Abstract: A trash container lid locking apparatus comprises a pivot device including a mounting plate configured to be secured to a side edge of a trash container close to a front of the container, a pivot arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the mounting plate and a second end, the second end having an attachment portion to couple to an elongated bar which is longer than the front of the trash container, the pivot arm including a hole therein, and a housing including a rotating lock mechanism having a movable element that is operable by the rotating lock mechanism into and out of the hole of the pivot arm to lock and unlock the pivot arm and bar with respect to the hinged container lid of the trash container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a buffer device for temporarily storing an article container for containing an article to be picked up, including: a placing unit on which the article container is placed and which is configured to transport the placed article container in a direction away from a pick-up area; a supply unit which supplies the article container from the pick-up area to an end area on a side of the placing unit close to the pick-up area; a movable carriage unit which is configured to travel in a transport direction of the article container in the placing unit and which allows the article container to be placed; and a transfer device which transfers the article container at least between the placing unit and the movable carriage unit.

Abstract: A secure storage and retrieval system has a vault with a frame, one or more platters rotatably mounted about the frame, storage bins arranged radially about each of the one or more platters, and mounting surfaces arranged about a perimeter of the vault; and at least one user terminal connected to the vault at one of the mounting surfaces of the vault, the at least one user terminal including an elevator system that vertically moves the plurality of storage bins between any of the one or more platters and an opening formed through an outer shell of the user terminal.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated storage and retrieval system includes transferring a first item storage container from an aisle to a first region of a first storage location, positioning a second item storage container in the aisle proximate the first item storage container, interlocking the second item storage container to the first item storage container by engaging a releasable coupling structure extending there between, and applying, in a first direction transverse to the aisle, a force to the second item storage container sufficient in magnitude and duration to cause the first item storage container to occupy the second region of the first storage location and the second item storage container to occupy the first region of the first storage location, whereby the first and second item storage containers remain interlocked while in the first storage location.

Abstract: A belt conveyor (1), a belt conveyor system and a box template production system. Said belt conveyor comprising an endless loop of belt (3) which is rotating about at least two pulleys (5a, 5b) comprised in the belt conveyor, whereby different parts of the belt (3) will constitute an upper surface (7) for transporting goods during run, the belt conveyer (1) further comprising a frame (9) holding said at least two pulleys (5a, 5b) and a belt supporting device (11) configured for supporting the belt between the at least two pulleys while allowing the belt (3) to slide over the belt supporting device (11), wherein said belt (3) comprises a substantially plane middle part (13) along the length of the belt and two edge areas (13a, 13b), one provided on each side of the middle part (13), wherein at least one of said edge areas (13a, 13b) is sloped towards an opposite part of the belt in the endless loop at least when said at least one edge area (13a, 13b) constitutes a part of the upper surface of the belt.

Abstract: A support portion includes: a first portion that is supported on a travel portion; a second portion that is coupled to a holding portion; and a damper portion that is provided between the first portion and the second portion. The damper portion includes: a guide portion that guides movement of the first portion relative to the second portion along a specific guiding direction; a link mechanism that is coupled to each of the first portion and the second portion, and that moves in conjunction with movement of the first portion relative to the second portion; and an elastic body. The elastic body is coupled to the link mechanism so as to dampen operation of the link mechanism.

Abstract: A spiral conveying mesh chain which pertains to the field of conveying equipment includes a conveying mesh chain main body. The edge of the inner side of the conveying mesh chain main body is uniformly provided with passive teeth. The passive teeth are used to engage with driving teeth on the outer periphery of a rotating drum for driving the conveying mesh chain main body to rotate. The contact surface of the passive tooth and the driving tooth is one item selected from a group consisting of an inclined surface, an arc-shaped surface, a V-shaped contact surface, and a T-shaped contact surface, so that the force direction between the passive tooth and the driving tooth is inwardly deviated relative to the rotation direction of the conveying mesh chain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a production system for spectacle lenses made from spectacle lens blanks, having a left-hand outer transport track, multiple left-hand processing devices which are arranged on the left-hand side next to the left-hand outer transport track, a right-hand outer transport track, and a central transport track which is arranged between the left-hand outer transport track and the right-hand outer transport track. The transport direction of the left-hand outer transport track and the transport direction of the right-hand outer transport track are identical, and the transport direction of the central transport track is opposite to the transport directions of the left-hand outer transport track and the right-hand outer transport track or can be reversed. The multiple right-hand processing devices are arranged on the right-hand side next to the right-hand outer transport track. A processing device pair made of left-hand and right-hand processing devices is paired with a transfer device.

