Abstract: When an article is taken out from an automatic warehouse (6), value information is written in an unmodifiable manner into an ID tag fitted to the article. When the value information is needed to know, the value information is read from the ID tag (30) of the article (28) by an ID reader (24). The amount of refund when an article is returned and the amount of compensation when an article is broken can be objectively known.

Abstract: A reticle stocking and sorting system. The reticle management system comprises first reticle storage, second reticle storage, third reticle storage, and a host system. The first reticle storage stores a first reticle currently in use. The second reticle storage stores a second reticle not currently in use. The third reticle storage stores a third unused reticle temporarily before it is disposed of. The host system is adapted to rearrange the first, second, and third reticles among the first, second, and third reticle storages, based on demand data pertaining to a product requiring least one article during fabrication.

Abstract: A layout arranging system doing automatic layout of a system being constituted of assembling units. More particularly, a layout arranging system (102) communicable with a plurality of connectable conveyors (C/V 1-12), comprising a module for recognizing connected conveyors (C/V 1-12), a module for acquiring information concerning recognized conveyors (C/V 1-12), and a module for laying out the recognized conveyors (C/V 1-12).

Abstract: A method and system for efficient package delivery in bulk to pickup locations for recipients in which items ordered by different customers from one or more different retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, and the like can be sorted within and picked from an on-hand inventory at a distribution center and packed into a package for delivery to a specific pickup location for a specific recipient. A replenishment order for items to replace the on-hand inventory at the distribution center can be made to a fulfillment location to maintain inventory levels defined for an item at a distribution center. The items to replenish the on-hand inventory at the distribution center can be shipped in bulk from a fulfillment location in containers organized by item identifier. The items can be sorted at a different distribution center, still organized within containers of all the same item identifier, to reach the distribution center placing the replenishment order for the items.

Abstract: A robotic data storage library comprising a virtual port and a method for providing a virtual port for a robotic data storage library are disclosed. The virtual exit port, for example, comprises one or more storage locations of the library that are defined as a virtual port. In one embodiment, for example, the virtual port comprises a virtual exit port for holding a data storage element that is to be exported from the library. In this embodiment, for example, the virtual exit port is defined prior to the library receiving a command to export a data storage element. In another embodiment, the virtual port comprises an entry port, an exit port or an entry/exit port. In yet another embodiment, a method for transferring a data storage element directly between an actual port (entry and/or exit) of a robotic data storage library and another location within the robotic data storage library not defined as the virtual port is disclosed.

Abstract: A unit for preparing groups (1) of products in layers (S) for palletizing comprises: a motor-driven element (4) for controlled pick up and release of the groups (1) of products from the first surface (3) to a second surface (5), positioned by the side of the first surface (3), for preparing a layer (S) of groups (1) of products; a logic unit (7) for controlling and programming the pick up and release element (4) and the second surface (5) to obtain individual layers (S) made up of two or more groups (1) of products on the second surface (5) by moving them along or around axes, transversal (Y) to the extension of the first surface (3), parallel (X) with the extension of the first surface (3), at a vertical height (Z) and according to an angle (?) of rotation about the vertical axis (Z); the pick up and release element (4) having independent drive units (9, 10, 11) designed to control the element (4) according to three of the controlled axes (X, Y, Z, ?); the second preparation surface (5) having a drive unit (

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for diverting objects to a second path from a first path. Some embodiments include an articulatable diverting member coupled to an endless loop placed at an oblique angle above the first path of the conveyor. The diverting members are selectively placed in either a retracted position or an extended position based on sensory knowledge of the particular objects passing underneath the endless member. In the extended position, the diverting members contact the particular objects and slide them to the second path. In the retracted position, the conveyed objects pass underneath the diverting member.

Abstract: A material handling system and method of automatic address assignment of components of the material handling system, includes a conveying surface divided into a plurality of zones, a plurality of motors propelling each zone, a plurality of lower level controllers and a plurality of sensors adapted to communicate the presence of an article on the conveying surface to the associated lower level controller. An upper-level controller in communication with the lower level controllers assigns a unique communications address to a specific lower level controller identified by a reference article being detected by the sensor with that lower level controller.

