth than a depth of channel portions on either side of the central portion. The body further includes roof portions that cover the two side portions. The channel is configured to allow movement of containers only in the longitudinal direction of the channel. The blister packages may carry unit doses of medication.

Abstract: A vehicle moving device for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A driving wheel is coupled to the first end of the frame and configured to contact a vehicle wheel at a first wheel location. A holding arm is coupled to the second end of the frame opposite the driving wheel and configured to contact the vehicle wheel at a second wheel location. The holding arm holds the vehicle wheel in contact with the driving wheel as the driving wheel rotates the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle includes a camera, odometry module, processor, and drive mechanism. The camera captures images of an identifier for a racking system aisle and a rack leg portion in the aisle. The processor uses the identifier to generate information indicative of an initial rack leg position and rack leg spacing in the aisle, generate an initial vehicle position using the initial rack leg position, generate a vehicle odometry-based position using odometry data and the initial vehicle position, detect a subsequent rack leg using a captured image, correlate the detected subsequent rack leg with an expected vehicle position using rack leg spacing, generate an odometry error signal based on a difference between the positions, and update the vehicle odometry-based position using the odometry error signal and/or generated mast sway compensation to use for end of aisle protection and/or in/out of aisle localization.

Abstract: Device for collecting forage bales found on the ground, wherein it includes first means (17) of traction of bales (19) and dragging means (2) of said first traction means (17) mounted on a first chassis (1) of a frame in such a way that they define a first section (“A”) of ascent of the bales, means (16) of traction of the bales and means (4) of dragging those means (16) of traction mounted on a second chassis (3) of the frame so that they define a second section (“B”) of ascent of the bales coming from the first section (“A”) of ascent, the first chassis (1) being joined to the second chassis (3) in such a way that it is capable of rotating around a rotating axle (“Y”) due to the effect of the force of the impact with the bales, the first means (17) approaching the ground, and the device comprising a set (8) of shock absorbers of the turning movement of the first chassis (1).

Abstract: A retention mechanism for retaining an agricultural machine in engagement with a fork assembly. The mechanism may be provided on the fork assembly, agricultural machine or split between them. The retention mechanism may be actuated by a foot associated with either the fork assembly or the agricultural machine. The retention mechanism may employ pivoting latches or a clamping mechanism that clamps upon the forks or tines.

Abstract: A multi-tiered automated parcel sortation system is utilized to sort parcels according to a common destination. A first tier includes an automated sorter configured to transport parcels from a source location to a release destination. A second tier includes accumulation containers each associated with a shipping destination, and the release destination within the first tier is a positioned directly above the accumulation container associated with the shipping destination of the parcel. Once transported to the release destination, a parcel is released into the accumulation container, and once the accumulation container is filled, the accumulation of parcels within the container is released into a third tier, which may include conveyors or autonomous guided vehicles with transport containers. In the third tier, the parcels are transported away for further processing.

Abstract: A barrier configured to be located at a door a vehicle having a lift platform to enable an individual using a mobility device to exit and to enter an interior of the vehicle. The barrier includes a support base configured to be fixedly coupled to the vehicle. A first side and a second side each extend from the support base are spaced apart to define an access location for the individual using the mobility device. A barrier gate or a barrier plate include an entry position and a blocking position wherein, in at least one embodiment, movement of the lift platform moves the barrier plate from the entry position to the blocking position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a package to a curbside receptacle are provided. A delivery window of a vehicle may be aligned with a curbside receptacle. A carousel within the vehicle may be moved, e.g., rotated, within the vehicle to align a target compartment with the delivery window. A conveyor arm slidably coupled to the delivery window is then extended and aligned with the target compartment, and a target package within the target compartment is ejected from the target compartment onto the conveyor arm, e.g., via a plunger mechanism. The conveyor arm then transfers the target package to curbside receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method for picking items from storage containers located in stacks within a grid-based storage system are described. The system can include a movable structural member, movable from a first position to a second position such that when in the second position it is possible for an operative to access at least one row of storage containers such that items can be manually picked therefrom.

Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run to lift containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or at stations where goods may be removed or alternative functions may be undertaken. The containers can provide the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency. The containers when removed from the stacks are electrically connected to the load handling device, power being supplied by a power supply within the load handling device.

