Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at a stackable container including a body with an upper section having a plurality of upper wall panels, a lower section having a plurality of lower wall panels, a middle section positioned between the upper and lower section having a plurality of middle wall panels and a bottom surface connected to the lower section. A container neck is connected to the upper section of the body. The container also includes a cap removably engaged with the neck. To provide stability when the containers are stacked in diagonal orientation, the bottom section includes a recess and the recess and the cap are configured such that there is interconnection between the cap of one container and the recess of a diagonally adjacent container.

Abstract: A method for job separation in a high volume document scanning is provided. The method includes monitoring a document receiver with a monitor device to determine when a batch of documents has been received by the document receiver and in response to the monitor device determining the batch of documents has been received by the document receiver, automatically inserting a job separation document with a separation document inserter at an end of the batch to separate the batch of documents from a successive batch of documents.

Abstract: A stackable pipette tip tray is described. The pipette tip tray includes a deck having first and second opposing longitudinal side edges. A plurality of shaft apertures is arranged into a plurality of longitudinal rows on the deck. Each of the shaft apertures has a first size or shape configured to receive a shaft of a pipette tip. The deck also includes a plurality of tip apertures that is also arranged into a plurality of longitudinal rows such that at least one of the longitudinal rows of tip apertures is located between an adjacent pair of longitudinal rows of shaft apertures. Each of the plurality of tip apertures has a second size or shape, different from the first size or shape, and is configured to receive a distal tip end of a pipette tip when one tray of pipette tips is stacked above another tray of pipette tips.

Abstract: A stack of interfolded absorbent sheet products comprising a plurality of absorbent sheets and a method of folding and stacking the same. Each one of the absorbent sheets is folded twice about a first axis to define two inwardly folded inner panels and at least once about a second axis to define at least two outer panels sandwiching the inner panels therebetween. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, Each of the absorbent sheet products comprises at least one outer panel at least partially sandwiched between a pair of outer panels of an adjacent one of the absorbent sheet products of the stack. Each one of the absorbent sheet products is entirely detached from all other absorbent sheet products of the stack.

Abstract: A glove stacking apparatus for preparing a stack of gloves prior to packing into a box, and a method of stacking gloves using a glove stacking apparatus for preparing a stack of gloves prior to packing into a box, particularly ambidextrous disposable hygienic gloves are disclosed. A glove stacking apparatus for lifting and depositing gloves to be stacked comprises a lifting means for lifting each of the gloves. The lifting means includes an attractive glove lifting surface, wherein the lifting means includes within the lifting surface a movable member, the movable member being movable from a first position in which the movable member is substantially flush with the lifting surface to a second position in which the movable member stands proud of the lifting surface in order to help dislodge the lifted glove from the lifting surface.

Abstract: The method for automatic separation of bundles of interfolded sheet articles is carried out in an interfolding machine that includes a folding unit (100), aimed at cutting the articles (1), folding them and forming an interfolded stack (2), and that includes also a separating device (10), situated downstream of the folding unit (100). The separation method includes: supporting the base of the stack (2) by first supporting planes (A) of the separator (10); lateral introduction of second supporting planes (B) and subsequent forming of an underlying bundle (3) of articles (1); separation of the bundle (3) and release thereof onto a conveyor (20); upwards movement of the first supporting planes (A) until they are placed directly underneath the second supporting planes (B); re-inserting of the first supporting planes (A) under the base of the stack (2); withdrawal of the second supporting planes (B) from the base of the stack (2).

Abstract: A container for use in handling recyclable paper products is disclosed. The container has an open top and includes a plurality of openings formed near its upper edges for receiving fork lift truck tines. A method of nesting empty containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A module for use in stacking plate panels, having: a supporting portion a load transmitting portion, connected to the outside of a supporting portion and a portion for positioning the plate panels horizontally, wherein the load transmitting portion includes receiving surfaces formed on the upper and lower portions of the module, and when the releasing surface of one module is mounted on the receiving surface of a second module, upon stacking the upper module on the lower module, the positioning portion has and upper engaging portion attached to an edge of the receiving surface, and limits a relative movement of the upper module to the lower module, and a lower engaging portion attached to the edge on the same side as the releasing surface on which the upper engaging portion is formed to offset the upper engaging portion, and limits a relative movement of the upper and lower modules.

