Patents Issued in May 2, 2024
  • Publication number: 20240140688
    Abstract: An expansion devise includes an unexpended slit sheet roll that is wound on a paper core that is wider than the slit sheet paper. The paper core is placed into a yoke that holds the paper in position on each side of the unexpended slit sheet material. An adjustable downward pressure is exerted on the paper core and the paper core exerts pressure on the yoke. As the paper is pulled, this downward pressure creates the friction required to enable the unexpended slit sheet to be unwind and fed while simultaneously expanding. A blank sheet is formed into a box that stabilizes slit paper sheet wound around a core member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: David Paul Goodrich
  • Publication number: 20240140689
    Abstract: A packaging system for a bicycle, the packaging system including a base tray having a first tab, a second tab located opposite the first tab, a first side extending between the first tab and the second tab, and a second side extending between the first tab and the second tab and located opposite the first side. The packaging system further includes a first vertical tower having a first aperture configured to receive the first tab of the base tray to interlock the first vertical tower to the base tray at the first end, a second vertical tower having a second aperture configured to receive the second tab of the base tray to interlock the second vertical tower to the base tray at the second end, and an outer carton configured to surround and interlock with the base tray, the first vertical tower, and the second vertical tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: Thomas S. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20240140690
    Abstract: An aspect is a spout including at least two parts relatively moveable with respect to each other such that at least one of the two parts of the spout is presenting a measurable resistance to being connected to an engaging part of a beverage preparation device and/or to the relative movement of the two parts of the spout. Another aspect is a pack for preparing a food or beverage product including such a spout and also including a container configured to contain a product to prepare the food or beverage product. Other aspects are a system for preparing a food or beverage product including such a pack and also including a beverage preparation device that will introduce a fluid in the form of a jet inside the volume of the pack; and a method of determining if a food or beverage pack has been previously used in such a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Andre Noth, Christian Jarisch, Christian Talon
  • Publication number: 20240140691
    Abstract: A portion capsule includes a peripheral side wall, a first cover element and a second cover element, wherein the peripheral side wall, the first cover element and the second cover element form a closed interior. The first cover element and/or the second cover element include an arching directed into the interior. At least the cover element including the arching is manufactured of a biologically degradable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: Norbert Kuhl
  • Publication number: 20240140692
    Abstract: Freight container system comprising a first type of container and a second type container. The first type container comprises only corner posts and no further posts. The second type of container comprising mediate posts. Also is disclosed a freight container comprising mediate posts (8). Wherein the system allows for further possibilities of stacking than previously known freight containers. The disclosure is also related to a freight container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Johan Nylund, Lars-Erik Tällberg
  • Publication number: 20240140693
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method that includes providing or assembling a rectangular horizontal member, joining a vertical member to the rectangular horizontal member such that the vertical member bisects a length of the horizontal member and forms a T-junction at the horizontal member, joining first and second sloped members to the rectangular horizontal member and vertical member such that the first and second sloped members span from a top of the vertical member to opposing ends of the horizontal member, and joining first and second support members such that the first and second support members span from the T-junction between the vertical member and horizontal member to work points on an underside of each of the first and second sloped members. The structure thus formed can be assembled from prefabricated units shipped together in parallel planar orientation in a shipping container to provide a roof truss unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Kyle Tompane, Greg Otto
  • Publication number: 20240140694
    Abstract: An excrement treatment material includes a plurality of grains, and a packaging bag. The plurality of grains are grains for treating excrement. The plurality of grains are housed in the packaging bag. A charge amount of an inner surface of the packaging bag is larger than a charge amount of an outer surface of the packaging bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: DAIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junji YOSHINAGA
  • Publication number: 20240140695
