Abstract: Increased robotic sophistication and more efficient autonomous operation is implemented by providing separate physical autonomous robots shared and remote access to the sensory array and information from the sensory array of one another. Each robot can access a sensor of any other robot, or scans or other information obtained from the sensor of any other robot. The robots leverage the shared sensory access in order to perform batch order fulfillment, dynamic rearrangement of item or tote locations, and opportunistic charging. These coordinated robotic operations based on the shared sensory access increase the efficiency and productivity of the robots without adding resources or hardware to the robots, increasing the speed of the robots, or increasing the number of deployed robots.

Abstract: In this invention, systems and methods are described that allow performing stereo reconstruction with line-scan cameras in general configurations. Consequently, the cumbersome exact alignment of the sensor lines becomes superfluous. The proposed method requires that telecentric lenses instead of perspective lenses are mounted on the line-scan cameras. In this case, the images can be accurately rectified with stereo rectification. The rectified images can be used to perform an efficient stereo matching. The method comprises a camera model and a calibration procedure that allow to precisely model the imaging process, also including the modelling of lens distortions even if the sensor lines are not exactly mounted behind the principal points. This ensures a high accuracy of the resulting 3D reconstruction.

Abstract: A cyclic type layered storage and output equipment includes a first pick-and-place device and a second pick-and-place device set at two opposite sides of an automatic material distribution and storage machine for delivering drill bits for detection and storing the detected drill bits by using horizontal transportation and layered storage technology. It can reduce the equipment space. After the overall inspection is completed, all the stored drill bits are transferred to another processing equipment together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method which comprises determining first geometry information of a first object stream of a plurality of objects, which are transported on a first conveyor. The method also comprises determining second geometry information of a second object stream of a plurality of objects which are transported on a second conveyor. The first conveyor is configured to transport objects at a first speed, and the second conveyor is configured to transport objects at a second speed. The first conveyor and the second conveyor are arranged in such a way that the objects which are transported by the first conveyor move onto the second conveyor. The method also comprises adjusting the first speed of the first conveyor and/or adjusting the second speed of the second conveyor on the basis of the determined first geometry information and/or the determined second geometry information.

Abstract: A system for identifying and transferring parcels includes a robot singulator configured to engage and transfer individual parcels in a bulk flow of multiple parcels on a first conveyor to a singulated stream of parcels on a second conveyor. The system further includes a vision and control subsystem, with a first camera for acquiring image data of the bulk flow of multiple parcels, and a computer that receives and processes the image data to identify and segment individual parcels, and then communicates instructions to the robot singulator to engage and transfer each of the individual parcels to the second conveyor. The system may further include a second camera for acquiring image data of the individual parcels to confirm placement on the second conveyor. The system may further include first and second indexing conveyors controlled by the vision and control subsystem for delivering parcels to the robot singulator.

Abstract: The baggage handling and delivery system provides a plurality of secure pickup stations for individual passengers to receiver their baggage. A plurality of interconnected conveyer belts are used to create a variety of different routes for baggage to follow, with each individual route terminating at a pickup station. Each baggage item is provided with an identifier, such as a bar code, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or the like, such that each item of baggage associated with an individual passenger is routed to the specific pickup station assigned to that passenger. Under guidance of a connected controller, each item of baggage entering the baggage handling and delivery system is scanned and routed along a specific path to be received by the appropriate pickup station. Each pickup station is secure and accessible only to the assigned passenger.

Abstract: An automated method and system for distributing prescription vials from upstream locations of a pharmacy to various downstream destinations using a stacked configuration of outbound lanes so that vials will enter the first outbound lane that is not blocked. The distribution table of the present invention has a lower portion having outbound lanes and an upper portion having outbound lanes and where the table is adapted to move vials in a loop pattern around the lower and upper portions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting products using conveyors having multiple inputs and multiple outputs include first product conveyors vertically stacked relative to one another, second product conveyors vertically stacked relative to one another, and transfer conveyors connecting the first and second product conveyors. The transfer conveyors permit products travelling on the first product conveyors to be transferred from the first product conveyors onto the second product conveyors by way of the products being first transferred from the first product conveyors onto the transfer conveyors and then from the transfer conveyors onto the second product conveyors.

