Abstract: This reaction vessel support is of the type comprising at least one supporting plate (46, 48) designed to take one or more reaction vessels, and mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (R). In one aspect of the invention, the support comprises at least one control member (94, 96) comprising releasable means (100) of coupling to a movable actuating element (40) of an actuator (10), in such a way as to enable the control member (94, 96) to be moved by the actuator (10), with the control member (94, 96) and the supporting plate (46, 48) being connected together in such a way that a movement of the control member (94, 96) by the actuator (10) is able to bring about a rotation of the supporting plate (46, 84) about the axis of rotation (R) in at least one direction of rotation. Of particular application to supports for microassay plates comprising wells laid out in a matrix arrangement.

Abstract: A system for monitoring parameters of produce including at least one sensor assembly for sensing at least one parameter of packaged produce at a plurality of times and locations of the packaged produce; a communications network operative to receive information from the at least one sensor assembly at the plurality of times and locations and to transmit the information to at least one information receiving location; and at least one computer at the at least one information receiving location for receiving the information transmitted via the communications network and for providing an information output representing the at least one parameter at the plurality of times.

Abstract: A rugged, mobile, wireless data capture device with an integrated radio frequency identification (“RFID”) reader is described. The wireless data capture device includes a durable, sealed enclosure. A wireless microprocessor is mounted within the enclosure. An RFID reader is coupled to the wireless microprocessor and mounted within the enclosure. The enclosure also supports a mounted communications antenna that is communicatively coupled to the wireless microprocessor, as well as RFID reader antenna communicatively coupled to the RFID reader. A power supply system supplies power to the data capture device. Finally, the durable, sealed enclosure includes mounting means for securing the enclosure to industrial equipment in a manner that mitigates effects of physical shock and vibration.

Abstract: A paper identification information management system includes a client apparatus that handles a sheet of paper bearing prescribed information, and a management server connected to the client apparatus via a network to comprehensively manage information about the paper handled in the client apparatus. The client apparatus transmits a paper ID request and document information to the management server via the network when carrying out a printing operation. Based on the paper ID request and the document information, the management server assigns a paper ID to each sheet of paper handled by the client apparatus. The management server then transmits the paper IDs to the client apparatus, and simultaneously, records the assigned paper IDs in association with the document information.

Abstract: A method for sorting integrated circuit (IC) devices of the type having a fuse identification (ID) into those devices requiring enhanced reliability testing and those requiring standard testing includes storing fabrication deviation data, probe data, and test data in association with the fuse ID of each of the devices indicating each of the devices requires either enhanced reliability testing or standard testing. The fuse ID of each of the devices is then automatically read before, during, or after standard testing of the devices. The testing process requirement data stored in association with the fuse ID of each of the devices is then accessed, and the devices are sorted in accordance with the accessed data into those devices requiring enhanced reliability testing and those requiring standard testing.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a position control system (22?) for controlling operation of a computer-controlled load handling device, with a displacement drive for a displacement unit, a lift drive for a vertically displaceable lifting unit and an actuator drive for a loading and unloading device, and a computer predefines a target position for the displacement and lifting units and loading and unloading device and controls the travel to it. Time-minimized reference trajectories are set first of all, optimized with respect to the maximum permissible loads of the load handling device and with respect to the displacement between the start and target positions, and from these, the desired trajectories are calculated for desired positioning forces (Fxsoll, Fysoll, Fzsoll) of the displacement and lifting units and the loading and unloading.

Abstract: A method is provided for handling cassettes for bank notes, for automatic tellers and/or deposit devices. The method for handling cassettes for bank notes, for automatic tellers and/or deposit devices, includes the step of determining the filling level of the cassette or cassettes, comparing the determined filling level of each cassette with at least one threshold value lower than a maximum capacity of the particular cassette, and wherein, if the comparison yields an excess, the step of producing a signal indicating the exceeding of the threshold value, causing replacement of the cassette for which the signal indicating the exceeding of the threshold value was produced.

Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a method for achieving fault tolerance in a PV FAB. A plurality of processing tools may be coupled together along a processing line, and a plurality of substantially identical processing lines may be arranged within the FAB. Whenever a processing tool within any processing line is shut-down, rather than shut-down the entire processing line containing the shut-down processing tool, work-pieces may be routed around the shut-down processing tool by transferring the work-pieces to an adjacent processing line within the FAB. At a location after the shut-down processing tool, the work-pieces may be transferred back to the processing line containing the shut-down processing tool. During the time period that the processing tool is shut-down, the other processing lines within the FAB may increase their throughput in order to maintain a substantially constant optimum throughput for the FAB over a given period of time.

Abstract: Method for sorting mailings according to the distribution sequence in a sorter unit with circulating pouches, the number of pouches in a pouch circuit being less than the number of mailings for sorting in said sorting run. After all pouches are loaded, the separation and reading of the remaining mailings for the sorting run is carried out and the mailings are divided into one part for corresponding mailing points for the beginning or end of the sequence, and another part for all the charged mailings, which are then buffered. The mailings in the pouches are then sorted according to the sequence. The buffered mailings are placed in the empty pouches and then separated into further distribution sections, when not all buffered mailings fit in the pouches. Once all pouches are filled with the buffered mailings for the subsequent distribution section the next sorting is carried out.

Abstract: The method and unit for braking a metal strip (1), running off a wind-out coiler (2.1) in the form of a coil (1.1) and running onto a wind-on coiler (2.2) again, are to guarantee that a surface of the metal strip remains undamaged and a full effective braking force is exerted on the metal strip (1) by means of an eddy current brake (3.1) with a rotating magnet system (3.2). The above is achieved, whereby the braking force is exerted on the metal strip (1) by means of an induced counter-torque against a support bearing (4) to one side in a non-contact manner, whereby the support bearing (4) may be embodied as a counter roller (4.1).

Abstract: A method of adjusting temperatures of products to a desired product temperature. The method may include enabling the selection of a product, enabling the selection of the desired product temperature, enabling the placement of the product into a temperature adjust device, circulating a liquid or a gas through the temperature adjust device, the liquid or the gas having been cooled to a cool temperature less than the desired product temperature or heated to a warm temperature greater than the desired product temperature, determining when the desired product temperature has been obtained, and ceasing circulation of the liquid or a gas through the temperature adjust device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system is disclosed having a substrate carrier loader adapted to load substrate carriers onto a moving conveyor; and a controller coupled to the substrate carrier loader, the controller adapted to assist in at least one of alignment of the substrate carrier loader to the moving conveyor and calibration of the substrate carrier loader to the moving conveyor or a storage location. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In a flexible manufacturing system (FMS), a shelving module of a work cell is fitted with a dedicated lift conveying mechanism so that work materials of desired sizes may be retrieved individually from different shelves of the shelving module for conveyance to the machine of the work cell. By having its own dedicated lift conveying mechanism that operates independently from the transport system that transports raw materials to the wok cells of the FMS, the operation of each cell becomes unaffected by the transport system. As such, materials may be fed to the machine in each cell for fabrication, piece by piece if so desired, by the lift conveying mechanism while the various shelves of the shelving module continue to be stocked by the transport system. Any remnants that prior to the instant invention would have been wasted may be returned to the appropriate shelves of the shelving module for future use by the lift conveying mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a positioning control apparatus which receives a moving command and a feedback signal outputted from a controlled device, and controls the controlled device for moving and positioning. The positioning control apparatus includes a first control loop, a second control loop and an arbitration module with a dead point default value, wherein the first control loop is used to control the controlled device moving in response to the error of the moving command and the feedback signal, on the other hand, the second control loop is used to control the controlled device positioning. Furthermore, the arbitration module compares the default value of dead point with the moving command so as to enable either the first control loop or the second control loop.