    Abstract: An inlet assembly for a filling assembly of a storage compartment assembly includes a hopper configured to receive particulate material. The inlet assembly also includes a fill tray movably coupled to the hopper and configured to move between a stowage position and a loading position. One of the fill tray or the hopper has a slot, and the other of the fill tray or the hopper has a pivot engaged with the slot. Furthermore, the hopper has a first engagement feature, and the fill tray has a second engagement feature. In addition, the pivot and the slot enable the fill tray to move from the stowage position to a transitional position to align the first and second engagement features, and the pivot and the slot enable the fill tray to move from the transitional position to the loading position to engage the first and second engagement features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: Jesse Blair Pidwerbesky
  • Publication number: 20240140696
    Abstract: Equipment (1) for storing a liquid (L) includes a storage tank (2) having a bottom (4) from which a cylindrical wall (6) closed by a ceiling (5) rises, the tank being provided with washing nozzles (10) and with at least one liquid supply inlet (8) and at least one liquid outlet (9); a cover (3) mounted inside the tank and arranged to float on the liquid present in the tank; the cover (3) being mounted in the tank to delimit with the cylindrical wall, a communication space (11) on either side of the cover, configured to allow the vertical displacement of the cover when the level of the liquid changes in the tank and in that the equipment includes a system (12) for bearing the cover on the bottom of the tank keeping the lower face (3a) of the cover at a distance from the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: Philippe PERRIER
  • Publication number: 20240140697
    Abstract: A collapsible container assembly includes a first lateral side wall having a door frame and a first shear wall, a second lateral side wall that opposes the first lateral side wall and includes a wall panel and a second shear wall, an outboard wall that includes upper and lower panels that are pivotably connected to one another, an inboard wall that opposes the outboard wall and includes upper and lower panels that are pivotably connected to one another, a base and a top. The first and second shear walls are pivotable between a use position and a stowed position. The door frame, wall panel, inboard wall and outboard wall are pivotably connected to the base, and the inboard wall and outboard wall are pivotably connected to the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Johannes Laan, Cornelis Portegies
  • Publication number: 20240140698
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to containment units usable for safely containing, storing and transporting items such as electric vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Brian Banks, Steve Lewis, I, Zachary Lewis
  • Publication number: 20240140699
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a container equipment for enclosed transportation and heterotopic and aerobic stabilization of reserved garbage, which includes a container body and a functional lining provided on an inner wall of the container body, wherein the functional lining is provided with a circulating air low-temperature evaporation system, a water distribution and drainage system and a heating and insulating system; the circulating air low-temperature evaporation system includes an air inlet manifold, an air distribution perforated pipe, a base plate water discharge and air distribution groove and a top plate water distribution and air guide groove, an air extraction perforated pipe, a fan, an air outlet pipe and a quicklime dehydration and deodorization system; the water distribution and drainage system includes a percolate feeding pipe, a fiber capillary water distribution pipe, the top plate water distribution and air guide groove, a side drain, a main drain and a percolate discharge pipe; the hea
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Jun WU, Yifan CHEN, Zhouzhi PAN, YiIian LV, Haitao MA, Junwei ZHU, ZhiIi YANG, Pinghai Li, Wangfeng XUE
  • Publication number: 20240140700
    Abstract: A waste container includes a floor, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, a front wall, a first door, and a second door. The first and second side walls are spaced apart from each other. The back wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall. The front wall extends from the first side wall toward the second side wall such that a gap is defined between the front wall and the second side wall. The first door and the second door are each movable between an open position and a closed position. The first door in the closed position extends between the front wall and the second side wall so all the gap is blocked. The second door in the closed position extends between the front wall and the second side wall so only a portion of the gap is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: David Lentz, Derek Ruckman
  • Publication number: 20240140701
    Abstract: A clutch device and an induction bin are disclosed. The clutch device includes a transmission assembly and a reset assembly. The transmission assembly includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector is connected to the second connector, the first connector is provided with a bump on a side of the first connector close to the second connector, the second connector is provided with a groove on a side of the second connector close to the first connector, and the second connector is movable in an axial direction so that the bump is capable of being clamped in or slid out of the groove. The reset assembly includes an elastic element, which is configured to drive the second connector to move towards the first connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Jinsheng LIAO, Baiyao LIN
