Abstract: An RFID enabled paper roll includes a tubular core, a paper stock wound around the core, and a radio frequency integrated circuit electrically coupled to an antenna and positioned on the core. A system for reading a radio frequency integrated circuit positioned on an item of inventory in a warehouse comprises a material handling device and an RFID reader coupled to the material handling device. The material handling device has at least member for use in transporting an item of inventory. The reader is configured to read the radio frequency integrated circuit associated with the item of inventory when the item is in proximity to the material handling device.

Abstract: A system for automatic preparation of mail pieces for special service mailing has a transport device for transporting a series of mail pieces such as envelopes one-by-one in a first path, each envelope having imprinted information. A scanner in the first path reads predetermined information off each envelope. Return receipts are simultaneously fed in a second path past at least one printer, the second path joining the first path at a junction after the printer. The scanner is linked directly to the printer so that the information read from an envelope is immediately applied by the printer to the return receipt, and the prepared return receipt is then secured to the envelope.

Abstract: A screw 12 for an extruder 10 rotatably supported on the cylinder of the extruder and carrying roll-heated rubber material supplied from a hopper port 13s provided at the rear part of the cylinder 11, wherein the height of the portion of the flight portion 12z of the screw 12 located below the hopper port 13s is set lower than the height of the flight portion 12a on the downstream side of the screw 12, whereby the pulsation of extruded matter can be reduced while maintaining a high discharge rate.

Abstract: Herein, a picking system and method for picking articles into order containers is disclosed, the system having a picking station which includes in at least one picking bucket, wherein first conveying means are arranged such that articles to be picked, which are picked via the picking buckets directly onto the first conveying means, can be conveyed into an order container associated with a picking order.

Abstract: In the case of transporting an article to a load port which is occupied by another article, at the time of generating a transportation command, estimated arrival time T1 when the article arrives at the load port and estimated removal time T2 when the article which occupies the load port is removed are compared with each other. If the time T2 is earlier than the time T1, a transportation command for transporting the article to the load port is assigned. If the time t2 is later than the time T1, a transportation command for transporting the article to a buffer on the upstream side of the load port is assigned.

Abstract: A server includes a communication section which receives event information from an event detection device which detects a plurality of types of events occurring in a plurality of temporary storage devices provided at different locations, and transmits transportation load display information to a PC, a storage section which stores lot state data indicating states of lots and storage state data indicating states of the temporary storage devices, an update section which updates the lot state data and the storage state data based on the event information, and an information generation section which generates transportation load display information for notifying a lot transportation state to the user based on the lot state data and the storage state data.

Abstract: A facility for scheduling the picking of a plurality of items specified for an item shipment is described. When a first-picked item of the plurality is picked, the facility selects a first period of time of a target length during which the first-picked item is expected to arrive at a sorting machine. For each of the items specified for the item shipment other than the first-picked item, the facility designates a picking period for the item that, when shifted forward in time by an amount of time the item will take to arrive at the sorting machine once picked, falls completely within the first period of time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conveying a stack (22) of paper products by the use of rollers (50, 150, 250 or 350) that include lobed outer surfaces for contacting the stack of paper.

Abstract: In response to a storing command to store a plurality of articles to different storage units of the rack, the control device of article storage facility performs a multiple storing operation wherein the control device controls horizontal movements of the plurality of moving members, vertical movements of the plurality of transfer device provided to each of the plurality of moving members, and transfer operations of the plurality of transfer device in order to cause the plurality of the transfer device: to be at respective storage/retrieval positions; to receive articles from respective article supports; and to move to rack side article transfer positions corresponding to the storage units in which the articles are to be stored and d) to transfer the received articles to the storage units.

Abstract: Substrate loading and unloading apparatus for automated loading and unloading of substrates (S) in a vacuum environment, for example the work region (A) of an electron beam lithography machine, comprises a substrate holder (13) with a substrate support table (17) and locating means (18 to 21) co-operable with the table to cause a supported substrate (S) to be pressed against and thereby located on the table (17). A vacuum vessel (10) defines a loading and unloading chamber (11) with a transfer port (12) which is communicable with the evacuated region (A) of the machine and permits transfer of the holder (13) between the chamber (11) and the region (A) entirely within the vacuum environment. Release means (22, 23; 28 to 33) are present to withhold the co-operation of the table and locating means and to provide a temporary substrate support clear of the table so that substrates can be transferred to and from the table.

