Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting faults in the context of transport of objects, wherein, by means of a transport device, a plurality of objects are transported in a predetermined alignment of these objects along a predetermined transport path, wherein the objects are transported while at least partially in contact with each other, and wherein the objects are located on a movable surface of the transport device, wherein, by at least one image capturing device, at least one first region is captured in which a plurality of these containers is located and at least one sub-region of this region is identified in which no object is located in the predetermined orientation, wherein furthermore a distinction is then made as to whether an object with an alignment deviating from the predetermined alignment or an empty space is located in this region.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus contains a conveying unit, a sorting unit, which is configured for receiving and sorting articles from the conveying unit, and a transfer unit with a feeding unit. The transfer unit forms a transporting connection between the conveying unit and the sorting unit. A discharging unit is positioned on a portion of the conveying unit and is configured to discharge an article onto the transfer unit only when the article is at a predefined minimum distance from a previously discharged article.

Abstract: A board turner assembly may include an endless chain, first and second groups of turning arms pivotably coupled with the endless chain and disposed along opposite sides thereof, an upper guide with an inclined surface, an actuator selectively operable to move the upper guide between a resting position and an extended position, and one or more endless belts. The turning arms may be spaced apart at regular intervals that are offset on one side of the chain relative to the other. The groups of turning arms may be operated in an alternating fashion to turn selected boards to a desired orientation (e.g., wane side up). Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: A cascade conveyor for sorting and conveying container closures, such as for conveying and sorting screw closures in a drinks filling installation, comprising at least one sorting bar which can be moved in a conveying direction and which is orientated transversely relative to the conveying direction for conveying the container closures from a collection receptacle which receives unsorted container closures to a closure unloading zone. There may also be provided in the closure unloading zone a conveyor belt which extends when viewed in the gravitational direction below the sorting bar in order to laterally discharge container closures conveyed by the sorting bar.

Abstract: A conveying device for conveying piece goods in a conveying direction adjusts distances between the piece goods to be conveyed. The piece goods are subjected to individually determined accelerations in order to adjust the distances to a set or desired distance. A method for adjusting distances between piece goods and a computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: A textile machine for producing cross-wound packages, the machine being equipped with a plurality of workstations arranged next to one another on both longitudinal sides of the machine and having a cross-wound package transport apparatus. The cross-wound package transport apparatus has a first transport device, arranged between the two rows of workstations for conveying cross-wound packages, and a handling apparatus for moving cross-wound packages from the first transport device to the second transport device. The handling apparatus is arranged between the end regions of the first transport device.

Abstract: An integral weighing and sorting system that weighs articles on a roller belt and selectively actuates or deactuates belt rollers to divert selected articles. After an article is weighed on the roller belt, its weight is compared to a predetermined weight range. Out-of-range articles are directed to exit the belt via a different route from that of in-range articles by actuating the rollers to rotate in a direction transverse to the travel direction in a roller-actuation zone.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a display device includes providing an original substrate on a support member, where the original substrate includes a first cell and a second cell adjacent to each other in a row direction or a column direction, moving a first picker above the first cell, calculating a first corrected coordinate based on an initial position of the first picker and a reference position of the first cell, moving the first picker to a first corrected position by using the first corrected coordinate such that the first picker picks up the first cell, moving the first picker above the second cell, and moving the first picker to a second corrected position by using a second corrected coordinate such that the first picker picks up the second cell, where the second corrected coordinate is the same as the first corrected coordinate.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting a hollow bodied block includes an elongated body having a top end and a bottom end with a handle attached to the top end. A first arm rigidly extends from the elongated body in a substantially perpendicular direction and is configured to engage an inner surface of the block. A second arm is pivotally attached to the bottom end of the elongated body in a substantially opposite direction to that of the first arm. Upon exerting a lifting force on the handle of the lifter, the second arm rotates relative to the elongated body, forming a desired angle with the first arm and creating an outward force sufficient to grip and lift the block.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for palletizing cargo on a rack for shipment are provided. The system generally includes a tiered rack having a base tier, a support framework extending from the base tier, and a second tier adjustably attached to the support framework. The system may further include a plurality of lower frame support members positioned longitudinally across the bottom of the base tier, and a plurality of pneumatically actuated rollers spaced to cooperatively engage the plurality of lower frame support members, the rollers being selectively extendable from a plurality of raised tracks positioned longitudinally along a floor of the railcar, where the rollers are configured to pneumatically extend past an upper surface of the track when actuated and allow for linear motion thereover.

