Abstract: A depository unit with user interaction is described. In one example, the depository unit operates by receiving data entered by a user, checking the data for satisfaction of an entry condition, allowing access to a drop chute of a secured storage receptacle if the data satisfies the entry condition, determining whether an item is deposited in the drop chute, and providing a reward to the user if an item has been deposited in the drop chute.

Abstract: An elastic sheet is defined in accordance with a user input operation to have a shape with which the elastic sheet does not cross another member (building component) (step S1). Then, the elastic sheet is divided into rigid elements (step S2). Angles formed by each rigid element with adjacent rigid elements on two sides are calculated, and the calculation results and the like are stored in a RAM (step S3). A flexible medium which moves through a conveyance path is defined (step S4). Conveyance conditions when the flexible medium moves through the conveyance path are set (step S5). After that, the motion is calculated (step S6). The result of the motion calculation, that is, the behavior of the flexible medium, is displayed on a display device (step S7).

Abstract: A method for optimizing the position of a plurality of containers in a block, including at least one crane configured to move the containers is provided. A crane control unit (CCU) is provided in which the following steps are performed: identifying a selected container to be moved from a current position CP within a sub-section of said block to a new position NP within the sub-section; calculating a number of container moves required facilitating the move of the selected container in previous step; arranging the required number of container moves in a queue for each crane; and performing the container moves as arranged in the queue by controlling said at least one crane. Also provided is a computer program, a computer-readable medium encoded with the computer program, and a system for optimizing the position of a plurality of containers in a block.

Abstract: Systems and computer-implemented methods for predictive routing of item packages within a materials handling facility are disclosed. A predictive router may operate in conjunction with a container recommender, and both may be components of a facility management system. The predictive router may determine a routing destination for an item package dependent, at least in part, on the size and/or dimensions of a container that was recommended for handling the item package. The routing destination may be a shipping line customized for preparation of packed boxes of a particular size or in a particular size range for shipment. An optional scanner may attempt to determine the size of the actual container being used to ship the item package, and the predictive router may update the routing destination if the actual container does not match the recommended container. The predictive router may also consider special handling instructions when determining a routing destination.

Abstract: A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.

Abstract: A storage device processing system that includes at least one automated transporter, at least one rack accessible by the at least one automated transporter, and multiple test slots housed by the at least one rack. Each test slot is configured to receive a storage device for testing. The storage device processing system includes a conveyor arranged in a loop around and being accessible by the at least one automated transporter. The conveyor receives and transports the storage device thereon. The at least one automated transporter is configured to transfer the storage device between the conveyor and one of the test slots of the at least one rack.

Abstract: A loading system for loading a cargo hold (2) of an aircraft (1), containers, pallets or like ULDs (20) for accommodating freight being introduced into the cargo hold through an access opening, being transported by means of a transport device (60) and being fastened in transport positions. With the ULDs are identification devices (30), e.g. RFID transponders, which identification devices have storage devices for storing first data, especially identification data. The system comprises at least one first reading device (40) for reading the first data of a ULD introduced into the cargo hold, and at least one first transmitter device (50) for transmitting the first data to at least one first recipient (11).

Abstract: A cargo loading system for a means of transport with a power drive unit 201 for moving cargo in a cargo hold of a means of transport and with an operational control unit. The operational control unit is designed for controlling the entire movement of the cargo by means of the power drive unit.

Abstract: A robotic arm and control system includes a robotic arm which moves in response to one or more command signals. One or more “active” fiducials are located on the arm, each of which emits its own light. A 3D camera having an associated field-of-view is positioned such that at least one fiducial and a target object to be manipulated are in the FOV. To determine their spatial positions, the arm fiducials are activated and the target object is preferably illuminated with a scanning laser; the camera produces output signals which vary with the spatial locations of the fiducials and target object. A controller receives the output signals and uses the spatial position information as feedback to continuously guide the arm towards the target object. Multiple active fiducials may be employed, each having respective characteristics with which they can be differentiated.

