Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed that identifies a source area within a facility comprising a plurality of objects, and determines a destination area within the facility to which the plurality of objects are to be transported and unloaded. The system selects robots within the facility based a capability of the robots and/or a location of the robots within the facility. The system provides an instruction to the robots to transport the plurality of objects from the source area to the destination area. The robots are configured to autonomously select an object based on a position and location of the object within the source area, transport the selected object to a destination area along a route selected by the robot, and unload the selected object at a location within the destination area selected based on a number of objects yet to be unloaded within the destination area.

Abstract: The object is to provide a vehicle system capable of suppressing a decrease in article transport efficiency while ensuring a route of an operator. The vehicle system includes a grid-patterned rail, a vehicle traveling on the rail, a controller that controls the vehicle, a work terminal that transmits identification information indicating an actual location to the controller, and a scaffold for allowing an operator carrying the work terminal to walk below the rail, the scaffold being provided below the rail. If entry permission to one or more cells formed by the rail is obtained from the controller, the vehicle enters the one or more cells. If entry permission to the one or more cells is not obtained from the controller, the vehicle does not enter the one or more cells.

Abstract: A rack for automated warehouses includes: a plurality of first support posts arranged on an installation surface along a first horizontal direction; a plurality of second support posts arranged on the installation surface along the first horizontal direction; a plurality of beam members laid over between the first support posts and the second support posts; a plurality of upper intermediate posts disposed on upper sides of the beam members and connected to the beam members; and a plurality of lower intermediate posts disposed between the installation surface and the beam members and connected to the beam members. The lower intermediate posts include a plurality of first lower intermediate posts disposed in series along the first horizontal direction. The first lower intermediate posts are disposed such that the distance to the first support posts is greater than the distance to the second support posts.

Abstract: A rooftop package delivery receptacle for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is transformed from a normally closed downwardly pitched transparent or translucent aesthetically acceptable rooftop aperture, appearing as an ordinary skylight, into a preferably larger substantially horizontal delivery platform providing a safe, secure, above ground location for a drone to land or tether for package delivery. Upon a wireless command signal from either an arriving UAV or a local user, the curb frame mounted receptacle containing a center pivoting platform supporting a plurality of slidably mounted panels rotates upwards and expands both longitudinally and transversely enabling a larger substantially horizontal landing area. After the package is delivered the platform contracts to its original size and continues in an upwards rotation urging the package to move inwards for collection. A pair of weatherproof accordion shaped shudders surround the openings and enclose any gaps during the operation.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a conveyor assembly and method of using the same. In various embodiments, a conveyor assembly may comprise a plurality of rollers defining a conveyor section configured for transporting one or more objects disposed thereon along a transportation path, wherein the plurality of rollers comprises a drive roller, the drive roller being selectively configurable between a first operating condition and a second operating condition; and a controller configured to generate one or more control signals to control the drive roller; wherein the conveyor section is selectively configurable between a single-zone configuration and a dual-zone configuration based on the configuration of the drive roller in one of the first operating condition and the second operating condition, the dual-zone configuration being defined by the drive roller selectively driving operation of a first conveyor zone and a second conveyor zone defined within the conveyor section independently of one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transport device, an applicator and a method for transporting a tire component in a transport direction. The transport device includes at least three conveyors extending mutually parallel in the transport direction and side-by-side in a lateral direction perpendicular to the transport direction to form a combined conveying surface for conveying the tire component in the transport direction, wherein the at least three conveyors include an intermediate conveyor, a first side conveyor on a first side of the intermediate conveyor in the lateral direction and a second side conveyor on a second side of the intermediate conveyor in the lateral direction, opposite to the first side, wherein the intermediate conveyor, the first side conveyor and the second side conveyor are movable at different speeds with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the transport direction.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a sorting system using the principles of linear motors to move a magnetized mat in multiple directions. The sorting system uses a series of stator coils in particular patterns to direct the magnetized mat along predefined looping pathways such that the magnetized mat can move articles in a desired direction. Embodiments include the use of multiple magnetized mats to improve package sorting rates. The magnetized mat is comprised of a plurality of magnetized and non-magnetized tiles which are connected using flexible tabs that form a living hinge. The living hinge flexes and allows the mat to travel along the predefined looping pathways. The sorting system may be used as a node in a larger grid sorting system and may be connected to conveyors, chutes, or other means for moving articles.

