Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of producing such devices, and elements of such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices configured for vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition that is contained in a reservoir and transported to a heating element by a liquid transport element. The liquid transport element may include a porous monolith.

Abstract: A system (100) for delaminating a stream (110) of articles (A, B, C, D, E) includes a delamination unit (130) with a plurality of individually controlled rollers (134) configured to carry a stream (110) of articles (A, B, C, D, E), a detection unit (150) with a sensor (152), and a control unit (160) with a processor (162) and interfacing with the delamination unit (130) and the detection unit (150), wherein the detection unit (150) is configured to detect a position of each of the articles (A, B, C, D, E) and to transmit position data to the control unit (160), and wherein the control unit (160) is configured, through operation of the processor (162), to correlate positions of the articles (A, B, C, D, E) with the plurality of individually controlled rollers (134), and to individually control the rollers (134) based on the position data to delaminate the stream (110) of articles (A, B, C, D, E).

Abstract: Embodiments include a parcel processing system and methods for operating the same. The parcel processing system includes a collector configured to receive a flow of parcels and a slug accumulation system configured to receive the flow of parcels and produce a normalized bulk flow of parcels. The parcel processing system also includes a bulk transport conveyor configured to receive the normalized bulk flow of parcels and a singulator configured to receive the normalized bulk flow of parcels from the bulk transport conveyor. The normalized bulk flow of parcels is a flow of parcels having an approximately constant parcel density traveling at a fixed speed.

Abstract: A parcel processing system includes a conveyor segment that transports a stream of singulated items received from a parcel singulator. An imaging device discretely captures an image of each singulated item of the stream of singulated items transported on the conveyor segment. An automatic recognition system processes the captured images and utilizes a binary classification model to generate a classier output designating each image as a positive, representing a singulation error, or as a negative, representing a correct singulation. An operator station selectively receives a sequence of images from the automatic recognition system to enable an operator to validate the classifier output for the received images, for identifying false positives and/or false negatives therefrom. Items associated with images that are identified as false positives at the operator station are processed as correctly singulated items.

Abstract: A baggage processing system includes a storage array having a plurality of cells, each cell being configured to contain a single baggage item which is associated with a flight. The baggage processing system further includes a loading conveyor that receives baggage items retrieved from the storage array. A control system prepares a sequenced list of baggage items and controls the retrieval of baggage items from the storage array based on the sequenced list, whereby the retrieved baggage items are placed on the loading conveyor in an order conforming to the sequenced list. The baggage processing system also includes a queue of carts, where each cart is positionable to receive baggage items in sequence from a loading point on the loading conveyor, for transporting the baggage items to an aircraft. The sequenced list of baggage items defines a sequence of loading baggage items from the carts to the aircraft.

Abstract: A parcel processing system (400) includes infeed conveyors (404, 406, 408) each conveying parcels (106) with an assigned orientation class, a merging conveyor (410) configured to merge parcels fed by the infeed conveyors into a single stream of parcels, and an induction conveyor (200) configured to feed the merged stream of parcels along an induction feed path (202) to a sorting conveyor (100). The infeed paths (404a, 406a) of the infeed conveyors are arranged at different angular orientations in relation to a merging feed path (412) of the merging conveyor such that each parcel in the merged stream of parcels has an orientation that is dependent upon its assigned orientation class.

Abstract: A system for sorting and delivering packages to one of a plurality of loading points includes a first movable cart positioned adjacent a first conveyor in a receiving position to receive packages from the first conveyor, a second movable cart positioned in a staging position, the second movable cart being empty, and a vehicle selectively engageable with the second movable cart to move the second movable cart from the staging position to the receiving position while simultaneously abutting and displacing the first movable cart from the receiving position to a transfer position.

Abstract: A diverter system includes a diverter arm operated by an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly moves the diverter arm between an extended dwell position and a retracted dwell position. The position of the diverter arm is monitored by a sensor. A control system derives a motion signature of the diverter arm based on the positions of the diverter arm measured by the sensor and evaluates the motion signature of the diverter arm to identify an abnormal operation of the diverter arm.

Abstract: A parcel processing system and related process. The parcel processing system includes a bulk transport conveyor (702), a multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701), a singulator (710), and a control system. A process includes receiving a bulk flow of parcels (720) at a bulk transport conveyor (702) to be transported from the bulk transport conveyor (702) through a multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701) to a singulator (710), determining a speed setting of the singulator (710), operating a first stage (708) of the multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701) according to the speed setting of the singulator (710), operating a second stage (706) of the multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701) according to a fill state of the first stage (708) of the multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701), and operating the bulk transport conveyor (702) according to a fill state of the immediate downstream stage of the multi-stage bulk transport accumulator (701).

Abstract: A system for automatic unloading of articles from a container or trailer comprising a control system comprising at least one processor configured via computer executable instructions to perform automated unloading operations utilizing a plurality of unloading apparatuses, generate, on a display, an identification for each of the plurality of unloading apparatuses, generate, on the display, an identification of an operating status for each of the plurality of unloading apparatuses, monitor the automated unloading operations, automatically detect an exception of an automated unloading operation performed by an unloading apparatus, halt the automated unloading operation based on a detected exception, and modify, on the display, the identification of the operation status of the unloading apparatus indicating that the automated unloading operation has halted.

