Abstract: A refillable dispenser for use with a stack of sheet material. The stack being switchable at least from a compressed state at which said stack is held compressed to a first volume by a compression arrangement, to an expanded state at which said stack has a second volume greater than said first volume. The dispenser comprises a housing defining a first space having a volume corresponding to the first volume for accommodating the stack at the compressed state and a second space including said first space and an expansion space, the second space having a volume corresponding to the second volume for accommodating the stack at the expanded state. The dispenser further comprises a releasing mechanism configured to engage with the compression arrangement to induce switching of the stack from said compressed state to said expanded state at the second space.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a capsule intended to receive a substance for the preparation of a beverage, the capsule including a body having a lateral wall bordered on either side by a base and by a rim surrounding an opening in the body, the assembly having at least one sealing film covering at least one among the lateral wall, the base and the opening, the sealing film including a layer based on microfibrillated cellulose MFC.

Abstract: A capsule for preparation of a beverage can include a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein. The container can include at least one support having a section on which a plurality of sequences of symbols is represented; each symbol is sequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the capsule is rotated along an axis of rotation. Each sequence can code a set of information related to the capsule, and at least one of the sequences can include symbols defining a preamble sequence that allows determination of a position of the symbols in the associated sequence coding the set of information related to the capsule. The container can include a cup-shaped body having a flange-like rim and a lid connected to the body, the support can be on a bottom of the rim, and the bottom of the rim can be opposed to the lid.

Abstract: A partitioned solution cartridge for automatic distribution of dishwashing chemicals includes a protective top film and a compartmentalized body including a plurality of contained solution sectors each including a fluid reservoir and a distribution chamber. The fluid reservoir is partially enclosed by a reservoir sidewall and the protective top film. The distribution chamber is partially enclosed by a chamber sidewall and the protective top film. The fluid reservoir and the distribution chamber are fluidly connected.

Abstract: A bag for the transport and storage of bulk goods including a main body having at least a bottom part and four sides connected in pairs along adjacent edges to form vertical ridges at four corners of the bag. The bag further includes four lifting straps, each having first and second end sections and an intermediate section rising above a top surface of the bag. The lifting straps are interconnected in pairs by two sleeves to form tubings or ducts extending longitudinally along a top surface of the bag to allow lifting of the bag by means of a forklift. The sleeves are connected to the main body of the bag via the lifting straps and are not attached longitudinally to the main body of the bag. Furthermore, the first and second end sections of each lifting strap are secured to corresponding sides of the bag.

Abstract: An assembly for saturating or aerating a medium with fluid. At least one hollow cylinder having gates and vents embedded within a grain mass. A target section of grain mass is identified and the gates and vents activated to provide influent flow to the target section in both vertical and horizontal directions.

Abstract: A container and methods for construction are disclosed herein for a container having a replaceable bottom pan. An adapter is affixed to the lower edge the container and a replaceable bottom pan is removably affixed to the adapter.

Abstract: An example of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first track to mount on a container along a first side of the container opening. The apparatus further includes a second track to mount on the container along a second side of the container opening. The first side is opposite the second side. In addition, the apparatus includes a frame engaged with the first track and the second track. The frame is to move along the first track and the second track between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus also includes a first panel to mounted on the frame to cover a first portion of the container opening. The apparatus further includes a second panel to mounted on the frame to cover a second portion of the container opening. The first panel is to overlap the second panel by a distance.

Abstract: An intermediate container for a refuse vehicle where the container is positioned in front of the refuse vehicle is provided. A plurality of legs extends from the container toward the refuse vehicle. An attachment mechanism is on each leg to secure the legs to a front loading arm assembly of the refuse vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for monitoring content of a waste container. The system comprises at least one monitoring device comprising a gas sensor for detecting a concentration of at least one gas within a waste container. The system is configured such that when the at least one monitoring device is mounted to the waste container, the monitoring device is configured to communicate information indicative of the detected gas concentration within the waste container via the network interface to a remote computing device such that the system can determine whether the detected concentration of the at least one gas within the waste container exceeds or falls below a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: An overturning prevention device includes a shaking occurrence information acquisition section configured to acquire shaking occurrence information indicating that shaking of a travel face where a moving body travels is equal to or more than a predetermined reference value; a support arm supported by the moving body; and an arm driving device configured to drive the support arm. The support arm is configured to be changeable between a projecting state where the support arm projects outwardly in a vehicle-body width direction from the moving body to be grounded on a travel face outside the moving body in the vehicle-body width direction and a retracted state where the support arm is retracted inside a width dimension of the moving body.

