Abstract: A binding machine including a feeding and tensioning device for feeding a binding element in the form of a wire or strap around a space, and a joining device for forming a joint between a first binding element section at the leading end of the binding element and a second binding element section at the trailing end of a piece of the binding element arranged in a loop in or around the space to thereby form a closed loop of this piece of the binding element. The feeding and tensioning device is configured to exert a tensile force on the binding element in order to subject the joint to a tensile test. During this test, a gripping arrangement is configured to keep the first binding element section secured in fixed position by engagement with a part of the first binding element section located between the joint and the leading end of the binding element.

Abstract: A system for transporting and depositing of piece goods, in particular detergent pods, comprising at least one transport conveyor with a transporting surface, for transporting of piece goods in a transport direction with a transport speed from a receiving location to a downstream located deposit station, said deposit station, for the receiving of the piece goods, provided with at least one area for receiving the piece goods, which area at least partly locates under the transport surface of the transport conveyor and extends under a receiving length in the transport direction of the transport conveyor, wherein a deposit location, where the transport conveyor deposits the piece goods in the area in the deposit station, is adjustable over the receiving length, a detector, for outputting a signal that indicates if at a certain moment piece goods can be deposited in the deposit station, wherein a controller for determining the deposit location depending on the detection signal, wherein the controller moves the dep

Abstract: Apparatus and method of manufacturing open-mouth bags, comprising a storage device with a supply of bag film, a control device for controlling, a conveying device for conveying the bag film and/or the bag body along a conveying path, a welding device with welding means for making a bottom seam in the bag film and a cutting device with a cutting means for separating a predetermined film length of the bag film to form the bag body of an open-mouth bag. The control device controls the conveying device so as to cause a relative motion of the bag body and the bag film and a distance between the bag body and the bag film is generated prior to making the bottom seam. The control device controls the conveying device and the welding means so that while welding the bottom seam the welding means extend at least up to the bottom end of the bag body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a deep-drawing apparatus for deep-drawing a continuously fed film web, an associated packaging machine, and a corresponding method. A cyclically sequenced forming station, which runs along from a start position to an end position and runs back from there to the start position is provided, wherein individual format plates are sequentially firstly connected up to a forming vacuum device and then with a following holding vacuum channel. The forming vacuum device is part of the cyclically moved forming station. The holding vacuum channel includes two interlocking telescopic channel portions, a first telescopic channel portion being part of the cyclically moved forming station, and a second telescopic channel portion being mounted statically relative to the fixed machine frame.

Abstract: A tape having a strip shape extending in a lengthwise direction and a widthwise direction includes: a subject surface located on the tape and exposed in a thickness direction; a first marker provided on the subject surface and being greater than the subject surface in reflectivity to light with a particular wavelength; and a second marker provided on the subject surface and being less than the subject surface in the reflectivity. At least a portion of the first marker and at least a portion of the second marker are identical to each other in position in the widthwise direction. At least a portion of one of the first marker and the second marker and at least a portion of another of the first marker and the second marker are different from each other in position in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A thin-walled plastic container for storing liquids having a pour spout on a top and a handle disposed at a point near the pour spout to a point on a front of the container. In preferred embodiments, ridges are formed into portions of the corners and edges of the container and container body to add structural support. The characteristics of the present invention allow for enhanced storage and display capability, easier product transport, and increased durability.

Abstract: A bottom-fill hydration bottle includes a main body having a valve assembly positioned along the bottom end. The valve assembly including an inlet opening, a valve, an outlet opening and a deflector. The deflector includes an input opening and at least one aperture that functions to discharge the received fluid in a direction that is different than the outlet opening of the valve. The hydration bottle includes a cap that is selectively coupled to the top of the main body. The cap includes a central spout having a bottom opening and an upper opening. A diffuser is positioned along the bottom opening of the spout. The diffuser including an output opening and at least one aperture that functions to receive fluid from the main body at an angle that is different from the bottom end of the spout.

