Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fulfilling orders by a picker utilizing multiple different levels of container-storage devices (tote-storage devices in some embodiments), all interconnected by at least one different type of conveyance device. The use of more than one level of tote-storage device is referred to as multi-level tote storage. The storage is utilized to hold containers and to sequence the containers in a preferred order that enhances the pick rate/performance. The performance and location of the container storage on the conveyance device(s) relative to the picker is determined by the required pick rate/performance of the system. The conveyance devices recirculate the containers between different levels of container storage at specific times based on a multi-level tote storage simulation control algorithm that provides the optimum pick rate/performance until such time the picker completes all the pick requests assigned to the picker.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a human picker on a picker automated vehicle (PAV) along with its vertical tote conveyors (VTCs) having totes to a successive plurality of inventory stock bins arranged in rows and columns along aisles to move the human picker both horizontally and vertically to successively retrieve each of a plurality of stock items from the bins and place the respective pp items in a preselected ones of totes. Items are later optionally transferred to shipping containers based on each customer order. In some embodiments, horizontal aisle conveyors (HACs) move totes from a configurator along the aisles to the moving PAVs, then back after tote loading by the picker. Totes are transferred from the HACs to upward VTCs, then crossover to downward VTCs, are loaded with stock items by the picker on upward or downward paths, and then transferred back to the HACs to move to shipping station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of moving a picker on an automatically guided vehicle (AGV) along with a plurality of totes to a successive plurality of inventory stock bins to allow the picker to successively retrieve each of a plurality of stock items from the stock bins and place the respective items in a preselected one of the plurality of totes based on a customer order. In some embodiments, the picker is a human picker. In some embodiments, the totes are shipping containers.

Abstract: A computerized system and method use optimization after aggregation of orders over a Batch Window period of time to increase Pick Performance in the Fulfillment Center Automation (FCA) system that automates taking the picker to the goods; or an Automated Warehouse System (AWS) that automates the presentation of goods to a stationary picker. Batch Optimization improves pick performance for the FCA or AWS; using a closed-form algorithm, combinatorial optimization, or OOP to perform Batch Optimization, adapting to Picker Performance by automatically shifting certain orders to different aisles while stocking the same SKU items in multiple aisles. Programmable Capacity is optionally provided to allow the Fulfillment Center to easily adapt to varying order loads. Some embodiments selectively place orders into selected batches to maximize multi-picks of identical-SKU items at one time and maximize chain-picks of different-SKU items in sequential picks at one pick window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of moving a picker on an automatically guided vehicle (AGV) along with a plurality of totes to a successive plurality of inventory stock bins to allow the picker to successively retrieve each of a plurality of stock items from the stock bins and place the respective items in a preselected one of the plurality of totes based on a customer order. In some embodiments, the picker is a human picker. In some embodiments, the totes are shipping containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a human picker on a picker automated vehicle (PAV) along with its vertical tote conveyors (VTCs) having totes to a successive plurality of inventory stock bins arranged in rows and columns along aisles to move the human picker both horizontally and vertically to successively retrieve each of a plurality of stock items from the bins and place the respective pp items in a preselected ones of totes. Items are later optionally transferred to shipping containers based on each customer order. In some embodiments, horizontal aisle conveyors (HACs) move totes from a configurator along the aisles to the moving PAVs, then back after tote loading by the picker. Totes are transferred from the HACs to upward VTCs, then crossover to downward VTCs, are loaded with stock items by the picker on upward or downward paths, and then transferred back to the HACs to move to shipping station.

Abstract: A device and method for marking a treatment isocenter on a patient's body. One embodiment includes a base including alignment indicia, a marker disposed over the base and positioned relative to the indicia for marking the isocenter on the patient's body and an actuator for actuating the marker and causing a mark indicating the isocenter to be made on the patient's body. The actuator can include a button and a spring coupled to the marker. Compressing the actuator causes the marker to travel through an ink well prior to piercing the patient's skin.

Abstract: A device and method for marking a treatment isocenter on a patient's body. One embodiment includes a base including alignment indicia, a marker disposed over the base and positioned relative to the indicia for marking the isocenter on the patient's body and an actuator for actuating the marker and causing a mark indicating the isocenter to be made on the patient's body. The actuator can include a button and a spring coupled to the marker. Compressing the actuator causes the marker to travel through an ink well prior to piercing the patient's skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ESD and EOS protection method and apparatus that can be easily implemented in existing disk drive designs and manufacturing process. One apparatus embodiment includes a first conductive member electrically connected to a first terminal of a magnetic head element; a second conductive member electrically connected to a first second terminal of the magnetic head element; and a variable conductive member, such as a variably conductive member. One method embodiment includes operably connecting a first conductive member to a first terminal of a magnetic head element; operably connecting a second conductive member to a second terminal of the magnetic head element; and operably connecting a variably conductive member, such as a variably conductive polymer, to the first conductive member and to the second conductive member.

Abstract: The present invention involves a photolithographic process, and apparatus and material for use therein, for producing etched or eroded areas or holes in a selected pattern on or in the surface of fine workpieces, such as small diameter tubes. One aspect of the present invention is a photolithographic process for producing a selected pattern on a nonplanar surface of a workpiece using at least one mask to define the selected pattern. The process includes the acts of applying a photoresist material to the workpiece and aligning the mask with the nonplanar surface of the workpiece. The mask may have an inner surface that corresponds to the nonplanar surface. The process may also include the acts of exposing and developing the photoresist material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device testing interface that assists in the testing of fine pitched electronic assemblies. Three embodiments are defined. In the first embodiment, a flex probe comprises a flex circuit with probe tips. The probe tips are attached to the pads of the flex circuit and are coupled with elastomeric springs.

Abstract: The present invention involves a photolithographic process, and apparatus and material for use therein, for producing etched or eroded areas or holes in a selected pattern on or in the surface of fine workpieces, such as small diameter tubes. One aspect of the present invention is a photolithographic process for producing a selected pattern on a nonplanar surface of a workpiece using at least one mask to define the selected pattern. The process includes the acts of applying a photoresist material to the workpiece and aligning the mask with the nonplanar surface of the workpiece. The mask may have an inner surface that corresponds to the nonplanar surface. The process may also include the acts of exposing and developing the photoresist material.

Abstract: The present invention involves a photolithographic process, and apparatus and material for use therein, for producing etched or eroded areas or holes in a selected pattern on or in the surface of fine workpieces, such as small diameter tubes. One aspect of the present invention is a photolithographic process for producing a selected pattern on a nonplanar surface of a workpiece using at least one mask to define the selected pattern. The process includes the acts of applying a photoresist material to the workpiece and aligning the mask with the nonplanar surface of the workpiece. The mask may have an inner surface that corresponds to the nonplanar surface. The process may also include the acts of exposing and developing the photoresist material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a variably conductive shunt is provided for protecting a read/write sensor element, e.g., an MR read element, which has first and second terminals. A variably conductive member is electrically connected between the first and second terminals. The variably conductive member conducts charge when a potential sufficient to damage the element is applied across the first and second terminals thereby protecting the element from the charge.