Abstract: An electro adhesion (EA) conveyor system for transporting a metallic container includes at least one electro adhesion (EA) pad. The EA pad includes at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode arranged in a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern is configured to generate an electric field when a voltage is applied to one or more of the at least one positive electrode or the at least one negative electrode. The EA conveyor system includes a conveyor belt operable to transport the metallic container between a first position and a second position. The metallic container is held against the conveyor belt via EA generated by the EA pad during transportation. The EA conveyor system may be adjusted by a control unit of a control system based on production line information such as operational data received from sensors.

Abstract: Robot includes a propulsion system configured to transport the robot and a controller in communication with the propulsion system. A material handler is carried by the robot and configured for depositing articles into one or more destination containers. The material handler has a tilt tray having sections that are configured for tilting in any number of directions relative to a vertical of the robot. Each section of the tilt tray may include a respective conveyor that moves articles at variable speed.

Abstract: A sorting device and a method for sorting articles at delivery points are shown, the sorting device having a conveying device comprising transport platforms that are movable along a transport direction for transporting the articles and for delivering the articles to the delivery points, with the transport platforms having a bearing surface for the articles and with at least one transport platform having a first delivery device for vertically delivering the articles from the bearing surface to at least one first delivery point. To provide a sorting device for reliable and careful joint sorting of articles with different transport and delivery requirements, at least one transport platform has a second delivery device for laterally delivering the articles from the bearing surface to at least one second delivery point.

Abstract: An automated shuttle sorter is disclosed that includes a carriage that is movable from a load position at which the carriage may be loaded, and at least two destination locations into which any contents of the carriage may be provided from the carriage.

Abstract: A method for unloading packages from a container, in particular a roller container. The method requires relatively little space, and the method involves a container guide and a conveyor belt, in which the containers are moved successively along a container path by the container guide. At least in some section or sections, the conveyor belt extends to the side of and at least substantially parallel to the container path. The containers are tipped sideways in the direction of the conveyor belt during the movement along the container guide and along the conveyor belt predetermined by the container path. The packages slide out of the tipped containers onto the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt conveys the packages that have slid out of the container onwards, and the emptied tipped containers are righted again during the movement along the container guide predetermined by the container path.

Abstract: The present invention includes conveying and sorting systems utilizing a plurality of continuous rails which support a plurality of sliding pucks that are urged forward using a plurality of sprocket wheels, and which utilize magnetically operated activation components for causing produce to be selectively dropped from cups carried by the pucks into sorting bins. The structures for the conveying and actuating components of the systems have smooth external surfaces reducing potential contamination by bacteria, contaminants and debris, thereby making them easily accessible for cleaning, and allowing for longer continuous operation times and higher efficiency.

Abstract: Provided are a parcel dropping method for a parcel picking system, a picking robot, and a picking system. The method includes providing a conveying device; operating the conveying device to receive a parcel and move towards a delivery target; and operating the conveying device to deliver the parcel to the delivery target after the conveying device moves to a delivery region. The motion speed of the conveying device is not equal to zero when the conveying device delivers the parcel.

Abstract: A device for sorting an item into containers on the side or sides of the device that includes several interconnected bogie assemblies movable in a direction, each bogie assembly includes a base, a right arm rotatable mounted on the base, a left arm rotatable mounted on the base, a right release that holds the right arm in a transport position, and a left release that holds the left arm in a transport position such that when both the right and left arms are in the transport position, the bogie assemblies move the item in the direction along the path and actuating the right release dumps the item into a right side container located on a right side of the device and actuating the left release dumps the item into a left side container located on a left side of the device.

Abstract: A conveying and sorting apparatus has a plurality of tilting conveyor units in a row in a conveying direction, and reflective photoelectric sensors. The tilting conveyor units are supported above a frame so as to be able to swing to the left and right about a support shaft which is parallel with the conveying direction, between a horizontal conveying orientation and a tilted orientation for ejecting the object being conveyed, by means of gravity, in the lateral direction with respect to the conveying direction. The reflecting photoelectric sensors detect objects being conveyed which pass between the tilting conveyor units by means of light beams which pass, in the vertical direction, between tilting conveyor units which adjoin one another in the conveying direction. The reflecting photoelectric sensors are attached to a support member which surrounds the periphery of the support shaft and which is supported by the frame.

