Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal sealing device (1) for producing a sealed longitudinal seam (2) on a packaging material (3) which has a tubular portion (4) and a seam portion (5) that adjoins the tubular portion (4) and comprises the sealed longitudinal seam (2). A first layer (6) of the packaging material and a second layer (7) of the packaging material lie one above the other in the seam portion (5). The tubular portion (4) lies above a transport plane (T) of the longitudinal sealing device (1), and the seam portion (5), lying below the transport plane, is moved along a running direction (L) parallel to the transport plane (T).

Abstract: A stuffing machine for food products, comprising a framework that supports at least one die, provided with a recess designed to receive a product to be stuffed, and pusher means adapted to translate the product to be stuffed, formed in the die, through a stuffing tube; at least one conveyor is also provided which is adapted to move the die along at least one forward path from at least one loading position, in which the die is adapted to receive the product to be stuffed, to a working position, in which the die is substantially at a region of action of the pusher means, and along at least one return path from the working position to the loading position; the conveyor is adapted to keep the die with the concavity of its recess directed upwardly along the forward path and along the return path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to packaging for an item of medical equipment. The packaging includes a sheet for receiving the contents, a cover element and closing mechanism. The packaging is simple to manufacture, reliable, allows easy and safe access to the medical equipment, and without any particular excess cost.

Abstract: A system and method for mixing compounds is disclosed. Accordingly to one embodiment a transfer device is provided that allows for diluent from a syringe to be introduced into a container having a first compound (e.g., powder) in a sterile manner. In second and third embodiments, systems are shown for combining and mixing first and second compounds contained in first and second containers in a sterile manner. Various dropper tips for dispensing the mixed compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: A transport pallet, in the form of a square or rectangular board, is particularly suited for air transport. The transport pallet is formed to a large extent from plastics material. It has at least two intersecting reinforcing struts formed from a fiber-reinforced composite plastics material. The reinforcing struts lie adjacent each other via notches stabilizing the relative positions, constituting a plug-type connection. The transport pallet further has a plate-like core of mechanically stable foamed plastics material formed by several part-cores. The core is attached to or surrounds the reinforcing struts and holds the same in a stable position. The foamed plastics material core is sheathed by the fiber-reinforced composite plastics layer. The lateral edges of the pallet board thus formed are reinforced by light alloy profiled members pulled over the edges.

Abstract: A glass roving package 200 is provided which has a simple configuration which can prevent shifting and collapse of the glass roving package 200 during transportation of the package, and for which it is easier to package glass rovings 100 and unpack, and the cost of the glass roving package 200 can be reduced. The glass roving package 200 includes groups of glass rovings 100 stacked on top of each other on a base board 20, the glass rovings 100 in each group being arranged, and a wrapping material wrapped around an outer circumferential portion of the groups of glass rovings 100. A displacement prevention sheet 10 is interposed between a lower group of glass rovings 100 and an upper group of glass rovings 100 in order to prevent the upper group of glass rovings 100 from being displaced during transportation of the package.

Abstract: A cover for a stackable transport pallet, wherein a corner element is fastened at each of the corners of a main panel, the corner elements are injection moldings made of plastic, the corner elements include an L-shaped corner bearing element and a corner guide element molded. The corner bearing elements rest on the main panel, wherein the outer edges of the corner bearing elements terminate flush with the main panel, the corner guide elements can be recessed in a form-fitting manner in correspondingly shaped apertures in the main panel, wherein the upper side of the corner guide elements terminates flush with the upper side of the main panel, the thickness of the guide elements is greater than the thickness of the main panel by such an extent that those parts of the corner guide elements which project beneath the main panel butt against the inner sides of the transport pallet.

Abstract: The method serves for the plasma treatment of container-like workpieces. The workpiece is inserted into an at least partially evacuable chamber of a treatment station. The plasma chamber is bounded by a chamber base, a chamber cover and a lateral chamber wall. The plasma treatment causes a coating to be deposited on the workpiece. The plasma is ignited by microwave energy. The coating consists at least of a gas barrier layer and a bonding layer arranged between the workpiece and the gas barrier layer. The gas barrier layer contains SiOx and the bonding layer contains carbon. The gas barrier layer is produced from a gas that contains at least one silicon compound and argon.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to a mailpiece and method for assembling a mailpiece using a document processing system such as a wrapper system. The assembled mailpiece has outgoing and reply envelope functionality. In the outgoing format, the mailpiece may optionally contain advertisements, inserted documents, or coupons.