Abstract: The device for transporting support plates for bakery products includes supporting angle brackets on which rest the edges of plates, and a driving device cooperative with the brackets on both sides of a vertical median plane. The driving device includes at least one chain forming a close-loop circuit so as to define an ascending column and a descending column of supporting means and, at least one connecting support hinged about a horizontal axis of at least one angle bracket. There is a device for holding and guiding the angle brackets in a horizontal plane in a transfer portion from the ascending column to the descending column and a conveyer extending at least under the ascending and descending columns between the driving device.

Abstract: A slaughtered animal meat handling device and a method for transporting meat products from a receiving area to a discharge area device are provided. The device includes at least one supply conveyor, a suction transporter and at least one return conveyor. Meat products that are not engaged by the suction transporter are transported away from the transfer area towards the receiving area by the return conveyor. The meat products are reintroduced onto the supply conveyor away for the transfer area, for again being transported towards the transfer area. The supply conveyor and the return conveyor provide a circulation of meat products. By reintroducing the meat products onto the supply conveyor away from the transfer area, the chance of getting the meat products correctly positioned on the supply conveyor with respect to a suction opening of the suction transporter is increased.

Abstract: An automated modular plant growing system includes a rack structure with primary guiding tracks and secondary guiding tracks transverse to each other, and upper guiding tracks in parallel and above the primary guiding tracks. The automated modular plant growing system also includes a plurality of mobile modules detachably connected to the upper guiding tracks and to a nutrient solution supply system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the picking and packing of goods (5) from at least one source storage installation (1) on at least one target load carrier (3) according to a packing layout. In order to achieve a particularly efficient method, it is provided according to the invention that a partial amount of the goods (5) that are to be positioned on the target load carrier (3) are arranged in a grouping region (2) according to a grouping (6) that corresponds to a part of the packing layout, after which the grouping (6) is moved from the grouping region (2) into a position on the target load carrier (3) that corresponds to the packing layout. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for the picking and packing of goods (5) from at least one source storage installation (1) on at least one target load carrier (3) according to a packing layout.

Abstract: A stocker may include a load port which a cassette for receiving wafers is either loaded on or unloaded from, an aligner configured to align the wafers and to confirm identification codes of the wafers, a plurality of shelves each having slots for receiving the wafers, a first transfer robot having a first robot arm for transferring the wafers between the load port and the aligner and a second transfer robot having a second robot arm for transferring the wafers between the aligner and the shelves.

Abstract: A hand for connector connection that grips a component including a main body component, a flexible board extending from the main body component, and a first connector disposed on the flexible board and connects the first connector to a second connector of a mount substrate includes a first gripping section that grips the main body component and a second gripping section that grips the first connector. The second gripping section includes a close contact surface brought into close contact with a back surface of the first connector and a suction pad that starts suction of the back surface of the first connector in a position further projecting than the close contact surface and is contracted to a position where the suction pad is disposed flush with the close contact surface in a sucked state.

