Abstract: A bin exchange system is disclosed that includes a plurality of automated carriers, each of which is adapted to be remotely movable on an array of track sections, at least one input station by which bins may be introduced to the array of track sections, at least one processing station in communication with the array of track sections wherein objects may be moved between bins, and at least one output station by which bins may be removed from the array of track sections.

Abstract: A boom working device has a boom, mounted on and extending from a boom support, on which an end effector mounting interface is formed. The boom is equipped with two linear output structures, each in engagement with one of two drive wheels of the boom support. With respect to the boom support, the boom is both pivotable around a main axis and also capable of linear movement at right-angles to the main axis. Through harmonised rotary actuation of the drive wheels an operating movement of the boom may be generated, consisting either of a pivoting movement alone or of a linear movement alone or of the pivoting movement with simultaneously superimposed linear movement.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automated storage and retrieval system (1), a storage container handling vehicle (3) and a method for operating such a system. The system (1) comprises one or more vehicle (3) configured to lift and move storage containers (106) stacked in the system (1). Each vehicle (3) comprises a storage container lifting device (16), a drive system (18) with a wheel arrangement (19, 20) configured to drive and maneuver the vehicle (3) along the track system (108), abase (31) onto which the wheel arrangement (19, 20) is connected, a rotational part (30) rotationally connected via a swivel device (32) to the base (31) and a rotational drive system (34) for rotating the rotational part (30) relative to the base (31).

Abstract: A stacking storage arrangement includes multiple container receiving spaces, a loading space arranged below the container receiving spaces, in which the container receiving spaces are held at a first height above the loading space; and a loading vehicle movable between the loading space and a transfer region. The loading vehicle includes a container seat with a container contact surface, and the container seat is movable in a lifting direction. In the container contact surface, the container seat further includes at least two notches opening to at least one side, and at least one transfer device includes transfer fingers configured to match the notches in the container contact surface.

Abstract: An object handling and retrieving system and method are described. A storage system is described suitable for storing multiple product lines in an automated warehouse environment. The storage system includes a plurality of load handling devices disposed above a frame and independently moveable to access different stacks. The load handling device can retrieve and transport a target container to a sequencing and temporary storage portion having a sorting frame for taking delivery of the target container and moving it to an output port of the sorting frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting and distributing material. In one embodiment, a collection system comprises at least one storage compartment comprising a plurality of regions. A bin is provided for transporting material from a first environment towards the storage compartment. The system comprises a diverter, wherein the diverter is dimensioned to distribute material among the plurality of regions within the storage compartment. The diverter has a first position during use in which at least a portion of the diverter is positioned below the bin when the bin is in a raised position for emptying material, and at least a portion of the diverter is positioned above the plurality of regions in the first position during use.

Abstract: A fleet for delivering packages comprising a first number of containers, each container comprising at least one compartment for receiving packages at a main distribution center. The container comprises a first attachment member on an outer surface and a second attachment member on an outer surface. The fleet comprises a second number of long-range transports, each long-range transport is configured to carry multiple containers from the main distribution center to an intermediate distribution center, each long-range transport comprising multiple first attachment receivers, whereby the multiple containers are attached to the long-range transports during transport from the main distribution center to the intermediate distribution center.

Abstract: A container handling vehicle for picking up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of an underlying storage system includes: a first set of wheels, arranged at opposite portions of a vehicle body of the container handling vehicle, for moving the vehicle along a first direction on a rail system of the grid; and a second set of wheels for moving the vehicle along a second direction on the rail system of the grid. The container handling vehicle further comprises a first section and a second section arranged side-by-side such that a centre point of a footprint of the first section (F1) is arranged off centre relative a centre point of the footprint of the vehicle body (FV), and a size ratio of the footprint of the first section (F1) relative a footprint of the second section (F2) is at least 2:1.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus including a frame, a drive section connected to the frame and including at least one independently controllable motor, at least two substrate transport arms connected to the frame and comprising arm links arranged for supporting and transporting substrates, and a mechanical motion switch coupled to the at least one independently controllable motor and the at least two substrate transport arms for effecting the extension and retraction of one of the at least two substrate transport arms while the other one of the at least two substrate transport arms remains in a substantially retracted configuration.

