Abstract: Multiple intelligent pickers for an automated data storage library, the library having a library controller which identifies the start and end locations of the received move jobs, and places the move jobs in a job queue. The picker processor receives information over a communication link from other pickers describing movement information for the current move job of each of the other pickers. Upon completion of a move job, the picker communicates with the library controller, selecting a move job which avoids interference with the movement of the other pickers. The movement for the selected move job is determined so as to avoid interference with the stored movement profiles of the other pickers. A movement profile may be communicated to the other pickers over the communication link, and the move job is conducted according to the movement profile. Alternatively, movement information comprising the current location and vector are communicated.

Abstract: Within both a stocker apparatus and a method for operating the stocker apparatus there is employed, in addition to: (1) a minimum of one input/output port; (2) an array of storage locations for storing an array of work in process (WIP) product units; and (3) a random access transportation means for transporting a work in process (WIP) product unit at least bidirectionally between the minimum of one input/output port and a storage location within the array of storage locations; (4) a controller for controlling the random access transportation means. Within the stocker apparatus and the method, the controller is programmed such that upon unavailability of the minimum of one input/output port and upon concurrent receipt of a request to retrieve a work in process (WIP) product unit stored within the array of storage locations to reposition the requested work in process (WIP) product unit to a designated storage location within the array of storage locations where it may be manually retrieved.

Abstract: Multiple intelligent pickers for an automated data storage library, the library having a library controller which identifies the start and end locations of the received move jobs, and places the move jobs in a job queue. The picker processor receives information over a communication link from other pickers describing movement information for the current move job of each of the other pickers. Upon completion of a move job, the picker communicates with the library controller, selecting a move job which avoids interference with the movement of the other pickers. The movement for the selected move job is determined so as to avoid interference with the stored movement profiles of the other pickers. A movement profile may be communicated to the other pickers over the communication link, and the move job is conducted according to the movement profile. Alternatively, movement information comprising the current location and vector are communicated.

Abstract: Distributing equipment for piece goods composed of (a) an order device (1), (b) locations (3) where the available piece goods can be arranged in such a way that the same goods are contained at the same location (3), (c) a transporting arrangement including a robot (4) cooperating with the order device (1) for moving a specific piece good from the corresponding location (3) to a delivery window (6), (d) a distinctive mark (9) at each of the locations (3) which can be detected by a sensor (10) incorporated in the robot (4), the latter having a memory unit cooperating with the sensor (10) for storing the coordinates of the different marks (9), and a control arrangement for moving the robot (4) to a location (3) with a mark (9), identified by specific coordinates selected among the stored coordinates.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk having a walk-in enclosure, interactive selection panel, multi-section inventory storage area for dispensing items and accepting returns. User selections are entered via instructions entered at an interactive panel containing a selection menu of graphical icons and messages. A programmable controller monitors entered identification data and payments to control the dispensing and return of selected items from assigned storage locations via X-Y-Z track driven, transfer and end effect assemblies. Associated software manages payment transactions via a bill receiver, coin changer, credit card verifier, and receipt printer and develops associated administrative inventory status reports. One end effect includes a hook that interconnects to storage trays. The end effect extends and retracts the trays onto a support platform and conveys the trays and items back and forth from the storage space.

Abstract: In an automatic storage system and an automatic storing method for automatically take in and out a container box 1 accommodating therein a wafer carrier 6, a take-in port and a take-out port of a storage unit 8 are unified to one common inlet/outlet port 15, and a control is conducted to the effect that when the container box 1 is taken in and out on the basis of a take-in/take-out schedule of the container box 1 to the storage unit 8, the empty container box is ceaselessly left at the inlet/outlet port 15. Thus, the take-in/take-out operation can be smoothly conducted with no necessity of enlarging the storage unit 8 and with no congestion of the conveying container box accommodating therein the wafer carrier 6.

