Abstract: The present disclosure provides a node, comprising: a data storage unit configured to store a plurality of data entries, each data entry comprising a data entry ID, a data entry version identifier, and a data payload representing operating information of the node or another node; a processing unit; a first interface for communicating with another node. The node is configured to transmit a first data packet comprising data entry ID and data entry version identifier of a data entry in the data storage unit, to other nodes; and to receive a second data packet transmitted by said another node, the second data packet comprising data entry ID and data entry version identifier of a data entry of said another node; and compare the received data entry version identifier of the second data packet, with a data entry version identifier of a corresponding data entry in the data storage unit having a same data entry ID as the second data packet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a conveyor system controller (11, 12, 13, 14), comprising: a data storage unit (101) configured to store a plurality of data entries, each data entry comprising a data entry ID, a data entry version identifier, and a data payload representing operating information of the controller or another controller; a processing unit (102); a first interface (103) for communicating with another controller.

Abstract: The present document discloses a conveyor system comprising a plurality of workpiece carriers, each adapted for supporting at least one workpiece during transportation, a conveyor, adapted for transporting the workpiece carriers, at least one flow device for controlling a movement of one of the workpiece carriers relative to the conveyor, the flow device comprising a local controller, at least one workpiece carrier sensor and at least one actuator, and a central controller, which is in data communication with the flow device, and having a memory containing a flow plan comprising data describing an intended flow of workpieces in the conveyor system.

Abstract: The present document discloses a conveyor system comprising a plurality of workpiece carriers (WPC), each adapted for supporting at least one workpiece (WP) during transportation, a conveyor (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, d), adapted for transporting the workpiece carriers (WPC), at least one flow device (3, 4, 5, 6) for controlling a movement of one of the workpiece carriers (WPC) relative to the conveyor (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), the flow device (3, 4, 6) comprising a local controller (30, 40), at least one workpiece carrier sensor and at least one actuator, and a central controller (100), which is in data communication with the flow device, and having a memory containing a flow plan comprising data describing an intended flow of workpieces in the conveyor system. The document also discloses a method of operating a conveyor system, stop devices and switch device for use in such a conveyor system.

Abstract: An electric turnout unit (1) serves for determining and changing the conveying path of object holders being moved by and together with a conveying means (28) of a conveying apparatus (29). The electric turnout unit (1) includes a pivot angle definition element (15) being rotatably supported and one sensor (6) or a plurality of sensors (6) for determining a first pivot position (35) and a second pivot position (36) of the pivot angle definition element (15). The first pivot position (35) and the second pivot position (36) differ by a first pivot angle difference (37) being greater than zero. The pivot angle definition element (15) includes a first detection point (17) being associated with the first pivot position (35) and a second detection point (17) being associated with the second pivot position (36).

Abstract: An electric turnout unit (1) serves for determining and changing the conveying path of object holders being moved by and together with a conveying means (28) of a conveying apparatus (29). The electric turnout unit (1) includes a pivot angle definition element (15) being rotatably supported and one sensor (6) or a plurality of sensors (6) for determining a first pivot position (35) and a second pivot position (36) of the pivot angle definition element (15). The first pivot position (35) and the second pivot position (36) differ by a first pivot angle difference (37) being greater than zero. The pivot angle definition element (15) includes a first detection point (17) being associated with the first pivot position (35) and a second detection point (17) being associated with the second pivot position (36).