Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises one or more processors and one or more memories communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions which, when processed by the one or more processors, cause: capturing a digital image of one or more contents of the item of mail using the image capture device; extracting, by an image processing device, information from one or more of the image of the item of mail or the image of the one or more contents of the item of mail, the extracted information comprising identifying data and characteristic data; based, at least in part, on the characteristic data, determining a priority level for the item of mail; causing displaying, on a client computing device, a graphical user interface comprising the identifying data and the priority level for the item of mail.

Abstract: There is provided a production management apparatus including: a memory section configured to memorize component data in which ranks of LED components stored in the stocker are associated with identification information of the LED components; a rank input section configured to accept a rank of the LED component in the LED components of the multiple types as a designated rank, the LED component being used in producing the board product; and a component group generating section configured to generate a component group into which the LED components of the multiple ranks including the designated rank are combined so as to satisfy a required specification of the board product, based on the ranks of the LED components which are included in the component data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-axis shackle assembly that includes first and second frame members and a securing member. Each frame member has a base portion with first and second ends and a pair of spaced-apart arm portions extending from each of the ends of each of the base portions. The securing member is movable between a first position in which the second pair of arm portions are connected by the securing member and a second position in which the second pair of arm portions are not connected by the securing member.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer with a pair of engagement arm assemblies, one engagement arm assembly on either lateral side of the vehicle trailer, the vehicle trailer having a draw assembly for engagement with a vehicle, a chassis associated with the draw assembly and mounted on at least a pair of wheels and having at least a pair of spaced apart side rails, each side rail mounting an engagement arm assembly, each engagement arm assembly including an elongate rigid arm mounting an elongate engagement key, a first length adjustable arm associated with the elongate engagement key and a second length adjustable arm associated with the elongate rigid arm such that the elongate rigid arm can be raised and lowered to load and unload an object relative to the trailer and the elongate engagement key can be pivoted to tip an object mounted relative to the trailer.

Abstract: Container handlers including improved fork assemblies. One embodiment includes a vehicle having a chassis and a hoist apparatus pivotably coupled with the chassis. The hoist apparatus is movable between a stowed position and an extended position with respect to the chassis. The hoist apparatus further includes a pivotable fork assembly. The fork assembly comprises a frame and a carriage movably coupled with the frame. One or more tines are coupled with the carriage. At least one actuator is coupled between the frame and the carriage and is operative to move between a first position and a second position. Movement of the at least one actuator from the first position toward the second position causes the carriage to move substantially parallel to the frame.

Abstract: A groove for allowing passing of a component storage section during conveyance of a carrier tape having the component storage section protruding is formed in a tape conveyance path of a feeder. The groove is provided with a tape lower face biasing member which is pressed by the lower face of the carrier tape and is deformed downward when the carrier tape has the component storage section protruding until the carrier tape inserted from a tape insertion section reaches a rear side sprocket, and biases the lower face of the carrier tape when the carrier tape has the component storage section not protruding.

Abstract: A universal aircraft mule having a rollable and steerable frame and a load carrying cradle configured for removably supporting and carrying an auxiliary. The frame tiltably and liftably supports the cradle with a lift assembly. The lift assembly raises and lowers the cradle in relation to the frame and tilts the cradle in relation to the frame. The cradle also allows an auxiliary to be skewed within the cradle to facilitate loading and unloading of the auxiliary.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning and drying apparatus includes a first substrate transfer unit operable to transfer a substrate in a horizontal direction at an upper part of a base frame, a second substrate transfer unit operable to receive the substrate from the first substrate transfer unit and transfer the substrate in a vertical direction, a third substrate transfer unit operable to receive the substrate from the second substrate transfer unit and transfer the substrate in a horizontal direction at a lower part of the base frame, and a substrate processing unit operable to receive the substrate from the third substrate transfer unit and perform a cleaning and drying process on the substrate to clean and dry the substrate. The second substrate transfer unit includes a plurality of first hand forks operable to support the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are directed to an inventory system having multiple inventory holders and drive units for moving the inventory holders. Features herein are directed to moving inventory items relative to a bin of an inventory holder or between inventory holders in the inventory system. The inventory system may include actuation units or some other mechanism on the drive units for assisting in moving inventory items relative to a bin of an inventory holder or between inventory holders. The inventory holders each include one or more inventory bins. A mobile drive unit is included, which includes an actuator configured for selectively actuating at least one of the inventory bins for moving at least one inventory item relative to the bin.