Abstract: A system for the storage and automatic movement of medicines and trays containing them between central cabinets, ward cabinets and inpatient rooms in hospital environments through the joint operation with one or more ward and interchange trolley/s.

Abstract: A gripping device for being suspended from a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in stacks in a grid storage structure including a plurality of tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The gripping device including a frame and at least one gripping assembly mounted on the frame. The gripping assembly including at least two grippers, each gripper being configured to engage a container located below the frame. Each gripper is movable between a gripping position for gripping the container and a release position for releasing the container. The gripping device further including a single linear actuator coupled to the at least two grippers by a linkage assembly such that actuation of the single linear actuator drives the at least two grippers substantially simultaneously between the gripping and release positions.

Abstract: A control apparatus receives designation of a target position (Pt) in a storage plane (F); and, in response to the target position (Pt) being designated, the control apparatus can execute a passage formation mode for forming a passage (R). In the passage formation mode, a passage area (AR) for ensuring a passage (R) is set, and all target articles (C) placed in the passage area (AR) are moved to a location outside of the passage area (AR) in the storage plane (F) by a conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A container handling vehicle for picking up storage containers from a three-dimensional grid of a storage system, includes: a vehicle body having a first section and a second section arranged side-by-side; a first set of wheels for moving the container handling vehicle along a first direction on a rail system of the grid; and a second set of wheels for moving the container handling vehicle along the second direction on the rail system of the grid. The first section is configured to accommodate a storage container and has a footprint that is substantially equal to a cross-sectional area of one grid cell of the grid. The second section comprises an assembly of motors for driving at least one wheel of each of the sets of wheels and has a second footprint that is equal to or smaller than half of the first footprint.

Abstract: A storage system includes a first grid structure of storage cells. Each cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins. The first grid structure has a top level. The system further includes a first vehicle, arranged to move horizontally at the top level of the first grid structure, and a bin lift device, arranged to convey a bin in a vertical direction between the top level of the grid structure and a delivery station. The first vehicle is further arranged to receive a storage bin from a storage cell at the top level of the first grid structure and to deliver the storage bin to the bin lift device. The bin lift device is arranged to receive a bin from the vehicle at the top level of the first grid structure and to convey the bin to the delivery station.

Abstract: A method of measuring level deviation in an automated storage and retrieval system, wherein the system includes rail system, at least one container handling vehicle, and a central control unit. The rail system includes a first set of parallel rails arranged to guide movement of a container handling vehicle in a first direction across the top of a frame structure, and a second set of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails to guide movement of the container handling vehicle in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second sets of parallel rails divide the rail system into a plurality of grid cells. The at least one container handling vehicle is configured to operate on the rail system. The at least one container handling vehicle is provided with at least one orientation sensor configured to measure at least one orientation parameter of the sensor in a three-dimensional cartesian reference system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated postal logistic module, APLM for postal delivery services. This APLM is a generic device for building automated postal networks. The APLM can be configured either as Automated Postal Access Point, APAP for users, or Automated Postal Network Node, APNN or Automated Cargo Compartment on a postal Vehicle, ACCV for transporting postal items in parcelboxes, where functional and constructional features of APAPs, APNNs and ACCVs are similar or identical. A plurality of APAPs, APNNs, and ACCVs, together with their control system, constitutes a postal network for automatic delivery of parcelboxes, where routing and logistics are conducted in a homogeneous technological environment. Due to the automated delivery, a contactless transfer, increased quality, and cost reduction of postal delivery services can be achieved.

Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and mobile robot are disclosed, where the mobile robot includes a compliant drive for moving between levels of a multilevel storage structure. In one example, the compliant drive comprises a drive shaft having splines configured to provide rotational play that prevents jamming of a vertical drive gear on the end of the shaft with a rack in a vertical track.

Abstract: A picking device for storing bottles and a corresponding method are provided. The picking device includes a storage locations for bottles, a control device and an operating device having a gripper with two prongs, the operating device displaceable adjacent the storage location in first and second directions. The control device causes the operating device to lift a bottle from the storage location and move the bottle in a third direction away from the storage location by one of a frictional connection and a positive connection between the bottle and the two prongs or move a bottle in a third direction towards the storage location and lower the bottle to rest in the storage location by one of a frictional connection and a positive connection between the bottle and the two prongs. A method for retrieving bottles and an operating device for use with a picking device are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring items in a storage facility are provided. The storage facility includes a storage system that includes bins, a control server, and a sensing system. A pick-put operation on an inventory item is performed by picking the inventory item from a robotic apparatus by an operator and storing the inventory item in a corresponding bin of the storage system. The control server receives sensor signals when the sensing system automatically senses a pick-up of the inventory item from the robotic apparatus and placement of the inventory item in the corresponding bin of the storage system. The reception of the sensor signals by the control server indicates execution of the pick-put operation. Thus, a need for the operator to manually scan the inventory item during the pick-up or press any buttons on the storage system to indicate completion of the pick-put operation is eliminated.

Abstract: A container conveying system including a controller, a first robot, and/or a second robot. A first container pickup mechanism is provided on the first robot. A second container pickup mechanism is provided on the second robot. The controller is configured to, in response to a container conveying request, send a first conveying instruction to the first robot if it is determined a target container to be conveyed based on the container conveying request has a size within a first size range; or send a second conveying instruction to the second robot if it is determined the target has a size within a second size range. In warehousing operation scenarios, by jointly using the two robots for operation, containers with various container sizes can be picked up and placed, thus improving utilization rate of a container storage space.

Abstract: A system and method using the system are disclosed which involve the displacement of loads in a storing area. The system comprises an automatically guided vehicle (AGV) for detecting and moving loads to store or to retrieve, and a set of rails elevated from the ground and supporting the loads. The AGV is configured to move under the rails. Computer vision or any other related detection system are provided to autonomously find the way for the AGV in combination with a control unit. The method computes AGV's path to retrieve or store a load, or alternative path to avoid obstacles, or remove itself from the path of another automatically guided vehicle.

Abstract: A method, control system 500 and computer program for routing and rerouting of container handling vehicles 201 handling storage containers 106 in an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a framework structure 100 forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure 104 for storing the storage containers 106 in storage columns 105, the framework structure including a grid-based rail system 108 arranged above the storage columns 105 with the rail system 108 providing available routes for the container handling vehicles 201 handling and transferring the storage containers 106 to and from the storage columns 105, and wherein each container handling vehicle 201 comprises a first set of wheels configured to move the vehicle along a first lateral direction (X) of the grid-based rail system and a second set of wheels configured to move the vehicle along a second lateral direction (Y) of the grid-based rail system (108), the second direction (Y) being perpendicular to the first direction (X), the movements o

Abstract: A robotic order fulfilment system for picking inventory. The system includes a piece picking robot configured to pick inventory from a plurality of containers arranged on shelving. The robot includes a base moveable relative to the shelving in a horizontal direction, a vertical post extending from the base, a platform linearly moveable along the vertical post, a suction system arranged to secure and move a select one of the containers from the shelving to expose an open top of the select one of the containers, and a picking arm configured to pick an item from the select one of the containers after the open top has been exposed. An order fulfilment method using the piece picking robot is also provided.

Abstract: A gravity-feed dispenser is connected to a hopper configured to hold a bulk material for dispense. The gravity-feed dispenser includes a spout and a valve separating the hopper from the spout. An actuator assembly is connected to the valve and includes a detectable element. The actuator assembly is operable to move the valve between open and closed conditions to selectively permit bulk material to pass from the hopper out of the spout. A fixture is configured to engage and support the gravity feed dispenser. A sensor is connected to the fixture and is positioned relative to the actuator assembly. The sensor operates to detect the detectable element of the actuator assembly and produce a signal indicative of the open condition or the closed condition.

