Article Handling Patents (Class 700/213)
  • Patent number: 9366975
    Abstract: A stage transferring device invention includes: a transferring stage upon which an object is mounted and which transfers the object in an x-y plane; and a stage position measuring device. The stage position measuring device includes a one-dimensional scale on the transferring stage; a one-dimensional scale reading head which is configured to overlap the one-dimensional scale, irradiate a measuring beam to the overlapped one-dimensional scale and measure a 1D y-axis coordinate of the transferring stage; a two-dimensional encoder on the transferring stage; and a two-dimensional encoder reading head which is configured to overlap the two-dimensional encoder, irradiate a measuring beam to the overlapped two-dimensional encoder and measure a 2D x-axis coordinate and a 2D y-axis coordinate of the transferring stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hi Kuk Lee, Sang Don Jang, Jae Hyuk Chang, Hyang-Shik Kong, Cha-Dong Kim, Chang Hoon Kim, Jung-In Park, Sang Hyun Yun
  • Patent number: 9334113
    Abstract: A material handling systems provides efficient storage, retrieval and sortation of articles, utilizing a plurality of carts capable of traveling under storage areas with a three dimensional warehouse system and on multiple levels. The carts may convey items from storage to a goods to operator user interface. The carts may function as decoupled sortation units capable of providing sortation at multiple mobile sortation locations, providing vertical sortation. Carts may include conveying surfaces, and sort articles from between carts. Carts may transport more than one article and a plurality of carts may transport a single article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: John R. Naylor
  • Patent number: 9304140
    Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a sample dispenser for dispensing a sample into a reaction container; a sample transporter for sequentially transports a plurality of reaction containers along a transporting path; a processing station including a plurality of processing sections and a transferring section that transfers a reaction container between the sample transporter and the processing sections; and a controller is disclosed. The sample dispenser sequentially dispenses samples at intervals. The controller alternates the interval when problem occurred at any of the processing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuji Wakamiya
  • Patent number: 9282688
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling operations involving residue. The method includes executing a first operation on a field with an implement resulting in residue on the field. A first image is captured with a camera assembly of an area of the field that is ahead of or behind the implement. The first image is analyzed to determine an indicator of residue coverage on the field. A subsequent operation on the field is executed, one or more aspects of which are controlled based upon the determined indicator of residue coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Casper, Ricky B. Theilen, John M. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 9268211
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lithographic apparatus including an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam, a patterning device support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam, a substrate support constructed to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and an encoder-type measurement system configured to at least during projection of the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate continuously determine a position quantity of a patterning device supported on the patterning device support using a grid or grating provided on the patterning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Van Eijk, Engelbertus Antonius Fransiscus Van Der Pasch, Johannes Petrus Martinus Bernardus Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 9264297
    Abstract: A method includes processing an event data associated with an item in transit between a source location and a destination location based on a scan data of a logistical node between the source location and the destination location. The server determines if the event data associated with the item in transit between the source location and the destination location based on the scan data of the logistical node between the source location and the destination location associated with a response action defined in a matching table by the multimodal communication server using a processor and a memory. The server automatically initiates the response action when the event data associated with the item in transit between the source location and the destination location based on the scan data of the logistical node between the source location and the destination location is defined in the matching table on the multimodal communication server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ACCUZIP, INC.
