Abstract: A system for automatic reordering of replenishment stock is described herein. The system generally comprises a storage bin defining a first compartment and a second compartment in proximity to the first compartment where the storage bin is configured to store a predetermined product. A cover assembly may normally restrict access to the second compartment. When the product is exhausted from the first compartment, opening the cover assembly to access the product in the second compartment may trigger a sensor in proximity to the second compartment. This triggering causes the sensor to wirelessly transmit a signal to a processor to reorder a quantity of the product.

Abstract: A laser sample chamber for deep space exploration includes a sample chamber base and a sample chamber top cover. The sample chamber base is a hollow cylinder with bottom end being sealed and top end being open, and an internal cavity in the hollow cylinder is provided for receiving sample plates; and a body of the sample chamber top cover is a hollow cylinder with a top end being sealed and a bottom end being open, and the body consists of a plurality of components which comprise a hollow annulus positioned at a middle of the sample chamber top cover, a circular viewing window positioned at an opening at a top end of the hollow annulus, and a threaded port positioned at an opening at a bottom end of the hollow annulus and protruding outward.

Abstract: A securing device (10) for securing a first object (320) relative to a second object (322) includes a device body (12) having a cross-sectional area, and which is formed from a material so that the device body (12) exhibits elongation of between six hundred percent and eight hundred percent. A ratio of the elongation (in percent) to the cross-sectional area (in square millimeters) is between approximately 5:1 and 10:1. The device body (12) is also formed from the material so that the device body (12) exhibits a tensile strength of between four thousand five hundred kPa and nine thousand three hundred kPa. A ratio of the tensile strength (in kPa) to the cross-sectional area (in square millimeters) is between approximately 50:1 and 85:1. The material that forms the device body (12) has an average kinetic coefficient of friction of between approximately 1.35 and 1.60 relative to itself. The material that forms the device body (12) can include thermoplastic elastomers, and can further include styrene.

Abstract: A composite package (100) comprises a plurality of primary packages (102) which are gathered into at least one secondary package (106) that comprises an envelope (104) about at least some of said primary packages (102), and a handle (108), and is characterized in that the handle (108) is mobile between a retracted first position substantially enclosed within said composite package (100), and an extracted second position projecting at least partially from said composite package (100).

Abstract: Contact lens packaging (2) includes two or more individual, sealed blister packs (1) coupled together by a connecting label (5), which includes a uni-axial shear polymer film (6). The connecting label (5) is arranged and oriented such that the tear direction of the polymer film (6) is parallel to a line (A) bisecting adjacent blister packs (1). Methods of binding together two or more blister packs (1) are also described.

Abstract: A multi-compartment package for dispensing plural items is disclosed. The package includes plural individual sealed compartment units which are releasably secured to each other. Each compartment unit includes a flanged base from which a chamber depends. The chamber holds an item to be dispensed and is surrounded by a flange. A closure member, in the form of a respective portion of a frangible cover sheet, is adhesively secured to the flange of each compartment unit. Each closure member includes plural tamper-evident cuts therein located adjacent respective corners of the closure member to initiate a tear upon attempted removal of the closure member from the flange of its associated compartment unit.

Abstract: Provided is a spouted pouch capable of improving the ability to suspend pouring liquid contents, the ease of adjusting a pouring force, and the ease of repouring. In the spouted pouch (10), a pouch body (20) has flow path control seal portions (22) formed on both left and right sides across an imaginary line A inside the outer edge seal portion (21). Assuming that a thickness dimension of the spout attachment base portion (31a) is taken as X, length dimension from the spout attachment base portion (31a) to the action point portion (22a) of flow path control seal portions (22) is taken as L, and a width dimension between the action point portions (22a) is taken as W, the thickness dimension X, the length dimension L, and the width dimension W are set so as to satisfy relationships of W/X=1.2 to 2.0 and L/X=0.3 to 1.5.

Abstract: A medication packaging and dispensing system is provided. The system may include a plurality of medication booklets containing medication and a tray that is configured to retain the medication booklets. Each medication booklet may include a sequential tab assembly of pull tabs that aligns with a plurality of front cutouts and a plurality of back cutouts. This alignment configuration facilitates dispensing the medication from the medication booklet. The tray may include a riser that extends from a bottom wall of the tray at an oblique angle, and a first guide panel including a plurality of linear stops. The oblique angle may correspond to a pitch of the first guide panel. The riser and the plurality of linear stops may cooperate to maintain the medication booklets in a staggered configuration that is substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the tray. The system may further include a container for retaining the tray.