  • Publication number: 20240140702
    Abstract: Provided is a roller shutter-type intelligent garbage can head, including a protective shell, a mounting shell, a sensor, connecting blades and a coupler. A sliding groove is provided between the protective shell and the mounting shell; the connecting blades and a first baffle are arranged in the sliding groove in a limited manner; the sensor is provided at a front end of the protective shell of the roller shutter-type intelligent garbage can head, and a rear end of the sensor is electrically connected to a rotating motor by means of a connecting line; the sensor senses an upper end and controls the rotating motor to rotate stably so as to drive two sets of reel pipes to synchronously rotate under an action of the coupler. At this time, by means of the mesh connection between limiting recesses on the outer sides of the reel pipes and limiting blocks on the outer sides of the connecting blades, the connecting blades and the first baffle can be driven to be stably and automatically wound outside the reel pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Zongbiao Wang, Dinghui Gao, Yuyao Zhu
  • Publication number: 20240140703
    Abstract: A storage container assembly includes a storage container, a delivery container, and a holder. The storage container includes a base and four walls extending up from edges of the base, thereby defining a top opening of the storage container. The delivery container includes a base and four walls extending up from edges of the base. The holder for the delivery container is telescopically retained within the storage container and extendable from the opening of the storage container. The holder has a side-access opening, which is revealed on extension of the holder from the storage container. The delivery container can be guided into and out from the side-access opening of the holder and the delivery container can be slidably retained within the holder for storage within the storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventor: Jørgen Djuve Heggebø
  • Publication number: 20240140704
    Abstract: An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas WAGNER, Kevin AHEARN, John Richard AMEND, JR., Benjamin COHEN, Michael DAWSON-HAGGERTY, William Hartman FORT, Christopher GEYER, Jennifer Eileen KING, Thomas KOLETSCHKA, Michael Cap KOVAL, Kyle MARONEY, Matthew T MASON, William Chu-Hyon MCMAHAN, Gene Temple PRICE, Joseph ROMANO, Daniel SMITH, Siddhartha SRINIVASA, Prasanna VELAGAPUDI, Thomas ALLEN
  • Publication number: 20240140705
    Abstract: An inventory management apparatus that utilizes bins and/or dispensers as desired for enabling the rapid storage and dispensation of goods, products, and other articles. The apparatus is capable of being customized with additional platforms, bins, and dispensers for extra storage and/or dispenser-mounted bristles to prevent accidental spillage of smaller articles. The bristles are designed for further customization and may be mounted with traditional nuts and bolts, screws, or hook-and-loop fastener systems, among other mounting systems. In addition, the apparatus is mobile enough to be moved about a facility through human or machine-induced locomotion via casters to further facilitate storage and dispensation of goods, products, and other articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: Caleb Kelly
  • Publication number: 20240140706
    Abstract: A storage facility for material panels includes at least one rail-bound basic track with at least one pair of rails and at least one rail-bound transfer track leading to panel depositing locations with at least two pairs of rails, the pair of rails of a basic track and transfer track meeting at right angles, at least one transport device including two carrier vehicles, each having a drive unit synchronized at a constant distance and jointly accommodating the panels, and one lifting device on each carrier vehicle such that material panels are removable and accommodated on the panel depositing locations, the transport device being movable by a wheel orientation device on a basic track and a transfer track such that the carrier vehicles are movable in parallel on the basic track at a constant spaced distance and on the transfer track at a uniform distance at the same height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Juri Rempel, Tobias Schartner
  • Publication number: 20240140707
    Abstract: To acquire information to accurately determine whether predetermined events related to moving of product have been completed. An automatic vending machine 1 includes: a box-shaped cabinet 4 internally including a plurality of shelves 4f; a product outlet 4d provided at a lower portion of a front panel 4b of the cabinet 4; a product discharging device 5 provided on each of the plurality of shelves 4f in the cabinet and configured to discharge a product P loaded thereon forward; a bucket 6 supported between the front panel 4b and the plurality of shelves 4f so as to be movable in the up-down direction and configured to receive the product P discharged from the product discharging device 5; and an imaging unit 10 that captures an image containing an image of a placement surface 6a on which the product P received is loaded in the bucket 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Akira MATSUMOTO, Takaaki ARAI
  • Publication number: 20240140708