Abstract: A paper container having a top portion (4) that is tightly closed by bonding together opposing surfaces of first top sealing panels (20) and opposing surfaces of second top sealing panels (22), and each of side panels (16) is folded along a first side panel folding line (26) and a second side panel folding line (27) to form a flap (35) having a substantially triangular shape. The top portion (4) is formed by folding down the flaps (35) onto right and left side surfaces of a tubular body (3) through mountain-folding along front-side top panel vertical folding lines (17), front-side top panel vertical folding lines (18), and front-side top sealing vertical folding lines (23), and through valley-folding along second top portion horizontal folding lines (15) and back-side top sealing vertical folding lines (24).

Abstract: A corrugated cardboard blank for making a collapsible container including one or more panels joined to a bottom panel. The bottom panel is divided into first and second sectional panels on opposing sides of an interface comprising perforated portions extending from a first pair of diagonally opposing corners of the bottom panel. Each perforated portion includes an inner end, wherein the inner ends of the perforated portions are longitudinally spaced from each other. First and second fold lines extend diagonally at least partially between a second pair of diagonally opposing corners of the bottom panel and respective perforated portions. A frangible central portion of the interface extends between the inner ends of the perforated portions, wherein a plurality of unbroken flutes of the corrugated material extend laterally across the central portion of the interface.

Abstract: A corrugated plastic box and a method for manufacturing a corrugated plastic box from a blank are provided. The method includes the steps of forming rounded edge seals on the perimeter edges of the blank, pre-sealing portions of the blank to form a plurality of areas in which major and minor flap slots and a glue tab are desired, ultrasonically scoring the blank to form a plurality of flap score lines, and cutting the blank through the plurality of pre-sealed flap slots and glue tab, leaving a sealed edge.

Abstract: A corrugated plastic box and a method for manufacturing a corrugated plastic box from a blank are provided. The method includes the steps of forming rounded edge seals on the perimeter edges of the blank, pre-sealing portions of the blank—including providing air vents to allow trapped air to escape during the pre-sealing process—to form a plurality of areas in which major and minor flap slots and a glue tab are desired, ultrasonically scoring the blank to form a plurality of flap score lines, and cutting the blank through the plurality of pre-sealed flap slots and glue tab, leaving a sealed edge.

Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The method includes forming a corner wall by folding a first pair of a plurality of reinforcing panels inwardly towards a respective side panel and into face-to-face contact with a second pair of the plurality of reinforcing panels, rotating the side panels and end panels to be substantially perpendicular to a bottom panel such that an interior surface of at least one reinforcing panel of the plurality of reinforcing panels is in contact with an interior surface of the first side panel, and coupling at least one other reinforcing panel of the plurality of reinforcing panels to one of the end panels to form the container.

Abstract: A tray formed from a blank of sheet material includes a bottom panel, a top panel, first and second side panels, and a locking band connected to the bottom panel at opposite upper and lower edges thereof. The locking band extends across the top panel and holds an underlying portion of the top panel in face-contacting relationship with the bottom panel. The tray is configured to transition from a first, substantially flat configuration into a second, erect configuration in which the top panel defines a concave surface configured to hold in place a rounded item. The tray is configured to be transitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration by sliding the top panel relative to the bottom panel.

Abstract: A blank used to form a hexagonal shaped box, the blank having a front sidewall and a back sidewall, a first sidewall having a first sidewall top flap and a first sidewall bottom flap, a second sidewall having a second sidewall top flap and a second sidewall bottom flap, a second sidewall bottom flap extension foldably connected to the second sidewall bottom flap, a third sidewall having a third sidewall top panel, a fourth sidewall having a fourth sidewall top flap and a fourth sidewall bottom flap, a fourth sidewall bottom flap extension foldably connected to the fourth sidewall bottom flap, an inner sidewall foldably connected to the fourth sidewall, an inner sidewall flap foldably connected to the inner sidewall, a top panel including an aperture for dispensing food product there through, a bottom panel foldably connected to the front sidewall, and a slide foldably connected to the front sidewall.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The apparatus includes, while in the closed configuration, a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, a fourth panel, a fifth panel, and a sixth panel that together create a box partially enclosing a void space. The first panel is rotatably coupled to the fifth panel and the sixth panel, the second panel is rotatably coupled to the fourth panel and the sixth panel, and the third panel is rotatably coupled to the fourth panel and the fifth panel. The apparatus opens from the closed configuration to present the contents therein through a single degree-of-freedom mechanism where the first, second, and third panels become perpendicular to the fourth, fifth, and sixth panels while the fourth, fifth, and sixth panels become aligned in a same plane.

