Abstract: A remotely-operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for changing vehicle direction includes a body displaying a cavity, a lifting device connected to the body for lifting the bin into the cavity, a displacement arrangement including a displacement motor which provides power to displace one or both of first and second sets of vehicle rolling means between a displaced state where the relevant rolling means is displaced away from the underlying system during use, and a non-displaced state where the relevant rolling means is in contact with the underlying system during use, and driving means coupled to the displacement arrangement. The driving means further includes first and second sets of rolling means connected to the body allowing movement of the vehicle along first and second directions, respectively, within the system. The first and second directions are perpendicular.

Abstract: A robotic object handling system and robotic load handling device for operation thereon is disclosed. The object handling system includes a number of robotic load handling devices operational on a grid-like structure, the structure having sets of parallel tracks, disposed above a hive of stacked bins. The bins contain inventory items to be picked by the system. Load handling devices capable of carrying multiple bins of a single grid-spacing size or single bins of a multiple grid spacings are operational on the grid and retrieve and transport bins under the control of a computerised order picking utility.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a storage facility using an automated carrying cart that is simplified in structure, and eliminates the need for a carrying means such as a conveyor or an unmanned carrying cart or a forklift operated by the worker. A storage facility 1 uses an automated carrying cart A that carries an article W in and out of a shelf facility 2 having an article storage space S. The automated carrying cart A automatically runs in the shelf facility 2 along running rails G in paths Q1 and Q2, automatically runs on the ground outside the shelf facility 2 along specific paths P1 and P2, and is used in common for carrying the article W in the shelf facility 2 and carrying the article W on the ground outside the shelf facility 2.

Abstract: A method of handling articles in a logistics center uses an unloading zone for unloading the articles arriving at the center and an article stowage zone where the articles are stored in ordered manner, nesting racks coupled to shuttle robot carts, and also trays placed on lift trolleys coupled to the shuttle robot carts, and at least one vertical tray rack for storing the trays loaded with the articles in superposed manner in the stowage zone. If an article is loaded on a nesting rack in the unloading zone, the shuttle robot cart stores the article with the nesting rack in a lower portion of the tray rack.

Abstract: A storage system includes a remotely operated vehicle, a vehicle support, a bin storing structure and a bin lift device, The vehicle support is configured to guide movements of the remotely operated vehicle in first and second directions. The bin storing structure supports the vehicle support and includes storage columns, arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins. The bin lift device is arranged to convey a vehicle delivered storage bin in a direction perpendicular to the lateral plane of the vehicle support between the vehicle support and a delivery station. The remotely operated vehicle includes a vehicle body including a first section for storing vehicle driving means and a second section for receiving a storage bin, a vehicle lifting device for lifting the storage bin into the second section, and sets of vehicle rolling means allowing movement of the vehicle in the first and second directions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transporter includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor. The first conveyor receives an object that is carried by an arm device and conveys the object in a first direction. The second conveyor is configured to receive and convey the object from the first conveyor and is movable in a second direction that crosses the first direction.

Abstract: A modular eye link conveyor belt and method of assembling a modular eye link conveyor belt includes (a) welding a plurality of eyelets and bar links to a cross wire having a predetermined module width to form at least one first module row; (b) welding a plurality of eyelets and bar links to a cross wire having a predetermined module width to form at least one second module row; connecting the first module row and the second module row with a cross rod extending through the plurality of eyelets and thereby forming a first module; repeating steps (a) and (b) and forming a second module; and connecting the first module and the second module with a cross rod extending through the plurality of eyelets.

Abstract: A conductor transportation device for cables has a pivoting conductor conveyor. A first drive moves the conductor conveyor about a pivotal axis. The conductor conveyor has a conveyance (30a) such as, a conveyor belt running around a drive roller and a roller, together with a pressure application. A second drive is present for the. The axes of rotation of rollers (30b, c, e, f) for the conveyance and pressure application are parallel to one another and also to the pivotal axis of the conductor conveyor. A drive axis of the drive is coincident with one of the axes of rotation of the rollers. One of the axes of rotation of the rollers is coincident with the pivotal axis for the conductor conveyor. The actuation paths of the pivotal axis and the conveyor roller or the driven roller are spaced apart.