Abstract: In a vacuum ejector provided with a seal valve mechanism between a vacuum generation mechanism and a break flow path, the seal valve mechanism includes a valve plug that is biased toward a sealing opening from the break flow path side to block the seal opening, and is configured to open the seal opening by moving the valve plug away from the seal opening using a piston portion that operates according to supply air supplied from the vacuum generation mechanism.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural machine includes an air source having an outlet, an assembly configured to receive agricultural material from a material source, and a plurality of conduits. Each conduit is configured to receive an air stream from the outlet for conveying a portion of the agricultural material to at least one device associated with the agricultural machine. A first one of conduits corresponds to a first distribution line and is positioned such that the first conduit receives a first air stream from a first area of the outlet, a second one of the conduits corresponds to a second distribution line and is positioned such that the second conduit receives a second air stream from a second area of the outlet having a lower air pressure than the first area, and the first distribution line has a higher pressure drop than the second distribution line.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural machine includes an air source having an outlet, an assembly configured to receive agricultural material from a material source, and a plurality of conduits. Each conduit is configured to receive an air stream from the outlet for conveying a portion of the agricultural material to at least one device associated with the agricultural machine. A first one of conduits corresponds to a first distribution line and is positioned such that the first conduit receives a first air stream from a first area of the outlet, a second one of the conduits corresponds to a second distribution line and is positioned such that the second conduit receives a second air stream from a second area of the outlet having a lower air pressure than the first area, and the first distribution line has a higher pressure drop than the second distribution line.

Abstract: A stacking ring for a chair base may be disposable between a first and second chair base such that the stacking ring generally prevents lateral movement of the first chair base relative to the second chair base. The stacking ring may be integrally formed to the chair base, or separate and disposable between at least two chair bases. The stacking ring may substantially prevent rotation of a first chair base relative to a second chair base.

Abstract: A device for storing and transporting large-volume foam blocks includes a mobile, stackable storage box for receiving a foam block at a loading position and a transport device for transporting the storage box from the loading position to a floor storage. The device is suitable to store and transport large-volume, soft, viscoelastic foam blocks in a safe, simple, inexpensive and space-saving manner.

Abstract: A robotic palletizer system and method include selectively operating a palletizing robot between at least a pregrouping state, in which the palletizing robot groups to-be-grouped items at a pregrouping station, and a principal grouping state, in which the palletizing robot groups to-be-grouped items at a principal grouping station. The system and method further include selectively operating a load securing machine between a securing state, in which the load securing machine at least partially secures to be grouped items grouped at the principal grouping station, and a non-operational state. The palletizing robot can be operated in the pregrouping state during at least a portion of a time interval during which the load securing machine is operating in the securing state to secure the to-be-grouped items grouped at the principal grouping station.

Abstract: A tank and a method of holding a load and discharging a load therefrom. The tank includes a body having a first wall that bounds and defines a first compartment for holding a load therein and a second wall spaced outwardly from at least a portion of the first wall; wherein a second compartment is defined between the first wall and the second wall. The tank assembly includes an air piping system that is selectively actuated to place the first compartment and the second compartment under substantially similar or substantially equal air pressure. In one example the air piping system pumps air into the first compartment and the second compartment. In another example the air piping system evacuates air from the first and second compartments.

Abstract: A tank and a method of carrying a load and discharging a load therefrom. The tank includes a body having a first wall that bounds and defines a first compartment for carrying a load therein and a second wall spaced outwardly from at least a portion of the first wall; wherein a second compartment is defined between the first wall and the second wall. An air piping system is selectively actuated to place the first compartment and the second compartment under substantially similar or substantially equal air pressure. In one example the air piping system pumps air into the first compartment and the second compartment. In another example the air piping system evacuates air from the first and second compartments.

Abstract: A tank and a method of carrying a load and discharging a load therefrom. The tank includes a tank having a first wall that bounds and defines a first compartment for carrying a load therein and a second wall spaced outwardly from at least a portion of the first wall; wherein a second compartment is defined between the first wall and the second wall. The tank assembly includes an air piping system that is selectively actuated to place the first compartment and the second compartment under equal air pressure. In one example the air piping system pumps air into the first compartment and the second compartment. In another example the air piping system evacuates air from the first and second compartments.

Abstract: A highway towable dock-lift trailer for use in loading and/or unloading trucks, rail cars, containers, etc., for example, in any location and across all industries and applications, and can include a tow bar that allows the trailer be towed to a desirable position or location. When the tow bar is removed from the trailer or repositioned relative to the frame, either a truck can back into position or the trailer lift can be positioned against the truck, etc., and the trailer lift is then ready to load and/or offload the truck. As an operator elevates the loading platform of the trailer, via hydraulic lifting means, for example, the lift can move up to truck height and hydraulically operated lifting arms can operate opposed automatic folding ramps, which simultaneously can open for load distribution and close for safety.

