Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser array includes a plurality of separate bins, with each bin defined by a housing having a defined first internal space for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. Each bin has an electronic ticket drive mechanism and a scanner disposed to read a sequential number code as the lottery tickets are dispensed from the bin. A control system is in communication with each scanner. Each bin includes a first electronic display at a front side thereof. The control system is configured for receipt of a scan signal from the scanner and, at the end of a ticket dispense cycle, to determine the lottery ticket number of a next lottery ticket to be dispensed from the bin and to transmit the next lottery number to the first electronic display.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a housing with an internally projecting lip that seals against an outer surface of a valve stem inserted through it. A gas inlet is provided above the lip and a liquid inlet is provided below the lip. The lip thus ensures that a gas flow path and a liquid flow path are kept separate until the valve stem is moved to an open position, at which point a liquid inlet hole in the stem is brought into communication with the liquid inlet in the housing and a gas inlet hole in the stem is brought into communication with the gas inlet in the housing for the fluids mix in an outlet conduit in the stem. The arrangement means that there is no contact between the liquid and a sealing gasket, thereby avoiding swelling of the gasket that can cause the stem to stick.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayer-structured discharge container having a simple structure, capable of facilitating the loading of a substance to be contained and a pressurizing agent, and capable of facilitating the ejection of the pressurizing agent after use. A discharge container in which a valve mechanism is provided with a stem having two independent in-stem paths, one in-stem path communicates with an in-holder discharge path, the other in-stem path communicates with an in-holder gas path, a contained substance is discharged by closing the other in-stem path, and the pressurizing agent is ejected by opening the other in-stem path. The discharge container is capable of causing a pressurization chamber and the atmosphere to communicate by removing a push-button from a valve assembly and pressing down a stem of a valve mechanism (switching operation).

Abstract: A brewing container for use with brewing machines, the container including a distribution outlet for dispersing the injected water in at least 3 directions away from vertical within the cartridge.

Abstract: A beverage brewing product for brewing a sweetened beverage is disclosed which produces a sweetened beverage solution that can be mixed with a diluting liquid and which comprises at least one water permeable sieve wherein beverage material and granulated sweetener are contained. The beverage material and sweetener are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a sweetened beverage solution. The beverage solution, if concentrated, is then mixed with a proportioned amount of diluting liquid to make a consistently sweet beverage. This beverage brewing product may be used to produce a variety of consistently sweetened beverages, including tea, coffee, lemonade, and other sweetened beverages.

Abstract: An aerial distribution system and method for deploying items is disclosed. The system includes a bulk shipping container comprised of a single piece of corrugated plastic, cut and folded into a closable box, a plurality of deployment boxes within the bulk shipping container, each deployment box containing at least one item, a plurality of tethers, each tether coupling a deployment box to the bulk shipping container, and a freefall retarding device coupled to the bulk shipping container.

Abstract: Steep-angle conveying installations may be used to transport raw materials along a slope of an open-cast mining pit, typically from a low-level loading station at a working level of the open-cast mining pit to a high-level unloading station at a ground level. The steep-angle conveying installation may comprise a track arranged on the slope of the open-cast mining pit, as well as one or more conveying cages for moving raw materials along the track between the various levels. Each conveying cage may include an emptying flap that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A thrust carriage may be employed outside the conveying cages to move the emptying flap of the conveying cages between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for damping slosh of a liquid within a tank, a baffle for use in the system, and a method of damping slosh using the system. The system includes a plurality of baffles. Each baffle has a body configured to substantially float upon the liquid. Each baffle also has an activation material received along at least a portion of the body. The activation material is magnetically reactive provided in a quantity sufficient to enable the body to be manipulated in the presence of a magnetic field (M). The system further includes an actuator configured to provide the magnetic field (M).