Abstract: A holding member is configured to hold a feed member and movable up and down. A lever member is configured to pivot on a pivot shaft and includes a contact portion configured to be in contact with the holding member. An elastic member is connected to the lever member and configured to urge the holding member downward through the lever member. The elastic member is disposed such that, when viewed in an axial direction of the pivot shaft of the lever member, a distance from the pivot shaft to a line of action of a force applied by the elastic member to the lever member in a case where the feed member is located at a first position is shorter than a distance from the pivot shaft to the line of action in a case where the feed member is located at a second position below the first position.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes an apparatus body, a drawer portion including a first contact portion, a feeding portion, and a pivot member configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, the pivot member constituting a part of a conveyance path at the first position, wherein the pivot member does not overlap a moving path of the drawer portion in a case where the pivot member is located at the first position, and overlaps the moving path in a case where the pivot member is located at the second position, and the pivot member includes a second contact portion that pivots the pivot member from the second position toward the first position while being in sliding contact with the first contact portion in a case where the pivot member is located at the second position and the drawer portion is being inserted into the apparatus body.

Abstract: An image inspection apparatus is capable of inspecting an image on a print sheet as an inspection object with high accuracy while conveying the print sheet from an upstream conveyance unit to a downstream conveyance unit. The image inspection apparatus inspects the print sheet conveyed at a first conveyance speed with a first conveyance unit of a printing device, with a first inspection unit, while conveying the print sheet at a second conveyance speed with a second conveyance unit of an inspection device. The first inspection unit is provided in a position downstream of an intermediate position between the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit by a length longer than a half of the length of the print sheet. Even when the first conveyance speed and the second conveyance speed are not substantially the same, no disorder occurs in the image read with the first inspection unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet being conveyed on a horizontal path; and a double feed sensor configured to execute double feed detection processing of detecting a state in which a plurality of sheets being conveyed on the horizontal path are conveyed in a duplicate manner. The image forming apparatus includes a double feed detection function table, in which whether to enable or disable the double feed detection processing is set according to a type of a sheet. The image forming apparatus determines whether to execute the double feed detection processing at a time of image formation in accordance with sheet setting information including information on a characteristic of a sheet to be used for the image formation and setting information on whether to execute the double feed detection processing, and the double feed detection function table.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser assembly for dispensing supplies of sheet material. The dispensing assembly can include a carrier supporting the supplies of sheet material and being moveable along a track between various dispensing positions. The dispenser assembly also can include a carrier pivoting assembly with a lever that engages one of the supplies of sheet material and rotates during dispensing thereof, as well as one or more biased pins connected to the lever and configured to engage locking features provided along the track to support the carrier in one of the dispensing positions. The biased pins further can be configured to retract with rotation of the lever such that they disengage the locking features so the carrier to moves along the track to different dispensing position. Other aspects also are described.

Abstract: Web handling apparatuses and methods are provided to passively control a lateral position of a moving web. The web wraps around support rollers adjacent opposed web edges. One or more guide rollers are positioned adjacent to the support rollers. The guide rollers are in rolling contact with the web edge to guide the moving, misguided web back into its desired lateral position.

Abstract: In one example, a media puller device can include a snowplow device coupled to a first end of a hinge, a leading end of the media puller device coupled to a second end of the hinge, and a tension device coupled between the snowplow device and the media puller device.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus arranged in a space between an image reading section for reading an image and an image formation section for forming an image on a sheet includes a carry-in path guiding a sheet from a carry-in entrance; a relay roller provided in the carry-in path to relay and transport the sheet; a first transport path positioned on a downstream side of the relay roller and having a carry-in roller to transport the sheet from the carry-in path to the first collection tray; and a second transport path branched from the carry-in path and having a branch roller to transport the transported sheet to the second collection tray. The relay roller shifts the sheet in a direction crossing the transport direction while a front end of the sheet enters the first transport path or the second transport path, and arrives at the carry-in roller or the branch roller.

Abstract: A spindle assembly capable of accommodating paper rolls of varying sizes is provided. The spindle assembly comprises a spindle arm adapted to be connected to a printer mechanism. The spindle arm comprises a first flange surrounding an opening. A spindle is provided for accepting a first paper roll. A first end of the spindle is fixed in the opening of the spindle arm. The spindle comprises a second flange arranged at a second end of the spindle. A sleeve is provided which is adapted to slide over the spindle and attach to the spindle arm for accepting a second paper roll. The second paper roll has a different size than the first paper roll. A printer having such a spindle assembly is provided, as is a method for accommodating different sized paper rolls in a printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous web processing systems for pre-lithiating Li-ion battery substrates is provided. The modular processing system comprises a common transfer chamber body defining a transfer volume. The system further comprises a first vertical chamber body defining a first processing volume and positioned on the common transfer chamber body. The transfer volume is in fluid communication with the first processing volume. The system further comprises a second vertical chamber body defining a second processing volume and positioned on the common transfer chamber body. The transfer volume is in fluid communication with the second processing volume. The system further comprises a reel-to-reel system operable to transport a continuous flexible substrate having an electrode structure formed thereon.