Abstract: A transmission device of a developing machine is disclosed. The transmission device includes a plurality of transmission units with bearing points thereof arranged on an identical surface to form a bearing surface for transmitting a substrate, and each of the plurality of transmission units comprises a supporting rotating axle and a roller connected with the supporting rotating axle, and the supporting rotating axle has a central rotating axis. A developing machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one example, a device for unwinding or winding multiple rolls of print substrate includes multiple spindles each to hold a roll of print substrate and a differential operatively connected to one end of each spindle. The spindles are aligned with one another lengthwise along a spindle axis and the differential is to output torque along a differential axis offset from the spindle axis to turn the spindles on the first axis.

Abstract: Provided is a recording device that includes a recording head that ejects a liquid, a discharge unit that discharges a recorded recording medium, a discharge tray that receives a discharged recording medium, a first blowing unit that is disposed above the discharge unit and blows air toward one surface of the recording medium to be discharged to the discharge tray, and a second blowing unit that is disposed between the discharge unit and the discharge tray and blows air toward the other surface of the recording medium to be discharged to the discharge tray, and a control unit that controls the first blowing unit and the second blowing unit, in which deformation of the recording medium to be discharged is suppressed by the wind of the first blowing unit and the second blowing unit and the recording medium is discharged.

Abstract: A stacker includes: an ejector that ejects a sheet on which an image is formed depending on a print job to an ejection destination; a first tray on which the sheet ejected by the ejector is stacked, as the ejection destination; a second tray that is a delivery destination of the sheet stacked on the first tray and with which automatic external ejection processing that ejects the sheet externally is executable; a setter that accepts a setting detail in which it is set whether or not to execute the automatic external ejection processing executable with the second tray; and a controller that controls whether or not to execute the automatic external ejection processing depending on the setting detail, wherein the hardware processor continues stacking of the sheet on the first tray when not executing the automatic external ejection processing.

Abstract: Provided are a finisher, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium and a method for controlling transportation of media sheets. The finisher includes a sheet transporter, a sheet cutter for dividing each printed media sheet into multiple cut media sheets by cutting, a sheet inserter that inserts insertion sheets into the sheet path, a sheet stacker for stacking the cut media sheets and the insertion sheets transported by the sheet transporter, a sheet buffer disposed on a branch line branching off from the sheet path, and a controller. The controller sets a sheet insertion mode to a pre-sheet insertion mode or a post-sheet insertion mode, and causes the sheet transporter to transport a part of cut media sheets or an insertion sheet into the sheet buffer and change the order of the sheets in the sheet path so that the insertion sheet is positioned between the cut media sheets.

Abstract: A flat cable winding device includes: a rotation ring positioning a plurality of rollers at an inner circumferential side of the rotation ring, rotating coaxially with a shaft portion formed in a case, and including a circumferential wall portion on which a flat cable wound from outside of the case is wound. The circumferential wall portion includes a notched portion through which the flat cable is routed between an outer circumference side and an inner circumference side of the circumferential wall portion and held. At least one of the plurality of rollers is an inverting roller winding the flat cable wound on the shaft portion and inverting the flat cable toward the notched portion as a rotation table rotates with the shaft portion as a central axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for unfolding a rolled-up, elongate hollow body, having: at least one elongate hollow body which has a closed cross-sectional profile, and an unfolding mechanism which has a winding core on which the elongate hollow body is rolled up and compressed in a first state and which, by rotation, transfers the elongate hollow body from the first state into an unrolled and unfolded second state, wherein the unfolding mechanism has a supporting device, wherein the supporting device has an inner supporting element which is arranged in a cavity within the elongate hollow body and at least partially lies against the inner wall of the elongate hollow body, and has an outer fixing element which is arranged outside the elongate hollow body in the region of the inner supporting element such that the elongate hollow body can be guided through between the outer fixing element and the inner supporting element, wherein the inner supporting element interacts with the outer fixing element in

Abstract: A device for obscuring or disguising the hole of the core or tube upon which a roll of paper is wound, including an insertion component to be inserted into the hole, and a surface component to partially or completely obscure a hole. The surface component provides a surface for the addition of a decoration. The insertion component has at least one leg to be inserted into a hole, and may include a plurality of legs. In an alternative embodiment, the means of fastening is an adhesive applied directly to the decorative surface underside for securing the surface to the roll.