Abstract: A mail processing system has an infeed line coupled to receive a first article from a feeder. A loading device is coupled to receive the first article from the infeed line at a first speed, and a transfer unit is coupled to receive the first article from the loading device, wherein the transfer unit is configured to transport the first article at a second speed, which is lower than the first speed.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a first cylinder, second cylinder, third cylinder, first driving device, second driving device, third driving device, gap amount input device, and controller. The first cylinder receives a sheet from an upstream transport cylinder and holds the sheet. The second cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and prints/coats the sheet held by the first cylinder. The third cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and supplies ink/varnish to a circumferential surface of the first cylinder. The first driving device adjusts a gap amount between the first cylinder and upstream transport cylinder. The second driving device adjusts the position of the second cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The third driving device adjusts the position of the third cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The gap amount input device inputs the gap amount between the first cylinder and upstream transport cylinder.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a first cylinder, second cylinder, third cylinder, first driving device, second driving device, third driving device, and controller. The first cylinder receives a sheet from an upstream transport cylinder and holds the sheet. The second cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and prints/coats the sheet held by the first cylinder. The third cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and supplies ink/varnish to a circumferential surface of the first cylinder. The first driving device adjusts a gap amount between the first cylinder and upstream transport cylinder. The second driving device adjusts the position of the second cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The third driving device adjusts the position of the third cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The controller controls the second and third driving devices when the first driving device adjusts the gap amount between the first cylinder and upstream transport cylinder.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a first cylinder, second cylinder, third cylinder, first driving device, second driving device, third driving device, thickness input device, and controller. The first cylinder receives a sheet from an upstream transport cylinder and holds the sheet. The second cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and prints/coats the sheet held by the first cylinder. The third cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and supplies ink/varnish to a circumferential surface of the first cylinder. The first driving device adjusts a gap amount between the first cylinder and the upstream transport cylinder. The second driving device adjusts the position of the second cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The third driving device adjusts the position of the third cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The thickness input device inputs the thickness of the sheet.

Abstract: A method and a device for transporting containers, which present a support ring or similar part, where the containers to be transported move through at least one transfer area, in which they are held by gripping elements alternately on different sides of the support ring, and the gripping elements present an identical direction of movement at least in the transfer area.

Abstract: Mail carriers are assisted in delivering mail pieces. Each group of mail pieces is received from a sorting system, for delivery to respective final destinations. Also, the sorting system provides delivery data, preferably in electronic form, about delivering the group of mail pieces. Subsequently, GPS is used to determine a location of the mail carrier along a mail route. Information is then provided to the mail carrier regarding delivery of the group of mail pieces, in response to the location of the mail carrier and in response to the delivery data that was received from the sorting system.

Abstract: A coverlay processing system includes a processing device and a conveyance device. The conveyance device is configured for moving the coverlay to the process device. The conveyance device includes a pulling member, a first securing member, a detector and a controller. The pulling member is configured for driving the coverlay. The first securing member is configured for stopping moving the coverlay. The detector is configured for detecting a moving state of the coverlay and is connected to the controller. The controller is connected to the processing device for managing the operation of the processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a terminal, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes receiving angle adjustment information of a terminal; and automatically controlling a position of the terminal according to the angle adjustment information.

Abstract: A balancer hoist has an electric servomotor driving irreversible gearing in turn driving a hoist chain drive. A float mode and a manual mode are provided using two independent load sensors for sensing the load weight and force applied to a control grip. A traversing control is produced by a tractor carriage rolling on an overhead rail connected to a trolley also traveling on the rail and supported on upper hoist assembly. A load sensor interconnects the tractor carriage and upon hoist assembly to sense forces created by an operator pulling on the chain, which are used to control an electric motor on the tractor carriage driving a pinion gear engaged with a gear rack on the overhead rail to positively drive the carriage, trolley and upper hoist assembly along the rail. A stationary dual hoist system is also described in which two hoist assemblies are interconnected by a chain and sprockets to provide synchronized operation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the manipulation of objects are provided, comprising steps of creating a low pressure zone between a plate with a gas-flowing surface and an object to be manipulated. This gas is forced to flow between the surface of the plate and the object. The low-pressure zone created between the surface and the object results in a force acting on the object and towards the plate. By moving the plate the object is moved. The method and apparatus are easy to implement and provide non-contact or contact manipulation of objects.