Abstract: A data storage library is described including a tape cartridge possessing an auxiliary memory device adapted to maintain a load count that is incremented whenever the tape cartridge is loaded in a tape drive. The library also includes, a library tape drive adapted to increment the load count every time the tape cartridge is loaded in the library tape drive, an auxiliary storage device capable of maintaining knowledge of the incremented load count only from when the tape cartridge is loaded with the library tape drive, and an auxiliary memory device reader capable of reading the load count from the auxiliary memory device. The library further includes a processing device adapted to receive and compare the knowledge maintained in the auxiliary storage device with the load count from the auxiliary memory device that is read via the auxiliary memory device reader that if different, the processing device is capable of transmitting a notification to an end user.

Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of flat printed products is provided. The method includes the steps of determining one of at least two quality statuses for each flat printed product and for each flat printed product, storing a first information representing the determined quality status and a second information combining the first information with said flat printed product. The invention also relates to a corresponding device for processing flat printed products.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and processes for ex-situ reformulation of contaminated soil to reduce contaminant concentrations below target criteria. An ex-situ reformation system for reducing the concentration of contaminants contained in a material includes a user interface and a decision engine configured to receive a plurality of input parameters from the user interface relating to each of two or more different material stockpiles available for reformulation. The decision engine is configured to determine a quantity of each stockpile for reducing an amount of processing required to perform the reformulation.

Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention, wafer transfer timing with which wafers are to be transferred to individual processing chambers from a cassette container is determined in correspondence to each processing chamber, based upon the lengths of time required to process a single wafer in the processing chambers. Then, wafers are transferred from the cassette container in conformance to the transfer timing thus determined. By setting the wafer transfer timing with which wafers are transferred from the cassette container in coordination with the lengths of processing time at the individual processing chambers, the operation rates in the processing chambers are improved and ultimately, the throughput of the apparatus is improved.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a container that contains workpieces to be transferred, a sensor that detects a position and a posture of the workpiece existing in a predetermined detection area, and a robot that takes out the workpiece and transfers the workpiece to a transfer destination on the basis of a detection result of the sensor. The sensor includes an area storage that stores a plurality of detection areas, a condition storage that stores a switching condition for switching the detection areas, and a controller that switches the detection areas in a predetermined order when the switching condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus includes a first analysis unit which collects samples by utilizing a first nozzle to analyze the sample, a second analysis unit which collects samples by utilizing a second nozzle to analyze the sample, and a transport apparatus which transports a plurality of sample vessels along a predetermined transport route. When a predetermined waiting state is provided such that the transport of the plurality of sample vessels is interrupted or stopped, then the sample collecting position is changed for at least one of the first and second nozzles, and the samples are collected from the plurality of sample vessels by means of the nozzle having the changed position. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the efficiency of the analysis process performed by the analysis apparatus, while suppressing the transport apparatus from being large-sized and suppressing the structure from being complicated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a system for inserting documents (32) in an automated manner into load supports, in particular into containers (30), which are transported by means of a conveyor (26) in an order-picking system (10), comprising: a document guiding device (40) for storing one, preferably single, document (32), and for mechanically guiding same to an assigned load support, which passes the document insertion apparatus (12;12?) by means of the conveyor (26) in an automated manner such that the document (32) can be moved actively into the assigned load support, wherein the document guiding device (40) comprises receiving members (42, 44; 90) which are arranged substantially oppositely horizontal and are mounted movably relative to each other, wherein in a receiving position (FIG.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a cell unit having a plurality of cells arrayed in a matrix, a holder to insert the storage medium to one of the cells or extract the storage medium from the cell, and a position controller to move the holder over the cell unit in X-axis and Y-axis directions to position the holder at a desired position. The holder has a reading unit configured to acquire data of the edges on both sides of each cell. The position controller determines each position of the cells on the basis of the data of the edges acquired at a plurality of positions while moving the holder in a predetermined direction from a predetermined position of the cell unit.