Abstract: Systems and methods floor bypass in an elevator system are provided. Aspects includes receiving, by the first controller, a first elevator destination call to a first floor, wherein the first destination call causes a first elevator car to dispatch to the first floor. First sensor data associated with a first passenger area associated with the first elevator car is collected, from the first sensor. A presence of a passenger in the first passenger area is detected based at least in part on the first sensor data. And the first elevator car is operated based on the presence of the passenger in the first passenger area.

Abstract: A position reference device for an elevator includes a magnet disposed at a stopping position of an elevator car at a landing within a hoistway, a magnetic sensor mounted on the elevator car for detecting magnetic intensity of the magnet by a plurality of points arranged in the vertical direction of the magnetic sensor, and a processing device for determining a vertical center of the magnet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling elevators are provided. The methods include at least one of receiving and determining, at an elevator system computing device, a call probability associated with at least one of a movement, a position, a speed, and a direction of a user of the elevator system, scheduling, with a dispatching system, an elevator car operation based on at least the call probability, and controlling, with an elevator controller, the operation of an elevator car based on the scheduled elevator car operation.

Abstract: A method of providing a mobile car operating panel system includes establishing communication between a mobile device and a mobile wireless access point associated with a car operating panel within an elevator car. A user interface provided on the mobile device is operable to command the car operating panel through the mobile wireless access point. A proximity between the mobile device and the car operating panel is determined. A car call is registered to command a stop landing of the elevator car based on verifying the proximity of the mobile device to the car operating panel within a threshold distance and an input through the user interface on the mobile device indicating the stop landing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining elevator car locations are provided. Aspects includes a sensor affixed to a moving component of an elevator system, wherein the sensor is operated by a controller and wherein the controller is configured to determine that the elevator car is in motion based at least in part on the sensor. A direction of the elevator car is determined while the elevator car is in motion based at least in part on the sensor. Sensor data associated with the elevator car is collected while the elevator car is in motion, wherein the sensor data includes a travel time while the elevator car is in motion. Elevator car travel data is accessed from a travel time profile associated with the elevator car and the travel time is compared to the elevator car travel data to determine a location of the elevator car in a hoistway.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a conveyance system is provided. The method including: monitoring vibratory signatures along a first axis of a conveyance apparatus of a conveyance system; detecting a vibratory signature along the first axis about equivalent to a vibratory signature of significant event; and examining vibratory signatures for a secondary event along at least one of the first axis and a second axis of the conveyance apparatus for at least one of a selected time period after detection of the significant event and a selected time period before detection of the significant event.

Abstract: A method for monitoring thresholds for performance attributes in an elevator system is provided. Aspects includes collecting, by a sensor affixed to an elevator car, sensor data associated with the elevator system wherein the sensor data comprises one or more performance attribute values for a set of performance attributes of the elevator system. Obtaining a threshold profile associated with the elevator system, wherein the threshold profile comprises thresholds for each performance attribute in the set of performance attributes of the elevator system. Comparing the one or more performance attribute values to corresponding thresholds for the set of performance attributes and transmitting an alert for any of the one or more performance attribute values exceeding the corresponding thresholds for the set of performance attributes.