Abstract: There is provided a mini environment type transfer unit which can efficiently transfer a sample to a critical dimension scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM) even in the case of use of a SMIF pod which can store only one photomask. In addition to a load port, a stocker which can store a plurality of photomasks is provided in the mini environment type transfer unit. A mask storage slot in which a plurality of storage units are stacked is provided in the stocker, and one photomask is stored in each storage unit. A sensor is provided in each storage unit to determine whether or not the photomask is normally stored. Additionally, a sensor is provided in each storage unit to detect whether or not the photomask exists.

Abstract: A method for assembling a handling unit of filled containers and a corresponding method, where the handling unit comprises different container types being different with respect to at least the height, base area, base area shape or the mechanical load capacity of the containers, and the supplied containers are arranged on a handling unit carrier. The arrangement of the containers with respect to the number and/or the position and/or the rotational position of the containers on the handling unit carrier is made in dependence on at least one of the above container parameters, and the handling units can be produced flexibly and with a high packing density.

Abstract: In the present method, which includes use of an operating head, groups of articles are intermittently picked up from a plurality of identical flanked channels (10, 20, 30) which bear articles (3) equidistanced from one another. The articles are ordered in groups in identical flanked lines (F1, F2, F3) and in a number that is equal to the number of channels. In the method, each group of articles is transferred above a supply line (40) provided with equidistanced compartments corresponding to the articles arranged on the channels. Each line of articles is unloaded into underlying compartments (4) of a series of compartments in the line. It is thus possible to insert into the compartments of a series of compartments an equal, smaller or greater number of articles than the number of channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable racking system for transporting and mounting one or more solar panels to, for example, a rooftop.

Abstract: A device for stacking a plurality of silicon wafers has an upright machine carrier for holding a plurality of silicon wafers, the silicon wafers being provided in a horizontal position in the machine carrier. The device has three identical loading cassettes for introducing several silicon wafers therein. The machine carrier has holding devices for the loading cassettes. The loading cassettes have a lower support surface for putting silicon wafers on in stack-like fashion, and a rear side wall running substantially perpendicular thereto. The loading cassette is designed in such a way that the side opposite the rear side wall, and the top side are freely accessible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a module for stacking thin panels and a method of stacking thin panels when a plurality of thin panels are vertically stacked in a state of being supported by the modules capable of securing an adequate load transfer area for transferring a load of the thin panels. The module for stacking the thin panels includes drop-off preventing means for regulating horizontal movement of the thin panel including a protrusion portion protruding downward from a lower portion of the module. When an upper module is stacked on a lower module such that a load releasing surface of an upper module is placed on a load receiving surface of a lower module, an outer surface of the protrusion portion of the upper module abuts on an upper inner surface of the lower module from an inner side thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a box (10) for storing, transporting, and protecting vertically suspended containers with an upper opening (11), a rectangular bottom (12), lower side walls (13) connected to said bottom (12), and a step (14) connected to said lower side walls (13) and forming a bearing for supporting a plate (15). Said box (10) includes upper side walls (16) connected to said step (14), and each comprises at least one portion (17; 43) extending to the end of the box, each of said upper side walls also being connected to an upper edge (22) extending outside the box. An edge (20) is positioned on the upper corners (21) of said box (10). The present invention also relates to a container for transporting such boxes and to a method for palletizing and depalletizing said boxes.

Abstract: A method of forming layered stacks of bundles includes providing a gripping appliance comprising a first gripping assembly and a second gripping assembly. The first gripping assembly is configured for grasping one or more first bundles and the second gripping assembly is configured for grasping one or more second bundles. The first and second gripping assemblies are configured such that first and second bundles grasped thereby may be reoriented relative to one another. The method further includes retrieving from a first location one or more first bundles with the first gripping assembly and one or more second bundles with the second gripping assembly and transporting the first and second bundles to a second location, During transport of the first and second bundles, the bundles are reoriented relative to one another. The bundles are deposited at a selected position in the second location to form at least a partial layer of a layered stack of bundles.

