Abstract: A spirally ascending/descending cryogenic storage apparatus, comprising a cryogenic storage tank, the temperature in the cryogenic storage tank being continuously maintained at a certain deep cryogenic range. A driving component and a rotating storage rack are provided within the cryogenic storage tank. Multiple shelf boxes can be stored in the circumferential direction of the rotating storage rack. The driving component can drive the rotating storage rack to spirally ascent or spirally descent in the cryogenic storage tank. An access opening is provided on the cryogenic storage tank. The multiple shelf boxes can rotate to a position corresponding to the access opening with the movement of the rotating storage rack. The cryogenic storage tank is a liquid nitrogen tank. Liquid nitrogen is provided at the bottom part within the liquid nitrogen tank.

Abstract: The paper sheet processing device includes a bladed wheel 10, a paper sheet supply/transport unit 30, 100, a stacking tray 50 that holds paper sheets emitted from the bladed wheel one by one in a stacked state, and an extraction area 80. The stacking tray includes a first stacking part 51 that stacks thereon paper sheets being emitted when at a paper sheet stacking position P1, and is rotationally moved to a non-stacking position P2 when a predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked thereon, and a second stacking part 61 that is moved to the paper sheet stacking position to stack paper sheets thereon when being rotated by a predetermined angle from the non-stacking position, and is rotationally moved to the non-stacking position when the predetermined number of paper sheets are stacked thereon.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a robotic system to scan and register unrecognized objects is disclosed. The robotic system may use an image data representative of an unrecognized object located at a start location to implement operations for transferring the unrecognized object from the start location. While implementing the operations, the robotic system may obtain additional data, including scanning results of one or more portions of the unrecognized object not included in the image data. The robotic system may use the additional data to register the unrecognized object.

Abstract: A method of applying a label to a transport structure includes receiving the label from a label dispenser with an end effector, in which the label includes information related to a plurality of storage containers secured to the transport structure with a restraining member. The method further includes measuring a position of the end effector relative to an object, moving the end effector with the label to a target position based upon the measured position, and applying the label to the restraining member with the end effector. The method may further include moving the end effector away from the storage containers, and transporting the transport structure with the storage containers and the label based upon the information of the label.

Abstract: A controller for a robotic system is provided. The controller may derive first data including information about operation objects and information about pallet before loading and/or unloading of the operation object on/from the pallet. The controller may derive a control sequence for loading and/or unloading the operation object on/from the pallet based on the first data before execution of the corresponding loading/unloading task. Based on the control sequence, the controller may instruct a robot to execute the task of loading and/or unloading the operation object on/from the pallet.

Abstract: Described herein is a technique capable of improving the controllability of a thickness of a film formed on a large surface area substrate having a surface area greater than a surface area of a bare substrate and improving the thickness uniformity between films formed on a plurality of large surface area substrates accommodated in a substrate loading region by reducing the influence of the surface area of the large surface area substrate and the number of the large surface area substrates due to a loading effect even when the plurality of large surface area substrates are batch-processed using a batch type processing furnace.

Abstract: When sheet products 1 are discharged, the sheet products are collided against shutter bars 5 so as to fall and stack on a feed conveyor 4. Then, each of protrusion bodies 7 and 8 are lowered by a first drive 9 so as to nip the sheet products between the protrusion bodies and the feed conveyor. Then, coming products are successively discharged and stacked on the protrusion bodies. And then, a second drive 12 is operated in conjunction with the feed conveyor so as to feed the sheet products nipped between the protrusion bodies and the feed conveyor 4. The shutter bars 5 are elevated and lowered by a third drive for adjusting the height position thereof.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide systems, apparatuses, and methods to direct the consolidation of products in fulfilling a product order for a retail shopping facility. In some embodiments, a system is configured to identify a shipment order for products to be delivered to a shopping facility and that includes a request for a full pull pallet of a first product and additional products; define the full pull pallet as an enhanced case intended to be treated by an orderfiller worker as less than a full pull pallet; generate a pallet assembly list identifying the enhanced case and the items of a plurality of the additional products; and communicate the pallet assembly list to a user interface unit to be accessible by an orderfiller worker and directing the orderfiller worker to retrieve and cooperate the enhanced case and the additional products as an assembled pallet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for the singulation of packages, especially for the singulation of parcels. The invention is based on the assumption that the parcels are initially present as a bulk flow. The packages are transported in the form of a package flow on fifteen different transport means at different transport speeds, whereby the transport direction is deflected at least once by approximately 90°.