Abstract: An automated storage library for the storage and retrieval of cartridges and an associated method includes a frame having cartridge storage cells for storing cartridges and at least one cartridge player for playing a cartridge. At least two robotic mechanisms are each movable within the frame to mount a cartridge from a cartridge storage cell into the cartridge player and to dismount a cartridge from the cartridge player into a cartridge storage cell. A controller controls the robotic mechanisms to move in a first direction around the frame along a closed loop such that one of the robotic mechanisms dismounts a cartridge from the cartridge player into a cartridge storage cell while another one of the robotic mechanism mounts another cartridge from another cartridge storage cell into the cartridge player.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: An automated data storage system which comprises one or more robotic accessors movably disposed therein, each such accessor including a revolving memory buffer and a velocity control program, wherein the velocity control program stores operational data regarding the gripping and pivot mechanisms disposed on the accessor. A method to diagnose the cause of an accessor failure by downloading and analyzing the operational data stored on the defective accessor's revolving memory buffer.

Abstract: A wireless communication link provides picker to picker communication between multiple intelligent pickers for an automated data storage library, and provides central communication between at least one of the pickers with a central job queue. Each intelligent picker comprises a processor located thereon for operating the picker to conduct a move job and providing movement information describing movement of the picker for the current move job of the picker. The wireless communication link comprises a wireless central communication link between at least one of the pickers and a central job queue for communicating a move job to the picker processor from the central job queue, and a wireless picker to picker communication link for communicating between the pickers, each linked picker transmitting the movement information over the wireless picker to picker communication link.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for picking articles situated in a rack storage unit, comprising a plurality of parallel rack rows (60, 62, 63) for the storage of articles situated on retrieval pallets (38) and/or in containers (80), storage aisles (70) and picking aisles (72) formed alternately between the rack rows (60, 62, 63), at least one storage vehicle (56) in each storage aisle (70), which vehicle is designed to accommodate at least one retrieval pallet (38) and/or container (80) and is capable of travelling along each storage aisle (70) to place the retrieval pallets and/or containers into storage in the pallet racks, at least one picker vehicle (10) in each picking aisle (72) for picking the articles to be picked, which is capable of travelling along in each case one of the two mutually opposing picking fronts forming the picking aisle (72), buffer locations (64), which are disposed in the picking aisles (72) between the routes of the picker vehicles (10) travelling along the two opposing picking

Abstract: A data storage system comprising: a media picker displacement path having a first end and a second end; a first media picker assembly mounted in the picker displacement path; a second media picker assembly mounted in the picker displacement path; a plurality of data storage media access locations located along the picker displacement path; the first media picker assembly being displaceable along the path from the first end to a point of interfering contact with the second media picker assembly; the second media picker assembly being displaceable along the path from the second end to a point of interfering contact with the first media picker assembly; the storage system having a normal running operating mode wherein the first media picker assembly is stationarily positioned at the first end of the displacement path and the second picker assembly is selectively positionable along the remainder of the path; the storage system having a fall back running operating mode wherein the second media picker assembly is s

Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus of the present invention includes an accessor mechanism movable in a Y direction in response to a command received from a host and a hand mechanism mounted on the accessor mechanism and movable in the X direction. Address charts are provided on the individual cell for accommodating a cartridge storing a recording medium therein. The address charts serve as indices indicative of positions of the cell in the X direction and the Y direction. Reduction optics is mounted on the hand mechanism and includes a light source, a monodimensional CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and a lens. The apparatus is miniature, low cost, high performance and simple and capable of accurately sensing a position with reliability.

Abstract: A basket storage and retrieval apparatus and method has spaced parallel rows of storage racks with multiple horizontal tiers having aisles between the storage racks. Guides are connected to the aisle and a stacker retriever is connected to the guides. The stacker retriever has at least one vertical member. A carriage is mounted on the vertical member for moving up and down the vertical member and for aligning with storage rack tiers on opposite sides of the aisle. Carriers are mounted on the carriage for moving into horizontal tiers and for lowering baskets within the tiers for resting on the tiers and raising baskets from the tiers for moving the raised baskets toward the carriage. A robotic input lane extends through the storage racks. A robotic output lane extends through the storage racks. An input transfer conveyor is connected to the robotic input lane and an output transfer conveyor is connected to the robotic output lane.