Abstract: A conveying device (100) and an inspection system (1000) are provided. The conveying device includes: a first support frame (1); a first conveying mechanism (2) and a second conveying mechanism (3) which are installed on the first support frame; and a switching mechanism (4) configured to selectively lift the first conveying mechanism or the second conveying mechanism in a vertical direction, such that the first conveying mechanism or the second conveying mechanism carries goods (401) and conveys the goods in a first horizontal direction or a second horizontal direction different from the first horizontal direction. The conveying device may achieve a positioning and a smooth continuous conveying of goods, and achieve a smooth conveying and a calibrated positioning of the goods in different postures.

Abstract: A support link for a self-stacking spiral conveyor belt, which includes a carrier on which a self-stacking spiral conveyor belt is supportable, a set of orthogonally arranged rolling elements connected to the carrier, in use to guide the carrier along a conveyor path and an interlink mountable onto the carrier. The interlink is connectable to a matched interlink of an adjacent support link through couplers disposed on opposing ends thereof, whereby the connection of a plurality of support links results in a support chain. Furthermore, there is provided a supporting frame defining the conveyor path on which the support chain is movable and a motor driving the support chain by means of a drive gear, which interacted with a drive interface disposed on each support link.

Abstract: A lift gate apparatus includes a movable conveyor device and a bracket. The movable conveyor device is configured to transition between a conveying position and a non-conveying position. The bracket configured to bridge a gap between the movable conveyor device and a fixed conveyor device, wherein the bracket pivots and slides over the fixed conveyor device when the movable conveyor device is transitioned from the conveying position to the non-conveying position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article picking and placing system, the system comprising: —a first article picking tooling and a second article picking tooling, and an intermediate transportation unit configured in between an article infeed transportation unit and an article outfeed transportation unit; —a control unit for synchronizing the first and second article picking tooling such that (i) the first article picking tooling picks and/or forms a first configuration of articles from the infeed transportation unit for transfer to the intermediate transportation unit, thereby forming an intermediate configuration on said intermediate transportation unit, and (ii) the second picking tooling picks a second configuration of articles from said intermediate transportation unit for transfer to the outfeed transportation unit, wherein the second and intermediate article configurations are different relative to each other and each different from the first article configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for implementing a physical distance between a group of contiguous packages (1) in continuous advancement on a conveyor belt (3) and a series of accumulated packages (2) on an accumulator belt (4) connected in series to the conveyor belt (3), the apparatus comprising: the conveyor belt (3) driven by a first motor (30); the accumulator belt (4) driven by a second motor (40); a controller (5) of the motion of the accumulator belt (4); first detection means (51) of the group of contiguous packages (1); second detection means (52) of the series of accumulated packages (2); and a robot (6) equipped with gripping means (61) to move the group of contiguous packages (1) on the conveyor belt (3).

Abstract: Embodiments include a parcel processing system and methods for operating the same. The parcel processing system includes a collector configured to receive a flow of parcels and a slug accumulation system configured to receive the flow of parcels and produce a normalized bulk flow of parcels. The parcel processing system also includes a bulk transport conveyor configured to receive the normalized bulk flow of parcels and a singulator configured to receive the normalized bulk flow of parcels from the bulk transport conveyor. The normalized bulk flow of parcels is a flow of parcels having an approximately constant parcel density traveling at a fixed speed.

Abstract: When first arm is connected to a base at a joint point J0, a second arm is connected to the first arm at a joint point J1, a third arm is connected to the second arm at a joint point J2, a hand is connected to the third arm at a joint point J3, a target position of the joint point J3 is designated, and a robot is moved, the joint point J2 is set on a virtual travel axis passing through the joint point J0, an angle formed by a reference direction (X-axis) and the virtual travel axis is defined as a virtual travel axis angle, and respective motors of axes are driven using the virtual travel axis angle and the target position.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus and method capable of controlling a gripper to stably suck a substrate even when the substrate is deformed, the substrate processing apparatus including a floating stage for floating a substrate, lift pins liftably mounted in the floating stage, a substrate aligner for aligning the substrate floated from the floating stage, a gripper for vacuum-sucking the aligned substrate, and a controller capable of controlling a floating height of the substrate, wherein the controller reduces the floating height of the substrate when the gripper fails to vacuum-suck the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particle transfer system and a particle transfer method which allow preciously-weighed particles to smoothly pass through a vertically-provided vertical pipe of a transfer line when powder-type particles are transferred along the transfer line, and which prevent the particles from remaining or stagnating in the vertical pipe.

