Abstract: An automated in-rack picking solution enables improved efficiency by permitting automatic reconfiguration of automated picking system (APS) deployments within an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The storage volume of an ASRS can be more thoroughly utilized, even with a smaller number of APSs, when at least one APS is operable to autonomously relocate within the ASRS based at least on a stored item's location and/or property (e.g., suitability for handling by a particular end effector). An exemplary solution includes an APS positioned to reach stored items within a first subset of storage locations when affixed to a first attachment point; a transport component operable to relocate the APS to a second attachment point, wherein the APS is positioned to reach stored items within a second subset of the storage locations when affixed to the second attachment point; and a controller operable to instruct relocation of the APS.

Abstract: Examples provide an item storage cart for verifying correct item placement into containers on the item storage cart. A cart manager component outputs planogram data identifying a location of a selected item. Weight data generated by one or more weight sensors associated with the set of item storage containers is analyzed to verify whether a correct item is placed in a given storage container on the cart and/or verify a selected item is placed into a correct storage container. The cart manager component determines if an unselected item is removed from a storage container and/or if an unselected item is added to a storage container. A notification is output if an incorrect item is added to a cart, an incorrect item is removed from the cart, an item is added to the wrong container or removed from the wrong container.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for decanting items from a set of cases into a set of storage totes in preparation for induction into an automated tote storage device. A set of robotic decanting devices includes at least one robotic de-palletizing device configured to remove a selected case comprising a set of items from a pallet at a de-palletizing station. A stationary robotic case opener device opens each case as it moves along a conveyor device. A set of sensor devices scans cases and/or contents of cases to identify each item removed from each case. A stationary robotic picker device removes each item from each case and places each item into an appropriate destination tote. A robotic tote transfer device moves the destination tote to an induction point of the storage device. A decant manager component updates inventory to include items placed into each tote inducted into the storage device.

Abstract: Examples provide a tote conveyance system for autonomously conveying totes from a storage system to a pickup/receiving area via smart container transport carts. The smart container conveyance cart aligns with the induction station on the storage system. The system utilizes actuators to move totes onto the cart from an induction station on the storage system or move totes off the cart into the induction station. Loading or unloading of totes are performed in accordance with priorities assigned based on cold-chain compliance temperature thresholds associated with the contents of the totes, weights of the totes, and destination of totes.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a rechargeable battery for a light electric vehicle. More specifically, this disclosure describes a rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery holster that may be used to removably couple the rechargeable battery to a light electric vehicle.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery kiosk can dynamically alter a charging rate of one or more rechargeable batteries housed within the rechargeable battery kiosk to increase a probability that the rechargeable battery kiosk has an ample supply of fully charged, or mostly fully charged, rechargeable batteries based on an anticipated usage data for the rechargeable battery kiosk.

Abstract: Examples provide an item storage cart for verifying correct item placement into containers on the item storage cart. A cart manager component outputs planogram data identifying a location of a selected item. Weight data generated by one or more weight sensors associated with the set of item storage containers is analyzed to verify whether a correct item is placed in a given storage container on the cart and/or verify a selected item is placed into a correct storage container. The cart manager component determines if an unselected item is removed from a storage container and/or if an unselected item is added to a storage container. A notification is output if an incorrect item is added to a cart, an incorrect item is removed from the cart, an item is added to the wrong container or removed from the wrong container.

Abstract: Various configurations of light weight pick carts are disclosed; some embodiments may alternate between a first configuration having two shelf racks and a second configuration having both a shelf rack and a flatbed. A first shelf rack has multiple accessory support units attached, having multiple different configurations to facilitate holding differing shapes, sizes, or weights of accessories. Swivel casters and multiple handle locations can enhance maneuverability; and proper selection of material and use of perforation and wire frames may reduce weight to ease operation. For stability, a removable second shelf rack may engage the first shelf rack using hooks, while a removable flatbed unit may engage the first shelf rack using notches. The second shelf rack provides more discrete storage locations, while the flatbed permits transportation of larger or heavier items. This versatility enhances the utility of the cart.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for interfacing with an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) to identify a common customer profile for an incoming item, determine whether the incoming item is suitable for storage in an ASRS, determine whether a prior item has been staged, responsive to determining that a prior item has been staged, determine whether the prior item is located within an ASRS, responsive to determining that the prior item is not within an ASRS, issue an alert to a device that the prior item is not within an ASRS. Instructions may be issued to stage the incoming item with the prior item or set a flag for annotating retrieval instructions. Such an advantageous scheme may reduce customer waiting time and improve efficiency.