Abstract: A pallet includes a base layer, a cargo layer and spaced apart supports coupled between the base and cargo layers and forming a gap therebetween for receiving a lifting member. The supports include outer corner supports each configured as a C-shaped bracket, and center supports each configured as a circular-shaped cylinder. Each center support including an outer wall having opposing ends, a center hub having opposing ends, and ribs extending between the center hub and the outer wall.

Abstract: Provided herein are animal containment cage bases and covers that can be nested to disengage and/or collapse one or more cage components or one or more cage component mount members from a cage base or cage cover. Also provided herein are methods of removing cage components or cage component mount members from cage bases and cage covers by nesting. Also provided herein, is a detachable animal containment cage component grommet and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure generally relate to a collapsible storage container with multiple sleeves. In some implementations a two-sleeve variant is described. In some implementations a three-sleeve variant is described. Both variants may be used to contain appropriately sized and shaped objects, for example bread, maps, posters, blueprints, plans, etc.

Abstract: A user friendly twist and lock telescoping tubular package includes tubular package pieces with built-in visual cues assisting a user in the proper assembly and operation of the package, and with improved engagement features opposing improper operation of the package while facilitating proper use of the package. Improved locking features are more resistant to inadvertent unlocking or repositioning of the package. Support and stability features enhance the locking connections and improve reliability of the locking connections.

Abstract: A foldable beverage shade is made from a fabric sheet having a bottom edge, side edges and a curved top edge, a first and a second spreader element, and a circular coaster element with a thickness less than one-half inch, a diameter greater than two inches but less than six inches, and a cylindrical outer surface. The spreader elements may be rotated and engaged in pockets to spread the fabric sheet into a shade.

Abstract: A storage device, which includes at least one storage container, which has a container housing, on the outside of which at least one handle is arranged, which is designed as a D handle having two handle legs connected to one another by a connecting web. The handle can be pivoted about a pivot axis between a non-use position pivoted against the container housing and a use position protruding away from the container housing. Two pivot bearing devices are provided for the pivot mounting, each pivot bearing device having two bearing elements inserted one in the other. A securing device is associated with each handle leg, which securing device supports the handle leg at least in such a way that the bearing elements remain mutually engaged during the use of the handle in the use position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to advanced image signal processing technology including encoded signals and digital watermarking.

Abstract: What is proposed is a closure unit consisting of a glass container (50) with external, circumferentially offset threaded elements (54, 55) on a container neck (52) of the glass container, and a closure cover made of sheet metal, wherein the closure cover (1, 2) has an encircling plastics layer (30; 30h, 30v) on the inside of the cover. The closure cover is pressed onto the container neck (52) and can be opened with a rotational movement via the threaded elements (54, 55) and a vertical section (30v) of the plastics layer. The container neck (52) has a horizontal end surface (52a) on which a horizontal section (30h) of the plastics layer rests under pressure in a sealing manner. A central region (11) of the closure cover passes with an adjoining, circumferentially oriented transition zone (11a, 11b, 11c) into an axially downwardly projecting skirt section (12) which ends in a roll-up region (21a, 21; 22).

Abstract: A closure for sealingly closing a container neck having a tubular body with a top wall, an annular side wall, an intermediate wall joining the side wall to the top wall and an annular tamper evidence band frangibly connected to an open end described by the side wall. The band includes retaining cams protruding from its inner surface. Each cam has a lead-in ramp for engaging, in use, the flange of a container neck as the neck is introduced into the open end of the body and a stop for engaging the flange to separate the band from the body when the closure is subsequently removed from the neck. Each lead-in ramp has a central recess therein.

Abstract: A storage device including at least one storage container provided with a container housing, which has a housing lower part and a housing cover swivellably mounted on the housing lower part in the region of the rear side. On the underside of its two lateral cover edge sections, the housing cover has a respective centring strip projecting downwards, wherein these centring strips protrude into the housing lower part when closing the housing cover in such a way that, via transverse support occurring relative to the housing lower part, they ensure that the housing cover is guided into a closed position that is centred relative to the housing lower part.