Abstract: A rejection chute for a conveyor system, which receives and redirects rejected parcels, includes: a conduit defined by a plurality of side walls; a door; and an actuator operably connected to the door. The conduit includes an enclosed upper portion defining a first opening for receiving parcels into the rejection chute and a lower portion defining a second opening for discharging parcels from the rejection chute. The door is mounted proximate to the first opening and is configured to transition between a first position to cover the first opening and a second position to uncover the first opening. The rejection chute can be integrated into a walking surface alongside of a conveyor to receive and redirect parcels transferred off of the conveyor to a location below the walking surface. An enclosure can be combined with the rejection chute to regulate access and guide parcels into the rejection chute.

Abstract: A conveying and sorting apparatus has a plurality of tilting conveyor units in the conveying direction. Each tilting conveyor unit is able to swing to the left and right about a support shaft, between a horizontal conveying orientation and a tilted orientation for ejecting objects being conveyed by means of gravity. Both side edges in the left and right swinging direction are provided with side guides which restrict the width of the conveying path, and at least the side guide on the side to which the conveyor unit swings in the tilted orientation, is supported so as to be able to open in the swinging direction towards the tilted orientation with respect to the structure of the tilting conveyor unit, and is held in a standing orientation by the orientation holding means until a certain load or more is applied in to said side guide in the opening direction.

Abstract: A distribution system for use in an induction system with an object processing system. The distribution system provides dissimilar objects into one of a plurality of receiving units. The distribution system includes an air intake system with an opening that is a fixed distance from a conveyor section, said air intake system aiding in moving an object on the conveyor section from the conveyor section to one of a plurality of adjacent transport units.

Abstract: In an induction system for use with an object processing system, a distribution system is disclosed for providing dissimilar objects into one of a plurality of receiving units. The distribution system includes a conveyor section that travels over a vacuum roller, and the plurality of receiving units arranged generally below the vacuum roller such that an object with a mass will fall toward one of the plurality of receiving units based on both the object's mass and a vacuum force applied to the object through the conveyor section.

Abstract: A mobile drive apparatus (1001) for item handling. The drive apparatus comprises at least one platform for supporting an item; a drive means; and a movable door (5003, 5001) coupled to the at least one platform and configured to move between an open position in which the platform is accessible to a user and a closed position in which the platform is enclosed. The apparatus further comprises control means coupled to the drive means. The control means are configured to control the drive means to move the drive apparatus from a current location associated with an item pickup point to a second different location for processing by an item handling hub, in response to receiving an indication that a token presented by the user is a valid token.

Abstract: A tilting tray products sorting apparatus employing belt and/or driven rollers conveyors for traversing tilting tray carriages between loading and unloading stations. A latch member between the carriage carrying tray and base is pivotable between a latched position for maintaining the tray level, and an unlatched position for tilting the tray. Tipping elements at each unloading station are selectively extended for engaging and pivoting the latch member to its unlatched position and tipping the tray. The tipping tray center of gravity maintains the tray in its tipped position. Leveling arms adjacent the conveyor engage tipped trays for pivoting them back to a level position and thereby pivoting the latch member to its latched position. The carriages gravitationally rest on and frictionally engage the conveyor carrying and traversing surface. Side walls along the conveyor maintain the carriages on the conveyor carrying and traversing surface.

Abstract: A system includes an article supply location, wherein the article supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sorted, first and second transport vehicles, each having a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal container. And a control system. The control system is configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles, determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the transport vehicle to deposit a selected article, direct the first transport vehicle to transport a selected article to the destination container and deposit the article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container.

Abstract: A process for recognizing the orientation of a fruit, having a central axis of symmetry passing through the concave parts of the fruit. The process includes an initial measurement step in which the measuring instrument measures its distance from the sample fruit, an individual measurement step of each fruit to be treated travelling on the fruit multiple lanes tape, a comparison step in which the distance measured in the individual measurement step of each fruit to be treated is compared with the distances measured in the initial measurement step of the sample fruit to assess whether the distance measured in the individual measurement step is that one of a concave part of the fruit or that one of a convex part of the fruit, and a check step that determines that the fruit is correctly oriented or not. An apparatus that embodies this method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes conveying and sorting systems utilizing a plurality of continuous rails which support a plurality of sliding pucks that are urged forward using a plurality of sprocket wheels, and which utilize magnetically operated activation components for causing produce to be selectively dropped from cups carried by the pucks into sorting bins. The structures for the conveying and actuating components of the systems have smooth external surfaces reducing potential contamination by bacteria, contaminants and debris, thereby making them easily accessible for cleaning, and allowing for longer continuous operation times and higher efficiency.

