Abstract: The disclosed system includes a robot configured to perform a task on a workpiece. A camera having a field of view is operably connected to the robot. A light system is configured to project structured light onto a region of interest having a smaller area within the field of view. A control system is operably coupled to the robot and the camera is configured to determine a depth of the workpiece relative to a position of the robot using the structured light projected onto the workpiece within the region of interest.

Abstract: A robot system including: one or two robot arms which perform work on a target; a shape measurement device which is disposed on the robot arm and measures a shape of the target; and a controller which controls the robot arm based on the shape measurement device, in which the shape measurement device includes a projection device which projects striped pattern light onto the target, an image capturing unit which captures the image of the pattern light, and a processor which calculates the shape of the target based on the captured image by the image capturing device, and in which the projection device includes a light source device which emits linear laser, an optical scanner which generates the pattern light by reflecting the laser from the light source device and by scanning the target, and a scanner driver which outputs a driving signal to drive the optical scanner non-resonantly.

Abstract: A plant for making packages includes at least a machine to work packaging material and an automatic feed apparatus to feed the packaging material to the machine in a direction of automatic feed; a manual feeding and loading station of the packaging material, adjacent and parallel to the automatic feed apparatus, the machine being mobile in a direction of movement transverse to the direction of automatic feed and selectively positionable in a first position aligned to the automatic feed apparatus and in a second position aligned to the manual feeding and loading station; and a guide system to guide the machine between the first position and the second position and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting objects, in particular packaging means, said device comprising a continuous conveying section (3) and a plurality of conveying assemblies (40) that circulate on the conveying section (3). Each conveying assembly (40) comprises a first conveying element (4) and a second conveying element (5) and each of said conveying elements (4, 5) can be driven individually and independently of one another. The conveying elements (4, 5) are designed to jointly transport one individual object (2).

Abstract: A robotic carton unloader for automatic unloading of cartons from a carton pile stacked within a trailer. In various embodiments, a robotic carton unloader may comprise a conveyor system, a manipulator movably attached to an end of a robotic positioner and configured to dislodge one or more cartons from a carton pile; and a frame comprising a bumper configured to be pressed against the carton pile below one or more cartons being dislodged from the carton pile by the manipulator to stabilize the carton pile below the one or more cartons being dislodged; and a shelf configured to catch the one or more cartons dislodged from the carton pile and guide the one or more cartons dislodged from the carton pile onto the conveyor system.

Abstract: An order-picking system and method that includes a high-bay warehouse, at least one tray warehouse, at least one packing station, at least one shipping station and a conveyor technique to bring the tray loaded with the pallet layer into the tray warehouse. The conveyor technique may be a conveyor, a storage machine and/or a lift.

Abstract: The optical disk retrieval device that separates and retrieves a plurality of loaded optical disks one by one in order from top, includes: a base that loads the plurality of optical disks; pulling-up unit for pulling up the top optical disk of the plurality of loaded optical disks; a separation member that can cause a force to act on an inner wall of an inner hole of a plate-like member having the inner hole; and separation member elevating unit for moving the separation member in a vertical direction, wherein the pulling-up unit lifts the top optical disk upward, and the separation member elevating unit passes the separation member through an inner circumferential hole of the top optical disk lifted by the pulling-up unit from an upper side to a lower side, and the separation member causes the force to act on the inner wall of the inner hole of the plate-like member adhering directly beneath the top optical disk to thereby separate the plate-like member.

Abstract: A holding mechanism is operable to hold a top medium from a plurality of plate-shaped media accommodated in a stacker in a stacked manner. A transport arm supports the holding mechanism. When the lift mechanism lifts down the transport arm, one of a first elastic pressing force and a second elastic pressing force greater than the first elastic pressing force is selectively applied from the holding mechanism to an upper surface of the top medium.