Abstract: Goods units are handled in a stock area and a loading area. The stock area and the loading area are in close proximity to each other. A robot system includes a picking robot movable in the stock area for picking goods units and forming transfer piles and a moving system for moving transfer pile rows formed by the picking robot. The working area of the picking robot reaches to the stock area and the working area of the moving system reaches both to the stock area and to the loading area.

Abstract: A data storage system comprising: a media picker displacement path having a first end and a second end; a first media picker assembly mounted in the picker displacement path; a second media picker assembly mounted in the picker displacement path; a plurality of data storage media access locations located along the picker displacement path; the first media picker assembly being displaceable along the path from the first end to a point of interfering contact with the second media picker assembly; the second media picker assembly being displaceable along the path from the second end to a point of interfering contact with the first media picker assembly; the storage system having a normal running operating mode wherein the first media picker assembly is stationarily positioned at the first end of the displacement path and the second picker assembly is selectively positionable along the remainder of the path; the storage system having a fall back running operating mode wherein the second media picker assembly is s

Abstract: A stocker includes a first sealing member, an atmosphere control member for controlling the internal atmosphere of the first sealing member to a first atmosphere, and a transfer member for transporting an object to be stocked to an exposure apparatus or receiving it from the exposure apparatus without exposing it to the external atmosphere of the first sealing member. At least one object to be stocked is stocked in the first sealing member.

Abstract: A method for controlling order setup and operation of order fulfillment devices, which devices include dispensers that dispense low quantities of low-demand articles from an inventory containing a very large number of different low-demand articles. The method arranges the articles in totes so the dispensers have efficient access thereto, and efficiently refills the totes based upon past orders.

Abstract: An industrial lift truck with a load lifting device (15), a device (3, 9, 11) for moving the load lifting device (15) on the lift truck (1) having at least one element (7) that can move, together with the load lifting device (15), along an essentially straight guide (5), and with a position measuring device for monitoring the relative position to the guide (5) of the element (7) movable with the load lifting device (15).

Abstract: A position detector includes a fluid cylinder having a piston. An ultrasonic transceiver is provided at one end of the piston outside of the moving range of the piston. In response to electrical signals, the ultrasonic transceiver transmits ultrasonic waves to a reflection surface of the piston. The transceiver receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the piston and then generates electrical signals representing the reflected waves. A sensor detects that the piston is at a predetermined position, at which the distance to the transceiver is known. A CPU supplies electrical signals to the ultrasonic transceiver to produce ultrasonic waves and receives electrical signals representing the reflected waves from the ultrasonic transceiver. The CPU then computes a piston position value, which is a function of the travel time from when an ultrasonic wave is transmitted to when the reflected wave is received and the speed of the waves.

Abstract: An Input/Output periscope station for automated storage and retrieval systems is disclosed. The periscoping I/O station provides a push down action after a cartridge is imported or exported and which can be used to automatically exchange cartridges with adjacent libraries. The periscoping I/O station includes a periscope arm, a first motor for moving the periscope arm along a first axis, a second motor for rotating the periscope arm about an axis of rotation, a cartridge supporter comprising a plurality of slots for holding a corresponding plurality of cartridges and a mounting fixture for mounting the periscope arm to a library. The system further includes LED sensors for monitoring when a cartridge is being inserted in or retrieved from the plurality of slots of the cartridge support, or when a cartridge is stuck.

