Abstract: A method for fetching a target bin stored in a storage system, wherein the storage system includes a three-dimensional storage grid containing a plurality of bins stacked in vertical stacks, supporting rails on the grid structure, and a plurality of vehicles, controllably arranged to move individually on the supporting rails. The method is performed by a control device in the system and comprises controlling at least one non-target vehicle to operate as intermediate storage for a bin located vertically above the target bin; controlling a target vehicle to pick up the target bin, and controlling the at least one non-target vehicle and the target vehicle to be positioned adjacent to each other in a linear manner on the supporting rails. A corresponding storage system has also been disclosed.

Abstract: A stocking assistant robot includes a base plate, one or more wheels coupled to the base plate, a first support coupled to the base plate, and a second support coupled to the base plate, wherein the first support is configured to move perpendicular to the base plate and the second support is configured to move perpendicular to the base plate. The stocking assistant robot also includes a first actuator configured to move the first support perpendicular to the base plate, and a second actuator configured to move the second support perpendicular to the base plate. The stocking assistant robot identifies an item, determines a stock location based on the identified item, operates one or more electric motors coupled to the one or more wheels based on the stock location, and moves the first support or the second support perpendicular to the base plate based on the stock location.

Abstract: Disclosed are a logistics movement automation system and method in which transfer means automation and moving path optimization have been implemented in association with the existing logistics automation system for integrated cargo warehousing and delivery. When unit cargoes are piled up from an association system outside or within a warehouse to an association transfer unit, a recognition unit generates recognition information by recognizing the unit cargoes and transfers the recognition information to a control unit. The control unit generates a moving path based on the received recognition information using an optimization algorithm and moves, arranges, distributes or flat keeps the unit cargoes along the generated moving path through at least one of the association transfer unit, the distribution transfer unit and the plate unit for warehousing or delivery.

Abstract: An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot includes a payload bed having at least one reference datum surface and at least one payload justification device, the at least one payload justification device being configured to position a payload on the payload bed in substantial contact with the at least one reference datum surface to place the payload in a predetermined position on the payload bed.

Abstract: Some examples described herein include a flexible hopper for a conveyor system. The flexible hopper may include a hopper weldment attached to a frame of the conveyor, wherein the hopper weldment surrounds a charge cud of the conveyor, a flexible frame configured to enable an opening of the flexible hopper to expand or contract, and/or a skirt attached to the flexible frame and configured to form an enclosure between the flexible frame and the hopper weldment.

Abstract: A jump shuttle conveyor system is configured to receive formed food patties from a molding assembly of a patty forming machine. The system includes a lifting plate and belt assembly coupled to a frame which are configured to be indexed to different vertical positions relative to the frame. Formed food patties are received on a belt of the belt assembly thereon, and can be moved off of the belt onto a transfer shuttle conveyor system. An output conveyor system can be provided to receive the formed food patties.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor for positively driving a conveyor belt along a helical path. The spiral conveyor includes a rotating cylindrical tower with parallel drive members extending from the bottom to the top of the tower on its periphery. Each drive member includes an outwardly protruding ridge that varies in height from the bottom to the top of the tower. The variations in height facilitate the belt's entry onto and exit from the tower and robust, positive driving engagement with the inside edge of the belt along the majority of its path along the tower.

