Abstract: A system comprising a fully automated supply chain, in combination with tracking technology and the unified commerce engine (UCE). Such a system enables the exact location of every item (or each) to be tracked from the manufacturer's facility to a customer's bag.

Abstract: A method of palletizing non-uniform objects comprises using shuttle robots controlled by a monitoring and control system (190) to control trolleys, each of which carries an object, from a feed point (101) to a palletizing station (140) via a device (120) for determining the morphologies of the objects so as to characterize the outside shapes of all of the objects forming a batch before the start of the operation of stowing the objects on the pallet, so as to calculate a stowage plan that optimizes stowage of the batch on a pallet (150).

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first independently operable section having a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions, and a second independently operable section in communication with the first independently operable section and having a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. The first and second independently operable sections are configured to provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions.

Abstract: The sorting installation (1) of the invention includes sorting outlets (2) aligned along a sorting conveyor (3), each outlet having a recess (4) for receiving a tray (5) in which sorted mailpieces (6) are stored, and also a tray conveyor (8) that extends under the sorting outlets for moving full trays. The installation further includes a shuttle robot (9) provided with a chute (14) having a bottom end (14a) that is slidingly attached to a guide rail (10) extending along the tray conveyor, the shuttle robot being designed to extract a tray full of mail automatically from a recess in a sorting outlet and to drop it onto the top portion of the chute in such a manner that, on reaching the bottom of the chute, the tray is injected onto the tray conveyor under the effect of gravity.

Abstract: Examples described may enable rearrangement of pallets of items in a warehouse to an optimal layout. An example method includes receiving real-time item information including pallet locations in a warehouse and real-time inventory of items arranged on the pallets; determining a likelihood of demand for future access to the pallets based on a pallet relocation history and item receiving/shipment expectations; based on the real-time item information and the likelihood of demand, determining an optimal controlled-access dense grid layout in which distances of the pallets from a center of the layout are related to the likelihood of demand; receiving real-time robotics information and using the real-time robotics information to determine an amount of time to rearrange the pallets to the optimal layout; and, based on the amount of time to rearrange the pallets being less than a threshold, causing the robotic devices to rearrange the pallets to the optimal layout.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for fully automated order fulfillment. A method includes identifying a shelf tote having an item contained therein for transfer to an order tote; dispatching a first carrier to pick up the shelf tote and a second carrier to pick an order tote; causing the picker to pick the item from the shelf tote while the shelf tote is moving through the transfer station; and transferring the item to the order tote by the picker.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabrication of a multiple memory material including: a feeding assembly for feeding shape memory material; a processing station aligned with the feeding assembly to receive the shape memory material to be processed; at least one energy source aligned with an energy source aperture to provide energy to the shape memory material; a shielding gas provider attached to a shielding gas engagement portion to provide shielding gas; and a controller configured to control the feeding assembly, the shielding gas provider and the energy source according to predetermined parameters to form the multiple memory material.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, a lift includes at least one load handling device configured so as to reciprocate along a lift axis, the load handling device including a frame forming a payload section with a payload support surface having a common elevation configured to hold one or more pickfaces at the common elevation of the payload support surface, at least one transfer arm movably mounted to the frame, and a drive section connected to the load handling device and being configured to move the load handling device along the lift axis, wherein the one or more pickfaces carried in unison by the payload support surface of the at least one load handling device, define an order sequence of pickfaces on the at least one load handling device according to a predetermined case out order sequence of mixed cases.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software for mapping locations of cartons are provided. The method includes, for a first carton, assigning a first identifier to the first carton received for positioning in: a pallet space of a pallet, or in a container space of a container. The method includes determining one or more physical properties of the first carton. The method includes associating the one or more physical properties of the first carton with the first identifier. The method includes determining an as-positioned location of the first carton in the pallet space or in the container space. The method includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) map of the pallet space or the container space. The 3D is generated based on: the determined one or more physical properties of the first carton, and the determined as-positioned location of the first carton in the pallet space or in the container space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction frame for conveying flat workpieces (e.g. circuit boards), a manipulator for equipping the suction frame, and a system for handling flat workpieces, e.g. circuit boards. A method for adjusting a suction frame is also claimed. Overall, the present invention allows suction frames to be equipped in a fully automatic, freely programmable manner for the production of different components within a production line.

