Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for containers for use in collaborative work environments. In one embodiment, an example container may include a first container wall configured to rotate toward a center of the container, a second container wall coupled to the first container wall and configured to rotate toward the center of the container, the second container wall having a first rotatable flap configured to rotate outwards with respect to the second container wall, a third container wall coupled to the first container wall and configured to rotate toward the center of the container, the third container wall having a second rotatable flap configured to rotate outwards with respect to the third container wall, a fourth container wall coupled to the second container wall and the third container wall, the fourth container wall configured to rotate toward the center of the container, and a base.

Abstract: A self-positioning swivel caster may include a swivel mechanism that defines a home position of the caster. The swivel mechanism may include a compression spring, an upper cam, and a lower cam that is coupled to the caster wheel, in which the upper and lower cams include mating surfaces that define the home position. A bias force applied by the compression spring to the upper cam may cause rotation of the lower cam to the home position. When coupled to mobile containers, self-positioning swivel casters in home positions may increase clearance under the mobile containers for robotic drive units or other material handling equipment used to move the mobile containers, and the self-positioning swivel casters in home positions may also prevent drift or rolling of the mobile containers away from current locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated container stacking stations. In one embodiment, an example system may include a housing having a first side and a second side, a lifting component configured to lift a first container from a first position to a second position, and to lower the first container from the second position to a third position, such that the first container is stacked on a second container, and a container centering component having a first container engagement member and a second container engagement member, the container centering component configured to align the first container in a predetermined position.

Abstract: Autonomous mobile robots having vertical height extension systems for augmented visibility may include a drive mechanism, a lift mechanism, and a vertical height extension including an extension mechanism and a vertical indicator. The vertical height extension may be actively or passively actuated between lowered and raised positions. In addition, the vertical height extension may include a breakaway feature to prevent raising or cause lowering of the vertical indicator in the presence of a payload above the robot. Further, the vertical height extension may include various actuators, emitters, or elements to communicate various attributes of the robot to human associates in proximity, thereby promoting safe, collaborative operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for foldable containers for manual and robotic use. In one embodiment, an example foldable container may include a first container wall, a second container wall configured to rotate outwards in a first direction with respect to the first container wall, and a bottom container platform configured to rotate outwards in a second direction with respect to the first container wall. The bottom container platform may include an automatic locking mechanism configured to engage with the second container wall when the foldable container is in an unfolded position, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Some embodiments may include a number of wheels. The foldable container may be configured to be transported using (i) the plurality of wheels via manual pushing, and (ii) robotic manipulation to lift and move the foldable container.

Abstract: A sensor-based item transport system, and a method therefore are described. The system includes, for example, a cart station, within a restricted area including a plurality of automated drive. A light curtain is adjacent to the cart station. A first sensor and a second sensor are spaced apart from the first sensor within the cart station. A first mode associated with the light curtain is maintained causing an alarm system associated with the light curtain to remain armed. The first mode is caused to change to a second mode associated with the light curtain, the second mode causing the alarm system to be muted, based at least in part on the identity of the cart. The identity is determined based at least in part on one or more signals received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for foldable containers for manual and robotic use. In one embodiment, an example foldable container may include a first container wall, a second container wall configured to rotate outwards in a first direction with respect to the first container wall, and a bottom container platform configured to rotate outwards in a second direction with respect to the first container wall. The bottom container platform may include an automatic locking mechanism configured to engage with the second container wall when the foldable container is in an unfolded position, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Some embodiments may include a number of wheels. The foldable container may be configured to be transported using (i) the plurality of wheels via manual pushing, and (ii) robotic manipulation to lift and move the foldable container.

Abstract: Method for determining states of a system by means of an estimation filter, in which first state values are determined by calculating a mean value of a probability distribution for the states, in which a probability for deviation for the case that the first state values deviate from the actual states of the system is calculated, and in which the states of the system are measured as state data. In the method the first state values are corrected by means of the state data then, if the probability for deviation is larger than a threshold.