Abstract: A holding mechanism is operable to hold a top medium from a plurality of plate-shaped media accommodated in a stacker in a stacked manner. A transport arm supports the holding mechanism. When the lift mechanism lifts down the transport arm, one of a first elastic pressing force and a second elastic pressing force greater than the first elastic pressing force is selectively applied from the holding mechanism to an upper surface of the top medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a feeder that includes: a feed table on which a plurality of papers are staked in one direction, wherein some of the papers are bundled by a staple; a take-out module configured to sequentially take out the stacked papers from an outermost surface of the papers; a first detector configured to detect whether or not the staple exists in the papers within a distance h measured from the outermost surface; a controller configured to control the take-out module in a first mode or a second mode. When the staple is detected in the papers within the distance h, the controller controls the take-out module in the first mode. When the staple is not detected in the papers within the distance h, the controller controls the take-out module in the second mode.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for supplying blanks to a marking apparatus, a conveyor device (1) and a transfer device (3) which can cooperate to actuate the method. The method steps include predisposing a quantity of blanks formed in a stack (2), arranging the stack (2) in an inclined configuration resting both on the base (21) thereof and on one side (22), bringing the stack (2) up to a removing position in proximity to the marking apparatus (4), rotating the upper blank (20) upwards and with respect to a horizontal axis (O) passing at an edge of the blank (20) which is opposite and more peripheral with respect to the edge of the same blank (20), raising the rotated upper blank (20), and bringing the upper blank (20) to the marking apparatus inlet (40), so that the blank is taken by the marking apparatus (4), and repeating for each blank.

Abstract: A tray dispenser and method for removing trays from the top of a stack of trays. The tray dispenser includes a tray delivery system that positions the top tray in a tray removal position, and a tray removal system that removes the top tray, moves it and releases it in a tray release location. The tray dispenser can include a rotary arm to which the tray removal system is coupled. The rotary arm can move the removal system from a first position where it removes the tray from the removal location to a second position where it releases the tray in the release location. The removal system can include a suction cup assembly that holds the tray when it is removed and moved, then releases the tray in the release location. The tray dispenser can include a limit switch that senses when the tray is in the removal position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an order-picking systems (100; 100?), wherein the order-picking system comprises a high-bay warehouse (10), at least one tray warehouse (16), at least one packing station (20; 32), and at least one shipping station (22), comprising the following steps: a) depalletizing (S20) in a layerwise manner packing units (42), which form a, particularly complete, pallet layer (40), from a pallet (44), particularly a EuroPallet, which respectively carries a plurality of packing units (42), which are to be picked, of a type of article, onto a correspondingly dimensioned tray (46); b) bringing (S30) the tray (46) loaded with the pallet layer (40) into the tray warehouse (16), preferably by means of a conveyor technique (14), a storage machine and/or a lift; c) recalling (S40) the tray (46) loaded with the pallet layer (40) in accordance with an order-picking order or several order-picking orders to the packing station (20; 32); removing in accordance with the order-picking or

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a relatively rigid material in sheets into an operating station of a processing plant, comprises at least a store for storing and feeding the sheets and a loading device. The loading device is provided at least with feed means, disposed downstream of the store with respect to the direction of feed of the sheets, and able to feed the sheets into the operating station. The apparatus also comprises detection means, disposed in correspondence with the feed means, able to detect both the position of the sheets with respect to the feed means, and also the size of the sheets fed. The detection means are also able to vary in a coordinated manner the operating conditions at least of the feed means according to the position and sizes detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the monitored conveying of sheet metal plates, particularly into a working or forming plant, in which a plate is taken up by a feeder from a first position and the plate and feeder are moved to a second position. According to the invention, during feeder movement to the second position a first sensor element located at the feeder, as well as a second sensor element located in the second position, are brought into a signal-based arrangement, and that on the basis of a measurement signal transmitted between the sensor elements the number of plates at the feeder and/or the second position is determined. The invention also relates to a device for the monitored conveying of plates, particularly into a forming plant.

Abstract: A method for handling packages in a beverage bottling plant, a method for unstacking packages in a container filling plant, a method for stacking packages in a container filling plant, and arrangements for accomplishing the methods. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A gripping device for a manipulation system, particularly a robot, for receiving workpieces and feeding them from a readied stack of the workpieces to a manufacturing plant such as a metal sheet folding machine, punching press, welding plant, etc. The device has a gripper head fitted with gripping means such as suction cups, magnets, tongs, etc., and a detection system for detecting characteristics of the workpiece gripped by the gripping means. A pulse emitter excites vibrations in the workpiece and the vibration spectrum of the workpiece is compared to reference vibration data to determine characteristics of the gripped workpiece, such as whether two or more workpieces are stuck together, or whether the workpiece is the correct workpiece.

Abstract: A device for receiving and for transporting an article having a receiving plate which is slid under the article is provided in which the improvement involves a more effective way for an article to rest on the receiving plates during transportation. A more effective way for an article to rest on a receiving plate that is slid under the article is the addition of a hold down element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tray transfer system (TTS). This system is designed to automatically transfer trays of mail between dollies and conveyor belts. The TTS is an efficient method for shipping, moving, storing, loading, and unloading mail trays. It allows mail-processing centers to physically and temporally separate the process of sorting mail and the process of moving mail into automation compatible trays (ACT).