Abstract: A system (100) for delaminating a stream (110) of articles (A, B, C, D, E) includes a delamination unit (130) with a plurality of individually controlled rollers (134) configured to carry a stream (110) of articles (A, B, C, D, E), a detection unit (150) with a sensor (152), and a control unit (160) with a processor (162) and interfacing with the delamination unit (130) and the detection unit (150), wherein the detection unit (150) is configured to detect a position of each of the articles (A, B, C, D, E) and to transmit position data to the control unit (160), and wherein the control unit (160) is configured, through operation of the processor (162), to correlate positions of the articles (A, B, C, D, E) with the plurality of individually controlled rollers (134), and to individually control the rollers (134) based on the position data to delaminate the stream (110) of articles (A, B, C, D, E).

Abstract: A method of lining up portions of slices of food, the portions are transported by a belt conveyor on a plurality of tracks along a conveying direction, one of the plurality of tracks is selected as a first reference track, conveying speeds of a remainder of the plurality of tracks excluding the first reference track are adapted in such a way that the portions are arranged in straight rows arranged orthogonally to the conveying direction when the portions reach a lining-up position, and when the lining-up position is reached, the conveying speeds of the plurality of tracks including the first reference track are aligned to one another.

Abstract: A tolerance adjuster and wear device, e.g. spring clip, is provided for automatically adjusting the tolerance or clearance between a pusher shoe surface and an adjacent surface of a linear slat of a positive displacement sorter. The spring clip includes an engagement portion to couple the clip to a pusher shoe and a wear portion to automatically bias or adjust a tolerance between the pusher shoe and a corresponding slat. The engagement portion includes a retainer, in the form of a pair of opposing elastic grips or teach that are insertable through a receiver in a surface of the shoe. The wear portion includes a wear surface and spring element, such as a spring arm or convex dome. The spring element is elastic to provide a consistent and automatic bias against the slat surface. Preferably, the spring clip is extruded from a resilient, wear-resistant self-lubricating polymer.

Abstract: A conveyor system for grouping containers includes a first track including a first plurality of lugs, each lug having a respective gripper coupled thereto configured to drive containers along the first track and a second track configured to move a second plurality of lugs wherein each of the lugs is coupled to a respective gripper configured to receive containers from the first track, and move the containers along the second track wherein the grippers of the second track contact the container while the gripper of the first track contacts the container.

Abstract: In some examples, a landing device is configured to be disposed within a container receptacle of a pneumatic transport system, the landing device comprising: a landing platform defining a landing surface for a container of the pneumatic transport system, the landing platform comprising: a first material configured to at least partially deform in response to the container impacting the landing surface; and a second material disposed over the first material, the second material configured to facilitate removal of the container from the container receptacle; and a base mechanically connected to a second surface of the landing platform, the base configured to secure the landing device to the container receptacle, wherein the landing device is configured to be inserted into the container receptacle without removing one or more components of the container receptacle.

Abstract: An automated mail sorting system configured to position individual pieces of mail in one of a plurality of nested postal totes, including a denesting assembly configured to squeeze an upper portion of a postal tote of a plurality of nested postal totes to ease in separation of the postal tote from the plurality of nested postal totes, a traverse assembly configured to enable lifting of the postal tote from the plurality of nested postal totes and to transport the postal tote along a lateral distance, and a stacker assembly configured to receive the postal tote from the traverse assembly and to transport the postal tote past a feeder assembly for the positioning of individual pieces of mail within the postal tote.

Abstract: The present invention describes a bulk fluid (wet or dry) cargo distribution terminal (10). The distribution terminal has a silo storage area (10A), a compartmentalized area (10B) which has designated inspecting, refilling and delivering/stacking stations (10C-10E). These storage and compartment areas are protected by fortified walls (11a-11e). Adjacent to the inspecting, refilling and delivering stations is a driveway (14). Trailers and prime movers carry IMO tanks and/or freight containers (22) for refilling or delivering. Located at entry and exit points of the driveway are guard-houses (72a,72b) to ensure safe operation at the distribution terminal. Overhead cranes (41a-41c) serve mechanical handling at the various stations and driveway.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle includes determining, via a processor disposed in communication with a sensory device disposed in an interior surface of a cargo bin of a delivery vehicle, that a first package is loaded in the cargo bin, causing to scan, via the processor, a bar code disposed on an exterior surface of the first package, causing to measure, via a RADAR sensory device disposed in the cargo bin, dimensional information associated with the first package, determining, based on the dimensional information, that the cargo bin is loaded at full capacity, causing to illuminate an output device indicative that the cargo bin is loaded at full capacity, determining, via the processor, a cargo bin door closed status and generating, via the processor, an output indicating whether the vehicle is ready for delivery.

