Abstract: A singulation device can singulate items. The items can be received onto a singulation conveyor. A portion of the items can be retained on the singulation conveyor by a retaining ledge. The portion of the items not retained on the singulation conveyor can fall onto a return conveyor. The singulation conveyor can transport the retained items along the length of the ledge. During conveyance, some of the items can fall off of the singulation conveyor onto the return conveyor.

Abstract: A steerable omni-directional platform cart is disclosed. In one embodiment the cart may include two motorized wheels which can drive the cart in translational movement. The wheels may be selectably rotated together about a vertical axis so as to provide steering control for the cart. The wheels may also be rotated in opposite clockwise directions to cause the cart to pivot about a vertical axis. In a second embodiment, a motorized wheel is disposed with it axis of rotation disposed at a non-perpendicular angle to the platform. Rotation of the motor driven wheel about the rotational axis provides translational movement for the cart in a defined direction. The rotational axis of the wheel is selectively rotatable about a second axis to thereby selectably rotate the defined direction of translational movement about the second axis to provide steering of the cart.

Abstract: A steerable omni-directional cart is disclosed. The cart includes either a driven wheel or a sphere disposed on a lower surface of the cart platform to provide powered motion to the cart. A mechanical element is provided to allow the direction of the powered motion to be changed by the user to thereby allow the cart to be steered. The power may be provided by a removable and rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack may drive a motor which includes a driven output element in contact with the sphere to provide powered motion. Alternatively, the driven wheel may be a hub driven wheel which is powered by the battery pack.