Abstract: A typing off-loading and item separation system to automatically separate different parcel types includes an feed conveyor, receiving conveyor, sorting conveyor, cameras and photoelectric eye. Overhead cameras and/or photoelectric sensors detect the item size and whether it is cubic in nature and type and size of its footprint. An in-line slide sorter having alternating conveyor rollers and pop-up belts pass through to, or divert items from a downstream conveyor. A vison based system may also be used to detect space between articles and insert articles in the unoccupied space to maximize conveyor area, volume, or density by controlling conveyor speed.

Abstract: A method for delivering online orders to customers via a fully unmanned system includes replenishing the pod by using inventory carriers carrying containers via a replenishment hatch, moving an inventory carrier attached to carrier base with a mobile robotic unit in a room of adequate temperature. Additionally, the method includes transferring an inventory carrier at a mini load station and loading the order containers on a delivery carrier. The method further includes transferring a delivery carrier and attaching it to a delivery hatch so that the customer, following authentication, is able to pull the drawers and pick the ordered items.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first independently operable section having a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions, and a second independently operable section in communication with the first independently operable section and having a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. The first and second independently operable sections are configured to provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions.

Abstract: A compact palletizer including a skeleton, stretch wrap system, and a subassembly. Components of the skeleton are constructed of aluminum, which provides advantages over the prior art in terms of strength, rigidity, weight, and cost. The aluminum may be pre-tensioned or prestressed to provide these advantages. The subassembly is preferably mounted to the side of the skeleton. The compact palletizer is readily portable, and robotic elements of the compact palletizer do not need to be reprogrammed after transport, so installation time is substantially reduced compared with prior art palletizers. A compact stretch wrap system further allows for wrapping palletized products within the compact palletizer.

Abstract: Examples described may enable rearrangement of pallets of items in a warehouse to an optimal layout. An example method includes receiving real-time item information including pallet locations in a warehouse and real-time inventory of items arranged on the pallets; determining a likelihood of demand for future access to the pallets based on a pallet relocation history and item receiving/shipment expectations; based on the real-time item information and the likelihood of demand, determining an optimal controlled-access dense grid layout in which distances of the pallets from a center of the layout are related to the likelihood of demand; receiving real-time robotics information and using the real-time robotics information to determine an amount of time to rearrange the pallets to the optimal layout; and, based on the amount of time to rearrange the pallets being less than a threshold, causing the robotic devices to rearrange the pallets to the optimal layout.

Abstract: A control unit performs first loading control that is to be performed when a target article that has been determined by a determination unit as being an article that is in an appropriate orientation is to be loaded onto a first supporting member in the appropriate orientation, and second loading control that is to be performed when a target article that has been determined by the determination unit as being an article that is in an inappropriate orientation is to be loaded onto the first supporting member in the appropriate orientation.

Abstract: A method and storage and picking system for progressive picking of articles in accordance with new orders which define ordered articles with regard to a respectively ordered article type including an associated quantity, characterized by a picking warehouse in which a plurality of different article types are stored, the different article types forming an article assortment, wherein the picking warehouse has a storage capacity ensuring a picking range of several days; a picking station for conventionally picking articles stored in the picking warehouse; a buffer warehouse in which selected article types are stored in storage units, and which has a storage capacity ensuring a picking range of a few days, wherein the buffer warehouse is filled by the selected article types, which substantially originate from the picking warehouse, in accordance with a filling order which is redetermined based on data of old orders representing completed picking orders, and which defines the selected article types including assoc