Abstract: This sheet package includes a sheet roll obtained by winding a sheet on a cylindrical core in the circumferential direction thereof; and a packaging bag that stores the sheet roll, wherein at least one end surface, in the roll width direction, of the sheet roll faces the top surface of the packaging bag, the cylindrical core has an opening in which the end edge of the sheet roll on one end surface side is opened, and a first slit is formed on the top surface so as to overlap the opening of the cylindrical core.

Abstract: A packing material including a plurality of discrete cushioning elements and methods for making the same. The discrete cushioning elements may be cellulosic cushioning elements. A flexible linkage may connect the plurality of discrete cushioning elements in the packing material. The packing material may also include a bottom cellulosic sheet connected to a top cellulosic sheet with the plurality of cellulosic cushioning elements positioned between the top cellulosic sheet and the bottom cellulosic sheet. The packing material may also be a molded packing material that includes bonds comprising adhesive and cellulosic fibers. The adhesive and cellulosic fibers of the bonds may be dispersed between the folds of each of the cellulosic cushioning elements.

Abstract: A corner post assembly including at least a corrugated corner post, having a portion of material having a post vertex; a first corner post leg having one or more alternating post ridges and post grooves and extending from the post vertex; a second corner post leg having one or more alternating post ridges and post grooves and extending from the post vertex; a brace element, having a portion of material having a brace vertex; a first brace leg having one or more alternating brace ridges and brace grooves extending from the brace vertex; a second brace leg having one or more alternating brace ridges and brace grooves extending from the brace vertex and having one or more alternating brace end ridges and brace end grooves formed in a first brace terminal end and a second brace terminal end of the first brace leg and the second brace leg.

Abstract: A method for treating open cut edges of a packaging sleeve, blank or web material of a packaging material rolled up into a roll, in particular a composite cardboard/plastics material, by applying or introducing a disinfectant-containing treatment agent to or into the outer region of the cut edges. To provide a particularly resource-efficient composite packaging and a production method required for this purpose, it is proposed that at least some of the treatment agent is not applied directly to the cut edges, but that a load carrier is loaded, which load carrier absorbs the treatment agent so that an actively sterilising atmosphere which is created then acts on the open cut edges of the packaging sleeve, blank or web material and performs the desired sterilisation. The invention also relates to a packaging material, to a combipack produced therefrom and to a container for receiving the packaging material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a humidity control device having a capsule and a humidity control agent arranged within the capsule. The capsule may have a sidewall arranged between a pair of end portions, and at least one end portion may be an endcap coupled to the sidewall. Further, the capsule may have at least one vapor permeable and liquid impermeable surface. The humidity control device may be configured to control relative humidity within an enclosure to a particular level or to within a particular range. The humidity device may be sized and configured to control humidity within a relatively small and/or uniquely shaped enclosure, such as a container for a single cigar or rolled cannabis product, for example.

Abstract: A container for heating a food product. The container comprises a base layer of material and a liner releasably attached to an inner surface of the base layer. The liner is separable from the base layer after heating the container. The container comprises a bottom panel, and end panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a corner panel foldably connected to the bottom panel. The corner panel extends between the end panel and the side panel.

Abstract: A thermal insulation article includes a thermally insulating pad shaped to be positioned in a cavity of a rectangular prism shipping container. The pad includes a solid compostable panel formed primarily of starch and/or plant fiber pulp that holds together as a single unit, and a water-proof or water-resistant film forming a pocket enclosing the panel. The panel includes a first section, a second section, and a third section connecting the first section to the second section, the first and second section each having a central portion and two flaps that extend from the central portion beyond the third section, and wherein the panel is foldable into an open box.

Abstract: An insulated bag reduces heat exchange between temperature-sensitive items and ambient surroundings. The insulated bag has a bag body which can be covered by a bag lid. The bag lid is provided with a first portion of a securing element. The insulated bag is suitable for insertion into an item space of a mobile delivery robot. The mobile robot has a robot lid provided with a complementary second portion of the securing element. After the insulated bag is inserted into the item space, the two portions of the securing element are connected. Thereafter, when the robot lid is opened, the bag lid is also opened, permitting access to its contents.