Abstract: An array of shipping containers and systems for transporting livestock on shipping vessels over extended periods including systems for distributing drinking water and electricity from common resources to an array of shipping containers, where the array of shipping containers can include interconnected shipping containers and/or stacked shipping containers carrying livestock.

Abstract: A system (1) for transferring and grouping articles (A), in particular food articles (A) having a mainly flat extension, comprises: a feed line (LB), designed to feed a flow of articles (A); a station (20) for picking up the articles (A) from the feed line (LB) and for grouping the articles (A) picked up, designed to group a predetermined number of articles (A) and to form groups (G); a transfer unit (24) which picks up and transfers the groups (G) from the pickup and grouping station (20) to a station (22) for releasing the groups (G) to an outfeed line (LU) and which comprises first pickup means (49) for the groups (G), the outfeed line (LU) comprising second pickup means (50) for transferring sequences of the groups (G) of articles (A) to a packaging station (46); a control and actuator unit (51) designed to receive as input a signal (S1) from the outfeed line (LU) indicating a cyclical sequence of the positions for picking up the groups (G) of articles (A) which are gradually reached by the second pickup

Abstract: The invention relates to a palletizer including a device (24) for preparing and prestacking layers of boxes, said device consisting of: a vertically moveable table (25); two tables (26, 26?) forming a noria and capable of alternately taking the place of said table (25) and of depositing another layer of boxes onto the layer standing by on said table (25); a means for calibrating each layer of boxes according to the palletization scheme. The table (25) and the table (26, 26?) are used to perform the operation of calibrating the layers of boxes by moving said boxes against an abutment (40) which, in an inoperative position, acts as a slider bed between the table (25) and the palletization table (7). The table (26, 26?) consists of rollers (30) which are mounted on one-way bearings.

Abstract: Solar panel mounting frame assemblies are provided, as well as methods of stacking and transporting the same. The solar panel mounting frame assemblies include a first set of bars that are located adjacent to a top surface of a second set of bars. A bottom surface of each of the bars included within the second set of bars have at least one notch, which is configured to receive a bar included within a first set of bars of a second solar panel mounting frame assembly.

Abstract: A device and to a method for stacking plate-like products into a straight, cylindrical stack having an upper and a lower side and at least two side surfaces arranged at a distance from each other. In order to create a desired pretension in the stack already during stacking, which can even be maintained when individual products are added, the plate-like products are lifted against gravity from the bottom to the top into a stack nest, the products are held in the stack nest by applying a force on the side surfaces thereof to prevent dropping in the direction of gravity. While the force application is maintained, further products are added to the stack in the stack nest from the bottom side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for a stack composed of book covers for production of finished books. The book covers are compiled, stacked one above another in an unknown or known sequence and provided with unknown cover information to form a task stack. The book covers of the task stack have identical cover formats. The book covers are separated out and conveyed from the task stack as separate book covers in a sequence that does not change for the following method steps, until a completion signal is transmitted. The separated out book covers are counted, an identifier on each separated out book cover is detected, and cover information is read out of the respective identifier and temporarily stored. The separated out book covers are deposited one on top of the other in the sequence in which they were separated out for forming a detected stack. An identifier is stored that identifies the detected stack together with the temporarily stored cover information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. A feeder serially feeds envelope from a stack of mail. Two cutters at a cutting station cuts one or two edges of the envelopes. As the envelopes travel from the feeder to the cutters the envelope is jogged on two edges to justify the contents with the envelopes. Additionally, an improved feeder is provided to reduce the number of jams created when feeding the envelopes from the stack.

Abstract: A starter block and a shingle are utilized to form courses that may be positioned in overlapping fashion on a roof to form a roofing covering system. The particular design of the starter block and shingle result in a roofing product that provides increased durability over previous designs. The starter block may be formed with top and bottom surfaces, opposite side surfaces with tapering heights, and a front surface having a greater height than a back surface of the starter block. When the starter block is coupled to a roof deck, a semi-rigid shingle having a generally planar bottom surface may be placed upon the starter block so that a portion of the shingle extends off of the starter block over the back surface thereof and onto the roof deck to facilitate contact between the shingle and the roof deck at a location more proximal to the starter block back surface than if the same back surface had the same height as the front surface.

