Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of automatic container orientation systems. Also disclosed are methods for automatically orienting containers. In an exemplary embodiment, a system for automatically orienting containers generally includes one or more cameras, a controller, and an orientation unit. The one or more cameras are configured to obtain data relating to an orientation of at least one container to be included in a package. The controller is in communication with the one or more cameras for receiving the data and is configured to use the data to determine an amount of rotation needed for the at least one container to orient the at least one container in a desired final orientation. The orientation unit is configured to rotate the at least one container by the determined amount of rotation to thereby orient the at least one container in the desired final orientation.

Abstract: Thorough optimization and improvement have been made on the basis of original closed-shelf stack room by the unattended full-automatic book management system of the invention. The concept of a book basket is brought in to process an order of each borrower in a batch. The device is simplified and the efficiency of single functional part is enhanced during the period of storing books, taking books, returning books, conveying a book basket and transmission, thereby the functions of the whole system being optimized. The system includes bookracks, a laneway vehicle, a laneway vehicle interface, a transmission device, a book taking window, and a book returning window, and further includes a book basket and a book box independent of the bookracks.

Abstract: A sealing system for creating a sealed letter by use of an envelope sheet with a bond part on a basis of a sealing setting. The sealing system includes a transmission amount detector configured to detect an amount of transmission of the envelope sheet being conveyed on a conveyance path, a bond position calculator configured to calculate a first bond position where the bond part exists in the envelope sheet on a basis of the amount of transmission as detected by the transmission amount detector, and a judgment unit configured to judge whether the envelope sheet is conveyed a correct way round in a conveyance direction of the envelope sheet, from the first bond position as calculated by the bond position calculator and a second bond position based on the sealing setting.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated handling of workpieces comprising an object recognition device for detecting the workpiece and a gripper arranged at a gripping arm for picking the workpieces and a control for evaluating the data of the object recognition device, for track planning and for controlling the gripping arm and the gripper and comprising a compensation unit which allows an evasion movement of the gripper, wherein the compensation unit only allows an evasion movement of the gripper on the exceeding of a predefined first load of the gripping arm and remains rigid below the first load, wherein the first load is larger than a load exerted on the gripping arm solely by the gripper and/or the picked workpiece.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tower crane load locator and sway indicator is disclosed and includes: a plurality of RFID tags at different locations on or around the tower crane; at least two RFID readers at different locations on the tower crane; a navigation satellite system (NSS) position receiver; and a load information interface. The RFID readers comprising a range determiner to provide range measurements between each of the RFID readers and each of the plurality of RFID tags. The sway determiner is coupled with a hook block of the tower crane. The NSS position receiver is coupled with the tower crane. The load information interface to combine information from range measurements, the sway determiner and the NSS position receiver to generate location and sway information of the load with respect to the tower crane and provide the location and sway information in a user accessible format.

Abstract: A method for storing scanned information concerning a relevant laundry item in a data storage means which is assigned to a carrier holding the laundry item. The laundry item is assigned to a storage means or an intermediate storage means with the carrier comprising its information by a conveying system. The laundry items are sorted by way of their individual information stored on the carriers, moved into corresponding storage sections of the storage means and at the same time are both sorted and formed into laundry batches. The laundry batch then includes laundry items which require a same treatment. The laundry batch can then be supplied, for example, to a continuous-batch washing machine where the laundry items of the laundry batch are washed and, where applicable, subject to further treatments in the manner predefined according to their information. The sorting of the laundry items is automated to a large extent.

Abstract: A cargo shuttle has a first portion and a second portion. The cargo shuttle has a first air blower coupled to the cargo shuttle and is configured to blow air under the first portion at a first rate. The cargo shuttle has a second air blower coupled to the cargo shuttle and is configured to blow air under the second portion at a second rate. The cargo shuttle includes a first proximity sensor coupled to the cargo shuttle that is configured to detect a first distance from the first portion to a floor panel. The cargo shuttle includes a second proximity sensor coupled to the cargo shuttle that is configured to detect a second distance from the second portion to the floor panel. The cargo shuttle includes a processor that is configured to adjust the first rate and the second rate based on the first and second distances.

Abstract: An inventory system includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit includes sensors for detecting one or more load characteristics of the inventory holder and/or includes magnets and/or magnetic surfaces for securing the inventory holder to the mobile drive unit during lifting and/or moving.

Abstract: An intelligent refrigerator based on the Internet of Things and an application system thereof, relating to the technical field of the Internet of Things, and in particular, to the aspect of intelligent refrigerator system module improvement based on the Internet of Things. The intelligent refrigerator comprises a refrigerator main body and a refrigerator control module which is arranged in the refrigerator main body and used for controlling the operation of the refrigerator main body. The refrigerator main body also comprises a central processing system module, the refrigerator control module being in communication connection with the central processing system module through a UART interface. A touch display module for man-machine interaction, and a network communication module for connecting the Internet network are also connected to the central processing system module. The intelligent refrigerator can realize managing the storage information of foods in a refrigerator in a graphical manner.