Abstract: A kit for dispensing disposable stethoscope covers and other instrument covers is provided. The kit may include a cartridge and a dispenser for automatic touch-free dispensing of disposable stethoscope covers. The kit further includes a first spool having a roll of backing member with disposable stethoscope covers disposed thereon and a second spool for receiving the spent backing member after a disposable stethoscope cover has been removed, self-contained within the cartridge. The cartridge is inserted within the dispenser so that a user may insert a stethoscope head through a window of the dispenser to attach to a disposable stethoscope cover. Alternatively, the cartridge or cassette may be comprised of disposable instrument covers so that a user may insert the instrument near or through the window of the dispenser for application of the instrument cover directly to the instrument. The kit may further include a proximity sensor for detecting a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a valve for dispensing flowable product from a container under pressure, the valve comprising a stem, a seal coupled to the stem, and a mounting cup configured to mount the valve to the container, wherein each of the stem, seal, and mounting cup comprises a recyclable plastic, and wherein the valve is free from a gasket configured to surround an opening of the container to form a seal between the valve and the container. Also provided herein is a container for dispensing a flowable product under pressure comprising the valve as described above.

Abstract: A pressure control device for pressure packaging based on a disc with fluid connection and a collecting basin, with associated closing means. The closing mechanism in the pressure control device is no longer based on a cylinder with a central opening in the separation wall and closing-off of the opening by means of a piston with stem. The proposal is extremely simple, compact and easy to assemble. The use of O-rings is superfluous. A method for manufacturing a pressure control system and a kit of parts for the assembly thereof.

Abstract: A silo system includes a storage chamber, an intake pathway associated with the chamber, and a discharge pathway associated with the chamber. The system further includes one or more material sensors associated with the chamber, a plurality of actuators, and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the one or more material sensors and to the one or more actuators. The plurality of actuators enable a deposit of additional material from a transport container into the chamber through the intake pathway at least partially simultaneous with a discharge of material from the chamber through the discharge pathway into an operational silo. The material sensors provide indications of the amount of bulk material in the chamber and the controller is configured to control the one or more actuators in response to sensor data from the one or more material sensors to provide for deposit of material simultaneous with discharge of material.

Abstract: A conveying system for conveying a conveyable material from a hopper where the system includes a fluid port located below the hopper outlet and in a vertical flow path into hopper outlet that can be momentarily opened for an on the go release of a charge of compressed air directly upward into the hopper outlet and into the underside of the bridge in the hopper to either disintegrate or unlock the bridged particles from each other thereby causing the bridged material to fall into the hopper outlet and into the conveying system where the material can be transported to a remote location or to remove any material that may be adhering to the wall during an emptying phase.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a modular container, including: six sides, wherein: each side of the six sides of the modular container comprises at least four surface connectors, each surface connector of the at least four surface connectors comprises at least two connector elements, at least one connector element of the at least two connector elements is of a first type, and at least one connector element of the at least two connector elements is of a second type; and an access door in at least one side of the six sides.

Abstract: A container door opening system for assisting in the opening and closing of rusted tight or stuck hinges on intermodal container doors. The container door opening system generally includes an elongated member having a movably first engaging member and a fixed second engaging member. The first engaging member is movable both towards and away from the second engaging member so as to adjust the effective distance between the engaging members. A bias member is connected to the first engaging member so as to bias the first engaging member away from the second engaging member. The first engaging member may be engaged with a first anchor point on a container door and the second engaging member may be engaged with a second anchor point on the container door. The elongated member may then be pivoted away from the door to open it or towards the door to close it.

Abstract: An air flowing garbage can assembly for includes a garbage can that has a garbage bag being removably positioned therein to store garbage. The garbage can has a plurality of air holes integrated into the garbage can to pass air into an interior of the garbage can. A plurality of conduits is each coupled to the garbage can and each of the conduits is positioned in an interior of the garbage can. Each of the conduits is in fluid communication with a respective one of the air holes in the garbage can. In this way each of the conduits ventilates the interior of the garbage can when the garbage bag is removed from the garbage can thereby inhibiting a vacuum from forming in the garbage can.