Abstract: The device for the guided transport of a card web comprises a card web transport having an endless outside surface for conveying the card web in a conveying direction, and a guide element, which is arranged opposite a section of the outside surface of the card web transport and facing the outside surface of the card web transport, has a surface profile which comprises a plurality of elevations and depressions alternating in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The elevations and depressions extend in the conveying direction of the card web. The elevations form guide surfaces for the guidance of the card web and the depressions form vent grooves for conducting away the entrained air carried along by the card web. The guide element is concavely curved in the conveying direction, and the elevations point radially inward.

Abstract: An equipment isolation system (10) comprising at least one equipment item (20) including a conveyor belt (21) energisable by an energy source (30), an automated conveyor belt clamp system (21A) operable for restricting conveyor belt (21) movement from movement under normal operating conditions as part of the isolation and a control system (50,260) for automatically isolating said conveyor belt (21) from said energy source (30) to an isolated state in an isolation process wherein said control system (50,260) operates said automated conveyor belt clamp system (21A) as a step in said isolation process.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing a rotor of a generator are presented. The system includes a carriage for carrying the rotor. At least one carriage steering device are arranged on the carriage for steering the carriage when traversing along a removal skid during servicing the rotor. The carriage steering device is attached to the carriage in a way that it is accessible from above the carriage. The carriage steering device is adjustable such that a center of the carriage aligns to a center rail of the removal skid when traversing along the removal skid during servicing the rotor.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for use with a closed loop conveyor belt supported in continuous traversing fashion. The mechanism includes a housing for supporting the belt, a frame mounted to the housing proximate to the belt. A drive shaft extends between spaced apart locations of the frame and includes a pair of head sprockets adapted for supporting the belt at a selected location. A motor is engaged to an input end of the drive shaft. A counter weighted comb element is pivotally secured to the frame, an upper angled combed edge of the comb element arrayed in spatial non-contacting fashion with a traversing exterior of the belt for capturing elongated shaving debris suspended from the belt. A slave shaft extends between additional spaced apart location of the frame and which is rotated via a linkage with the drive shaft.

Abstract: Provided is a conveyed-object discharge device that, when the conveyance destinations for a preceding conveyed object and a succeeding conveyed object are different, can convey the conveyed objects without stopping the conveyance of the succeeding conveyed object in a state in which the space between the preceding conveyed object and the succeeding conveyed object is small. The conveyed-object discharge device includes discharge members (9) that extend and retract between a plurality of conveying bodies (5) in a main conveying conveyor (2), come into contact with a conveyed object (25) when the discharge members (9) extend between the conveying bodies (5), and impart a conveying force to the conveyed object (25), the force being in the direction different from that of the conveying bodies (5), a base member (8) that supports the discharge members (9), and base swinging unit (75, 76) that swings the base member (8).

Abstract: A system for forming and moving an article array including a consolidation area having a support surface for receiving and arranging rows of articles to form an article array from an article row delivery device while the consolidation area continuously stabilizingly supports the periphery of the article rows positioned on the support surface as the article rows are arranged to form the article array.

Abstract: A transfer arrangement for transfer of packaging containers from a first conveyor arrangement to a second conveyor arrangement, wherein the transfer arrangement comprises at least one gripper arranged to engage the packaging containers frictionally.

Abstract: A test device is disclosed for verifying the accuracy of a pick and place process. The test device includes a surface configured to receive components, and a ferromagnetic layer located under the surface. A system is further disclosed including the test device and a plurality of components each including a magnetic element, the plurality of components configured to be received by a plurality of pockets of the test device. A method of picking and placing a component onto the test device is further disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the identification and monitoring of carriers within a pneumatic carrier system. Each carrier which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon identification information for the carrier. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the chip. When a carrier is put in the system, a destination location can be associated with the particular carrier ID. This associated information is then employed to, among many things, monitor and confirm identity of the carrier as it moves to its destination.