Abstract: An automated vial feed system for an automated prescription filling system. The system has a plurality of sensors located above a vial distribution table for controlling the pace of vial delivery to the table. The sensors determine the load of vials on the table and a control system uses the information as feedback to the vial delivery system.

Abstract: A container-treatment machine includes a frame, transport devices for conveying containers, and intermediate conveyors. Treatment stations, some of which are treatment modules, are arranged between the first and second transport-devices. The intermediate conveyors convey containers to corresponding ones of the treatment stations. The intermediate conveyors extend transversely between the transport devices. Some of the treatment modules are held on the frame so as to be removable from operating positions thereof.

Abstract: An automated vial feed system for an automated prescription filling system. The system has a plurality of sensors located above a vial distribution table for controlling the pace of vial delivery to the table. The sensors determine the load of vials on the table and a control system uses the information as feedback to the vial delivery system.

Abstract: A transport line cover with excellent workability that can be operated by an operator even with one hand. Proposed is a transport line cover that includes a cover body adapted to cover an opening at a top of a sample transport apparatus, the sample transport apparatus accommodating a plurality of transport lines that extend in one direction; and a first groove formed on an upper face of the cover body, the first groove extending from one short side to another short side of the cover body. A lower end of a long-side side face of the cover body is located at a level below a bottom face of the first groove.

Abstract: A transport arrangement configured to transport piece goods includes a first transport track, a first carrier which is movable with respect to this first transport track, a second transport track, and preferably a second carrier which is movable with respect to this second transport track. The arrangement further includes at least one first coil arrangement configured to move the first carrier with respect to the first transport track and at least one second coil arrangement configured to move the second carrier with respect to the second transport track. At least one coil arrangement is provided to move at least at times the first carrier with respect to the first transport track and at least at times to move the second carrier with respect to the second transport track.

Abstract: A high-efficiency buffer stocker is disclosed. The buffer stocker includes an overhead transport track for supporting overhead transport vehicles carrying wafer containers and at least one conveyor system or conveyor belt provided beneath the overhead transport track for receiving the wafer containers from the overhead transport vehicles on the overhead transport track. The buffer stocker is capable of absorbing the excessive flow of wafer containers between a processing tool and a stocker, for example, to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of wafers between sequential process tools in a semiconductor fabrication facility, for example.

Abstract: Provided is a warehouse system, including: a work stage including a picking work position at which a worker takes an article of goods out of a storage unit and a warehousing work position at which the worker adds an article of goods to the storage unit, the storage unit moving on the work stage from the picking work position to the warehousing work position; unloading conveyor provided between a warehouse and an upstream end of the work stage, for conveying the storage unit from the warehouse to the upstream end of the work stage; loading conveyor provided between a downstream end of the work stage and the warehouse, for conveying the storage unit from the downstream end of the work stage to the warehouse; dispatching article conveyor for conveying the article of goods that has been taken out of the storage unit at the picking work position in the work stage to a dispatching space; and arrival article conveyor for conveying the article of goods that is to be added to the storage unit at the warehousing work p

Abstract: A device (2) for accumulating and transferring objects includes: a feed conveyor (6), a discharge conveyor (8), an accumulation surface (27), a first transfer element (18) for moving at least one batch of objects from the feed conveyor to the accumulation surface, a second transfer element (7) for moving at least one batch of objects from the accumulation surface to the output conveyor. At least one of the first and second transfer element includes a robotic handling device (18) provided with a handling head (17) for at least one batch of objects. The accumulation surface (27) is a conveyor (7) which forms the second transfer element and the direction of which is inclined and preferably perpendicular to the direction of conveyance of the input conveyor (6).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating piece goods to be stored in an automated storage facility are provided. At least two bearing surfaces for receiving piece goods are engaged with a conveying system for filling the bearing surfaces with piece goods, the conveying system having transfer surfaces dedicated to the bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces may be filled with piece goods separately from one another. A control unit is coupled to the conveying system and a detection device is coupled to the control unit for detecting the position, orientation, and package data of the piece goods. A handling mechanism is also coupled to the control unit for gripping piece goods from the bearing surfaces and depositing the piece goods on a transfer device.

