Abstract: There is provided a robotic cell and a robotic cell assembly. The robotic cell includes: a robot support and transport frame, a casing mounted to the frame and defining a control chamber, a control unit and an electric panel contained in the control chamber, a robot base mounted to the frame and a robot mounted to the robot base and operatively connected to the control unit, and at least one connector port in communication with at least one of the robot, the control unit, and the electric panel. The robotic cell assembly can further include a transport and storage container defining a storage space and the robotic cell is contained in the storage space. There is also provided a method for storing and transporting the robotic cell and a method for displacing the robotic cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for repeatedly separating and displacing a topmost bag between a bag stack location and a second location. The apparatus comprises a separating manipulator having a prehension end-effector selectively activable/deactivable to seize and maintain the topmost bag and subsequently release the topmost bag. The separating manipulator is selectively configurable in a bag engaging configuration to seize a separation section of the topmost bag and a lifted configuration where the prehension end-effector is spaced-apart from a second topmost bag of the stack. The displacing manipulator has a prehension end-effector selectively activable/deactivable to seize and maintain a displacement engagement section of and to subsequently release the topmost bag. The prehension end-effector is translatable along the displacement axis “X” to displace the topmost bag between the bag stack location and the second location. A method for repeatedly separating and displacing a topmost bag of a stack of bags is also provided.

Abstract: A system and a method for maintaining, transferring and transporting a flexible package. The system includes a manipulating system, preferably a five axis robot, for transferring and displacing the flexible package and a lift-assist platform positioned within a reach of the manipulating system for transporting the package and for supporting a weight of the flexible package. The system may be used more specifically for the transport and transfer of upright flexible packages. The system simplifies the tool supported by the robot, thus allowing use of a smaller robot.

Abstract: An apparatus displaces and positions items in a predetermined configuration. The apparatus includes a grouping station, a grouping manipulator using at least two degrees of freedom and having a prehension end-effector and a placing manipulator using at least four degrees of freedom and having a prehension end-effector. The grouping manipulator is configured to pick items at a first item location, displace the items towards the grouping station, and release the items at the grouping station to form a group of items. The placing manipulator is configured to pick the group of items at the grouping station, change an orientation of the group of items, and release the group of items at a receiving station in the predetermined configuration. A method displaces and positions items in a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A system and a method for maintaining, transferring and transporting a flexible package. The system includes a manipulating system, preferably a five axis robot, for transferring and displacing the flexible package and a lift-assist platform positioned within a reach of the manipulating system for transporting the package and for supporting a weight of the flexible package. The system may be used more specifically for the transport and transfer of upright flexible packages. The system simplifies the tool supported by the robot, thus allowing use of a smaller robot.

Abstract: A displacement device is for preparing a bag for its installation at a filling point (or second location) of packaging equipment. The displacement device grabs the bag from the pick-up location (or stack) (at which first position and orientation parameters have been previously measured), displaces the bag while measuring second position and orientation parameters of the bag, adjusting the operation and displacement of the displacement device for displacing and installing the bag at the filling point; at the same time, the measurement of the next bag's first position and orientation parameters is done to adjust the operation and displacement of the displacement device for grabbing the next bag on the stack. Such a double location evaluation, which is concomitant on two different bags, allows savings in processing time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of wastewater by electrochemical reactions. More particularly, an Electro-Reaction Unit (ERU) is disclosed. The ERU is provided with at least one electrolytic cell comprising a pair of self-cleaned electrodes for purifying wastewater. Along with electro-reactions, electrodes of the ERU are submitted to passivation, i.e. coverage with an oxide layer. The present invention provides a solution for alleviating passivation with a self-cleaning system comprising hard elements, confined in a cage and movable therein, for bombardment of the electrodes and rupture of the oxide layer. The present invention further provides a related process.

Abstract: A displacement device responsible for preparing the bag for its installation at a filling point (or second location) of packaging equipment. The displacement device grabs the bag from the pick-up location (or stack) (from which first position and orientation parameters have been previously measured), displaces the bag while measuring second position and orientation parameters of the bag, adjusting the operation and displacement of the displacement device for displacing and installing the bag on the filling point; at the same time, the measurement of the next bag first position and orientation parameters is done to adjust the operation and displacement of the displacement device for grabbing the next bag on the stack. Such a double location evaluation, which is concomitant on two different bags, allows savings in processing time.

Abstract: Described are a tertiary disinfection system and process for treating a liquid effluent from a domestic secondary treatment unit. The liquid effluent has pathogenic micro-organisms, remaining suspended solids and dissolved organic pollutants. The system has an inlet, a subterranean initial treatment zone filled with a filtering material for removing some suspended solids, dissolved organic pollutants and pathogenic micro-organisms. The initial treatment zone allows the liquid effluent to percolate downward. The system also has a subterranean polishing zone extending horizontally outward from the initial treatment zone, and filled with a filtering material having pore sizes allowing upward capillary dispersion of the liquid effluent. The system also has a subterranean aeration zone having an interface with the initial treatment zone and the polishing zone, to provide aeration enabling aerobic accommodation of microflora for disinfection of the effluent.

Abstract: Described are a tertiary disinfection system and process for treating a liquid effluent from a domestic secondary treatment unit. The liquid effluent has pathogenic micro-organisms, remaining suspended solids and dissolved organic pollutants. The system has an inlet, a subterranean initial treatment zone filled with a filtering material for removing some suspended solids, dissolved organic pollutants and pathogenic micro-organisms. The initial treatment zone allows the liquid effluent to percolate downward. The system also has a subterranean polishing zone extending horizontally outward from the initial treatment zone, and filled with a filtering material having pore sizes allowing upward capillary dispersion of the liquid effluent. The system also has a subterranean aeration zone having an interface with the initial treatment zone and the polishing zone, to provide aeration enabling aerobic accommodation of microflora for disinfection of the effluent.