Abstract: An aspect includes a system with an energy storage device configured to provide electrical power to a conveyance apparatus of a conveyance system, a power management system configured to determine a charging schedule to recharge the energy storage device based at least in part on a status of the conveyance system, and a dispatching system configured to modify a dispatch schedule of the conveyance system based at least in part on the charging schedule.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments including a system a method for performing smart beamforming for reliable and secure wireless data transmission. The can embodiments include receiving at least one parameter of an elevator car operating in a hoistway, and determining a steering angle based on the received parameters. The embodiments can also include performing beamforming of an antenna array based on the determined steering angle, and transmitting data from the antenna array based at least in part on a beamforming process.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a controller; an elevator car; an elevator car controller mounted on the elevator car; a transceiver on the elevator car; an access point; the transceiver and the access point configured to provide wireless communications between the controller and the elevator car controller over a first communications path and a second communications path.

Abstract: A conveyance system includes a transmitter configured to generate a signal; a receiver configured to receive the signal; the transmitter and receiver located so that the signal passes through a passenger area of the conveyance system; a controller configured to receive a signal strength of the signal received at the receiver; the controller configured to determine a loading factor in the passenger area in response to the signal received at the receiver.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments that include a safety system and method for implementing presence detection. Embodiments can include a receiver that is configured to receive a signal from a transmitter, and a detection module that is configured to detect a signal strength of the signal. Embodiments can also include a processor that is configured to compare the signal strength of the signal with a signal strength threshold, and a task module that is configured to perform a task based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: A stator rail segment, which may be used in a linear drive of an elevator system along a drive axis, may have a predetermined segment length and may include multiple coil interfaces arranged along the drive axis for receiving a respective coil unit. A shaft interface may be configured to secure the stator rail segment in an elevator shaft at a given assembly position with respect to the drive axis. The stator rail segment may also include a position adapter for adapting an assembly position of the coil units relative to the drive axis relative to the given assembly position.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a car and a counterweight which are connected to one another via a support element. The elevator system has a compensation element for compensating the weight of the support element, wherein this compensation element includes at least one belt. The at least one belt was previously used as a support element for a car of an elevator system. A method for recycling support elements of elevator systems uses the discarded support elements as the compensation element in an elevator system.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car movable along the hoistway, and a power management and transfer system. The power management and transfer system includes an electrical power source, a hoistway contactor secured in the hoistway and operably connected to the electrical power source, and a car contactor disposed at the elevator car, such that when the car contactor is brought into operable contact with the hoistway contactor, electrical power is transferrable between the power source and the elevator car.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage system for an elevator car includes a converter disposed on the elevator car and receives power from a power source and provides a first DC voltage to a first DC bus and a second DC voltage to a second DC bus, a first energy storage device connected to the converter receives the first DC voltage on the first DC bus, and a second energy storage device connected to the converter receives the second DC voltage on the second DC bus. The system also includes a first load connected to the first DC bus and a second DC bus, and a second load connected to the second DC bus. Power is provided from the first energy storage device to the first load under a first selected condition and power is supplied from the second energy storage device to the first load under second selected condition.

Abstract: An electric linear motor and an elevator are presented. The electric linear motor includes a stator beam including at least two stators rails, and a number of movers configured to move with respect to the stator beam. Each mover includes at least two motor units configured to be arranged next to the stator beam such that each one of the motor units faces one of the stator rails, and each one of the at least two motor units includes at least two independently controllable motor subunits arranged consecutively with respect to a longitudinal direction of the motor unit. Each of said motor subunits includes windings for generating a magnetic field to form a magnetic coupling between the motor subunit and the respective stator rail.

Abstract: A hand lifting device and a projection apparatus are provided. The hand lifting device is adapted to carry an object, and includes a support pad and a carrying strap. The support pad has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, and has two first connecting portions. The carrying strap has two end portions, and the two end portions respectively have a second connecting portion. The carrying strap is configured to partially surround the object, such that the second connecting portions of the carrying strap are respectively detachably connected to the first connecting portions of the support pad. The projection apparatus comprises the above hand lifting device and a projector.