Abstract: An adapter for a cup dispenser that can be used to replace flexible diaphragms so as to improve wear characteristics. Each adapter is preferably interchangeable with other adapters sized to accommodate other different cup sizes and shapes. The adapter includes two or more rows of preferably offset restrictions to stage and separate cups for easy dispensing. The invention also comprises a cup dispenser incorporating such an adapter and a method of interchanging a flexible diaphragm with such an adapter.

Abstract: The apparatus for transmitting a workpiece along a press line includes a support frame; a support frame driving unit; a plurality of air pipes; an air flow forming unit; a plurality of rollers; and a roller driving unit. The plurality of suction cups are provided at a perimeter of each of the rollers A plurality of air exhaust passages extends from an inner surface of each suction cup to a respective air passage are formed in each of the rollers, such that air within a closed space formed between the suction cup and the workpiece is exhausted to the air passage by a difference between a pressure within the closed space and a pressure in the air passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for singulating a first work piece from a plurality of stacked work pieces, the plurality of stacked work pieces comprising a second work piece adjacent the first work piece. A stripping member is engageable against the second work piece. A lifting member is engageable with the first work piece and displaceable with respect to the stripping member between first and second positions. In the lifting member first position the first and second work pieces are stacked; in the lifting member second position the first and second work pieces are unstacked. After unstacking, a supporting member is moveable to engage the unstacked first work piece, selectively supporting the first work piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collating a plurality of separate groups or bundles of similar flats mailpieces arranged in a predetermined delivery point sequence, each mailpiece imprinted with a distinct delivery point or address indicia, to produce a single stream of mailpieces in new groups, where each new group comprises a plurality of mailpieces all addressed to a distinct delivery point. The apparatus comprises a plurality of feed units, each unit configured to process a quantity of similar mailpieces, each with a distinct delivery point indicia on the face of the mailpiece, and to deposit each mailpiece in a distinct pocket on a collation conveyor which traverses all of the plurality of feed units. Each pocket will ultimately contain different mail pieces, all addressed to the same delivery point Multiple new groups of mailpieces are then automatically placed in containers in a sequence corresponding to a predetermined delivery route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collating a plurality of separate groups or bundles of similar flats mailpieces arranged in a predetermined delivery point sequence, each mailpiece imprinted with a distinct delivery point or address indicia, to produce a single stream of mailpieces in new groups, where each new group comprises a plurality of mailpieces all addressed to a distinct delivery point. The apparatus comprises a plurality of feed units, each unit configured to process a quantity of similar mailpieces, each with a distinct delivery point indicia on the face of the mailpiece, and to deposit each mailpiece in a distinct pocket on a collation conveyor which traverses all of the plurality of feed units. Each pocket will ultimately contain different mail pieces, all addressed to the same delivery point. Multiple new groups of mailpieces are then automatically placed in containers in a sequence corresponding to a predetermined delivery route.

Abstract: According to the method, single compact discs (1) are removed from a magazine (10) by a pick up group (14) which is carried by a drum (13). The drum (13) rotates continuously on a vertical axis. The pick up group (14) is operated to move in a combined translation motion along a vertical axis and along a circumference around the drum (13), so as to move in a direction opposite to the movement direction imposed by said drum (13), from a first remote position, which is situated forward with respect to a median plane (M), to a close disk taking position. The combined translation motion of the pick up group (14) is continued, so as to bring the removed compact disc (1) to a second remote position. The removed compact disc (1) is then transferred to a conveying line (5) by a corresponding combined translation motion of the pick up group (14) with respect to the movement direction imposed by the drum (13), from a remote forward position to a close position, in which the compact disc (1) is released.

Abstract: A sheet feeder for use with a stack having plates and sheets alternating. Sheets are removed by being reliably suction adhered with a sucker. The sheet feeder includes a suction device, and the sucker and device are mounted at a supporting portion. In order to allow suction adhering of the plates and sheets alternately stacked in a magazine, the suction device is operated when the sucker is brought into contact with the sheet, and the sheet is raised separately from the plate. Thereafter, the sheet is suction adhered to the sucker by suction. This makes it possible to prevent the sucker from suction adhering to the plate together with the sheet, and only the sheet is reliably removed from the stack.