Abstract: A modular sample store including a storage area; a service area; a transfer area; a motorized robot with a lifting device and at least one platform; and a controller. The sample store service area includes one integrally formed cubic vat module and the sample store storage area includes at least one integrally formed cubic vat module. Each one of the aforementioned vat modules includes an essentially horizontal vat floor and four joining vat walls that are connected to the vat floor and that are leaving an open vat space. The modular sample store also includes upper side walls and a cover plate to close the sample store. Each vat floor and vat wall includes an outside liner and an inside liner, which outside and inside liners in each case are separated by a clearance.

Abstract: The storage arrangement has a chamber. Several Dewar flasks are arranged in the chamber and above them a picking device. The picking device has at least one cassette lift, with which storage cassettes can be removed from above from the Dewar flasks. This arrangement is suitable for storing laboratory objects at very low temperatures.

Abstract: A paper-sheet counting machine (10) includes: a recognition and counting unit (24) configured to count paper sheets; a stacking unit (26) configured to stack therein the paper sheets that have been counted by the recognition and counting unit (24), an opening being provided in a front face of the stacking unit (26); a rotary guide unit (28) provided to the stacking unit (26) and configured to allow the paper sheets that have been counted by the recognition and counting unit (24) to be stacked in the stacking unit (26); a shutter (40) configured to close the opening provided in the front face of the stacking unit (26); a shutter drive unit (50) configured to drive the shutter (40) to open and close the opening provided in the front face of the stacking unit (26); and a control unit (70) configured to control the shutter drive unit (50).

Abstract: In a system, one or more robotic arms are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and one or more picking elements are connected to each of the robotic arms. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the robotic arms and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the robotic arms and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and retaining goods such as Christmas trees on a pallet includes a conveyor moving pallets from one end of the conveyor to an opposite end of the conveyor. The conveyor has a stacking section, a clamping section, and an unload section. The stacking section has a stacking bin receiving trees on a pallet positioned within the stacking section, and the clamping section is positioned between the stacking section and the unload section of the conveyor. The clamping sections provides stabilizers for placing a case about the trees and banding reels for wrapping a band about a pallet of trees within the case. The unload section of the conveyor extends from the clamping section and positions a completely stacked and banded pallet of trees thereon while a different pallet is in the clamping section and yet another pallet is in the stacking section.

Abstract: An apparatus for vertically separating stacked pallets a sufficient distance such that each pallet in the stack can be cleaned, with the pallets then immediately restacked after cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for vertically separating stacked pallets a sufficient distance such that each pallet in the stack can be cleaned, with the pallets then immediately restacked after cleaning.

Abstract: A method and device for evaluating currency bills using a strapping unit that allows a currency evaluating device to automatically strap stacks of currency bills. Currency bills are placed in an input receptacle and an evaluating unit processes each currency bill one at a time. The currency bills are then transported to a plurality of output receptacles. A stack moving mechanism transports a stack of currency bills, which contains a predetermined number of currency bills, from each of the plurality of output receptacles to the strapping unit or a strapping position. Each stack of currency bills is strapped using strapping material.