Abstract: A buffer assembly is configured to buffer a stream of articles moving along a conveyor. The buffer assembly is interposed in said conveyor. The buffer assembly has a horizontal in-feed accumulator that is configured to receive the stream of articles from said conveyor, and a horizontal mass storage accumulator connected to an output of the horizontal in-feed accumulator for receiving said stream of articles therefrom. Each of the horizontal in-feed accumulator and the horizontal mass storage accumulator are configured to buffer said stream of articles. The buffer assembly also has a horizontal out-feed accumulator connected to the output of the horizontal mass storage accumulator that is configured to buffer the stream of articles. The in-feed buffering of the articles prevents product compression and the buffering of the out-feed articles prevents the formation of gaps between product articles.

Abstract: A conveyor accumulator is configured to buffer a stream of articles moving along a conveyor path. The conveyor accumulator comprises an in-feed accumulator for diverting a flow of articles from an upstream source to various downstream output locations. The conveyor accumulator also comprises a mass storage accumulator connected downstream of and to the in-feed accumulator. The mass storage accumulator has a plurality of lanes. The conveyor accumulator further comprises an out-feed accumulator connected downstream of and to the mass storage accumulator for diverting the flow of articles from various upstream sources to a downstream output location.

Abstract: A method for storing and transporting products in a low-pressure storage device and a low-pressure storage device therefore, to allow product storage in a simple manner, and to control the storage in a simple manner. The products transfer on a first storage path and on a second storage path that is arranged directly next to the first storage path, during the storage operation of the storage device.

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.

Abstract: An empty rack transport line is arranged at a lower stage and independent of a main transport line, a fast emergency line and a reverse line. In a rack stocker, an inclined transport line connects the empty rack transport line to the rack stocker. The rack stocker is arranged between a storage module and a loading module. The rack stocker is capable of continuously supplying and collecting empty racks, while transport lines do not cross each other. It is, therefore, possible to continuously supply and collect empty racks in a simple configuration, without an increase in the system size, an intersection of transport lines and a reduction in processing capability. In addition, it is possible to provide an automated sample testing system that is highly extendable for various facility sizes.

Abstract: A method for storing and transporting products in a low-pressure storage device and a low-pressure storage device therefore, to allow product storage in a simple manner, and to control the storage in a simple manner. The products transfer on a first storage path and on a second storage path that is arranged directly next to the first storage path, during the storage operation of the storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a material distribution system and method thereof, comprising first, second and third conveyors, first, second, third and fourth material distribution paths, first and second material distribution rockers, and a movable material-distributing guide plate. Material conveyed on the second conveyor is delivered to the first or second material distribution rocker by switching the movable material-distributing guide plate, material conveyed on the first or second conveyor is delivered to the first or second material distribution path by switching the first material distribution rocker, and material conveyed on the second or third conveyor is delivered to the third or fourth material distribution path by switching the second material distribution rocker.

Abstract: A buffer means and a method for buffering containers, in particular in a container handling apparatus, like for example bottles in a bottle filling apparatus, is described. The buffer means comprises at least a first conveyor track. Furthermore at least a second conveyor track is provided, which is drivable along a second transport direction. The first conveyor track and the second conveyor track are parallel to each other and form a buffer module. A transfer device transfers the containers from an infeed conveyor track onto an outlet conveyor track of the buffer module. By means of a sliding device the required buffer capacity of the buffer means can be set. Between the infeed conveyor track and the outlet conveyor track of a buffer module at least two further drivable transfer conveyors are provided. Thus a closed surface of the buffer module is created.

