Abstract: This system can include a pick-put controller in communications with an AMR and using close proximity communications to eliminate the need for facility wide real time transmissions with a central server and facilitate the picking and putting process in facilities that cannot or do not have longer range wireless communications. The pick-put controller can communicate with a bay controller only with close proximity communications. The pick-put controller can transmit instructions to the bay controller which can actuate one or more light indicators. The pick-put controller can direct the AMR to a desired location. The pick-put controller can send instructions to one or more AMR light assemblies. The pick-put controller can record picking and putting events in a storage system which can include a storage database. The AMR can be instructed to travel to a packaging area and upon removal of items picked, return for more order fulfilment.

Abstract: This system is a dynamically sized put wall comprising: a put wall having a plurality of slots; a slot defined by a first end and a laterally movable/removable divider; a light bar attached to the put wall and in communications with a put wall controller and a server; a set of server computer readable instructions that, when executed by a server processor included in the server, are adapted for receiving or determining a desired width for one or more slots in the put wall; actuating a light segment within a light bar representing a desired slot dimension; receiving an acknowledgement that the laterally movable/removable divider(s) were positioned according to the light segments actuated by the put wall controller, and, placing the put wall controller into put mode.

Abstract: A pack wall carton selection and replenishment system comprising: a delivery cart with a delivery cart controller configured to receive information representing a replenishment shipping carton to be retrieved from a shipping carton supply area and delivered to a pack wall, provide for retrieving one or more shipping cartons from the shipping carton supply area, actuate a cart indicator assembly to identify a cart partition where to place the retrieved shipping cartons on the delivery cart, actuate a delivery cart indicator assembly to identify the replenishment shipping carton to be placed on the pack wall; and, a pack wall controller in communication with the delivery cart controller configured to receive an order item information, actuate a first pack wall indicator assembly to indicate a desired shipping carton to be used for packing an items represented by the order item information.

Abstract: This system is a dynamically sized put wall comprising: a put wall having a plurality of slots; a slot defined by a first end and a laterally movable/removable divider; a light bar attached to the put wall and in communications with a put wall controller and a server; a set of server computer readable instructions that, when executed by a server processor included in the server, are adapted for receiving or determining a desired width for one or more slots in the put wall; actuating a light segment within a light bar representing a desired slot dimension; receiving an acknowledgement that the laterally movable/removable divider(s) were positioned according to the light segments actuated by the put wall controller, and, placing the put wall controller into put mode.

Abstract: A pack wall carton selection and replenishment system comprising: a delivery cart with a delivery cart controller configured to receive information representing a replenishment shipping carton to be retrieved from a shipping carton supply area and delivered to a pack wall, provide for retrieving one or more shipping cartons from the shipping carton supply area, actuate a cart indicator assembly to identify a cart partition where to place the retrieved shipping cartons on the delivery cart, actuate a delivery cart indicator assembly to identify the replenishment shipping carton to be placed on the pack wall; and, a pack wall controller in communication with the delivery cart controller configured to receive an order item information, actuate a first pack wall indicator assembly to indicate a desired shipping carton to be used for packing an items represented by the order item information.

Abstract: A pack wall carton selection and replenishment system comprising: a delivery cart with a delivery cart controller configured to receive information representing a replenishment shipping carton to be retrieved from a shipping carton supply area and delivered to a pack wall, provide for retrieving one or more shipping cartons from the shipping carton supply area, actuate a cart indicator assembly to identify a cart partition where to place the retrieved shipping cartons on the delivery cart, actuate a delivery cart indicator assembly to identify the replenishment shipping carton to be placed on the pack wall; and, a pack wall controller in communication with the delivery cart controller configured to receive an order item information, actuate a first pack wall indicator assembly to indicate a desired shipping carton to be used for packing an items represented by the order item information.

Abstract: This invention is a dynamically reconfigurable pick-put system comprising: a digitally transformable mobile unit having a mobile unit computer and a mobile unit light bar controller, with a set of transformable mobile unit computer readable instructions included with the digitally transformable mobile unit that can digitally transform the mobile unit from a mobile unit configuration to a stationary unit configuration and can (a) direct a user to a particular stationary unit, actuate the mobile unit light bar to identify a location on the digitally transformable mobile unit where the item picked from the stationary unit is to be placed on the digitally transformable mobile unit, when in the mobile unit configuration, and (b) actuate the mobile unit light bar to identify the location of an item on the digitally transformable mobile unit to be picked when in the stationary unit configuration.

Abstract: A pack wall carton selection and replenishment system comprising: a delivery cart with a delivery cart controller configured to receive information representing a replenishment shipping carton to be retrieved from a shipping carton supply area and delivered to a pack wall, provide for retrieving one or more shipping cartons from the shipping carton supply area, actuate a cart indicator assembly to identify a cart partition where to place the retrieved shipping cartons on the delivery cart, actuate a delivery cart indicator assembly to identify the replenishment shipping carton to be placed on the pack wall; and, a pack wall controller in communication with the delivery cart controller configured to receive an order item information, actuate a first pack wall indicator assembly to indicate a desired shipping carton to be used for packing an items represented by the order item information.