Abstract: According to various aspects of the disclosure, a method may comprise: varying a drive force, by which a chamber valve of a vacuum chamber is held closed, when the vacuum chamber has been evacuated; and aerating the vacuum chamber after the variation of the drive force; transporting a substrate through the chamber valve when the chamber valve has been opened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for handling the content of a catch from a fishing boat comprising the steps of providing a sorting table having crate handling platforms and installing crates on these platforms. The method also has the step of replacing a full crate with an empty crate and placing the full crates on a crate handling frame which frame can be secured within vertical storage containers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the efficiency of an automated material handling system (AMHS) include providing an apparatus operatively coupled to a load port of a processing apparatus, where the apparatus is configured to remove a first work-in-process from the load port and to move the first work-in-process along a first direction to displace the first work-in-progress from the load port while a second work-in-progress is transferred to the load port from an AMHS vehicle along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and transferring the first work-in-progress to an AMHS vehicle along the second direction. The methods and systems may be used for loading and unloading wafer storage containers, such as front opening unified pods (FOUPs), in a semiconductor fabrication facility.

Abstract: According to embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a delivery box system to deliver a commodity material. In various instances, a single auger configuration, a dual auger configuration, a vertical auger configuration and/or further configurations or combinations of configurations are contemplated as described. One or more auger facilitates the metered release of the commodity material and ameliorates jamming of the commodity material against aspects of the delivery box system.

Abstract: A system and method for picking items is disclosed. The system includes a grid-based storage area and an order assembly area. The system includes an array of presentation positions, the presentation positions being configured and adapted so as to present storage containers delivered to the presentation positions so as to enable picking of items contained therein.

Abstract: A roof rock spreader has a rock hopper and a motive drive system. An optical system detects areas already treated and areas still in need of treatment. Location aware sensors detect present location and speed of travel. A control system determines proper application paths and locations, and controls application of roof rock to provide an even and consistent layer. When the rock hopper empties, the roof rock spreader will move to a refill location. A laser alignment system detects and confirms proper hopper positioning prior to automated refill. During the refilling procedure, wheel load sensors monitor hopper fill. Rock hopper refill may be limited, to accommodate gross vehicle weight limitations of a particular roof. A communication system provides remote viewing through the optical system or other camera to confirm proper function, provides remote emergency shut-off, and enables a plurality of like spreaders to work in unison.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a carriage lift assembly comprising: at least one frame element configured to secure the carriage lift assembly relative to a first mast and a second mast; and at least one spreader arm extending laterally and defining at least a portion of a lift width; wherein the spreader arm width of the spreader arm comprises a selectively adjustable configuration, wherein the lift width is configured to be selectively adjustable based at least in part on the adjustable configuration of the spreader arm width. In various embodiments, the at least one spreader arm comprises an at least partially resilient configuration such that, in response to a force acting on the spreader arm in one or more directions, the spreader arm may exhibit a movement in the one or more directions so as to absorb at least a portion of the force.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) includes a conveyor system arranged within its main cabin. The conveyor system includes attachment points for attaching transport bags to the conveyor system, and a motor to move the transport bags to different positions along the conveyor system. The AV includes a door that can open and close to provide access to the transport bags. The AV further includes a conveyor system controller that identifies a transport bag associated with a user and issues an instruction to the motor to move the transport bags along the conveyor system.

Abstract: A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a holding unit holding a workpiece, a processing unit processing the workpiece held by the holding unit, a feeding mechanism for feeding the holding unit, and a control unit controlling the feeding mechanism. The holding unit has a chuck table for holding the workpiece and a base for detachably supporting the chuck table. The chuck table includes a plurality of kinds of chuck tables, one of which being selected according to the size or shape of the workpiece. The base is capable of mounting the chuck table selected from the plural kinds of chuck tables. The control unit functions to set feeding conditions including acceleration of the feeding mechanism according to the kind of the chuck table mounted on the base and to control the feeding mechanism under the feeding conditions according to the chuck table.

Abstract: A grappling apparatus usable with a vehicle is provided. The grappling apparatus includes a connection assembly, a grappling assembly and a stabilizing assembly. The connection assembly connects the grappling apparatus to the vehicle. The grappling assembly has an upper claw assembly and a lower claw assembly. The upper claw assembly has a first plurality of manipulator arms and a walking gear. The lower claw assembly has a second plurality of manipulator arms and a stabilizer gear. The walking gear is meshable with the stabilizer gear and the first and second plurality of manipulator arms are operably connected to the walking gear and the stabilizer gear so as to be moveable between a closed position and an open position. The stabilizing assembly has a stabilizer bar operably connected to the second plurality of manipulator arms and the vehicle so as to stabilize the at least one stabilizer gear.