Abstract: A rotating drum with elevated discharge chute to lower the height requirement of a stacked seed treatment system. The height requirement of stacked seed treatment systems can be lowered by elevated the discharge point of the treated seed without requiring additional expense transfer components. The elevated discharge drum incorporates a series of lifting flights at the discharge end of the drum. These flights elevate the seed onto a discharge chute, which facilitates transfer to the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A transport tray for use in an installation for manufacturing food products, the installation having actuators. The transport tray has a chassis and a bottom having two panels mounted on the chassis, each having a first parallel edge and being able to move in rotation about a rotation axis parallel to the first edges between a transport position in which the distance between the first edges is less than the diameter of the fruit products and an unloading position in which at least one of the first edges is lowered so that the distance between the first edges is greater than the diameter of the food products. Each panel cooperates with an actuator for passing it from the transport position to the unloading position. Apparatus is provided to prevent lifting of the first edge of each panel beyond the transport position.

Abstract: A work picking system according to embodiments includes a three-dimensional measuring unit, a hand, a calculating unit, a determining unit, and an instructing unit. The three-dimensional measuring unit measures a three-dimensional shape of a work that is a gripping target. The hand is provided on a terminal movable unit of a multi-axis robot and includes a mechanism that changes a distance between gripping claws and a mechanism that changes a tip end direction of the gripping claws. The determining unit determines a tip end direction of the gripping claws based on the attitude of the work calculated by the calculating unit and a direction of a rotation axis of the terminal movable unit.

Abstract: In a supplying system using containers for supplying groups of filter elements to smoking article assembling equipment, each container has a unique source of information that travels with the container. An unloader receives and unloads the containers. An automated data reader is proximate the unloader for reading the source of information for each container before it is unloaded. A computerized controller uses the information read by the automated data reader to obtain information from a database. The information from the database is compared to information from another source to verify that the proper filter elements are being supplied. The computerized controller allows, or instructs, the unloader to unload correctly supplied filter elements, and stops the unloader from unloading incorrectly supplied filter elements.

Abstract: An automatic stack feeder having a moveable stack or product guide is disclosed. The automatic stack feeder may be configured to receive a stack of articles and a container enclosing a stack of articles. To ensure the stack of articles is properly supported following unloading from the container, the stack guide is moveable between a first and a second position, wherein the stack guide is in contact with the stack of articles while in the first position, and not in contact with the stack when in the second position.

Abstract: A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.

Abstract: A device for unloading compartment trays holding rod shaped elements, for use in the tobacco industry, is disclosed. The device includes an inlet conveyor for full trays, an unloading conveyor for unloading rod shaped elements into a throat, a conveyor for out-feeding stacks of rod shaped elements that have been unloaded into the throat, and an outlet conveyor for empty trays. A linear transporter for the trays has a gripping unit that grips the full trays and moves the full trays for unloading into the throat, and a second gripping unit that grips the empty trays and moves the empty trays for cleaning in a cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: The present document describes a collection container or vehicle-mounted articulated arm for discharging bins in a collection container. The arm comprises an attachment section which allows for mounting the arm on a collection container or a chassis of a vehicle carrying a collection container without effecting any alterations to the existing mechanism/structure of the collection container and/or the truck on which the collection container is provided. The arm also comprises an articulation mechanism winch allows the arm to extend for grabbing the bin, lift the bin upward to discharge its content in the collection container, lower the bin to place it back on the ground, and retracts back toward the collection container for storage and/or transportation. An arm according to the present embodiments may be made from light materials such as aluminum without affecting its lifting capacity.

Abstract: An automated system and method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers. In an embodiment, a gripper unit receives and holds a pharmaceutical container. A cutter cuts the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit, operable with the gripper, rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container.

Abstract: A clamping system secures a discharge spout of a bulk storage bag to an outer surface of a process interface connection. The clamping system includes a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm. Each clamping arm has a fixed end and a free end arranged such that the free end can pivot about the fixed end between a clamping position and an open position. Each clamping arm has an inner clamping surface configured to clamp a portion of the discharge spout against a portion of the outer surface of the process interface connection when the clamping arm is in the clamping position. The inner clamping surfaces are arranged such that when the first and second clamping arms are in the clamping position, the inner clamping surfaces cooperate to clamp the discharge spout against substantially the entire outer surface of the process interface connection.