Abstract: A mail processing machine comprises a first holding location that is adapted to hold a stack of first pages. A card is coupled to each of the first pages, and each first page includes an identifier. A second holding location is adapted to hold a stack of second pages that each have an identifier. A first advancing mechanism is adapted to separately advance each first page from the stack, and a second advancing mechanism is adapted to separately advance each second page from the stack. First and second scanning devices read the identifiers on the first and second pages upon their advancement. A controller is configured to control the first and second advancing mechanism to permit the first and second pages to be scanned by the first and second scanners and to match the first pages with the second pages if the identifier on one of the advanced first pages corresponds with the identifier on one of the advanced second pages.

Abstract: A practical intelligent assist device is provided that eliminates the complex use of force sensing weigh cells and vector interpreting software. By simplifying the input to a series of traditional voltage inputs, i.e. 1-4 volt signals, the use of standard available control componentry becomes available. Utilizing a series of such simplified inputs, including a load angle feedback, the processing of the vector math can be accomplished within a programmable logic controller (PLC). Outputs can then be simply generated to control a series of 0-60 Hz digital signals to drive direct drive motors.

Abstract: A processing machine, such as a printing press, is supplied with materials, such as rolls of paper, under the control of a control system. The control system is of a higher order than either of the material supply system and the processing machine. It is connected to both the supply system and the processing machine for transmitting data using signals.

Abstract: The invention is to stabilize an amount of application of a glue to sheets, to stabilize adhesive force between the sheets, and to further improve the productivity of a glued sheet bundle. A sheet processing apparatus includes a processing tray 130 that stacks a sheet discharged by a pair of discharge rollers, an attitude changing unit 150 that displaces the aligned sheet bundle on the processing tray 130 to partially expose sheet surfaces, an adhesive agent delivery device 160 that applies a glue to the exposed parts of the sheet surfaces of the displaced sheet bundle on the processing tray 130, and a sheet bundle aligning portion such as aligning plates 140 and 141 that aligns the glued sheet bundle.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of processing substrates is provided that includes (1) grouping substrates in a plurality of substrate carriers as a logical lot; (2) processing the logical lot as if the substrates were stored in a single substrate carrier; and (3) performing metrology on a representative subset of substrates in the logical lot. Numerous other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A coordinated joint control system for controlling a coordinated joint motion system, e.g an articulated arm of a hydraulic excavator blends automation of routine tasks with real-time human supervisory trajectory correction and selection. One embodiment employs a differential control architecture utilizing an inverse Jacobian. Modeling of the desired trajectory of the end effector in system space can be avoided. The invention includes image generation and matching systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are algorithms for controlling multiple states of a dynamic system, such as controling positioning and cable sway in cranes. Exemplary apparatus and methods may be implemented using first and second serially coupled feedback loops coupled to a plant and payload that are to be controlled. The first feedback loop comprises a first control module. It generates a filtered actuator command from an error signal derived from a signal representing a desired system state and a feedback signal indicative of the actual system state. The generated signal is operative to position the payload. The second feedback loop comprises a second control module that generates a second actuator command that is operative to cause the plant to have an output of zero, to eliminate disturbance-induced oscillations. Input shaping may be employed in the first loop for eliminating motion-induced oscillations.

Abstract: In a communications network, such as the Internet system and method for arranging the transportation of baggage for airline passengers. Flight information and baggage information from a user is received via the communications network. Typically this is accomplished via a combination of information capture from an online travel provider (e.g., airline) and user input at a Web page. The baggage to be transported is identified and transported from an origin airport to a destination airport. The baggage is delivered to the user specified destination location. The method may further comprise collecting the baggage from an origin location other than the origin airport (e.g., residence, office, hotel, etc.). Travelers may access updated information concerning the location of their baggage from a desktop or laptop computer, a hand-held communication device, a cellular telephone with Internet access, or other suitable communications device.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting information associated with warewashing activities is disclosed. Articles to be cleaned by a warewasher are placed in racks designed to fit inside a wash chamber of the warewasher. Each rack is assigned a unique identifier (ID). No two racks are associated with the same unique ID. An Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag is embedded within or placed on the outer shell of each rack. The RFID tag of a rack is programmed with the unique ID assigned to the rack. An RFID reader reads the unique ID of each rack as the racks are placed into the warewasher. The RFID reader transmits the unique ID to a host computer where the unique ID is stamped with a time reference, stored and eventually uploaded to a server computer. The unique ID and associated time reference are analyzed by the server computer, the host computer or a client computer connected to the server computer in order to monitor performance of the warewasher.