Abstract: An overspeed brake system for use in an elevator powerhead is provided. A brake rotor is attachable to a cable drum to rotate with a cable drum. A brake member selectively engages the brake rotor upon transition of an actuation lever from a first position to a second position. A biasing member acts on the actuation lever to bias the actuation lever from the first position towards the second position. A latch arrangement has a first orientation maintaining the actuation lever in the first position and a second orientation releasing the actuation lever for transitioning from the first position to the second position. The latch arrangement transitions from the first orientation to the second orientation when a speed sensing arrangement senses that the rotational speed of the cable drum is at least a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: A belt for an elevator system includes one or more tension members extending along a belt length, and a jacket at least partially encapsulating the one or more tension members. The jacket defines a traction surface configured to interface with a traction sheave of the elevator system, a back surface opposite the traction surface, and two edge surfaces extending between the traction surface and the back surface. The traction surface includes a convex shaped segment extending at least partially across the traction surface between the two edge surfaces.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car movable along the hoistway, and one or more belts operably connected to the elevator car to propel the elevator car along the hoistway. A belt of the one or more belts includes one or more tension elements extending along a belt length, and a jacket at least partially encapsulating the one or more tension elements. The jacket includes a jacket base formed from a first material and one or more insert layers embedded in the jacket base material. The one or more insert layers have a corrugated shape along the belt length, and are formed from a second material different from the first material.

Abstract: A stairlift may include a rail, a chair with an armrest, a carrier that has a drive motor and is drivable along the rail, a control unit, and a first input device located at the at least one armrest and configured to provide a signal to the control unit to transport a user in a first driving direction. The control unit may start or stop a movement of the carrier in the first direction based at least on the signal of the first input device. The stairlift may also include a second input device that is separate from the first input device, and configured to provide a signal to the control unit to transport the user in the first driving direction. Further, the control unit may be adapted to start or stop the movement of the carrier based on the signal of the second input device.

Abstract: A grabbing device having a plurality of jaws which can be moved between an open position and a closed position to enable the device to grasp an object(s). The technology finds particular application in the forestry industry and moving logs.

Abstract: A crane load centering assembly includes a crane that has a boom, a sheave that is rotatably coupled to the boom and a load block. A transmitting unit is coupled to the sheave having the transmitting unit being directed downwardly from the sheave. The transmitting unit transmits an alignment signal along a line that is vertically oriented. In this way the alignment signal can travel in the direction of the force of gravity with respect to the boom. A plurality of sensors is provided and each of the sensors is coupled to the load block such that each of the sensors is positioned below and is aligned with the transmitting unit. One of the sensors receives the alignment signal when the crane lifts a load and the load deflects from beneath the sheave. A plurality of light emitters is provided and each of the light emitters is coupled to the load block.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods. The nut has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an electric winch which comprises a motor having a motor housing, a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal, and an insulating cover plate having a mounting hole, a first inner bore column and a second inner bore column. A first through hole, a second through hole and a third through hole are provided on an outer edge of the motor housing. The embodiment allows pre-mounting of the terminals on the insulating cover plate before they are fixed to the motor housing and provides higher efficiency in the assembly process.

Abstract: A winch and plow control system is disclosed. The winch and plow control system enables automatic control of a plow attached to a vehicle in order to raise and lower the plow based upon a vehicle parameter. The vehicle parameter can be a gear input that is monitored to automatically raise and lower the plow depending upon the gear selected. Wireless and remote control of the winch is also available, as well as a back-dragging automatic plow mode and a normal automatic plow mode.

Abstract: A hoist assembly includes: a rope; a first mount having a base and a pulley attached to the base; a second mount having a base and a pulley attached to the base; a first lift pulley movably associated with the first mount with the rope; a second lift pulley moveably associated with the second mount with the rope; a pair of support straps; a bracket located on each of the first lift pulley and second lift pulley for receiving one of the pair of support straps and one or more apertures formed through a side wall of the bracket; and a lateral strap secured at a first end through the one or more apertures of the bracket of the first lift pulley and at a second end through the one or more apertures of the bracket of the second lift pulley.

Abstract: The embodiments of the disclosure provide a robot and a splicing method thereof, and a robot splicing system. The robot includes at least two sub-robots, each of the sub-robots including a body, a mobile member located at the bottom of the body, at least one first connecting mechanism and at least one second connecting mechanism located on different sides of the body, the first connecting mechanism of at least one of the sub-robots being configured such that it may be in a fit connection with the second connecting mechanism of at least one other sub-robot, and the second connecting mechanism being configured such that it may be in a fit connection with the first connecting mechanism of at least one other sub-robot.