Abstract: A method for depositing real items into real containers, wherein the real items are transported along a picking line and are deposited into spaces in the real containers using robots. Placement of the items is predetermined by a controller. The controller provides for the real items and the real containers to be previously associated with one another by virtue of graphical symbols for items being placed into at least one graphical symbol for a container on a screen that is connected to the controller. The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to easily and quickly fill a container with an assortment of items in the desired manner using real robot movements.

Abstract: Stations (8,9) of an automatic warehouse (2) are provided with transfer devices (10) for transferring an article one by one between a tray and a bucket, and hands (11, 12) of the transfer devices are provided with an ID tag reader and writer. The ID of the article stored in the bucket can be grasped and delivering products can be inspected, and further, data corresponding to each article can be written in the ID tag.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling picking operations of a number of users in a warehouse, wherein goods are located at source locations, each picking operation comprising: an operation of preparation, wherein, at the source location, the good is introduced in a handling unit, HU, an operation of placing the HU on a picking equipment, the picking equipment being a tool for transferring the HU, an operation of transferring the HU to the destination location, wherein a sequence of picking instructions are presented online individually to the number of users via instruction presenting means which are associated with the respective users, each picking instruction specifying the HU to be transferred, the equipment to be used, and the first and second position, whereby execution of each of the picking operation steps is controlled by online data verification such that a subsequent picking operation instruction may be changed, and presented to the users via the instruction presenting means depending upon r

Abstract: In a substrate processing system for processing a substrate, such as a wafer W, held by a substrate holding device rotatable about a vertical axis, such as a spin chuck, a jig is placed on the substrate holding device, and centrifugal acceleration imparted to a predetermined measuring position on the jig and an eccentricity of the measuring position from the rotation center of the spin chuck are determined. The position of the rotation center is determined on the basis of centrifugal accelerations imparted to the measuring position when the jig is placed at three different positions and eccentricities of the measuring position from the rotation center when the jig is placed at the three different positions. Data on a substrate placing position, the center of the substrate placed at which coincides with the rotation center, is stored as data of a substrate placing position at which a substrate is to be placed.

Abstract: An automated warehouse system having an improved cycle efficiency of storing and retrieving articles to and from the automated warehouse system includes a storage station, a retrieval station, a plurality of article storage shelves, a stacker crane, and a system controller. An article is brought to the storage station to be stored and retrieved from the retrieval station. The article storage shelves store articles. The stacker crane can move an article between the storage station, the retrieval station, and the article storage shelves. The system controller keeps track of the amount of storage time articles have been stored and, when it determines that an article has been stored on an article storage shelf in a buffer area for a first predetermined amount of time or longer, the system controller controls the stacker crane such that the stacker crane carries the article from an article storage shelf in the buffer area to an article storage shelf in the first storage area.

Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing dry-based density of wood chips from several sources feeding a chip processing stage upstream of a chip refining process, perform on-line estimation of a set of wood chip properties characterizing the wood chips, including light reflection-related property, moisture content and dry-based density, which are used by a reference model capable of comparing the estimated dry-based density with a predetermined target to produce error data, and selectively modifying discharge rate set points of one or more of the wood chip sources to minimize the error data within fluctuation limits around the target. The discharge rate of the wood chip sources is controlled in accordance with the set points to substantially stabilize the dry-based density of the wood chips.

Abstract: A library unit of the present invention includes a magazine, a cartridge, at least one sensor and an accessor. The cartridge is loaded in the magazine and arranged in a direction in which the magazine is loaded to or unloaded from the library unit. The sensor is provided for the library unit and activated to make an output, when the magazine is pulled out to a predetermined position, whether or not the magazine is positioned facing the sensor. The accessor identifies a position of the magazine according to an output of the sensor and receives the cartridge.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprises a substrate handling chamber, a pair of position sensors, and a substrate transfer robot. Each of the sensors comprises an emitter configured to emit a beam of light, and a receiver configured to receive the light beam. The substrate transfer robot comprises an end effector and a robot actuator. The end effector is configured to hold a substrate such that the substrate has a same expected position with respect to the end effector every time the substrate is held. The robot actuator is configured to move the end effector within the handling chamber to transfer substrates among a plurality of substrate stations. An edge of a substrate held in the expected position by the end effector can partially block a light beam of one of the position sensors, while another end of the end effector partially blocks a light beam of the other position sensor.

