Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers include liners formed from flame retardant or flame suppressant material. Containers with a liner are used to store ignitable items within the storage system.

Abstract: A container includes a base and a wall secured to the base and movable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the base. The wall including a recess and a pair of pins projecting into the recess. A hinge member is pivotably secured to the pins in the recess in the wall. The hinge member includes a pair of opposed bases connected by a plurality of curved walls. The bases each include an aperture receiving one of the pair of pins in the recess. In one embodiment, the hinge member pivotably secures the wall to the base. In another embodiment, the hinge member pivotably secured the wall to another wall such that the wall can pivot 270 degrees to leave that side of the container completely open.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are storage containers which protect or contain perishable goods or other materials. In one embodiment, a collapsible, flat lying container may include a base connecting to a plurality of sidewalls. The base and the plurality of sidewalls may be constructed from a rigid plastic and connected by a flexible joint. Each sidewall in the plurality of sidewalls may be connected to two other sidewalls by a flexible joint. Further, at least one of the plurality of sidewalls may be connected to a lid which is constructed from a rigid plastic by a flexible joint.

Abstract: The phase-change accommodating rigid fluid container disclosed herein includes a variety of features that protect the container from phase changes of a fluid stored therein. As a result, the container may be in direct contact with the fluid without any flexible membrane or bag there between. For example, the fluid container may include one or more of matched pairs of recesses for physical manipulation of the container, stiffening ribs extending between the recesses, and input/output assemblies acting as inputs for fluid into the container, outputs of fluid from the container, and vents for pressure equalization of the container.

Abstract: A locking device includes a lock body, a hasp and a seal. The lock body includes a hasp locking latch pivotally disposed therein and a seal locking latch pivotally disposed therein. The hasp is disposed at the lock body and movable between an open state, where a free end of the hasp is external the lock body, and a closed state, where the free end of the hasp is within the lock body. The seal, when inserted into the lock body when the hasp is in its closed state, engages the hasp locking latch to pivot the hasp locking latch to engage and lock the hasp in its closed state, and the seal, when inserted into the lock body, engages the seal locking latch to lock the seal within the lock body. The seal includes a frangible portion that is configured to break the seal into first and second portions.

Abstract: A bag capable of storing an article, the bag being conveyed while being suspended from a rail. The bag includes: a body that stores the article; a suspending member that suspends the body from the rail; and a reorienting member that reorients the body with respect to the suspending member. The body includes a bag having an internal storage space for the article, and the reorienting member is provided independently of the body, is supported pivotally with respect to the suspending member, has a free end in the body so as to pivot with respect to the suspending member, and pivots with respect to the suspending member so as to reorient the body.

Abstract: A tamper evident delivery bag assembly includes a first and second that each includes an upper section terminating at an upper edge of the first panel and an opposed upper edge of the second panel. The upper edges cooperate to define a bag opening into a content receiving region. The upper sections are movable between an opened condition and a closed condition, the closed condition where the upper edges are oriented in opposed, adjacent, relationship to one another. A handle is mounted to each upper section of the first and second panels, and each handle includes a pair of spaced-apart leg portions that are aligned adjacent one another when the upper sections are oriented in the closed condition. A single use closure tape is laterally mounted to the first panel upper section, and includes an upper lateral portion extending laterally above the first edge thereof in an unsealed condition.

Abstract: A closure for a container neck comprises a shell and a fitment. The fitment comprises a body and engagement means that extend radially outwardly from the body and releasably retain the fitment within the shell. During application of the closure to the container neck, the engagement means is forced from an extended condition into a retracted condition to release the fitment from the shell, and the fitment is inserted into the container neck into an operative position.

Abstract: A container cap assembly provides a tamper-evident component for detecting cap integrity on a container includes one or more elongate bridges connecting a tamper-evident ring to a cap. The cap assembly also provides radially-extending links on the cap and the tamper-evident ring to help protect the integrity of the bridges as the cap assembly is applied to a container.

Abstract: A multipart cover made of paper material and including a base body having a cover plate and a circumferential cover collar extending from the cover plate, wherein the cover collar, in a condition where same is placed onto a vessel to be closed, surrounds an upper rim of a vessel to be closed, and a reinforcement ring surrounds the cover collar at least sectionally on the radially exterior side of the cover collar. The cover collar includes at least one bead encircling the cover collar in the circumferential direction, and when viewed in the elevation direction the bead is disposed at a constant distance from the cover plate.

