Conveyor System Having Auxiliary Section For Storing Items Moving Between Source And Destination Patents (Class 198/347.1)
  • Patent number: 11905051
    Abstract: A loading device for loading storage and transport receptacles or trays for plastic receptacles, such as plastic bottles, is disclosed which has a transport system for the trays that can be operated automatically and a transferring device for the plastic receptacles. The transferring device has a multi-gripper for securely grasping a predetermined number of plastic receptacles arranged in the form of a row. A stabilizing system is arranged in a loading station for the trays, which stabilizing system has a first support rack and a second support rack, which are arranged essentially parallel to one another and can be at least partially inserted into a tray that is to be loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: ALPHA WERKE ALWIN LEHNER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Jürgen Riedmann
  • Patent number: 11807470
    Abstract: Buffer device for buffering containers, with an inlet, an inlet manipulator, a first buffer system, a transposition device, a second buffer system, an outlet manipulator, and an outlet, where containers can be transferred by the inlet manipulator from the inlet to the first buffer system and can be transported along a first direction in the first buffer system, where the transposition device can transfer containers from the first buffer system to the second buffer system, and the containers can be transported in the second buffer system along a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and the containers can be removed from the second buffer system by the outlet manipulator and fed to the outlet, where the buffer capacity of the buffer device is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Helmut Schuesslburner, Konrad Senn
  • Patent number: 11718481
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes an extendable conveyor, a cradle configured to at least partially receive the extendable conveyor, a first conveyor that is movable between a first position and a second position, the first conveyor configured to receive a material from a first source, and second conveyor configured to receive a material from a second source. The extendable conveyor may be configured to pivot with respect to the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: FMH Conveyors LLC
    Inventors: William Mark Hogan, Barry Wayne Freeman, John David Robert King
  • Patent number: 11407591
    Abstract: A goods transport system, and a goods transport method and apparatus using the transport system. The system is used for implementing goods transport with a storing shelf (11); the storing shelf (11) comprises a plurality of shelf layers, each shelf layer comprising a goods buffer area and a plurality of goods storage areas; an input transport track (12), used for transporting goods to the storing shelf, the input transport track comprising an input main transport track (121) and a plurality of input sub-transport tracks (122); each input sub-transport track (122) corresponds to one of the shelf layers of the storing shelf, one end of any one of the input sub-transport tracks (122) being connected to the goods buffer area of a shelf layer of the storing shelf, and the other end being connected to the input main transport track (121); and a shuttle trolley (13), used for transporting goods between the goods buffer area and the goods storage areas of a shelf layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Beijing Jingdong Zhenshi Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Genyun Zhang, Kaixuan Wu
  • Patent number: 11338999
    Abstract: An article storage device includes a first conveying line, a second conveying line, and a temporary storage passage, wherein the first conveying line and the second conveying line ascend spirally around the temporary storage passage to form a double spiral structure, and two ends of the temporary storage passage respectively are in communication with the first conveying line and the second conveying line, the first conveying line conveys the article to the temporary storage passage, the temporary storage passage receives the article from the first conveying line and conveys the article to the second conveying line, and the second conveying line receives the article from the temporary storage passage and conveys the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jinxing Hu
  • Patent number: 11332325
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for coating containers having an inlet where containers are handed over to the apparatus, and an outlet where containers leave the apparatus, having at least one vacuum device for producing a vacuum, having at least one treatment station for coating containers with a plasma, wherein the treatment stations are in fluid connection with the vacuum device and wherein the treatment stations have at least one treatment device into which is able to be introduced into a container, wherein the apparatus has a first and a second transport device for transporting containers, wherein the first transport device feeds the containers at least indirectly to a treatment station, wherein the first transport device is able to be switched off at least temporarily, resulting in the feeding of containers to the treatment station being interrupted, and the second transport device being an at least sectionally linear transport device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Martin Kammerl, Michael Neubauer, Klaus Voth
  • Patent number: 11278936
    Abstract: The sorting installation (1) of the invention includes sorting outlets (2) aligned along a sorting conveyor (3), each outlet being provided with a recess (4) for receiving a tray (5) in which sorted mailpieces (6) are stored. The installation also includes a tray conveyor (8) that extends in a certain conveying direction (F2) under the sorting outlets for the purpose of transporting trays filled with sorted mailpieces from the sorting outlets to a feed inlet (7) of the sorting conveyor. The installation further includes a shuttle robot (9) suitable for traveling on the floor (S1) in autonomous manner along the sorting outlets, the robot including handling means (12) suitable for extracting a tray from a recess of a sorting outlet and for placing it lengthwise on the tray conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: SOLYSTIC