Abstract: In a method of tracking a specimen acquired from a patient, machine-readable codes present on a patient identification (ID), an order to obtain a specimen from the patient, and on a specimen-taker ID means, respectively, are stored in a computer storage. A specimen container having a fourth machine-readable code preapplied thereto is selected from a plurality of specimen containers having unique machine-readable codes preapplied thereto. In response to a processor determining that the first and second machine-readable codes are related to the same patient, the processor causes the first—fourth machine-readable codes to be relationally stored in the computer storage. Responsive to the processor receiving a signal that a specimen has been placed in the selected specimen container, the processor causes an indication thereof to be stored in the computer storage in a relational manner with the first—fourth machine-readable codes.

Abstract: A method of supplying disk drives to a disk drive testing system includes placing a disk drive tote, carrying multiple disk drives, in a presentation position accessible to an automated transporter of the disk drive testing system. The method includes actuating the automated transporter to retrieve one of the disk drives from the disk drive tote, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver the retrieved disk drive to a test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert the disk drive in the test slot.

Abstract: The method for picking up work pieces includes: storing a representative partial shape, at least one of holding positions in the representative partial shape, and a preference rank for each of the holding positions; obtaining an image information by sensing the work pieces which are accumulated; recognizing exposed portions in the work pieces by performing an edge detection on the image information; selecting at least one of the exposed portions including the representative partial shape as a selected portion; detecting at least one of coinciding portions coinciding with the representative partial shape in the selected portions; determining an optimal holding position from at least one of the holding positions included in the coinciding portion as a determined holding position, based on the preference rank; and transmitting a holding command to hold the determined holding position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for multi-destination pick using motes. In embodiments, each receptacle may be assigned to a destination and may have a sensor that detects when an item is placed in the receptacle to deactivate the indicator and/or to verify that the item was placed in the correct receptacle. The sensor may be coupled via a wired or wireless connection to a mote that may include a communication interface for communicating with a control system and with other motes in an ad-hoc network. In some embodiments, each mote may also include an indicator that may be activated by a control system to indicate to the agent that the receptacle is the destination receptacle for a picked item. The agent may then place the item in the indicated destination receptacle. In one embodiment, the mote on the destination receptacle may be activated when the picked item is scanned by the agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that can include a storage and retrieval robot operating under program control to extract a selective number of support beads from a storage or retainment region, for dispensing to titer wells or other vessels for assays and other purposes. According to various embodiments, the storage and retrieval robot can position a capture device over any one or more storage wells containing oligonucleotide or other material support beads, and withdraw or extract those support beads into a collection tube under vacuum pressure or other force. According to various embodiments, a selected number of support beads can be extracted, using a linear motor piston to limit available space for support bead insertion. According to various embodiments, the collected support beads can be dispensed into one or more destination tubes, wells, or other containers, surfaces, vessels, receptacles or mixture containment region, for use in assays or other purposes.

Abstract: A robot for lifting an object, including systems and methods, are herein described. One embodiment comprises a robot is disclosed having a generally planar receiving surface for receiving and holding an object. The receiving surface is lowered and raised using a vertical movement mechanism. To move the receiving surface to an appropriate location, the receiving surface and the vertical movement mechanism are connected to a mobile platform. In some exemplary embodiments, the robot can also have a sweeping mechanism to sweep an object onto at least a portion of the receiving surface. The sweeping mechanism can take various forms but in one exemplary embodiment, the sweeping mechanism is an “L”-shaped arm pivotably connected to the robot, preferably the receiving surface.

Abstract: A portable data storage cartridge, comprising a housing and a data storage medium disposed within the housing. The portable data storage cartridge further comprises a first label reciting an identifier disposed on a front portion of the housing, and a second label displaying said identifier at one or more places disposed on a side portion of said housing. A plurality of portable data storage cartridges can be disposed in a storage slot dimensioned to accommodate (N) portable data storage cartridges in a row. The storage slot is formed to include (N?1) visualization apertures extending through a side. In addition, the storage slot further comprises (N?1) reflective members, where each reflective member comprises a first end attached to the side with a second end extending outwardly from that side.