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a first independently operable section having a first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions, and a second independently operable section in communication with the first independently operable section and having a second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions. The first and second independently operable sections are configured to provide a respective number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions so that the first number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions substantially matches the second number of predetermined storage and retrieval transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Larry SWEET, Kil KWAK, Kirill PANKRATOV, Russell G. BARBOUR, William JOHNSON, Juergen D. CONRAD, Juergen BAUMBACH, Ronald KYSLINGER
  • Publication number: 20240140709
    Abstract: Automated cold storage unit and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other products in compliance with regulatory requirements are provided. Such units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more controlled temperature zones fitted with temperature sensors. The units include a reader to track product information and status. Product movement within the unit is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with secure access to the contents of the unit and associated product data and information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: TruMed Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert James MANNING, Eugene Abraham BAKER, Kevin Lee BOKELMAN, Daniel KLINE, George M. WOHLHIETER, Anthony David BARGHINI, Wesly Hardin BILLMAN, Dan J. DULL, Nicholas James SNYDER, Mark MAJETTE
  • Publication number: 20240140710
    Abstract: A puzzle-based storage system to be operated on a floor area, and a method for providing such, comprising a set of separate transportation assemblies placed together in a two-dimensional puzzle-based configuration occupying minimal floor area. Each transportation assembly comprises a rolling arrangement connected to a transportation body for moving the transportation assembly on the floor area, each transportation assembly is carrying and conveying a storage device. The rolling arrangement connected to each transportation body comprises at least four replaceable autonomous rolling devices, where each rolling device comprises a rolling element, driving means, sensors, controller, communication means, and a rechargeable power supply. Charging means providing power to the rechargeable power supply is provided on the floor area where the puzzle-based storage system is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: Atle TIMENES
  • Publication number: 20240140711
    Abstract: A loading assistance device includes an infeed unit to which a plurality of articles are transported, a work area, a transporter that transports the plurality of articles from the infeed unit to the work area, a reader that reads identification information on the plurality of articles, a writer that writes operation assistance information on a surface of each of the plurality of articles, and a control system. The work area includes a plurality of work sections in which supports are placed. The operation assistance information includes section specification information specifying a work section of the plurality of work sections for each of the plurality of articles to undergo loading. The control system generates the section specification information to be written on each of the plurality of articles based on the identification information to allow articles in a same category to be preferentially loaded onto a same support of the supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Tomohito Tanaka, Makoto Sakashita, Takeshi Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20240140712
    Abstract: A method and system for obtaining an identifier from an item is disclosed. The method includes autonomously operating a robotic structure having a robotic arm to pick an item using an end effector of the robotic arm along a predetermined path from a source location to a destination location according to a plan. The picked item is moved according to the plan. An active measure is determined to be performed at least in part to obtain an identifier determined to be missing based on information received via the communication interface from one or more sensors. The robotic structure is autonomously operated to place the item at the destination location based at least in part on the plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Zhouwen Sun, Robert Holmberg, Shitij Kumar, Jeesu Baek, Joseph Li, Kishore Ranganath Ramakrishnan, Andrew Lovett, Cyril Nader, Farshid Farhat, David Leo Tondreau, III
  • Publication number: 20240140713
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes one or more hardware processors configured to, based on a plurality of pieces of rack data including first identification information of one or more kinds of products housed in each of a plurality of racks, determine: a processing sequence of a plurality of pieces of order data including second identification information of one or more kinds of products to be picked from at least part of the plurality of racks; and one or more of the plurality of racks for picking a product identified by the second identification information for each of the plurality of pieces of order data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideyuki AISU, Shizu SAKAKIBARA, Takufumi YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20240140714