Abstract: Equipment for sorting parcels into bags comprises a bag support having a modular structure with modules that are provided with braked wheels and that are arranged to be coupled together in separable manner, at least one mobile shuttle robot cart and trolley assembly that is caused to be moved by being remotely controlled by a monitoring and control unit to move parcels to be sorted along the bags, and floor marking that is arranged along the bag support modules and that is detectable by the shuttle cart and trolley assembly while said shuttle cart and trolley assembly is moving along the bag support modules.

Abstract: A mobile drive unit includes a pivot between the front chassis unit and the rear chassis unit, which both support a support structure that pivotally supports a payload housing. The mobile drive unit can have a sensor and control system.

Abstract: A processing system is disclosed for processing objects. The processing system includes a perception system for providing perception data regarding an object, and a primary transport system for providing transport of the object along a primary direction toward a processing location that is identified based on the perception data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tipping actuator for a conveyor system that comprises a plurality of article carriers moving on an endless conveyor in a conveying direction, each article carrier having a carrier frame for bearing an article, the carrier frame being pivotally mounted on the article carrier and operable to tip to enable discharge of the article borne on the carrier frame. The tipping actuator comprises a trigger member for contacting the article carriers to tip them and is configured such that, when in a non-contact position, the article carriers are able to at least partly tip towards the trigger member such that the contact portion of the trigger member is received by a portion of the article carrier. In another embodiment, a contact portion of the trigger is sloped with two different gradients. An electromagnet may be used to cause actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: An eliminator for detecting and removing products, such as vegetables and fruit, which are oversized and/or have undesired product properties, and a singulator and sorting system provided therewith, and a method therefor. The eliminator comprises a feed system for supplying products, a detector configured to determine dimensions and/or product properties of a product of the supplied products, a controller operatively connected to the detector and configured to determine on the basis of determined dimensions and/or product properties of the product whether the product is suitable for processing in a sorting device, and a remover operatively connected to the controller for separating products which are not suitable for processing in the sorting device from products which are suitable for processing in the sorting device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for powder distribution and an additive manufacturing method, wherein different size or kind of powders could be chosen to be accommodated within a receptacle. The receptacle can uniformly mix the powder by a rotation movement, pour out the powders by the rotation movement and distribute the powders for forming a layer by a translation movement. In another embodiment, the receptacle further comprises a heating element for preheating the powders. Not only can the present disclosure uniformly mix the powders so as to reduce the thermal deformation and distribute the powder layer compactly, but also can the present disclosure distribute different kinds of powder in different layer so as to increase the diversity in additive manufacturing.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage system is provided to facilitate controlled tilting of a tray mounted on a carrier in a product sortation system. A pair of rotatable tilt plates are disposed between a pair of base plates and support the tray. A rotatable pivot bar is disposed between the base plates. A pair of linkage mechanisms are configured to tilt the tray in opposite directions. Each linkage mechanism includes a link pivotally connected at one end to the pivot bar, a pivot arm, and a cam follower. The pivot arm has a pivot joint connected to another end of the link, a cam joint where the cam follower is located, and a rotary joint where the pivot arm is rotatably connected to one of the base plates. The cam follower is situated in a track formed in one of the tilt plates. During operation, a pivoting of the pivot bar is transformed by the linkage mechanism into a rotation of the tilt plate, which is induced by the cam follower traveling through the track as the pivot arm rotates.

Abstract: There is provided a fast and a reliable way to inspect a condition of a chain by an arrangement comprising a camera and guide for positioning a chain in front of the camera such that holes of consecutive chain links are visible to the camera. In a method for inspecting a chain connected movable to a hoisting device, the chain is positioned in front of the camera by the guide and the chain is driven past the camera by the hoisting device.

Abstract: A robotic system is disclosed that include an articulated arm and a first perception system for inspecting an object, as well as a plurality of additional perception systems, each of which is arranged to be directed toward a common area in which an object may be positioned by the robotic arm such that a plurality of views within the common area may be obtained by the plurality of additional perception systems.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus that conveys articles supported by a plurality of arranged article supports. The conveyor apparatus including infilling members, being disposed between the article supports. In one embodiment, an infill plate serving as the infilling member is urged to a tray by springs, so that the infill plate is kept in contact with the tray.