    Inventor: Steve Belmonte
  • Patent number: 9248973
    Abstract: An inventory system has mobile drive units that freely and independently move about a facility to transport inventory holders. The mobile drive units may operate through communications with other drive units, or under a more centralized control of a management module. For various operating scenarios, the mobile drive units are directed to shuffle the inventory holders in a manner that minimizes travel of the mobile drive units, thereby improving overall system efficiency. One or more single mobile drive units may be used to transport inventory holders to and from a region, and one or more other mobile drive units may be used to reposition or slide each of the inventory holders back and forth within the region to efficiently place inventory holders before an operator on an as-needed basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremiah David Brazeau
  • Patent number: 9244591
    Abstract: System and method for developing a motion application. A motion manager component implementing a supervisory control function and at least one trajectory generation algorithm is stored on a motion controller. A first application programming interface (API) for interfacing the motion manager component to a user developed motion control application is displayed. A second API for interfacing the motion manager component to a user developed communication interface component is displayed. A user application executable for sequencing motion operations in the motion system is created using the first API is created in response to user input. A first communication interface component is created using the second API in response to user input, where the communication interface component is operable to interface with the motion manager component using the second API, and where the user developed communication interface component is executable to communicate with a motion element, e.g., a drive or simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Sundeep Chandhoke
  • Patent number: 9242798
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for determining stowability based on item-size categories are described. Embodiments may select a storage module for a stow operation based on accessing stowability information. Stowability information, in various embodiments may include stowability information for each storage module in a materials handling system. Stowability information may indicate a capacity to hold additional items in a storage module. The capacity may be determined according an item-size category descriptor, describing the quantity of items in each category of a storage module, and a storage module capacity module characterizing item descriptors of fully-stowed storage modules. In some embodiments the storage module capacity model is a function fitted to data points representing the values of item-size descriptors of fully-stowed storage modules. Embodiments may update the stowability information for a storage module in response to the removal of an item from the storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny Guan
  • Patent number: 9235817
    Abstract: Systems and methods of vehicle freight/load distribution are provided to assist in determining optimal freight distribution. Although it is standard practice to fill each vehicle to its maximum limit, due to the non-linear nature of engine fueling maps (that is, fueling maps vary non-linearly as a function of torque and speed), the optimal distribution may not be obtained by the standard practice. Finding a solution for the optimal freight distribution may also need to account for the cost of fueling and operator costs, particularly if the situation involves multiple vehicles not filled to capacity. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination amongst a fleet of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Phani Vajapeyazula, Kenneth Follen, An Wu, Barty L. Moffett
  • Patent number: 9171250
    Abstract: The method of determining back-feed paths is capable of efficiently solving multi-layer restoration problems by minimizing a fitness function using an iterative genetic algorithm. The method optimizes back-feeding of out-of-service areas by minimizing power loss, switching, unserved loads and voltage/current violations. The efficiency of the algorithm is further increased through the use of a reactive Tabu search to prevent duplicate candidate systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenyuan Wang, Vaibhav D. Donde, James Stoupis, Wenping Li, William Peterson
  • Patent number: 9157812
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring and display system for use in data centers includes a magnetic layer that attaches to a server cabinet of a data center, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). A plurality of lighting units and temperature sensors are mounted to the FPCB. An integrated controller of the temperature monitoring and display system receives temperature signals from the temperature sensors and, based on those signals, controls the lighting units to output predetermined colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: DCIM Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony W. Gennello
  • Patent number: 9153469
    Abstract: A calculating apparatus includes an acquiring portion and a calculating portion. The acquiring portion acquires a center position of a wafer placed on an alignment apparatus, and a wafer angle corresponding to a marker such as an orientation flat. The calculating portion calculates by using the wafer center position and the wafer angle, a rotational angle of the wafer on the alignment apparatus, an approach angle, which is an angle of a direction in which a transfer robot approaches the wafer, and a distance between the wafer after the rotation and the transfer robot. Then, the alignment apparatus rotates the wafer by the rotational angle. The transfer robot turns by the approach angle. Subsequently, the transfer robot extends its arm according to the distance, thereby approaching the wafer, and retrieves the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: DAIHEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9150389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system capable of determining in which lane a container handling machine is present below a quay crane or the like crane and/or capable of determining the correct location of a container handling machine in its driving direction (y) with respect to a quay crane or the like crane as containers are delivered to the crane or containers are retrieved from the crane by the container handling machine. The crane is fitted with at least one scanning laser distance sensor or the like range finder, and the container handling machines are fitted with one or more reflectors whose height profile is used for the determination of a correct location and/or for the identification of a container handling machine and for the distinction thereof from other container handling machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Konecranes Plc
