Abstract: An independent cart system with reduced particulate generation includes a mover configured to travel along a track. The mover includes wheels mounted to the mover, multiple sealing elements, and multiple dampening elements. Each wheel is operative to engage the track as the mover travels along the track, and each wheel includes a rolling bearing. At least one of the sealing elements is mounted adjacent to each rolling bearing for the wheels to prevent particulate generated by the rolling bearing from leaving the mover. The dampening elements reduce vibration on the mover as the mover travels along the track. A platform is mounted to an upper surface of a drive block for each mover by a fastener. At least one rolling bearing is mounted between the fastener and either the platform or the drive block.

Abstract: A system for the replay of automation system operations in an extended reality environment with virtual objects using a display device having an at least partially transparent display. The system stores historical operational data. Upon entering a playback mode, the system generates virtual objects at historical locations representing the devices of the automation system. During playback sampled historical locations are delivered to the display device and the virtual object location is updated so that the automation system appears in motion. Interpolation may be performed between sampled device locations so improve playback speed or decrease the data that is stored. Automation system operations can be replayed in a smaller volume to allow the operator a holistic three-dimensional view of operations.

Abstract: A system for creating an extended-reality environment with a virtual control panel for an automation system on a display device having an at least partially transparent display. The virtual control panel is anchored in the extended-reality environment at a first location. The operator can gesture to move the virtual control panel to a more convenient location given their current task. The virtual control panel can only issue certain commands when the operator is within a first distance from the control panel and/or the virtual control panel is within a second distance of the automation system. The virtual control panel may authenticate and authorize the operator and indicate or omit commands that are not available. An avatar of a mobile automation system can be presented near the operator or near the virtual control panel.

Abstract: A system for adjusting parameters of an automation system. A simulation of the automation is generated. The simulation depends on both physical parameters representing physical characteristics of the automation system and control parameters related to a control algorithm of the automation system. Virtual objects of the simulation are presented in an extended reality environment superimposed on the automation system or proximate the automation system using a display device with an at least partially transparent display. Changes to physical parameters of the simulation can be made to cause the behavior of the simulation to be similar to that of the automation. Changes to the control parameters of the simulation can be made to determine the effects of the changes prior to transmitting them to the automation system.

Abstract: A mover for an independent cart system includes a drive member for a linear drive system, a power source configured to supply electrical power to at least one device mounted on the mover, and a mounting plate secured to the mover. The mounting plate is configured to selectively receive one of multiple fixtures. The mounting plate includes at least one electrical connector configured to engage a complementary electrical connector on each of the fixtures, at least one connector configured to engage a complementary connector on each of the fixtures to positively retain each of the fixtures to the mounting plate, and a control circuit operative to either transfer at least one control signal to or receive at least one feedback signal from each of the fixtures.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring forces exerted at multiple locations on a mover includes multiple sensors, where each sensor is mounted at one of the locations. Each sensor detects an operating condition of the mover at the location on the mover at which it is mounted. The sensors may include accelerometers, strain gauges, or a combination thereof. Each strain gauge is mounted proximate to an area of interest on the mover. Each strain gauge generates a feedback signal corresponding to a deformation of the material measured at the location of the sensor. From the measured deformation of material, a force acting on the mover at the location of the sensor may be determined. The forces exerted at the different locations on the mover may be monitored in real time to determine bearing performance or monitored over a duration of time to observer changes in bearing performance over that duration.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring forces exerted at multiple locations on a mover includes multiple sensors, where each sensor is mounted at one of the locations. Each sensor detects an operating condition of the mover at the location on the mover at which it is mounted. The sensors may include accelerometers, strain gauges, or a combination thereof. Each strain gauge is mounted proximate to an area of interest on the mover. Each strain gauge generates a feedback signal corresponding to a deformation of the material measured at the location of the sensor. From the measured deformation of material, a force acting on the mover at the location of the sensor may be determined. The forces exerted at the different locations on the mover may be monitored in real time to determine bearing performance or monitored over a duration of time to observer changes in bearing performance over that duration.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring forces exerted at multiple locations on a mover includes multiple sensors, where each sensor is mounted at one of the locations. Each sensor detects an operating condition of the mover at the location on the mover at which it is mounted. The sensors may include accelerometers, strain gauges, or a combination thereof. Each strain gauge is mounted proximate to an area of interest on the mover. Each strain gauge generates a feedback signal corresponding to a deformation of the material measured at the location of the sensor. From the measured deformation of material, a force acting on the mover at the location of the sensor may be determined. The forces exerted at the different locations on the mover may be monitored in real time to determine bearing performance or monitored over a duration of time to observer changes in bearing performance over that duration.

Abstract: A mover for an independent cart system includes a drive member for a linear drive system, a power source configured to supply electrical power to at least one device mounted on the mover, and a mounting plate secured to the mover. The mounting plate is configured to selectively receive one of multiple fixtures. The mounting plate includes at least one electrical connector configured to engage a complementary electrical connector on each of the fixtures, at least one connector configured to engage a complementary connector on each of the fixtures to positively retain each of the fixtures to the mounting plate, and a control circuit operative to either transfer at least one control signal to or receive at least one feedback signal from each of the fixtures.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring forces exerted at multiple locations on a mover includes multiple sensors, where each sensor is mounted at one of the locations. Each sensor detects an operating condition of the mover at the location on the mover at which it is mounted. The sensors may include accelerometers, strain gauges, or a combination thereof. Each strain gauge is mounted proximate to an area of interest on the mover. Each strain gauge generates a feedback signal corresponding to a deformation of the material measured at the location of the sensor. From the measured deformation of material, a force acting on the mover at the location of the sensor may be determined. The forces exerted at the different locations on the mover may be monitored in real time to determine bearing performance or monitored over a duration of time to observer changes in bearing performance over that duration.

Abstract: Thermal memory springs may form arches, or have coils or spring arms and truss arms that expand from a relaxed state when the thermal memory springs warm to a temperature that is about the body temperature of a human being. The thermal memory springs may be used to expand interbody implants from a compact state into an expanded state once the implant has been inserted into the desired location within the body and the thermal memory springs that form a part of the implant warms to body temperature. Ends of the expanded thermal memory spring may contact a bone surface, thereby being an anti-expulsion edge.

Abstract: Thermal memory springs may form arches, or have coils or spring arms and truss arms that expand from a relaxed state when the thermal memory springs warm to a temperature that is about the body temperature of a human being. The thermal memory springs may be used to expand interbody implants from a compact state into an expanded state once the implant has been inserted into the desired location within the body and the thermal memory springs that form a part of the implant warms to body temperature. Ends of the expanded thermal memory spring may contact a bone surface, thereby being an anti-expulsion edge.