Abstract: A dynamic workcell includes a three dimensional positioning robot positioned adjacent a plurality of operation stations. A plurality of movable part fixtures located adjacent to the robot is also provided. A fixture location controller directing positioning of the part fixtures relative to the plurality of operation stations to minimize travel between an operation station and a part fixture is provided. A method for operating a workcell may include the steps of: mapping ones of a plurality of testers to the plurality of movable part fixtures; maintaining the position of each movable part fixture; determining a current location of an active part fixture relative to a mapped tester; and minimizing the distance between the mapped tester and the active part fixture.

Abstract: A receiving, sorting/counting station arrangement for recycling of beverage and food containers, comprises one or more spaced sorting tables for use by sorters, the sorting tables being aligned adjacent and on one side of an elongated customer beverage and food container reception table, the space between the sorting tables providing space for shipping bags for sorted beverage and food containers.

Abstract: A chemical substance total management system aids for reduction of release and transferring amount of managing substances in business entities. The system retrieves releasing and transferring amount record relating to predetermined managing substance on the basis of total tabulation link information with correlation between the tabulation result record managing releasing and transferring amount of managing substance per releasing and transferring destination and releasing and transferring amount record to be a source generating tabulation result record.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method of calibrating a substrate carrier loader to a moving conveyor is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) providing a substrate carrier loader adapted to load substrate carriers onto a moving conveyor; (2) aligning the substrate carrier loader to the moving conveyor; and (3) calibrating the substrate carrier loader to the moving conveyor. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In the present invention, when trouble occurs and the operation of a substrate processing apparatus is stopped, substrate information containing positions and processing states of the substrates located in the apparatus at that time is stored, and the power supply of the apparatus is then turned off. When the apparatus is restarted, the substrates located in the apparatus are collected into a substrate housing unit, and each of the substrates in the substrate housing unit is then sequentially transferred to a plurality of processing units following the same transfer recipe as that before occurrence of trouble, and substrate processing is not performed in a processing unit in which processing has already been completed, whereas substrate processing is performed in a processing unit in which processing has not been performed yet, based on the substrate information.

Abstract: A method for packaging of food products of varying sizes, in which at least two food products are to be packages in the same packing, is disclosed. The method includes making an estimate of the quantity of each food product, registering the location of each food product on an object conveyor, moving each food product to a collection area, determining by way of a computer program whether a food product is to be moved to a portion carrier and, if such move is determined, also determining to which portion carrier the food product is to be moved, raising the food product to be moved to a portion carrier, and moving the food product to the selected portion carrier and releasing the food product to the portion carrier.

Abstract: Data locality optimization through object relocation may be implemented in a virtual machine including a just-in-time compiler. The just-in-time compiler generates load instruction maps for each compiled method. A profile collector is coupled to the just-in-time compiler to receive hardware profiling support. The profile collector takes samples of data cache misses. A garbage collector is coupled to the profile collector. The garbage collector deduces types of objects from the cache miss samples and adjusts garbage collection object copying heuristics to relocate objects for better cache locality based on those types.

Abstract: The invention refers to a crane or excavator for the transaction of a load, which is carried by a load cable with a turning mechanism for the rotation of the crane or excavator, a seesaw mechanism for the erection or incline of an extension arm and a hoisting gear for the lifting or lowering of the load which is carried by a cable with an actuation system. The crane or excavator has, in accordance with the invention, a track control system, whose output values are entered directly or indirectly as input values into the control system for position or speed of the crane or excavator, whereas the set points for the control system in the track control are generated in such a way that a load movement results from it with minimized oscillation amplitudes.

Abstract: A control device for operating a machine has a control unit with at least one actuating unit to which actuators and sensors are connected for operating the machine. The control unit has a bus line for transmitting control commands from an operating part to the actuating device. A plug connection between the operating part and the control unit is provided. A monitoring unit monitors an operating signal of the operating part. The monitoring unit triggers a safety function when the operating signal that is a heartbeat of the operating part is absent. Operating states of the operating part are monitored by the monitoring unit. An output signal of the monitoring unit is evaluated in that, when the operating part is switched on, the heartbeat is processed and, when the operating part is switched off, the absence of the heartbeat is ignored.