Abstract: A bundling apparatus for sheet-type medium is used for stacking and bundling sheet-type medium. The bundling apparatus for sheet-type medium comprises a banknote delivery channel (11), a bundling mechanism (13) and a position switching mechanism (14), a banknote stacking position (61) formed at the end of the banknote delivery channel as well as a bundling position (62) formed corresponding to the bundling mechanism, the position switching mechanism (14) comprising a rotating power shaft (41) driven by an electric motor and at least two banknote stacking plates (51) installed evenly on the power shaft. When any banknote stacking plate is located in the banknote stacking position, a corresponding banknote stacking plate is located in the bundling position. The present invention achieves the transition between the motion of stacking and bundling the sheet-type medium, improves work efficiency and saves space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for recycling items of media. The apparatus includes at least a pair of co-operable feed belt members that receive a depositable item of media at a first location and locate the depositable item at a stack position in a storage container. The apparatus also includes at least a pair of co-operable dispense belt members that selectively pivot between an operational and non-operational position. In the operational position, at least one of the dispense belt members is disposed to remove an item from the stack position and provide the removed item to the feed belt members. The feed belt members are arranged to locate an item of media received from the dispense belt members at said first location.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for stacking packages includes a frame, a stacking station, a first driving mechanism, and a control box. The stacking station is movably mounted to the frame, and has a first top side on which packages are arranged one at a time. The first top side is positioned on a plane. The control box controls the first driving mechanism to lower the stacking station a predetermined distance as each package stacked to make room for other packages, to enable one side of the stacked package away from the first top side to position in the plane.

Abstract: There is provided a simple-structured and inexpensive device for stacking a successive separator and sheet electrodes which can protect an end portion of a sheet electrode when folding the successive separator, and which enables smooth folding of the separator to improve the productivity. The device comprises a stacking stage 10 which adsorbs and holds a leading end of the tape-like separator S, and on which sheet electrodes P, N and the separator S are successively stacked, separator reciprocating means for reciprocating the tape-like separator S on the stacking stage 10 with the stacking stage 10 being as a center, and a folding guide member 20 which comes close/moves apart relative to the stacking stage 10, covers both side ends of the stacked sheet electrode P, N in the moving direction of the separator S, and guides folding of the separator S accompanied by a reciprocal movement of the separator S at both side ends of the sheet electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking truss plates, each truss plate having a flat side and a pronged side, receives an odd number of plates. An even number of input channels underlie a stationary shelf and a movable shelf. The channels receive a first odd set of plates in a first cycle with the movable shelf in a first position, each of the first plates being received and falling input channels during the first cycle. The channels receive a second odd set of plates during a second cycle, the movable shelf in a second position during the second cycle. A roller and transport track assembly move each of the odd number of plates to an output so that an even number of plates is output during each cycle.

Abstract: The present invention extends to a conveyor system that allows the spacing between slabs on a conveyor to be controlled. Because the spacing can be controlled, a single stacking head can be used to pick up and stack multiple slabs at the same time. In this manner, a harvesting machine employing the conveyor system of the present invention can utilize a single stacking head while still harvesting sod at least as quickly as harvesting machines employing multiple stacking heads.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stacking device and an air purification system thereof. The stacking device includes vertically arranged stacking arms and a manipulator mechanism provided on the stacking arms; the stacking arms forming an axially extending duct and comprising first airflow driving devices; the duct forming air inflow openings that are in communication with an outside space of the stacking arms and an air outflow opening arranged at a lower end of the stacking arms; wherein the first airflow driving devices draw in air of the outside space of the stacking arms through the air inflow openings of the duct and drive air inside the duct to flow downward to be discharged through the air outflow opening of the duct to the lower end of the stacking arms.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus that stacks chip assemblies each having a plurality of chips disposed continuously with circuit patterns and electrodes, includes: a plurality of stages each allowed to move arbitrarily, on which the chip assemblies are placed; a storage unit that stores an estimated extent of change in a position of an electrode at each chip, expected to occur as heat is applied to the chip assemblies placed on the plurality of stages during a stacking process; and a control unit that sets positions of the plurality of stages to be assumed relative to each other during the stacking process based upon the estimated extent of change in the position of the electrode at each chip provided from the storage unit and position information indicating positions of individual chips formed at the chip assemblies and controls at least one of the plurality of stages.