Abstract: A carrying device includes a rack and a platform. The platform that loads goods, is moveably arranged on a handle of the rack. The carrying device further includes a sensor that detects the goods loaded on the platform, a motor that is connected to the platform, and a controlling unit that controls the motor drive the platform to move relative to the handle with a predetermined distance, according to whether the sensor detects the goods loaded on the platform.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a system for managing an inventory comprising serialized products. A computer system may receive from an intake sensor a first tray identifier describing a first tray present on an intake transport system. The computer system may also associate the first tray identifier with a first serial identifier of a first product unit present on a product transport system and instructing the product transport system, by the computer system, to transport the first product unit to the first tray. Additionally, the computer system may instruct a robot to place the first tray containing the first product unit at a first bin selected from a plurality of robot-accessible bins.

Abstract: A production efficiency improving apparatus includes a first communicating means for communicating information with a plurality of processing apparatuses that process objects, and a second communicating means for communicating conveyance control information, with a conveyance system comprising conveyance apparatuses for conveying the objects between the plurality of processing apparatuses. A means for predicting, on the basis of information communicated by the first communicating means, the conveying timing at which the processing apparatus needs to send out processed objects, and the conveying timing at which the processing apparatus needs to bring in unprocessed objects. A generating means generates the control information such that the conveyance apparatus will arrive at the processing apparatus that is the destination of the communication of information at the predicted timing predicted by the means for predicting.

Abstract: A banking automation system comprising a robot for robotically assisting a plurality of individuals in retrieval and storage of goods deposited in a bank, wherein during said retrieval and storage of goods by the robot: (a) each of the plurality of the individuals maintains privacy by being placed in a private location, (b) the plurality of the individuals are able to retrieve and store goods simultaneously, and (c) identification of each of the plurality of the individuals is verified biometrically.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus capable of routine placement and replacement of fabricator tools in a designated tool location. The tool location can be selected from multiple tool locations arranged in a matrix with horizontal and vertical designations. The operation may be fully automated. In another aspect, the invention describes Cleanspace fabricators which use devices to routinely remove and place tooling.

Abstract: A system for automatic storage and withdrawal of products, including a storage facility with a plurality of storage locations arranged in rows and columns. A picking arrangement is selectively movable between the plurality of storage locations and a delivery location to pick one or more products contained in selected storage locations and deliver the product(s) to the delivery location according to a selected order. A computer is provided to control movement of the movable picking arrangement according to an order sequence. A number of adjacent storage locations are enclosed in an armored module having armored back, side, and top wall and a front access opening closed by a movable closure which is normally closed and which is selectively opened when the picking arrangement is to pick one or more products contained in any one of the adjacent storage locations within the armored module.

Abstract: A packaging system and method for receiving articles from a first location, such as a product delivery system, transporting the articles to a second location for unloading the articles such that they are placed in a desired orientation and number of columns, rows, and stacks.

Abstract: A remote handling apparatus includes a joystick device, a load lifting device and a counterforce controller. The joystick device includes a counterforce generator that generates operation counterforce via a stick that accepts manual operation. The counterforce controller includes a pulsed counterforce controller and/or a deviation counterforce controller. The pulsed counterforce controller calculates a time rate of change of a dynamic load value of the load object, and outputs a counterforce command signal indicating a counterforce command value for generating pulsed counterforce. The deviation counterforce controller calculates a deviation amount of a dynamic load value from a static load value, and outputs a counterforce command signal indicating a counterforce command value for generating a counterforce. Embodiments may be implemented as an auxiliary apparatus, which is attached to an existing remote handling apparatus.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a rotary table on which a workpiece is mounted, a clamping mechanism for clamping the rotary table against rotation, and a sensor for detecting completion of a clamping operation of the clamping mechanism. A numerical controller for controlling the machine tool calculates the time required for actual operations of the clamping mechanism, taking into account beforehand the processing time for processing a feedback signal from a sensor and the time until the next operation of the machine tool. By controlling the clamping mechanism based on the calculated required time, the cycle time of clamping or unclamping operations is shortened.

Abstract: Method for monitoring and controlling a loading rate of a transport section with one or several individually speed-controlled consecutive partial sections (T1, T2, T3) in a filling line, including detecting a container loading over a certain region at an incoming region (E1) of the transport section; simulating a container flow in real time using the detected container loading in the incoming region of the transport section and a transport speed, the simulation including: entering the detected value for the container loading into a shift register (SR1); and synchronizing a shift register clock with the transport speed, so that the shift register content (DW0, DW1, . . . ) represents the container loading on the transport section.

Abstract: A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.