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a multi-level storage rack and a material handling robot, where the multi-level storage rack includes a plurality of cuboid cells and the material handling robot is configured to navigate along a vertical direction or a horizontal direction from a first cuboid cell to a second cuboid cell. When the navigation from the first cuboid cell to the second cuboid cell is along a vertical direction, a set of second engagement structures disposed at corners of the material handling robot are mated with a set of first engagement structures disposed along structural columns of the first cuboid cell. A rotation of the second engagement structures drives the material handling robot to vertically move along the structural columns of the first cuboid cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Walti, Stefan Ozog, Gagan Thable, Emre Kalayci, Nathan Power, Daniel Livingston
  • Publication number: 20240140715
    Abstract: A system of automated columns for a vertical warehouse having: —a plurality of automated columns (10) integrally connected to a framed structure, the number of columns being always even, each of said plurality of automated columns having in turn a transmission member which rotates around an upper gear assembly and a lower gear assembly and a plurality of supports, supported by the transmission member, which translate from top to bottom and vice versa by the rotational movement of the transmission member, —a pneumatic/electrical or mechanical drive—a plurality of mechanical transmissions (130) in a number equal to the number of columns—the pneumatic/electrical or mechanical drive and mechanical transmissions synchronize the upward or the downward movement of the plurality of supports that support corresponding components to be stored, and—the plurality of mechanical transmissions comprises a corresponding plurality of cardan joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: Pietro Laudani
  • Publication number: 20240140716
    Abstract: An apparatus for vertical transfer of whole nuts from a first elevation to a second, lower elevation includes a run extending between an entrance and an exit, and having a plurality of alternatingly arranged conveying panels between the entrance and the exit. Each conveying panel is inclined to horizontal and has a variable effective conveying width. The apparatus further includes arcuate turn-arounds disposed between respective conveying panels to facilitate transferring the nuts from one conveying panel to the next lower conveying panel. The variable effective conveying width is selected based on a predetermined mass flow rate of nuts such that whole nuts move along the run in a continuous stream without tumbling, and wherein each nut is in contact with adjacent nuts in its respective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: TriDelta Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Decker Smith, Michael Pierce Woodall
  • Publication number: 20240140717
    Abstract: A device for sorting waste includes: a first conveyance module including a first conveyor belt movably mounted thereon, the first conveyance module include a hopper disposed at a first end of the first conveyor belt, the hopper being configured to receive waste; a second conveyance module including a second conveyor belt movably mounted thereon, the second conveyance module being coupled to the first conveyance module such that a first end of the second conveyor belt is positioned adjacent to a second end of the first conveyor belt; a first drain pan disposed underneath the first end of the first conveyor belt and aligned with the hopper; and a second drain pan disposed underneath the second end of the first conveyor belt and the first end of the second conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: Derek Ruckman
  • Publication number: 20240140718
    Abstract: A conveyor frame assembly that is constructed from component parts that are formed from stamped sheet metal and assembled after formation. The conveyor frame includes a pair of frame support members that each extend along the length of the conveyor frame from a first end to a second end. The frame support members each include an attachment flange and a side wall that extend perpendicular to a top wall. The frame support members each receive a plurality of cross supports that extend between the spaced side walls. The cross supports are each formed from sheet metal and are attached to the spaced side walls by connectors. First and second pairs of end brackets support end rollers on opposite ends of the conveyor assembly. The first and second end brackets are formed from sheet metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Anete Falls, Daniel E. Ertel
  • Publication number: 20240140719
    Abstract: The invention relates to a material processing device (1), in particular a mobile material processing device (1), having a conveyor device (10), in particular a conveyor belt, for conveying processed material and/or material to be processed in a direction of conveyance (FR) between a pick-up area (13) and a discharge area (16) of the conveyor device (10), wherein the conveyor device (10) has a first and a second conveying area (11, 12), wherein the first conveying area (11) is coupled to the material processing device (1) in the area of a first connection (15) such that it can swivel about a first joint having a first swivel axis (15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Felix Löhr, Christian Weller, Wolfgang Schmid
  • Publication number: 20240140720