Abstract: A stacking system and method that utilizes a device control for precisely controlling the downward movement of at least one printed material support at a first speed, while substantially simultaneously permitting upward movement of the at least one support at a second speed which is greater than the first speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that allow items to be placed on a stack of items in a manner that minimizes interference with the existing stack. Further, a method and apparatus are disclosed for stacking items such that marking of the items is minimized while the item is stacked. In some embodiments, the method and apparatus may include employing a plurality of forks, where a first fork in the plurality includes a belt that rotates at least partially within a tapered housing of the fork. In some embodiments, the plurality of forks is vertically movable, and the method and apparatus may include a squaring mechanism that is separate from the plurality of forks. The overall throughput of the method and apparatus may be increased by employing this independent squaring mechanism.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a processing system includes a storage section, a processing section, a mounting section, a first transport section, and a second transport section. The mounting section includes a plurality of holding sections with a first spacing in a stacking direction. The first transport section is configured to transport the workpiece between the storage section and the mounting section and to enter the mounting section at a first position in the stacking direction. The second transport section is configured to transport the workpiece between the processing section and the mounting section and to enter the mounting section at a second position different from the first position in the stacking direction. The first position is provided at two sites in the stacking direction across the second position. The first transport section and the second transport section are enabled to enter the mounting section around a same time.

Abstract: A device for stacking veneer sheets (1, 2) while substantially horizontal, the device including a supporting element, that escapes in the advancement direction at a release area from beneath the veneer (2) to be stacked, the supporting element being moved by a conveyor (7), and a controlled element for stopping the veneer to be stacked in a corrected position at a release point. An element for stopping the veneer to be stacked is a gripper (10) that grips the trailing edge of the veneer (2) from below and moves up and down, in the advancement direction of the veneer, and transversely to it, the gripper having a gripping point to the veneer at the trailing edge in the veneer's advancement direction, extended at a distance in the advancement direction from the gripper's transverse travel path.

Abstract: An installation includes a machine (2) for packaging products (8) and of a robotic palleting station, both arranged in a same enclosure (1) that is provided with a door (7) that offers access to the palleting station. The installation includes a device which limits the range of movement of the robot (15) in the closed enclosure (1) in order to concentrate the displacements of its gripping head (17) in a restricted space which does not overlap with a safety space, which is defined according to a minimum distance measured from the immaterial barrier located in the enclosure in the vicinity of the door (7). The limiting device includes an electric cam that limits, under the control of the steering control of the robot, the amplitude of the movement of the robot (15) around its main axis and reduces its movement speed.

Abstract: A stacking and unstacking machine for transporting instrument transformer boxes, including a main frame, an elevator arranged underneath the main frame, a transporter disposed on the elevator, and a stacking/unstacking device disposed on an upper part of the main frame and above the transporter.

Abstract: A document sorting machine having dual feeders which feed documents onto common tiers of sort pockets form each end of the machine. The machine includes an induction buffer section which prevents a document already in the transport on a particular tier from colliding with a document being fed into the same transport by a different feeder. Also, the machine includes a serpentine piggy-back unit which can stack consecutive documents going to the same sort pocket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to produce and sequence a plurality of different books. An example system includes a plurality of signature feeders to deliver signatures to stations along a conveyor to simultaneously produce and sequence a plurality of different books in a first predetermined order to co-mail, wherein each of the different books has different content. Additionally, the example system includes one or more trimmers to trim the plurality of different books. Further, the example system includes a stacker to stack the plurality of different books in a second predetermined order, wherein the second predetermined order satisfies discount postage rate guidelines. Still further, the example system includes a controller to cause the plurality of different books to be produced in a first predetermined order.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value. The device comprises a first module (16a) that in an operating state is electrically conductive connected via a first electrical wire to a power supply unit (26) and electrically conductive connected via a second electrical wire to a second module (16b). In a maintenance state the first module (16a) is neither electrically conductive connected to the first electrical wire nor electrically conductive connected to the second electrical wire.

Abstract: A method of constructing a palletizer cell by providing square platform bases which are assembled into an array in abutment with each other, each platform base mounting a respective component of palletizing equipment, such as a robot, one or more conveyors, a slip sheet bin, a discharge module, etc. with one platform base anchored to the factory floor and the rest attached to one or another of the platform bases to form the array of platform bases thereby properly locating the various equipment with each other by the fitting together of the platform bases. Safety fencing sections are mounted atop one or more outer sides to substantially enclose the space within the palletizer cell. Each platform base is formed with side openings which may be engaged with the tines of a fork lift.

