Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for utilizing controller device within a workspace. The controller device may operate in a first state to monitor a light curtain associated with an interaction area of the workspace and to cause an indication of the first state to be presented at an indicator device associated with the interaction area. While operating in the first state, the controller device may detect a breach of the light curtain. The controller device may perform at least one remedial action based at least in part on detecting the breach of the light curtain while operating in the first state.

Abstract: A multiple suction cup apparatus for lifting an object includes the capability of exchanging a large and small suction cup. At least one interlock enables the large or small suction cup to be deployed. The interlocks include passive interlocks, such as ball detents and conventional magnets, and active interlocks, such as a twist lock and electronic actuated magnets.

Abstract: A multiple suction cup apparatus for lifting an object includes the capability of exchanging a large and small suction cup. At least one interlock enables the large or small suction cup to be deployed. The interlocks include passive interlocks, such as ball detents and conventional magnets, and active interlocks, such as a twist lock and electronic actuated magnets.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool includes concentric rings of suction cups. The pneumatic actuators control the extension of suction cups, and are actuated in rings. Each suction cup is longitudinally retractable in response to a force applied to an item and has a compliant suction cup. Each ring has a vacuum control. Each ring can have its own compliance.

Abstract: A gripper assembly includes a four bar linkage and one or a pair of carriages the move longitudinally on rails. The linkage includes a means for maintaining the paddles in a mutually parallel orientation, which can be a link or a timing belt.

Abstract: A system including a power plant having thermal generating units that operate according to multiple possible operating modes, which are differentiated by a unique operational or maintenance schedule. The system further includes a hardware processor and machine readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that cause the hardware processor to execute a process related to optimizing the operational or maintenance schedule during a selected operating period. The process may include: receiving the selected operating period; selecting competing operating modes for the power plant during the selected operating period according to a selection criteria; simulating the operation of the power plant during the selected operating period for each of the competing operating modes and deriving simulation results therefrom; evaluating each of the simulation results pursuant to a cost function and, based thereupon, designating at least one of the competing operating modes as an optimized operating mode.

Abstract: A multiple suction cup apparatus for lifting an object includes the capability of exchanging a large and small suction cup. At least one interlock enables the large or small suction cup to be deployed. The interlocks include passive interlocks, such as ball detents and conventional magnets, and active interlocks, such as a twist lock and electronic actuated magnets.

Abstract: End effectors and a related method of actuating items are disclosed. The end effector comprises a bladder comprising a pliable body that defines an inner recess in fluid communication with the manifold via a first connection. The pliable body has a sealing surface at its distal end and defines a chamber. The bladder further comprises a material disposed within the chamber. The method comprises contacting an item to conform the sealing surface to a contour of the item, transitioning the bladder to a structural state having greater rigidity, applying a vacuum to the inner recess via the first connection, and actuating the item.

Abstract: A multiple suction cup apparatus for lifting an object includes the capability of exchanging a large and small suction cup. At least one interlock enables the large or small suction cup to be deployed. The interlocks include passive interlocks, such as ball detents and conventional magnets, and active interlocks, such as a twist lock and electronic actuated magnets.

Abstract: Apparatuses including gripping mechanisms including extendable fingers and methods of manipulating items using the gripping mechanisms are described herein. An example apparatus may include a frame, a pair of carriages coupled to the frame and moveable by one or more drive units, a pair of fingers, and a set of linkages connecting the pair of fingers with the pair of carriages. The one or more drive units are operable to cause the fingers to move towards each other and to move away from each other.

Abstract: A system including a power plant having thermal generating units that operate according to multiple possible operating modes, which are differentiated by a unique operational or maintenance schedule. The system further includes a hardware processor and machine readable storage medium on which is stored instructions that cause the hardware processor to execute a process related to optimizing the operational or maintenance schedule during a selected operating period. The process may include: receiving the selected operating period; selecting competing operating modes for the power plant during the selected operating period according to a selection criteria; simulating the operation of the power plant during the selected operating period for each of the competing operating modes and deriving simulation results therefrom; evaluating each of the simulation results pursuant to a cost function and, based thereupon, designating at least one of the competing operating modes as an optimized operating mode.

Abstract: A power plant control system determines an augmented operating parameter set point responsive to a life cycle cost (LCC) objective function responsive to a LCC model. The augmented operating parameter value may be responsive to an initial set point determined by a controls model and a performance indicator determined by a performance model. The power plant may include a thermal generator, such as a gas turbine or other fuel-burning generator, and the operating parameter may include firing temperature, fuel flow rate, steam pressure/temperature/flow rate, and/or another suitable operating parameter. An offer curve is generated responsive to the augmented operating parameter.

Abstract: A power plant control system determines an augmented operating parameter set point responsive to a life cycle cost (LCC) objective function responsive to a LCC model. The augmented operating parameter value may be responsive to an initial set point determined by a controls model and a performance indicator determined by a performance model. The power plant may include a thermal generator, such as a gas turbine or other fuel-burning generator, and the operating parameter may include firing temperature, fuel flow rate, steam pressure/temperature/flow rate, and/or another suitable operating parameter. An offer curve is generated responsive to the augmented operating parameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for startup of a power plant. According to one embodiment of the invention, a system can be provided. The system can include a computer processor. The system can also include a memory operable to store computer-executable instructions operable to determine a current state of the power plant; determine an anticipated future state of the power plant; and determine a startup profile between the current state of the power plant and the anticipated future state of the power plant based on at least one parameter and a desired result.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant includes a gas turbine, a steam turbine, a generator coupled to the gas turbine and a generator coupled to the steam turbine, and an auxiliary boiler operatively coupled to the steam turbine. The power plant is continuously operated in a combined cycle mode during operating of the gas turbine by starting the steam turbine first.