Abstract: A parcel sorter system and method. A process performed by a parcel sorter system includes receiving sorting information of a first parcel. The process includes identifying a first destination pallet corresponding to the sorting information. The first destination pallet is associated with a first carousel and a first destination chute. The process includes transporting the first parcel toward the first destination chute. The process includes, while transporting the parcel toward the first destination chute, operating the first carousel to move the first destination pallet proximate to the first destination chute. The process includes delivering the first parcel at the first destination chute for placement on the first destination pallet.

Abstract: A baggage handling system includes a multi-tiered carousel system, an input conveyor system, an output conveyor system and a control system. Each tier of the multi-tiered carousel system includes an array of addressable storage cells movable along a loop having a charge point and a discharge point. Each storage cell is configured to store a single baggage item. The input conveyor system transfers baggage items selectively to the addressable storage cells of the multiple tiers at the respective charge points, for storage therein. The output conveyor system retrieves baggage items selectively from the addressable storage cells of the multiple tiers at the respective discharge points and conveys the retrieved baggage items in a queue. The storage and retrieval of baggage items is controlled by the control system such that the retrieved baggage items are queued to conform to a determined sequence.

Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A parcel processing system includes a boom conveyor section configured to extend into a loading area, transport parcels into the loading area, and adjust a height of a discharge end of the boom conveyor section. The parcel processing system includes a sensor pod configured to scan the loading area into which the parcels can be placed. The parcel processing system includes a control system configured to determine a placement of the one or more parcels in the loading area, arrange the one or more parcels on the boom conveyor section according to the determined placement, control the boom conveyor section to transport one or more parcels into the loading area, control the height of the discharge end of the boom conveyor section, and place the one or more parcels into the loading area in the determined placement.

Abstract: A diverter system includes a diverter arm operated by an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly moves the diverter arm between an extended dwell position and a retracted dwell position. The position of the diverter arm is monitored by a sensor. A control system derives a motion signature of the diverter arm based on the positions of the diverter arm measured by the sensor and evaluates the motion signature of the diverter arm to identify an abnormal operation of the diverter arm.

Abstract: A baggage processing system includes a storage array having a plurality of cells, each cell being configured to contain a single baggage item which is associated with a flight. The baggage processing system further includes a loading conveyor that receives baggage items retrieved from the storage array. A control system prepares a sequenced list of baggage items and controls the retrieval of baggage items from the storage array based on the sequenced list, whereby the retrieved baggage items are placed on the loading conveyor in an order conforming to the sequenced list. The baggage processing system also includes a queue of carts, where each cart is positionable to receive baggage items in sequence from a loading point on the loading conveyor, for transporting the baggage items to an aircraft. The sequenced list of baggage items defines a sequence of loading baggage items from the carts to the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for remote technical support includes a user interface device with a memory storing a computer program with executable instructions, an identification tag of a technical system, and a secure communication link interfacing with the user interface device and adapted to transmit data, wherein the computer program includes instructions to read the identification tag, to establish communication to the technical system via the secure communication link, and to obtain technical data of the technical system via the secure communication link, wherein obtained technical data are further processed by an application for remote technical support.

Abstract: A system (100) for delaminating a stream (110) of articles (A, B, C, D, E) includes a delamination unit (130) with a plurality of individually controlled rollers (134) configured to carry a stream (110) of articles (A, B, C, D, E), a detection unit (150) with a sensor (152), and a control unit (160) with a processor (162) and interfacing with the delamination unit (130) and the detection unit (150), wherein the detection unit (150) is configured to detect a position of each of the articles (A, B, C, D, E) and to transmit position data to the control unit (160), and wherein the control unit (160) is configured, through operation of the processor (162), to correlate positions of the articles (A, B, C, D, E) with the plurality of individually controlled rollers (134), and to individually control the rollers (134) based on the position data to delaminate the stream (110) of articles (A, B, C, D, E).

Abstract: A transportation and sorting system for packages includes a plurality of bins arranged to receive the packages, each bin having a separate sort criteria, an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) operable to carry a first package from an induction point to any of the plurality of bins, and a sensor coupled to the AGV and operable to measure a value for each bin indicative of that bin's capacity to hold additional packages. A computer system is operable to read the first package to determine which bin of the plurality of bins should receive the first package and to instruct the AGV to deliver the first package to that bin. The computer system is also operable to provide an indication when the value for one of the plurality of bins indicates that that bin has a capacity to hold additional packages that is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A parcel sorter system and method. A process performed by a parcel sorter system includes receiving sorting information of a first parcel. The process includes identifying a first destination pallet corresponding to the sorting information. The first destination pallet is associated with a first carousel and a first destination chute. The process includes transporting the first parcel toward the first destination chute. The process includes, while transporting the parcel toward the first destination chute, operating the first carousel to move the first destination pallet proximate to the first destination chute. The process includes delivering the first parcel at the first destination chute for placement on the first destination pallet.

Abstract: A parcel sorting system and method. A process performed by a parcel sorting system includes receiving sorting information of a first parcel. The process includes determining a sorting destination corresponding to the sorting information. The process includes determining a sorting instruction corresponding to the sorting destination and the first parcel. The process includes transporting the first parcel on a conveying surface. The process includes, while transporting the parcel on the conveying surface, displaying the corresponding sorting instruction on a scrolling marquee display at a location proximate to the first parcel. The process includes, when it is detected that the first parcel has been removed from the conveying surface, the ceasing displaying the corresponding sorting instruction.