Abstract: A static temporary storage device for motor vehicle body parts, the device has a stationary frame; at least two stationary parallel rails that are mounted horizontally or in a slightly angled manner on the frame, each rail being capable of supporting a bearing fitted onto the rail so as to be longitudinally movable on the rail; at least one carriage having bearing fitted onto the rail, the carriage being dimensioned so as to rest on both rails by means of the support; A device or means for suspending a body part from the carriage; each carriage extending longitudinally relative to the rails over a length that is shorter than the longitudinal extent of a body part when in its suspended position.

Abstract: A buffer means (1) and a method for buffering containers (2), in particular in a container handling apparatus, like for example bottles in a bottle filling apparatus, is described. The buffer means (1) comprises at least a first conveyor track (31). Furthermore at least a second conveyor track (32) is provided, which is drivable along a second transport direction (TR2). The first conveyor track (31) and the second conveyor track (32) are parallel to each other and form a buffer module (30). A transfer device (36) transfers the containers (2) from an infeed conveyor track (31E) onto an outlet conveyor track (32A) of the buffer module (30). By means of a sliding device the required buffer capacity of the buffer means (1) can be set. Between the infeed conveyor track (31E) and the outlet conveyor track (32A) of a buffer module (30) at least two further drivable transfer conveyors (31, 32) are provided. Thus a closed surface of the buffer module (30) is created.

Abstract: A robotic device movable in a vertical direction between rails arranged in multiple rows at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails, and a movable platform provided on the frame. The platform is configured for moving the frame in a vertical direction between first rails and second rails arranged above the first rails, and for placing onto the robotic device first and second loads arranged at different levels with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A device for taking over, temporarily storing and passing on elongated, hollow-cylindrical product units, preferably tubes, sleeves or cans, which come from a production line, has a first supplying conveyor belt and a continuously delivering second conveyor belt. The first and the second conveyor belts are disposed horizontally lying one above the other in a transfer zone. An intermediate storage arrangement is designed as a high-rack storage arrangement or as a paternoster storage arrangement. At least one handling robot is also located in the region of the transfer zone between the conveyor belts and the intermediate storage arrangement. This handling robot is designed either (a) to take a number of product units from the first conveyor belt and to feed them to the second conveyor belt or the intermediate storage arrangement, or (b) to remove a number of product units from the intermediate storage arrangement and to feed them to the second conveyor belt.

Abstract: A planar table for accumulating items for conveying equipment, including: two parallel planar inlet and outlet conveyors that are driven in opposite directions so as to longitudinally move the items. The planar conveyors form an item transit area that has a variable receiving surface, and a diverting member for transferring the items, arranged on the inlet conveyor, to the outlet conveyor. The diverting member is shaped as a curved wall arranged on a longitudinally movable carriage. The wall extends substantially over the entire width of the inlet conveyor, between a side chute and a structure arranged between the two conveyors and on which the carriage is attached. There is an area for feeding items onto the outlet conveyor, the feeding area is arranged outside said transit area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying system for conveying intended upright articles, for example vials, comprising an in-feed conveyor, an out-feed conveyor, and a single liner system placed between said in-feed conveyor and out-feed conveyor, wherein said single liner system comprising a series of co-planar conveyor belts, wherein said belts are placed side by side for defining a conveying surface and wherein said belts are movable in substantially the same driving direction at different velocities; a track guide placed above said conveying surface for guiding said articles from said in-feed conveyor to said out-feed conveyor along a guide direction, wherein said guide direction is arranged at an acute angle with respect to said driving direction; wherein said velocity of subsequent belts of said series of co-planar conveyor belts increases in the guide direction.