Abstract: A method for controlling the transfer of a product stack in a packaging machine is provided, wherein the product stack is built up from a products during a work cycle and is subsequently transferred by means of a transfer apparatus (12) into a cell (18) of a continuously moved conveyor (16) during a transfer cycle. The product stack which is situated in the transfer apparatus and the cell of the conveyor assume a predefined relative position at least at the end of the transfer cycle. There is provision here for the movement speed of the conveyor to be changed in the event of an operationally caused lengthening of the work cycle and a resulting delayed start of the transfer cycle, in such a way that the cell or a following cell of the conveyor assumes the predefined relative position with respect to the product stack at the end of the transfer cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis apparatus with an analysis device for analyzing body fluids, and a magazine for test elements with a fresh supply container and a transfer unit that comprises a transfer element. At least one aperture for receiving a test element is formed in the circumferential surface of the transfer element. A waste container is provided in which used test elements are stored again after use.

Abstract: A palletizer machine and a method for palletizing layers, one on top of the other, of packs fed from an infeed transfer line includes a transfer unit for transferring single packs arriving from the line to a first operating position, a forming unit for feeding single packs from the operating position to a predefined forming position wherein a layer of packs is formed on a loading platform, a loading unit for transferring the layer of packs on the loading platform to a pick-up station, and a robot for picking up the layer from the pick-up station and forming a palletized load of layers one on top of the other.

Abstract: The present invention is a cardboard sheet batch division device for dividing batches, disposed on the downstream side of a batch-forming device for separating loaded cardboard sheets and forming batches of a predetermined sheet count. The cardboard sheet batch division device for dividing batches comprises: a transfer conveyor for transferring batches formed by the batch-forming device in a predetermined transfer direction; and batch division means furnished with two separating members respectively contacting the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion of a batch on the transfer conveyor, for dividing the batch into two sub-batches, upper and lower, by moving the two separating members relative to one another in a direction parallel to the predetermined transfer direction.

Abstract: A sorting system for sorting flat objects, particularly mail items, and a method for sorting such objects. The sorting system has a discharge device and an arrangement having at least two output devices. The output devices are arranged one behind the other as viewed in a longitudinal axis. The discharge device is designed to discharge each flat object to be sorted into one of the output devices in each case in such a way that the objects discharged into the same output device form a stack. Each output device has a bottom. The bottom of each output device rises with respect to the horizontal as viewed in a rising direction. An edge appears between the bottoms of two adjacent output devices. The edge slopes downward vertically or aslant as viewed in the rising direction.

Abstract: A pallet for holding at least one window frame includes a base and movable sides pivotally attached to the base. The movable sides are positionable to be substantially perpendicular to the base and are configured to hold the window frame. Connectors attached to the base and the movable sides, respectively, prevent the first and second movable sides from moving away from each other. A method for using the pallet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A finisher includes a bundle hook configured to push a sheet bundle in a first direction and convey the sheet bundle; a drive unit configured to drive the bundle hook in the first direction and a second direction; a discharge unit configured to discharge the sheet bundle conveyed by the bundle hook; a stacking unit configured to stack the sheet bundle discharged by the discharge unit; and a control unit configured to control the drive unit to drive the bundle hook in the second direction if the drive unit drives the bundle hook in the first direction and the discharge unit discharges the sheet bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus for catching shingles includes a shingle receiving apparatus configured to receive a shingle moving at a machine speed and a deceleration assembly configured to decelerate the moving shingle upon the moving shingle's engaging the deceleration assembly.

