Abstract: A method uses scales onboard a lift apparatus to weigh an uninstalled component that is positioned on the lift apparatus for installation into a rack. Data is accessed that identifies the weight and rack location of components currently installed in the rack, and one or more available rack locations are identified where the component may be installed without violating one or more predetermined rack stability rules. The method then uses the lift apparatus to raise the component into a selected one of the one or more available rack locations. The components are preferably information technology components, such as servers, network switches and power distribution units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for robotic induction in materials handling facilities. Singulation and induction of items is performed at one or more induction stations in one or more inventory areas. Each inventory area includes a stock storage area containing storage units, each storage unit including locations for stowing inventory. Mobile robotic devices deliver particular storage units from the stock storage area to particular induction stations. At the induction stations, inductors remove single units of items from locations on the storage units (singulation) and induct the units of items into a conveyance mechanism (induction). The singulated and inducted units of items are conveyed to downstream processing station(s). The operations of the robotic devices, induction stations, conveyance mechanism, and downstream processing may be controlled and/or directed by a control system.

Abstract: An arrangement for creating a set of wafer transfer instructions configured to transfer a wafer between an origination wafer-holding location and a destination wafer-holding location in a plasma cluster tool is provided. The arrangement includes means for receiving a first user-provided location indicator and a second user-provided location indicator on an on-screen graphical representation of the plasma cluster tool. The arrangement also includes means for ascertaining data pertaining to a set of paths between the first user-provided location indicator and the second user-provided location indicator. The arrangement further includes means for forming the set of wafer transfer instructions responsive to the data pertaining to the set of paths, the set of wafer transfer instructions being configured to transfer the wafer along a set of wafer-holding locations associated with one of the set of paths.

Abstract: A method for fulfilling requests in an inventory system includes receiving a request indicating an activity to be completed. The method also includes selecting a holder to fulfill the request and an inventory station at which to fulfill the request. The inventory station is associated with a queue that includes a plurality of queue spaces. The method further includes moving the selected holder from a first location to a second location remote from the selected inventory station. Additionally, the method also includes determining that a trigger event has occurred and, in response to determining that the trigger event has occurred, moving the selected holder from the second location to a queue space of a queue associated with the selected inventory station.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for locating stored goods. A plurality of fixed contactless identification devices are deployed in an area. Each fixed device exhibits a fixed device identifier that can be read from a distance. Locations within the area are identified through mapping to combinations of fixed device identifiers detected at the location. In addition, a plurality of movable contactless identification devices are associated with goods to be stored and retrieved. Each movable device exhibits a movable device identifier, and movable contactless identification devices are located by identifying a combination of fixed device identifiers received when a movable device identifier is received. The location information may be used independently, or as a supplement to expected location information obtained through other means.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with charging merchandise items are presented. A method of charging merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. A first power supply charges a portion of the display that does not include the merchandise items and a second power supply charges the merchandise items. The merchandise items can be charged at the display on a multiplexed basis.

Abstract: A method for manually configuring an order-picking warehouse by using a guidance system comprises equipping at least some of the storage locations with respective storage-location displays; connecting the associated storage-location displays to a master computer via a controller, and allocating to each controller a dedicated controller address; and configuring the order-picking warehouse by assigning respectively dedicated storage-location addresses to the equipped storage locations. All of the displays, which have not yet been assigned a dedicated storage-location address, are visually activated. At least one visually activated display is selected, thereby selecting the associated storage location and causing visual deactivation of the selected storage-location display. Each of the selected storage locations is assigned one dedicated storage-location address.

Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a single tape picker device that is adapted to hold two tape cartridges at the same time facilitating an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.

Abstract: In a method for automated palletizing of packages, in particular by means of a manipulator, packages are arranged on the edge of a loading area and, if possible, a virtual initial layer of multiple packages is initially generated and this layer is then centered relative to the loading area.

Abstract: A device for removing tested semiconductor components from a clamping carrier having fixed stop elements and movable clamping elements, pre-tensioned by spring elements includes an actuation device arranged above the clamping carrier, which moves the clamping elements into an opening position enabling the clamping carrier to be discharged, and then moves the clamping elements into a rest position after discharge, an intermediate carrier, positioned under the clamping carrier during discharge, onto which the clamping carrier is emptied, a data memory in which data about each semiconductor component are stored, and a removal device, which removes the semiconductor components from the intermediate carrier and sorts them into at least two different categories in accordance with the data stored in the data memory.