Abstract: This device has an arrival corridor via which the articles arrive, an article-receiving zone on which a stack (P) of said articles is formed, and a rotary actuator (22) suitable for pushing said articles away against a retaining element (32) for retaining the stack. The actuator (22) has at least one protective member (281, 282) for protecting the last article (N) in the stack (P) being formed, said protective member being suitable for being interposed between said last article and a current article (N+1) coming from the arrival corridor.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment including a robotized palletizing station comprising a robot (10) to which objects on a pallet (3) are accessible, said robotized palletizing station being placed in a closed chamber (1) provided with a door (7) providing access to said palletizing station, said station being provided with a cradle (17), said cradle consisting of a stationary portion (18, 19, 20, 21), provided so as to center and guide the pallet when it is partially fed into said palletizing station, and a movable portion (29, 22) that picks up said pallet (3) so as to place it in a reference position in said palletizing station, as well as to take said pallet from said reference position after it has been filled.

Abstract: A banknote processing device is mounted on a mounting table. The banknote processing device includes a stacking unit having an opening for removing banknotes. A dust collection vent is arranged in front of the opening of the stacking unit on the mounting table. A suction fan sucks dust dispersing from the opening of the stacking unit into a dust collection vent. A filter captures the dust from air that is sucked in. A duct expels a dust-free air from an exhaust vent provided in an exhaust passage formed around the suction fan. In another configuration, the dust collection vent is provided inside the stacking unit, and the dust generated inside the stacking unit is sucked in by the suction fan.

Abstract: A climate cabinet is provided. The climate cabinet includes an object storage device, a first intake and output station for the intake and output of objects and an associated first transport device for positioning objects in the object storage device, and has a second intake and output station for the intake and output of objects and an associated second transport device for positioning objects in the object storage device. A system is also provided. The system includes the climate cabinet and multiple workstations, which can each be situated adjacent to the intake and output stations of the climate cabinet, so that the transport devices of the climate cabinet, which are associated with the intake and output stations, can serve the workstations.

Abstract: A method for assembling a handling unit of filled containers and a corresponding method, where the handling unit comprises different container types being different with respect to at least the height, base area, base area shape or the mechanical load capacity of the containers, and the supplied containers are arranged on a handling unit carrier. The arrangement of the containers with respect to the number and/or the position and/or the rotational position of the containers on the handling unit carrier is made in dependence on at least one of the above container parameters, and the handling units can be produced flexibly and with a high packing density.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stacking objects on a transport carrier. The apparatus is provided with a forming platform, a loading platform on which a transport carrier to be loaded, such as a pallet or a roller container, can be placed, and a gripper which is movable between the forming platform and the loading platform. The gripper comprises a support frame which is provided with at least one row of parallel forks, which forks comprise an upright to which a horizontal beam is attached at a distance beneath the support frame, wherein the beams can be moved backward and forward in their longitudinal direction, wherein each fork is individually adjustable vis-à-vis the support frame. The forks are independently adjustable vis-à-vis the support frame.

Abstract: A method for depositing real items into real containers, wherein the real items are transported along a picking line and are deposited into spaces in the real containers using robots. Placement of the items is predetermined by a controller. The controller provides for the real items and the real containers to be previously associated with one another by virtue of graphical symbols for items being placed into at least one graphical symbol for a container on a screen that is connected to the controller. The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to easily and quickly fill a container with an assortment of items in the desired manner using real robot movements.

Abstract: A palletizing robot includes a lifting frame, an end-effector, an extensible mechanical arm, and a balancing mechanism. The extensible mechanical arm is rotatably connected to the lifting frame. The balancing mechanism and the end-effector are located on opposite ends of the extensible mechanical arm. The balancing mechanism includes a threaded rod, a sliding member, a driving member, and a counterweight. The threaded rod is located on the extensible mechanical arm. The sliding member receives the threaded rod. The driving member is fixed on an end of the threaded rod. The counterweight is fixed on the sliding member. The driving member rotates the threaded rod such that the sliding member slides relative to the threaded rod.