Abstract: A spiral conveyor and methods for positively driving a conveyor belt along a helical path. The spiral conveyor includes a rotating cylindrical tower with parallel drive members extending from the bottom to the top of the tower on its periphery. Each drive member includes an outwardly protruding ridge that varies in height from the bottom to the top of the tower. The variations in height facilitate the belt's entry onto and exit from the tower and robust, positive driving engagement with the inside edge of the belt along the majority of its path along the tower.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positive drive spiral conveyor which includes, a drive tower rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of drive members extending in length from a bottom to a top of the drive tower. The drive members are spaced radially around the drive tower, with each drive member having a projecting driving ridge extending in length along at least a section of each drive member with a projecting shaft positioned on each drive member proximate an end of the driving ridge thereby defining an engagement zone. The projecting shaft defines a guiding surface around the shaft, such that in use a positive drive protrusion of a conveyor belt engages the guiding surface of the projecting shaft and is guided towards a leading side of the driving ridge.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a motor, a gear assembly operatively coupled to the motor, and a paddle assembly including a plurality of paddles operatively coupled to the gear assembly. Each paddle extends longitudinally between opposing housing walls. Each paddle includes a plurality of blades and a plurality of gaps that are alternatingly disposed along a shaft that extends through a center of each blade. A first portion of paddles includes a first portion of blades and a first portion of gaps. A second portion of paddles includes a second portion of blades and a second portion of gaps. The first portion of blades can rotate through the second portion of gaps. The second portion of blades can rotate through the first portion of gaps. The paddles can sequentially rotate about the respective paddle axes such that each paddle can be disposed at a different angular position than an adjacent paddle.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus with a chassis having first and second chassis parts that pivot relative to one another to allow an intermediate section of the chassis to be raised or lowered. This allows the height of the conveyor apparatus to be reduced for transport. When the conveyor is out of its deployed state, the conveyor is foldable and movable with respect to the chassis in a longitudinal direction. This allows the length of the conveyor apparatus to be reduced for transport.

Abstract: Some examples described herein include a flexible hopper for a conveyor system. The flexible hopper may include a hopper weldment attached to a frame of the conveyor, wherein the hopper weldment surrounds a charge end of the conveyor, a flexible connector that is attached to the hopper weldment and configured to enable an opening of the flexible hopper to expand or contract, and a flexible skirt that is folded over the flexible connector. The flexible skirt may include a plurality of flexible strips configured to form an enclosure between the flexible connector and the hopper weldment.

Abstract: An article metering assembly for forming of an article group from a downstream most end portion of a bulk flow of conveyed articles is generally provided. The assembly, in one embodiment, is characterized by a robotic arm, a linkage assembly, and an end effector operatively united with the robotic arm and the linkage assembly such that the end effector is fixedly orientated relative to and overhead of the bulk flow of articles throughout a robotic arm motion cycle. Alternately, the assembly is characterized by a robotic arm in operative combination with an end effector, the end effector selectively oriented in relation to articles of a bulk flow of article during travel about its travel path in furtherance of forming an article group from above.

Abstract: Techniques regarding a conveyance system with variable speed rollers are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise an apparatus, which can comprise a roller attached to a support member that is operatively coupled to a first gear. The first gear can drive a conveyance of the support member and the roller in a first direction. The apparatus can also comprise a shaft that can operatively couple the roller to a second gear. The second gear can drive a rotation of the roller in an axial direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to a method of predicting article dimensions and controlling release timing of upcoming articles from upstream conveyors and dynamically computing release times for the upstream conveyors. The method includes predicting a dimension of an upcoming article and creating empty spaces on an upstream conveyor between one or more upstream articles from among a set of upstream articles by controlling an operating speed of a set of drive motors of the upstream conveyor based on the predicted dimension for the upcoming article. Further, the release times of the set of upstream articles is dynamically computed based on a cumulative length of the set of upstream articles and an operating speed of the upstream conveyor.

Abstract: A product order fulfillment system including a multi-level transport system and a lifting transport system. Each level of the multi-level transport system having a corresponding independent asynchronous level transport system separate and distinct from the asynchronous level transport system corresponding to each other level of the multi-level transport system. Each independent lift axis of the lifting transport system being configured to independently hold at least one case and being communicably coupled to each asynchronous level transport system so as to provide for exchange of the at least one case between each asynchronous level transport system and each independent lift axis. Each independent lift axis is communicably coupled to each other independent lift axis of the more than one lift axis and forms a common output of mixed cases so as to create an ordered sequence of mixed cases in accordance to a predetermined case out ordered sequence.

Abstract: Provided are an automatic transfer system and method for items. The automatic transfer system for items includes: an item container, which is configured to receive to-be-conveyed items with a preset direction; a detection device, which is configured to detect whether items falling into the item container meet a transfer condition; and a carrying device, which is configured to automatically transfer the item container to a preset destination when the items falling into the item container meet the transfer condition.