Abstract: The application describes a container, bag, pouch or envelope which has a first part and a second part, the container, bag, pouch or envelope being closed by the first part locating within the second part, the second part having a first opening for receiving the first part and a second opening for receiving the head of a breakable and disposable seal which locks into the first part in such a manner that it cannot be removed without breaking the seal, the seal in its inserted position locking the first part in place inside the second part in a tamper evident fashion.

Abstract: A side-gusset bag has front and back face panels each having two longitudinally extending side edges. Two folded side panels are each joined to the face panels at the side edges and each having a center longitudinally extending crease between the respective side edges. A handle assembly consists of a pair of substantially identical handle halves each formed by two longitudinally spaced ends fixed to one of the side folds to a respective side of the crease thereof and a middle section extending between the respective ends and formed unitarily therewith of plastic film. The middle sections are transversely spaced and form an open longitudinally extending gap at least 2 mm wide and aligned with the respective crease. The middle sections extend transversely over less than 80% of a transverse width of the one side fold and have outer edges space at least 5 mm from the respective side edges.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reclosable flexible film package with a flexible film having a folded edge, at least two opposing free edges, and at least a front panel and a back panel. The front and back panels define an interior space. The flexible film package also may have a score in the flexible film of the front panel forming a flap that defines an opening when the flap is moved upward, toward the folded edge and a label extending uninterrupted from edge to edge of the at least two opposing free edges, the label being attached on the film by pressure sensitive adhesive, and extending beyond the score on the front panel to reseal the package opening defined by the flap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging combination for accommodating and dispensing a filling material. The packaging combination comprises a tubular casing having a first end, a second end and a central axis extending through first and second ends, wherein the tubular casing is tightly filled with filling material and closed at its first and second end by a closure means. The packaging combination further comprises a dispensing system including a dispensing device having a passageway extending through the dispensing device with an inlet opening at its one end and an outlet opening at its other end and being attached to the first end of the tightly filled tubular casing, the first end of the tubular casing extending inside the passageway. The system further comprises a dispensing cap having an attachment end and a dispensing end reversibly attachable to the outlet opening of the dispensing device, by its attachment end.

Abstract: Single use containers designed to store and dispense liquid substances having a wide variation in viscosities. The container includes a container body that defines a storage compartment for storing the liquid substance and is provided with a neck including a seal positioned in the neck to seal a liquid substance in the storage compartment during storage. The container also includes a cap defining a recess and being adapted for engaging the neck and including structure for piercing the seal and a channel which passes through the structure for piercing the seal to the recess. An applicator is located in the recess such that the applicator and recess together define a chamber between an end of the channel and the applicator to allow liquid to flow from said channel into said chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for drinking fluids wherein the container has an integrated interior compartment for storing solid elements used for treating drinking fluids. The interior compartment includes a plurality of perforations that allow the fluid found in the container to flow through the interior compartment to allow such fluid to interact with the contents of the interior chamber. The interior chamber may include a compound for treating the fluid and for forming, for example, alkaline water. The treatment compound is compressed into solid beads that will interact with the drinking fluid but will not substantially dissolve. In one embodiment the treatment compound comprises of Tourmaline, Kaoline, Magnesium, Magnesium Oxide, Silicone Dioxide and Calcium Oxide.

Abstract: A connecting structure is provided for connecting a first member and a second member, wherein the first member comprises a connecting upright portion and a plurality of locking flanges provided to extend outwards along the circumferential direction of the outer face of the connecting upright portion, while the second member comprises a connecting side-wall portion that overlies the connecting upright portion and a plurality of locking projections provided to extend inwards from the inner face of the connecting side-wall portion. The bottom faces of the locking flanges distend downwards in a convex curved shape and, when the second member is overlaid on the first member and rotated, the upper faces of the locking projections are guided with sliding contact along the convex curved bottom faces of the locking flanges and stopped at the lowermost position of the convex curved bottom faces.