Abstract: A method for supplying plate elements to a machine for processing the plate elements, from an initial pile of elements, the method includes: pushing a first batch of plate elements, from the top of the pile, downstream until the first batch comes at a storage capable of storing the first pushed batch, and simultaneously, displacing the storage downstream over a distance corresponding to the length of the first batch to separate the first batch from the pile; and thereafter transferring the elements of the first batch one after the other to the machine.

Abstract: An improving loading dock bumper system having a pair of telescoping bumpers positioned on either side of the loading dock. The bumpers may be extended longitudinally to contact a vehicle having an abnormally shaped rear end further from the loading dock to prevent vehicular damage or damage the loading dock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that reduce release of dust generated during rotary dumping of rail cars in a dumping facility. The method includes removing dust laden air from a space bounded by a backside airflow diverter, a rotational frame, a first baffle and a second baffle while the rotational frame is rotating with a rail car by drawing the dust laden air through a secondary air intake that passes through the backside airflow diverter into a backside hood. A dust control apparatus includes a diverter, overlying a backside hood having a concave curved upper surface; and at least one secondary air intake positioned to pass through the diverter being located approximately where pressure in the backside hood remains neutral or negative relative to a pressure even there is a transient increase in air pressure in a lower portion of the backside hood.

Abstract: A truck dumper including a material receiving hopper, a tilt table configured to dump a load from the truck or truck trailer into the material receiving hopper. The invention includes a stilling shed positioned above the material receiving hopper and at least one curtain baffle suspended below the roof of the stilling shed. The curtain baffles are positioned such that there is a gap located near the roof and an upper margin of the at least one curtain baffle through which air can flow. The invention further includes an air exhaust structure configured to exhaust dust laden air from the interior of the stilling shed.

Abstract: A mobile loading ramp including a main member having a substantially flat upper ramp surface extending from an upper end for abutting the bed of a truck to a lower ground-adjacent end and including opposed lateral edges. The main member having a pair of removable side extension-barrier members each including a bracket removably secured with respect to one of the opposed lateral edges and having an upper flat surface substantially coplanar with and widening the flat upper ramp surface and an upwardly-extending barrier portion offset from the upper ramp surface.

Abstract: A sheet feeder device includes: a sheet feed tray configured to store a sheet stack formed with a plurality of paper sheets; an elastic member capable of expanding and contracting; a contact mechanism configured to bring the elastic member into contact with an edge of the sheet stack; an expansion mechanism configured to expand the elastic member in a direction of stacking of the paper sheets; and a control unit configured to cause the expansion mechanism to expand the elastic member while the elastic member is kept in contact with the edge of the sheet stack by the contact mechanism.

Abstract: A transporting device includes a first belt, a second belt that transports a medium in cooperation with the first belt, a first shifting member that shifts the first belt in a width direction of the first belt, a second shifting member that shifts the second belt in a width direction of the second belt, a rotatable member that is rotatable around its own axis, and a forming member provided across the first belt and the second belt from the rotatable member and that forms a nip between the first and second belts in cooperation with the rotatable member. The rotatable member and the forming member cooperate to form the nip at a pressure ratio lower than about 1. The pressure ratio is obtained by dividing a pressure applied to each of two axial ends of the rotatable member by a pressure applied to an axial center of the rotatable member.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a feeding roller configured to feed a printing sheet stacked on a stacking unit, a conveyance roller configured to convey the printing sheet fed by the feeding roller, a printing unit configured to print the printing sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller, a conveyance control unit configured to control conveyance of printing sheets so that the trailing edge of a preceding sheet as a printing sheet precedingly fed from the stacking unit and the leading edge of a succeeding sheet as a printing sheet succeedingly fed from the stacking unit overlap each other, and a determination unit configured to determine whether to convey the succeeding sheet to a position facing the printing unit while keeping an overlap state between the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus including: a locking member having an abutment surface abutting a sheet to correct skew feed of the sheet; a holding member configured to hold the locking member to rotate from a waiting position when the locking member is pushed by the sheet; a roller pair configured to nip the sheet abutting the abutment surface; a first urging portion configured to urge the holding member to the waiting position; a movable support portion configured to support the locking member in a manner that the locking member is located a retracted position where the locking member contacts a surface of the sheet and allows the sheet to pass; and a second urging portion configured to urge the locking member to a position where the abutment surface abuts a succeeding sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a continuous flexible elongated element, preferably made of plastic material, around a spool including a drive means configured for rotating a spool around a winding axis. The spool is provided with a winding core extending along the winding axis. Delivery means are configured for delivering an elongated retaining element, preferably a retaining film, at the spool. Winding means are configured for at least partially winding the elongated retaining element around the winding core so as to retain a free end of the continuous flexible elongated element on the winding core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synchronous servo feeding system for punching machine and the method for operating the same. According to the present invention, a servo feeding device is provided on one side of a punching machine for guiding a material strip into the punching machine for processing. In addition, a servo pulling device is provided on the other side of the punching machine for conveying a finished strip from the punching machine. Besides, a central servo control system is provided for controlling the servo feeding device and the servo pulling device. Thereby, the material strip can be fed and pulled synchronously.