Abstract: A mover according to the present disclosure includes: a body to move; a second member; a suction unit; a location detection unit; a first moving part, and a second moving part. The second member moves in a state where the second member is combined with a first member provided for an object, as the body is displaced relative to the object. The suction unit is sucked to the object in the state where the second member is combined with the first member. The location detection unit detects a location of the body with respect to the object by detecting movement of the second member. The first moving part moves the body until the state where the second member is combined with the first member is established. The second moving part displaces the body relative to the object in the state where the second member is combined with the first member.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, a tank carried by the chassis, and at least one meter module coupled to the tank. The at least one meter module has at least one gate. A gate control link is coupled with the at least one gate of the at least one meter module. A control rod is carried by the chassis. A connector couples the control rod to the gate control link at a connection interface such that movement of the control rod controls an open state of the at least one gate of the at least one meter module. The connector has a frangible portion adjacent the connection interface; the control rod and the gate control link uncouples from one another upon a breaking force causing the frangible portion to break.

Abstract: A linear motor conveyor system having a moving element comprising a first and a second magnetic element on opposite sides; a first track comprising a first linear motor configured to generate a dynamic magnetic field which acts on the first magnetic element to provide a first dynamic lateral force and a first dynamic longitudinal force; a second track with a transfer region positioned adjacent to the first track, the second track configured to generate a magnetic field that acts on the second magnetic element to provide a second lateral force; and a controller to control the first linear motor such that the first dynamic lateral force is configured to bias the moving element toward the first linear motor until the moving element reaches a switch point in the transfer region, after which the dynamic lateral forces are selectively adjusted to bias the moving element toward the first or second track.

Abstract: A temporary, non-fixed partitioning system includes a common assembly bracket that can be readily assembled with a wall panel formed of various standard dimensioned building supplies. The wall panels may include a standard door slab, a standard window sash, standard dimensional lumber, a peg board, a chalk board, a whiteboard, a corrugated cardboard panel, a foam board, a gator board, a fiberglass panel, a cork panel, a plastic panel, an upholstered panel, a wood panel, and an acrylic-based or silica-based glass panel, and may also be suitable for receiving custom or desired printing of designs, indicia or other nomenclature. The partitioning system could be provided in a kit form with a plurality of common assembly brackets and wall panels, which are reconfigurable for a variety of uses such as co-working space, trade show booths, or lobby displays.

Abstract: Fall restraint equipment comprising a mobile access unit having a mobile platform portion, a ladder portion, and a cage portion. The components of the fall restraint equipment are formed from butterflying, lasering, cutting, bending, and/or stamping continuous pieces of tubular and sheet metal. The components of the mobile access unit are modular and include adapters of varying height that cause the mobile access unit to exhibit varying height. Also, the mobile access unit is adaptable so that it can roll in a first direction of orientation of the ladder or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a control unit and an attachment detection unit to detect attachment of a cassette having a stacking portion that may be lifted by a motor. The control unit drives the motor to start lifting the stacking portion when cassette attachment is detected and stops when the stacked uppermost sheet is detected at a sheet feed position, at which time the presence or absence of the stored sheet is determined based on a detection signal output by a sheet presence/absence detection unit. In a case where there is no change in the detection signal output from the sheet presence/absence detection unit when the attachment of the cassette is detected, the control unit determines that a failure of the sheet presence/absence detection flag occurred.

Abstract: A paper conveyance device includes a paper feed unit, a conveyance rotator, a conveyance guide, a multi-feed detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit causes an ultrasonic sensor to transmit an ultrasonic wave in a detection section. The control unit sets a detection execution section and a detection skip section in the detection section. The control unit does not determine whether multi-feed has occurred in the detection skip section. The control unit sets the detection skip section based on a time point at which vibration is applied to conveyed paper.