Abstract: A tap lock has an engagement member, a barrier member, and a retainer member that extends between the engagement member and the barrier member and that retains the engagement member at a fixed position relative to the barrier member. The engagement member removably attaches to a support structure of a tap dispensing closure of a container body. The barrier member is disposed proximate an outlet passage and valve member of the tap dispensing closure. The barrier member limits movement of the valve member from a closed position toward an open position to prevent leakage of material from the outlet passage.

Abstract: There is shown in embodiments of a closure mechanism configured to fit over the top of the can and prevent access. The closure mechanism is a child resistant senior friendly mechanism that can be opened and removed by the senior when access to the can is desired. The closure mechanism is designed for a single use as once removed it will no longer prevent access of the top of the can.

Abstract: A closure element for a mixing container of a blender, which comprises a pouring area for ingredients, the pouring area having an outlet opening into the underlying container of the blender, and comprises a measuring area which is disposed next to or under the pouring area and is separated from the pouring area.

Abstract: A container assembly configured to maintain a predetermined humidity for storing a product therein. The container assembly includes a container having a body with a body wall and a mouth opening into a storage cavity and a cap having a top wall. The cap is selectively mountable over the mouth of the container to substantially enclose the storage cavity in a mounted configuration. A sidewall extends substantially perpendicularly from one of the body wall and the top wall. The sidewall defines an opening and a compartment and has an opening edge adjacent the opening. A moisture control material is positioned within the compartment. A sealing membrane has a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is secured to the sidewall proximate the opening edge. The sealing membrane is configured to allow moisture flow therethrough to maintain the predetermined humidity in the storage cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container cover (1) for use in cooperation with a container (100), wherein the container (100) comprises a bottom (4) and side plates (2), the container cover (1) has four corners (10), each of which is provided with a position limiting protrusion (11), and the position limiting protrusion (11) protrudes from an upper surface of the container cover (1) integrally; and at least one position limiting protrusion (11) is provided with a locking means (3), which is used to lock the container cover (1) and the container (100). The structure provides the locking means of the cover and a container body on a stacking limiting structure without occupying container space therebelow, and meanwhile, simple operation and good structural strength are achieved.

Abstract: A woven laminated plastic bag having an easy open feature is provided. The easy open feature is generally defined by a weakened portion in the bag. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from a woven polypropylene and/or polyethylene layer which can be laminated with a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag can also provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide a discrete area which may contain discrete graphics and/or printing.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a screen protector to a portable handheld electronic device or cell phone with a user facing surface comprises a mold having an outer surface matching a user facing surface. A stack of layers including the screen protector is disposed over the outer surface of the mold. A vacuum bag receives and surrounds the stack of layers disposed over the mold. The vacuum bag is sealed and evacuated of air. The screen protector is heated and/or cured while in the vacuum bag to shape the screen protector over the mold to have curved lateral edges matching curved lateral edges of the outer surface of the mold and the user facing surface of the display screen of the cell phone. The vacuum bag maintains the curved lateral edges of the screen protector against the curved lateral edges of the outer surface of the mold.

Abstract: The compression resistant package for wall and ceiling tile includes a first container having a box portion and a cover. An L-shaped corner protection member is provided inside the box portion at each of the tour corners of the box portion. Each of the L-shaped corner protection members have two intersecting legs that respectively extend alongside predetermined portions of the interior wall surfaces of the box portion. The corner protection members have a height that extends upwardly from the floor of the box portion to the height of the walls of the box portion. The corner protection members are formed of a compression resistant material that prevents any overlying containers from imposing pressure on a stack of tiles inside the first container when the stack height of the tiles inside the first container is less than the height of the corner protection members.

Abstract: A pouch or package (e.g., flexible package) having a containment compartment or chamber to securely seal and to segregate fine powders or other such products from another area of the package. A powder resistant sealable filter material is included between, or extending between edges of, opposing package panels. Water, or other liquids, can be added to the product through the material as this material allows liquid to pass through it to mix with the powder, but restricts passage of the powder back through.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a temperature controlled case. The temperature controlled case includes a base and a stepped portion protruding from an upper surface of the base, wherein the stepped portion has a rectangular shape having a major axis and a minor axis in top plan view, a height of the base is the same as a maximum height of the stepped portion protruding from the base, and maximum distances from an edge of the base to the stepped portion in the major axis and minor axis directions are the same as the height of the base or the maximum height of the stepped portion.