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes Aa conveying device, including a mounting seat, a moving assembly, a bearing platform, a rotating assembly, a driving assembly, and a transmission assembly. The mounting seat is configured to move under drive of the moving assembly. The bearing platform is rotatably provided on the mounting seat under drive of the rotating assembly. The transmission assembly is in transmission connection to the driving assembly, the moving assembly, and the rotating assembly, so that the moving assembly drives the mounting seat and the bearing platform to move, and so that the rotating assembly drives the bearing platform to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronghai Qiu, Wei Lu, Ying Qian
  • Publication number: 20240140721
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of a tension maintaining device of a media transport belt, a device for maintaining tension of a belt to ensure a gripping force of the belt for gripping and transporting bundled media, in which a plurality of pieces of media are stacked, includes a rotation shaft; a link member coupled to the rotation shaft while having a predetermined length in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belt, and provided to be rotatable about the rotation shaft in response to a change in the number of pieces of the bundled media in contact with the belt; a first roller rotatably coupled to a first roller shaft provided at one end of the link member and maintained in contact with the belt; and a second roller rotatably coupled to a second roller shaft provided at the other end of the link member and maintained in contact with the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: HYUN SIK WOO, DONGKYUNG KIM
  • Publication number: 20240140722
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a rail having one or more channels therein and one or more sleds operatively associated with the rail. A sled can include a body and one or more wheels mounted on the body and configured to move through the one or more channels in the rail. A sled can also include a holding device connected to the body. The holding device can be configured to engage a packaging container to move the packaging container along the rail. Multiple sleds can be used to secure a packaging container therebetween and move the packaging container along the rail. The conveyor system may also include a queue system that dynamically moves packaging containers to packaging stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Hanko Kiessner, Thomas Lamb, David Iverson, Rod Gallaway, Brady Sjoblom
  • Publication number: 20240140723
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a tray separating apparatus that may include a main body having an accommodating part extending in a first direction. Additionally, the present disclosure may include a tray inlet located at a top of the main body. Additionally, embodiments may include a tray outlet that may be located at a side of the main body and a first transmission part that may be located at the bottom of the accommodating part. Embodiments may additionally include a first limiting part, mounted on the main body, where the first limiting part may be configured to switch between a first position and a second position; and a second limiting part may be located below the first limiting part in the first direction and where the second limiting part may be configured to switch between a third position and a fourth position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: VANDERLANDE INDUSTRIES LOGISTICS AUTOMATED SYSTEMS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chi ZHU, Jinke FU, Zemin YANG
  • Publication number: 20240140724
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a device for data processing and a computer system for controlling a control device of a conveyor system to achieve an alignment and/or a defined spacing of piece goods, wherein the control of the control device is determined by an agent acting according to Reinforcement Learning methods. An individual, local state vector of predefined dimension that is the same for all the piece goods is created for each of the piece goods and an action vector is selected from an action space according to a strategy that is the same for all piece goods for the current state vector of this piece good. These action vectors are projected onto the conveying elements, wherein conflicts are resolved. After a cycle time has elapsed, state vectors are created again for each piece good and evaluated with rewards and the strategy is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Zettler, Marc Christian Weber, Daniel Hein, Clemens Otte, Martin Schall, Frank Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20240140725
    Abstract: An article transport facility includes at least one transport vehicle, a travel path, a plurality of section control devices, and a superior control device. The travel path includes a plurality of recording points. The plurality of section control devices are each configured to (i) record a control state of the at least one transport vehicle at each recording point in a control region controlled by the section control device, as recording information associated with the each recording point, (ii) generate transmission information including a plurality of pieces of the recording information for the each recording point, and (iii) transmit the transmission information to the superior control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Toshihito Ueda, Shota Inden, Akira Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20240140726