Abstract: A medium processing apparatus includes a processing section performing a process on a sheet-like medium; a transport roller pair including a driving roller and a driven roller, and transporting the medium in a transport path including a region in which the processing section performs a process; a first casing accommodating the processing section and the transport roller pair; a second casing configured to close and open with respect to the first casing; and a displacement mechanism displacing the transport roller pair to a separation position and a contact position. The displacement mechanism displaces the transport roller pair from the contact position to the separation position in conjunction with an operation of opening the second casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for paying out material. One embodiment is a method for dispensing film onto a surface. the method includes operating vacuum ports at a suction table, adhering a leading edge of a web of film to the suction table, driving the payout system across the suction table while the vacuum ports are being operated and while unrolling the web of film, unrolling a web of film from a roll of a payout system that is mounted for traversal across the upper surface of the suction table, and enforcing tension at the web of film between the suction table and the roll while payout system is drawn across the suction table.

Abstract: A film transport device for transporting a stretchable film includes: at least one belt conveyor, the belt conveyor having two opposing transport belts for transporting the film and a first and a second deflection roller, each of which guides one of the transport belts in continuous circulation and is arranged at an end in a respective transport belt. An end portion of the first deflection roller projects past an associated transport belt, the first deflection roller having a first transport ring at the end portion along its periphery. An end portion of the second deflection roller projects past an associated transport belt, the second deflection roller at the end portion along its periphery having a second transport ring. A first contact surface of the first transport ring extends with mechanical friction along a circumference of the first deflection roller.

Abstract: A conveyance device includes: a conveyance mechanism configured to unwind and convey a web from a web roll; a brake configured to brake rotation of the web roll; a controller configured to perform control of gradually reducing a torque of the brake and then turning off the brake in an operation of turning off the brake in a state where conveyance of the web by the conveyance mechanism is stopped and the brake is on with a tension applied to the web between the web roll and the conveyance mechanism.

Abstract: A creel, such as may be used to supply fiberglass roving to a production process, includes an enclosure and a number of rotatable axles held within the enclosure. Each of the axles is of a shape and size to be inserted into a bobbin of roving. The creel also includes a drive mechanism coupled to each of the plurality of rotatable axles, the drive mechanism synchronizing the rotation of the axles. Bobbins of roving may be stacked on the axles and connected to provide continuous roving. As roving is drawn from the creel, the rate of rotation of the axles may be selected to counteract twisting of the roving that would otherwise result.

Abstract: A turntable in modular pie or other sections, which sections can be added or taken away in concentric rings from a base version of the turntable in order to scale the size and capacity of that turntable to accommodate a wide range of size and loading needs.

Abstract: A counter assembly for use with coiling machinery for the measurement of line being wound or unwound on a reel includes a body, an upper arm, a lower arm, and a tensioner assembly. The body defines a central channel for passage of the line. Rollers are coupled to the upper and lower arms and used to press against the line. Movement of the line between the rollers causes at least one roller to rotate. Rotation is converted to a linear distance for accurate measurement. The upper arm has a pivot axis that is below a horizontal portion of the upper arm and is shared with the lower arm. The tensioner assembly is oriented to share the same vector components of motion as the pivoting upper arm. The tensioner assembly also permits adjustment in the resting spring force acting on the rollers.

Abstract: A tether includes a housing defining a cord aperture, a spool located within the housing and configured to rotate about a spool axis in either an extending direction or a rewinding direction, a cord wound around the spool and configured to pass through the cord aperture, a biasing member coupled to the spool, and a retractor lock. The biasing member biases the spool to rotate in the rewinding direction to retract the cord into the housing. The retractor lock is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The retractor lock prevents rotation of the spool when in the locked position and allows rotation of the spool in the unlocked position. The retractor lock is moves from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to a threshold cord force on the cord.