Abstract: A flexible pouch having a fitment with a neck having a large diameter and child safety cap is provided. The pouch is configured to hold a product not fit for human consumption, such a detergent. The large diameter neck makes the neck difficult to grip by a child so as to make it difficult for a child to manipulate the safety cap. Further, the child safety cap makes accessing the contents difficult for a child.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cap (10) for receptacles (20) such as e.g. glass jars, comprising a cap base body (11) with a fixing means (13) for enabling the cap (10) to be removably attached on the receptacles (20), a backing layer (2) made from a deformable material, and a sealable, preferably heat-sealable membrane (3) not being glued to the backing layer (2), wherein both the backing layer (2) and the membrane (3) are retained inside the cap (10) via a retention portion (18) extending from an inner side wall (14) of the cap (10). The invention is further directed to a receptacle (20) having said cap (10) for closing it, and is also directed to a method for providing the cap (10) with a sealing element (1) and for providing said cap (10) onto the receptacle (20).

Abstract: A gas barrier film includes a base film including a plastic material, and one or more gas barrier layers formed on the base film. The gas barrier layer includes an inorganic layered mineral and a resin component interposed between layers of the inorganic layered mineral. The gas barrier film shows an X-ray diffraction spectrum having a first peak top and a second peak top when measured at 25° C. and 65% RH using CuK? rays, the first peak top is derived from a first interlayer distance between adjacent layers of the inorganic layered mineral, the second peak top is derived from a second interlayer distance which is greater than the first interlayer distance by interposition of the resin component between layers of the inorganic layered mineral, and the second peak top is present at a position lower than a position of the first peak top in a 2? axis.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a gift card box and associated methods are provided, generally including a base section including a first insert configured and dimensioned to receive a gift card. The exemplary gift card box generally includes a lid section including a second insert configured and dimensioned to cooperatively mate with the first insert. The first insert and the second insert substantially fix the gift card inside the gift card box when cooperatively mated. An exemplary method of assembling a gift card box is provided, generally including providing a base section, providing a lid section, and substantially fixing the gift card inside the gift card box by cooperatively mating the first insert and the second insert. The base section generally includes a window configured and dimensioned to permit visualization of indicia on the gift card.

Abstract: A composite closure including a panel and an outer portion defining a recess into which the panel is received. The composite closure may be coupled with a container. The panel deflects downward toward the container when the composite closure is sealed with the container and the interior of the container is under vacuum.

Abstract: A new and novel packaging system in which an inflated bellows or bladder system is inflated around a fragile item such as a glass drinking vessel and conforms to the shape of the item so that it is securely restrained within its shipping box to prevent the object from moving while the box is shipped. The fragile item moves to the center of the box when the air bladder is inflated with air around the fragile item. As the pressure increases, the bladder will hold the item in the center of the box. A one-way check valve extends from the bladder to a location in a hole in the box or out of the box so that bladder can be easily filled. When the package arrives at its destination, a kinked tube is relaxed to allow air to leave the bladder to remove the object.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package effectively dissipates heat generated inside the package. The hermetically sealed package includes a hermetically sealed enclosure formed from a base portion and a lid. Within the enclosure two or more heat generating elements, such as integrated circuit chips, are supported by the base portion and rise to different heights from the base portion. At least one resilient heat exchange component, such as a leaf spring, extends from the lid of the hermetically sealed enclosure to the different heights. The heat exchange component is configured to conduct heat from the plurality of heat generating elements to the lid of the enclosure.

Abstract: A double bag vacuum insulation panel for use in a temperature assured shipper made in a steam chest molding machine is provided. The double bag VIP comprises a porous core, a heat sealable inner envelope and an outer bag. The inner envelope is made from a substantially gas impermeable first material having a first thickness and defines an interior having a pressure of less than or equal to about 30 millibar. The outer bag is made from a substantially gas impermeable second material having a second thickness. The outer bag encapsulates the inner envelope. The double bag vacuum insulation panel has an R value of at least about 28 hr-ft2-° F./BTU-in and the R value drops less than about 10% after being exposed to a temperature of up to 95C for up to 7 seconds.