Abstract: A stacking-pattern calculating device including a storage portion that stores dimensions, weights, load limits, and numbers of the respective types of boxes and dimensions of the accommodating region; a smallest-combination calculating portion that calculates a combination of the boxes that forms a smallest unit, that have a constant height, and in which a bottom area becomes the smallest; a layer-combination calculating portion that calculates a combination that forms a layer in which the smallest units having the same height among the combinations of the smallest units are placed next to each other in a horizontal direction so as to have a rectangular shape in a plan view.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a recirculating gantry system operating in parallel with multiple actuators on one or more gantries. A plurality of items are retrieved from a plurality of picking locations via a plurality of actuators disposed on a gantry spanning the picking locations. The gantry is moved along a horizontal track toward a plurality of stowage locations. The gantry is centered on the horizontal track. Individual items are deposited in respective ones of the stowage locations via the plurality of actuators as the gantry moves over the stowage locations.

Abstract: A chuck device in a robot hand is used when receiving a primary formed workpiece from electrode chucks. After receiving the primary formed workpiece, and before inserting the primary formed workpiece from its shaft stem part into an insertion hole in a forging press main body, a portion held by the electrode chucks of the primary formed workpiece is gripped by a chuck device different from the chuck device, to release the gripping of the primary formed workpiece by the chuck device. Therefore, it is possible to insert the holding portion held by the electrode chucks from the side of the shaft stem part of the primary formed workpiece into the insertion hole. Thereby providing a bar material transfer method capable of accurately inserting the bar material from its one end into a predetermined positioning hole even if a bar material serving as a workpiece is short.

Abstract: A stowage device is equipped with a transport device that transports a plurality of types of objects in a random sequence, and a control device that sets a position of an object inside a containment area. The control device includes a complete pattern selection unit that selects a complete pattern in which an object transported by the transport device can be stowed on the basis of the type of the object and information on an object currently placed in the containment area. The control device includes a position determination unit that determines a position of an object inside the containment area on the basis of the complete pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a packaging plant which allows for a high degree of automatization of the packaging of individual product packages into shipment containers of different sizes and which is at the same time highly reliable and according to this method, each one of the product packages is assigned a conveyance tracking clock information, including information about the type of product package, its respective conveyance track, its conveyance speed, and its predetermined position and orientation within the shipment container for the specific shipment order.

Abstract: Described is a depalletizer for trays of eggs, comprising a head movable in space and comprising a plurality of elements for forking a tray of eggs and a unit for controlling means for moving the head designed to control the movement of the head in space. More specifically, the depalletizer comprises image acquisition means which are facing the tray of eggs and designed to acquire at least an image of a predetermined side of the tray to be depalletized. The control unit is designed to process the image for the purpose of identifying the position in space of the empty areas of the predetermined side of the tray for insertion of the forking elements of the head.

Abstract: The packaging system forms a transportable container for bulk goods having stretch wrap that is spirally wrapped about a bottom support and bulk goods to define the transportable container. The stretch wrap contacts at least a portion of the bulk goods to squeeze and lock together the bulk goods. During filling, the bottom support of the transportable container lowers as the transportable container is formed to accommodate additional bulk goods. The stretch wrap is prestretched from a non-stretched state to a stretched state prior to disposing the wrap about a slip frame former in the stretched state. The wrap returns to its non-stretched state as it is disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze and lock together the bulk goods disposed therein. The packaging system results in a transportable container that is optimally packed and shaped for the efficient filling of a truck for shipping.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for horizontal movement of a group or layer of articles (10) from a vertically movable first support level (38) of a first module (12) to a vertically movable second support level (40) of a second module (14) immediately downstream of the first conveyor module (12) in a direction of transport or transfer (20, 50) whilst substantially maintaining the relative positions of a plurality of articles (16) forming the group or layer of articles (10). The movement or transfer is carried out by means of a transfer device (19). Additionally, the horizontal movement of the group or layer of articles (10) whilst the first and second support levels (38, 40) of the first and second modules (12, 14), which can move vertically in a synchronised fashion during the transfer process, are approximately aligned.