Abstract: A dispensing fitment assembly includes a fitment assembly and a dispensing probe. The fitment assembly includes a fitment housing and a plug. The fitment housing is configured to operatively couple to a container opening of a fluid container. The plug is positioned within an interior portion of the fitment housing. The plug is slidingly movable between an open and closed position. Engagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured to move the plug from the closed position to the open position. Disengagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured to move the plug from the open to closed position.

Abstract: A container with a security lock is provided. The container has a top unit and a bottom unit. The bottom unit may have a first side and a second side wherein the first side and the second side each have a compressible tab. The top unit may have a first opening and a second opening wherein the first opening and the second opening receive a portion of the compression tabs when the top unit is locked to the bottom unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a packaging material, more specifically a packaging material having gas and/or moisture barrier properties, wherein the material comprises a barrier material comprising a layer comprising at least 50% of a zinc ionomer, a layer of polyethylene and a layer that forms a gas barrier. The invention is also directed to packaging products using said barrier material. Such products are in particular packages suitable for cosmetics and personal care products.

Abstract: A surfboard wax packaging apparatus for an ingot of surfboard wax includes a heated paraffin tank configured for holding the ingot of surfboard wax and heating paraffin wax until molten. A quantity of 100% neutral inert paraffin wax is placed in the heated paraffin tank sufficient to cover the ingot of surfboard wax when submerged therein. A holder having a handle portion, an extension portion and a mount is provided. The handle portion is configured for hanging the holder on a rod, and the mount is configured to securely hold the ingot of surfboard wax, the extension portion keeps the handle portion outside the heated paraffin tank when the ingot is submerged in the paraffin tank, and a rod is provided for hanging the handle portion to allow the paraffin-encased ingot of surfboard wax to cool and dry prior to re-submersion.

Abstract: A biodegradable flexible container carrier is formed using a biodegradable plastic material that defines an array of apertures for receiving beverage containers. The biodegradable plastic material includes at least one of a) a polyolefin mixed with a prodegradant additive, b) a polyolefin extruded with a biodegradable co-resin, and c) a biodegradable structural polymer.

Abstract: A delaminatable container is provided that includes a valve member allowing suppression of interference with the motion of a mobile part during use. The present invention provides a delaminatable container including an outer shell and an inner bag, the inner bag to be shrunk with a decrease in contents, wherein the outer shell includes a fresh air inlet communicating an external space with an intermediate space between the outer shell and the inner bag, the fresh air inlet has a valve member mounted thereto to regulate air communication between the intermediate space and the external space, the valve member includes a tube having a cavity provided to communicate the external space with the intermediate space and a mobile part movably stored in the cavity.

Abstract: A packaged product unit including a package with an inner cavity having a pocket portion containing a product and communicating with an elongated portion in which a straw is housed. The straw has a proximal end which leads into the pocket portion and a distal end which is closed by a cap portion of the package. An outer wall of the straw is welded perimetrically to the package in a proximal sealing area at the proximal end of the straw to prevent leakage of the product from the pocket portion along an outer surface of the straw.

Abstract: A plastic bottle and straw assembly wherein the plastic bottle has a built-in straw for drinking a liquid and is embedded through the bottom of the bottle from the outside, is sealed to prevent leakage, and solves the problem of having separate pieces and allows a user to not be required to tilt their head back to access a liquid.

Abstract: A corrugated offset corner element including at least some of a portion of material extending from a first terminal end to a second terminal end; a first corner element leg having one or more alternating ridges and grooves; a second corner element leg, extending from the first corner element leg, the second corner element leg having one or more alternating ridges and grooves, the second corner element leg having a length that is greater than a length of said first corner element leg; and a score mark formed in the portion of material, extending from an area proximate the first terminal end to an area proximate the second terminal end, wherein the score mark provides a line or portion along which the corrugated offset corner element may be bent or folded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concentrated product storage cartridge for a diluting and dispensing container, comprising an external body, with an open lower end having a closing edge on the lower end thereof; and on the opposite end, there are flaps extending above the cylindrical tube of the external body, comprising a quick-coupling means; an opening for accessing the inner region thereof, where is placed an internal plunger, forming a filling region; and, on the upper end thereof, having quick-coupling means to be attached to the cover of cartridge. Said cover comprises upper ring flaps, arranged in order to interlock with the quick-coupling means of the internal plunger, forming a single assembly with an opening that can engage with the flaps of the external body, which are mounted in a way to provide displacement mobility in both directions downwards and upwards in relation to the internal plunger head.