Abstract: A modular locker includes a bottom modular section. The bottom modular section includes a pickup window, a crane car and a crane associated with the crane car, a central computer and associated computer networking components, and a power unit. The locker system also includes at least one middle modular section. The at least one middle modular section is removably stacked atop the bottom modular, and includes a HVAC system, one or more doors, panels, shelves, and crane tracks. The locker system further includes a top modular section. The top modular section is removably stacked atop the at least one middle modular section, and includes a HVAC system, one or more doors, panels, shelves, and crane tracks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a frame for a ride-on vehicle having at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, and a plurality of substantially similar battery packs. The frame defines a central plane and includes a front end located adjacent to the front wheel(s), a rear end located adjacent to the rear wheel(s), and a lattice structure that extends substantially between the front end and the rear end. The lattice structure includes a first portion that includes battery pack mounts that secure a first subset of the battery packs arranged in two layers, and includes a second portion that includes battery pack mounts that secure a second subset of the batter packs arranged in a single layer. The lattice structure also defines a truss that mechanically couples the front wheel(s) to the rear wheel(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-cell battery pack system with integrated thermal and electrical management that includes a plurality of cells, a plurality of cradles that each define a channel that extends through the length of the cradle and having an external surface that mechanically positions each of the cells radially around and parallel to the channel, that exchanges heat with the cells and that electrically couples with each of the cells, and an endplate that, when the cradle is mechanically coupled to the endplate, the channel of the cradle is connected to a fluid circuit that routes thermally conductive fluid through the channel to exchange heat with the channel and the cells are connected to an electrical circuit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a frame for a ride-on vehicle having at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, and a plurality of substantially similar battery packs. The frame defines a central plane and includes a front end located adjacent to the front wheel(s), a rear end located adjacent to the rear wheel(s), and a lattice structure that extends substantially between the front end and the rear end. The lattice structure includes a first portion that includes battery pack mounts that secure a first subset of the battery packs arranged in two layers, and includes a second portion that includes battery pack mounts that secure a second subset of the batter packs arranged in a single layer. The lattice structure also defines a truss that mechanically couples the front wheel(s) to the rear wheel(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for management of a modular power source including the steps of setting a first operation threshold, selecting a module 10, retrieving data representative of the operating condition of the module 10, retrieving data representative of the time, storing the newly retrieved data, comparing the newly retrieved data to historical data representative of historical operating conditions of the module 10, determining a second operation threshold for the module 10 relative to the comparison, applying the second operation threshold for the module 10, and selecting the next module 10.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-cell battery pack system that includes a plurality of cylindrical cells; a cradle with an interior surface that defines a channel extending through the length of the cradle and an exterior surface that mechanically positions each of the cells radially around and parallel to the channel and exchanges heat with the cells by extending around of the circumference of the cylindrical cell and substantially extending between the two opposing end surfaces of the cell; a heat conductor that resides at least partially within the channel and exchanges heat with the interior surface of the cradle; and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the heat conductor, wherein the cradle, the heat conductor, and the heat exchanger cooperate to exchange heat between the cells and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Wafer demount apparatus automatically demounts and transports a polished semiconductor wafer to an inspection station. The apparatus includes a bridge located between a polishing block supporting wax-mounted wafers and an offload conveyor. The bridge fills the gap and provides a smooth transition surface for the wafers moving from the polishing block to the conveyor. The bridge is also capable of movement to achieve vertical and horizontal alignment with the polishing block.