Abstract: The contents of totes and the amount a tote container is filled are monitored. A central database stores product dimensions and tote dimensions as well as a percentage of which a tote is to be filled. Image scanners that obtain three-dimensional images are used to determine if the actual dimensions of the tote, the product, and the fill amount are consistent with the expected or optimal values of these characteristics. When there is a discrepancy between measured and expected values, then one or more actions can be taken.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful in retail store inventory storage and retrieval. Some embodiments provide systems, comprising: a rack system positioned above a dropdown ceiling and extending over the sales floor, and comprising: a plurality of racks, a rail system and the plurality of access passages; a plurality of unmanned vehicles; a plurality of access stations, wherein the access stations physically cooperate with one of the access passages; each rack comprises storage cells to receive a reusable tote; and wherein the central control circuit is configured to receive a request for a first product, identify a first access station, access the inventory tracking system to identify a first storage cell in which the first product is stored, identify an available unmanned vehicle, and communicate to the unmanned vehicle directing the unmanned vehicle to retrieve the tote and transport the tote to the first access station.

Abstract: A flow rate and pressure reduction assembly includes a tubular housing and a cylindrical plug, having at least two helical grooves in the outer surface, positioned within the tubular housing. The flow rate differential of the assembly is between about 0.3 to 9 gallons per minute.

Abstract: A fluid pumping device for use in the petroleum and/or chemical industries includes a cast fluid housing having an inlet to or an outlet from the fluid pumping device, a drain/vent tubular connection extending through the cast fluid housing to communicate with the inlet to or the outlet of the fluid pumping device and a flange adapter sealingly secured to the cast fluid housing. A method of providing a drain/vent tube to structurally communicate with an inlet to or the outlet from a fluid pumping device is disclosed.

Abstract: A turbine impeller pump assembly includes a rotating shaft and inboard and outboard casing members coupled together with each having cavity channels, and an annular recess, and an axial opening to receive the rotating shaft. Inboard and outboard liner members are structurally arranged to be received by the annular recesses in the casing members and an impeller member is positioned between the liner members and keyed for rotation with the shaft. The inboard and outboard liner members each have at least two flow channels structurally arranged to cooperate with the cavity channels to provide equal and opposite pressures on the impeller to maintain the impeller in alignment with respect to the liner members.

Abstract: An electromechanical linear motor incorporating a number of electrically conductive drive coils arranged axially and embedded in a composite matrix so as to form a hollow cylinder within which a piston or pistons are placed. Permanent magnets or conductive coils arranged around the circumference of the pistons interact through magnetic coupling with the drive coils so as to cause the piston to move in accordance with the currents applied to the drive coils. These currents are supplied through logic control circuitry which receives inputs from a number of sensors including piston position sensors, thermostats, pressure transducers and timers. Based on the information received from these sensors, a microprocessor controlled power circuit provides electrical pulses of a frequency, amplitude and duration designed to produce piston motion appropriate to the specific application.