Abstract: An automated system to transport foodstuff from at least a first location to at least a second location; where foodstuff comprises pizza dough or crust, cookies, breads, meats, vegetables, bowls, plates, take-away container, amongst others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for assembling food products. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus and methods for associating foodstuff and liquid with a base. Foodstuff may include food items such as meats, vegetables, cheeses, amongst others. Liquids include those food items that have a low viscosities (e.g. sauces, dressings, oils), high viscosities (e.g. peanut butter, frosting), and anything in between. A base can be anything on which foodstuff or liquid may be associated (e.g. bread, cake, cookies, pizza dough, a bowl in which to place foodstuff).

Abstract: Dunnage may be applied to surfaces of items by nozzles coupled to one or more robotic arms that may be operated in six degrees of freedom within three-dimensional space. The dunnage is applied in substantially hollow pieces or sections by one or more 3D printing processes, e.g., by deposition. Such pieces or sections may be applied in one or more series or patterns along surfaces of an item prior to enveloping the item in one or more wraps or covers, or depositing the item in one or more containers. Various characteristics of the dunnage, such as materials from which the dunnage is formed, diameters or thicknesses of the dunnage, the series or patterns in which the dunnage is applied to the surface of the item, or any other factors may be selected based on one or more attributes of the items, such as dimensions or shipping and handling instructions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor system has first and second conveyors. The first conveyor has inner and outer sides and a first conveyor surface between the inner and outer sides that is configured to carry payloads between first and second conveyor ends along a first direction. The second conveyor has inner and outer sides and a second conveyor surface between the inner and outer sides of the second conveyor that is configured to carry payloads between the first and second conveyor ends along the first direction. The first and second conveyors are coupled to one another such that the inner sides are spaced closer to one another than the outer sides and the first and second conveyors are angularly offset from one another. The conveyor system is configured to rotate between a first orientation and a second orientation about an axis that extends along the first direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a transfer system has a conveyor system with first and second conveyors. The first conveyor has inner and outer sides and a first conveyor surface between the inner and outer sides that is configured to carry payloads along a first direction. The second conveyor has inner and outer sides and a second conveyor surface between the inner and outer sides of the second conveyor that is configured to carry payloads along the first direction. The first and second conveyors are coupled to one another such that the inner sides are spaced closer to one another than the outer sides and the first and second conveyors are angularly offset from one another. The transfer system also has a movement system that moves the conveyor system along at least one of a vertical direction, and a second direction so as to align the conveyor system with another conveyor system.