Abstract: There is provided a method of installing spiral hangers about a messenger line installed between first and second utility poles with a cable being lashed to the messenger line with a lashing wire. The method includes attaching a first and second spiral hangers to the messenger line between first and second utility poles with the first spiral hanger disposed about the messenger line and the cable. The method includes removing the lashing wire from being around the messenger line and the cable adjacent the second spiral hanger. The method includes moving the second spiral hanger towards the second utility pole. The method includes attaching a successive spiral hanger to the messenger line between the spiral hangers and repeating the moving of the second spiral hanger and attaching another successive spiral hanger.

Abstract: A rail-based floor conveyor system, with a floor conveyor with concavely grooved wheels and rails having a surface which, when in contact, dips at least partially into the grooved area of the wheels, thereby producing at least two load-bearing lines during the movement of the floor conveyor, wherein a wheel holder is provided for each wheel, with at least one horizontal axis of rotation for each wheel and a vertical axis of rotation to a bearing connected to the floor conveyor, and wherein the wheels can be moved by drives or manually on the rail, bearing including a first bearing part and a second bearing part, wherein one of the bearing parts has a concave surface section, which is at least partially in contact with a convex surface section of the respective other bearing part, and wherein both bearing parts are movable relative to one another while maintaining contact.

Abstract: A telescoping jib of a mobile crane with telescoping sections that telescope inwards and outwards from a jib base casing, and a guying system for the telescoping jib having at least one cable extending between a guying frame and a fixed point by a guying support and is anchored by guying supports, where each guying support comprises a holding mechanism for the cable. A method for guying a telescoping jib of a mobile crane in which at least one cable is anchored between a guying frame on the telescoping jib consisting of a jib base casing and a plurality of telescoping segments and a fixed point on the telescoping jib, and the at least one cable is guided by means of at least one guying support supported on the jib base casing head or a telescoping segment head of the telescoping jib.

Abstract: A winch has a supporting frame with a first wall and a second wall. The winch also has a drum interposed between the first and second walls and is supported by them so as to rotate about its longitudinal axis which is transverse to the walls. The winch also has a flexible element for moving a load being wound around the drum. The winch also has a drive structure associated with the first wall and with a transmission structure for rotationally actuating the drum. The winch may also have a reaction element which is associated with the second wall, which supports the drum so as to rotate and which is associated with the transmission structure in order to support them.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a winch assembly having an electric motor, a drum, and a cable. A controller is configured to access a winch load threshold, with the winch load threshold defining a hold zone and a reel zone, and one of the hold zone and the reel zone including loads greater than the winch load threshold and another of the hold zone and the reel zone including loads less than the winch load threshold. The controller is further configured to determine whether the drum is rotating, determine whether the winch assembly is operating within the hold zone or the reel zone, generate a hold current while the winch assembly is operating within the hold zone preventing rotation of the electric motor, and generate a reel current while the drum is operating within the reel zone permitting rotation of the electric motor.

Abstract: Apparatuses, components and methods are provided herein useful to provide assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility. In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein the central computer system is configured to control movement of the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user interface units.

Abstract: An access deck assembly is provided for an aerial lift vehicle mobile platform. A base member defines an upper surface to support an operator, and has first and second guides to cooperate with the platform. A locking mechanism is supported by the base member and retains the access deck to the platform. A method of connecting an access deck assembly to a mobile platform is provided. The access deck assembly is positioned relative to the platform to be above and spaced apart from the platform floor surface, with the base member of the access deck assembly substantially within a perimeter frame of the platform. An access deck assembly has a guide member connected to a base member and configured to connect the base member to the mobile platform and support the base member directly above and spaced apart from the platform floor surface.