Abstract: A scalable shipping buffer (22; 50; 88) with an integrated sorting function for preparing a consignment comprising a number of different products (42), wherein the products (42) can be loaded into a transporting vehicle (24) in an ordered sequence and wherein the products (42) are delivered to the shipping buffer (22; 50; 88) in a disordered sequence, comprising: a drawing-off path (30), in particular a central drawing-off path, for conveying the products (42) in a downstream direction to a transfer point (41), at which the products (42) are transferred in the direction of the transporting vehicle (24) according to the ordered sequence, wherein the drawing-off path (30) extends essentially in a longitudinal direction (31); a first buffer path (32; 34), which extends essentially parallel and adjacent to the drawing-off path (30) and has a first number of buffer locations (39); a multiplicity of transfer devices (38), wherein the transfer devices are arranged in such a way that each buffer location (39) of the

Abstract: A conveying apparatus comprises a first conveyor for conveying products in a first conveying direction, which first conveyor comprises a first supply location, where a first series of products are supplied to the first conveyor via a first supply station, a second conveyor for conveying products in a second conveying direction, which second conveyor comprises a second supply location, where a second series of products are supplied to the second conveyor via a second supply station. The conveying apparatus further comprises a channelling element for channelling at least one product out from the second conveyor, and a channelling conveyor for conveying a channelled-out product from channelling element.

Abstract: A high-efficiency buffer stocker is disclosed. The buffer stocker includes an overhead transport track for supporting overhead transport vehicles carrying wafer containers and at least one conveyor system or conveyor belt provided beneath the overhead transport track for receiving the wafer containers from the overhead transport vehicles on the overhead transport track. The buffer stocker is capable of absorbing the excessive flow of wafer containers between a processing tool and a stocker, for example, to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of wafers between sequential process tools in a semiconductor fabrication facility, for example.

Abstract: A method for forming a pack sequence, particularly packs of one or a plurality of articles, particularly beverage articles, including a sequence forming device, with a pack storing device for storing packs being connected to the sequence forming device via at least one transport path, the method including: transporting a pack along the at least one transport path from the pack storing device to the sequence forming device, wherein the transport of the pack is controlled such that the pack is introduced into the sequence forming device at a predetermined time.

Abstract: An accumulation and conveyor integrations system is provided which incorporates at least two separated conveying apparatus to convey, accumulate, and meter the output of product onto a downstream line. When a downstream apparatus goes offline, a method of controlling reentry or integration of upstream and downstream lines is provided. The system and method can maximize product output from the downstream line by enabling continued loading of an upstream conveyor at a given rate and subsequent downloading at a temporary increased rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for product changeover in a filling plant and to a bugger system for carrying out the method. A first product is passed through a primary buffer and then a second product is initially buffer-stored in a secondary buffer, and so a clear separation of the products is achieved and a product changeover can be carried out in upstream and downstream production machines without production coming to a standstill.

Abstract: A method and an automatic picking machine is provided for filling an order container by means of an ejector and conveyor belt. An ejector is provided configured as a revolving belt directly as a substantially horizontal product storage element. The stored products (3) to be picked are placed onto the conveyor belt (2) or directly into the order container (10) upon actuation of the revolving belt. The preferably bulky non-stackable products (3) are located preferably individually in product compartments (5) of the ejector and are ejected individually.

Abstract: A container storage and retrieval system (1) has first, second and third storage zones (2, 3, 4) for storing containers. The first storage zone (2) stores containers of product in frames (6), each frame (6) including a plurality of stacks (7) of containers. The second storage zone (3) stores containers of product in stacks (7). An automated retrieval system retrieves selected stacks of containers from the second storage zone (3) and replenishes the second zone (3) with containers by receiving frames (6). The third storage zone (4) includes a second automated retrieval system for retrieving selected partial stacks or stacks of containers, and replenishing the third storage zone with containers by receiving stacks from the second storage zone. Orders are collated by transferring a required number of complete frames (6) from the first storage zone (2), a required number of complete stacks (7) from the second storage zone (3) and a required number of stacks (7) or partial stacks from the third zone (4).