    Inventors: Kari Rintanen, Mikko Sampo
  • Patent number: 9139383
    Abstract: A system and method provides for controlling a pneumatic carrier system based on identification information read from a carrier or a payload of the carrier. Each carrier or payload which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon information for the carrier or payload. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the identification device. Based on reading the identification device at locations within the system, the operation of the system is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: TRANSLOGIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenneth Michael Hoganson
  • Patent number: 9092752
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventors: Vinayak Pandit, Brian Amend, Louie Chin, Jeffrey Elliott, Kathy Emery, Gaurav Hasija, Maureen Isidoro, Lionel Ng, Doug Peterson, Todd Steffen, Patrick Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9082802
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, or method for positioning a wafer on a support of a rotatable chuck may improve the accuracy and precision of various wafer edge cuts and wafer profiling at a variety of stages of wafer manufacturing. The apparatus, system, or and/or method may employ one or more of a wafer position calculator to calculate a desired wafer position and to provide desired wafer position information to a wafer arm controller; and a wafer arm controller in communication with the wafer position calculator to provide instructions to adjust a wafer arm to position the wafer on the support according to the desired wafer position. Various sensor detectors and sensor lights or other mechanisms for sensing the position of a wafer may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chin Cheng Yang
  • Patent number: 9079223
    Abstract: A method is provided for allocating a first item from a group of items to a receiver selected from a group of receivers. The method includes obtaining characteristic property information for the group of items and obtaining capacity information for the group of receivers. According to the method, a characteristic property of the first item which is to be allocated and a characteristic property of a selected second item within the group of items are used in consideration of possible options for allocating said first and second items to the group of receivers. Taking into account the respective capacities of receivers in the group of receivers, it is then determined which receiver should be selected for allocation of the first item thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: VALKA EHF and REYKJAVIK UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yngvi Bjornsson, Einar Bjorn Jonsson, Helgi Hjalmarsson
  • Patent number: 9061843
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically planning and controlling container flow operations in a large-scale container terminal shipping container transportation and storage terminals such as those at ports is disclosed. The system and method automatically scheduling operations of the container terminal in a holistic manner in multiple different time windows in advance in which operations are scheduled in a far-ahead horizon time window, in a candidate horizon time window, and in an imminent horizon time window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Navis LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Torson, Oscar Pernia Fernandez, John Philip Scattergood, Joseph Louis Weiner
  • Patent number: 9056336
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, software and systems are disclosed for improved processing of mailpieces in order to reduce expensive manual steps. Shiny mail, i.e., mailpieces having glossy surfaces that sometimes interfere with printing of barcodes and or ID Tags may lead to rejects. In some embodiments, shiny mailpieces are identified, and at least one new (non-shiny) label is over-labeled in the POSTNET clear zone (108), the ID Tag zone (202), or both. In one embodiment, a specially-configured Reject Encoding Machine (REM) (1142) is employed to label or over-label a POSTNET clear zone (1110), resolve the destination address (1112) if possible, and print the barcode (1114) in a single operation. Thereafter, the mailpiece may be transferred from the REM into a downstream DBCS (1144), thereby re-introducing the mailpiece into the automated mail stream rather than being relegated to a manual stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: RAF Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Brandt
  • Patent number: 9052187
    Abstract: An apparatus relating to the manufacture of stacked semiconductor devices includes, for example, a first holding section configured to hold a first semiconductor device and a second holding section configured to hold a second semiconductor device. Additionally, a measuring section including an imaging device for acquiring images of the first and second semiconductor devices and a control section configured to control the holding sections to correct misalignment between the semiconductor devices. The control section is further configured to determine misalignment using the images of the first and second semiconductor devices when the images include a first alignment mark disposed proximate to an edge of the first semiconductor device and a second alignment mark disposed proximate to an edge of the second semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Naoyuki Komuta, Masatoshi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9043019