Abstract: The Spill Proof Substance Disposal System (95) allows for the storage and removal of liquid (e.g. oils) and semi-liquid substances (e.g. greases) (“stored substances””) being transported in a transfer vessel (90). The Spill Proof Substance Disposal System (95) is vandal and theft proof. The Spill Proof Substance Disposal System (95) provides for a quick and efficient way to store and to remove the stored substances. The Spill Proof Substance Disposal System (95) comprises a container (100), a cradle (200), a hinge (300), and a screen (400). The Spill Proof Substance Disposal System (95) may additionally include a cover (500). The Spill Proof Substance Disposal System (95) may additionally include a lock (600). The Spill Proof Substance Disposal System (95) may further comprise a fast substance removal system (700).

Abstract: A device whose purpose is to hold a lawn trash bag upright and open for easy fill up with leaves, lawn clippings, recyclables, or any yard or beach debris and clean up. It holds up to a 55 gallon capacity. It is constructed of heavy, durable plastic yet is light weight and easy to manage. It consists of four interlocking pieces to assemble for use and disassemble for storage.

Abstract: A refuse container lifter is provided that comprises a base, a cross member, and first and second side plates; first and second masts connected on a first end to the first and second side plates, respectively; a first piston/cylinder actuator having first and second ends associated with each of the first and second masts for moving the masts between first and second positions; a cross bar rotatably mounted between the first and second masts at the second end of each mast and having a crank arm associated therewith; a second piston/cylinder actuator having first and second ends associated with each of the first and second masts for rotating the cross bar; first and second spaced-apart forks rigidly mounted to the cross bar and configured to be received in fork pockets of commercial refuse collection containers; and a residential refuse cart lifter secured to the cross member of the base at a position intermediate the first and second forks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a plurality of conveyor segments that define a movement path that is elongate along a longitudinal direction from a first end of the storage to a second end of the module. The module has a plurality of container carriers that are supported by the conveyor segments. Each container carrier supports at least one inventory storage container that supports at least one inventory item therein. The storage module can transfer the container carriers around the movement path until a desired one of the container carriers is presented at one of the first and second module ends. In another embodiment, a plurality of instances of the storage module are arranged in a vertical stack of independently controllable storage modules.

Abstract: A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, where the plurality of storage bins being in communication with a retrieval conveyance system, a programmable motion device in communication with the retrieval conveyance system for receiving the storage bins from the plurality of bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and is adapted for movement of the programmable motion device along a first direction, and a plurality of destination bins that are provided in at least one linear arrangement along the first direction of movement of the programmable motion device.

Abstract: A system for pickup of assembled grocery orders is described herein. The system includes a drive-through lane, a check-in unit associated with the drive through lane, a cashier workstation, an assembly line system configured to deliver grocery items to the cashier workstation, and a computing system. The computer system includes a processor programmed to operate the assembly line system to deliver grocery items to the cashier workstation by receiving first information from a main assembly line scanning device indicating the grocery items being transported by a main assembly line, receiving second information from the workstation scanning device indicating a corresponding grocery item included in a grocery order is adjacent to the cashier workstation, and displaying a notification message on a monitor display screen indicating the corresponding grocery item is adjacent to the cashier workstation.

Abstract: An underground water storage system has a system for preventing water invasion into the near surface soil layers, thereby preventing water intrusion which may be detrimental to desired surface uses for the land, such as agricultural, recreational, residential or commercial uses.

Abstract: This invention provides an idler for use in conveyor systems and associated shaft and support structure that reduces the potential for infiltration of contaminants into the bearing assemblies at the opposing ends of the shaft. By use of stampings, co-molded polymer with sealed metal end caps, press-fit end shafts and stamped-metal support structures a more contamination-resistant and efficiently constructed idler assembly is provided. A hollow shaft center section can be used. The polymer defines at least three sealing structures. The shaft defines a multi-piece unit, with the end shafts press-fit onto the center shaft section and held in place by the bearing subassemblies—affixed to the idler sleeve. The support framework includes three stamped and/or cut, and folded sheet metal pieces—a center section with a pair of opposing central risers that engage end shafts, and two opposing, separately attached, end risers, that engage outermost idler end shafts.

Abstract: The present application discloses a display panel conveying system and a conveying method. The display panel conveying system includes a cassette, a console, a crane, and a movable cassette conveying device, where the console has at least two sets.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (14) for adapting a guide width (B) of a conveying device (12) for conveying containers for a container treatment installation. The apparatus (14) includes a longitudinally movable and pliable adjusting element (24), a guide element (20) for guiding the containers along a conveying direction (F) and a transmission device (26). For the adaptation of the guide width (B), the transmission device (26) is configured to convert a longitudinal movement, preferably a pushing and/or pulling movement, of the adjusting element (24) into a movement of the guide element (20) transversely with respect to the conveying direction (F). The pliability of the adjusting element (24) can make use possible even in curved regions of the conveying device (12). The adjusting element (24) can also be designed in a simple and cost-effective manner, for example in the form of a cable.