Abstract: An electronic component inspection apparatus includes an inspection socket which inspects a component, a tray disposition area in which a component waits before it is inspected, tray disposition areas which store a component after it has been inspected, components transfer mechanisms each of which has a vacuum or suction nozzle that can pick up and hold a component to transfer the component, a component position confirmation camera which can capture an image of the component that is being transferred, and a controller which transfers a component to the inspection socket, via a position in which the component position confirmation camera captures an image of the component being held by the suction nozzle while the component is being transferred from the tray disposition area to the inspection socket, and based on that captured image, controls the drive of the components transfer mechanisms so that the component is set in the inspection socket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning objects at a desired reference position, including a sensor for determining the length of each object/mailpiece from a leading to a trailing edge, a transport mechanism having a positionable drive element for transporting the object/mailpiece, and a controller or processor for controlling the position of the drive element to release the object/mailpiece at a desired reference position. The described embodiments of the invention relate to positioning an object/mailpiece in a clamp assembly of a mixed mail sorter. The jaws of the clamp assembly are separated to receive the object/mailpiece by a pair of spiral cams. The spiral cams interpose and engage tabs of each jaw to open and close the clamp assembly as they concomitantly effect translation of the clamp assembly linearly past the positioning apparatus. The apparatus and method ensures predictable conveyance and release of objects/mailpieces while being manipulated by automated handling equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and program for using storage slots efficiently. A storage element count is assigned to each one of multiple logical libraries, and the sum of the storage element count for each one of the multiple logical libraries exceeds the total number of storage slots in the library.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining a random sample. The method includes randomly selecting a sample of a mailing at a DMU. This sample is then analyzed for conformance with United States Postal Service standards.

Abstract: A vertical control mechanism for a vertical lift assist device is provided in which a rotational twist grip element is in direct communication with a control signal that generates analog input signals corresponding to an operator's intended vertical destination of an end-effector. A vertical lift mechanism is thereby controlled to provide a vertical assist lifting force that assists an end-effector in the manipulation of a load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conveyor control system and methodology that may be operatively coupled with other such systems in order to implement a control strategy for a modular conveyor system. A module and/or series of modules are provided that clamp to a cable, the modules having associated logic and inter-module communications for control. This includes relatively inexpensive power distribution, interconnection and motion logic for industrial conveyor systems.

Abstract: A method and system for agent exchange-based materials handling. According to one embodiment, a method of agent exchange-based order fulfillment may include a number of agents moving along respective paths through an inventory storage area of a materials handling facility. While moving through the inventory storage area, a portion of the number of agents may respectively select one or more of a number of items stored within the inventory storage area, where each one of the selected items is specified in a corresponding customer order or materials request. The method may also include conveying the selected items to one or more corresponding processing areas of the materials handling facility in order to fulfill the corresponding customer orders. Further, at least some of the selected items may be exchanged one or more times among the agents in the course of being conveyed to corresponding processing areas.

Abstract: A method for loading a dumper with broken rock or the like and an apparatus for implementing the method. In the method, a loading area is defined for the dumper. The dumper is stopped at the loading area at a predefined position for loading. An emptying area is correspondingly defined in advance for a loader for transporting the material in its bucket onto the dumper box. The apparatus includes a controller for controlling the dumper at least during loading, and the controller includes means for stopping the dumper for loading at the predefined position so that the material transported by the loader can be emptied onto the dumper box in a predefined location in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A package handling system for use with a plurality of packages having package identification thereon. The system of one embodiment comprises processing stations where packages having heterogeneous contents are processed. One or more identifiers are positioned at the processing stations to detect the package identifications associated with the packages. A controller is coupled to the identifier and has access to first and second package data. The first package data related to an actual condition of the package, and the second package data related to acceptable package conditions. A labeler coupled to the controller is configured to apply a first label to the package if the first and second package data indicate that the package is in an acceptable condition or a second label if the first and second package data indicate that the package is in a condition requiring further processing.

Abstract: A substrate housing method for a substrate processing apparatus, including: a first step of transporting the substrate taken out from a housing case to the substrate processing apparatus by a transport means; a third step of processing the substrate at the substrate processing apparatus; a fourth step of returning the substrate after the third step to the housing case by the transport means; a second step of calculating a difference in amount in relation to a normal position of the substrate at the transport means from the first step and before the fourth step; and a fifth step of adjusting a returning position of the substrate in the housing case after the third step and until the fourth step.