Abstract: A method for the recognition of spatial proximity relationships in a modular system having module assemblies, each module assembly having a transmitter and a receiver arranged so that the transmitter of a first module assembly corresponds to the receiver of a second module assembly, and each of the module assemblies having a network connection for connection via a communication network to other of the module assemblies, includes: automatically requesting and allocating a network address for each of the respective network connections via the communication network so as to enable an addressing of the module assemblies via the network; and determining spatial proximity relationships of the module assemblies by triggering and evaluating the transmitters and receivers using the communication network via the network connection.

Abstract: A system for conveying an article along a transfer path includes at least a first and a second vortex suction unit disposed in sequence in a direction of the transfer path. A conveyor is configured to support the article relative to at least one of the suction units and a main controller is configured to separately control the vortex suction units so as to convey the article along the transfer path using the conveyor.

Abstract: A device for lifting and positioning an object generates a low pressure by a whirlwind for suctioning the object. The device includes a housing having a suction opening. The housing has at least one friction element which at least partly covers the suction opening. The friction element can have a three-dimensional structure. The device can facilitate handling of objects having a curved shape or rough surface.

Abstract: A method for detecting and determining a presence of at least one object in at least one storage location without a special reflection surface includes providing a bar code reading device which is connected to a control unit configured to manage an allocation of the at least one object to the at least one storage location. The bar code reader is used in an attempt to detect a bar code in the at least one storage location. Using information from which a grey value is derivable, it is determined whether the at least one object is in the at least one storage location upon the bar code reader being unsuccessful in detecting the bar code. A result is provided to the control unit.

Abstract: A system for separating an article from the outer part of a stack and conveying it along a transfer path includes a stack assembly configured to receive a stack of articles. A mounting assembly including at least one vortex suction unit is disposed so as to face the stack of articles at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge thereof. The vortex suction unit includes a conveyor configured to transport an article from the stack.

Abstract: A docking station for receiving a cartridge includes a housing having a receiving space configured to receive the cartridge. A movable carriage is disposed in the receiving space and configured to transport the cartridge into the receiving space. A movable mouth piece is configured to at least partially surround a multipoint connector of a non-tape storage medium of the cartridge through a horizontal access side opening of the cartridge so as to fix the multipoint connector. A fixing slider is configured to move the mouth piece through the horizontal access side opening so as to fix the multipoint connector within the receiving space. A connector slider is configured to move a connector within the docking station through a vertical access bottom opening of the cartridge against the electrical multipoint connector.

Abstract: A device for lifting and positioning an object includes first means for generating a low pressure by a whirlwind for suctioning the object. The first means are arranged inside a housing having a suction opening. The housing has at least one friction element which at least partly covers the suction opening.

Abstract: A docking station for receiving a cartridge includes a housing having a receiving space configured to receive the cartridge. A movable carriage is disposed in the receiving space and configured to transport the cartridge into the receiving space. A movable mouth piece is configured to at least partially surround a multipoint connector of a non-tape storage medium of the cartridge through a horizontal access side opening of the cartridge so as to fix the multipoint connector. A fixing slider is configured to move the mouth piece through the horizontal access side opening so as to fix the multipoint connector within the receiving space. A connector slider is configured to move a connector within the docking station through a vertical access bottom opening of the cartridge against the electrical multipoint connector.