Abstract: A method for transporting inventory items includes moving a mobile drive unit to a first point within a workspace. The first point is a location of an inventory holder. The method further includes docking the mobile drive unit with the inventory holder and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to a second point within the workspace. The second point is associated with conveyance equipment. The method further includes moving the inventory holder to a third point within the workspace using the conveyance equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed are an automatic medicine warehousing and releasing management system and a method of automatically warehousing and releasing medicines thereof. Warehoused medicines are arranged at proper positions on a storage shelf, and released medicines are discharged from the storage shelf.

Abstract: A method for mover transition in an open systems based media library (14) for use with a host (10) that relays command requests comprises the steps of retaining a storage medium (20); selectively moving the storage medium (20) within the media library (14) with a first media mover (26); and when the first media mover (26) has a status of unavailable due to mover transition, indicating to the host (10) with a control system (40) that the first media mover (26) is not ready to perform a motion operation, and is in the process of becoming ready. Additionally, the host (10) continues to relay command requests to the media library (14) when the first media mover (26) has the status of unavailable, and the control system (40) performs any subsequent command requests relayed by the host (10) when the first media mover (26) subsequently has the status of available.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for robotic induction in materials handling facilities with multiple inventory areas are disclosed. Each inventory area includes multiple portable storage units with one or more locations for stowing one or more types of items. Mobile robotic devices transport the portable storage units within a respective inventory area to one or more induction stations located within the respective inventory area. A control system directs the one or more robotic devices to transport the one or more portable storage units to and from the one or more induction stations of the respective inventory area. The induction stations are located near a conveyance mechanism. The control system also directs induction of one or more single units of items from one or more locations of a storage unit currently at an induction station of the respective inventory area into the conveyance mechanism at the respective induction station.

Abstract: Techniques for construction and operation of a programmable product picking apparatus are described herein. Such an apparatus picks up product according to a first spacing (e.g., from a conveyor) and releases the product according to a second spacing (e.g., into a carton). In one possible configuration, a fixed matrix plate defines at least first and second rows of slots. Two movable matrix plates, one that moves right-then-left and one that moves left-then-right, move in opposite directions parallel to the fixed matrix plate according to strokes of pneumatic cylinders. Each of a plurality of product pickers is driven by one of the two movable matrix plates. As that plate moves, the product picker is also moved according to a slot defined in the movable matrix plate. Each product picker comes to a stop when it reaches an end of a slot defined in the fixed matrix plate.

Abstract: A warehouse storage and retrieval system including an array of multilevel storage racks having at least one transfer deck, picking isles and storage areas disposed along picking isles, the storage areas being configured to hold differing loads, and a controller including a management module configured to variably size the storage areas of the array of multilevel storage rack modules and assign each of the variably sized storage areas to a corresponding one of the differing loads, wherein the storage and retrieval system is arranged to transport the differing loads for placement in the variably sized storage areas assigned by the controller.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inventory management system that offers significant improvement over existing systems by automating requests to restock inventory. The present disclosure details an inventory management system that provides real time visibility to stock levels and streamlines materials management activities, while addressing the issues of human resource misallocations, inaccurate inventory data management and related out of stock conditions. Moreover, the system of the present disclosure promotes a high level of confidence in inventory data that enables on-hand inventory levels to be reduced, thereby reducing costs and waste.

Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder has a frame with device openings. The mobile drive unit is operable to dock with an inventory holder and undock with an inventory holder. When undocked from an inventory holder, the mobile drive unit is further operable to traverse a path from a first location to a second location. The path passes through at least a first device opening of the inventory holder such that the mobile drive unit passes beneath the inventory holder while moving along the path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an unstacker device for unstacking flat articles, said unstacker device including: first detection means for detecting transitions between article types; at least first and second specialized unstacking programs and a default unstacking program, which programs are suitable for maintaining respectively a first nominal gap, a second nominal gap, and a default nominal gap, between two consecutive flat articles; and a monitoring/control unit arranged for automatically executing said default unstacking program in response to detection of said transition, for counting said flat articles subsequent to said transition, and, in response to a predetermined counting threshold being reached, for executing, for said subsequent flat articles and until the next transition detection, the corresponding one of said first and second specialized unstacking programs. The invention also relates to a method of unstacking flat articles using said unstacker device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a system for managing an inventory comprising serialized products. A computer system may receive from an intake sensor a first tray identifier describing a first tray present on an intake transport system. The computer system may also associate the first tray identifier with a first serial identifier of a first product unit present on a product transport system and instructing the product transport system, by the computer system, to transport the first product unit to the first tray. Additionally, the computer system may instruct a robot to place the first tray containing the first product unit at a first bin selected from a plurality of robot-accessible bins.