Abstract: A beverage container insulator is presented herein. The beverage container insulator can include a body. The body can define a cylinder and have an opening at a first end and a web closing a second end opposite the first end. An interior surface can be defined by the body and can be configured to receive a beverage container. An exterior surface can be defined by the body opposite to the interior surface. First and second apertures can be formed in the web arranged to mirror one another on opposite sides of an axis passing through a middle of the web.

Abstract: A magnetic object holder is a device for releasably attaching an object to a ferromagnetic surface. The device can include an insulated flexible sleeve defining an interior space in which the object is removably receivable. The sleeve grips the object in an interference fit when the object is received in the interior space. One or more magnets secured to a portion of the sleeve enables the sleeve to be releasably attached to the ferromagnetic surface while the object is received in the interior space.

Abstract: An ejection tray is provided for use in combination with a medication container including a medication-containing cell. The tray includes a frame configured to receive at least a portion of the medication container. An actuator is movably associated with the frame to eject the medication from the cell. A switch is associated with the frame and configured to change from a first state to a second state upon the actuator being moved to eject the medication from the cell. A host processor is associated with the frame and is electrically coupled or selectively coupled to the switch. The host processor is programmed to detect a change in the state of the switch.

Abstract: A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance for preparing a liquid product, e.g., coffee, by means of liquid and/or steam introduced into the cartridge (10). The cartridge comprises a body (14) containing the aforesaid dose (12), with a bottom wall (142), through which the liquid product is able to flow out of the cartridge (10), and a cover (16) that closes the body of the cartridge (10) at the end of the body opposite to the bottom wall (142). The body (14) comprises a crushed-plant-fibre material (e.g., with a base of rice husk), which may also be used for producing the cover. Alternatively, the cover (16) may be made of paper material (e.g., filter paper). The body (14) and the cover (16) are connected together via purely mechanical connection, it thus being possible to avoid gluing or welding.

Abstract: A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance, for example, ground coffee, for preparing a liquid product using liquid and/or steam introduced into the cartridge (10) comprises a body (14) with a bottom wall (142) and a cover (16) for closing the body (14) of the cartridge (10) in a position opposite to the bottom wall (142). The cover (16) is coupled to the body (14) via a coupling element, such as, for example, the mouth part (144) of the body or a lock ring (148) that undergoes shape variation under the action of said liquid and/or steam, thus causing release of the coupling between the cover (16) and the body (14) of the cartridge (10). The coupling element (144, 148) comprises, for example, compostable material that can undergo post-crystallization under the action of heat, which has not been subjected to post-crystallization in the cartridge (10) prior to use.

Abstract: A collapsible frame for a liquid holding tank is provided. The frame has orthogonal upper and lower rails spaced by vertical struts. The upper and lower rails have hinges at each corner thereof and orthogonally aligned hinges at midpoints and quarterpoints of two opposed sides thereof. The frame can be expanded or collapsed between a fully expanded and a fully collapsed condition by operation of the midpoint hinges and corner hinges. The frame can be expanded or collapsed between a fully expanded and a semi-expanded condition by operation of either the quarterpoint and corner hinges or the midpoint, quarterpoint, and corner hinges. The fully collapsed condition is primarily designed for storage, the semi-expanded condition allows the size of the tank to be reduced to accommodate site constraints, and the fully expanded condition maximizes the tank's liquid storage capacity.

Abstract: The apparatus is a grappling device that allows multiple trash bins or material movers to be linked together so that all can be moved simultaneously to the curb and removed after emptying. The apparatus is a removable connector that is coupled to a vehicle at one end and engages a handle of a bin or suitable material mover at the other. Additional refuse/recycle bins can be linked into the train configuration with robust tie-downs, such as bungee cords, EPDM Trucker's cords, and the like.

Abstract: A picking rack is provided, including a frame having at least one inclined pallet. The inclined pallet includes a pair of fork plates for picking up goods and a blocking mechanism for fixing loaded goods to the inclined pallet. Therefore, the labor cost of picking up goods is reduced, and the goods picking up efficiency is increased.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing efficiencies of dense pallet storage systems are described. For example, this document describes systems and methods for enhancing efficiencies of dense pallet storage systems by arranging pallet flow racking to define a high variety of lane lengths and non-orthogonal aisles.

