Abstract: A container storage and retrieval system (1) has first, second and third storage zones (2, 3, 4) for storing containers. The first storage zone (2) stores containers of product in frames (6), each frame (6) including a plurality of stacks (7) of containers. The second storage zone (3) stores containers of product in stacks (7). An automated retrieval system retrieves selected stacks of containers from the second storage zone (3) and replenishes the second zone (3) with containers by receiving frames (6). The third storage zone (4) includes a second automated retrieval system for retrieving selected partial stacks or stacks of containers, and replenishing the third storage zone with containers by receiving stacks from the second storage zone. Orders are collated by transferring a required number of complete frames (6) from the first storage zone (2), a required number of complete stacks (7) from the second storage zone (3) and a required number of stacks (7) or partial stacks from the third zone (4).

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are disclosed for an orthopedic cast remover. The cast remover includes a rotatable cutting assembly having first and second cutting wheel sandwiched between a smaller-sized hub, where the space between the first and second wheel defines a passage in which fractured material may pass. A shear is coupled to the cutting assembly and is positioned in the passage, where edges of the shear are configured to engage with each of the cutting wheels. During operation, rigid material, such as a cast shell, passes along a top surface of the shear and is fractured into a predetermined width at a point where the shear edges engage with the rotating cutting wheels. The fractured material is fed into the passage for easy removal.

Abstract: Systems and methods that process a plurality of surgical instruments for cleaning and/or packaging. A device identifies a robot-ready insert having a predetermined configuration for accepting at least one type of surgical instrument. The surgical instruments are identified and oriented according to type using an automated apparatus. Specialized tools are also provided for automatically opening and closing surgical instruments, flipping instruments and assisting in the processing and maintenance of surgical instruments. The automated apparatus then places each of the surgical instrument types in one or more predetermined areas of the insert, configured to accept a predetermined set of surgical instrument types.

Abstract: Systems and methods that process a plurality of surgical instruments for cleaning and/or packaging. A device identifies a robot-ready insert having a predetermined configuration for accepting at least one type of surgical instrument. The surgical instruments are identified and oriented according to type using an automated apparatus. Specialized tools are also provided for automatically opening and closing surgical instruments, flipping instruments and assisting in the processing and maintenance of surgical instruments. The automated apparatus then places each of the surgical instrument types in one or more predetermined areas of the insert, configured to accept a predetermined set of surgical instrument types.

Abstract: Systems and methods that process a plurality of surgical instruments for cleaning and/or packaging. A device identifies a robot-ready insert having a predetermined configuration for accepting at least one type of surgical instrument. The surgical instruments are identified and oriented according to type using an automated apparatus. Specialized tools are also provided for automatically opening and closing surgical instruments, flipping instruments and assisting in the processing and maintenance of surgical instruments. The automated apparatus then places each of the surgical instrument types in one or more predetermined areas of the insert, configured to accept a predetermined set of surgical instrument types.

Abstract: A soil moisture sampling device (10) arranged to be beneath a workable crop soil surface for measuring the properties of soil moisture. The soil moisture sampling device comprises a moisture collector device (12) and an instrument enclosure (14). The instrument enclosure (14) contains a tipping bucket (38) arranged to receive water from a tube (24). The tube (24) contains measuring means (34) and the tipping bucket (38) contains magnet means (40). The arrangement enables water volume to be measured by the bucket (38) tipping when one portion (44 or 46) is full.

Abstract: An automated apparatus suitable for transporting containers arranged in a row of stacks or partial stacks includes an overhead gantry system. The overhead gantry system has a moveable support for supporting at least one stack or partial stack of containers and moving them along the row. The gantry system also has an engagement device such as arms which are moveable transverse to the row independently of the support between a first position in which the engagement device can engage with a required container in the row, and a second position in which the engagement device and antcontainers engaged therewith are above the support to allow the containers to be placed either on the support or on another partial stack supported by the support. The support can travel along the row when the engagement device is in the second position.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a storage and retrieval system for product held in containers is provided. The apparatus includes multiple, parallel spaced-apart support members (41) defining a plurality of rows (20), each adapted to support a base of a plurality of containers thereby forming a container store. One or more conveying means (44) is engageable with containers in a row (20) to transport the containers longitudinally within that row, the conveying means (44) movable transverse and below the rows. One or more loading means (45) is movable transverse to the rows (20) along an end of the rows to enable loading of one or more containers into a selected row. A computer control system automatically controls operation of the loading means and conveying means. The loading means (45) may include a transfer conveyor (49) extending beneath at least a portion of said rows and moveable transverse to said rows below said rows.

Abstract: A centralized humidification controlled container system including one or more containers to confine perishable goods in a humidification controlled environment, a portable master unit container which confines the controlling equipment with a source of humidification water, and means of connecting the master unit container to each of the perishable goods containers in such a way as to pass information and fluid between the master unit container and each attached perishable goods container.

Abstract: A vertical wafer compact flip chip feeder device includes a loading station for providing a loading location where a flip chip wafer having first and second planar surfaces is received such that the first and second planar surfaces are substantially perpendicular to a first plane. The flip chip feeder device further includes a pick-up station for providing a pick-up location where individual flip chips are retrieved from the flip chip wafer. A wafer translating assembly translates the flip chip wafer between the loading and pick-up stations with the first and second planar surfaces of the flip chip wafer remaining substantially perpendicular to the first plane. A chip pick-up assembly retrieves the individual flip chips from the flip chip wafer at the pick-up station and flips the individual flip chips to a flipped position such that first and second planar surfaces of the individual flip chips are substantially parallel with the first plane.