Abstract: When a substrate is transferred by a holding arm to a multiple tier wafer boat, contact between the holding arm and the substrate is prevented. When the wafer boat is not subjected to a thermal effect, a normal height position of a ring member is obtained by relatively elevating and lowering a transfer base member with respect to the wafer boat. Before a wafer, which is not yet thermally processed, is transferred to the wafer boat, a height position of the corresponding ring member is obtained. By comparing a difference between the normal height position of the ring member and the height position of the ring member before the wafer is transported, with a threshold value, whether to transfer the wafer by the wafer transfer mechanism to the wafer boat can be judged.

Abstract: A multimedia drive receives different types of media in a single drive. The multimedia drive includes a drive to receive a media cartridge, such as a tape media cartridge or a non-tape media cartridge. The multimedia drive includes a tape media interface to connect to a tape cartridge, and includes a non-tape media interface to connect to a non-tape media cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for establishing and/or maintaining proper alignment of a transfer mechanism. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an alignment system and method having one or more of: (a) a laser alignment device operable to providing precise locational coordinates for alignment of a robotic transfer mechanism relative to a holding structure; (b) an alignment tool for aligning a laser alignment device relative to robotic transfer mechanism; (c) lead in ramps to properly guide an individual specimen container into a holding well; and/or (d) a belt tensioning device for maintaining proper tension on one or more timing belts.

Abstract: Method and system for arranging rod-like elements, in which an unordered portion of rod-like elements, composed each of at least one part selected from cigarette parts being filter parts and tobacco parts, is delivered to a conveyor enabling arrangement of the elements on the conveyor in a plurality of compartments, longitudinally in each compartment and transversely to the direction of movement of the conveyor. The compartments have a length adapted to receive at least one filter part and at least one tobacco part of a cigarette. The type, number and location of parts of the element received in each compartment is defined by at least a single scanning of each successive compartment of the conveyor. The result of the scanning is transmitted to a control unit and the elements are subsequently sorted based on information received from the control unit.

Abstract: A disk drive transporter, for transporting a disk drive and for mounting a disk drive within a test slot, includes a frame configured to receive and support a disk drive. The frame includes sidewalls configured to receive a disk drive therebetween and sized to be inserted into a test slot along with a disk drive. The frame also includes a clamping mechanism operatively associated with at least one of the sidewalls. The clamping mechanism includes a first engagement element and a first actuator operable to initiate movements of the first engagement element. The first actuator is operable to move the first engagement element into engagement with a test slot after a disk drive being supported by the frame is arranged in a test position in a test slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing platelike substrates, particularly wafers or test wafers, like those, in particular, used for manufacturing electronic components. The aim of the invention is to make a reliable access to the substrates possible even when storage elements, which can be separated from one another, of the device are affected by manufacturing mistakes. For such a device that, for each substrate, has a number of storage elements, which follow one another in a direction of stacking and which can move relative to one another, in which the storage elements have a stacking area, which is provided for placing the respective storage element inside a stack of storage elements, compensating means are therefore provided in order to compensate for stacking errors in the direction of stacking.