    Inventors: Wilfrid Beaugrand, Cedric Milord, Patrick Tetaz-Receveur, Laurent Pellegrin
  • Patent number: 11267651
    Abstract: An automatic storage and retrieval system is disclosed including storage positions for storing containers, a portal and mobile robots for transferring the containers between the storage positions and portal. The portal may include a bot-access side where the mobile robots transfer containers to and from the portal, and a user-access side where users remove items from the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Alert Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, Devin Lert, John G. Lert, Jr., Stephanie Waite, Julian Warhurst, David Hartnett
  • Patent number: 11104522
    Abstract: A vehicle operated cleaning bin for cleaning a storage grid of a storage system, wherein the cleaning bin includes a connector for attaching the cleaning bin to a lifting device of a remotely operating vehicle being configured to vertically convey the cleaning bin inside a column of the storage grid by aid of the lifting device, and a plurality of cleaners for removing foreign debris from the storage grid. The plurality of cleaners are arranged on at least one lateral wall of the cleaning bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim, Trond Austrheim
  • Patent number: 10961052
    Abstract: An automated warehouse is disclosed comprising an enclosure. A robotic arm mounted above the enclosure places packages in the enclosure and removes packages from the enclosure. In embodiments, packages may be packed tightly within the enclosure to improve storage efficiency within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: CHALDAL, INC.
    Inventors: Tejas Viswanath, Waseem Alim
  • Patent number: 10947053
    Abstract: Disclosed is a production system for spectacle lenses made from spectacle lens blanks, having a left-hand outer transport track, multiple left-hand processing devices which are arranged on the left-hand side next to the left-hand outer transport track, a right-hand outer transport track, and a central transport track which is arranged between the left-hand outer transport track and the right-hand outer transport track. The transport direction of the left-hand outer transport track and the transport direction of the right-hand outer transport track are identical, and the transport direction of the central transport track is opposite to the transport directions of the left-hand outer transport track and the right-hand outer transport track or can be reversed. The multiple right-hand processing devices are arranged on the right-hand side next to the right-hand outer transport track. A processing device pair made of left-hand and right-hand processing devices is paired with a transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Meschenmoser, Arne Schulz, Dennis Klora
  • Patent number: 10934103
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a conveying storage device for containers, comprising: a first/second drivable conveyor which can convey containers on a first/second conveying surface in a first/second direction, the first and the second conveyor being positioned parallel to one another such that containers are transferable from the first to the second conveying surface; a transfer device, which is movable along the conveyor, for transferring containers from the first to the second conveying surface; a guide body which is movable along a region between the first and the second conveyor above the first and the second conveying surface; and a guide railing for guiding and separating containers, said guide rail extending at an angle to the second direction and above the second conveying surface. The guide railing is variable in length and cooperates with the guide body such that the length of the guide railing and the angle can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Matthias Meier, Torsten Kilgenstein
  • Patent number: 10807797
    Abstract: It is discloses a storage and picking system (10) for retrieving handling units (66) comprising: a rack arrangement (12) including a plurality of racks (14), which are aligned along a longitudinal direction (X) of the system (10) and which comprise several rack planes (54) in a height direction (Y) of the system (10) on top of each other, wherein the rack arrangement (12) comprises in a transversal direction (Z) of the system a central region (32) and two outer regions (30) enclosing the central region (32) in the transversal direction (Z) between each other, and wherein the rack arrangement (12) comprises: a first outer rack (20) positioned in one of the outer regions (30) of the rack arrangement (12) and defining a first retrieval rack (22), from which handling units (66) which are to be retrieved, or articles contained therein, exit the rack arrangement (12) in the transversal direction (Z); at least one central rack (26) positioned in the central region (32) of the rack arrangement (12); a first rack aisl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SSI Schäfer Automation GmbH (AT)
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 10710812
    Abstract: A physical distribution system includes first and second conveyance paths, first and second sensors, and a processor. The first sensor detects a package passing along the first conveyance path. The second conveyance path merges with the first conveyance path at a junction. The second sensor detects a package passing along the second conveyance path. The processor counts a first number of packages present in a first convergence monitoring section determined in the first conveyance path upstream the junction, and counts a second number of packages present in a second convergence monitoring section determined in the second conveyance path upstream the junction, determines an order in which packages in the first and second convergence monitoring sections pass the junction, based on the first number and the second number, and control the first and second conveyance paths, such that the packages pass the junction in the determined order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS CORP.