Abstract: A trailer restraining device comprising a portable frame having mounted thereto a tail hook and a king pin receiver that includes at least one of a receiver hydraulic cylinder, a receiver pneumatic cylinder, a receiver electric actuator, and a receive winch.

Abstract: A device for moving a product display assembly off of a shelf. The device includes a body portion that is configured to slide between the product display assembly and the shelf. The body portion has a thickness of from about 0.10 inches to about 0.30 inches.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a roll includes a roll support portion disposed adjacent to a roll unwinder; a first traveling rail disposed on one side of the roll unwinder; a moving frame movably installed on the first traveling rail; and a roll attaching and detaching unit movably installed on the moving frame, wherein the roll support portion includes a lifting unit configured to move up and down a disposed roll, and wherein the roll attaching and detaching unit includes a moving plate moving on the moving frame, and a main body portion rotatably installed on the moving plate.

Abstract: A consumer width sized roll comprising wound web material comprising a tail. The tail may comprise a bonding material. The bonding material may be arranged in a novel pattern.

Abstract: A sheet transport roller having a high friction coefficient and a rubber composition for forming a roller main body thereof. The rubber composition of the present disclosure, which is a rubber composition for forming the roller main body of the sheet transport roller, contains a rubber component containing an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer and a rosin component.

Abstract: Apparatus for a sealing material system is provided. The system may include a retaining cage. The system may include a portable sealing dispenser. The portable sealing dispenser may include a handle. The handle may include a wide end and a narrow end. A securing flange may be affixed to the handle. In some embodiments, the retaining cage may be configured to support the securing flange. In some embodiments, the retaining cage may include a first width and a second width. A narrow end of the handle may be configured to pass through the first width. A length of the handle between the narrow end and the wide end may slide through the second width. The wide end of the handle may be supported by the retaining cage.

Abstract: A recording material processing apparatus includes a processing tray, a detecting unit, a stapling unit, an instructing unit, a control unit, a switching unit, and a notifying unit. The detecting unit detects recording material placed in the processing tray. The stapling unit executes a stapling process for the recording material placed in the processing tray. The instructing unit outputs a stapling process execution instruction. Upon receipt of the execution instruction in a state in which the detecting unit has detected a recording material inserted in the processing tray from an outside of a main body of a main body apparatus, the control unit cause the stapling process to be executed. The switching unit switches a position of the stapling unit among a plurality of positions. The notifying unit provides notification of a placement position of the recording material in the processing tray corresponding to each of the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A sheet detection device includes, as detection pieces, a first detection piece integrally provided on a rotary shaft and a second detection piece attached to the first detection piece via a biasing member. The second detection piece is capable of rotation in conjunction with the first detection piece under a biasing force of the biasing member. When the second detection piece is brought into contact with a ceiling at an upper part of the rotary shaft, the second detection piece stops further rotation while the first detection piece is capable of rotation together with the rotary shaft against the biasing force.

Abstract: A stack of laminar material for forming packages, the stack including full panels having a predetermined total length and formed with transverse creases along which the full panels are folded in accordion-like pleats. The stack includes at least one longitudinal cut on each full panel to form at least two transversely adjacent stacks of partial panels having respective partial widths, which are less than the total width. The at least one cut is incomplete, so that each partial panel of a respective stack and the partial panel of the stack adjacent thereto will have at least one connecting section therebetween, having a predetermined minimum length, for holding the partial panels of the adjacent stacks together, to thereby keep the adjacent stacks substantially aligned while facilitating the separation of each of the partial panels as they are unwound by a pulling action from each adjacent stack.

Abstract: A paper feeding device includes a paper feeding roller and a separation roller. The paper feeding roller and the separation roller are arranged in a parallel direction. The paper feeding roller and the separation roller interpose a sheet. The paper feeding device includes a paper feeding roller, a separation roller, a shaft, a holder, and a rotation stopping portion. The paper feeding roller is configured to convey the sheet in a conveyance direction. The separation roller is configured to be pressed against the paper feeding roller. The shaft is configured to rotatably support the separation roller via a torque limiter. The holder is configured to include a supporting portion. The supporting portion is provided with a first guide surface and a second guide surface facing each other and extending in the parallel direction. The rotation stopping portion is configured to be attached to the shaft.