Abstract: A workpiece is gripped and unloaded by moving workpiece unloading means based on the results of measuring the workpiece position and orientation with a visual sensor. When a plurality of loaded workpieces are unloaded in a regular order one by one, or in groups, the position and orientation of the workpiece which is to be unloaded next change for each unloading. However, since a visual sensor is moved when necessary to the position appropriate for measuring the workpiece position and orientation, measurements of the workpieces with the visual sensor are conducted accurately. Therefore, the workpiece unloading is conducted reliably.

Abstract: A material delivery system is disclosed which is particularly useful for filtered environments, such as clean rooms, minienvironments, or the like. One aspect of this particular material delivery system is that movement of an elevator is automatically controlled (i.e., no operator input), and more preferably is accomplished by monitoring for the presence of containers at multiple vertical positions. Another aspect of this particular material delivery system is that its elevator may be installed on and removed from a main housing of the material delivery system without requiring any tools. Yet another aspect of this particular material delivery system is that containers need not be unloaded from the material delivery system prior to removing its elevator, such as for replacement/maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A material table 39 supporting materials W is provided so as to be able to move between a plate material taking-in/out area 11 and material wait area 13, and when the material table 39 is positioned in the plate material taking-in/out area 11, the material table 39 is positioned in a lower position adjacent to an upper end portion of a slat conveyor 33.

Abstract: According to the method, single compact discs (1) are removed from a magazine (10) by a pick up group (14) which is carried by a drum (13). The drum (13) rotates continuously on a vertical axis.

Abstract: It is known to utilize magnets to assist in separating individual blanks from a stack of blanks. The invention utilizes a pressurized fluid, for example pressurized air, to separate one blank from another. The pressurized air system is utilized in a combination with a pick up device which can pick up individual blanks which are separated from a stack with the assistance of the pressurized air system. Suction cup assemblies located, and providing lift, at the edges or corners of the blank can operate to assist in peeling upwards the edges or corners of the top blank on the stack. These edge or corner mounted suction cup assemblies may be actuated by reciprocadg air cylinders, and may work in conjunction with the pressurized air system.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for handling stations for sheet-like, flexible articles, in particular envelopes, particularly for mail-processing machines, the drive in a feed-channel for stacks of articles standing on edge being controlled in dependence on a detector output signal produced by a light barrier, which responds to the formation of a gap and runs transversely to the conveying direction with the gap forming in the region of a transition between the feed channel and a discharge channel.

Abstract: A palletizer for stacking a series of items on a pallet, the palletizer including a pallet hoist for supporting a stack of pallets therein; a pallet lift mechanism mounted for vertical movement within the pallet hoist adjacent to and relative to the stack of pallets, the pallet lift assembly including a pair of spaced, opposed pallet support members mounted on the pallet lift assembly for movement between a retracted position wherein there is clearance between the pallet support member and the stack of pallets, and an extended position wherein the pallet support member is in an interference position relative to the stack of pallets; a top frame dispenser for supporting a supply of top frames; and a carriage for moving pallets and top frames from the pallet hoist and the top frame dispenser, respectively.

Abstract: A system for transferring flat bodies, wherein an actuating unit transfers the flat bodies in a given direction from a pickup station to an unloading station; a carriage being movable horizontally between the pickup and unloading stations; a pickup member being supported by the first carriage to load blocks of stacked flat bodies at the pickup station; the pickup member having a stop member crosswise to the given direction, and acting as a locator for a block in the given direction; and the actuating unit having a retaining device facing the stop member to limit displacement of the flat bodies on the pickup member during transfer between the pickup and unloading stations.

Abstract: A palletizer (10) for stacking a series of items on a pallet (P), the palletizer (10) including a pallet hoist (34) for supporting a stuck of pallets therein; a pallet lift mechanism (82) mounted for vertical movement within the pallet hoist (34) adjacent to and relative to the stack of pallets (P), the pallet lift assembly (82) including a pair of spaced, opposed pallet support members (110) mounted on the pallet lift assembly (82) for movement between a retracted position wherein there is clearance between the pallet support member (110) and the stack of pallets, and an extended position wherein the pallet support member (110) is in an interference position relative to the stack of pallets; a top frame dispenser (38) for supporting a supply of top frames (T); and a carriage for moving pallets and top frames from the pallet hoist (34) and the top frame dispenser (38), respectively.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine then selectively recovers such documents from storage and dispenses them to other users. The machine includes a central transport (70) wherein documents deposited in a stack are unstacked, oriented and identified. Such documents are then routed to storage areas in recycling canisters (92, 94, 96, 98). When a user subsequently requests a dispense, documents stored in the storage areas are selectively picked therefrom and delivered to the user through an input/output area (50) of the machine.