    Inventors: Yuhi Minamino, Takashi Hirayama, Tetsuo Watanabe, Hiroyoshi Sekine
  • Patent number: 10647787
    Abstract: A production process for production of water absorbing polymer particles, including drying an aqueous polymer gel in a belt drier with a conveyor belt having a drier setup in the interior, in which drying air in the interior of the drier setup is conducted in countercurrent counter to the conveying direction and the interior of the drier setup is kept substantially at a reduced pressure relative to the ambient pressure outside the drier setup, and the interior has and/or forms a pressure zone, and is especially divided into a number of pressure zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Gerald Grünewald, Rüdiger Funk, Matthias Weismantel
  • Patent number: 10543991
    Abstract: A buffering device comprises a frame and a conveyor belt, a supply station, a discharge station, a first reversing member reverses the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, and a return guide includes a second reversing member. The buffering device is configured such that the conveyor belt moves from the supply station via the first reversing member to the discharge station, after which the conveyor belt is guided back to the supply station via the return guide. A portion of the conveyor belt n forms a buffer section of which the length varies. The remaining portion of the conveyor belt forms a compensation section for compensating a change of length of the buffer section during simultaneous displacement of the first and second reversing members with respect to the frame. The first reversing member includes a buffer carriage for radially guiding the conveyor belt, which guide is fixed to the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: SPECIALTY CONVEYOR B.V.
    Inventor: Wouter Balk
  • Patent number: 10479617
    Abstract: A logistics installation (200) for sorting articles, the installation including a looped conveyor (210) comprising P pre-sorting devices (PT1, PT2) for pre-sorting the articles, injection zones (ZI-1, ZI-2, ZI-3, ZI-4, ZI-5, ZI-6) for injecting the pre-sorted articles onto the conveyor, and outlet zones (ZS-1, ZS-2, ZS-3, ZS-4, ZS-5, ZS-6) for unloading the articles from the conveyor, the injection zones alternating with the outlet zones along the conveyor, each injection zone being followed by an outlet zone, in which installation each injection zone is connected to one pre-sorting device only, and each pre-sorting device is connected to one in every P injection zones considered sequentially around the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventors: Luc Chirol, Emmanuel Miette
  • Patent number: 10464773
    Abstract: A method for operating a postpress processing installation (1) for producing and processing product units, in particular completed final printed products (D) such as periodicals and newspapers, which are preferably compiled from a jacket product (A) and a plurality of part products and/or inserts (a, b, c, d), and a corresponding postpress processing installation (1). The final printed products (D) are produced according to a predetermined production plan in a manner adapted to the route along which they travel and are processed by means of at least one stacking device (70, 70.1) to form a sequence of standard packages (N) and part packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: FERAG AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Gallati
  • Patent number: 10363657
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a first time-parameterized path for the first robotic device, and an indication of a second robotic device having a second time-parameterized path that overlaps with the first time-parameterized path at a first location. The method also includes executing, by the first robotic device, a first portion of the first time-parameterized path before reaching the first location, wherein execution of the first portion corresponds to a first rate of progress of the first robotic device along the first time-parameterized path. The first robotic device then receives a communication signal from the second robotic device indicating a second rate of progress of the second robotic device along the second time-parameterized path. The method then includes the first robotic device determining a difference between the first rate of progress and the second rate of progress, and modifying execution of the first time-parameterized path based on the determined difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Lalonde, Peter Anderson-Sprecher
  • Patent number: 10233019
    Abstract: A warehousing system for storing and retrieving goods disposed in containers is provided. The system includes a multilevel storage array including an array of storage shelves for holding containers thereon, at least one substantially continuous lift for transporting containers to and from at least one level of the storage array, at least one transport vehicle located on the at least one level and configured to traverse a transport area transporting containers between the at least one continuous lift and container storage locations so that the at least one continuous lift communicates non-deterministically, via the transport vehicle, with storage locations of each of the storage shelves on the at least one level, an infeed transport system linked to the at least one continuous lift, and an order fulfillment station for generating order containers corresponding to customer orders where the order containers are entered onto the storage shelves of the storage array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventor: John Lert