Abstract: A sheet processing device has a moveable beam (36) that moves in the vertical direction, a gripper bar (30) for gripping a sheet that travels through the sheet processing device (10), and a gripper bar locking device (40) that can lock the gripper bar (30) in a precise position. The gripper bar locking device (40) has a locking lever (68) that is pivoting between a rest position and a locking position. The locking lever (68) is connected to a vertical linear guide coupled with the moveable beam (36) resulting in a precise, compact and simple system to lock the gripper bar.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an equipment for winding medical tubing, employing automated, sequentially-arranged workstations (1, 5, 7) capable of operating simultaneously, comprising one or more conveying units (2), one or more bending units (3) for arranging medical tubing (10) in a U shape, one or more loading units (4), one or more winding stations (5) for winding medical tubing (10), one or more unloading units (6) and, optionally, one or more packaging units (7).

Abstract: A drive mechanism that drives a rotator to rotate includes a main motor, an assist motor, and processing circuitry. The main motor drives the rotator. The assist motor drives the rotator and assists a drive of the rotator by the main motor. The processing circuitry controls a speed of the main motor so that a rotational speed of the rotator is constant, and controls a motor voltage of the assist motor so that the motor voltage of the assist motor changes according to a change in a motor current of the main motor.

Abstract: A rope adjustor and a wearable item. The rope adjustor includes a base, a rope reel, a first linkage portion is arranged on the rope reel; a rotation-stopping tray, the rotation-stopping tray is arranged on and connected to the base, and the rope reel is arranged inside the rotation-stopping tray, a first rotation-stopping portion is arranged on one side of the rotation-stopping tray away from the base; and a rotatable cover, the rotatable cover is arranged on and rotationally connected to the rotation-stopping tray, and the rotatable cover is insertably connected to the rope reel, and one side of the rotatable cover facing the rotation-stopping tray is provided with a second linkage portion and a second rotation-stopping portion, the first linkage portion is cooperated with the second linkage portion, and the first rotation-stopping portion is cooperated with the second rotation-stopping portion.

Abstract: An elevator brake includes a frame part including an electromagnet; a moving armature movably supported on the frame part; at least one energy storage, such as a work spring, arranged between the frame part and the moving armature; a friction lining associated with the moving armature and fitted to engage a braking surface with a normal force originating from the at least one energy storage, to brake movement of an elevator car or to hold the elevator car standstill; and a sensor system including one or more sensors mounted into the elevator brake and adapted to sense one or more operational parameters of the elevator brake and/or to directly measure normal force of the friction lining.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-channel impact-resistant intelligent-constant-deceleration hydraulic braking system, and relates to the field of safety braking control for mine hoist systems. A technical point of the braking system is that the braking system includes a braking circuit formed by a constant-deceleration hydraulic system, a constant-deceleration electrical closed-loop control system, and a detection and feedback apparatus. The constant-deceleration hydraulic system is provided with N+1 independent complete oil return channels, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3. The oil return channels are disposed in parallel to form parallel independent braking circuits, that is, are “multi-channel” and do not have a “common output point”. The oil return channel includes a backup oil source, an electro-hydraulic signal conversion and amplification component, an operating mode switching apparatus, and an execution component that are sequentially connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of elevator braking, in particular to an action state detection method and system for an elevator brake, comprising: acquiring matching pairs of brake linings in the same braking state; constructing normal record data sets based on the matching pairs; grouping the normal record data sets based on braking power corresponding to samples in the normal record data sets to determine a median of elevator running speed corresponding to the samples in each group; dividing the operating state levels of the elevator brake according to the size of the median; constructing a data training set; training a constructed network model to obtain a trained network model; acquiring the operating state levels of an elevator to be detected by the trained network model, evaluating the elevator brake according to the operating state levels, and controlling the elevator.

Abstract: There is provided a vibration suppression device for a rope-like body of an elevator that can inhibit displacement of the rope-like body from becoming unstable due to amplification of the displacement and can make a movable range of the rope-like body wider. A vibration suppression device (20) includes a movable unit and a stopper. The movable unit can move in a direction in which a distance from an equilibrium position (19) of the rope-like body changes. The stopper restricts movement of the movable unit to a position closer than a first distance (d1) from the equilibrium position (19). The movable unit includes a displacement amplifier and a restriction member. The displacement amplifier is arranged to be directed to a first position (P1) of the rope-like body. The displacement amplifier amplifies displacement of the rope-like body. The restriction member inhibits the rope-like body from approaching the displacement amplifier.