Abstract: In a searching step, a laser beam by a laser beam projector is projected toward an object to be detected, which is previously disposed at a delivery position, while moving a holding member which is positioned apart from the object to be detected. In a delivery position data acquiring step, delivery position data is acquired by obtaining member position data provided by a member position data detecting unit when a laser beam reflected by the object to be detected is received by a laser beam receiver and calculating the delivery position data based on the member position data obtained by the member position data detecting unit.

Abstract: A library partitioning module (LPM) is configured to connect multiple hosts to a tape library. The LPM comprises at least two host input/outputs, each for connection to a respective host; and a library input/output for connection to the library. The LPM is an interface between hosts and a tape library such that it allow several hosts to access the library as if they have sole use of the library's resources. The modification of requests includes intercepting SCSI messages between robot and host and translating/transforming them. At least one tape slot for each host is allocated as a virtual import/export location. When a host sends a command to move a tape between a driver or a tape slot and an import/export location, the request is modified by the LPM so that movement occurs instead between a virtual import/export slot allocated to that host. This avoids conflicts involving the import/export location resources of the library.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for electronically-capturing a destination address of a package and for using the destination address to automate a package pre-load operation. An embodiment of the invention includes a compression system for compressing the destination address as a compressed MaxiCode symbol, a smart shipping label system for generating a shipping label with a compressed MaxiCode and a pre-load assist system for generating package handling instructions from the electronically-captured destination address.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a system for synchronously positioning repetitive units spatially comprising a plurality of repetitive units, each attached on an end of a plurality of arms, each angularly attached on an opposing end to a computer-controlled rotating axle, each having a synchronously computer-controlled position along a path of travel by computer-controlled synchronous rotation of said plurality of axles, forming a moving geometric pattern with said plurality of repetitive units.

Abstract: A location tracking system and method are provided. The location tracking system includes a plurality of tags which receive a read signal and which output tag signals, a reader which transmits the read signal to the tags, receives the tag signals, and identifies tag IDs from the tag signals, and a data processing system which stores location information of the tags and determines the location of the reader by using the tag IDs received from the reader based on the location information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for computer enabled sequencing and later desequencing of multiple electronic documents or their physical embodiments in a specific order, either in preparation or in actualization of transmission or storage, and decollation of those documents in the specified order. The sequence in which the documents are placed is determined by a computer process that reads a rulebase whose content determines the document sequence. The computer process uses that sequence to physically order the documents in either their magnetic or physical embodiments or both. Because of the resemblance to a stack of paper reports, this sequencing is referred to as “stacking”, and the decollation process is referred to as “unstacking”. The method uses software components identified as a rulebase creation application, a rulebase, a rulebase reading application, a document sequencer (“stacker”), a stack index, and a complementary document decollator (“unstacker”).

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic method for increasing the throughput of a container reloading point or a container storage space and for reducing the loading and unloading time for a container transport vehicle. According to said method, after the identification of a container transport vehicle, the loading platform of the transport vehicle that has been parked in the parking area of the container storage space is measured. The position co-ordinates of the loading platform are determined by a data processing system. The container to be loaded is then automatically positioned by means of a crane, using the position co-ordinates of the loading platform. To align the container exactly in relation to the loading platform, the latter is measured again and any deviation in relation to the position of the container thus obtained is used for said exact alignment. The container is deposited on the platform automatically. The unloading of a container transport vehicle involves practically identical steps.

Abstract: A method and control system for controlling an installation (1) for gathering flexible individual products (10), in which installation a stream of collections (20), which are from supplied streams that each have one individual product type, can be formed and conveyed to further processing (3). Each collection (20) has a predetermined quantity of individual products (10). Faulty collections (20) containing a supply fault with regard to one or several individual products are not processed separately but are regarded as faultless collections (20) under certain conditions. Accordingly, faulty collections are advantageously not conveyed to a fault corrective action until a quota of the faulty collections exceeds a predetermined reference limit.