Abstract: A reusable up-ending device for loading or unloading nuclear fuel assembly shipping packages. The device has a translating base mounted to a fixed beam structure and two stabilizing arms affixed to a mounting fixture on the base that is secured to the operating floor. The stabilizing arms include a spring dampener and have a simple elbow joint that straightens after the package is up righted. Translation is achieved by means of a hand adjustable lead screw and enables the base to be most advantageously positioned. The shipping package is inserted into pivot mount blocks located at the front of the base and the package is secured at the pivot mount blocks by means of a trunnion and at the support arms by means of a locking pin. Once the package is up-righted the elbows on the support arms are locked in place.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a carrier for a container for processing the container in a rotary processing system generally includes a carrier body defining at least one compartment for receiving at least one container, wherein the carrier is capable of rolling, and a retention system for maintaining the at least one container in the at least one compartment and restricting movement of the at least one container within the at least one compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in unloading bulk material from containers that is vertically adjustable and provides a mechanism for maintaining a coupling engagement with an outlet on a container. The apparatus has a plurality of inflatable flexible members configured and arranged to maintain the coupling engagement of the apparatus to the container outlet.

Abstract: An assembly for enabling the release of produce from a module retained by a plastics sleeve. The apparatus comprises a primary support frame including legs fixed to ground surface via feet. A gantry supports a compression assembly capable of receiving and retaining a module. There are means to enable the compression assembly to move between a non working state in which the compression assembly is elevated above a work station and a working state in which the compression assembly is at a work station in which compression arms are capable of retaining a produce module. The compression assembly includes means to enable the arms to apply a radial force to the module sufficient to allow the compression assembly to remove the plastics sleeve and allow the produce to gravitate through a free end of the module as the plastics sleeve is elevated away from the produce.

Abstract: An unloading apparatus capable of automatically unloading agricultural materials from a storage bag is disclosed. The unloading apparatus includes a drive mechanism for advancing the apparatus along the direction of an elongate storage bag, a collection mechanism for withdrawing material from the bag, and mechanisms for both sensing resistance imposed on the advancing apparatus by material in the bag and controlling further advancement of the apparatus in accordance with the level of that resistance.

Abstract: A transport tray for use in an installation for manufacturing food products, the installation having actuators. The transport tray has a chassis and a bottom having two panels mounted on the chassis, each having a first parallel edge and being able to move in rotation about a rotation axis parallel to the first edges between a transport position in which the distance between the first edges is less than the diameter of the fruit products and an unloading position in which at least one of the first edges is lowered so that the distance between the first edges is greater than the diameter of the food products. Each panel cooperates with an actuator for passing it from the transport position to the unloading position. Apparatus is provided to prevent lifting of the first edge of each panel beyond the transport position.

Abstract: An automated system and method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers. In an embodiment, a gripper unit receives and holds a pharmaceutical container. A cutter cuts the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit, operable with the gripper, rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container.

Abstract: A discharge hopper for a tray discharge station for serially discharging shaft trays filled with rod-shaped products includes a conveying element for carrying away the products flowing from the shaft trays and a connecting device for coupling the shaft trays to be emptied to the conveying element. The connecting device is arranged substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the conveying element to form a channel for the product flow and includes an opening for passage of the products from the shaft tray into the channel. In the region of the connecting device there is provided a closure unit to open and close the opening. The closure device is coupled to a movable actuating element so that the closure device can be opened and closed shaft by shaft in relation to the shaft tray to be emptied.

Abstract: A device for emptying a mail item container that is open at the top and serves for transporting mail items. The mail item container has sidewalls and a container underside. The device has a lifting device for moving the mail items relative to the sidewalls. In order to enable postal articles, such as, for example, letter mail items, to be emptied from a mail item container in an ergonomically favorable and efficient manner without adversely affecting its mechanical stability to too great an extent, it is proposed that the lifting device is provided for passing through the underside of the container.

Abstract: A pouring device comprising a generally flat base for supporting a bucket; two support bars to which the base is perpendicularly attached; a bucket bar curved outwardly from and attached to the support bars above the base; two support legs, wherein a first support bar is pivotally attached to a first support leg and a second support bar is pivotally attached to a second support leg; a foot attached to each of the support legs for stabilizing the support legs in a vertical position; a pivot handle extending upwardly from a support bar for allowing the pivoting of the base; and a stop plate attached to a support bar opposite the first bucket bar and extending outwardly past a leg support, wherein the stop plate functions to prevent the base from pivoting in a second direction.

Abstract: A system for transporting and storing rod shaped articles, including a loading station, the loading station including an inlet aperture, an outlet aperture, a rotor rotatably disposed within the loading station, and a buffer container. The system also including an unloading station, the unloading station including an inlet aperture, a transfer conduit, a rotor rotatably disposed within the unloading station, and a buffer container. The system further including a mobile container selectively coupleable to the loading station and the unloading station, and further including an inlet/outlet aperture defined in a wall thereof and a plurality of translatable magazines disposed within the mobile container.

