Abstract: In order to provide improved efficiency, e.g. in terms of how to operate and maintain a liquid natural gas (LNG) transfer system, while also improving the environmental friendliness of the transfer operation, there is disclosed a method and system of transferring liquid natural gas from a first container 104 to a second container 106 via a pump station 108. The first container 104 is positioned close to the pump station 108 by a truck 110, and the second container 106 is positioned close to the pump station 108 by a ship 112.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for inducting items to a sorter (SRT) from a stream of items (IT1, IT2), e.g. mail or parcels, arriving at a feeding conveyor (FC). A processor (PCR) executes a control algorithm (C_A) with at least information (I_1) regarding the stream of items arriving at the feeding conveyor (FC) as input. In response, the control algorithm (C_A) generates an output (O1) indicating where to place an item picked up by a robot (R1) from the feeding conveyor (FC). The control algorithm (C_A) selects between two or more of: 1) a first induction (I1) arranged for transporting items to the sorter (SRT), 2) an empty space (E_S) on the sorter(SRT), 3) the feeding conveyor (FC), e.g. singulating bulk items on the feeding conveyor (FC), and 4) a weighing unit (W1) arranged for weighing items.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system (1) for transporting items (104) in a conveying direction (P) and comprising a first conveyor section (100), a second conveyor section (102), and a frame (F) below said second conveyor section (102), said first conveyor section (100) and said second conveyor section (102) each defining a conveying surface for engaging a bottom surface (108) of said items (104) and for forward movement of said items (104) along said conveying direction (P), said first conveyor section (100) being adapted to deliver one or more of said items (104) to an item transition region (T) of said second conveyor section (102), said second conveyor section (102) including: at least one conveyor belt (180) defining said conveying surface of said second conveyor (102), and a shock-absorbing device (160) mounted to said frame (F) in said item transition region (T), characterised in said shock-absorbing device (160) having an upper face (182) located below said at least one conveyor belt (180) and f

Abstract: The invention provides a chute system (C1,C2,C3) for a sorting system arranged for transporting objects, e.g. for use for discharging luggage from a conveyor system. The chute system has one or more chute sections with an inlet (IL) in one end and an outlet (OL) in the opposite end. Displacement means, e.g. a pneumatic actuator, is arranged to adjust an angle of inclination of the one or more chute sections (C1,C2,C3) by displacing the chute section (C1,C2,C3) in a motion comprising pivoting around a pivot point positioned downstream of the inlet (IL). E.G. the pivot point can be positioned at the outlet, e.g. by means of a hinge. The adjustment of the angle of inclination may be controlled by a processor in response to various position and/or speed sensors and/or information about incoming objects from a vision based system or from the associated sorting system, e.g. identification of poly wrapped objects.

Abstract: In order e.g. to provide a more efficient cross-belt sorting system there is among others disclosed a cross-belt sorting system 102 for side by side items 808 in which system items are loaded onto their side by side position on a cross-belt by one or more top-load loading stations 106, 108 in response to an identification of the items.

Abstract: A device 202 for servicing and/or inspection of a material handling system 204 is disclosed, which device provides safer, less time consuming and less difficult service and/or inspection of the material handling system 204 than other devices. The device 202 is adapted to be moved along a track 214 of the material handling system and adapted for servicing and/or inspection of the material handling system or components thereof positioned on or adjacent to the track 214. The device includes at least one section, such as a hatch and/or a sliding bearing surface 216, 602, 706, 708, 710, 902, 1002, displaceable between a first and a second position, where the section positioned in the second position is enabling a person of accessing parts of the material handling system which are moving relatively to the device during movement of the device or during operation of the material handling system.

Abstract: An example of an aim with the disclosed method and system may be seen to provide a method and system which does not require more square meters of footprint than existing solutions or even requires less square meters of footprint, while still being as effective as, or even more effective than reference methods and systems. The handling system comprises a moveable unit 101 adapted to move linearly in a travelling direction 406 of said moveable unit, where the moveable unit comprises a loading device 100 adapted to load one or more objects 102 at a time into or onto the airport trolley by activation of the loading device 100.

Abstract: The invention provides a sorting mechanism arranged to empty or discharge a container for carrying a load, e.g. totes in a luggage handling system. The sorting mechanism has a plurality of tilting elements T1-T11 for receiving and transporting the container in a transport direction. The tilting elements T1-T11 are arranged neighbouring each other, and they are individually tiltable by controllable tilting actuators, e.g. servo motors. The tilting elements T1-T11 are controlled in response to at least one position signal such that a group of at least two tilting elements T1-T11 perform a coordinated tilting motion, when the container passes the sorting mechanism. Each tilting element T1-T11 has a length of 30-50% of the container. The tilting elements T1-T11 are stationary, and the container is driven forward by belts on each of the tilting elements T1-T11.

Abstract: In order e.g. to provide a more efficient cross-belt sorting system there is among others disclosed a cross-belt sorting system 102 for side by side items 808 in which system items are loaded onto their side by side position on a cross-belt by one or more top-load loading stations 106, 108 in response to an identification of the items.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of handling a variety of objects of different size, shape and weight, where each object is to be transported to a specific destination, where the transportation involves transportation on a conveyor system (4) and discharge from the conveyor system (4) to at least one intermediate elongate storage device (5-10), the method comprising the steps of determining desired position of an object on the intermediate elongate storage device (5-10) and discharging the object with one of at least two speed levels in the longitudinal direction of the storage device (5-10) that allows the object to reach the desired position. The invention further relates to a handling system for performing the method as well as a control system for controlling such system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorting system including a conveyor comprising a plurality of carts for carrying articles, in particular for sorting articles such as parcels and baggage. The conveyor has a linear synchronous motor drive system with stators arranged along a track which the carts follow. Reaction elements are mounted on each of the carts. The reaction elements each comprise an even or an uneven number of permanent magnets arranged on a plate-like carrier. The magnets on reaction elements of adjacent carts are arranged to form arrow of magnets with alternating polarity, said row having two neighboring magnets. At least one of the two neighboring magnets has a reduced dimension in the transport direction, and the two neighboring magnets are situated at a transition between adjacent carts.