Abstract: Method of positioning thin flat objects within a processing machine comprising an inserter for positioning these objects in a plurality of gripper members belonging to a conveyor drawing them discontinuously through successive stations. This method consists in calculating, for each of the gripper members, variations in the positioning distance of these members relative to a reference position, assigning these variations to the respective gripper members, and incorporating them into a primary procedure of the controller to improve the positioning of the thin flat objects in the gripper members.

Abstract: A drive controller for controlling movement of a plurality of packages by an accumulation conveyor. The drive controller is configured to determine a length of each of the packages and to coordinate driving of a number of zones needed to accommodate the package. For example, a sensor in each of the conveyor zones communicates blockage by the packages to the drive controller. The drive controller determines a sequence of blockage of the sensors in adjacent zones. Blockage of the sensor in an upstream zone before the sensor in a downstream zone indicates an oversized package that extends longer than a zone length of the downstream zone and into the upstream zone. The drive controller is configured to drive the downstream zone and upstream zone simultaneously when detecting the oversized package.

Abstract: An article transport apparatus has a path that has a first end and a second end and that extends along a plurality of article transferring locations, a plurality of article transporting vehicles that run on the path, and control means for controlling the plurality of article transporting vehicles. When the transport request data currently processed and the transport request data previously processed specify a same article transferring location for collecting, and the article transporting vehicle that was selected based on the transport request data previously processed is currently performing a transport operation, then the control means selects an article transporting vehicle that is not currently performing a transport operation as the article transporting vehicle for a transport operation.

Abstract: An item monitoring system is provided which is operative at points of storage automatically to sense the presence, number of item(s) stored and relative location of items and to generate near real-time item and location data from storage locations so that time-related changes can be compared to detect item additions and subtractions, and to recognize and report events such as shrink/theft, low inventory conditions and misplaced items. Embodiments incorporate a surface sensing system comprised of one or more contiguous item sensor strips that measure the relative pressure of items in contact with a surface or a hanger support using pressure sensitive analog type conductive material. Item information can be collected from multiple hangers and/or storage surfaces and relayed to databases and application systems for varied uses. The system and method disclosed are cost effective and widely applicable to many categories of inventory application providing real-time updates without item packaging changes.

Abstract: A method for acquiring data regarding operation of a mail processing system includes the steps of configuring a diagnostic module as a mail piece, inserting the diagnostic module into a stream of mail being processed by the mail processing system, and collecting data with the diagnostic module as it travels through the mail processing machine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved insert machine for inserting flat material into an open pocket and, more particularly, to a straight line insert machine employed for printed matter such as newspapers. The machine includes an all-electronic control system for controlling machine functions. The control system includes at least one central control computer running under software control and a plurality of network controllers, all coupled together via a controller area network (CAN) bus. Electronic control messages for controlling machine elements are sent among the computers and controllers using a novel message protocol to enable both broadcast messages and individual messages to be employed.

Abstract: A control architecture for material handling includes multiple tiers of controllers, such as three. The lowest-level controllers interact directly with sensors and actuators used in the material handling system, such as photo-eyes and motors used with conveyors. The lowest-level controllers receive higher level commands from one or more mid-level controllers. The mid-level controllers, in turn, receive still higher level commands and information from at least one upper level controller. Each mid and low level controller is designed to include sufficient intelligence to deal with many of the signals and messages it receives without having to forward those signals or messages to the next higher level controller and await instructions from that higher level controller. The system thus distributes intelligence amongst the controllers. The system is well-adapted for application to conveyor control systems.

Abstract: A method of allocating excess space associated with a primary component includes determining the excess space associated with the primary component, identifying at least one information insert compatible with the excess space, providing an output advertising the excess space, and receiving a request in response to the output. The request may be based at least in part on the at least one information insert. The method also includes associating the at least one information insert with the primary component.