Abstract: In the present invention, a feeding apparatus comprising a plurality of feeding mechanisms is provided. The feeding apparatus comprises a power source, a base, a rotating axle, a plurality of feeding mechanisms, a plurality of connecting units and a plurality of fixing units. The power source is driven to rotate the rotating axle, and then the feeding mechanisms are rotated by the rotating axle to proceed feeding process. In addition, the rotation of each of the feeding mechanisms is controlled by the connecting units and the fixing units. However, the feeding mechanisms can be rotated together or individually to proceed feeding process. Therefore, the production capacity is increased by the feeding apparatus, as well as the cost is reduced by decreasing power needed.

Abstract: Device provided for unloading compartment trays (2), filled with rod shaped elements (25), having an inlet conveyor (1) for full trays (2) and an outlet conveyors (3) for empty trays (2?) arranged parallel in one plane, and having a turning unit (4) for trays (2), provided with a supporting plate (6) and a turning unit (12) for trays (2?). It is provided with a linear transporter (14) for trays (2, T) situated in a plane perpendicular to the plane of conveyors (1, 3), provided with a movable arranged gripping unit (16) for trays (2) and a gripping unit (17) for trays (2?). Below a transporter (14) in the zone of operating of the gripping unit (16) there is situated an unloading conveyor (24) the end of which is situated at the inlet of an immovable throat (27).

Abstract: An unloading mechanism capable of automatically unloading agricultural materials from a storage bag is disclosed. The unloading mechanism includes a collection mechanism, discharge mechanism and a sensor arrangement configured to engage the storage bag. The sensor arrangement controls the unloading mechanism so that it automatically advances in a direction towards the storage bag as material is unloaded therefrom.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator system to transport medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes in a compounding chamber regulated to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In a preferred implementation, the manipulator system is configured to grasp and convey syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes from a storage system in an adjacent chamber regulated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Various embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate the manipulator system to bring a fill port of an IV bag, vial, or syringe into register with a filling port at a fluid transfer station in the chamber. A preferred implementation includes a sanitization system that can substantially sanitize a bung on a fill port of a vial or IV bag in preparation for transport to the fluid transfer station.

Abstract: A lift mechanism includes a balance structure configured to hold an object, wherein the balance structure is rotateably connected to an arm structure at a pivot point. The pivot point is configured, and the object is positioned, such that the pivot point is substantially coincident with the center-of-mass of the object being moved. Weights may be selectively attached to the balance structure to adjust the center-of-mass. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism includes a base and an arm configured to rotate with respect to the base, wherein the arm is attached to the balance structure at the pivot point. In this way, heavy objects may be lifted, translated, and rotated into place safely in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A system and method is used to automatically process the contents of a containers. The contents may be bulk materials used by a business or organization. The container enters the system via a tow assembly mechanism, a grasping mechanism clasps the container, a lid secures the contents, the container is lifted and rotated to allow the contents of the container to exit the container.

Abstract: A system for singling and transferring objects comprises an inlet area and an outlet area for objects from the system, transfer means for transferring such objects comprising containment members, and retrieval means for retrieving and depositing such objects in the containment members. The transfer means may be actuated, in use, independently of the retrieval means so as to transfer one or more objects to the outlet area.

Abstract: A system and method is used to automatically process the contents of a containers. The contents may be bulk materials used by a business or organization. The container enters the system via a tow assembly mechanism, a grasping mechanism clasps the container, a lid secures the contents, the container is lifted and rotated to allow the contents of the container to exit the container.

Abstract: A loading assembly is provided that is configured to load transport containers with bulk material quickly and efficiently. A container support assembly is also provided that facilitate alignment and stable support of the container throughout loading. In use, a load bin of the loading assembly is inserted and retracted relative to the container by a drive mechanism. The barrier assembly confines the contents of the load bin in the container while the bin is retracted, allowing the contents of the bin to remain within the container upon removal of the bin. The container support assembly includes left and right ramps disposed along side the container. The ramps each include a support surface having an increasing height differential with reference to the ground from the distal end to the proximal end. The support assembly further includes an interface assembly configured to attach to the container and to engage the support surfaces of the left and the right ramps to distribute load onto the ramps.

