Abstract: An inventory management system includes a floor-based weighing subsystem and a load status subsystem. The floor-based weighing subsystem includes a sensor arrangement that includes at least one weight sensor functionally associated with a load carrying unit that supports a load having an associated weight. The load carrying unit is deployed at the floor of a retail display area, and the weight sensor determines the weight of the load. A load status determination engine of the load status subsystem receives, from the floor-based weighing subsystem, the weight of the load determined by the weight sensor, and determines a loading status of the load carrying unit based on the received weight of the load.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for optimizing the distribution of packs of an item across an entity's distribution network. Constraint values may be specified to limit the values that may be included in a planned distribution of packs. Also, heuristics may be used to reduce the computation time required to determine optimal values for a planned distribution of packs. Modeling of the planned distribution of packs and optimization of the number of packs to be distributed can be accomplished using a mixed-integer linear programming solver.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stacking objects on a transport carrier. The apparatus is provided with a forming platform, a loading platform on which a transport carrier to be loaded, such as a pallet or a roller container, can be placed, and a gripper which is movable between the forming platform and the loading platform. The gripper comprises a support frame which is provided with at least one row of parallel forks, which forks comprise an upright to which a horizontal beam is attached at a distance beneath the support frame, wherein the beams can be moved backward and forward in their longitudinal direction, wherein each fork is individually adjustable vis-à-vis the support frame. The forks are independently adjustable vis-à-vis the support frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: A machine for loading a load carrier (20) such as a pallet with packing units (cardboard boxes, collis etc.), which form a load stack (21) on the load carrier, is presented. The machine includes handling and support mechanism (52–57), that allows a packing unit (15) to be loaded. The handling and support mechanism supports the load from below throughout the operation of loading from a feed device (51) onto the load stack. By virtue of the handling and support mechanism, the packing unit may be deposited at any selectable spatial position on the load stack. It is therefore possible to form an optimized load stack on the load carrier in which the packing units are always supported from below, with the result that the loading is not dependent upon the material quality of the packaging of the packing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new device for and a new method of assembling stacking patterns and simultaneously stacking these stacking patterns by means of a robotic manipulator having at least one translational robotic axis.

Abstract: A work loading method and a work loading apparatus with excellent productivity are provided. For this purpose, a work loading method includes the steps of: positioning the work with two centering devices (3a, 3b) every other press shot; and making pairs of two robots (4a, 4d) each, which are located diagonally from each other, out of four of the robots (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) in total, the two robots of each pair holding the works, which are on two of the centering devices, and performing a loading operation into the pallets, each pair alternately holding the works and performing the loading operation each time two of the centering devices position the works.

Abstract: A machine for loading a load carrier (20) such as a pallet with packing units (cardboard boxes, collis etc.), which form a load stack (21) on the load carrier, comprises handling and support means (52-57), by means of which a packing unit (15) to be loaded is supported from below throughout the operation of loading from a feed device (51) onto the load stack. By virtue of the handling and support means the packing unit may be deposited at any selectable spatial position on the load stack. According to the invention it is therefore possible to form an optimized load stack on the load carrier, wherein the packing units are always supported from below, with the result that the loading is not dependent upon the material quality of the packaging of the packing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: A cart loading system for loading materials on a cart in a orderly and compact manner even if the materials being loaded have different dimensions. The cart loading system includes a frame for positioning on a floor surface adjacent to a material shaping table, and at least one material support arm assembly for moving a piece of material from the material shaping table to a position over the frame. A carriage assembly is provided for moving a material cart in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the frame, and includes a subframe movable in the second direction on the frame and a shuttle mounted movable in the first direction with respect to the subframe. A first moving assembly is provided for moving the shuttle in the first direction on the subframe, and a second moving assembly is provided for moving the carriage assembly in the second direction on the frame. A detection assembly detects movement of material on the support arm assembly and generates a detection signal.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for placing products in groups on pallets, in particular to place, according to a pre-set planar configuration, at least on a plane (15) of a pallet (7) presenting a first dimension or width (X) and a second dimension or length (Y), products with an essentially planar development, produced by a related forming machine located upstream, which the products exit collected into groups of multiple products laid one on top of the other to form stacks (3); the apparatus (1) comprises a pallet loading station (12), comprising a movable arm (10) fitted with a claw (11) for gripping at least one rank (6) of stacks (3) and with a mechanism (13, 13′) for imparting motion, able to translate the gripping claw (11) between a loading station and a position on the plane of the pallet (7) suitable for defining the aforesaid desired planar configuration.