Abstract: A dispenser for a pressurised container provided with a valve, provided with a base body having a finger tab intended to be pressed by the user in order to actuate the valve, and having an output opening intended for the output of a product contained in the container. The dispenser includes an output pipe placed in the base body, which output pipe has a first end configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressurised container, and a second end configured for the output of the product contained in the pressurised container. The output pipe is coupled to the base body so that the second end of the output pipe is substantially facing the output opening of the base body. At least one part of the base body is manufactured from recycled material. The output pipe is manufactured from a material different from the recycled material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for packaging and shipping wine. A shipping container includes: a vacuum molded base component having a plurality of cylindrical concave columns within which respective bottles are received; a substantially planar corrugated separator sheet having a plurality of receptors aligned with the axes of the columns and configured to slidably receive respective bottle necks associated with the bottles; a vacuum molded cap component for receiving the bottle necks therewithin; and an outer corrugated box within which the bottles, base component, separator, cap component components are securely disposed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and containers for forming a beverage. A beverage container includes an enclosure arranged with a movable element that is movable to pierce a membrane and permit beverage material in the container to exit. The movable element can also be moveable to permit pressurized gas entry into the container and through the membrane. Gas can be introduced into the container to force beverage material to exit the container. A gas inlet port can be provided with the enclosure and arranged to mate with a gas source of a beverage machine.

Abstract: An extraction bag 1A includes a bag main body 3 formed of a water permeable filter sheet 2, a thin plate-like member 10 provided on an outer surface of the bag main body 3, and an extraction material filled in the bag main body 3. The bag main body 3 has a first surface 3A and a second surface 3B opposed to each other, and an upper side 4a corresponding to edges thereof. The thin plate-like member 10 includes a first member 10A on the first surface 3A of the bag main body, and a second member 10B on the second surface 3B of the bag main body, and these 10A and 10B are continuous with each other via a first horizontal folding line Lh1 extending along the upper side 4a.

Abstract: One example embodiment is adapted for use in facilitating collection and transport of memory devices, e.g., drives, motherboards, etc., e.g., for the purposes of subsequent destruction. The example embodiment has an outer bin, also called a garage or outer enclosure, within which is placed an inner bin with wheels. Once closed and locked, the outer bin has a door that can be opened so drives or other memory devices can be inserted. The drives then fall into the inner bin and, once sufficiently filled, the inner bin be easily wheeled out from the outer bin. The inner bin has its own locking lid that is secured when transporting the inner bin with the drives, e.g., to a destruction facility or area. Other features are provided as described below. Enhanced synergistic security features include use of multi-point locking latches to secure doors and lids, metal construction of the bins, and so on. The bins are sized to facilitate efficient collection and transport of potentially sensitive data center media.

Abstract: In an article transport vehicle that is able to transport a plurality of types of articles, the efficiency of operations is improved in accordance with the type of article, while suppressing an increase in the size of the article transport vehicle. If a control device determines that an article held by a holding portion is a first-type article, the control device controls the transfer mechanism so as to cause the turning mechanism to perform a turning mechanism and cause a sliding mechanism to perform a sliding operation such that operation periods of these operations do not overlap. If the control device determines that the article held by the holding portion is a second-type article, the control device controls the transfer mechanism so as to perform the turning operation and the sliding operation such that the operation periods of these operations overlap.

Abstract: A roller brake comprising: (a) a roller shaft that supports one or more ends of the roller brake; (b) a roller tube extending over all or a portion of the roller shaft; (c) a magnet; (d) a conductor located opposite the magnet and the conductor being in communication with the roller shaft when the magnet is in communication with the roller tube and the conductor being in communication with the roller tube when the magnet is in communication with the roller shaft; and (e) an air gap separating the magnet and the conductor; and wherein the conductor includes one or more recesses that are an absence of material in the conductor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an endless conveyor belt for a conveyor device, which conveyor belt comprises a belt body that can be transversely deformed between a flat configuration, at rest, and a tubular configuration. This belt body comprises two transition regions over its width which between them define a central belt portion, as well as two side belt portions situated between each of them and the nearby side edge. At least one thickness of the side belt portions is greater than at least one thickness of the central belt portion, forming at least one over thickness region on each of the side belt portions.