  • Patent number: 10081127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating apparatus (H) having at least one heating line (24) for the thermal conditioning of preforms (1) made of thermoplastic material to a temperature profile which is suitable for blow shaping, wherein the heating apparatus (H) comprises a transport device for transporting the preforms (1) along a transport path (T) of the heating apparatus (H), said transport device comprising a revolving conveyor chain (F) having a plurality of pivotably interconnected chain links (33), and wherein the transport device comprises handling means (39) for holding and manipulating a single preform (1) each, wherein the transport device is embodied and configured such that the preforms (1) are guided in a single row in at least a first section of the transport path (T), and are guided in two adjacent rows in at least a second section of the transport path (T), and wherein each chain link (33) comprises a bracket (41) on which a first handling means (39) and a second handling means (39?) are arranged
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: KHS Corpoplast GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Baumgarte, Frank Lewin, Michael Linke, Deniz Ulutürk, Daniel Firchau, Julian Choinski
  • Patent number: 10068486
    Abstract: A transportation network is provided that utilizes autonomous vehicles (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles) for identifying, acquiring, and transporting items between network locations without requiring human interaction. A travel path for an item through the transportation network may include multiple path segments and corresponding intermediate network locations, with a different autonomous vehicle utilized to transport the item along each path segment. Different possible next network locations for a travel path may selected based on transportation factors such as travel time, cost, safety, etc. (e.g., as may be related to distance, network congestion, inclement weather, etc.). Local processing (e.g., by a control system of an autonomous vehicle) may perform the selection of a next network location for a travel path (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Bar-Zeev, Brian C. Beckman, Daniel Buchmueller, Steven Gregory Dunn, Gur Kimchi
  • Patent number: 10065215
    Abstract: A sorting device for articles has at least two main conveyor lines, each conveying consecutively arranged articles, at least two feeder devices, which respectively feed the articles to one of the main conveyor lines, at least two recognition devices for detecting a sorting destination for each article, a plurality of sorting outlets arranged at the end of each main conveyor line, each assigned to sorting destinations, and to which the articles are transported. The sorting device further has at least two connecting conveyor lines, each branching off the main conveyor lines at branch points, by way of which the articles can be conveyed from one main conveyor line to another main conveyor line. The articles can be temporarily stored in a storage device, which feeds temporarily stored articles to one of the main conveyor lines in the direction of conveyance before at least one of the branch points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Berdelle-Hilge, Nikolaus Haselberger
  • Patent number: 10035665
    Abstract: Table for accumulating FIFO items including a sensor S1 positioned at the upstream end of an outlet conveyor U having reading in the longitudinal direction and in proximity to an external lateral side of the conveyor, configured for intercepting the items signaling the presence thereof at a reading height Q which defines a limit reference area of the presence or absence of the items on the outlet belt U; at least one pressure sensor S2 and a presence sensor S3 placed on the outlet sides of conveyor U and of the downstream conveyor, respectively; a control unit B configured for defining the position Z of deflector V as a function of the reading measure Q of sensor S1 and of the values of sensor values S2, S3; wherein measure Q that the sensor should detect is reset by the same control unit each time it is reached by the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: SIPAC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Corrado Azzali
  • Patent number: 9908277