Abstract: A second right-side extension portion entirely overlaps with a first right-side extension portion in a stored state when viewed in a depth direction, and a second left-side extension portion entirely overlaps a first left-side extension portion in a stored state when viewed in the depth direction. Moreover, a right-side gear is provided so as to be located between a right-side first end portion and a right-side second end portion of the first right-side extension portion, and a left-side gear is provided so as to be located between a left-side first end portion and a left-side second end portion of the first left-side extension portion.

Abstract: A paper feed device includes a paper-feed cassette configured to be removably inserted to a cassette accommodation unit, a rail member provided at an inner wall of the cassette accommodation unit, an engaging portion to engage with the rail member so as to be able to move, a rotating member configured to be brought into contact with an engagement surface of the engaging portion and be able to rotate in association with insertion and removal of the paper-feed cassette, a shaft member configured to pivotally support the rotating member and have one end fixed to the rail member or an inner wall of the cassette accommodation unit, and a supporting member configured to support another end of the shaft member. The supporting member is shaped so as to be able to change an attachment posture relative to the rail member or the inner wall.

Abstract: A conveyance device includes a conveyance member, a guide, and a rotator. The conveyance member has a conveyance surface with a joint, the conveyance member to convey an object to be conveyed, with the object on the conveyance surface. The guide approaches the conveyance surface and guides the object from or to the conveyance member. The rotator contacts the conveyance surface. The guide displaces in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface, in conjunction with displacement of the rotator when the rotator contacts the joint.

Abstract: A transporting device includes a carrying-in unit that carries in a sheet-shaped transporting target, a rotation unit that rotates the transporting target, which is carried in by the carrying-in unit, in a view toward a thickness direction, and a discharging unit that discharges the transporting target rotated by the rotation unit.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes: multiple sheet feeding trays each configured to house one or more print media sheets; and a processor configured to cause a sheet feeding tray assigned a top priority to feed a print media sheet after the sheet feeding tray is set up for sheet feeding and a state of the sheet feeding tray is fixed, the top priority being highest among priorities that are assigned to the multiple sheet feeding trays and that are determined in advance with regard to sheet feeding.

Abstract: The overlapping regions L are formed by overlapping the outer cylinder vent holes and the inner cylinder vent holes. If the suction port of the inner cylinder receives a suction force from the blower, air is sucked toward the suction port from the suction chamber facing the overlapping region L of the inner cylinder vent hole and the outer cylinder vent hole, out of the plurality of suction chambers, via the overlapping region L. The outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are so configured that the overlapping region L becomes narrower in the rotation direction Dr from the center toward the both ends in the axial direction Da.

Abstract: Disclosed is a festooner and a method for buffering a strip, the festooner having a first set of buffer rollers and a second set of buffer rollers, wherein the first set of buffer rollers and the second set of buffer rollers define a meandering first buffer path between them, wherein the festooner further includes a first endless drive element for driving the first set of buffer rollers and the second set of buffer rollers. The festooner further includes a third set of buffer rollers and a fourth set of buffer rollers coaxial to the first set of buffer rollers and the second set of buffer rollers, respectively, defining a meandering second buffer path between them. The festooner further includes a second endless drive element for driving the third set of buffer rollers and the fourth set of buffer rollers.