Abstract: A method of operating a building elevator system having a plurality of elevator systems organized into multiple elevator groups including: receiving an elevator call from a destination entry device in communication with the building elevator system; obtaining a favorability score from each of the multiple elevator groups of the building elevator system; determining an elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score; and routing the elevator call to the elevator group of the multiple elevator groups with the highest favorability score.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling elevator systems are provided. The methods include receiving inputs from at least one interactive input device, wherein the inputs include elevator call requests, tracking one or more people located within a monitored area using at least one sensor, assigning elevator assignments to the one or more people based on at least one of the inputs from the at least one interactive input device and a grouping algorithm based on the tracking of the one or more people, and scheduling operation of at least one elevator car based on the elevator assignments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing a seamless wireless connection in an elevator system of a building. The method comprises receiving an elevator car request from a passenger who is on a source floor, dispatching an elevator car to the source floor in response to the elevator car request, selecting at least one wireless local area network (WLAN) established in the building, and forwarding the selected at least one WLAN via a network node placed in at least one of an elevator hall of the source floor, the dispatched elevator car, or an elevator hall of a destination floor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixture plate comprising a back plate defined by a member extending in a widthwise (W) direction and a height-wise (H) direction, a plurality of support arms including a first support arm and a second support arm connecting proximate a bottom edge of the back plate and spaced in the widthwise direction by a distance W1, each of the plurality of support arms comprising a compound profile defining a pivot section and a support section the pivot section extending arcuately downward along the height-wise direction to a first distal end, the support section comprising a first portion forming a support base, the support base extending perpendicularly away from the back plate to a second distal end, and a second portion that forms a hook portion, the hook portion extending upwardly along the height-wise direction to a third distal end to from a free end of the support section.

Abstract: An elevator system (2) comprises at least one elevator car (6) configured for traveling along a hoistway (4) between a plurality of landing area (8a, 8b, 8c) areas (8a, 8b, 8c) located at different floors (13a, 13b, 13c). A method of controlling movement of at least one elevator car (6) in the elevator system (2) comprises receiving on at least a subset of the floors (13a, 13b, 13c) from a mobile device (24a-24e) a radio signal representative of the number of potential passengers (22) on the respective floor (13a, 13b, 13c), and controlling movement of the elevator car (6) based on the received radio signals.

Abstract: An elevator interactive terminal and an elevator interactive system. The elevator interactive system of the present invention comprises an elevator interactive terminal, configured with a social communication media module, wherein a user is registered as a first registered user in the social communication media module; and a server coupled to a communication bus of an elevator system, configured with the social communication media module and to register an elevator as the second registered user in the social communication media module, wherein, based on the social communication media module, interactive communication is performed between the first registered user on the elevator interactive terminal corresponding to the user and the second registered user on the server corresponding to the elevator.

Abstract: An elevator system (2) comprises a hoistway (4) extending between a plurality of landings (8a, 8b, 8c); an elevator car (60) configured for moving in two opposite directions along the hoistway (4); and an elevator safety system (1). The elevator safety system (1) comprises at least one safety gear (20) configured for moving along the hoistway (4) and, upon activation, braking movement the elevator car (60); at least one mobile safety node (43, 45) configured for moving along the hoistway (4) with the at least one safety gear (20) and for controlling the at least one safety gear (20); and at least one stationary safety node (42, 44). The elevator safety system (1) further comprises a communication bus (17) connecting the safety nodes (42-45) with each other and allowing the safety nodes (42-45) to communicate with each other.

Abstract: An elevator system (2) comprises a hoistway (4) extending between a plurality of landings (8a, 8b, 8c); an elevator car (60) configured for moving in two opposite directions along the hoistway (4); and an elevator safety system. The elevator safety system comprises a bidirectional safety gear (20) configured for stopping, upon activation, any movement of the elevator car (60) traveling in any of the two opposite directions; and a safety controller (30) configured for activating the bidirectional safety gear (20) when a predefined safety condition is met. The safety controller (30) is switchable between a plurality of different safety modes, each safety mode setting at least one predefined safety condition.

Abstract: A health monitoring system for an electrically-conductive tension member of an elevator system belt includes a transmitter including a transmitter coil configured for placement at the tension member, a receiver configured to be positioned at the tension member, and a controller operably connected to the transmitter and the receiver. The controller is configured to direct an alternating current through the transmitter coil resulting in the generation of a magnetic field and eddy currents at the transmitter coil, evaluate fluctuations in the magnetic field detected at the receiver. The fluctuations are indicative of wear or damage to the tension member.