Abstract: An integrated order selection and distribution system is provided for selecting and delivering a plurality of articles associated with a preselected customer order. The system includes discrete article receptacles, a conveyor, and a plurality of pack stations. The receptacles releasably retain articles associated with a preselected customer order. Each receptacle is transported to predetermined locations within the system by the conveyor. The pack stations are arranged along the direction of movement of the conveyor to receive the articles to be discharged from the receptacles. A system controller tracks the location of the receptacles in the system and generates a signal that causes each receptacle to discharge its articles at a predetermined location, relative to the pack stations. In the preferred embodiment, the system controller assigns each receptacle to at least one of the pack stations in round-robin fashion based upon the type of articles to be discharged.

Abstract: A computer-controlled storage device for packaged goods has a storage area with parallel storage tracks having a first and a second end, wherein each one of the storage tracks stores only one type of packaged goods. A supply area is positioned at the first end of the storage tracks. The supply area has a feeding device feeding newly arriving packaged goods into a respective one of the storage tracks. An order filling area is positioned at the second end of the storage tracks, wherein in the order filling area packaged goods are compiled to fill a customer order. The order filling area has independently operated removal devices for each one of the storage tracks.

Abstract: In a stocker entry task control method employed in a semiconductor wafer cassette transportation apparatus that has high transportation ability of a semiconductor wafer cassette, a host computer sends an interrogation to a stocker in which a semiconductor wafer cassette is to be stored whether there is an available storage site therein. The stocker ascertains the storage site if available. Then, the host computer sends a transportation task instruction to an inter-stocker transport device or an automatic carrier. Alternatively, an entry task instruction is sent to the stocker.

Abstract: A tape cartridge access port includes frames defining a series of tape cartridge magazine cavities for directly loading magazines filled with tape cartridges with the labels on the front surfaces of the tape cartridges oriented towards the robotics of an automated cartridge library. The tape cartridge access port has safety doors which prevent access by an operator to the robotics of the automated cartridge library while allowing the magazines and the tape cartridges to be accessible to the operator when the robotics are in operation on other tape cartridges. The safety doors are triggered and released by a magazine loaded into the tape cartridge access port. The tape cartridge access port also has an outer door panel locked and unlocked by a library management unit of the automated cartridge library to prevent the operator and the robotics of the automated cartridge library from handling a magazine at the same time.

Abstract: A wafer transfer method of semiconductor fabricating equipment is capable of successively arranging a plurality of wafers in a designated order (e.g., an ascending order, a descending order, an odd/even number order or an individual selection order). The wafer transfer method uses a first cassette containing the wafers, and a second cassette for receiving the wafers. A wafer transfer robot having a wafer transfer arm moves the wafers from the first cassette to the second cassette, after the wafer serial numbers have been read and sent to a computer. The computer uses a selected wafer arrangement order to decide where within the second cassette each wafer from the first cassette should be placed and then controls the wafer transfer robot to place each wafer into the desired location. With the wafers arranged in the selected order, it is not necessary to test each wafer after each fabricating process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for use in a mass memory data storage system. The present invention includes a gripper assembly having a roller-inserter, which permits contact with a data cartridge to be retrieved from or archived in said data storage system. The present invention also includes methods to inventory cartridges in said data storage system using the roller-inserter to provide for a contact method of inventory. The present invention also provides for teach-mode probe functions and real-time cartridge position locators.

Abstract: A process and a device for handling and stacking pressed bales in a bale storage facility with at least one stacking device (1), which has a traveling crane bridge (3), a bogie truck (4) and a hanging-down guide beam (5). A grabbing device is provided for one or more, preferably three pressed bales (2) is arranged on it vertically movably and rotatably around the vertical axis. The stacking device (1) has a remote control and a fully automatic, computer-aided storage management system. After loading into the storage area, the bales can be re-sorted in the bale storage facility fully automatically and arranged according to the type of bale, grade and other criteria.