Abstract: A pick-and-place machine, comprising: a pick station; a place station; a pick/place head for transporting a die from the pick station along a transport path to the place station; wherein the machine further comprises a die-face processing means, comprising an inspection unit and/or a cleaning unit, operable to process a face of the die on the transport path.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved solar module shipping techniques. In one embodiment, the method includes stacking a plurality of glass-based photovoltaic modules in the shipping container, wherein the modules are mounted in a surface supported configuration wherein at least 50% of a top substrate of the modules is a weight bearing surface, transferring weight through cells in the module to a bottom substrate of one of the modules, which transfers weight to a surface of an underlying module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming stacks of printed products supplied in an overlapping flow by an endless conveyor to a stacking shaft. A main stack is formed on a stack support in the stacking shaft. An auxiliary rake is moved from an idle position outside of the stacking shaft to an end position inside the stacking shaft. The stack support is lowered to form an intermediate space below the auxiliary rake between the main stack and a partial stack. An intermediate element is extended into the intermediate space to an end position in the stacking shaft. The printed products are deposited on the intermediate element or on previously deposited printed products, wherein a partial stack forms on the intermediate element. The main stack is carried away from the stacking shaft and the auxiliary rake is retracted to its idle position.

Abstract: A method of destacking or restacking standardized containers used in poultry hatchery operations using robotic means involves the step of moving a container from a conveyor onto a box transport dolly or vice versa. The box transport dolly is dimensionally secured within a dolly docking station adjacent a robot. A quantity of eggs may be transferred into the destacked container.

Abstract: An adaptor for attaching a first scaffold having a stack pin to a second scaffold having an opening includes a sleeve having an orifice adapted for receiving the stack pin. An exterior surface of the sleeve includes a tapered section to facilitate insertion of the sleeve into the opening so that the second scaffold can be stacked on top of the first scaffold.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting demonstrations of the softness properties of consumer products and other materials, plus a method for conducting such demonstrations, is provided. A sample of paper towels, toilet tissue, or facial tissue, or other consumer products is placed in the apparatus. The apparatus drops an egg or other fragile object onto the sample, or the egg may be dropped from an operator's hand into the apparatus and onto the sample. By displaying the egg or fragile object as it either lands safely on a sample or is destroyed on impact, the operator can visually demonstrate to an average consumer either the softness properties of the sample, or the lack thereof. A method of preparing samples in a consistent manner is also provided to ensure that results are as fair, uniform and repeatable as possible.

Abstract: Collapsible bottles and methods of using the collapsible bottles are provided. In an embodiment, the collapsible bottle comprises a top panel having a neck, a middle panel foldable along a fold between the top panel and the middle panel, and a bottom panel comprising a bottom surface defining a molded recess so constructed and arranged for receiving a neck of a second bottle within the molded recess. The bottom panel is foldable along a fold between the middle panel and the bottom panel. The bottle is foldable into a collapsed position wherein the top panel folds into the middle panel and the middle panel folds into the bottom panel.

Abstract: An interfolder separator apparatus and method utilize a pair of count fingers that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to a stream of folded sheets, for temporarily supporting each successive pack formed by the separator and then releasing each successive pack when partly completed to alternating build fingers, so that the operation of separating successive packs from one another is performed separately from the operations of completing the build of each pack and transporting the completed packs to downstream operations. The count fingers may be mounted to pivot about axes that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to the stream of sheets. A first or last panel of the completed pack may also be folded back partly upon itself, after the partly completed pack is released by the count fingers. Some or all of the fingers may be spring loaded and automatically resettable for clearing jams.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a multilayer bag for receiving a powder material. A tubular wall is provided to have, once the bag is filled with the powder material and stacked, stacking sections which face upward and downward and side sections which face laterally. The tubular wall has an inner plastic liner with vents along at least one of the side sections to allow stacking pressure to expel air through the vents. There is also a first paper layer contiguous with the inner plastic liner, then a humidity barrier layer non-adjacent with the inner plastic liner; and at least one outer paper layer. The placement of the vents and the non-adjacent humidity barrier facilitate expulsion of air via the vents during and after stacking and avoid inadvertent sealing melt bonding between the humidity barrier and the inner liner.

Abstract: Pressware stacking systems and methods for using same. The system can include a conveyor for moving pressware in a first direction; a stop ramp at least partially disposed on the conveyor; and a lifter in communication with the stop ramp. The lifter is adapted to move at least a portion of the stop ramp to an inclined position above the conveyor.