Abstract: A standardized modular drive assembly includes: a gear unit module, which includes a gear unit mounted on a gear unit base plate, the gear unit having an output shaft which is adapted to be coupled with a conveyor device pulley shaft; and a motor module, which includes an electric motor mounted on a motor base plate, the motor base plate being able to be joined and connected to the gear unit base plate in an exchangeable manner, and the motor module having a torque link which is adapted to be coupled with a conveyor device support structure.

Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor system including detectable markers disposed in a series on a moving component of the conveyor system. A stationary sensor disposed in close proximity to the markers generates a signal when the moving component is in a first range of motion to dispose the markers proximal to the sensor, and the sensor either fails to generate a signal when the moving component is not within the first range of motion. The sensor signal causes a current conditioning device to condition current from a current source to operate a motor to power the conveyor tray at a first rate of acceleration in a first mode, and the lack of the signal causes the current conditioning device to operate the motor to power the conveyor tray at a second rate of acceleration in a second mode. Markers may be positionable to optimize the timing of the current modes.

Abstract: The turntable turnable about the table turning axis and the turning hooks mounted on the turntable turnably about the hook turning axes separated from the table turning axis are provided. By transmitting the turning of the turntable to the turning hooks, the pallet is conveyed by the engaging rollers provided on the turning hooks. Particularly, the turning hooks displace the engaging rollers in the pull-out direction by turning about the hook turning axes with respect to the turntable in the direction opposite to the turning direction of the turntable while turning about the table turning axis together with the turntable. Thus, the engaging rollers move along paths relatively close to straight lines. In this way, the pallet can be conveyed while the engaging rollers engaged with the pallet are moved along the paths close to the straight lines.

Abstract: A method for configuring a control unit in a conveyor, wherein a control unit controls one or more conveyor segments comprising a conveyor drive in signal communication with the control unit via a motor connection socket, and a sensor for detecting an object at a position within the conveyor segment. The conveyor is in signal communication with the control unit via a sensor connection socket. The control unit self-configures itself by: (i) activating a configuration mode in the control unit, (ii) receiving a signal from each motor connection socket or sensor connection socket, (iii) comparing the received signal(s) with a comparative value stored in the control unit, and (iv) determining whether a conveyor drive or a sensor is connected to a motor connection socket or a sensor connection socket of the control unit, respectively, based on the comparison of the signal(s) with the comparative value.

Abstract: In a food conveyor system configured to drive a conveyor belt in one direction to direct food material for further processing and drive the conveyor belt in a reverse direction upon the sensing of metal in the food material, the conveyor belt is cleaned by one or more belt cleaners including scrapers which are automatically angularly repositioned upon the changing of the drive direction of the conveyor belt, with the angular movement being limited to acute angles relative to the vertical. The belt cleaners are mounted through linkage assemblies for ease of cleaning and replacement. The food conveyor system also employs one or more chute members for directing the food material, with the one or more chute members being mounted through a quick release connection employing keyhole slots upon flexing of the chute member(s).

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: The invention relates to a system and a method configured to orient a plurality of studs into one and the same curvature based orientation. The system comprises a conveyor (108; 105) having a feeding direction and being arranged to receive a stud (200A, 200B) being oriented with its longitudinal extension in a direction transverse to the feeding direction. The system further comprises a sensor arrangement (160) configured to measure the curvature of the stud (200A, 200B) as seen along its longitudinal extension and as seen in a major plane of the conveyor (108; 105). Additionally, the system comprises a turning arrangement (170) configured to turn the stud (200A, 200B) 180 degrees around its longitudinal extension.