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator system to transport medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes in a compounding chamber regulated to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In a preferred implementation, the manipulator system is configured to grasp and convey syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes from a storage system in an adjacent chamber regulated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Various embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate the manipulator system to bring a fill port of an IV bag, vial, or syringe into register with a filling port at a fluid transfer station in the chamber. A preferred implementation includes a sanitization system that can substantially sanitize a bung on a fill port of a vial or IV bag in preparation for transport to the fluid transfer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Intelligent Hospital Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Walter W. Eliuk, Ronald H. Rob, Lance R. Mlodzinski, Alex H. Reinhardt, Thom Doherty
  • Patent number: 9043234
    Abstract: A system for locating goods stored in a storage area includes a computer, radio frequency transceivers and modular hangers. Ordered goods are placed in storage units that each have addresses at a central filling center. The filled storage units are shipped to local storage areas where they are coupled to hook units to form modular hangers and stored on rails. The identifications of the goods and the electronic addresses for corresponding hangers are stored on a local computer database. When a user wants to pick up goods stored in the containers, the user inputs the identification or order information for the goods and the computer will cause the radio frequency transmitter to emit a data packet that includes a search address and illumination data. The hangers compare the search address to the electronic address. If there is a match, the hanger is illuminated so the ordered goods can be found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Maxor National Pharmacy Services Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin C Delaney, Kendrick S Lim, Robert G Guillermo
  • Patent number: 9043012
    Abstract: A pharmacy automation system having a robot having a hardware device and a software for internal mapping is configured to carry out at least the following different interactions: the robot communicates autonomously with a physician or an assistant directly or via an intermediary; the robot interacts with an inventory of goods and browses the inventory of goods to determine if a prescribed medication is available in the pharmacy; if the prescribed medication is available in the pharmacy, the robot interacts with a medication dispenser, using the internal mapping to fill a container with the prescribed medication, and store the container; when a patient or a proxy arrives to pick up the prescribed medication, the robot checks and approves an identification of the patient or the proxy; and hands the container with the prescribed medication over to the patient or proxy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Neil S. Davey, Brendan Boyce Murphy, Sonya R. Davey, Haris Godil
  • Patent number: 9037290
    Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory processor readable media of the various embodiments enable control of a conveyor having a plurality of zones each having a control module configured to control a selectable speed of the zone. The various embodiments are disclosed in connection with, but not necessarily limited to, accumulation conveyors with control systems which selectively set the speeds of zones based on conditions of upstream and downstream zones. The various embodiments are directed to improving efficiency of accumulation systems by controlling zones based upon consideration of conditions of neighboring zones. The various embodiment also enable the generation and use of translation tables correlating zones with network addresses of their respective control modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC
    Inventors: Raymond R. Neiser, Jason A. Johnson, Brian J. Resnick, Christopher Scott Anderson, Kevin L. Klueber, Matthew Ross Wicks, Richard L. Kerns
  • Patent number: 9026243
    Abstract: The invention relates to an order picking station (48) and a method of picking articles from loading aids (2) by an order picker, adjoined by automated conveyor systems (20, 41) disposed on different height levels, loading aids (2) being conveyed to the order picking station (48) on a first conveyor system (20) and loading aids (2) being conveyed away from the order picking station (48) by a second conveyor system (41), and comprising a loading aid supply apparatus (61), an automated first loading aid transport apparatus for transporting loading aids (2) to the loading aid supply apparatus (61) and an automated second loading aid transport apparatus for transporting loading aids (2) away from the loading aid supply apparatus (61), and the first loading aid transport apparatus has a first carrying unit (62) for a loading aid (2) and the second loading aid transport apparatus has a second carrying unit (63) for a loading aid (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: TGW Mechanics GmbH
    Inventors: Guenther Radwallner, Christoph Wolkerstorfer
  • Patent number: 9026249
    Abstract: A robot calibration method which aligns the coordinate system of a gantry module with the coordinate system of a camera system is disclosed. The method includes using an alignment tool, which allows the operator to place workpieces in locations known by the gantry module. An image is then captured of these workpieces by the camera system. A controller uses the information from the gantry module and the camera system to determine the relationship between the two coordinate systems. It then determines a transformation equation to convert from one coordinate system to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Schaller, Robert Brent Vopat, James R. McLane
  • Patent number: 9020632
    Abstract: A material handling systems provides efficient storage, retrieval and sortation of articles, utilizing a plurality of carts capable of traveling under storage areas with a three dimensional warehouse system and on multiple levels. The carts may convey items from storage to a goods to operator user interface. The carts may function as decoupled sortation units capable of providing sortation at multiple mobile sortation locations, providing vertical sortation. Carts may include conveying surfaces, and sort articles from between carts. Carts may transport more than one article and a plurality of carts may transport a single article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Naylor