    Abstract: A high-speed and high-precision Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) detection tunnel machine includes: an RFID reader-writer and an RFID antenna; a first conveying line, which conveys a carrier, and the carrier includes at least one RFID tag; a tunnel machine body, which is configured for the first conveying line to pass through, and covers the reading range; and a second conveying line, which conveys the carrier and ensures that the first conveying line only has one carrier. In the application, the second conveying line is disposed, and its relevant parameters may be adjusted according to parameters of the first conveying line and position of the carrier on the first conveying line, so as to realize continuous operation of the tunnel machine and ensure timely supplement of the carrier on the first conveying line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: WUXI HYESOFT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Liqun YU
  • Publication number: 20240140727
    Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein a flow of elongated product, such as wooden boards, oriented transverse to the direction of travel; having abutted stacks or piles with numerous layers in a variously misaligned fashion, is received onto the first and uppermost of a series of generally horizontal conveyors arranged in a single vertical array one above the other with each subsequent level operating in a direction opposite of the level above it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Automated Industrial Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Raymond SCHLUETER, Matthew JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20240140728
    Abstract: A feeder (5) comprising: a feed device having: a material receiving end for receiving material; a material discharge end (11) distal of the material receiving end; an endless conveyor disposed to define a conveying surface (9) between the material receiving end and the discharge end (11) movable in use to cause material received at the material receiving end to be conveyed to the material discharge end (11), wherein the endless conveyor comprises a plurality of successively arrayed metal plates, pans or flights; a material flow monitoring device disposed in association with the feed device and adapted to obtain in use a measurement representative of a quantity of material passing along the conveying surface (9) of the endless conveyor; wherein the material flow monitoring device is adapted to obtain a measurement representative of a weight of material passing along the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: MMD GROUP LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher PEARSON
  • Publication number: 20240140729
    Abstract: There is provided a device, system, and method for flexible feeding capable of being integrated into an assembly system. The device includes a disperser, a part retainer, a vibrator, an excess part removal device, a pick-and-placer, carriers, a transporter, a carrier inspection disc, a part remover, a gate, a transfer station, and re-entry tracks. The method includes dispersing parts, agitating parts, removing excess parts, picking captured parts, placing the captured parts into carriers, inspecting the carriers, positioning the carriers at a transfer station, and transferring the parts to a downstream processor. The system includes a flexible feeding device configured to perform flexible feeding operations, a data processor, and a medium having machine-readable instructions executable by the data processor and configured to cause the data processor to generate signals useful in the synchronization of two or more flexible feeding operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventor: Kenneth Wayne NICHOLSON
  • Publication number: 20240140730
    Abstract: An improved swing arm manipulator is provided for displacing objects on an object carrier surface of an object carrier. The swing arm manipulator includes a swing arm rotatable around a rotation axis transverse to the object carrier surface. The swing arm includes a hollow elongate body and at least one extension part. The at least one extension part has an at least substantially cylindrical portion with which it is rotatably arranged in a hollow inner space of the hollow elongate body and has an at least substantially wedge shaped portion connected thereto, that extends towards the object carrier surface at an angle with respect to a surface normal of the object carrier surface. The improved swing arm manipulator is better arranged to manipulate objects of various sizes, while mitigating the risk that objects get stuck and/or are damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Gideon MAY, Nick JANSSEN, Julien Maarten Jan BOL, Jonathan VAN DER SPEK
  • Publication number: 20240140731
    Abstract: Data indicating a corresponding safety state information indicating an extent to which that operating zone currently is or is not available to the robotic system to perform tasks using one or more robotic instrumentalities associated with a robotic system is used, for each of a plurality of operating zones, to dynamically schedule and perform tasks associated with a higher level objective. The corresponding safety state information associated with the first operating zone indicating one of a plurality of safety states associated with a presence of a human worker in the first operating zone is received from one or more sensors associated with a first operating zone of the plurality of operating zones. Autonomous behavior of the one or more robotic instrumentalities is altered based on the one of the plurality of safety states associated with the presence of the human worker in the first operating zone indicated by the corresponding safety state information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Zhouwen Sun, Cuthbert Sun, Andrew Nguyen, Samuel Tay, Emilie Peck, Kevin Jose Chavez, Robert Holmberg