Abstract: A delivery device for feeding planar material webs, for example airlaids, wetlaids, non-wovens, or films/foils, to a processing installation is proposed, said delivery device having a splicing unit and a multiple-web unwinding device. The splicing unit is configured for connecting a fibrous-web end of a preceding individual fibrous web to a fibrous-web lead of a subsequent individual fibrous web, so as to in this way feed a non-interrupted fibrous web to the processing installation. The splicing unit is moreover configured for processing airlaid fibrous webs that are wound on winding cores and are thus made up as roll goods. The multiple-web unwinding device has at least two winding-core mounts that are capable of being loaded in a mutually independent manner.

Abstract: A processing system and a method for processing a flexible substrate (e.g., a web) use a tensioner with a vacuum plate that can be moved along a transport direction of the flexible substrate with an indexer that intermittently moves the flexible substrate for processing. The tensioner and the indexer are controlled so that a relative speed between the indexer and the vacuum plate of the tensioner is maintained above a predefined threshold under all working conditions, even when the flexible substrate is stopped.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device has a pair of upper discharge rollers including a first discharge roller and a first following roller, a second discharge tray, a corrugation member, and a moving mechanism. The first discharge roller is rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The corrugation member corrugates the sheet by making contact with its sheet face. The moving mechanism moves the corrugation member between a first position, where it makes contact with the sheet face of the sheet, and a second position, where it is located above, away from, the nip portion of the pair of upper discharge rollers. An image forming apparatus incorporates such a sheet conveying device.

Abstract: A system for collating a plurality of media including a compiler having a first position and a second position, a first bin arranged elevationally lower than the first position, a second bin arranged elevationally lower than the second position and adjacent to the first bin, a collated stack receiver arranged proximate the second bin opposite the first bin, first, second and third guides, the first and second guides positioned on opposing sides of the first bin, and the second and third guides positioned on opposing sides of the second bin, a movable wall arranged generally perpendicular relative to the first, second and third guides, the movable wall forming a side of the first and second positions, the movable wall and the first, second and third guides forming three sides of the first and second bins, the movable wall is translatable in a process direction, and a pusher.

Abstract: The fire hose pack roller includes a first embodiment where the device is held in place by a bracket positioned under a vehicle's tire and the weight of the vehicle secures the device for use or in a second embodiment where the device is removably mounted to the vehicle. The hose pack roller device includes a pair of collapsible arms that are unfolded and the fire hose is would around pegs mounted on the arms. The device further includes a set of rollers that squeezes air and water from the hose as it is wound. Once wound the hose is easily folded into a Gansner type pack for storage of the hose. The arms of the device may be folded closed such that the device forms a compact unit for storage. No external power supply is required.