Abstract: A device and a method for turning stacks of sheet-shaped material include a device for transporting the stacks into a pivot fork. The pivot fork is part of a turning unit and includes upper grippers, lower grippers and a stack stop. The pivot fork is open on one side to receive the stacks. The pivot fork is supported at its other end to pivot on a horizontal pivot shaft that extends in a direction transverse to a direction of introduction of the stacks and is disposed off-center relative to the pivot fork.

Abstract: Apparatus for palletizing bottles or similar containers, comprising: a conveyor including a support structure and a closed ring belt having a horizontal branch movable in a direction of transport (A) and having an upper surface on which a layer of bottles (B) or similar containers rests when in use, and a movable pickup device positionable above the conveyor for picking up said layer of bottles (B) from the belt and movable in a palletizing station for depositing the layer of bottles (B) on the base of a pallet or on a previously deposited layer of bottles, wherein the pickup device comprises a frame open at the bottom and a shutter movable relative to the frame between a retracted position in which the shutter leaves the lower opening of the frame open and an extended position in which the shutter closes the lower opening of the frame, wherein, in use, the shutter during the movement from the retracted position to the extended position is inserted between the layer of bottles (B) and the upper surface of sai

Abstract: The invention comprises a transfer unit (34) for horizontal movement of a group or layer of articles (10) between at least two adjacent modules (12, 14, 30) whilst substantially maintaining the relative positions of a plurality of articles (16) constituting the group or layer of articles (10).

Abstract: A device for palletizing a plurality of articles and for stabilizing selected ones of the plurality of articles is provided. The device includes at least one load stabilizer and at least one stabilizer applier. The at least one load stabilizer includes a stabilizer sheet and an adhesive layer coupled with the stabilizer sheet. The at least one stabilizer applier receives the at least one load stabilizer and applies the adhesive layer to a select potential shift point of a palletized load.

Abstract: A railroad tie stacker arrangement includes means for conveying ties to a tie accumulation deck to form a layer of parallel ties, means for conveying the layer of parallel ties onto a stack accumulation lift, and means for lowering the stack accumulation lift as each successive layer of ties is deposited onto the lift.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bundle (11) of rolled bars, comprising bar conveying means (4), an inclined plane device (1) for forming a layer of bars and bar accumulation means (5), wherein the inclined plane device (1) comprises a plurality of support elements (2), arranged parallel to each another and defining a first plane inclined by an angle (a) with respect to a horizontal direction, and adapted to receive a predetermined number of bars defining the layer of bars on said first plane from said bar conveying means (4), handling means (60) for translating the inclined plane device (1) from a first maximum advancement position distal from the conveyor means (4) to a second maximum retraction position proximal to the conveyor means (4) to unload the layer of bars onto the accumulation means (5), at a speed such to prevent the bars resting on said supporting elements from being dragged.

Abstract: An article storage and dispensing apparatus and method in which articles made by series production are distributed from an article supplier into a storage compartment of predetermined dimensions for storage of articles in front and rear rows of article storage positions. An article distributor in an upper portion of the storage compartment has a carriage, a carriage drive which is configured to drive the carriage in a reversible horizontal carriage drive direction across at least part of the width of the storage compartment, and an article support mounted on the carriage and configured to receive articles from the article supplier above the support when the carriage is in a start position. An article dispenser is associated with the article support to dispense articles selectively in opposite horizontal dispensing directions transverse to the carriage drive direction off the front and rear ends of the support to drop into front and rear article rows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a consignment system and method for loading a freight carrier (2) with freight units (4) forming a freight stack (3), either manually or on an automated basis. The consignment system comprises a device (1) with a positioning conveyor unit (16) which has conveyor tracks (50a, 50b) which can be adjusted by means of a displacement device (52) to a distance (53) determined on the basis of the conveying property of the freight unit (4) to be stacked and/or from a gap width (81) of a stack gap in a stack position of the freight stack (3).

Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tube racks are disclosed. The laboratory system includes a storage section (14) with a plurality of shelves (110) for storing a plurality of storage racks (SR), a disposal unit (18) for disposing sample tubes from the storage racks (SR), a robotic transfer system (510) for loading storage racks (SR) into the storage section (14), for retrieving storage racks (SR) from the storing section (14) and for bringing storage rack to the disposal unit (18) after a given storage time has elapsed.

Abstract: A device (1) for forming rolled bar (3) bundles which allows to obtain perfectly tidy and super compact bundles, in which the bars (3) are perfectly aligned with one another without twisting, tangling or overlapping, both inside and outside the bundle, conferring an excellent shape and regular appearance to the same. A process for forming rolled bar bundles by using the aforesaid device is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally shifting an article group or article layer, composed of a plurality of articles, from a first position and/or from a conveying movement into a second rest position while largely maintaining the relative positions of the articles in the article layer or group to each other, said transfer being effected by at least one first pusher bar engaging with the articles located at the back of the article group or article layer, as considered in relation to the conveying or feed direction. A support bar, which is at least temporarily allocated to the articles located at the front of the article group or layer, as considered in relation to the conveying direction, moves ahead at a slight distance from or abuts on the foremost articles of the article group or layer at least immediately before or on reaching the rest position.

Abstract: A board stacking apparatus having one or more movable supports having at least two arms each, a rear stopper and a power assembly operatively connected to the movable support to move the same according to a layer stacking routine. The layer stacking routine includes positioning the movable support at a receiving position, maintaining the movable support in the receiving position while the boards are dispensed thereon, and moving the movable support in a rearward direction. The board stacking apparatus further comprises abutment components located proximate to and slightly below a board dispensing mechanism of the apparatus to support the receiving end of corresponding arms when in the receiving position.

Abstract: A material handling storage, retrieval and load building system receives source pallets, bearing product loads in full or partial layers, stores them in a variety of locations depending on the frequency of demand for products thereon and builds homogeneous product or similar product full or partial layers on target or order pallets, in both single and multiple layer picks, from products on the source pallets, to order after retrieving the source pallets to a building pallet location. Pallets are transferred within the system on pallet stands which are selectively coupled to automatically guided vehicles, thus providing significant flexibility in the pallet storage locations and in the transfer distance within the system. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus and method of multi-layer stacking of objects of different sizes on a support to form a stacked support includes providing a support handler. A support is elevated with the support handler and objects of different sizes and shapes are stacked on the support to form a stacked support. A stacked support is removed and an empty support supplied with the support handler. A placeholder is provided above the support handler. The placeholder has a first mode for receiving objects on the placeholder. The placeholder has a second mode for providing access to a support on the support handler. The placeholder is put in the first mode while the support handler removes a stacked support and supplies an empty support. The placeholder is put in the second mode when the support handler is elevating a support being stacked with articles.

Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tube racks are disclosed. The laboratory system includes a storage section (14) with a plurality of shelves (110) for storing a plurality of storage racks (SR), a disposal unit (18) for disposing sample tubes from the storage racks (SR), a robotic transfer system (510) for loading storage racks (SR) into the storage section (14), for retrieving storage racks (SR) from the storing section (14) and for bringing storage rack to the disposal unit (18) after a given storage time has elapsed.