Abstract: A mobile drive unit includes a pivot between the front chassis unit and the rear chassis unit, which both support a support structure that pivotally supports a payload housing.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to a sortation conveyer system including a cart coupling assembly for coupling two adjacent carts. The cart coupling assembly includes a coupling disc having a control slot, a bearing slot, and one or more arcuately shaped mounting slots. The coupling disc is mounted on a cart such that, upon rotation of the coupling disc, a control slot cavity defined by the control slot slidably moves about a position register screw along the control slot cavity, and a cavity defined by a respective mounting slot slidably moves relative to a respective mounting pin received in the mounting slot. Cavities defined by the control slot facilitate a continual translation of a center of rotation of the coupling disc linearly, to adjust a gap between the two carts. The control slot includes position registers that restrict a sliding movement of the control slot cavity.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems are described for conveying and delivering foodstuffs. A foodstuff conveying and delivery apparatus includes a housing in which foodstuffs are conveyed, in particular, to a discharging or output point in order to be removed by a person.

Abstract: In order, e.g., to provide a line sorter in which acoustic noise resulting from the polygon effect is reduced, there is disclosed a sorter (102) for sorting items of various shapes, sizes and weights, such as postal parcels or airport baggage. The sorter includes a closed loop comprising a plurality of sorting carts (302) for moving along an upper track section, a lower track section and end track sections in a moving direction. The plurality of carts are coupled at couplings (312), which enable the carts to pivot relatively to each other in at least one plane when in operation. Each cart is able to pivot relatively to an adjacent cart at two or more pivot points (404, 414, 1002) where the two or more pivot points are positioned a pivot point distance greater than zero apart in the moving direction of the carts.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor comprising a modular conveyor belt having a plurality of carriers along its length. Each carrier comprises an opening through the belt associated with one or more doors movable between a closed position occluding the opening and supporting a load and an open position not occluding the opening to drop the load at a selected drop position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line sorter for sorting items of various shapes, sizes and weights, in particular postal parcels or airport baggage. The invention is particularly related to the propulsion system (304, 306, 406) for the sorter. It may be seen as an object of the invention to provide a line sorter with a reduced need for energy input at a given sorting capacity. It is disclosed that a closed loop chain including sorting carts or slats (302) is provided with couplings (312) and is provided for moving along line sorter track sections. The linear synchronous motor propulsion system is provided for moving said closed loop chain, and a gap between adjacent permanent magnets (306) is the same or substantially the same between each of the permanent magnets.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gap cover including mounting covers, a flexible component, plurality of support plates and support rods. The mounting covers are attached to conveyor carriers of a conveyor system. The flexible component has a plurality of pleated sections positioned in between the mounting covers capable of expansion and contraction. The plurality of support plates are inserted in between each of the pleated sections. The plurality of support rods penetrates with a clearance through each of the pleated sections and one of the mounting covers, wherein the plurality of support plates are positioned transverse to the plurality of support rods to provide a cross member support for articles conveyed on the conveyor carriers.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus that conveys articles supported by a plurality of arranged article supports, the conveyor apparatus including infilling members, each being disposed between the article supports. In one embodiment, the infilling member includes a plate contact part in contact with the article support such that the upward curvature of the plate contact part is larger than that of the tray contact part of the article support corresponding to the plate contact part.

Abstract: A flexible element for conveying goods in a conveyor system is provided. The flexible element includes a base configured to form a top surface, a bottom surface and an intermediate surface; a conveying means detachably mounted on the top surface and; a toothed projection detachably mounted on the bottom surface; and at least one pair of wheels mounted on the intermediate surface. A conveyor system for conveying the flexible element is also provided.

Abstract: A sorting device and a method for sorting bulk material. In order to be able to load a sorting facility of the sorting device with just one feeding facility with bulk material such that the sorting facility can be operated with a high throughput, provision is made for the sorting facility and the feeding facility to be arranged so as to run in parallel with one another in a transfer area. In the transfer area, bulk material is transferred from the feeding facility to the sorting facility.

Abstract: A conveyor device for conveying articles includes: travel units, trays provided for the respective travel units, and infill plates, each covering a clearance left between the trays. A swing bar supports the infill plate so as to vertically swing the infill plate and is provided at a position shifted by a predetermined distance L in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the travel unit from the position of a coupler connecting the travel unit supporting a plate-tilting shaft and the travel unit traveling ahead, the plate-tilting shaft supporting the infill plate so as to laterally tilt the infill plate.

Abstract: A bucket-carrying system that comprises a bucket, provided with sliding means; a support, that establishes a frame so that the bucket can rest in a stable support position (A) on said support; and connection means that are prepared to connect the bucket to the support mechanically, but in a detachable way, said connection means being articulated to the support to allow a certain vertical gap between the bucket and the support. This allows the bucket to adopt not only the support position (A) on the adapter, but also other positions, of which at least one is a weighing position (B), in which the bucket is slightly raised with respect to the support, and when initiating the forward movement of the support this movement is transmitted by the connection means to the bucket, making it possible for the bucket to slide, while being supported, by its sliding means, for example on a weighing scale; and another position is the coupling position (C) in which the bucket can be separated from the support.