Abstract: A winder cable guard includes a generally flat plate that is attached to an inwardly facing surface of the outer support bearing in a winder mechanism. The plate is sized and configured to fit within and seal the clearance gap between the outer end of the winder drum and the outer support bearing. This prevents a cable being wound onto the winder drum from slipping or falling into the gap. The potential for jamming and/or breakage of the lift cable is thereby reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wire electrode supply apparatus for suppressing wire electrode driving vibration for wire electrodes having a wide range of diameters and formed of various materials, thereby improving processed surface roughness. The wire electrode supply apparatus includes a back tension adjustment unit that adjusts a back tension of the wire electrode drawn from a source bobbin, a tension applying unit, and a constant pressure ejecting unit that ejects the wire electrode with constant pressure and rate after the transference via the tension applying unit and an electrical discharge machining unit. The tension applying unit includes a low tension applying unit that applies a tension to the wire electrode, and a high tension applying unit that can supply a higher tension. After the high tension applying unit supplies a tension, the low tension applying unit supplies a tension. Otherwise, only the low tension applying unit supplies a tension.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a wire winder including a wire winder top shell and a wire winder bottom shell; the wire winder top shell includes a first pillar, a top substrate, and a first wire head placement groove; one end of the first pillar is connected with the top substrate; a groove of the top substrate is connected with a groove of the first pillar to form the first wire head placement groove; the wire winder bottom shell comprises a second pillar, a bottom substrate, and a second wire head placement groove; one end of the second pillar is connected with the bottom substrate; the second pillar is connected with a groove on one side of the bottom substrate to form the second wire head placement groove; the first pillar of the wire winder top shell is engaged with the second pillar of the wire winder bottom shell.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board reel device, which includes a left housing, a right housing, a rotary sleeve, an upper spiral spring and a lower spiral spring. The left housing and the right housing of the reel device are caught on each other to form a housing, and the left housing and the right housing are firmly and closely fixed with each other, which can increase the connection area, whereby the left and right housings are not easily separated from each other, and the housing can have a strong structure. The upper spiral spring, the lower spiral spring, an upper central shaft and a lower central shaft of the reel device form a symmetrical and balanced double-spring structure; when a flexible printed circuit board is reeled or unreeled, the force generated by the springs is evenly distributed over the upper portion and the lower portion of the rotary sleeve.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for initiating elevator service by entering an elevator call on a call input device having a plurality of graphical objects displayed on a graphical user interface is provided. The method includes the steps of selecting a first landing graphical object from the plurality of graphical objects, and selecting a second landing graphical object from the plurality of graphical objects. The method also includes selecting a third landing graphical object from the plurality of graphical objects. The method also includes creating an anticipated trip graphical object, the anticipated trip graphical object indicating a trip from the third landing to the first landing. The method also includes selecting the anticipated trip graphical object to initiate a hall call and floor call from the third landing to the first landing.

Abstract: An elevator control system prompts a person using the elevator to select a floor if they forget to do so after entering the elevator. The elevator control system detects the presence of a person in an elevator car, counts the time that passes starting from when the person is detected, and issues an alert when the time counted exceeds a given threshold and a floor call button has not been pressed within that time.

Abstract: A brake member actuation mechanism for a safety brake member of a hoisted structure includes a brake actuator (12) formed of a ferro-magnetic material configured to be electronically actuated to magnetically engage a guide rail (14) upon detection of the hoisted structure exhibiting a predetermined condition, wherein the magnetic engagement of the brake actuator and the guide rail actuates movement of the safety brake member into a braking position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rope for an elevator. The rope for the elevator comprises: a center strand formed by twisting a plurality of wires; inner layer strands formed by twisting the plurality of wires and arranged along the outer periphery of the center strand; and outer layer strands formed by twisting the plurality of wires and arranged along the outer periphery of the inner layer strands, wherein ten of each of the inner layer strands and the outer layer strands are prepared, the diameter of the center strand, the diameter of the inner layer strand and the diameter of the outer layer strand are respectively 0.33-0.35 times, 0.13-0.15 times and 0.22-0.24 times as large as the diameter of a first imaginary circle circumscribed around the outer layer strands, and a fill factor is 64-67%.