Abstract: A system assembles and conveys a stream of plate-like workpieces from a production system, such as a specialty box folder-gluer, to a strapping or tying system, as counted stacks. The system can be converted from counter-ejector mode, automatically counting and assembling workpieces of approximately the same thickness at their leading and trailing edges into stacks as they emerge from the production system, to a standard conveyor system, delivering a shingled stream of workpieces that are thicker or thinner at the leading edge, to an assembly station for counting and stacking, either manually or automatically. The system is converted from one mode to the other to accommodate the particular characteristics of the workpieces being produced.

Abstract: A palletizer comprises a lifting mechanism (1) and a stacking mechanism (2) including a carriage (28), a roller conveyer (33), an upper plate (39), a lower plate (40), and an abutment plate (53). The palletizer further comprises a moving table assembly (3) including a table (64) and a control unit (4). The lifting mechanism (1) vertically transfers a plurality of loads (W) delivered by an external conveyer (6). Then, the roller conveyer (33) of the stacking mechanism (2) horizontally transfers the loads (W) received from the lifting mechanism (1) onto the lower plate (40) in front of pallet (P), where the upper plate (39) and the abutment plate (53) hold a first load (W) therebetween and slide it over to a point over the stacking position. Then, the lower plate (40) is pulled out from under load (W) to place it on the pallet (P). In the same manner, the next load (W) is placed on the pallet (P) in front of the first load (W).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pallet full load state determines a pallet full load state while switching the upper limit value of the mounting height of workpieces according to workpiece size. The controller of an apparatus for controlling a sheet metal machining line estimates an occurrence or non-occurance of a pallet full load state. A pallet full load state is defined as a function of the overall height or the total weight of the workpieces loaded on the carrier pallet. The controller estimates an occurance or non-occurance of a pallet full load state by analyzing the machining schedule when a machined workpiece is loaded on the carrier pallet has a replacing carrier pallet suitable for the next workpiece to be loaded standby whenever appropriate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A "corner"-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a "best" package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for optimizing an arrangement of articles, such as stacks of paperboard sheets, into horizontal tiers, then stacking the horizontal tiers one on top another to form a rectangular-shaped unit, wherein the rectangular shaped unit has base dimensions substantially equal to a selected standard pallet-type. The system includes a computer programmed to receive the base size of an article, the total number of articles desired, and a selected pallet type. The computer is connected to a palletizer for building the actual unit of articles consistent with an optimized unit configuration. The palletizer has a tier forming station in which tiers of articles are formed according to the selected tier configuration, and a transfer device for moving the formed tiers into a stack forming station wherein the tiers are sequentially deposited. The system can add spacing between selected articles in a tier, and stack the tiers such that the spaces in adjoining tiers are not aligned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for constructing block-shaped units of corrugated sheet material that are easily banded because of the absence of any irregularities in the units, and the units are as close to being cube-shaped as is possible for a given set of parameters. The automated stacking system comprises a computer programmed to determine a set of solutions to optimize a unit by determining an optimal number of corrugated sheets per bundle, and an optimal number of bundles per tier, and an optimal number of tiers per unit based upon customer order parameters. The system is initially set up with machine parameters defining machine constraints and a set of algorithm parameters which comprise desirability weighting factors. The desirability weighting factors allow a customer to customize the system according to preferred operating criteria.

Abstract: A method of stacking objects such that various factors are considered. These factors include: 1) what objects are to be removed from the stack; 2) the number of stacks that have no objects stacked; 3) the number of objects to be removed from a stack; 4) the number of stacks of objects to be stacked and the number of objects to be stacked before the object to be stacked; and 5) the number of objects to be removed from the stack after the object to be stacked.

Abstract: An automatic palletizer system loads a random set of different size and weight boxes onto a pallet without a prior knowledge of the boxes to be loaded. As the boxes pass along a conveyor belt on the way to the pallet, a weighing, dimensioning, and scanning station determines the weight, dimensions and contents of each box. A processor uses this information to continuously remap the optimal pallet configuration for the loading of the remaining boxes as the pallet is loaded. A queuing station, under direction of the processor, reshuffles the sequence of a limited number of boxes to improve the final pallet configuration. The pallet is loaded by a robot arm under direction of the processor.