Abstract: An example system includes a robotic device deployed in a warehouse environment including a plurality of inventory items. The system also includes a camera coupled to the robotic device, configured to capture image data. The system also includes a computing system configured to receive the captured image data. The computing system is configured to, based on the received image data, generate a navigation instruction for navigation of the robotic device. The computing system is also configured to analyze the received image data to detect one or more on-item visual identifiers corresponding to one or more inventory items. The computing system is further configured to, for each detected visual identifier, (i) determine a warehouse location of the corresponding inventory item, (ii) compare the determined warehouse location to an expected location, and (iii) initiate an action based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: A method for collecting products listed in an order in a product collecting system having a plurality of modules, the method including: assigning the order to a module, allocating a product listed in the order to the order if the product is already available in the module, allocating a product to the order from another module if the product of the “slow-moving” type is not already available in the module whereas it is available in the other module, allocating a product to the order from a pallet warehouse if the product of the “slow-moving” type is not already available in the module nor in another module, and releasing the order and loading the products onto a collecting carrier when all the products listed in the order have been collected in the module.

Abstract: A picking device for piece goods is disclosed, in which cleaning of the picking device is facilitated. The picking device may include a shelf row having shelf bases, each including a plurality of storage chutes, and a retrieving device, via which piece goods can be retrieved. A shelf base may include a frame structure, chute partitions, chute bases, and blocking devices, which are coupled to a control device. Two chute partitions and one chute base may define one elongate storage chute, assigned to each chute base is a support device, on which the chute base rests and which is designed such that another chute base can be slid between the resting chute base and the support device. Assigned to each chute base is a holding means, which prevents the chute base from sliding in the longitudinal direction of the storage chute when the chute base is on the support device.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for replacing individual idler rollers for conveyors, with which a web belt can be lifted and worn-out or damaged idler rollers in upper and lower runs can be individually replaced. The device includes, separately for replacing the idler rollers in the upper run and in the lower run, a subframe (1) for lifting the web belt (7) and for holding the web belt (7), such that a sufficient clearance is formed for replacing worn-out idler rollers (53) by means of a changing frame (2). A service vehicle is equipped with a lifting apparatus for moving dividing devices. The process steps include lifting the web belt (7), removing the old idler roller (53old), inserting the new idler roller (53new) and lowering the web belt (7). The drawing shows the use of two dividing devices in the replacing of idler rollers in the upper run.

Abstract: A path forming device for forming a part of a series of article conveying passage and opening a path for passing through when a worker crosses the article conveying passage, the path forming device including: a fixed side conveyor device located at a constant height position; a movable side conveyor device; a lifting and lowering function that lifts and lowers the movable side conveyor device; and a linear movement function that linearly moves the movable side conveyor device, wherein the movable side conveyor device is capable of taking: an article conveying posture in which the movable side conveyor device protrudes from the fixed side conveyor device in a cantilever state, and is linearly aligned with the fixed side conveyor at substantially the same height as the fixed side conveyor; and a path opening posture in which a height of the movable side conveyor device is lowered by the lifting and lowering function, the movable side conveyor device is made to move to the fixed side conveyor device by the linea

Abstract: An automated tensioning system is provided for a conveyor. The tensioning system includes a spring housing with a lead screw/drive shaft assembly located therein that has a pushing face that extends out of one housing end. A spring compression plate is threadingly engaged with the lead screw. A plate indicator is located on the spring compression plate. A tensioner spring is located between the tensioner spring support provided by a first housing end and the spring compression plate. A sensor is located on the spring housing that is configured to detect a position of the plate indicator. A driven wheel, rotationally engaged with the drive shaft and axially slideable thereon, is driven by a motor to drive the driven wheel and rotate the lead screw and advance or retract the face so that a desired tension is maintained.

Abstract: A method for providing material to a gasifier. The method comprises providing a feedstock. A flow of the feedstock is formed. The flow is then delivered to a gasifier such that it provides a substantially airtight seal to the gasifier.