Abstract: A method monitors a plurality of elevators, in which at least two elevators are set into shuttle mode in which the corresponding elevator travels between two pre-defined floors. The method calculates at least one of an arrival time and a departure time of an elevator car of each of the at least two elevators in shuttle mode at a predetermined floor; determines a time required by a user for reaching each of the at least two elevators in shuttle mode from an operation terminal location; and calculates a preference order of the at least two elevators in shuttle mode on the basis of the time of arrival and/or departure of the elevator car of each of the at least two elevators in shuttle mode and the time required by the user for reaching each of the at least two elevators in the shuttle mode from the operation terminal location.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a conveyance apparatus within a conveyance system including: detecting a vibratory signature at a primary location during a commissioning phase using a primary sensing apparatus located at the primary location; detecting a vibratory signature at a secondary location during the commissioning phase using a secondary sensing apparatus located at the secondary location; determining a transfer algorithm in response to the vibratory signature at the primary location during the commissioning phase and the vibratory signature at the secondary location during the commissioning phase; detecting a vibratory signature at the primary location during a normal operation phase using the primary sensing apparatus located at the primary location; and converting the vibratory signature at the primary location during the normal operation phase to a vibratory signature at the secondary location during the normal operation phase using the transfer algorithm.

Abstract: A takeout jig (1) includes: a support part (20) which is configured to be pulled up to take out a silicon rod (10) and which is configured to support the silicon rod (10) by clamping one or more end portions (15) of the silicon rod (10); one or more first cords (30) which are equal in number to or greater in number than the silicon rod (10) and which are configured to pull up the support part (20); and one or more second cords (40) which are configured to hold the silicon rod (10) by wrapping around the silicon rod (10).

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of providing a work vehicle that can prevent mistakes and confusion in primary settings even when a plurality of operators each operate a remote operation terminal. This work vehicle (crane 1) comprises a work device 40 that is operable using a remote operation terminal 13, wherein a primary setting of the work device 40 can be changed with the remote operation terminal 13 and when one of the plurality of remote operation terminals 13 changes a primary setting, the change is reflected in the other remote operation terminals 13.

Abstract: A guide display unit for a crane, wherein a data processing unit: calculates a measurement area corresponding to the measurement area of a camera; the measurement area from the viewpoint of the camera and generates a first image; performs mosaic-processing on the image captured by the camera according to the particle size of the three-dimensional map and generates a second image; performs registration processing on the first image and the second image and calculates the amount of deviation between the first image and the second image; corrects the position of a guide frame figure with respect to the image of a suspended load and a feature on the basis of the calculated amount of deviation; and overlays the guide frame figure on the images of the suspended load and the feature and displays the result on the data display unit.

Abstract: A work machine includes: an actuator that extends and retracts a telescopic boom; an electric drive source that is provided in the actuator and drives using power supplied from a power source; an operating unit that operates based on power of the electric drive source; and a joint that has a drive-side element fixed to a first transmission shaft that rotates on the basis of the power of the electric drive source and a driven-side element fixed to a second transmission shaft connected to the operating unit, the joint being able to take a transmission state in which both the drive-side element and the driven-side element rotate and a non-transmission state in which only either the drive-side element or the driven-side element rotates.

Abstract: One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure may include a snatch ring pulley assembly including a pulley wheel body and a deformable retention feature affixed to the pulley wheel body. The pulley wheel body includes a rope saddle portion, a first outer wheel portion, and a second outer wheel portion substantially parallel to the first outer wheel portion. The deformable retention feature is affixed to the first outer wheel portion and extends toward the second outer wheel portion. The deformable retention feature extends uniformly around a circumference of the first outer wheel portion and extends substantially perpendicular to the first outer wheel portion.

Abstract: A system is provided for use with an insulated boom section of a bucket truck. The system includes a source of high volume and pressure, dry air; one or more interior air diffusers connected to the source of high volume and pressure, dry air to direct the air into an interior of the insulated boom section. One or more exterior air diffusers connected to the source of high volume and pressure, dry air direct the air to along an exterior surface of the insulated boom section. A method is also provided for cleaning or drying both the interior and exterior surfaces simultaneously of an insulated boom section of the boom of a bucket truck. The boom of a bucket truck is further provided in another aspect that includes at least one insulated boom section, a source of high volume and pressure, dry air, one or more interior air diffusers and one or more exterior air diffusers. A pre-heating air heater may be removably mounted into the boom.