Abstract: Method for determining states of a system by means of an estimation filter, in which first state values are determined by calculating a mean value of a probability distribution for the states, in which a probability for deviation for the case that the first state values deviate from the actual states of the system is calculated, and in which the states of the system are measured as state data. In the method the first state values are corrected by means of the state data then, if the probability for deviation is larger than a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and apparatuses for the synthesis of 5-(chloromethyl)-2-furaldehyde (CMF) from saccharides in pure or crude form, the method comprising: (a) continuously contacting saccharides in pure or crude form, hydrochloric acid, and an organic solvent, by way of a continuous, biphasic-flow reactor assembly at a temperature from about 60 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. and pressures from about 1 atmosphere to about 20 atmospheres, such that CMF is produced; (b) separating 5-(chloromethyl)-2-furaldehyde by liquid/liquid and solid/liquid phase separation; (c) producing at least five kilograms per day with at least 50% yield. Embodiments of the present invention can produce CMF in a continuous fashion, with high yield and without degradation of CMF to such side products as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), 2-(2-hydroxyacetyl)furan (HAF) and levulinic acid (LA).

Abstract: Paper cutting mechanisms for cutting paper in a printing device including a drive mechanism, a cutting device coupled to the drive mechanism, and a retention mechanism including a trigger and a retaining portion configured to mechanically interact with the cutting device to selectively deploy the retention mechanism to retain the paper. In some examples, paper cutting mechanism includes a trigger including an elbow, a first arm extending from the elbow, and a second arm extending from the elbow offset from the first arm, and a rotation shaft extending from the elbow transverse to a plane defined by the first arm and the second arm. In some further examples, the paper cutting mechanism includes a resilient member cooperatively coupled with a paper engaging end of the retaining portion.

Abstract: Paper cutting mechanisms for cutting paper in a printing device including a drive mechanism, a cutting device coupled to the drive mechanism, and a retention mechanism including a trigger and a retaining portion configured to mechanically interact with the cutting device to selectively deploy the retention mechanism to retain the paper. In some examples, paper cutting mechanism includes a trigger including an elbow, a first arm extending from the elbow, and a second arm extending from the elbow offset from the first arm, and a rotation shaft extending from the elbow transverse to a plane defined by the first arm and the second arm. In some further examples, the paper cutting mechanism includes a resilient member cooperatively coupled with a paper engaging end of the retaining portion.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and apparatuses for the synthesis of 5-(chloromethyl)-2-furaldehyde (CMF) from saccharides in pure or crude form, the method comprising: (a) continuously contacting saccharides in pure or crude form, hydrochloric acid, and an organic solvent, by way of a continuous, biphasic-flow reactor assembly at a temperature from about 60 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. and pressures from about 1 atmosphere to about 20 atmospheres, such that CMF is produced; (b) separating 5-(chloromethyl)-2-furaldehyde by liquid/liquid and solid/liquid phase separation; (c) producing at least five kilograms per day with at least 50% yield. Embodiments of the present invention can produce CMF in a continuous fashion, with high yield and without degradation of CMF to such side products as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), 2-(2-hydroxyacetyl)furan (HAF) and levulinic acid (LA).

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to calibration techniques for infrared cameras are disclosed for some embodiments. For example, a method of determining infrared sensor calibration information, in accordance with an embodiment, includes performing a calibration operation on an infrared sensor to obtain calibration information, wherein the infrared sensor is not within an infrared camera core, and storing the calibration information.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for error detection/correction based memory management. One embodiment includes performing a read operation with respect to a particular group of memory cells of a memory device and, if the read operation results in an uncorrectable error, determining whether to retire the particular group of memory cells in response to a status of an indicator corresponding to the particular group of memory cells, wherein the status of the indicator indicates whether the particular group of memory cells has a previous uncorrectable error associated therewith.