Abstract: A stackable lid (100) and corresponding fluid collection canister (500,600) are provided. The stackable lid (100) has a lid member (101) that defines a first partial lid interior portion (201) and a second partial lid interior portion (202). One or more ports (107,108,109) are disposed on the first partial lid interior portion (201), with a filter engagement extension (301) extending beneath one of the ports. A stacking recess (211) is disposed on the second partial lid interior portion (202), and can be out of phase relative to the filter engagement extension (301). When lids are stacked correspondingly out of phase, a filter (902) coupled to the filter engagement extension (301) nests within the stacking recess (211), thereby reducing overall stack height by sixty percent or more.

Abstract: A sheet stacking and pallet loading system configured to stack sheets of material on a first pallet while holding a second pallet in a staging position above the first pallet. The system can include an elevator for supporting the first pallet in a loading position while the sheets are stacked on the first pallet. After a sufficient quantity of sheets has been stacked thereon, the elevator can lower the first pallet from its loading position. The second pallet can then be lowered from its staging position such that the sheets can be stacked thereon. The system can further include extendable pallet supports which can be extended to support the second pallet while the first pallet is being lowered by the elevator. The pallet loading system can further include a pallet-grasping assembly having, first, a frame movable along a track and, second, one or more end-effectors movable relative to the frame for engaging a pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stacking hay bales. The hay bale stacker includes a trailer having chassis and a platform, a hay clamping assembly (J) positioned at a longitudinal edge of the platform, the clamping assembly is pivotally coupled to the hay bale platform to selectively move between a horizontal bale clamping position and a vertical bale unloading position.

Abstract: A man-made, molded article is provided. The article includes a profile including a planar wall, and an adjacent integral molded depression having a contoured wall extending downwardly from the planar wall. The contoured wall includes a bead portion, a cove portion, and a ledge between the bead and cove portions. The articles are stackable, one above another for transport, in a nestable relationship in which multiple contact zones are present between the contoured walls of an adjacently stacked pair of the molded articles. The contact zones include an arcuately extending contact interface zone between the bead exterior and interior surfaces. The depression has a substantially uniform thickness varying by no more than about +1 percent to about ?11 percent in relation to a thickness of the planar wall. Related methods and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the transporting and sorting of articles uses a container. The container extends along a container axis and has a bottom wall and a plurality of parallel walls. The bottom wall stands perpendicular to the container axis, and the parallel walls are parallel to the container axis. One parallel wall is connected pivotably to another parallel wall of the container. The container is brought into a filling position in which the container stands on a parallel wall. The pivotably fastened parallel wall points upward, so that an orifice occurs. The articles are introduced into the container through this orifice. The container, together with the articles, is transported to a destination and brought into a transfer position. The container stands on a parallel wall. The pivotably fastened parallel wall points to one side. An orifice thereby occurs. The articles are extracted through this orifice.

Abstract: A first layer of items is assembled on a movable conveyor belt on a support platform, and the conveyor belt advances to position the first layer of items above and in registration with a pallet while a second layer of items is assembled behind the first layer. The conveyor belt then stops, and part of the support platform and an associated portion of the conveyor belt retract from beneath the first layer of items, depositing the first layer of items on the pallet, after which the pallet is indexed downward. The retractable portion of the support platform and the associated portion of the conveyor belt then extend to the position above and in registration with the pallet, and the conveyor belt advances during this extension to position the second layer of items above and in registration with the pallet. Apparatus for placing slip sheets onto pallets is also described.

Abstract: A pressware stacking assembly and method for using the same are provided. The stacking assembly may include a stacking surface for supporting a plurality of pressware products and at least one shaped wheel at least partially disposed through the stacking surface. The shaped wheel may include a body having at least three sides disposed about a perimeter thereof and at least one transition section disposed between adjoining sides, wherein each transition section is adapted to lift at least a portion of the pressware products off the stacking surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-automatic and/or fully automatic order-picking system and a corresponding apparatus and a method which facilitates efficient order picking at low technical outlay.