Abstract: An automated system and method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers. In an embodiment, a gripper unit receives and holds a pharmaceutical container. A cutter cuts the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit, operable with the gripper, rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a waste item to be removed from a site are disclosed. In one embodiment, a waste collection vehicle includes a reader configured to obtain identification information from an identification tag associated with the waste item. A transceiver associated with the vehicle is configured to: receive the identification information from the reader, wirelessly transmit the identification information to a remote computer for processing, and wirelessly receive an indication of whether the waste item should be collected and removed by the waste collection. The received indication is based on at least one hazardous characteristic associated with the identified waste item, a determination that the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic, and a determination that a driver of the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic.

Abstract: An automated system and method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers. In an embodiment, a gripper unit receives and holds a pharmaceutical container. A cutter cuts the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit, operable with the gripper, rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container.

Abstract: An electronic parts mounting apparatus and an electronic parts mounting method for picking up a plurality of electronic parts simultaneously by a transfer head having a plurality of suction nozzles from a plurality of tape feeders and then mounting the electronic parts on a substrate are provided. Displacement amounts of parts stop positions in respective tape feeders are detected in advance and stored as stop position correction data, and then tape feeding mechanisms are controlled based on the stop position correction data upon picking up the parts by the transfer head to execute such a registration that causes the parts stop positions to coincide with parts suction positions of the suction nozzles in the transfer head.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic testing apparatus and a continuous test method for electronic component, which includes multiple test areas, each area possesses respective pick and place module. The apparatus includes multiple shuttles located between the test area and input/output trays. Moreover, a further pick and place module is utilized, between the shuttles and the input/output trays, for picking and placing the devices under test or tested device. The method delivers different electronic component to different test area for testing by different shuttles and to perform testing continuously.

Abstract: An elongated container of a truck has a closed front end wall and a hinged rear outlet closure, and a side infeed opening for receiving garbage. This empty container is configured to receive an elongated base upon which is mounted a reciprocating conveyor floor for moving garbage in the container outward through the opened rear closure for deposit at a garbage disposal site. The power drive mechanism for driving the reciprocating floor is located at the front end of the container and is shielded from input garbage by a deflector secured to the reciprocating floor. The deflector also serves as a pusher for compacting and moving garbage in the container out through the opened rear closure. The self-contained reciprocating floor is easily carried manually and fed through the opened rear closure and secured firmly in the truck container.

Abstract: Method for extracting electronic components (8, 8?, 8?) from a tube (7), the electronic components (8, 8?, 8?) being extracted from the tube (7) with pneumatic means. Device for extracting electronic components (8, 8?, 8?) from a tube (7) comprising a pneumatic system for extracting electronic components (8, 8?, 8?) from a tube (7) and device for feeding with electronic components (8, 8?, 8?) a processing line (9) comprising such an extraction device. The use of pneumatic means for extracting electronic components (8, 8?, 8?) offers among other advantages that of allowing the tube to remain in horizontal position whilst avoiding the use of delicate and complicated mechanical means.

Abstract: The present structure provides a content extractor including a retention member sized to fit into an inner surface of a container and a pull member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the pull member having a pull tab, the distal end of the pull member configured to securely extend from the retention member in slidable communication with the inner surface of the container.

Abstract: A waste hauling system comprises a receptacle for holding waste, a drive system including a wheel for moving the receptacle and a drive motor mechanically coupled to the wheel, a power source configured to drive the motor, a sensor for receiving a signal for operating the drive system, and a remote device including a transmitter for sending the signal received by the sensor.

Abstract: When a two-division structure heat treatment jig for semiconductor substrate that includes a silicon first jig that comes into direct contact with a semiconductor substrate that is heat treated and supports the semiconductor substrate, and a second jig (holder) that holds the first jig and is mounted on a heat treatment boat is adopted as a heat treatment boat of a vertical heat treatment furnace, the stress concentrated during the heat treatment on a particular portion of the semiconductor substrate can be reduced; in the case of a semiconductor substrate large in the tare stress and having an outer shape of 300 mm being heat treated, or even in the case of the heat treatment being carried out under very high temperature conditions, the slips can be suppressed from occurring. The present invention can be widely applied as a stable heat treatment method of semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having a first holding instrument (1) for a first wafer (5) and having a second holding instrument (7) for a second wafer (9) arrangeable parallel to the first wafer (5), the two holding instruments (1, 7) being fixable relative to one another. According to the invention, at least one of the holding instruments (1, 7), preferably both holding instruments (1, 7) respectively, comprises at least one gel film (2, 8) for holding the associated wafer (5, 9). The invention furthermore relates to the use of a gel film for holding integral wafers.