Abstract: A system for certifying provenance of an alcoholic beverage includes a radio-frequency identification tag and a server. The radio-frequency identification tag, associated with a bottle containing an alcoholic beverage, periodically measures a plurality of values of an environmental condition of the bottle. The radio-frequency identification tag stores the plurality of measured values. The server receives the plurality of measured values for analysis. The server provides, via a user interface, a description of a provenance of the alcoholic beverage, the description generated responsive to an analysis of the plurality of measured values.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reconfigurable light-directed pick/put system which includes at least one stationary storage bay unit including a plurality of reconfigurable physical storage locations for containing stored items to be picked and a plurality of intelligent light assemblies for directing the pick. Also disclosed is at least one mobile unit including a plurality of reconfigurable physical storage locations for containing items having been put after picking. Upon reconfiguration of a physical storage location in order to accommodate items of differing size or quantity, the intelligent light assembly associated with the reconfigured physical storage location is readily repositionable therewith. In order to provide such repositionability the present intelligent light assemblies include proximity switches, which are operable through an optically transparent raceway cover.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has an increased system throughput and repeatable wafer processing history are provided. In one embodiment a first substrate is transferred from a first position to a second position and then the first substrate is transferred from the second position to a third position using a first robot. A second substrate is transferred from a first position to a second position and then the second substrate is transferred from the second position to a third position using a second robot. The movement of the first and second robots is synchronized so that the movement from the first position to the second position by the first and second robot is performed within a first time interval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing object load engagement, transportation and disengagement by automated vehicles is described. In one embodiment, the method includes processing data that is transmitted from a sensor array comprising at least one device for analyzing a plurality of objects that are placed throughout a physical environment, executing an object recognition process on the sensor array data using model information to identify at least one object, determining orientation information associated with the at least one object, wherein the orientation information is relative to the lift carriage and positioning at least one lifting element based on the orientation information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of paper supplying trays; an image forming unit; and a cover. The image forming apparatus further includes a cover opening/closing detecting unit that detects an operation for opening/closing the cover; a paper supplying tray opening/closing detecting unit that detects an operation for opening/closing the paper supplying tray; a paper jam detecting unit that detects a paper jam in at least one place in a paper transporting path; a paper jam release deciding unit that decides whether the paper jam in the detecting place is released or not after the confirmation of a detection; and a completion control unit that controls to complete a paper jam processing based on the decision that the paper jam in all of the places in the paper transporting path is released through the paper jam release deciding unit.

Abstract: Backup storage apparatus and related methods wherein communication capabilities are provided that allow information to be shared between devices installed in the apparatus to extend the functionality of the apparatus. A controller comprising a communication link is coupled to an operator control panel that controls functions of and displays information regarding the apparatus. An installable component that is operable to extend the functionality of the apparatus when coupled to the communication link, and is operable to discover services that are sharable between the controller and the component. When communications are established, the operator control panel via the shared services is also capable of controlling functions of and displaying information regarding the component.

Abstract: Inventory management methods are provided. In one embodiment, an inventory management method includes receiving an indication of a received product. Available spaces in a warehouse picking area that can store the received product are determined. The received product is stored to one of the spaces, and the space is later reused to store a different product. In another embodiment, a plurality of available spaces for storing a product in a warehouse picking area is determined. The plurality of available spaces includes spaces that have different shapes. An indication of the available spaces and their locations in the warehouse picking area is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing medical products such as pharmaceutical and medical products in climate controlled storage devices includes climate control systems in communication with inventory access and tracking systems. The inventory stored may be accessed by an authorized user providing a barcode input or other authorizing input. The apparatus may log climate parameters and associate the climate parameters with the items in storage. The system may limit access to particular storage locations to provide control of the inventory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting and combining packages in an outbound container by employing autonomous transfer and transport vehicles which move on a network of roadways to carry a plurality of individual cases each containing the same kind of product from a loading station and to a destination station where individual packages are combined in the outbound container. The travel of each vehicle through the roadway network is computer controlled, and each vehicle includes means for automatically loading and unloading packages from predetermined locations on the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pull back optimizer in conjunction with an inventory management system allows for efficient retrieval of return assemblies for optimized parts fulfillment. The inventory management system includes a return assembly inventory and a list of parts needed for order fulfillment. The return assembly inventory lists the part numbers and quantities of parts in each return assembly. The pull back optimizer allows a user of the inventory management system to efficiently determine the optimal return systems to pull back to production for parts fulfillment to minimize the impact on those using the return assemblies.