Abstract: In order to automate the palletizing of bundles of books in an efficient manner, an automated method and system is provided for achieving the objective of having mail bundle positions of substantially equal accumulative height. The method includes dividing the pallet into a grid consisting of a plurality of mail bundle positions adapted to receive one or more book mail bundles in rows and columns. The books are gathered into book mail bundles for placement on the grid of the pallet in accordance with a book gathering program. The books are gathered to form book mail bundles having a preselected minimum and maximum number of books with any grouping of books in numbers between the minimum and maximum number being divided into one or more book mail bundles of various sizes. The books are also gathered such that any grouping of books in numbers greater than the maximum number is divided into one or more book mail bundles having a number of books between the minimum and maximum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for placing a plurality of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), e.g., brands in transport units wherein quantities of SKUs, not equal to standard SKU packages, e.g. cases, can be ordered. A material handling system, including a work area, robot, conveyors, and the like, is used in conjunction with a computer implemented planning method. The planning method determines the sequence for filling transport units by initially assigning transport units to the work area. Only one transport unit per order is assigned to the work area at a single time. The SKUs are then ranked depending on their difficulty in placement. If a partial package is required, it is considered more difficult that full packages and placed before the required full packages of that SKU. The planning method completes the oldest transport unit in the work area and attempts to place the most difficult SKUs first.

Abstract: A stowage device for stowing workpieces of a plurality of kinds on pallets in accordance with inputted shipment information includes a supply conveyor system provided with a refuge track conveyor. A plurality of carrier means devices (e.g. containers) carrying workpieces of different kinds are supplied via the supply conveyor system. Pallets on which workpieces are stowed by an industrial robot are transferred via a transfer device. The stowing of workpieces on each pallet is effected in two cycles: In the first cycle, workpieces of each kind filling a complete layer or layers of workpieces on the pallet are stowed. In the second re-stowing cycle, remaining fractional numbers of workpieces of respective kinds are stowed on the pallet. During these stowing operations, the carrier devices may be temporarily taken into the refuge conveyor before being transferred away from the robot.

Abstract: An industrial robot apparatus comprises a plurality of storage devices for accommodating workpieces of specified kinds, respectively; a supply device for supplying workpieces from at least two of the storage devices; a supply command device for giving the supply device an instruction directing the kinds of workpieces and the number of workpieces by kind supplied from the storage devices, for issuing a conveyance command in time to convey the workpieces by kind; a plurality of pallets; an industrial robot for stowing supplied workpieces onto the pallets; and a stowage command device for giving the industrial robot an instruction directing the kinds of workpieces and the number of workpieces by kind to be stowed onto the pallets.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking irregular height bundles of paper onto a shipping pallet. Height detectors measure bundles traveling on a conveyor. The height data is utilized by a computer system to control an accumulator to accumulate and stack bundles to a predetermined height and then move the bundles to a storage compartment. The computer instructs a robot to move the stored bundles and place them in a compartmentalized guide box on a pallet in a substantially level predetermined layer height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for automatically palletizing parcels of various sizes, shapes and contents which arrive in random order at a pickup point to be transferred onto a pallet. A system is disclosed including a digital computer operating under an expert computer program which takes information about attribute factors of the parcels and applies predetermined rules to assign a space for the parcel on the pallet, and communicates coordinates of the assigned space to a flexible material handling robot.

Abstract: A device is provided for palletizing a variety of goods by layers. Goods are formed into a unit load by palletizing them layer-by-layer in a order of layer area dimensions from the bottom with consideration to layer area dimensions of goods, dimensions of void spaces which are not occupied with goods, and the dimensional relation among goods so that the palletized goods will not collapse during transport. The palletizing device preferably has a mechanism for holding one layer of goods which includes a goods pressing device; a controller for pressing with the goods pressing device; a controller for controlling the order of palletizing; a centering mechanism which registers the holding mechanism with the center of a good layer; a detector which determines the position for suspending a truck so as to align the sides of layers uniformly; and a lifter for unit load which moves the unit load up and down in respect to the holding mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of palletizing a variety of goods by layers and a device therefor. Goods are formed in a unit load by palletizing them layer by layer in the order of layer area dimensions from the bottom with due consideration to layer area dimensions of goods, dimensions of void spaces which are not occupied with goods, and the dimensional relation among goods so that the palletized goods will not collapse during transportation. A good may fall into the void on the layer below or project beyond the edge of a lower layer to disturb the equilibrium. The palletizing method according to this invention facilitates handling of easily collapsible cases such as corrugated fiberboard boxes in a unit load by pressing at least the two sides of one layer of goods, releasing the pressure and then pressing and holding the same again.