Abstract: A transfer device, for transferring components at high speed and inspecting the components, includes a first transfer mechanism including a first transfer section including a first transfer surface that moves along a first transfer path connecting a loading position to a delivery position, and a second transfer mechanism including a second transfer section that moves along a second transfer path connecting a receiving position spaced from the delivery position by a first distance to a discharging position. The second transfer section includes a second transfer surface that continuously rotates about a rotation axis along the second transfer path. A moving direction of the first transfer surface at the delivery position intersects a moving direction of the second transfer surface at the receiving position in a plan view of the first transfer surface. The second transfer mechanism includes a generator that generates an attraction force toward the second transfer surface.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus includes a first pop-up belt abutting a first cam. The first pop-up belt is configured to facilitate movement of a package between a first conveyor and a second conveyor. a separator wall abuts a second cam. The separator wall is configured to control movement of the package between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. In response to the camshaft rotating in a first direction, the first cam causes the first pop-up belt to extend out from the first conveyor. The second cam causes the separator wall to move to a first position. I in the first position, the separator wall allows the package to move from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. In response to the camshaft rotating in a second direction, the first pop-up belt move to a retracted position while the separator wall to move to a second position.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices including a robot apparatus with at least one lower arm configured to rotate about a first rotational axis and at least one upper arm rotatably coupled to the at least one lower arm at a second rotational axis that is spaced away from the first rotational axis. The robot apparatus further include a first end effector coupled to the upper arm. The robot apparatus further includes a second end effector coupled to the at least one upper arm. The robot apparatus is suitable for accommodating varying pitches between two adjacent processing chambers or between two adjacent load lock chambers. The robot apparatus may operate in dual substrate handling mode, single substrate handling mode, or a combination thereof. The robot apparatus may also be an off-axis robot.

Abstract: Tooling (100) for picking up two-dimensional workpieces comprises a main body (110) and a plurality of holding elements (131, 132) arranged on the main body (110), wherein the holding elements (131, 132) are movable relative to the main body (110) independently of one another. Each of the holding elements (131, 132) is fastened in an end region of an arm (121.1 . . . 10, 122.1 . . . 10). The arms (121, 122) are movable passively relative to the main body (110) along a linear movement path in a longitudinal extension of each particular arm (121, 122). The tooling (100) comprises, for each of the arms (121, 122) a fixing apparatus, by means of which a position of each particular arm (121, 122) along the movement path is fixable. On account of its passive character, the tooling (100) according to the invention is lightweight and can be produced cost-effectively.

Abstract: A vision-assisted robotized depalletizer receives at a pallet station a pallet loaded with products and outputs on a conveyor unitized products aligned in a desired orientation. Such depalletizers include a vision system having one or more image acquisition sensors that are positioned relative to the pallet station so as to have a field of view covering a top portion of the pallet. The sensors send to a controller one or more image of the top portion of the pallet that the controller uses along to determine the position of each product in the top portion of the pallet. The depalletizer further includes a robot equipped with a depalletizing tool that is coupled to the vision system controller for receiving information indicative of the position of each product from the top portion and uses that information to pick and position on the output conveyor each product from the top portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of intelligent household appliances, and more particularly, to a method for controlling an article delivery device, the method including: detecting whether an article delivery device is in a wireless charging area, and charging the article delivery device according to a battery power of the article delivery device, controlling the article delivery device to be loaded according to a received user instruction and a target position after the battery power of the article delivery device reaches a set threshold value, and controlling the article delivery device to move to the target position after the article delivery device is loaded.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling loading dock equipment, such as in response to a trailer approaching and docking at a docking station, are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide scanning devices and scanning operations which assist with, for example, properly aligning a trailer at a docking station and/or checking an interior area in front of the dock door for obstructions. The systems and methods can also transmit messages between components of the system and/or to users of the system regarding the status of components of the systems and/or the status of the overall docking process.

Abstract: A system for preparing a dry process material includes a sealed container that holds and seals the dry process material therein and prevents airborne dust or particles from the dry process material from escaping the sealed container. Sealed processing equipment receives the dry process material from the sealed container and prevents the airborne dust or particles from escaping the sealed processing equipment. A sealed connection sealingly couples the sealed container to the sealed processing equipment and prevents the airborne dust or particles from escaping while transferring the dry process material. A sealed transfer conduit is sealingly coupled to and extends from the sealed processing equipment.

Abstract: Sheets are set on the top face of a lift plate. A lift mechanism makes a lift plate ascend and descend. A sheet feeding roller and a distance sensor are provided over the lift plate. The distance sensor measures a distance (measured distance) to a measurement target placed below. Based on the measured distance before the lift plate is raised, the controller calculates a remaining quantity value indicating a remaining quantity of sheets. When, after the lift plate starts to rise, the recognized measured distance becomes equal to or smaller than the upper limit distance, the controller makes the lift mechanism stop raising the lift plate.