Abstract: A method of transferring disk drives within a disk drive testing system includes actuating an automated transporter to retrieve multiple disk drives presented for testing, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver each retrieved disk drive to a respective test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert each disk drive in the respective test slot.

Abstract: A portable dispensing device is provided having a container configured to be moved to a plurality of locations. An access point at an opening of the container controls access into and out of the container. A scale is coupled to a bin within the container and is configured to measure a weight of the bin and contents of the bin. A computing device is in electrical communication with the access point and the scale and configured to allow or deny access to the container as well as receive the measured weight from the scale to determine a number of items in the bin. The computing device further associates an item removed from the bin with the individual or credits an item returned to the bin with the individual when the individual exits the container.

Abstract: A banknote management system 1 includes a banknote handling apparatus 2 having stackers for stacking banknotes, the banknote handling apparatus sorting the banknotes based on sorting conditions set for the respective stackers, and sequentially stacking the sorted banknotes in the stackers corresponding to the sorting conditions; and a banknote management apparatus 3 managing the banknote handling apparatus. The system includes a DB registration specifying unit 32B specifying a stacker 11 a DB registration necessity of which is specified among the stackers; a banknote detailed information creating unit 37B creating banknote detailed information for recognizing a banknote that is stacked in the stacker a DB registration of which is set to be necessary; and a DB control unit 37D registering the banknote detailed information in a database 33. The system can minimize a memory capacity of the database and a volume of banknote detailed information to be registered in the database.

Abstract: A method and a configuration for handling objects, wherein a multiplicity of objects are stored in a storage container and one or more objects to be processed are divided from objects to remain in storage.

Abstract: A dispensary management system includes a medicine compounding management unit for managing medicine compounding information and for automatically compounding medicines according to the medicine compounding information and a medicine storage management unit connected to the medicine compounding management for storing residual medicines and, when medicines in the medicine compounding management unit are insufficient, for informing the medicine compounding management unit of a position where medicines corresponding to insufficient medicines are stored. A dispensary management method includes inputting medicine compounding information, determining whether medicines are insufficient based on the medicine compounding information, retrieving a cabinet storing medicines corresponding to the insufficient medicines, filling the insufficient medicines, and compounding medicines according to the medicine compounding information.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for housing data storage devices. The method, system and apparatus can include an enclosure for receiving, sorting, storing and retrieving data storage devices. Additionally, the method, system and apparatus can include an interface and display that allow for the manipulation of data storage devices.

Abstract: A burden of a person in charge is reduced, who uses a valuable media management system including a plurality of valuable media handling machines with different processing functions for valuable media and a control unit provided to correspond to each processing machines. Each control unit has a corresponding machine control function for working a valuable media handling machine that corresponds to the own unit, as well as a non-corresponding machine control function for working a valuable media handling machine that does not correspond to the own unit. One of the corresponding machine control function and the non-corresponding machine control function can be selected.

Abstract: A storage system for a pharmacy that has a frame containing a rack-like structure with a plurality of storage carriers detachably suspended therefrom. The carriers are sized to receive filled prescription orders and the like and include individual identifiers that facilitate locating the carriers at a specific location on the rack-like structure. Preferably, the storage system includes a tracking system that detects, monitors, and displays to a worker the location of the storage carrier containing a particular customer's prescription order, thereby providing easy retrieval of the customer's prescription order.