Abstract: An elevator system includes an elevator car located in a hoistway. One or more belts are operably connected to the elevator car to drive and/or support the elevator car along the hoistway. The one or more belts are routed over one or more sheaves. The one or more sheaves include an outer surface rotatable about a central axis and a flange located at at least one lateral end of the sheave. The sheave further includes a tracking compensator to limit lateral motion of the belt along the outer surface to prevent the belt from contacting the flange.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor is provided, the conveyor includes a first stationary structure and a second stationary structure; a step (18) positioned between the first stationary structure and the second stationary structure, the step has a tread (42) with a tread surface; and a skirt (40) secured to the step between the step and the first stationary structure, the skirt includes an upper tread edge (54); wherein the upper tread edge extends beyond the tread surface by at least about 10 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe operation-stop method for an escalator for safely operating and stopping an escalator that senses an abnormal speed of the escalator so as to prevent passengers from falling. A safe operation-stop method for an escalator is provided, the method including sensing an abnormal speed of the escalator and stopping the escalator before it is reversely rotated, and being capable of reliable braking when an abnormal speed of the escalator occurs, thereby preventing passengers from falling by adjusting the inertial stopping distance when braking.

Abstract: A shake-proof hook is provided, which includes a hook end that defines a receptacle. The hook end includes a lead-in portion and a channel spaced apart from the lead-in portion. The shake-proof hook includes a coupling end coupled to the hook end. The coupling end includes a retaining portion and at least one coupling ring. The retaining portion extends along a first axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shake-proof hook and the at least one coupling ring extends along a second axis. The second axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis and the second axis is different than the first axis.

Abstract: A motorized container carrier can be configured to travel along a suspended railway. The motorized container carrier can include at least one motorized trolley configured to move the motorized container carrier along the suspended railway. The motorized container carrier can include a plurality of end beams with container engagement devices configured to interact with containers of various lengths. In some embodiments, the container engagement devices are twist locks. The motorized container carrier can include a system of bumpers and/or guide wheels.

Abstract: An embodiment is directed to a slider and method for moving a hoist on a crane. The slider includes a hoist support member and mounting arms. The mounting arms extend from either end of the support member. A portion of each mounting arm is spaced from the support member to form a flange receiving slot which is dimensioned to receive a flange a beam of the crane. The slider is provided with a resilient member to resiliently maintain the slider in a position in which the slider is movable relative to a beam of the crane when no load is applied to the slider. The resilient member is compressed when a load is applied to the slider to allow the slider to frictionally engage the beam to prevent the slider from continued movement relative to the beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and orientating a load includes a support structure movable in a first direction a tendon system having at least six winches mounted on the structure and at least six tendons connected to the winches, and a lifting mechanism mounted on the structure. The lifting mechanism includes another tendon and is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first. The apparatus includes a component suspending the load from above and is connected to a second end of each of the tendons and to a free end of the additional tendon. The apparatus further includes a control module for translating synchronously and independently an instruction regarding the load in an actuation over the winches, over the lifting mechanism and the support structure, such that at least 51% of the load is sustained by the lifting mechanism and the load is suspended from the further tendon.

Abstract: A crane attachment having movable arms and a slide which embeds the lateral linear motion of the arms, the attachment having a laser pointer which allows the projection of the crane attachment to be marked lineally on the ground, allowing the crane operator to see the exact point where s/he will unload the material, and the material to be placed.

Abstract: A removable hoist assembly for lifting a load up and into a confined space in the form of a kit has a support structure releasably coupled to overhead structural beams in the confined space, a motor releasably coupled to the support structure above the support structure between the overhead structural beams, a hoist arm releasably coupled to the support structure to be rotatable and extendible with respect to the support structure, and a cable supported by the hoist arm. The cable has a free end positioned proximate a distal end of the hoist arm and configured to couple to the load and a terminal end coupled to the motor such that the cable extends and retracts with respect to the motor. The hoist arm support structure spreads the weight of the motor, hoist arm and the load across a plurality of the overhead structural beams.