Abstract: A trough-belt conveyor with adjustable bearing support wings and methods for operating the conveyor to sort or destack articles. The conveyor includes a flexible conveyor belt supported in a series of support beds. Adjustable support beds have a base bearing member flanked by a pair of bearing wings. One or both of the wings are adjustable to raise or lower the sides of the belt above and below the plane of the center of the belt supported atop the base member.

Abstract: A connecting device (2-2???) for connecting a conveying carriage (1-1???) to a drive chain (4) has a pivot lever (6-6???) that is connected pivotally to the conveying carriage (1-1???). A chain fastening (8-8???) is connectable to the drive chain (4), and an articulated joint (10-10???) connects the pivot lever (6-6???) and the chain fastening (8-8???). The articulated joint (10-10???) has three degrees of rotational freedom between the pivot lever (6-6???) and the chain fastening (8-8???).

Abstract: Disclosed is an object transporting device for objects such as fruits or vegetables including a receptacle suitable for receiving at least one object, a support and a connecting mechanism for connecting the receptacle to the support in order to interlock them in longitudinal translation, permit a lateral tilting of the receptacle for the purpose of laterally discharging each object carried by the receptacle, and allow a displacement of the receptacle in vertical translation for the weighing of the receptacle and of the object which it carries. The connecting mechanism includes at least one ball interposed and imprisoned between at least one vertical bearing surface of the receptacle and at least one vertical bearing surface of the support in order to be able to roll without sliding on at least one of these vertical bearing surfaces. Also disclosed is a conveying and weighing device equipped with such transporting devices.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.

Abstract: A transport element for a distributing conveyor of a sorter of a sorting installation of a sorting system for sorting articles includes at least one first transport surface, which can be pivoted on both sides about an axis (“tilting axis”) in a transport direction of the transport element and is intended for accommodating at least one article which is to be sorted, and at least one second transport surface, which is inclined about an axis (“axis of inclination”) in the transport direction of the transport element and is intended for accommodating at least one article which is to be sorted. The at least one first transport surface, which can be pivoted on either side, is disposed above the at least one second, inclined transport surface. A distributing conveyor having a plurality of transport elements is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting system of the support structure type, which includes known sorting systems such as tray type sorting systems. They include a track along which carts and support structures are conveyed. Cover plates are arranged to close gaps between the support structures, also when the support structures are conveyed through curved sections, so that conveyed items are prevented from falling through the gaps. The invention further involves a gap closing kit for a support structure sorting system. The invention also involves a method of providing a support structure sorting system having a gap substantially closed between at least two support structures. The cover plates are connected to the support structures by leading systems as well as connected to guiding systems, which guiding systems have one part fixated to an adjacent cart.

Abstract: A multi-level product sortation system includes sortation apparatuses interconnected on a conveyor and a station controlling loading and unloading thereof. Each apparatus includes a rack formed by a bottom wall, spaced-apart opposite side walls extending upright therefrom and a compartment above the bottom wall, between the side walls and being open at top and opposite ends. Each apparatus includes at least two carriers disposed in the compartment at different levels therein, and a product discharge control mechanism operable to selectively retain a product on and release a product from the respective carrier. One carrier is disposed above the other carrier and both extend longitudinally between open opposite ends of the compartment and laterally between opposite side walls of the rack. Each carrier is tiltable relative to the rack between a product support position and a product discharge position angularly displaced therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying roller (1), wherein a first end of a shaft (2) in the part protruding from a roller body (3) has a shoulder (4) between a first section located on the roller side (5) having a larger first cross-section and a second section (6) located opposite therefrom having a smaller second cross-section. Finally, the invention also relates to an assembly (15) comprising a pivot bearing (18) and a conveying roller (1) of said type, and a conveyor system for the oblique and straight mounting of conveying rollers (1).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of portable receptacles within a materials handling facility are described. The materials handling facility utilizes at least one linear induction motor (LIM) to move the portable receptacles having conductive elements from a first location to a second location within the facility. The LIMs may be configured such that most, if not all, of the movement of the receptacles is controlled by the application of energy from the LIMs to the conductive elements of the receptacles. This energy may cause the receptacles to move from one LIM to another LIM, where each LIM in sequence can apply force to the receptacle to pass it to the next LIM in the sequence. In some implementations, the portable receptacles are configured such that at least a base portion of the receptacle includes a conductive element to interact with the LIMs, while maintaining an overall light-weight configuration.