Abstract: Lift assemblies and methods of operating same. A method includes providing a lift assembly including a first support member and a boom pivotably coupled with a second support member. The lift assembly also includes a bearing disposed between the first and second support members. The bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring and a gear is engaged with one of the inner ring and the outer ring. A lift line is coupled with the boom. The method also includes attaching the first support member to the vehicle, pivoting the boom relative to the second support member about a first axis, and rotating the second support member relative to the first support member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Further, the method includes attaching a load to the lift line and operating the lift assembly to move the load onto a roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A displacement mechanism for a remotely operated vehicle includes a motor configured to actuate a drive crank, a coupler link connected to the drive crank on a first side, and a lift rocker on a second side, a displacement link connected to the lift rocker, and a displacement plate connected to the displacement link and having a plurality of wheels provided thereon. The drive crank, the coupler link, the lift rocker, the displacement link, and the displacement plate are each respectively connected with pivot connections such that actuation of the motor actuates the displacement plate between a raised position and a lowered position. The lift rocker is configured with a pivot point arranged in a body of the lift rocker such that the lift rocker, the pivot connection between the displacement link and the lift rocker, and the pivot connection between the lift rocker and the coupler link each rotate around the pivot point when the motor is actuated.

Abstract: According to the present embodiment, a serving module includes: a tray; a main body formed therein with a tray space configured to accommodate the tray and having a tray entrance; a tray moving device configured to move at least a part of the tray out of the tray entrance or move an entire of the tray into the tray space; a door configured to open and close the tray entrance; and a door driving device connected to the door to open and close the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to warehouse technology, and specifically, to systems of automatic storage, sorting, assembly and delivery of goods. The invention can be used in various automated storage facilities, remote sales systems, as well as automated retail stores. An automatic system comprises a plurality of places arranged in rows in two horizontal directions, perpendicular to each other, and serving to accommodate boxes for storing materials in vertical stacks. A transport network comprises first rail tracks arranged above the stacks of boxes and intended for the movement of mobile actuating devices along them, as well as second rail tracks arranged perpendicular to the first rail tracks and located below the latter for the movement of mobile transporting devices along them. The mobile transporting devices are intended for moving boxes placed onboard along the second rail tracks.

Abstract: A dumpster for the collection and discharge of solid waste having one or more apertures covered by perforated panels disposed in the side walls or end walls to allow visual access to the interior compartment of the dumpster to allow visualization of the solid waste contained in the interior compartment and to identify any contaminant waste comixed with the solid waste.

Abstract: A vehicle supported implement for handling separate loads independently, and related methods of use, are presented. The implement is configured to move a load, such as a hay bale, rotating the load radially about an axis, from a first position at a first elevation to a second position at a second elevation. It includes a first frame member and a second frame member pivotally connected to the first frame member at a joint. The axis of rotation intersects the joint normal to the back side of the first frame member and the second frame member rotates radially about the axis of rotation between the first position and the second position. The implement includes an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, connected to the frame members to control the rotation. The implement includes an attachment feature on the back side to secure it to a vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method provides a supply of consumables to a processing instrument that uses one or more of the consumables for each of a plurality of processes performed by the instrument. The system includes a loading drawer holding a carrier for receiving a plurality of consumables and an input module for holding a carrier supporting a plurality of consumables thereon and presenting the consumables for access by the instrument. A transporter includes a vertical elevator and a lateral actuator for moving a lift platform vertically and laterally and for transporting carriers on the lift platform with or without consumables supported thereon between the loading drawer and the input module, between the loading drawer and one or more holding shelves, or between the input module and one or more holding shelves. A carrier includes parallel support rails for holding multiple receptacle units and retainer tabs for retaining the units on the support rails.

Abstract: A system for delivering an article from a first location to a second location with a robot having a closeable transport container for housing the article during transport. A closeable recipient container is provided at the second location for receiving the article. At least one computer configured to navigate the robot over an outdoor transportation network between locations is provided. The robot has a robot article transport mechanism controlled by the at least one computer for removing the article from the transport container and the recipient container has a recipient article transport mechanism for moving the article inside the recipient container.

Abstract: A material-conveying system comprising a conveyor for conveying material to a bin and a conveyor positioning system associated with the conveyor. The conveyor positioning system comprises a processor for positioning the conveyor relative to the bin. The conveyor comprises a spout and the bin comprises an opening. The conveyor positioning system positions the spout of the conveyor over the opening of the bin. The conveyor positioning system in one implementation comprises a Global Navigation Satellite System-Real Time Kinematic (GNSS-RTK) positioning system that includes a fixed base station and a GNSS receiver on the conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system (1) comprising a storage grid structure (104) having a top rail grid upon which container handling vehicles (200,300) work to store and retrieve storage containers (106) in and from storage columns (105) beneath the top rail grid, wherein the storage system comprises multiple transfer rails (110?,111?) forming a horizontal transfer rail grid (5) arranged at a level below the top rail grid, at least one transport vehicle (19) operating on the transfer rail grid, a picking/stocking station (8) for picking/stocking items between a storage container (106) and a packaging box (24), and an unloading/loading assembly (23) for unloading/loading packaging boxes containing such items, the transport vehicle (19) is arranged to move upon the transfer rail grid (5) in two perpendicular directions and comprises a carrier platform (20), wherein the transfer rail grid is arranged to allow access for the transport vehicle (19) to transport one or more packaging boxes at a time b