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: A sheet handling apparatus includes pickup unit which picks up a plurality of sheets loaded in a loading unit, a first determining unit which determines a type or a state of the sheet picked up by the pickup unit, a data collecting unit which collects handling amount data for respective types of the sheets or respective states of the sheets, a second determining unit which determines a distribution destination of the sheet based on the handling amount data for the respective types or the respective states of the sheets which are determined by the first determining unit, a distributing unit which distributes the sheet based on a determination result of the distribution destination of the sheet by the second determining unit, and a stacking unit composed of a plurality of cassettes to stack the distributed sheets.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method, apparatus, and computer program product for optimizing article or bin location in an automated storage device to increase the efficiency of article retrieval in filling an order. Methods of example embodiments may determine a number of touches of each of a plurality of bins of a storage system, where the touches are calculated over a predetermined period of time, identify a bin with more touches than a bin at a first location, where the bin with more touches is at a second location, and direct the bin with more touches than the bin at the first location to be swapped with the bin at the first location. Identifying a bin with more touches may include identifying a bin with a number of touches that exceeds the number of touches of the bin in the first location by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A work station for manually picking of piece goods, including a window conveyor which includes a plurality of optically distinguishable window locations. Each window location includes a defined region of the conveyor which is suitable for receiving a piece good. The conveyor extends through a picking zone and a provision region where different types of piece goods are provided at access locations. At the provision region the order-picking person can grasp piece goods manually from each of the access locations and put same on the conveyor. An order-picking control controls warehouse management and order processing in order to transmit information concerning one of the access locations and a removal quantity to the order-picking person in accordance with an order line of the picking order. A device is provided for allocating an unoccupied window location to one of the order lines based on selection and entry of the order-picking person.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for handling currency notes that comprises a deposit and dispensing unit (16), a controller (20), at least one currency box (22 to 28), a reject box (30) and a transport unit. When a currency note jam occurs during transportation of at least one deposited currency note from the deposit and dispensing unit (16) to the currency box (22 to 28), the value of a stock counter (52 to 58) is initially increased in a first step by the number of currency notes from the currency note jam, before the value of the stock counter (52 to 58) is reduced in a second step by the number of currency notes from the currency note jam, and the value of the reject counter (62 to 68) is incremented by the number of currency notes from the currency note jam.

Abstract: A motorized tie rack that, while providing convenient storage for one's necktie collection, will sanitize the neckties with an ultraviolet light. The rack includes a “clean” button which, when pressed, will rotate the necktie to the rear of the device. There, a shielded ultraviolet light will be activated for several minutes, disinfecting both sides of the necktie.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical storage and retrieval device and a method of accessing and loading the device. The device includes a housing, at least one port with controlled access to inventory stored within the device, a robotic transfer mechanism for moving inventory items to and from the controlled port, software for tracking the inventory and users of the device, and an interface with the pharmacy software system to track and monitor which inventory is authorized for access by each user and which inventory is needed to fill a prescription.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including a storage structure with storage racks having a seating surface configured to support case units where a position of each case unit is non-deterministic for each storage location on the storage racks, each case unit has a predetermined storage position and a controller is configured to determine the predetermined storage position, a picking aisle configured to provide access to the case units within the storage structure, and a seismic disturbance restorative system including seismic disturbance motions sensors disposed on the storage racks, a seismic disturbance control module in communication with the seismic disturbance sensors and configured to identify a seismic disturbance, and an automated case mapper configured to traverse the picking aisle, the automated case mapper being in communication with and initialized by the seismic disturbance control module to identify a seated position of at least one case unit within the storage structure.

Abstract: A method of transporting inventory items includes receiving a route request from a mobile drive unit. The route request identifies a destination location within a workspace. The workspace includes at least one cell associated with a first cell attribute and at least one cell that is not associated with the first cell attribute. The method includes determining a state of the mobile drive unit. The method also includes generating a path to the destination location for the mobile drive unit that traverses cells associated with the first cell attribute, in response to determining that the mobile drive unit is associated with a first state. The method includes generating a path to the destination location for the mobile drive unit that does not traverse cells associated with the first cell attribute, in response to determining the mobile drive unit is not associated with the first state. The method further includes transmitting the path to the mobile drive unit.

Abstract: Systems, computer program products, and methods useful for handling or managing microplates are provided.