Abstract: A physical distribution storage system comprises a series of storage racks, a host processing unit and hand-held terminals, the storage racks storing articles and each storage rack having rack information indication means which indicates information concerning the articles stored in the rack. The host processing unit includes a printer which prints in and out lists, indicating articles to be taken in and out, on the print material. Each hand-held terminal includes an input unit which reads the rack information and the in and out lists and updates the in and out lists according to the in and out operations, a data comparator which compares the rack information read by the input unit with the updated in and out lists and a display which displays the comparator results on a respective screen. The in and out lists may be represented by two dimensional bar codes.

Abstract: A calibration jig for establishing a home position of a robotic mechanism which retrieves components from a parts tray. The calibration jig includes: an angled member having a first wall member and a second wall member which is substantially perpendicular to the first wall member, wherein the angled member is configured to be juxtapositioned at a corner of a drawer which holds the parts tray; and a tapered portion, coupled to at least one of the first and second wall members, and extending upwardly with respect to the first and second wall members, wherein the tapered portion engages a portion of the robotic mechanism so as to serve as a calibration point for establishing the home position of the robotic mechanism with respect to the parts tray.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) wherein individual identical articles are disposed in vertical stacks stored in cells of movable totes. The totes are movable into and out of storage racks by an automated storage/retrieval vehicle. The ASRS includes an order picking system having at least two zones disposed along an order-collecting conveyor system. One zone picks low-demand articles, and the other zone employs high-speed dispensers which support plural upright stacks each containing identical high-demand articles for dispensing of such articles onto the conveyor system. A controller assigns order-collecting areas along the conveyor system so that picked or dispensed articles within the zones are deposited into a preassigned area for assembly of an order.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically organizing a variable number of lots into a batch which can be treated with high efficiency in a semiconductor wafer manufacturing line is installed for changing the number of lots organized into a batch between preceding and succeeding processes when such change is required.

Abstract: An automated material handling picking system including a plurality of storage locations for objects which are to be picked, a moveable picking head for picking the objects from the storage locations, a moving conveyor including a plurality of receiving locations where the picked objects are to be consolidated into separate orders or sub-sets, and a bank of queue stations for temporarily holding the picked objects and selectively releasing them into the respective receiving locations where the sub-sets are to be consolidated. The picking head deposits a picked object into the nearest available queue station. The picking head is not involved in the consolidation of the objects into sub-sets because of the buffering effect of the queue stations. Preferably, only one object at a time is held in each queue.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting objects in a warehouse includes a movable apparatus that is automatically moved to a location where objects are to be taken from a shelf of a warehouse rack. The apparatus subsequently indicates how many objects are to be collected and/or provides other information. The apparatus is also capable of moving itself along a rail which extends along the warehouse rack.

Abstract: A data cartridge caddy presence sensing system within an autochanger storage rack is disclosed. The data cartridge caddy of the present invention has at least one optical interrupt flag at a predetermined position on the data cartridge caddy. When the data cartridge caddy is fully installed within the autochanger storage rack, the optical interrupt flag lines-up with and trips optical interrupt flags on the autochanger storage rack. The picker of the autochanger will not attempt to remove data cartridges from caddy positions that are empty. The present invention may also include optical interrupt flags and sensors on the data cartridges and corresponding optical interrupt sensors at corresponding predetermined locations on the autochanger storage rack or a bar-code reader and bar-code labels on the data cartridges.

Abstract: In a commissioning system (1) comprising at least one central belt (3) for receiving products to be taken from a stock (16) by commissioners and to be assembled according to an order, and a conveying installation (8) to move away in collecting containers (9) the products transferred at a transfer site (3a) at the end of the central belt (3), containers (14) are adjacently arranged below the central belt (3) to receive the products, and a pre-determined number of the adjacently arranged containers (14) each define a respective commissioning region (B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, . . . B.sub.n) for a commissioner (A to F), a pre-determined number of product types on stock (16) is associated to each commissioning region (B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, . . . B.sub.n), and at least one of the commissioning regions neighboring a respective commissioning region forms a supplementary commissioning region to that commissioning region.