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing plastic containers includes: a forming machine for producing plastic preforms; a blow-molding machine for blowing the preforms to obtain containers, provided with a blow-molding carousel having a plurality of blow-molding molds that expand the preforms to obtain the containers; a thermal conditioning station interposed between the forming machine and the blow-molding machine; a storage station, configured for receiving and containing preforms; a supplying system for feeding the thermal conditioning station with preforms contained in the storage station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA
    Inventors: Fiorenzo Parrinello, Zeno Zuffa, Matteo Camerani, Ivan Bonzi, Gabriele Stocchi
  • Patent number: 9688479
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a multiple speed, multiple conveyor storage system for items in a materials handling facility such as a fulfillment center. An item storage system includes a first conveyor configured to operate at one speed, a second conveyor configured to operate at a different speed, and a transfer device configured to transfer items between the conveyors. The conveyors are each configured to store items in motion in a circuit arrangement. A computing device determines a predicted time at which the item is predicted to exit the item storage system and then initiates a transfer of the item between conveyors via the transfer device by the predicted time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Albert Gorski
  • Patent number: 9617075
    Abstract: An overhead warehousing system for use in a warehouse having a ceiling and a plurality of storage racks supported by the floor of a warehouse includes a plurality of tramways affixed to the ceiling, each tramway associated with at least one storage rack. At least one robotic module is engaged upon each tramway and translatable thereon. Each robotic module includes a powered carrier engaging the tramway for translating the robotic module therealong and a utility head connected to the powered carrier. The utility head is vertically positionable with respect to the powered carrier and is rotatable about a vertical axis. At least one gripper head is horizontally translatable from and rotatable relative to the utility head and includes a plurality of gripper fingers for grasping a parcel. A plurality of drones may be incorporated by the system to perform some of the parcel transporting operations of the robotic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Porat
  • Patent number: 9611097
    Abstract: A warehousing system for storing and retrieving goods disposed in containers is provided. The system includes a multilevel storage array including an array of storage shelves for holding containers thereon, at least one substantially continuous lift for transporting containers to and from at least one level of the storage array, at least one transport vehicle located on the at least one level and configured to traverse a transport area transporting containers between the at least one continuous lift and container storage locations so that the at least one continuous lift communicates non-deterministically, via the transport vehicle, with storage locations of each of the storage shelves on the at least one level, an infeed transport system linked to the at least one continuous lift, and an order fulfillment station for generating order containers corresponding to customer orders where the order containers are entered onto the storage shelves of the storage array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventor: John Lert
  • Patent number: 9555848
    Abstract: The embodiments disclose a ground sliding type flexible framing system, comprising a vehicle body transport system, welding systems, framing fixtures, a splicing system, a fixture storage system and a fixture switching system. The fixture storage system comprises a plurality of bidirectional sliding rails arranged in parallel, storage positions for storing framing fixtures are formed on the bidirectional sliding rails, and the fixture switching system comprises a left and a right sliding table transport rail which are led to two sides of the splicing system from two ends of the bidirectional sliding rails, fixture transport rails led to the left and the right sliding table transport rail from two sides of the splicing system, respectively, sliding tables capable of running on the left and the right sliding table transport rail and a transport mechanism capable of pulling the framing fixtures positioned on the bidirectional sliding rails and the fixture transport rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU MINO AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Meng Yang, Weibing Yao, Bangchao Qiu, Junhui Li, Zhilin Zhang, Yi He
  • Patent number: 9550624
    Abstract: An order-picking method includes autonomously routing a plurality of mobile robotic units in an order fulfillment facility and picking articles to or putting articles from the robotic units in the order fulfillment facility. A material-handling robotic unit that is adapted for use in an order fulfillment facility includes an autonomous mobile vehicle base and a plurality of article receptacles positioned on the base. A visual indicator associated with the receptacle facilitates picking articles to or putting articles from the robotic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DEMATIC CORP.
