Abstract: A friction sheet feeding machine is provided. The friction sheet feeding machine comprises a hopper configured to hold a stack of items. The friction sheet feeding machine also comprises a receiver configured to receive an item from the stack of items. The friction sheet feeding machine also comprises a separating mechanism configured to separate the item from the stack of items. The separating mechanism comprises a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to operate in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The friction sheet feeding machine also comprises a controller configured to generate signals to the drive mechanism to operate in the forward direction for a first period of time, and in the reverse direction for a second period of time.

Abstract: A transfer system is provided. The transfer system comprises a loading stage, configured to receive a product from a first movement system. The transfer system also comprises a gap stage, configured to receive the product from the loading stage and move the product at a speed. The speed is configured to separate the product from a subsequent product. The transfer system also comprises a detection stage, configured to identify the product by detecting a product identifier using a sensor. The transfer system also comprises a transfer system configured to move the product from through the loading stage, gap stage and detection stage to a second movement stage. The transfer system also comprises a controller configured to generate and send control signals to the transfer system and receive an identification of the product from the sensor.

Abstract: A friction sheet feeding machine is provided. The friction sheet feeding machine comprises a hopper configured to hold a stack of items. The friction sheet feeding machine also comprises a receiver configured to receive an item from the stack of items. The friction sheet feeding machine also comprises a separating mechanism configured to separate the item from the stack of items. The separating mechanism comprises a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to operate in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The friction sheet feeding machine also comprises a controller configured to generate signals to the drive mechanism to operate in the forward direction for a first period of time, and in the reverse direction for a second period of time.

Abstract: A transfer system is provided. The transfer system comprises a loading stage, configured to receive a product from a first movement system. The transfer system also comprises a gap stage, configured to receive the product from the loading stage and move the product at a speed. The speed is configured to separate the product from a subsequent product. The transfer system also comprises a detection stage, configured to identify the product by detecting a product identifier using a sensor. The transfer system also comprises a transfer system configured to move the product from through the loading stage, gap stage and detection stage to a second movement stage. The transfer system also comprises a controller configured to generate and send control signals to the transfer system and receive an identification of the product from the sensor.

Abstract: A method for rapidly stacking and dropping sheets is provided. The method comprises receiving a plurality of sheets from a sheet delivery device onto a landing platform of a stacking and dropping apparatus. The method also comprises lowering the landing platform from an original upper position. Lowering comprises maintaining a drop height between the sheet delivery device and a stack of delivered sheets. The method also comprises sending a delay signal that comprises a command to delay the receiving of the plurality of sheets from the sheet delivery device. The delay signal is sent in response to a detection of a predetermined stack height of the stack of delivered sheets. The method also comprises sending a movement signal, immediately following the sending of the delay signal. The movement signal comprises a command to move the landing platform, such that the plurality of sheets are received by a catch tray unit.

Abstract: A method for rapidly stacking and dropping sheets is provided. The method comprises receiving a plurality of sheets from a sheet delivery device onto a landing platform of a stacking and dropping apparatus. The method also comprises lowering the landing platform from an original upper position. Lowering comprises maintaining a drop height between the sheet delivery device and a stack of delivered sheets. The method also comprises sending a delay signal that comprises a command to delay the receiving of the plurality of sheets from the sheet delivery device. The delay signal is sent in response to a detection of a predetermined stack height of the stack of delivered sheets. The method also comprises sending a movement signal, immediately following the sending of the delay signal. The movement signal comprises a command to move the landing platform, such that the plurality of sheets are received by a catch tray unit.

Abstract: A dual-stage rapid sheet stacking system is provided. In one embodiment, the dual-stage rapid stacker comprises a landing platform and a first actuator configured to control a vertical position of the landing platform. A vertical position sensor is configured to monitor the vertical position of the landing platform. A CPU is configured to receive a signal from the vertical position sensor and, in response to the received signal, to send a corresponding command to the first actuator such that the first actuator maintains a minimum sheet drop distance. A sliding catch tray unit, is mounted on a plurality of suspension rails. The dual-stage rapid sheet stacking system comprises a second actuator configured to receive commands from the CPU to control a horizontal position of the sliding catch tray unit. The dual-stage rapid sheet stacking system is configured to stack a plurality of sheets on the landing platform and then discharge, a plurality of sheets through the sliding catch tray unit.

Abstract: An exemplary friction feeder includes a hopper configured to accommodate a stack of items, a drive assembly configured to engage and move an item from the stack in a feed direction, and a gate assembly. The gate assembly includes a curved elongate separating member extending in the feed direction and configured to separate the item from other items in the stack as the item passes in the feed direction. The separating member has an item engaging surface biased to a reference point.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing information about production lines in a process environments are provided. In one embodiment, a method for providing a notification of a production line status includes receiving a status indication of a production line from a tracker associated with the production line. The method further includes transmitting the status indication from the tracker to a server. Finally, the method includes transmitting the notification from the server to a client device, wherein the notification comprises the status indication.