Abstract: In facilities for the automatic assembly of mechanical parts, a parts supply system has a storing section for storing a tray loaded with parts, a conveying mechanism for conveying the tray from the storing section, and a circulation mechanism for circulating a tray carrier to be loaded with the tray along a circulation path which includes at least a tray loading position for receiving the tray conveyed by the conveying mechanism, a pars supply position for allowing a robot to pick up the parts stored in the tray, and a tray discharge position for discharging the tray. The device simplifies the mechanical arrangement, enhances high speed processing, and readily adapts to a change in the kind of parts and an increase or decrease in the number of parts.

Abstract: The automatic vertical storage and retrieval system has an extractor for retrieving items stored and presenting the retrieved items to an operator. The extractor is vertically displaceable between and along vertical rails and is driven by an electromechanical chain drive system. The rails have equally-spaced locking slots for attaching pan brackets to form storage platforms for storage pans. The extractor includes an extractor stabilization mechanism having four locking dogs which engage with the locking slots of the rails to support the extractor and any retrieved items, thereby removing the load on the chains of the chain drive system during extraction or deposition of the storage pan(s). Thus, the extractor can be located in the optimal vertical position without the use of a precision linear encoder, and the extractor can maintain this optimal vertical position as the load is transferred to or from the extractor.

Abstract: A package dispenser that can be used in an automated system for filling orders, such as prescriptions for patients. The dispenser includes a magazine for holding a plurality of packages. The magazine includes a loading end and a dispensing end which has a releasable retainer to keep the loaded packages in the magazine until they are released. Several dispensers may be combined with an automated storage system in which a robot selects packages from storage racks. Then, packages can be simultaneously delivered by the dispensers and the robot. The dispensers may be filled by the robot. The robot and releasable retainer in the dispenser are computer controlled.

Abstract: A cargo container storage and retrieval system and method. One embodiment of a system according to the present invention includes a vessel having cargo hold with a plurality of bulkheads disposed along a width of the cargo hold to define a plurality of adjacent cells along a length of the cargo hold. The cargo hold is also equipped with a plurality of tiers along a depth of the cargo hold. The vessel also includes a deck having a plurality of hatch openings that are used to gain access to the cargo hold. In addition, the vessel includes a storage and retrieval system having a plurality of sets of parallel spaced tracks and a plurality of chassis seats disposed within each set of parallel space tracks.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling of packages containing goods in a warehouse and for verifying contents of the packages includes conveying the packages through consecutive stations; performing a plausibility check on the packages by generating and outputting signals which are indicative of respective plausibility parameters, and inputting the electrical signals to the computer for effecting a plausibility determination, the plausibility check being composed of weighing the packages and outputting a signal indicative of weight; measuring volume of the packages and outputting a signal indicative of volume; and measuring at least one property of the goods contained in the packages and outputting a signal indicative of the at least one property; and inputting electrical signals outputted from the identifying and performing steps to the computer; comparing the respective signals inputted to the computer with respective predetermined data stored in the computer and generating a plausibility determination including

Abstract: Process for loading spool pegs (10) of a spool rack (11) or the like with full yarn spools (12) set by a loading device (13) onto superimposed horizontally arranged pegs (16) of a transport carriage (15), which is moved by a drive motor (23) on a rail between the loading device (13) and the rack (11) and positioned with a sensor in front of the rack (11) in a predetermined position, wherein the carriage pegs (16) and the pegs (10) of the rack (11) are aligned. In order to avoid time-consuming and complicated setting operations, the process is performed so that the sensor (25) is set at the level of a peg tier (b) of the rack (11), that the travel segments (e.g. x1) of the transport carriage (15) are stored during its travels, that sensor signals triggered by the rack pegs (10) are stored in relation to the travel segments (e.g. x1), and that the transport carriage (15) is steered into its spool transfer position via the stored sensor signals.