Abstract: A method for transferring filled lettuce cartons from a field to a loading dock for shipment to an end user or buyer includes filling the cartons with head lettuce at a field site, closing and stacking the filled cartons in layers to a predetermined composite height on a plurality of adjustable pallets to form palletized carton stacks, and moving the stacks to a cooling facility and subsequently to the loading dock whereat the widths of the stacks are adjusted to fit the width of the cargo space of a transport vehicle. The stacks are then transported to the end user. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the filled cartons are uniquely stacked on the pallets in a compact and fully supported manner whereby they remain intact on the pallets for ease of handling by lift trucks for loading and unloading purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for lifting and stacking cartons onto a bed attached to a truck bed, especially in an agricultural field. The lifting apparatus includes two endless parallel belts to lift the cartons from the field onto a first conveyor. Variations in carton size or alignment may be accommodated by a pivoting loading frame or by lateral movement of the loader, which lateral movement is compensated for by a self-alignment mechanism. Cartons are transported to an elevator via a first and second conveyor. The elevator lifts the cartons to the level of a palletizer with a false floor wherein a reciprocating and pivoting transfer head removes the cartons from the elevator and deposits them onto the prestacking area of the palletizer false floor. Cartons may be selectively rotated into a transverse loading position by the transfer heads. Upon assembly of a first row of cartons, a tamping bar extends to position the cartons against the truck tailgate or against previously stacked cartons.

Abstract: Machine (10) for automatic transfer of objects, especially packages (22), (62) of books, from a feed or production line (23) or station to load receiving structures generally, especially pallets (20) and for placing them in the best way on such structures, or vice versa. A grab (17), (64) assumes almost any position in space land is operated, via a direct electronic control device, by a computer. Data is typed into the computer which defines the sizes and position of both the objects (22), (62) and the loading structure (20) and the best, or preferred, positions of the objects (22), (62) and the structures (20).

Abstract: An automatically operating palletizer is disclosed which included a vertical support column, a horizontally positioned support beam, and means for movably mounting the horizontal support beam on the support column for vertical movement relative to the support column. A horizontally extending product beam is movably mounted on the horizontal support beam and extends perpendicularly thereto. A product carrier is slidably mounted on the product support beam for movement along its length. Drive means are provided to drive the horizontal support beam and the product support beam to a plurality of vertical and horizontal positions relative to the support column, and also to drive the product carrier along the support beam. As a result the product carrier is positioned at any of a plurality of predetermined positions in a three dimensional volume to move products from one position, e.g. a pickup station, to any of a plurality of other predetermined positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for automatically loading a transport vehicle with unit loads by automatically moving the unit loads from a predetermined loading position to prescribed positions in the transport vehicle. The present invention uses a loading vehicle which receives loads from a staging device which positions the unit loads in the predetermined loading position. A unit load transfer device transfers the unit loads from the staging device to the loading vehicle. The loading vehicle uses on-board sensors in combination with placement information provided by a staging processor to perform translational and operational movements which are processed by an on-board loading vehicle processor. Unit loads can be deposited throughout the transport vehicle by maintaining a guidance path which is internally generated within the transport vehicle and can be either internally or externally generated outside the transport vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile apparatus for picking up produce cartons from the field and stacking these cartons on pallets for further handling. The apparatus includes a forwardly projecting elevator which picks up cartons from the field and transfers them to a stacking mechanism where the cartons are stacked in cross-tied tiers on pallets. A transfer device permits pallets loaded with cartons to be moved rearwardly and off-loaded to trailers.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to automatic bale wagons of the type adapted to pick up crop material bales in the field and automatically form stacks of these bales utilizing a variety of selected tier configurations for forming a stable, interlocked stack of bales.