Abstract: An attachment for a mobile handling device is configured for processing walls or ceilings. The attachment comprises a mounting unit that is arranged to be supported at a mounting interface of the handling device, a processing head that is arranged to be equipped with at least one tool for material-removing processing or smoothing processing, and a compensation arrangement that is arranged between the mounting unit and the processing head and that defines a longitudinal axis. The mounting unit provides at least two pivot positions for the attachment that are offset from one another. The processing head is movable relative to the mounting unit in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis. The compensation arrangement is configured to provide a defined contact pressure force for the processing head in a defined operating range along the longitudinal axis towards the surface to be processed.

Abstract: A carrier vehicle includes a front frame and a rear frame conveniently attachable to and detachable from the front frame. The front frame includes a frame body, at least one battery structure installed along an inner front side wall of the frame body and a connecting rod wheel component at a transverse bottom of the frame body. The rear frame comprises an operating handle, a handle joint base, a hydraulic component having an oil cylinder, a bearing component and a driving assembly. A bottom end of the operating handle is rotatably connected to the handle joint base, which includes a joint fixing base and a microswitch. The bearing component includes a bearing bridge having bridge lugs detachably connected to ends thereof, and a middle part sleeved on the oil cylinder. The front frame and rear frame are transportable in a separated compact configuration, with later simple and fast assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for detecting a load on at least one fork of a material handling vehicle. The systems and methods can comprise a housing; at least one sensor positioned within the housing; a sensor arm pivotally coupled to the housing; at least one sensor flag integral with or coupled to the inside of the sensor arm; and wherein when the sensor arm pivots inward toward the housing the at least on sensor flag triggers the at least one sensor to identify at least a first load position and a second load position.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle remote operation system includes an industrial vehicle including a vehicle communication part that performs wireless communication; a remote operation device including a remote communication part that performs wireless communication with the vehicle communication part, wherein the remote operation device is used to remotely operate the industrial vehicle; and a remote-operation stop control part that, based on a fact that a remote-operation stop operation has been performed on the remote operation device in a situation where operation of the industrial vehicle is being performed through a remote operation by the remote operation device, performs an operation stop control for stopping the operation of the industrial vehicle, and stops the remote operation by the remote operation device after the operation stop control is completed.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle may include a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly including a housing, a grip assembly, and a power source. The grip assembly may be pivotally engaged with the housing. The power source may be in electrical communication with the grip assembly. The grip assembly includes a lobe pivotally engaged with the housing and a contact supported by the lobe, the contact being electrically conductive.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bottle opener (101) for removing a cap (301) from a bottle (300). It comprises an image sensor (206) for capturing an image of the cap (301), a fulcrum surface (103) for contacting the cap and a hook (102,104) engageable under a flange (304) of the cap (301) for removing it from the bottle in response of a relative rotation of said bottle opener (101) with respect to the bottle (300) using the fulcrum surface (103) as a fulcrum. A removal detector (202, 204) is arranged to trigger a capture of an image by sensing a force between the fulcrum surface (103) and the hook (104) that exceeds a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dispensing ice and at least one liquid, and related cleaning processes. In one embodiment, the system comprises an ice bin for storing a quantity of ice particles, a dispensing tube for carrying at least a first liquid, and a discharge chute in communication with a discharge outlet, wherein the discharge chute is disposed upstream of the discharge outlet. An outlet end of the dispensing tube is positioned within a portion of the ice bin at a location aligned above the discharge outlet. The ice particles and the first liquid are dispensed through the discharge outlet separately or at the same time.

Abstract: A water purifier or other liquid dispenser may sense a height of the inlet of a container accurately through an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver that are disposed at different positions of a water discharge module moving vertically. Additionally, in the water purifier, the water discharge module may discharge purified water at a point spaced a certain distance apart from the inlet of the container, based on infrared sensing, thereby preventing the inlet of the container from contacting the lower surface of the water discharge module.

Abstract: A dispensing tap for liquids containers includes a main containing body equipped on one side with a liquid dispensing end and on the opposite side with an end designed to perform a connection with a container of liquids; a cap for actuating dispensing operations placed above the liquid dispensing end; and a stem for opening and closing the dispensing of liquids, placed inside the dispensing end and operatively coupled to the cap.