Abstract: A pallet carrying apparatus includes: a first pallet rail; a second pallet rail provided parallel to the first pallet rail; a first pallet feeding mechanism including a first endless belt on which convex portions and concave portions each extending in a belt width direction are formed; a second pallet feeding mechanism including a second endless belt on which convex portions and concave portions each extending in a belt width direction are formed; and a pallet moving mechanism configured to move a pallet. The first and second endless belt are provided in the vertical direction. Concavo-convex portions included in the pallet engage with the convex portions and the concave portions of the first and second endless belts.

Abstract: A machine (1) for separating elements (100) comprising multiple tracks (2), each of which defines a feed track (2a), wherein the track (2) includes an outlet opening (20) through which the elements (100) exit; multiple vibration devices (3), each of which is individually connected to only one track (2) and suited for transmitting mechanical vibrations to the connected track (2) to generate feed of the elements (100) along the feed track (2a); a detection mechanism (4) for detecting the elements (100) which leave the track (2) through the outlet opening (20); a control mechanism (5) for controlling the separation machine (1) which control mechanism is functionally connected to the detection mechanism (4) and the vibration devices (3) and suited for commanding stop of one of the vibration devices (3), if the detection mechanism (4) detects passage of an element (100) through the outlet opening (20) of the connected track (2).

Abstract: A feed unit, for example for feeding components to smoking article assembly apparatus. The feed unit has a rotary device having a supply region (4) and one or more channels (7) adapted to receive components from the supply region (4) such that the components are stacked one on top of another within each channel (7). Each channel (7) has an inlet (5) and an outlet through which components pass for output from the feed unit. One of the inlet (5) and the supply region (4) is configured to reciprocate relative to the other to agitate the components in the supply region (4) so that components pass into the channel (7).

Abstract: A holding nozzle sucking and holding a work by a negative pressure, comprising: a sucking member; a supporting member; and a biasing member, wherein the supporting member includes a first stop portion and a second stop portion for respectively defining a forward limit and a backward limit of the forward-and-backward movement of the sucking member.

Abstract: A method for reorienting products includes providing one or more products in a first orientation on a surface; advancing the one or more products in the machine direction at a nominal advance rate; and retracting an end of the surface in a reverse machine direction at a nominal retract rate, such that the one or more products are advanced beyond said end into a landing region. Said end is disposed at a first elevation. The method further comprises deflecting a leading end of at least one product, such that the at least one product lands in a second orientation on a landing surface disposed in the landing region at a second elevation. The first orientation is different than the second orientation, and the first elevation is higher than the second elevation.

Abstract: A medium feeder includes a medium mounter, a pair of edge guides, and a sheet number limiter. The medium mounter has a mounting surface on which a medium to be fed is placed. The pair of edge guides is provided at the medium mounter to guide side edges of the medium in a direction that intersects with a feeding direction in which the medium is fed. The sheet number limiter is provided at the pair of edge guides to limit the number of media mountable on the medium mounter. The sheet number limiter has an extension that extends in a feeding direction of the medium such that a distance between the extension and the mounting surface increases downstream.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of winding substrates comprising three-dimensional features about a core to form a spool so that at least a majority of the three-dimensional features in one wrap of a lane of the spool are at least partially nested with a majority of the three-dimensional features in another adjacent wrap in the same lane of the spool. By at least partially nesting these three-dimensional features in adjacent wraps of a lane of the spool, the three-dimensional features may be at least mostly maintained in the substrates without significant compression during winding and storage of the spool.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for minimizing folding defects when rolling a paper product. The method comprises rotating a roll in a manner that draws a paper product toward the roll. The location of a pick-up point between the roll and the paper product is altered by influencing the air pressure experienced by the paper product. This may be accomplished by flowing air in one of several manners described in the specification.