  • Patent number: 9020631
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for consolidating multiple pickings of an item to fulfill multiple shipments into a single picking of the multiple items. A determination is first made whether a metric representing a plurality of shipments exceeds a threshold, wherein individual ones of the plurality of shipments are mapped to corresponding ones of a plurality of item locations in a fulfillment center. The plurality of shipments are then remapped to an individual one of the plurality of item locations in response to a determination that the metric exceeds the threshold. Finally, a picking of the items is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Bellavance, Michael Cy Wu, Robert James Wilson, Bryan Michael Psimas, Mona Mehrandish, Jacob Marshall Austin, Salman Hamid Ali, Nishant Singh, Fnu Arun Singhal
  • Patent number: 9020633
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) for storing workpieces includes a main body, a robotic arm mechanism and at least one first station. The workpiece comprises a first container configured to hold at least one article. The main body includes at least one side wall configured to confine a storage space for the workpieces in at least one first direction parallel to a floor. The robotic arm mechanism is configured to reach the storage space, the storage space being further confined by the robotic arm mechanism in at least one second direction opposite to the at least one first direction. The at least one first station is configured with at least one first accessing port located within the storage space, and configured for the ASRS to perform a routine for a process flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Ho Chen, Chun-Jung Huang
  • Patent number: 9013324
    Abstract: A refrigerated container system is described that includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN) including a plurality of wireless sensor nodes and a coordinator node through which the sensors provide sensor data to a controller for the refrigerated container system. The wireless sensors and the coordinator incorporate a variety of features that ensure efficient utilization of battery life by preventing unintended pairing of sensors with other WPANs and excessive sensor signal processing arising from door chatter. Finally, pairing is performed without pressing a button on the wireless door sensor. Instead, the sensor's magnetic reed switch is enlisted to detect swiping of a magnet by a user to enter a pairing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: Invensys Systems, Inc., Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Alan Johnson, Stephen Michael Pasek, Kimble Allyn Vitkus, Russell Lee Sanders, Mark Daniel Leasure
  • Patent number: 9014841
    Abstract: A device for removing tested semiconductor components from a clamping carrier having fixed stop elements and movable clamping elements, pre-tensioned by spring elements includes an actuation device arranged above the clamping carrier, which moves the clamping elements into an opening position enabling the clamping carrier to be discharged, and then moves the clamping elements into a rest position after discharge, an intermediate carrier, positioned under the clamping carrier during discharge, onto which the clamping carrier is emptied, a data memory in which data about each semiconductor component are stored, and a removal device, which removes the semiconductor components from the intermediate carrier and sorts them into at least two different categories in accordance with the data stored in the data memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Multitest Elektronishche Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Hofmann, Klaas Akkermann, Stefan Kurz, Andreas Nagy, Johann Pötzinger, Bernhard Lorenz
  • Patent number: 9014840
    Abstract: A cargo loading system for a cargo compartment of a means of transport, for example a cargo aircraft or a passenger aircraft, is provided. The system includes at least one power drive unit for transporting cargo of the means of transport. The power drive unit and a control module are coupled to a BUS system. The control module generates control signals for the power drive unit and maintenance data of the power drive unit for the control and maintenance of the power drive unit. The BUS system transmits the control signals and maintenance data of the power drive unit between the control module and the power drive unit. In this manner an existing hardware platform of the means of transport can be used, and weight and cabling as well as the number of control boxes of the means of transport can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Scherenberger, Bernd Schnoerwangen
  • Patent number: 9008822
    Abstract: An online real-time cutter breakage monitoring method uses a plurality of signals generated in three consecutive time periods by a vibration acceleration during a cutting process conducted by a CNC machine tool, and compares a difference between a maximum value of signals in each time period and an average value of the signals and a difference between the average value of signals thereafter and an idling critical value to output a first cutter breakage signal and a second cutter breakage signal simultaneously and determine the occurrence of a cutter breakage and shut down the CNC machine tool immediately to improve the determination speed and accuracy, so as to avoid unnecessary shutdowns or hindering the manufacturing flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventors: Shih-Ming Wang, Chien-Da Ho
  • Patent number: 9004844
    Abstract: A forklift truck includes a truck body, a fork, a mast, tilting and lifting mechanisms, tilt and lift levers, tilting and lifting operation detectors, an auxiliary switch, a tilt angle detector and a controller. The tilt and lift levers are adapted to operate the tilting and lifting mechanisms, respectively. The auxiliary switch is disposed on the lift lever at a position where the auxiliary switch and the lift lever are operable by the same operator's hand. The controller is adapted to control the tilting and lifting mechanisms based on signals from the tilting and lifting operation detectors and the auxiliary switch. When the auxiliary switch is in operative position and the lifting operation detector detects that the lift lever is in operative position, the controller controls the tilting mechanism so as to tilt the fork to have a predetermined tilt angle based on a signal from the tilt angle detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Takashi Nishiwaki, Junichi Kuwayama, Tadashi Yamada