Abstract: There are provided carrying device and method capable of high-speed pick-up and travelling operation of a carrier. The carrier is provided with a holder bracket movable back and forth, in which claw members for grasping a material are held, and a driver mechanism for stroking g the holder bracket and a driver mechanism for opening and closing the claw members are attached to the carrier body. A movable portion in the carrier can be made lighter in weight. An electric wiring cord to be connected to the movable portion can be eliminated or made thin and light enough. This allows the carrier to move at a high speed. The carrier is held at the intersection of a pair of crossing moving bars and moved to a target position by moving both the moving bars. No motor needs to be provided in the carrier for driving the carrier, so that the movable portion moving together with the carrier can be made lighter in weight, thereby speeding up the movement of the carrier.

Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying devices (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying device (18) and conveying devices (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: A device for supplying and receiving to and from a plurality of automatic teller machines installed side by side on an installation surface has a carrier station for transmitting, over a wireless channel, an instruction signal for designating an automatic teller machine for cash receipt and delivery, and a cassette carrier capable of running to the designated automatic teller machine. The cassette carrier has a carrier body equipped with a power source and a running mechanism, and a transport cassette placed on the carrier for holding the cash therein. In accordance with the instruction signal and a result of detection by a position sensor, the cassette carrier runs to a predetermined position facing the designated automatic teller machine and is positioned with respect to the designated automatic teller machine. In this state, cash are transferred between the transport cassette and the designated automatic teller machine by a transfer mechanism provided on the movable carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus for error proofing in manufacturing and kitting operations and the like. A frame having two or four frame members utilizes light emitters and sensors on opposite sides to determine when the plane of the frame has been broken, and storage areas behind the frame have been accessed. This information is compared to programmed information to verify whether errors in accessing the storage area have occurred. The plane of the frame has a plurality of penetration zones distinguishable by their respective corresponding emitter and sensor pairs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sorting individual articles having identification numbers. The method comprises the steps of allocating each individual article a position number based on a position in the stream of individual articles. Next, the individual articles are conveyed from one collecting zone to another via waiting lines. The collecting zones and waiting lines are designed so that the sorting installation configuration corresponds the equation: M=(m.q.r)/n.sup.2. Wherein M equals the size of the sorting installation, m equals the number of waiting lines in the first collecting zone, q equals the capacity of a waiting line in the first collecting zone, n equals the number of waiting lines in each further collecting zone, and r equals the capacity of the waiting lines in the further collecting zones.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval machine comprises a base, a carriage, and a control system. The control system is used to control the movement of the carriage in the vertical direction and/or the movement of the base in the horizontal direction. The control system includes at least one encoder and at least one optical distance meter. The encoder provides relative position information during a middle portion of the SRM trajectory, i.e., during the implementation of a feedback control scheme. The optical distance meter provides absolute position information to the control system at an endpoint of the SRM trajectory, i.e., to verify that the SRM has in fact reached its destination. If the control system controls both the movement of the carriage and the movement of the base, then two encoders and two optical distance meters are used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting the appearance of each of a plurality of vertically stacked load stages each comprising a load placed on a pallet. Each of the vertically stacked load stages is separated, and each separated load stage is corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in assembling kits of parts for use in manufacturing where workers pick the components or parts from bins that are stocked with the parts. The apparatus includes sensing means to detect the presence of a worker's hand in a bin and a display indicates the number of components in a bin that are to be retrieved or picked for a kit for a particular product. Once the sensing means senses the presence of a worker's hand in a bin, the display will be automatically dimmed for a predetermined time which is proportional to the number of components or parts which are to be taken from the bin. The apparatus is preferably configured so that adjacent modular units will not interfere with one another with respect to the sensing functionality and the sensing operation by the three detectors in each modular unit are also time multiplexed so that interference among the three is not experienced.