Abstract: A web roll handling and loading system and methods employ hubs positioned on opposing sides of a roll of web material wound on a hollow tubular core. Hub faces have an annular shape configured to be seated in respective ends of the hollow tubular core. The hubs are pivotably supported for pivoting between an operational position and a deflected position. The roll of web material is loaded on the hubs by lifting it from beneath the hubs to deflect the hub faces arcuately upward, then lowering the roll to allow the hub faces to pivot downward and become seated in the ends of the hollow tubular core. Alternatively, the roll is loaded into a pick-up tool by lowering the pick-up tool downward to the roll so the hubs deflect arcuately upward, then raising the tool so the hubs pivot downward and become seated in the hollow tubular core.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a first conveyor deck having a first plurality of contact elements, each having a contact surface movable around a closed path from a contact region to a non-contact region, the first contact regions lying in a plane or being bounded by the plane and a second conveyor deck having a second plurality of contact elements, each having a contact surface movable around a closed path from a contact region to a non-contact region, these contact regions lying in a second plane or being bounded by the second plane. The transport path of the conveyor is defined by the contact surfaces of the first and second contact elements in the contact regions, and the first plurality of contact elements are belts and the second plurality of contact elements are wheels.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus comprises a standby section configured to buffer a sheet; a processing section configured to receive sheets supplied from the standby section and execute a post processing on the sheets; a rotational shaft configured to rotate around an axis of rotation; a paddle arranged in the rotational shaft and configured to contact the sheet and move the sheets by rotating with the rotational shaft, the paddle being configured to slide the sheets on the processing section to a stopper for aligning the sheets; and a controller configured to control a rotational speed of the rotational shaft to rotate the paddle at a first speed, and control the rotational speed of the rotational shaft to rotate the paddle at a second speed slower than the first speed while the paddle contacts the sheets on the processing section for aligning.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus comprises an axis of rotation; a standby section configured to buffer a sheet; a processing section configured to execute a post processing on sheets moved from the standby section; a first paddle configured to be mounted in the axis of rotation and be rotated around the axis of rotation to contact with the sheet supplied from the standby section to draw the sheet into a stopper; and a second paddle configured to be mounted in the axis of rotation at a predetermined angle with respect to the first paddle and draw the sheet into the stopper after the first paddle is separated from the sheet after a drawing-in operation of the sheet by the first paddle.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet includes a setting portion to which a sheet bundle is set from an outside of the apparatus, a conveying route in which a sheet is conveyed, a stack portion on which sheets conveyed from the conveying route are stacked, the stack portion being arranged at a different position of the setting portion, a binding unit which binds a sheet bundle set in the setting portion and a sheet bundle stacked in the stack portion, and a punching portion which forms a punch hole on a sheet, which is conveyed in the conveying route. The setting portion is arranged as being overlapped to the punching portion in a direction of intersecting with a conveying direction of a sheet conveyed in the conveying route.

Abstract: A system that eliminates return and reset of a pusher in a media collation system includes the use of bidirectional bins that allow accumulated sets of media in the bins to be collated in first or second directions and pushed to either of two banders rather than being restricted to one bander.

Abstract: A method for controlling an elevator where an elevator is allocated for the use of a passenger in a first optimization phase in such a way that a first cost function is minimized, a second optimization phase is performed, in which the route of the allocated elevator is optimized in such a way that a second cost function is minimized.

Abstract: A drive unit for an elevator system, the drive unit including a multilayer, power circuit board; a first DC link formed in a layer of the power circuit board; a second DC link formed in a layer of the power circuit board; a first switch having a first terminal, the first switch mounted to a surface of the power circuit board; a first via electrically coupling the first terminal to the first DC link; a second switch having a second terminal, the second switch mounted to the surface of the power circuit board; and a second via electrically coupling the second terminal to the second DC link; the first via conducting heat from the first switch to the first DC link; the second via conducting heat from the second switch to the second DC link.