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: A system and method for optimizing the utilization of inventory space for articles dispensable from an article dispensing machine is provided. A subset of articles in the article dispensing machine may be targeted for removal for various purposes. Based on a list of the subset of articles, the article dispensing machine may move the subset of articles from a storage unit to a predetermined area, such as a merchandising zone of the storage unit or a separate article removal bin. The subset of articles may be removed from the predetermined area, followed by loading of new articles to the predetermined area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the location of a mobile robot within a data storage library and to a library including such systems and utilizing such methods.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber includes: a vacuum vessel arranged at the backward side, where a wafer of a processing subject is processed inside an internal processing chamber; a transfer chamber arranged at the forward side, where said wafer is transferred at the inside thereof under atmospheric pressure; a cassette stage arranged at the forward of this transfer chamber, where a cassette storing said wafer is mounted; a lock chamber connected with said transfer chamber at the backward of said transfer chamber; a robot arranged inside said transfer chamber, where said wafer is transferred between said cassette and said lock chamber; and an aligning machine for making position of said wafer fit with the predetermined position, wherein the wafer is transferred to said lock chamber, after performing alignment of said wafer on said aligning machine, in the case where displacement amount of position of this wafer is larger than the predetermined value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to staging manufactured items and provide a method, system and computer program product for staging items in a manufacturing environment. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for staging items in a manufacturing environment can be provided. The method can include defining attributes of staging locations in a distribution area of the manufacturing environment, defining a set of staging strategies for use in the distribution area of the manufacturing environment, receiving a manufactured item in the distribution area and obtaining characteristics of the manufactured item, and comparing the obtained characteristics of the manufactured item to the set of staging strategies to select the staging strategy to apply to the manufactured item.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for making status reporting devices for container handlers, including: providing a micro-controller module, and installing a program system into memory accessed by a computer directing the micro-controller module. The micro-controller module communicatively couples with means for wirelessly communicating and for sensing a state of the container handler. Means for wirelessly communicating may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location. The micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to a separate means for determining location. An apparatus making the devices may include a second program system directing the invention's method through a second computer, which may control an assembly device in creating the micro-controller, coupled with the means for sensing and for wirelessly communicating.

Abstract: Upon receiving first data, a stop control unit (211) performs control such that a transportation vehicle (200) stops at a first stop position at which the transportation vehicle (200) can load the article onto a second apparatus. Upon receiving second data, the stop control unit (211) performs control such that the transportation vehicle (200) stops at a second stop position corresponding to a first apparatus.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for allocating labor to units processed in a materials handling facility are described. Embodiments may include a labor allocation system configured to receive information associated with a materials handling process that includes handling multiple units. For each unit, such information may indicate a respective pre-handling time period and a respective post-handling time period. The labor allocation system may determine a measure of variability of the pre-handling time periods associated with the units. The labor allocation system may also determine a measure of variability of the post-handling time periods. In response to determining that one of the measures of variability is less than the other, the labor allocation system may determine that each time period associated with the lesser measure of variability is representative of a quantity of labor expended to process a respective unit in accordance with the materials handling process.

Abstract: There is provided a device and method for arranging a vial, which can efficiently arrange a plurality of vials in the same arrangement place. A device for arranging a vial includes an arm member 150 for sandwiching one vial 1 and a carrying means 58 for carrying the vial 1 sandwiched by the arm member 150 to a vial arranging section 202. A layout of the vials 1 in the vial arranging section 202 can be set according to the number (n) of the vials 1 carried into the same vial arranging section 202. The carrying means 58 can advance and retract the arm member 150 in at least two or more directions in the vial arranging section 202.

Abstract: An automated airport baggage handling system includes a baggage transport can transported with baggage between remote locations, a stationary baggage transport conveyor to transport the baggage, a communication link, a controller coupled to the baggage transport can and the baggage transport conveyor via the communication link, and a mobile robotic device controlled by the controller. A stationary guide track is located adjacent to the baggage transport can and the baggage transport conveyor, first sensors are located at the baggage transport can, the baggage transport conveyor, the robotic device and the guide track. A plurality of second sensors is attached to the baggage. The controller causes the robotic device to be displaced along the guide track in such a manner that the robotic device accesses the baggage transport can and thereafter accesses the transport conveyor while remaining positioned along the guide track.

Abstract: A storage kiosk is disclosed which comprises a cabinet, a carousel, a plurality of dividers, a drive means for rotating the carousel, and a plurality of latch means. The cabinet has a door defining a front surface of the cabinet. The door includes a plurality of openable panels vertically aligned. The panels are normally in a latched closed position. The carousel is rotatably mounted in the cabinet about a vertical axis and includes a plurality of shelves spaced along the vertical axis. The plurality of dividers are disposed on each of the shelves to define a plurality of compartments on each shelf for receiving items to be stored. The dividers and the shelves, in combination, define a plurality of compartments around the periphery of the carousel. The drive means is for rotating the carousel to bring respective ones of the compartments into alignment with respective ones of the panels.

Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the automated discharge of treated sewage sludge to trucks, via inventory management by tracking the flow of sludge from bins in which it is located to trucks, on a first-in/first-out basis, including automated truck positioning, automated precision truck loading and monitoring and controlling the various interrelated components via a PLC computer program.