    Inventors: Michael S. Khodl, David M. Berghorn, Todd S. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9409728
    Abstract: An automated flow buffer system includes infeed and discharge shuttle systems. A buffering system is disposed between the infeed shuttle system and the discharge shuttle system. The buffering system includes buffer conveyors arranged in an array to buffer one or more items. The infeed shuttle system and the discharge shuttle system each include a shuttle frame disposed proximal to an end of the buffering system and one or more shuttles independently moveable along the shuttle frame. Each of the shuttles include a drive system configured to move the shuttle in horizontal and vertical directions along the shuttle frame so that the shuttle is able to service the conveyors in the buffering system. The shuttle includes a conveyance mechanism upon which one or more of the items are transported. The conveyance mechanism is configured to convey the items to and/or from the buffer conveyors of the buffering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: BASTIAN SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Bastian, II
  • Patent number: 9296567
    Abstract: A method and a device for conveying strip-shaped or plate shaped products utilizing the following steps and features: supply the products out of a continuously operating device to the conveying device; convey the products in succession in the conveying device; and transfer the products from the conveying device to a device for further processing. When the device for the further processing of the products is not ready for operation the products are store, then discharged when the device for the for the further processing of the products is ready for operation. Additionally, the products supplied into the conveying device is discharged out of the conveying device when the device for the further processing of the products is not ready for operation, the products are not able to be transferred to the further processing device, and when the storage device is completely filled with products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: LOESCH VERPACKUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Heinz-Peter Hammacher, Andreas Maiwald
  • Patent number: 9289796
    Abstract: There is a treatment arrangement for ferromagnetic parts, particularly screws and nuts, comprising at least a treatment wheel having at least one magnet for holding the ferromagnetic parts on the circumference of the treatment wheel, a feed apparatus for feeding the ferromagnetic parts to the treatment wheel and for placing the ferromagnetic parts on a first circumference line of the treatment wheel, a treatment apparatus for treating the ferromagnetic parts, and a discharge apparatus for removing the ferromagnetic parts from the treatment wheel. The treatment wheel comprises at least one further circumference line for holding the ferromagnetic parts, and that the treatment arrangement furthermore comprises means for transferring the ferromagnetic parts from the first circumference line of the treatment wheel to a second adjacent circumference line of the treatment wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: GESI Gewindesicherungs-GmbH
    Inventor: Waldemar Baumann
  • Patent number: 9205982
    Abstract: A method for arranging different articles in an order-oriented manner from a long-term warehouse in accordance with a plurality of orders, in particular picking orders, is proposed, comprising the following steps: a) defining an analysis quantity, which comprises a quantity of n orders, wherein each of the orders of the analysis quantity comprises at least one order line, wherein each of the order lines respectively specifies an ordered article with regard to an article type thereof and with regard to an ordered number of pieces; b) quasi-continuously transferring stored articles in an article-pure manner from the long-term warehouse to the short-term warehouse comprising the steps of: i) selecting an arbitrary one of the article types contained in the analysis quantity; ii) analyzing each of the orders of the analysis quantity in dependence on the selected article type; iii) determining total requirements of the selected article type; iv) transferring the total requirements of the selected article type from
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: SSI SCHÄFER PEEM GMBH
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 9027730
    Abstract: Systems, computer program products, and methods useful for handling or managing microplates are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: IBIS Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Hofstadler, Jared J. Drader, Jose R. Gutierrez, Paul J. Gleason, Rex O. Bare, Robert D. Miller, Jeffrey C. Smith, Kevin S. Oberkramer, Ronald K. Bergold
  • Patent number: 9031682
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens supplying system for supplying an eyeglass lens to a plurality of eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: a plurality of conveyer line units, each of which includes: at least one conveyer line conveying a tray; a tray moving unit separating at least two trays from the conveyer line to move the trays to standby positions, and put the tray on the conveyer line; and a control unit obtaining processing information from a host computer; a carrying-in conveyer line connected to the conveyer line of the conveyer line unit; a carrying-out conveyer line connected to the conveyer line of the conveyer line unit; a main control unit communicating with each of the control units, and determines the processing apparatus to process the lens in the tray on the carrying-in conveyer unit, or determines the conveyer line unit to convey the tray on the carrying-in conveyer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoshi Tanaka, Yuya Nakako