Abstract: A safety system for use in a drive system includes first and second safety sensors that provide respective first and second sensor signals indicative of a safety condition of the drive system. The safety system includes a safety device that processes the first and second sensor signals to determine a safety state of the drive system, and that controls a unit of the drive system based on the safety state. The safety device includes a multi-core processor having first and second processing cores. In some embodiments, the first and second processing cores receive and process the respective first and second sensor signals in parallel to determine the safety state. In other embodiments, each of the first and second processing cores receive both the first and second sensor signals, and each of the first and second processing cores process both the first and second sensor signals to determine the safety state.

Abstract: A safety clamping jaw includes at least one lever arm, a wedge member provided on a first end of each lever arm, a roller provided on a second end of each lever arm, a cam member provided between the rollers, and a resilient member bearing against the cam member. Upon activation of the clamping jaw, each roller may push the cam member in a direction towards the resilient member, thereby compressing the resilient member.

Abstract: A hoisting machine includes an axial flux motor including a rotor having rope grooves and arranged in rotor compartment between a body part and a protection plate, and a stator arranged against the rotor in such a manner that the rotor is separated by the stator by an air gap. The hoisting machine further includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate, arranged at opposite sides of the hoisting machine, and both being equipped with a damper. The tightness between the first cover plate and the second cover plate is adjustable. An elevator assembly and method of damping vibration of a hoisting machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of passenger conveyor technologies, and provides an engaging state detection system of a passenger conveyor and a detection method thereof. In the engaging state detection system and detection method of the present invention, a depth sensing sensor is used to sense at least an engaging portion between a step and a comb plate of the passenger conveyor to obtain depth maps, and the depth maps are analyzed by a processing apparatus to detect whether an engaging state between the step and the comb plate is a normal state. The detection of the engaging state includes detection on whether comb teeth of the comb plate are broken, whether engaging teeth of the step are broken, and/or whether a foreign matter exists on an engaging line.

Abstract: A vacuum lift attachment (10) for a hydraulic work machine, the hydraulic work machine including a control station, a lift arm to which the hydraulic work attachment can be coupled, an auxiliary hydraulic system for operating a coupled hydraulic work attachment and an auxiliary hydraulic actuator in the control station that upon actuation by an operator causes an auxiliary hydraulic control signal to generate.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes a flexible sleeve to contain a bumper of a crane. The flexible sleeve includes a first end to be closed adjacent the bumper to contain the bumper in a cavity defined by the flexible sleeve. The first end of the flexible sleeve and the bumper are to couple to a first position of the crane via a fastener. The flexible sleeve includes a second end opposite the first end. The second end is to couple to a second position of the crane to prevent the bumper contained in the cavity from falling from the crane if the first end of the flexible sleeve decouples from the first position of the crane.

Abstract: Universal component lift apparatus for moving components of electronic device manufacturing systems is described. The universal component lift apparatus includes a track, a truck moveable along the track, and a lift apparatus adapted to couple to the truck, the lift apparatus including a wheeled base, a lift portion, and a boom adapted to couple to the component. Electronic device processing systems and methods of moving components thereof are described, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing improper lifting of tubular members are described, in which sensing devices are used to detect when a tubular reaches a selected position within a lifting device suitable for engagement, and/or to detect when a lifting operation is initiated that would exceed the capacity of a lifting device. Operators are engaged with the tubular member and provided with a preselected force corresponding to the weight of one or more tubular members, such that when the weight of a lifting operation exceeds the preselected force, an audible device may be actuated responsive to sensor output, to immediately alert individuals, such that the improper lifting operation may be halted. Similarly, an audible device may be actuated responsive to sensor output when a tubular member reaches a selected position within the lifting device, such that additional movement may be ceased.