  • Publication number: 20240140732
    Abstract: A control method by a computer, the control method acquires work information including information on work performed by a robot arm and information on an article as a target of the work; causes the robot arm to perform an operation of lifting up a predetermined unit of articles based on the work information; determines that there is a possibility that a plurality of articles are packaged together based on sensor data obtained when the operation is being performed; and when it is determined that there is a possibility that a plurality of articles are packaged together, settles a handling method for the article according to the sensor data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Youko Mori, Tsutomu Maruyama, Tadashi Natsukawa, Masatsugu Ogawa, Masumi Ichien, Terumasa Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20240140733
    Abstract: A pick-and-place assembly tool, system and method comprising a flexible array of gripper heads is adapted to pick a sheet of flexible material or a pre-assembled array of flexibly coupled elements from a flat surface and place it on a convex, doubly curved surface. Gripping action may be provided by a suction force. When picking the pre-assembled array of elements, the array of gripper heads may conform to the flat surface. The assembly tool may then be moved above and aligned to the compound curved placing surface. When lowered onto the receiving surface, the assembly tool passively may precisely conform to the convex surface. Distortion of the material or array may be controlled by flexible couplers disposed between the gripper heads. Heating elements disposed on some or all of the gripper heads may be used to tack the workpiece in place to maintain registration during subsequent processing, e.g., lamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: APTERA MOTORS CORP.
    Inventors: Aiden CROWE, Anuj THAKKAR
  • Publication number: 20240140734
    Abstract: A workstation includes a housing and a pneumatic tube port sized and shaped to connect to tubing of a pneumatic tube delivery system. The workstation includes a carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism coupling to the pneumatic tube port and having an outlet and a slide plate movable from a position opening the outlet to a position closing the outlet. The carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism further including a dispatch arm for loading an outbound carrier for transportation from the workstation through the pneumatic tube delivery system to a further workstation. The workstation further comprises an equipment storage compartment adjacent to the carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism and a bin at the bottom of the housing sized and shaped to receive and store the inbound carriers in combination with a user interface cabinet housing a user interface apparatus and a space for supporting stored carriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Steven M. DAHL, Andrey JASIUKAITIS, Chad SCHNEIDER, Joseph GAULTNEY, Charles CATEORA
  • Publication number: 20240140735
    Abstract: The weight of a body-to-be-conveyed constituting a conveying device is reduced, and the friction force between the sliding surface of the body-to-be-conveyed and the conveyance path is reduced. A body-to-be-conveyed that is a component of a conveying device that uses electromagnetic force as thrust and can move in a horizontal direction includes a mover in which a bottom surface is arranged so that a predetermined gap is formed in a vertical direction with respect to the sliding surface thereof, in which the mover includes a permanent magnet and a cover, a gap facing surface of the permanent magnet facing the gap includes one magnetic pole, the cover is installed on a side of the permanent magnet opposite from the gap facing surface in the vertical direction, the horizontal outermost diameter of the cover is larger than the horizontal outermost diameter of the permanent magnet, and the cover is formed of a flat plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Ryosuke HOSHI, Yasuaki AOYAMA, Satoru KANEKO, Hiroyuki KOBAYASHI, Takeshi TAMAKOSHI, Hiroshi WATANABE, Katsuhiro KAMBARA, Kuniaki ONIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20240140736
    Abstract: A method of processing objects is disclosed. The method includes grasping an object with an end-effector of a programmable motion device, determining an estimated pose of the object as it is being grasped by the end-effector, determining a pose adjustment for repositioning the object for placement at a destination location in a destination pose, determining a pose adjustment to be applied to the object, and placing the object at the destination location in a destination pose in accordance with the pose adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Alex Benjamin SHER, Thomas Joseph Culliton, Jeremy Saslaw, Ashwin Deshpande, Christopher Geyer
  • Publication number: 20240140737
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a feeder apparatus, system and method applied to the movement of bulk material and in particular for the movement of bulk run of mine material from a working site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: MMD GROUP LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher PEARSON