  • Patent number: 9022200
    Abstract: A line accumulation conveyor includes a secondary belt rotatably mounted to a frame so as to define upper and lower surfaces caused to move in opposite directions by rotation of the secondary belt. The conveyor further includes a product conveying belt that is rotatably engaged with the secondary belt at a first position on the first surface and at a second position on the second surface therebetween in an endless manner. The product conveying belt has an upper portion that extends from the first surface in an upper plane between the first position and a looping portion of the product conveying belt and a lower portion that extends from the second surface in a lower plane between the looping portion and the second position. The upper portion of the product conveying belt defines a product accumulation path that can be elongate or shorten by rotating the secondary belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: TRIO PAC Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Baechtel, Jean-Claude Espitalier
  • Patent number: 9021768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conveying articles, in particular product slices produced by simultaneous slicing of a plurality of food products or respective portions including a plurality of product slices, wherein the articles are conveyed in a conveying direction on a main conveying path in multitracks in desired arrangements formed by articles from different tracks, in particular in rows extending transverse to the conveying direction, incomplete arrangements of articles having at least one deficient point are expelled onto a secondary conveying path and desired arrangements are formed from the articles forming the incomplete arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Weber Mashinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventor: Günther Weber
  • Patent number: 9016459
    Abstract: A device for buffering molded parts in a beverage filling plant, and in one embodiment, for buffering container closures in a beverage filling plant, is described. The device has an intake and an outlet, between which a buffer surface for buffering the molded parts is disposed. The buffer surface is rotatably disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Sebastian Klepatz, Markus Schönfelder
  • Patent number: 9014843
    Abstract: A method for arranging different articles in an order-oriented manner from a long-term warehouse in accordance with a plurality of orders, comprising a) defining an analysis quantity; b) quasi-continuously transferring stored articles in an article-pure manner from the long-term warehouse to the short-term warehouse by selecting an arbitrary one of the article types contained in the analysis quantity, analyzing each of the orders of the analysis quantity in dependence on the selected article type, determining total requirements of the selected article type, and transferring the total requirements of the selected article type from the long-term warehouse to the short-term warehouse; c) determining at least one complete order; d) discharging a subset of the transferred articles from the short-term warehouse; and e) repeating the steps c) and d) until each of the orders of the analysis quantity has become complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: SSI Schäfer Peem GmbH
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 9010517
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Opex Corporation
    Inventors: George Hayduchok, Robert R DeWitt
  • Patent number: 8997970
    Abstract: A storage device for products includes parallel transport elements configured to convey product in opposite directions, and storage sections formed on corresponding transport elements and defining a transport plane. A transfer element includes a transfer section that extends over the transport elements. An actuating drive is arranged beneath the transport plane and coupled to the transfer element to change receiving capacities of the storage sections. The actuating drive is configured to adjust the transfer element by movement along the transport elements. At least one of the transport elements is controllable independently of adjustment of the transfer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Ehmer, Ulrich Scholz
  • Patent number: 8991586
    Abstract: A device (1) for the temporary storage of preferably unlacquered cans (11), comprising a supplying conveyor system (2), and intermediate storage system and a handling system (3) which is designed and controlled for simultaneously transferring a plurality of cans (11) from the conveyor system (2) to the intermediate storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mall Herlan MB GmbH
    Inventor: Herwig Hirschek
  • Publication number: 20150053530
    Abstract: A system and a method for processing of optical lenses in which the processing takes place by means of different processing apparatus between which there is a respective transfer apparatus. The transfer apparatus are used both for longitudinal and also cross conveyance. Each processing apparatus has its own conveyor apparatus which is controlled by the processing apparatus itself. The transfer apparatus are controlled by a central transfer control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Gunter Schneider