Abstract: A system for feeding a fuel cell stack including fuel cells having separating plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). The system includes a separating plate supply unit for feeding the separating plates; an MEA supply unit for feeding the MEAs; a feeding unit on which the separating plates and the MEAs are fed, the feeding unit being configured to move upward and downward; and a transfer unit for receiving the separating plates and the MEAs from the separating plate supply unit and the MEA supply unit, respectively, and for loading the separating plates and the MEAs onto the feeding unit. A method for feeding a fuel cell stack includes feeding one of the separating plates, moving a magazine a predetermined amount, lowering a plate of a feeding unit, feeding one of the MEAs, and determining if the separating plates and the MEAs have been fed as much as a required number.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for thermoforming articles. The apparatus includes an in line series of processing stations including heating, forming, cutting and separating stations. A stacker is provided to receive formed articles and form an x-y array of stacks of formed articles. A stack picker is provided that is operable to pick up the stacks of articles during a sheet pause cycle portion and move the picked stacks from a storage magazine to a deposit area. The movement of the stacks for depositing and the picker assembly back to the stacker can occur while the apparatus is producing and stacking additionally formed articles.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for palletizing bagged and other items that are susceptible to being damaged or degraded by the sliding friction caused by apron removal includes a center-opening apron assembly having a left and right side apron consisting of a roller curtain floor and belt. Each roller curtain floor follows a generally L-shaped path by means of roller chains guided through a plurality of sprockets. A single apron motor simultaneously operates both the left side and right side roller curtain by means of a cross-linked synchronization chain. Each roller curtain includes a belt having opposed stationary ends whereby opening of the roller curtain floor results in opposite direction rotation of the belt. This enables bagged items to by palletized in a single layer without causing bunching or tearing of the bagged items as the roller curtain floor retracts.

Abstract: The invention relates to facility including a robot (2) for supplying pallet preparation stations with products (3) of the crate type or different. The structure of the facility includes side walls (11) and doors (13, 14) for accessing the palletization stations A and B. The structure further includes a fixed wall (15) separating stations A and B, and a cowling (20) mobile from one station to the other and in the shape of a dihedron, for alternatively converting each palletization station A and B into a kind of pallet hatch, wherein said conversion is carried out automatically before the opening of the door for accessing a loaded pallet located in said hatch. The cowling (20) is directly actuated by the product handling robot (2).

Abstract: According to the invention, the handling robot includes a vertical telescopic mast (11) that comprises: a vertically fixed base (20); and a plurality of sections (21-23) with synchronised movements, said movements being speed- and acceleration-controlled and including a gravity extension movement and a powered retraction movement, the last section (23) bearing a head (13) for gripping the products (3) to be palletised. The robot includes a common driving shaft (30) for moving the different sections (21, 22, 23), wherein said shaft (30) includes wheels (31, 32, 33) having a diameter adapted to the travel of the section (21-23?) they operate, respectively, via transmission members. For the last section (23) bearing the gripping head, the movement transmission is carried out by chains and for the other sections the transmission members between the wheels (31, 32) and the sections thereof (21, 22) consist of belts that wind up on the corresponding wheel.

Abstract: The deck for lifting a layer of products (2) onto a pallet (10) is constituted by a sole plate (26) of reduced thickness carried by a frame defined by crosspieces (22) and (23) also of reduced thickness and by side pieces (21). The side pieces (21) are of square-shaped cross-section with at least the horizontal wing (40) thereof being provided so as to receive and enable the locking of a piece of equipment forming said sole plate (26) and which is adapted to the nature of said products (2) constituting the layer to be loaded onto a pallet, said piece of equipment being in the form of tabular components (27) of small diameter, about 30 mm, placed between and parallel to said crosspieces (22), (23), said components (27) being able to constitute fully or partially free rolls (28), or able to be locked.

Abstract: A palletizing robot includes at least one rotatable pallet; a crane comprising a rotary base, a lifting frame fixed on the rotary base, and an extensible mechanical hand slidably engaged to the lifting frame to grasp a good; and a controller. The controller controls the crane and the at least one rotatable pallet to cooperatively stack the goods on the rotatable pallet, and control the at least one rotatable pallet to rotate itself to package the stacked goods.