Abstract: An improved home lift having a simplified design and utilizing components that is simple and economical to install and designed for economical, temporary rental or lease installations as well as permanent installations. Complete installations cost far less than any existing home lift of the prior art and most stair climbers. The components include an optional steel tower frame or a support post and beam assembly, a carriage designed to carry a passenger with or without a wheelchair, a counterweight, and a set of pulleys configured to guide two cables. Both cables are attached to the carriage and the counterweight. The load weight and the counterweight are equal and balanced, requiring so little-force that the home lift may easily be operated manually by the passenger or an aide.

Abstract: An elevator car (6) defining an interior space (12) for accommodating passengers and/or cargo comprises a support frame (22) positioned on top of the interior space (12); and a working platform (28) movably mounted to the support frame (22) by a support structure (31). The support structure (31) comprises at least one scissor mechanism (30) including two scissor legs (30a, 30b) pivotably connected with each other. A first end of each scissor leg (30a, 30b) is pivotably connected to the support frame (22), and a second end of each scissor leg (30a, 30b) is pivotably connected to the working platform (28). The support structure (31) further comprises at least one gas spring element (32) extending between the scissor legs (30a, 30b) of the at least one scissor mechanism (30). The at least one gas spring element (32) may be configured for supporting the movement of the working platform (28).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of operating an elevator system having at least one lane is provided. The method comprising: detecting a failure in the elevator system; detecting a location of the failure within the elevator system; determining a traffic pattern of the elevator car in response to the location of the failure, the traffic pattern operable to direct the elevator car to avoid the location of the failure; and moving the elevator car in accordance with the traffic pattern selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for ballast weighing on a crane, comprising at least two ballasting cylinders that are equipped to lift/lower the ballast and that each comprise at least one pressure transducer in the region of the piston and/or rod side, and comprising at least one evaluation unit that is equipped to calculate the mass moved by the ballasting cylinders from the pressures detected by the pressure transducers on retraction and/or extension of the ballasting cylinders, excluding the friction forces occurring in the ballasting cylinders. The invention furthermore is directed to a method for calculating the ballast weight of a crane by means of a corresponding apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure for a vehicle provided with a cargo crane having a crane base, said support structure comprising a support beam connectable to said crane base and a support leg, wherein a proximal end of said support leg is connected to said support beam at a pivoting point, such that, said support leg is pivotable around said pivoting point relative to said support beam.

Abstract: A crane includes a crane body, a boom, a hoisting winch, and a rope holding device pressing a rope wound around a drum of the hoisting winch against the drum. The rope holding device includes an oscillating arm whose proximal end is attached to a base of the hoisting winch using a support shaft and distal end oscillates in a direction close to or away from the drum, and a rope presser which is attached to a distal end of the oscillating arm, extends in an axial direction of the drum between a pair of flanges, and abuts against the rope wound around the drum. A weight member, which biases a distal end side of the oscillating arm in a direction close to the drum by the gravity with the support shaft as a fulcrum, is provided at the proximal end of the oscillating arm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a drive for an electric clutch if a winch. The drive comprises a pusher block having a first end, a second end, and a transmission component arranged on a central portion of the pusher block to drive a transmission shaft; a first driving unit connected to the first end to drive the first end to reciprocate between a first position and a second position; and a second driving unit connected to the second end to drive the second end to reciprocate between a third position and a fourth position. The drive enables switching of the transmission shaft between a high speed mode, a low speed mode, and an idle mode. A winch including the drive is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus and controller therefore, where the lifting apparatus includes independently driven lifting columns and independently driven wheels that are controlled by a controller having a number of sensors such as limit sensors, position sensors, rotation sensors, laser sensors, torque sensors and the like. The independent motors for lifting and driving may also be removed easily to provide for improved servicing and maintenance. The various sensor signals are used to calculate, coordinate and calibrate the apparatus for precise and safe movement by the motors in order to perform lifting and positioning operations, for example rail car repair and service.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle frame which is supported by first and second axles. A driver's cab, a lifting arm, and at least one electrical energy store unit are supported on the vehicle frame. The lifting arm is arranged along a longitudinal direction of the work vehicle parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame. The driver's cab is arranged to a first side of the longitudinal axis between the two axles. The at least one energy store unit is arranged between the two axles to a second side of the longitudinal axis, which is situated opposite the first side.