Abstract: The sheet post-processing device includes a discharge port, a discharge tray, a first sheet holding member, and a second sheet holding member. The discharge port has a pair of discharge rollers that discharge a sheet including a folded sheet subjected to folding processing. The first sheet holding member and the second sheet holding member are, on a downstream side of the pair of discharge rollers in the discharge direction of the folded sheet, selectively disposed at a holding position, at which the first sheet holding member and the second sheet holding member intersect a discharge route for the folded sheet and extend downward from above the pair of discharge rollers toward the discharge tray to hold the folded sheet, and a retreat position retreated to above the discharge route for the folded sheet.

Abstract: A feeding device includes: a loading portion that is disposed on a downstream side of a transporting path in a transporting direction and that loads a transporting target, which is transported through the transporting path, on a loading surface inclined with respect to a horizontal direction; and a feeding unit that feeds the transporting target, which is in contact with the loading surface, obliquely upward along the loading surface.

Abstract: A removable raised tray system for a printing system generally includes a removable tray operatively arranged to receive print media thereon. The removable tray includes an upper tray surface having an electrically conductive material, a lower tray surface, and at least one tray leg that is connected to the removable tray, which is configured to support the removable tray at a position that is raised relative to a platform surface of a printer feeder or stacker. The at least one leg includes a releasable fastening assembly, such as a rare earth magnet, that releasably secures the removable tray to the platform surface thereby allowing the tray to easily attached and removed from the printer feeder or stacker. The electrically conductive material of the tray surface and the platform surface are electrically conductively connected to one another so as to prevent the build-up of static electricity.

Abstract: A medium processing system includes: a pre-processing device; a first delivery device that receives a recording medium from the pre-processing device and that delivers the recording medium; a first post-processing device that receives the recording medium delivered from the first delivery device and that performs post-processing on the recording medium; one second delivery device or multiple second delivery devices that are connected in series with the first delivery device, that receive the recording medium delivered from an upstream side in a transport direction of the recording medium, and that deliver the recording medium; a second post-processing device that receives the recording medium delivered from the one second delivery device or the multiple second delivery devices and that performs post-processing on the recording medium; a first controller that is provided at the first delivery device and that communicates with the first post-processing device, the pre-processing device, and the second delivery

Abstract: A medium conveying apparatus includes a loading tray to place media, a feed roller to separate and sequentially feed the media placed on the loading tray, a motor to drive the feed roller, a sensor located on a downstream side of the feed roller in a medium conveying direction to detect a medium, and a processor to control the motor. In a separation period from a start of medium feeding by the feed roller to detection of a front edge of the first medium by the sensor, when feeding a first medium of a plurality of media placed on the loading tray, the processor controls the motor to rotate the feed roller at a constant speed, and when feeding a second or subsequent medium, the processor controls the motor to rotate the feed roller at a first speed and then at a second speed higher than the first speed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a placement member including a discharge tray configured to receive a medium discharged by the discharge unit configured to discharge a medium. The placement member is attachable to and detachable from a lower portion of a device main body. The present disclosure includes a height adjustment member configured to be mountable between the placement member and the device main body. The present disclosure includes a first lock member configured to lock coupling between the device main body and the height adjustment member, and a second lock member configured to lock coupling between the height adjustment member and the placement member.

Abstract: A device for generating processing job includes a processor and a non-transitory storage medium that stores a program for the processor to generate the processing job. The processor searches for at least one candidate for the cutting position based on layout information that is information regarding a position of the product disposed on the sheet. From among the at least one candidate for the cutting position, the processor selects a candidate that has a small number of cutting positions based on a maximum size of a first margin region between a contour of the sheet and a contour of the product in the first direction, and, a maximum size and a minimum size of the intermediate sheet in the first direction. The processor generates a processing job for performing processing at the selected cutting position.

Abstract: A card issuing device for using with a plurality of cards includes a card storage part which accommodates the plurality of cards, a card send-out mechanism which sends out a card among the plurality of cards from the card storage part, a card conveyance mechanism which conveys the card sent out by the card send-out mechanism toward a card discharge port along a card conveyance passage connected with the card discharge port, an optical sensor which is located on a lower side with respect to the card conveyance passage and reads a code indicated on a rear face of the card, and a dust adhesion prevention mechanism which prevents dust from adhering to a reading face of the optical sensor when the optical sensor is not used.