Abstract: A buffer conveyor for conveying and buffering products comprises a first elongated conveyor and a second elongated conveyor that can be driven in an opposite direction. The first and the second conveyor extend in a path at least substantially parallel to each other and beside each other. A transfer unit is movable at least substantially parallel to the first and the second conveyor in the aforesaid path and is provided with a transfer device for transferring the products from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. The transfer unit comprises a drive unit for moving the transfer unit, preferably in dependence on the velocities of the first and the second conveyor. The drive unit of the transfer unit comprises a drive motor, which follows the movements of the transfer unit at least in part.

Abstract: In the present invention, through a provision of a relay stand including a first relaying point, a second relaying point and a plurality of work mounting bases, a discharge/feed process of works between the relay stand and the work feed container and the work accommodation container is performed at the first relaying point and a load/unload process of works between the relay stand and the plurality of work inspection machines is performed at the second relaying point.

Abstract: An automated case order preparation system including a crane for transporting groups of depalletized product cases to temporary storage on shelving, and to a plurality of gravity-powered case guides, for accumulating and dispensing cases to fulfill client order pallets.

Abstract: Conveying system, wherein a conveying device that is mobile with respect to an accumulation device is designed to convey a group of postal objects received at input from a flow-forming device designed to generate at output the group of postal objects aligned in a reference direction, partially overlapping one another and arranged with their own front edges spaced apart from one another. The accumulation device is provided with a plurality of cells, each of which is designed to contain at least one group of postal objects fed to the accumulation device by the translating-lifting device.

Abstract: A device for the buffering of objects, with two parallel conveyors which can be driven in opposite directions, and with a transfer installation which can be moved by means of at least one linear guide along the conveyors, for the transfer of objects between the conveyors, where at least one linear guide is arranged with separation above a conveyor.

Abstract: A device and method for sequencing trays includes a tray receiving conveyor and a recirculating conveyor. Trays are placed on the recirculating conveyor and merged with ejected trays into a multiple of sequenced trays at one or more merge locations. The system can include more than one merge location, with one of the merge locations providing a merge of trays into a contiguous sequence of trays.

Abstract: A system and device for use in a security area, and more particularly, a rack system and holding device for placing various objects that are processed through a security area are taught.

Abstract: The multiple conveyor is associated to an automatic machine for filling containers, and moves the containers through an inlet station, a filling station, a capping station and an outlet station. The multiple conveyor comprises: two transporters developing along a ring-wound trajectory which includes the stations; four batteries each formed by a predetermined number of gripping organs provided to receive and grip a same predetermined number of containers, the batteries being arranged along the trajectory and constrained, in pairs, to respective drive groups, in such a way that the batteries of one pair are intercalated with those of the other pair, and distanced, with respect to the other pair by dynamically variable amounts; control and command organs, suited to managing the transporters independently one from the other, based on dynamically variable parameters, in agreement with the motion required from time to time by the stations occupied by the respective batteries of gripping organs (3).

Abstract: An automated order mixing system includes a mixing sub-system having a plurality of angled vertically stacked product guides feeding a mixing conveyor whereon a client's order of product cases is processed, the vertical stacking enabling the creation of a number of product feed paths within a relatively small floor space.

Abstract: A system for handling baggage in airports, where the passenger hands over his baggage on check-in and collects it at the place of arrival. The system includes a check-in area for baggage where main baggage scheduled for a single flight and transit baggage scheduled for multiple flights are sorted and marked. A conveyor is provided for transporting main baggage to a main baggage buffer and for transporting transit baggage to a transit baggage buffer. A conveyor assembly is further provided for the continuous transport of baggage from the main baggage and transit baggage buffers into a cargo compartment in respective planes located in a departure area.

Abstract: An accumulation table is disclosed. The accumulation table includes a frame, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an adjustable discharge chute. Each conveyor has a U-shaped product carrying section on the top of the frame and an arcuate return section located on the bottom of the frame. Some embodiments further include non-linear tracks located between two conveyor chains to direct one of the conveyor chains towards the adjustable discharge chute.