  • Publication number: 20150021143
    Abstract: Disclosed is a storage section (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) for the intermediate storage of articles (12), packaged or piece goods of a conveyor device for the continuous or intermittent transport of articles (12), packaged or piece goods. The storage section (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) has at least one storage span (14) on a first level (18) and at least one empty span (16) on a second level (20) that is connected with the storage span (14). The storage span (14) has two flexible loading and transport sections (22) that run parallel to one another in opposite directions on the first level (18) for the articles (12), packaged or piece goods to be stored, which loading and transport sections (22) are connected by a first diversion section (24) describing a circular arc of approximately 180°. The empty span (16) circulates on a second level (20), which is below the first level (18) of the storage span (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Seger, Johann Huettner, Matthias Wahl
  • Patent number: 8931616
    Abstract: A sorting device having at least one control unit for sorting mixtures of individual elements in sorting units according to at least one characterizing feature of the individual elements and having at least one conveyor belt. The sorting device comprises at least one buffer unit having at least two displaceable storage elements for intermediate storage of individual elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: BSAutomatisierung GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Maier, Julia-Kathrin Vollmer, Carsten Vogt, Bernd Stoll
  • Patent number: 8931623
    Abstract: The invention relates to an accumulation device (4) comprising a first linear conveyor belt (5) and a second linear conveyor belt (6), a third conveyor belt (7) forming a semi-circle and configured for transferring items from the first to the second conveyor belt and translation means (10, 11) of the third belt relative to the first and second belt. The accumulation device comprises two ramp systems (23, 24) attached respectively to the two ends (7a, 7b) of the third belt. The first ramp system (23) deforms the first belt to constitute a first slope ensuring that items rise from the first belt to the third belt. The second ramp system (24) deforms the second belt to constitute a second slope ensuring that items descend from the third belt to the second belt. Displacement of the third conveyor belt at the same time enables displacement of the first and second slopes formed on the first and second belt. The invention also relates to an installation equipped with such an accumulation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Hervé Deflandre
  • Patent number: 8925709
    Abstract: A carrier device and product handling system are described, in which product items are stored or transported through a product processing environment including such stages as portioning, packaging and labeling. The carrier device is designed such that product items can be loaded and unloaded automatically on trays. Traceability is provided by means of a machine-readable tag storing information relating to the contents of the carrier device's array of compartments. Examples of loading and unloading mechanisms are also described. The invention has particular application to the processing of meat products or other perishable goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: CSB International AG
    Inventor: Max Studer
  • Patent number: 8905221
    Abstract: An apparatus for stacking items (I) includes first and second pluralities of stacker shelves (22) extending towards each other in spaced and parallel operative sections and each moving along first and second endless paths. The stacker shelves (22) are switchable by a switch (350) between extended and retracted positions. The stacker shelves (22) in retracted positions in the operative sections are operatively spaced from the item (I) received on the corresponding stacker shelves (22) in extended positions. In preferred aspects, the stacker shelves (22) are slideable relative to first and second plurality of carriers (310) carried along the first and second endless paths by roller chains (304). The switch (350) switches a cam follower (328) on each of the stacker shelves (22) into one of first and second cam tracks (342, 344) as the stacker shelves (22) enter the operative sections of the endless paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Young
  • Patent number: 8899902
    Abstract: A container handling system comprising a crane and a plurality of base elements. The base elements are designed for resting on containers and the crane is designed for being supported on containers or base elements. Containers can be transported on the base elements, which are preferably arranged to form a path. Also cranes, other base element etc. can travel on the paths. Base elements may be provided with rollers or the like and may comprise a turning unit for turning containers etc. about a vertical axis. The system may handle containers stored in a three-dimensional array by arranging base elements on top of containers, lifting containers onto base elements and moving containers across or along base elements to another location in the array. The array may be in a container yard or on a carrier vessel, where the handling system is part of its onboard equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jens-Christian Herold