Abstract: A device 202 for servicing and/or inspection of a material handling system 204 is disclosed, which device provides safer, less time consuming and less difficult service and/or inspection of the material handling system 204 than other devices. The device 202 is adapted to be moved along a track 214 of the material handling system and adapted for servicing and/or inspection of the material handling system or components thereof positioned on or adjacent to the track 214. The device includes at least one section, such as a hatch and/or a sliding bearing surface 216, 602, 706, 708, 710, 902, 1002, displaceable between a first and a second position, where the section positioned in the second position is enabling a person of accessing parts of the material handling system which are moving relatively to the device during movement of the device or during operation of the material handling system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorting system including a conveyor comprising a plurality of carts for carrying articles, in particular for sorting articles such as parcels and baggage. The conveyor has a linear synchronous motor drive system with stators arranged along a track which the carts follow. Accordingly, embodiments include an improved sorting system that provides an improved energy utilization and efficiency. Reaction elements are mounted on each of the carts. The reaction elements each comprise a number of permanent magnets arranged on a carrier plate. The magnets on reaction elements of adjacent carts are arranged to form a row of magnets with constant pitch and alternating polarity, said row having an interruption situated at a transition between adjacent carts. A maximum number of coils in the stator may thereby be active at the same time, when driving the conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorting system including a conveyor comprising a plurality of carts for carrying articles, in particular for sorting articles such as parcels and baggage. The conveyor has a linear synchronous motor drive system with stators arranged along a track which the carts follow. Accordingly, embodiments include an improved sorting system that provides an improved energy utilization and efficiency. Reaction elements are mounted on each of the carts. The reaction elements each comprise a number of permanent magnets arranged on a plate-like carrier. The magnets on reaction elements of adjacent carts are arranged to form a row of magnets with constant pitch and alternating polarity, said row having an interruption situated at a transition between adjacent carts. A maximum number of coils in the stator may thereby be active at the same time, when driving the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention is a sorting system including a conveyor comprising a plurality of carts for carrying articles, such as parcels and baggage. The conveyor has a linear synchronous motor drive system with stators arranged along a track which the carts follow. Reaction elements are mounted on each of the carts and comprise an uneven number of permanent magnets arranged on a carrier plate. The magnets on the reaction elements of adjacent carts are arranged to form a row of magnets with constant pitch and alternating polarity. The row of magnets has an interruption situated at a transition between adjacent carts.

Abstract: A tote for a conveyor system may include an upper part and a lower part. The upper part may define an upper, article-supporting surface. The article-supporting surface may be adapted to receive and support articles while the articles are conveyed in or on the tote. The lower part may define a lower, substantially plane bearing surface that extends over an area substantially equal to the article-supporting surface. The upper and lower parts may be transparent to X-rays. The upper and lower parts may be made from fire-retardant material. A plurality of support points and areas may be provided between the upper part and the lower part in order to transfer forces between the article-supporting surface and the bearing surface.

Abstract: A tote for a conveyor system may include an upper part and a lower part. The upper part may define an upper, article-supporting surface. The article-supporting surface may be adapted to receive and support articles while the articles are conveyed in or on the tote. The lower part may define a lower, substantially plane bearing surface that extends over an area substantially equal to the article-supporting surface. The upper and lower parts may be transparent to X-rays. The upper and lower parts may be made from fire-retardant material. A plurality of support points and areas may be provided between the upper part and the lower part in order to transfer forces between the article-supporting surface and the bearing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorting system including a conveyor comprising a plurality of carts for carrying articles, in particular for sorting articles such as parcels and baggage. The conveyor has a linear synchronous motor drive system with stators arranged along a track which the carts follow. Reaction elements are mounted on each of the carts. The reaction elements each comprise an even or an uneven number of permanent magnets arranged on a plate-like carrier. The magnets on reaction elements of adjacent carts are arranged to form arrow of magnets with alternating polarity, said row having two neighbouring magnets. At least one of the two neighbouring magnets has a reduced dimension in the transport direction, and the two neighbouring magnets are situated at a transition between adjacent carts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorting system including a conveyor comprising a plurality of carts for carrying articles, in particular for sorting articles such as parcels and baggage. The conveyor has a linear synchronous motor drive system with stators arranged along a track which the carts follow. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sorting system as well as to provide a sorting system with improved energy utilisation and efficiency. Reaction elements are mounted on each of the carts. The reaction elements each comprise an uneven number of permanent magnets arranged on a plate-like carrier. The magnets on reaction elements of adjacent carts are arranged to form arrow of magnets with constant pitch and alternating polarity said row having an interruption situated at a transition between adjacent carts. A maximum number of coils in the stator may thereby be active at the same time, when driving the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to automated handling of baggage objects of variable sizes, shapes and consistencies, including baggage in an airport. The invention involves measuring at least length in two directions of the objects while supported on a conveyor means, turning selected objects in an angle according to a selection in response to the measured lengths in relation to a predetermined value, and transferring objects to a storage device to collect a plurality of objects, and preferably while the objects are supported on a conveyor means. The selection in response to at least one predetermined value provides one basis for deciding whether to turn the objects before the objects are transferred to the storage device. This facilitates automatic transfer of baggage objects without manual intervention.