Abstract: A manual capper for crown caps, of the type including a main support, two jaws, arranged symmetrically to the main support, each including a lower portion configured to encircle the neck of the bottle to be capped and an upper portion connectable to handlebars of the lever type, the actuation of which generates the opening and/or closure of the jaws, said capper wherein an actuation thereof in opening and/or in closure induces at least one simultaneous and linear displacement of the upper portion and of a portion of the handlebars, and wherein after the closure of the jaws, means suitable to keep the lower portion movable in a direction parallel to the vertical capping axis operate.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bottle opener is disclosed. The multi-purpose bottle opener having a bottle opening body having a bottle cap opening end and a wine bottle opening end. The bottle cap opening end having a fulcrum arm and a handle access opening. The fulcrum arm having a cap relief and a cap hook configured to provide leverage against a pry-off-type bottle cap edge, so as to enhance the effectiveness of removal of the bottle cap. The wine bottle opening end being opposite of the bottle cap opening end. The wine bottle opening end having a fixedly mounted corkscrew. A detachable bottle opening handle having a cavity is attachable to the wine bottle opening end such that the fixedly mounted corkscrew is insertable within the cavity. The detachable bottle opening handle configured to be insertable into the handle access opening.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to applications for soft robotic actuators in the manufacturing, packaging, and food preparation industries, among others. Methods and systems are disclosed for fixing target objects and/or receptacles using soft robotic actuators, for positioning target objects and/or receptacles, and/or for diverting or sorting objects. By using soft robotic actuators to perform the fixing, positioning, and/or diverting, objects of different sizes and configurations may be manipulated on the same processing line, without the need to reconfigure the line or install new hardware when a new object is received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container processing installation (100) for processing containers such as bottles, comprising at least one container processing machine (120, 130) and a mobile collaborating robot (101) that is designed for robot-robot interaction and/or robot-human interaction, wherein said collaborating robot (101) is designed to cooperate during exchange of a component of the container processing machine. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for exchanging a component of a container processing machine of a container processing installation.

Abstract: Container holder and filling device for filling containers with a filling product, for the open jet filling of containers with a beverage in a beverage filling plant. The container holder comprises: a holding portion which is set up for the receiving and holding of a container; a main carrier which is attachable to the filling device; and a compensation carrier which is adjustable in a compensation direction relative to the main carrier and to which the holding portion is attached.

Abstract: A container handling machine, such as a container filling machine or container closing machine, and a method of operation thereof. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device includes a housing unit, a storage unit and a discharge module that are disposed within the housing unit. A weighing module includes weighing sensors. Each weighing sensor has an attachment portion attached to a bottom wall of the housing unit, and an abutment portion disposed below the bottom wall oppositely to the attachment portion. A control module controls the discharge module to dispense predetermined amount of fluid outside of the housing unit. The control module is able to determine whether a weight of fluid in the storage unit is smaller than a predetermined value according to a weight of the housing unit measured by the weighing sensors.

Abstract: A system and method to supply nitrogen gas is provided. Ambient air is compressed and stored in a storage receiver and then nitrogen is separated from the compressed air in a nitrogen membrane separation unit. The separated nitrogen is stored in a nitrogen storage tank under pressure and released through a pressure control valve. The system is confined to a small footprint and is useful as a nitrogen source where conventional compressed nitrogen tanks are a safety or space issue. Systems to prepare nitrogen infused beverages are also provided.

Abstract: A dispensing system (100) for dispensing a beverage, comprising a beverage container (1) having an outlet (3), the outlet having a valve (2) arranged therein, the valve having a first inner face (12) and a first inner valve diameter (D1), and a one-way dispensing line (10), comprising a flexible tube (16), and a connecting unit (17) being configured to be inserted into the valve (2) for opening the valve, so that beverage present in the beverage container (1) may be dispensed via the dispensing line (10), the connecting unit (17) having an axial extension (Ae), and comprising a first part (18) configured to be connected with the flexible tube (16) and a second part (19), the first part (18) and the second part (19) are releasably connected to each other by a first connection force, wherein the second part (19) has at least one projectable member (28), projecting in a radial direction, the at least one projectable member (28) has an extension from the outer face of the second part (19), so that when the second

Abstract: A system and method determines an amount of water and water flow rate in a water dispenser system including a container/bottle, using a strain gage device(s) mounted on a structure or plane in relationship to the container/bottle. One or more strain gages are configured in a position to measure force per unit area, exerted by a portion of the water container/bottle in a normal or direction substantially perpendicular to a surface or plane on which the strain gage device(s) are mounted. The portion of the container/bottle is positioned in direct or indirect contact with the one or more strain gages to produce a strain gage signal representative of the amount of water in the container/bottle and periodic sampling of the strain gage signal is representative of flow rate of water from the container/bottle. Signals from the strain gage(s) are processed in a manner that allows the amount and rate of consumption of water to be monitored and determined automatically on-site or remotely.

Abstract: Method and device for controlling the quantity of liquid contained in a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, wherein the cartridge has a container and a liquid contained in the container and wherein, according to which is measured the quantity of liquid contained in the cartridge; and compared the quantity of liquid with a reference quantity of liquid.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for fuel dispenser electronic communication are provided. In general, a fuel dispenser can be configured to electronically communicate with a network cloud to access cloud technology services. The communication can be direct, e.g., without the fuel dispenser communicating with the cloud network through an intermediary such as a fuel dispenser forecourt controller. The fuel dispenser can include a communication module configured to electronically communicate with the network cloud. The communication module can be on board the dispenser.