  • Patent number: 9008832
    Abstract: A diamond sorting system comprising a diamond source for supplying one or more diamonds to be graded by a vision system having one or more cameras arranged to take one or more images of the diamond, and a processor arranged to receive the image data and execute an algorithm on the data to grade the diamond. The sorting system further comprising a diamond collection unit arranged to receive a graded diamond from the vision system and an electromechanical diamond transporter arranged to transport a diamond to be graded from the diamond source to the vision system, and further arranged to transport a graded diamond from the vision system to the diamond collection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Eternity Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: Chung Fai Lo
  • Patent number: 9008827
    Abstract: A system includes a climate-controlled inventory holder, a mobile drive unit, and a management module. The climate-controlled inventory holder is configured to control a climate of one or more inventory items stored by the inventory holder. The mobile drive unit is operable to transport the climate-controlled inventory holder from a first location to a second location based at least in part upon one or more instructions received from a management module. The management module is operable to receive an order for an inventory item, determine that the inventory holder stores the inventory item, and instruct the mobile drive unit to transport the climate-controlled inventory holder from the first location to the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Samvid Hariram Dwarakanath, Sean William Blakey, Bryant Richard Casteel, Bruce John Cooper
  • Patent number: 9008828
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface and a processor. The interface is operable to wirelessly transmit instructions to one or more mobile drive units. The processor is communicatively coupled to the interface and is operable to instruct a mobile drive unit to transport a first shipping container storing at least one completed order to a shipping station, instruct the mobile drive unit to connect the first shipping container to a second shipping container to form a group of connected shipping containers. The processor is also operable to detect a trigger event, and in response to detecting the trigger event, coordinate movement of one or more mobile drive units to transport the group of connected shipping containers onto a vehicle for shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Craig Worsley
  • Patent number: 9008831
    Abstract: A packaging system and method for receiving articles from a first location, such as a product delivery system, transporting the articles to a second location for unloading the articles such that they are placed in a desired orientation and number of columns, rows, and stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith G. Jacobs, Glen C. Wernersbach, Mark F. Smith
  • Patent number: 9008826
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating an individual's mouth and using a feeding device to transfer food to the individual. For example, the apparatus includes a facial recognition sensor that approximates the location of the individual's mouth. Based in part on the output of the facial recognition sensor a feed arm assembly delivers or transfers food to the individual's mouth. In addition to a facial recognition sensor, distance or proximity sensors can also be used to determine the location of the individual's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Desin, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Dekar
  • Patent number: 9008829
    Abstract: A system includes a first mobile drive unit and a second mobile drive unit. The first mobile drive unit is operable to dock with a first item holder at a first end of a column of connected item holders. The second mobile drive unit is operable to dock with a second item holder at a second end of the column of connected item holders. The system also includes a management module that is operable to instruct the first mobile drive unit and the second mobile drive units to transport the column of connected item holders from a first location to a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Craig Worsley
  • Patent number: 9008825
    Abstract: A container unloading system that is adapted to automatically unload containers from carts while the containers and carts reside in an unloading station. The containers may be off-loaded onto a conveyor. The system includes a frame that is movable along the path of ingress/egress of the carts, and a vertically and horizontally movable lifting device that is supported on the frame and adapted to engage and lift the containers. A number of sensors may be present to gather information about the carts and/or containers and to send corresponding signals to a controller that is programmed to automatically operate the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Logistics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Gregg Benjamin, Masahiko Minamikawa
  • Publication number: 20150100151
    Abstract: A remote handling apparatus includes a joystick device, a load lifting device and a counterforce controller. The joystick device includes a counterforce generator that generates operation counterforce via a stick that accepts manual operation. The counterforce controller includes a pulsed counterforce controller and/or a deviation counterforce controller. The pulsed counterforce controller calculates a time rate of change of a dynamic load value of the load object, and outputs a counterforce command signal indicating a counterforce command value for generating pulsed counterforce. The deviation counterforce controller calculates a deviation amount of a dynamic load value from a static load value, and outputs a counterforce command signal indicating a counterforce command value for generating a counterforce. Embodiments may be implemented as an auxiliary apparatus, which is attached to an existing remote handling apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi OZAKI, Hirokazu KITANISHI, Akira TAKAGI, Hisaaki HIUE