Abstract: A temporary storage system includes a travel rail having first rails and second rails, the first rails and the second rails being disposed in a grid pattern on a same plane and disposed to surround a transfer port for receiving an article in a two-dimensional view; a vehicle having a travel part and a transfer part including an elevator; and storages each configured to store the article, in which the travel rail is disposed such that the vehicle is accessible to a stop position where the transfer part is disposed immediately above the transfer port from a side with the storage for the transfer port and the vehicle is accessible to another stop position where the transfer part is disposed immediately above the storage.

Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern can include a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. The load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load-handling device includes a container-receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container-receiving space. The load handling device has a footprint that, in use, occupies only a single grid space in the storage system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a plurality of conveyor segments that define a movement path that has a closed shape, and at least one actuator that can move inventory storage containers along the movement path. Each actuator has a roller having a cylindrical body that has a first end, a second end that are offset from the first end along a central axis, and a cylindrical outer surface that extends from the first end to the second end. Each actuator has a helical track disposed around the cylindrical outer surface in a helical pattern. Further, each actuator has at least one track follower that can ride along the helical track when the roller is rotated about the central axis so as to move the inventory storage containers along an axial direction that is substantially parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: A method for queuing robots destined for one or more processing stations in an environment includes determining when each robot of a plurality of robots destined for the one or more processing stations have entered a predefined target zone proximate the one or more processing stations. The method also includes assigning each of the robots to one of a plurality of queue positions based on an assigned priority and directing each of the robots from its assigned queue position to a processing position of one of the processing stations. Each of the processing stations includes at least two processing positions for a like number of robots to occupy for processing by an operator.

Abstract: A warehouse management system is configured to include a biometric processing engine to authenticate a user though facial recognition of the user, a natural language processing engine to enables touchless interaction of the user with the system, a voice synthesizer to execute synthesized voice interrogative prompts and respond to responses received from the user, and a quantity detection engine for capturing images of transaction articles and feeding to an artificial image quantization engine (AIQE) for extracting quantities from the captured images and to an artificial image self-learning engine (AISLE) for self-learning of the AIQE.

Abstract: An automated warehouse system can include automated pallet movers, a physical space in which the automated pallet movers operate, and a control system to provide commands to each of the automated pallet movers for operating in the physical space. The commands can include a pallet transportation command including a pallet identifier of a pallet to be transported by the automated pallet mover in the physical space, and a destination location to which the pallet is to be transported by the automated pallet mover. The commands can also include a control algorithm command that specifies a control algorithm for moving through the physical space. The automated pallet mover can be configured to transport the pallet to the destination location according to a route resulting from performance of the control algorithm, while other automated pallet movers concurrently transport other pallets to other destination locations.

Abstract: A storage system for storing product items includes a grid structure, a number of storage bins configured to be stored in vertical compartments in the grid structure, and a picking and/or supply station. Each storage bin is configured to contain at least one product item. The storage system further includes a conveyor system configured to convey a storage bin from a first position to a second position and further to a third position, where the conveyor system includes a first, tillable conveyor configured to convey the storage bin from the first position to the third position via the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller testing device for a roller adapter of an overhead conveyor system comprising a drive unit for rotatably driving at least one carrying roller of the roller adapter, a sensor unit for capturing a measured value correlating with a state of wear of a pivot bearing of the at least one carrying roller and an evaluation unit for determining the state of wear on the basis of the measured value.

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 conveyor roller turn for establishing a curved path for a conveyor chain includes a frame supporting a rail defining a curved conveyor path, and a roller body supported rotatably on the frame along the curved conveyor path. The roller body has an outside surface positioned to provide horizontal support to the conveyor drive chain. At least one bearing supports the roller body on the frame, the at least one bearing including: a plurality of ceramic rolling elements, an inner race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial inner side of the bearing, an outer race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial outer side of the bearing, and tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant on the ceramic rolling elements.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus comprising an elongated endless flexible conveyor belt having a moulded ridged conformation on its inner surface mounted between a drive roller drum and a take up roller drum, two elongated conveyor side plates and a plurality of idle conveyor rollers, wherein the diameter of the drive roller drum and the take up roller drum is uniform throughout their length.

Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A modular conveying assembly includes active roller control for reducing backline pressure without product to product contact when accumulating products. Methods are discussed for manipulating objects by a bump-through indexing operation, a slug-control indexing operation, a catch-and-release indexing operation, box or case turning operations, and zero-pressure accumulation operations.

Abstract: A processing system including a singulation system is disclosed. The singulation system includes a conveying system for moving objects to be sorted from a source area along a first direction, a detection system for detecting objects at the conveying system, and for selecting certain selected objects for removal from the conveying system, and a removal system for removing the certain selected objects from the conveying system for providing a singulated stream of objects.

Abstract: A processing system including a singulation system is disclosed. The singulation system includes a conveying system for moving objects to be sorted from a source area along a first direction, a detection system for detecting objects at the conveying system, and for selecting certain selected objects for removal from the conveying system, and a removal system for removing the certain selected objects from the conveying system for providing a singulated stream of objects.

Abstract: In one aspect, a transfer guard member having a body for being positioned in a gap intermediate conveying surfaces, an upper portion of the body for spanning the gap and outer portions of the upper body for slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces, and a pair of spaced, resilient legs having distal end portions for resiliently and slidingly engaging the conveying surfaces. In another aspect, a transfer guard member having a body and at least one attachment member of the body configured for being detachably fixed to a mounting bar. The body has at least one recess adjacent the attachment member for receiving at least one attachment member of another transfer guard member fixed to the mounting bar so that upper transfer surfaces of the attachment members are adjacent one another.

Abstract: A conveyor that includes a conveyor frame, a first guide rail assembly, a divert unit having a switch assembly, and an alignment key is described. In this regard, the first guide rail assembly is positioned on a first portion of the conveyor frame such that rails of the first guide rail assembly extends along a length of the conveyor. In some examples, the first guide rail includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail positioned parallel to the first guide rail. Further, the first guide rail defines a groove along a length of the first guide rail assembly. Furthermore, according to some examples, the switch assembly defines a key slot. The key slot is adapted to enable the alignment key to pass through the key slot and further into the groove of the first guide rail, thereby, aligning the switch assembly on the first guide rail.

Abstract: A workstation includes a housing and a pneumatic tube port sized and shaped to connect to tubing of a pneumatic tube delivery system. The workstation includes a carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism coupling to the pneumatic tube port and having an outlet and a slide plate movable from a position opening the outlet to a position closing the outlet. The carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism further including a dispatch arm for loading an outbound carrier for transportation from the workstation through the pneumatic tube delivery system to a further workstation. The workstation further comprises an equipment storage compartment adjacent to the carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism and a bin at the bottom of the housing sized and shaped to receive and store the inbound carriers in combination with a user interface cabinet housing a user interface apparatus and a space for supporting stored carriers.

Abstract: A pneumatic delivery capsule usable in a pneumatic delivery tube has a tubular side wall extending along and centered on a longitudinal axis, respective capsule heads fixed to respective axially opposite ends of the tubular side wall and dimensioned to slide with the tubular side wall inside the pneumatic delivery tube, and two axially spaced roller bearings each having an outer race fixed to the tubular side wall and an inner race. An insert is fixed to and extends longitudinally between the inner races for receiving an object to be transported. This insert is rotatable on the bearings in the tubular side wall about the longitudinal axis of the tubular side wall with a center of gravity of the insert together with the object to be transported being radially outward of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for temporary storage of granular material in a receiver having a horizontally elongated chamber within a housing, the chamber having a convex triangular cross-section and a dump flap defining a bottom vertex of the triangular cross-section, with a horizontal air/vacuum resin material inlet connecting to the chamber, and a horizontal air/vacuum outlet leading from and connected to the chamber.

Abstract: Features for loading, transporting and unloading of items are disclosed. Systems, devices and methods for such operations using a tray are described. In some embodiments, a tray having a moveable bottom allows for switching between a configuration for loading and unloading items in and out of the tray and a configuration for transportation of items inside the tray. The trays may also be stacked, for transportation of multiple trays at once, and nested, for saving space when storing the trays. In some embodiments, the trays may be used in conjunction with loading and unloading systems.