Abstract: This invention is a dynamically reconfigurable pick-put system comprising: a digitally transformable mobile unit having a mobile unit computer and a mobile unit light bar controller, with a set of transformable mobile unit computer readable instructions included with the digitally transformable mobile unit that can digitally transform the mobile unit from a mobile unit configuration to a stationary unit configuration and can (a) direct a user to a particular stationary unit, actuate the mobile unit light bar to identify a location on the digitally transformable mobile unit where the item picked from the stationary unit is to be placed on the digitally transformable mobile unit, when in the mobile unit configuration, and (b) actuate the mobile unit light bar to identify the location of an item on the digitally transformable mobile unit to be picked when in the stationary unit configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reconfigurable light-directed pick/put system which includes at least one stationary storage bay unit including a plurality of reconfigurable physical storage locations for containing stored items to be picked and a plurality of intelligent light assemblies for directing the pick. Also disclosed is at least one mobile unit including a plurality of reconfigurable physical storage locations for containing items having been put after picking. Upon reconfiguration of a physical storage location in order to accommodate items of differing size or quantity, the intelligent light assembly associated with the reconfigured physical storage location is readily repositionable therewith. In order to provide such repositionability the present intelligent light assemblies include proximity switches, which are operable through an optically transparent raceway cover.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for minimizing stock outs and costs by managing manufacturing, ordering, and distribution in a supply chain. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for coordinating production across a supply network is provided. The method includes the steps of identifying one or more items in a supply network, identifying one or more constraints for such items in the supply network, identifying one or more strategic target buffers for such constraints, and generating make, order, and ship recommendations for one or more such items based upon one or more constraints and one or more strategic target buffers.

Abstract: A system by which a portable computer on a cart translates warehouse locations to light addresses of locations on storage bays in a storage facility and communicates instructions by means of a bi-directional, dual transmitter/receiver element on the cart to a pick-controller unit positioned on each bay. The pick-controller unit on the bay is connected with intelligent light assemblies at each location on the bay that, in response to instructions from the portable computer, illuminate indicating the need for, and quantity of a SKU to be retrieved from the illuminated location. In addition, the portable computer communicates instructions using the bi-directional, dual transmitter/receiver element to the put-controller unit positioned on the cart that in turn communicates these instructions to intelligent light assemblies adjacent to specific receptacles located on the cart.

Abstract: A system by which a portable computer on a cart translates warehouse locations to light addresses of locations on storage bays in a storage facility and communicates instructions by means of a bi-directional, dual transmitter/receiver element on the cart to a pick-controller unit positioned on each bay. The pick-controller unit on the bay is connected with intelligent light assemblies at each location on the bay that, in response to instructions from the portable computer, illuminate indicating the need for, and quantity of a SKU to be retrieved from the illuminated location. In addition, the portable computer communicates instructions using the bi-directional, dual transmitter/receiver element to the put-controller unit positioned on the cart that in turn communicates these instructions to intelligent light assemblies adjacent to specific receptacles located on the cart.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for speech recognition control of apparel manufacture equipment, such as a sewing machine, is provided. The invention includes a device for recognizing and translating an operator's verbal command into a digital control signal; a communication device such as a microphone for inputting the operator's verbal command into the recognizing and translating device; and interfacing means for presenting the digital control signal to the apparel manufacture equipment in a form recognized and accepted by the equipment. The method for voice control of apparel manufacture equipment according to the present invention comprises the steps of receiving an operator's verbal command; recognizing and translating the verbal command into a digital control signal; and routing this digital control signal to the apparel manufacture equipment in a form recognized by an actable upon by the equipment. An infrared light linkage may be employed to transmit commands from an operator to the machine's control circuitry.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for speech recognition control of apparel manufacture equipment, such as a sewing machine, is provided. This invention allows an operator to control specific operational modes of the apparel manufacture equipment through verbal commands recognized by the equipment as distinct from other sounds in the environment of the equipment. The invention includes a device for recognizing and translating an operator's verbal command into an electronic control signal; a communication device such as a microphone for inputting the operator's verbal command into the recognizing and translating device; and interfacing means for presenting the electronic control signal to the apparel manufacture equipment in a form recognized and accepted by the equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible top with a top cover over lay type seal between the rear window glass and the convertible top along side and lower edge of the window glass. The convertible top allows the utilization of a substantially rigid back window of a much greater area than previously allowable and provides a novel folding arrangement for storing the back window. The arrangement includes a first link pivotably connected with the vehicle. A trim link pivotally connected with the first link, extends rearwardly, and the trim link has a pivotally connected extension. An upper link is pivotally connected with the first link and the back window. The back window is also pivotally connected with the trim link extension. In a first top position the back window is urged against a lower sealing surface. In a second top position the back window is positioned in a generally vertical position away from the sealing surface. In a third position the back window is stored in the vehicle.

Abstract: A plurality of multiprocessor systems is arranged in a high speed network to allow any processor in one system to communicate with any processor in another system. The network is configured as a multi-node dual bidirectional ring having a multiprocessor system at each node. Packets of information may be passed around the ring in either of two directions and are temporarily stored in buffer memory locations dedicated to a selected destination processor in a selected direction between each successive transfer between neighboring nodes. The buffer locations are managed so that they can request an adjacent node to stop transmitting packets if the buffer is becoming full from that direction and request resumption of transmission of packets as the buffer empties.

Abstract: A plurality of multiprocessor systems is arranged in a high speed network to allow any processor in one system to communicate with any processor in another system. The network may be configured as a multi-node dual bidirectional ring having a multiprocessor system at each node. Packets of information may be passed around the ring in either of two directions and are temporarily stored in buffer memory locations dedicated to a selected destination processor in a selected direction between each successive transfer between neighboring nodes. The buffer locations are managed so that a node can request an adjacent node to stop transmitting packets if the buffer is becoming full from that direction and request resumption of transmission of packets as the buffer empties.