Abstract: A piñata hanging or holder device offers the user stability and flexibility in controlling a piñata at party events. The hanging device is collapsible for shipping and storage. The hanging device is easily assembled and utilizes the user's weight to further stabilize the device from falling or tilting. For assembly, guiding marks are providing in poles to assist the user for ease of assembly. One benefit of this device is that the device does not require anchoring or include a ballast to keep the handing device erect, which reduces shipping and manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A fairlead for guiding a cable while maintaining a minimum radius of curvature of said cable, said fairlead comprising: a block with a first and a second side element and at least two pulleys supported between said first and second side element, allowing said pulleys to rotate around parallel axes of rotation; an endless elastic double curved belt in a loop around said at least two pulleys; at least one block carrier bow extending between said first and second side element, wherein said at least one block carrier bow defines an opening with an inner circle segment forming an arch shaped traveling path; a suspension arrangement including at least one traveling bow contact element, said suspension arrangement forming a travelling carriage running along the arch shaped traveling path in a plane parallel to said parallel axes of rotation of said pulleys.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for providing passenger transport are provided. A system for providing passenger transport includes a plurality of passenger carriers, a plurality of motorized transport units each configured to mechanically couple at least one of the plurality of passenger carriers, and a central computer system communicatively coupled to the plurality of motorized transport units. The central computer system being configured to receive a ride request from a customer, instruct a motorized transport unit to travel to a passenger carrier and couple to the passenger carrier, and instruct the motorized transport unit coupled to the passenger carrier to travel to the customer to provide transportation to the customer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided, some apparatuses comprise: a location controller separate from a motorized transport unit, comprising: a transceiver configured to receive communications from the motorized transport unit; a control circuit; a memory storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to perform the steps of: obtain, from the communications, a unique light source identifier of a light source detected by the motorized transport unit, and relative distance information determined by the motorized transport unit through an optical measurement; process the at least one unique light source identifier and the relative distance information relative to a mapping of the shopping facility; and determine, in response to the processing, a location of the motorized transport unit within the shopping facility as a function of the at least one unique light source identifier and the relative distance information.

Abstract: A central computer system identifies a mobile item container in a retail shopping facility as being abandoned. The central computer system then directs a motorized transport unit through the retail shopping facility to the abandoned mobile item container and causes that motorized transport unit to physically attach to the abandoned mobile item container. The central computer system then directs that motorized transport unit through the retail shopping facility with the attached abandoned mobile item container to a specified destination within the retail shopping facility. Abandonment can be determined as a function, at least in part, of determining that the mobile item container is both stationary and unattended for at least a predetermined amount of time. By one approach the central computer system can use different predetermined amounts of time when assessing abandonment depending upon where in the retail shopping facility the mobile item containers are located.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a material handling vehicle (MHV) and associated method provide for damping of mast oscillations of a mast of the MHV. In one approach, mast oscillations can be detected and/or anticipated and a countering force can be generated by an elevated reach actuator of the MHV to damp the oscillations.

Abstract: High density (density ?0.945 g/cm3) unimodal polyethylene compositions for use in hot-fill closures and processes.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly for a bottle attachment apparatus for handling liquids has a valve housing which forms a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet, an exhaust valve body disposed on the inlet in the valve chamber, and a safety valve body disposed on the outlet in the valve chamber. The exhaust valve body is biased toward an exhaust valve seat, counter to the flow direction of the liquid and the safety valve body is biased toward a safety valve seat in the flow direction of the liquid. The safety valve seat is integrally molded on the valve housing.

Abstract: A apparatus for discharging liquids from deformable containers includes a first holding device for holding a first portion of the container, and a second holding device for holding a second portion of the container, wherein the second portion of the container is spaced from the first portion of the container and wherein the holding devices are arranged such that the container can be arranged at least in sections between the holding devices, and is deformable by a relative movement of one holding device with respect to the other holding device.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser and methods of beverage dispensing include a dispenser with a beverage valve and a purge valve. The beverage valve is connected the dispenser body and is actively operable to control a flow of a base beverage into a flow path of the dispenser. The purge valve is selectively operable to control a flow of a purge substance into the flow path. A nozzle is configured to mix a flavoring from a flavoring nozzle with a base beverage from the beverage valve prior to dispensing a mixture of the flavoring and the base beverage from the nozzle.