Abstract: A modular insulated container for storing goods at constant temperatures. The container has, in an outwardly insulating manner, at least one base, at least one cover and at least four side walls of insulating material, which enclose an inner chamber provided for accommodating the goods in a thermally insulating manner. The at least four side walls are mounted separately with the at least one base and the at least one cover. At least one of the mounted, outwardly insulating side walls has temperature control elements, which face the inner chamber and contain thermal storage fluids, which are separated from the inner chamber by thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A container is formed to include an interior region and a brim defining a mouth opening into the interior region. The container includes a floor and a side wall coupled to the floor and to the brim.

Abstract: The present invention enables hikers to easily carry both chilled water and chilled food items in a lightweight, compact package. A significant portion of the effort of carrying snacks on a hike comes from the weight of the food cooler and its chemical cooling elements. By placing the food items inside the body of a flexible cooler, then wrapping that cooler around a bottle of frozen water without covering the lid, the present invention lets the ice chill the food items while carrying them in a compact, lightweight container.

Abstract: A hand held craft gun including a housing assembly and a receptacle defined therein. A housing handle and shaft are disposed on the housing adjacent either side of the receptacle with the shaft extending away from the housing handle. A plunger handle supporting a plunger rod is disposed on the shaft and a simple yet unique coupling is employed for pivoting the plunger rod between a position unaligned with the receptacle for fun and quick filling and refilling of a modeling compound and a position aligned with the receptacle for easy extruding of the modeling compound. Additionally, at least one storage cavity at the housing handle and/or plunger handle partially contains the plunger rod in a folded position for quick and easy transport of the craft gun.

Abstract: A disposable flexible container for a fluent product comprises a product volume for the fluent product at least partially defined by a nonstructural panel having one or more flat spaces and one or more structural support volumes. The disposable flexible container also includes one or more surface elements generally projecting outwardly in relation to the one or more flat spaces on the nonstructural panel. Preferably, the one or more structural support volumes comprise a structural support frame configured to prevent the container from collapsing and, more preferably, they are arranged to generate and maintain tension in the nonstructural panel when they are expanded.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a lower housing having an opening, and a reservoir piece seated inside the lower housing and having a containing section that holds at least one item to be dispensed, the containing section having an enclosing wall, a base and an opening provided in the enclosing wall that communicates with the interior of the containing section. A biasing element is positioned between the base of the reservoir piece and the lower housing, with the biasing element normally biasing the reservoir piece to a non-dispensing position where the openings are not aligned. The apparatus also has an upper housing, and the upper housing and lower housing can be squeezed together to cause the reservoir piece to move downwardly against the normal bias of the biasing element, so as to align the openings to arrive at a dispensing position.

Abstract: A spray system for formulating an ambient curable clear coat product includes a first container containing a mixture of a polymer with primary hydroxyl functionality and an amino crosslinker with alkoxymethyl functionality and a propellant and a second container containing a catalyst formulated to initiate a polymerization reaction of the polymer and crosslinker when added to the first container. The system also includes a charging device configured to transfer the catalyst from the second container to the first container.

Abstract: An egg holder is provided. The egg holder has a top portion including an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface may include a first vertical connector. The egg holder may further include at least one sidewall protruding from the lower surface of the top portion. The sidewall may include a second vertical connector. The second vertical connector may mate and releasably connect with the first vertical connector of a different egg holder. The present invention further includes a cup extending downward and formed to secure an egg within. A plurality of egg holders may be stacked vertically relative to one another using the first and second vertical connectors.

Abstract: A package for transporting fuel cell components is provided. The package includes a carton and one or more boxes configured to be placed in the carton. The package also includes one or more boxes configured to be placed in the carton. The package also includes one or more top inserts configured to be inserted into the boxes, each top insert including a top portion and at least one side portion. The package also includes a plurality of interleaves configured to be placed alternately with the fuel cell components in a stack within each box, wherein each top insert is configured to be inserted into one of the boxes to substantially enclose the stack. The package further includes a plurality of springs, wherein each box includes at least one spring configured to be located at least one of a top end and a bottom end of the stack.

Abstract: The Breathable Container for fruits and vegetables extends the shelf life of various fresh fruits and vegetables and vase life of fresh cut flowers by changing the atmosphere in which these living products are stored and respires. The Breathable Container does this by utilizing a Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film. The high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric Based Film establishes an ideal atmosphere for the perishable items stored within the Breathable Container, and therefore extends their shelf life. The establishment of lower oxygen and carbon dioxide atmospheres within the Breathable Container using the Gas Permeable Film, also leads to a reduction in the respiration rate of the perishable items stored. The reduction in the respiration rate of the perishable items prevents loss of moisture, production of metabolic heat, yellowing, browning, and reduces the production levels of ethylene by the perishable items.

Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. A system and process for making the beverage capsule is also provided. The beverage capsule includes a body defining an interior space having an opening. A filter is disposed in the body to define an ingredients chamber and an extraction chamber. The filter has an air flow permeability of at least 400 L/s·m2. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber and a cover is dispensed over the opening to seal the interior space. The filter includes a vent region between the top surface of the ingredients and the bottom surface of cover for venting gas through said filter between said ingredients chamber and said extraction chamber. An alternate embodiment includes air flow channels defined in a side wall of body.

Abstract: A collapsible container including frame assembly, a lifting mechanism, a retractable side wall, a retractable end wall, a top member, and a bottom member is disclosed. The frame assembly includes rectangular frame members and articulated vertical frame members disposed between the rectangular frame members. At least one rectangular frame member includes a receptacle member. The articulated vertical frame members are positioned and arranged to retract within the frame assembly. The lifting mechanism is positioned and arranged to elevate the rectangular frame members from each other. The retractable side wall is positioned and arranged to retract into a receptacle member. The retractable end wall is positioned and arranged to retract into a receptacle member. The top member is disposed on an uppermost rectangular frame member. The bottom member is disposed on a lowermost rectangular frame member. A method of transporting a plurality of containers is disclosed.

Abstract: A gyrator feeder that gyrates a dispensing member to uniformly and circumnavigating dispense material by generating a true circular orbital vibratory motion in the dispensing member by either rotating an offset weight along a vertical central axis of the dispensing member or by positioning vibratory motors diametrical opposite from each other on a gyrator housing and synchronizing the vibratory motors with each other to thereby dispense material.

Abstract: A dike wall section for assembling a dike wall is taught. The dike wall section has an elongate body, a pin at a male end of the body; and a socket at the female end of the body, the pin and socket being operable to connect additional sections to the first section by a pin-in-socket connection having a vertical axis.

Abstract: A cargo container is modified to carry a fracing proppant such as sand from a quarry or source to the frac site. Openings are cut in the top and bottom of a cargo container and hydraulically operated sliding doors are placed there under. A hopper module with the walls being inclined to approximately the angle of repose for the proppant is installed inside the cargo container. The hopper module is sealed inside the cargo container so that a proppant enters through the top opening at the quarry and flows out through the bottom opening at the fracing site.

Abstract: A garbage bin cover is disclosed. The cover includes a flexible fabric tube having opposite open top and bottom ends and a middle portion which are dimensioned to fit snuggly over a garbage bin. A pair of elongated zippers is provided on opposite sides of the cover, the zippers extend parallel to each other upwardly from the bottom end such that the zippers open from the bottom end. An elongated pouch containing a drawstring is formed at the upper end of the tube. A separate lid cover is provided with consists of a pouch dimensioned to fit snugly over a garbage bin lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmacy picking device (I) comprising a housing (10) with a plurality of shelf bases (II) disposed one above the other, at least one operating device (12), a conveyor device (14), a housing-coupling interface (15), and a universal supply-and-control module (20) This universal supply-and-control module (20) comprises a feed device (21), an identification and measurement device (22), operator input/output devices (23), an electronic controller (24) and a voltage supply assembly (25), as well as a housing-coupling interface (15) and an electrical interface (27), said supply-and-control module (20) being arranged adjacent to the housing (10) such that a mechanical coupling is produced by said housing-coupling interface (15) and module-coupling interface (26), in such a manner that drug packages in or on the supply-and-control module (20), which are to be deposited, are delivered to a position on the conveyor device (14) which is known to the electronic controller.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for implementing a mobile inventory transfer station within a workspace of an inventory management system. In embodiments, inventory transfer instructions for moving inventory stored within container holders in a workspace may be received. A portion of container holders within the workspace may be identified based on characteristics associated with the items of the inventory transfer instructions and first information identifying the items stored in the portion of container holders. A mobile container unit and a mobile manipulator unit may be selected based on distances between the units and the identified portion of container holders within the workspace. Instructions may be transmitted to the mobile container unit and mobile manipulator unit for navigating to the identified portion of container holders in the workspace and transferring inventory between a particular container holder and a container associated with the mobile container unit by the mobile manipulator unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved conveyor system that provides for a magnetically driven conveyor system in which a sidewall of the conveyor may have minimal or no perforations therein for connecting rollers or other conveying structures in the conveyor bed to an external driving mechanism. The conveyor system may also provide gapless or nearly gapless roller bed that prevents or reduces the accumulation of debris and contaminants in and between the hardware of the conveyor bed. The system of the present invention may provide a more efficient and sanitary conveyor system for produce washing or other food processing application that requires less maintenance.