Abstract: A package unloading and conveying system including a landing platform and one or more container aligning linear rails. The container aligning linear rails for aligning, on or above the landing platform and a hold of an aerial vehicle placed in front of one of multiple conveyor belts. One or more package extracting tools adapted to push or pull the package out of the aligned hold into a container aligned with one of the multiple conveyor belts. The multiple rail arrangements each adapted to convey the container to one of the multiple building windows from one of the multiple conveyors.

Abstract: A deployable bulk material distribution apparatus for discharging from a designated height an amount of a flowable bulk material into a discharge location is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an auger section; a bucket elevator section configured so as to be movable between: an upright position; and a reclined position wherein the bucket elevator section is substantially reclined for transport; and a joint assembly coupling the exit aperture of the auger section to the boot inlet of the bucket elevator section so as to allow the flowable bulk material to move from the exit aperture to the boot inlet when the bucket elevator section is in the upright position, the joint assembly being rotatably coupled to the boot inlet. The auger section and container operable to freely move along the bucket elevator section when it is moved between the upright and reclined positions.

Abstract: A linear motor system, in particular to a transport system, e.g. a multi-carrier, including: a guide track having a plurality of electromagnets arranged distributed along the guide track; at least one carrier that is guided by and movable along the guide track and that includes a drive magnet for cooperating with the electromagnets of the guide track to move the carrier; and a control device for controlling the movement of the carrier relative to the guide track by a corresponding control of the electromagnets, wherein the control device is configured to detect an inertial response of the moving mass of the carrier during a movement of the carrier and to determine mass information relating to the mass of the carrier on the basis of the inertial response.

Abstract: A screw forwarding device for a screw feeder includes a base plate, a vibration mechanism including at least one spring and a vibration motor connected to the at least one spring, and a rail for receiving screws. The rail is connected to a first end of the at least one spring and the at least one spring is arranged at an oblique angle to the rail. The screw forwarding device further includes a fastening mechanism for rigidly connecting a second end of the at least one spring to the base plate, whereby a movement path of the vibration mechanism, during a use of the screw forwarding device, defines a plane of movement. The base plate is oriented substantially parallel to the plane of movement defined by the vibration mechanism.

Abstract: An autonomous robot with a modular conveyor belt moves materials in a warehouse or other industrial environment. Example embodiments may include systems and methods for autonomous robots with conveyor systems. An example method may include detecting, by an autonomous cart, an unloading station, moving to a position at or near the unloading station, and determining, using a first load cell, a first position of a first item on a conveyor belt of the autonomous cart. Some methods may include determining a length of time for which to actuate the conveyor belt based at least in part on the first position, and causing the conveyor belt to unload the first item from the autonomous cart by actuating the conveyor belt for the length of time.

Abstract: A method of controlling an article conveyance apparatus (1) includes steps of: (A) generating, with, as learning data, information regarding an amount of charge indicating a weight value of articles that a conveyer (20) conveys to a member disposed on a downstream side, information indicating a state of the articles on the conveyer, and a control parameter for the conveyer, a learning model that estimates the control parameter to be set for conveyance of the articles having a targeted weight; (B) performing conveyance control of the articles, based on the learning model; (C) performing selective switching between a production mode involved in actual production and a non-production mode not involved in the actual production, and causing the article conveyance apparatus to operate; and (D) collecting and storing, when the article conveyance apparatus operates in the non-production mode, as the learning data, the information regarding the amount of charge actually acquired and the control parameter.

Abstract: An improved system for determining the identification of movers in a motion control system is disclosed, where the motion control system includes multiple movers traveling on a track. The physical construction of at least one element of one of the movers is different on one mover than on each of the other movers. The control system for the movers detects the difference in construction and identifies the unique mover as a first mover. Each of the other movers along the track are assigned an identifier based on their relative position to the first mover. According to one embodiment, a position sensing system is utilized to identify the first mover. According to another embodiment, the drive system for the movers is utilized to identify the first mover. In still another embodiment, a combination of the position sensing system and the drive system is utilized to identify the first mover.