Abstract: Apparatus for grouping a number of units, such as packaging units, when palleting the units, comprising a feed belt for conveying the units (10) and a grouping belt, which defines a grouping plane, said feed and grouping belts being driven for movement parallel to one another, and a robot, which is designed to group the units by positioning and orienting the units on the grouping plane. At least one part of the feed belt (1) runs beside and adjacent to the grouping belt (2). The robot (3) is a multi-axial industrial robot having a robotic arm on which a pusher element (5) is arranged, rotatable about an axis (6) perpendicular to the grouping plane, in order to allow the transfer of at least one unit from the feed belt to the grouping belt under a pushing action supplied by the pushing element, together with orientation and positioning of the unit on the grouping belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking and placing a layer of product, comprising: a frame, the frame movable from a first position above and clear of the layer of product to a second position over and enclosing the layer of product; paddles mounted on internal sides of the frame, each paddle moveable from a first position in which the paddle is clear of the layer of product to a second position in which the paddle engages and grips a respective side of the layer of product by applying mechanical force thereto; a vacuum duct mounted in the frame over the layer of product, the vacuum duct moveable from a first position in which the vacuum duct is clear of the layer of product to a second position in which the vacuum duct engages and grips a top of the layer of product by applying vacuum force thereto; and, a control system adapted to selectively control respective mechanisms for positioning of the frame, paddles, and vacuum duct to thereby pick and place the layer of product.

Abstract: In an item-handling device, a layer head includes an item layer building platform defining an item receiving plane, the layer building platform being vertically positionable. A puller bar mounts to the layer head and moves in relation thereto within a plane above the item-receiving plane. The puller bar is positionable between a retracted position above the layer building platform and an extended position offset from the layer building platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. A four-sided compaction mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a palletizer including a device (24) for preparing and prestacking layers of boxes, said device consisting of: a vertically moveable table (25); two tables (26, 26?) forming a noria and capable of alternately taking the place of said table (25) and of depositing another layer of boxes onto the layer standing by on said table (25); a means for calibrating each layer of boxes according to the palletization scheme. The table (25) and the table (26, 26?) are used to perform the operation of calibrating the layers of boxes by moving said boxes against an abutment (40) which, in an inoperative position, acts as a slider bed between the table (25) and the palletization table (7). The table (26, 26?) consists of rollers (30) which are mounted on one-way bearings.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. Specifically, the present invention uses a robot to place items from a fixed infeed elevation either above or, alternatively, below the height of the finished load. A four-sided compression mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.

Abstract: In one aspect, a programmable load forming system is programmed to perform the method of downloading a calculated path from the computer to the robot controller, moving one or more bundles along the calculated path to position the one or more bundles in a predetermined stacking position of a stacking pattern using the robot, and determining if the robot has completed moving along the calculated path. The calculated path is defined, in part, by the stacking pattern and other parameters such as, for example, bundle geometry, bundle levelness, bundle compressibility, among other parameters. In another aspect, the system is programmed to perform a method of sensing the top of a bundle and controllably placing a bundle. Additional aspects are directed to systems and methods of safely operating the robot and an inventive hopper design for holding bottom/tie sheets.

Abstract: A modular split palletizer for loading layers of articles on stackable pallets. The palletizer has a frame supporting first, second, and third sections. The first section includes a layer build area and a first portion of a stacker transfer track. The second section includes a tier sheet bin, a top frame bin, and a second portion of the track. The third section includes a pallet build area and a third portion of the track. Each of the first, second, and third sections can be disassembled, moved individually and independently, and re-assembled at a new location to form the complete palletizer. Also disclosed is a method of relocating the modular split palletizer. With the palletizer at one location, the utilities connected to the palletizer are disconnected, the fasteners holding the sections together are released, and the sections are separated. The disassembled sections are moved to the new location and reassembled.

Abstract: A handling apparatus can be used to transfer objects from a first location to a second location along a defined path, without the need for a conveyor along the path. Instead, the handling apparatus can be moved along the path by a controllable transport device, such as a robot arm. The handling apparatus can comprise a plurality of unpowered rollers which are selectively rotated by way of a transfer assist mechanism during loading and/or unloading of the objects to be transferred. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a separate component that can power the rollers directly or indirectly. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a belt which imparts rotational force to the support rollers via contact in some embodiments, with the amount of force controlled by varying the relative inclination of the support rollers and the transfer assist mechanism.