Abstract: A transporting system, for laser processing a workpiece. The system uses a metal belt, formed of a metal material. The belt is formed into a continuously moving conveyor that has plural holes therein that are between 0.005? in diameter and 0.025 inches in diameter, and are spaced ?10 mm but ?5 mm from one another. The holes are beveled in cross-section at an angle between 40 degrees and 60 degrees to form a smaller hole size at the outer surface and a larger hole size at the inner surface. A vacuum source is connected to apply vacuum to the inner surface of the belt, to each of the larger size sections of the plural holes. A vacuum source is connected to apply vacuum to the inner surface of the belt, to each of the plural holes. A laser system, directs its output beam towards a laser processing area in an area of the belt on the outer surface to process the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for conveying bulk goods and a device for carrying out the method. The conveying device includes a conveying channel and at least two conveying elements arranged loosely in the conveying channel. The conveying elements are mechanically driven in the conveying direction in a first section of the conveying channel, before bulk goods are fed into the conveying channel in a second section of the conveying channel. The bulk goods are conveyed by movement of the conveying elements along the conveying direction in a third section of the conveying channel, wherein in the third section of the conveying channel the first conveying element is pressed by the second conveying element and/or the bulk goods through the conveying channel in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A sod harvester having a sod hold down with at least one free wheeling elastic belt that maintains a downward pressure on sod slabs carried on a conveyor belt with the free wheeling elastic belt moving in unison with the conveyor belt through frictional engagement between sod slabs on the conveyor belt and the free wheeling belt or between the conveyor belt and idler pulleys, which rotationally support the elastic belt, to enable the hold down to prevent or inhibit slippage of the sod slabs on the conveyor belt during sod slab transfer thereon.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and system for sorting items comprising movable carriages (10) intended to transport the items, and connected to each other by a link (19), along a track having sections located at levels at different heights linked by ascending and descending slopes, a control system and drive units intended to move the carriages (10). Dedicated thrust units, separate from the drive units, are added on the slopes and are controlled individually by the control system so as to deliver a constant force in order to prevent the carriages (10) experiencing tension at the links (19, 20) as a result of the weight of the items and/or the carriages (10) present on the slopes.

Abstract: A conveyor unit which can be displaced for conveying vehicle bodies and which includes a bogie assembly and a coupling device which is connected to the bogie assembly and which is configured such that it interacts with the base areas of the vehicle body which are upwardly orientated to the roof. Also a conveyor system having at least one conveyor unit of such type and a plant for machining vehicle bodies. Vehicle bodies are conveyed by a conveyor system between and/or in machining stations, said plant also including such a conveyor system.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a multiple speed, multiple conveyor storage system for items in a materials handling facility such as a fulfillment center. An item storage system includes a first conveyor configured to operate at one speed, a second conveyor configured to operate at a different speed, and a transfer device configured to transfer items between the conveyors. The conveyors are each configured to store items in motion in a circuit arrangement. A computing device determines a predicted time at which the item is predicted to exit the item storage system and then initiates a transfer of the item between conveyors via the transfer device by the predicted time.

Abstract: A conveyor belt system includes a spiral conveyor belt, a spiral conveyor cage structure adjacent the spiral conveyor belt, an RFID sensor integral to the spiral conveyor belt, and a plurality of antennas of a reader, the antennas being attached to the spiral conveyor structure. A method of using the conveyor belt system includes rotationally displacing the spiral conveyor belt relative to a portion of the spiral conveyor cage structure, obtaining and storing first time stamp data when the RFID sensor passes one of the plurality of antennas, and obtaining and storing second time stamp data when the RFID sensor passes another one of the plurality of antennas.