  • Publication number: 20150100461
    Abstract: Mobile robotic system allows multiple users to visit authentic places without physically being there. Users with variable requirements are able to take part in controlling a single controllable device simultaneously; users take part in controlling robot's movement according to their interest. A system administrator selects and defines criteria for robot's movement; the mobile robot with video and audio devices on it is remotely controlled by a server which selects the robot's movement according to the users and system administrator criteria. The server provides information to users; the robot's location influences the content of the information. Such robotic system may be used for shopping, visiting museums and other public touristic attractions over the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Dan Baryakar, Andreea Baryakar
  • Patent number: 9002508
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tower crane load locator is disclosed. One example includes at least four RFID components to provide RFID range measurements between the at least four RFID components. In addition, a load position determiner utilizes the RFID range measurements to determine a location of the load. A load information generator provides the location of the load information suitable for subsequent access by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: John F. Cameron, Kurt Maynard, Curt Conquest, Gregory C. Best
  • Patent number: 9002504
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for evaluating wafer size handling capabilities of wafer handling robots and wafer stations in a wafer processing environment. In one embodiment, a method is provided in which size parameters for each of one or more wafer stations and one or more robot hands of a wafer handling robot are set based on user input. A user command identifying a desired robot hand and a desired wafer station is received. A first size parameter of the desired robot hand is compared to a second size parameter of the desired wafer station. If the first size parameter is equal to the second size parameter, or if the second size parameter is an all-size parameter, the user command is executed. If the first size parameter is not equal to the second size parameter, an error is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Robotics (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Miu, Shinya Kitano, Simon Jeyapalan, Ming Zeng, Avish A. Bharwani
  • Patent number: 9002507
    Abstract: An apparatus for the automated detection and removal of workpieces comprising an object recognition device for detecting the workpieces and a gripper for picking the workpieces; and a gripper for picking the workpieces; and a control for evaluating the data of the object recognition device, for track planning and for controlling the gripper, wherein the object recognition device is arranged at a travel arrangement by which it can be traveled from a position of rest into at least one measuring position and back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Mattern, David Haenschke, Bernhard Riedmiller, Alois Mundt
  • Publication number: 20150094849
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of automatic container orientation systems. Also disclosed are methods for automatically orienting containers. In an exemplary embodiment, a system for automatically orienting containers generally includes one or more cameras, a controller, and an orientation unit. The one or more cameras are configured to obtain data relating to an orientation of at least one container to be included in a package. The controller is in communication with the one or more cameras for receiving the data and is configured to use the data to determine an amount of rotation needed for the at least one container to orient the at least one container in a desired final orientation. The orientation unit is configured to rotate the at least one container by the determined amount of rotation to thereby orient the at least one container in the desired final orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Brian R. Stork, Todd Rio
  • Patent number: 8996157
    Abstract: There is proposed a unit including a station for preparing orders, controlled by a control system. The station has a first circuit that includes a first outward conveyor, which receives containers for storing products, and an accumulator for accumulating a predetermined quantity of storage containers received on the first outward conveyor. The accumulator includes: at least one first shaft comprising superposed mobile positions that can each receive and downwardly move at least one storage container, the at least one first shaft vertically accumulating and sequentially dispensing storage containers previously placed in the positions; and at least one first elevator moving vertically along the at least one first chute up to each of the locations of the at least one first chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Savoye
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Collin
  • Patent number: 8996159
    Abstract: A handling system for containers includes an automated zone in which floor-bound, rubber-tired and driverless container transport vehicles are used which transport containers between container bridges and a container storage facility. A non-automated zone is provided in which floor-bound, rubber-tired and manned container transport vehicles are used, the container transport vehicles being optionally operable in a driverless or manned mode and thus being optionally transportable in the automated zone or the non-automated zone. A corresponding container transport vehicle which can be connected to an auxiliary device for control in the manned mode is characterized in that the auxiliary device comprises a driver's cab that is equipped with a control system for steering, motion control and braking in the manned mode, the container transport vehicle having a detachable fastening possibility for the driver's cab at the front face of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Terex MHPS GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Armin Wieschemann, Jannis Moutsokapas