Article Support Load Management (e.g., Palletizing) Patents (Class 700/217)
-
Patent number: 8641351Abstract: A robot control unit that turns off a holding unit for a plate member, while the plate member is placed on an end effector, and lower the end effector, by a predetermined distance, from an initial position higher than a preset temporary placing position toward the temporary placing position. Then the robot control unit switches the holding member, from an OFF state to an ON state, while the end effector is stopped, and determines whether the plate member is held by the holding unit, with a holding-state detection unit. When the plate member is held by the holding unit, the robot control unit turns off the holding unit while further lowering the end effector by the predetermined distance. When the plate member is not held by the holding unit, the robot control unit detects a position of the end effector at this point of time, as a normal placing position.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobuyasu Shimomura
-
Patent number: 8639384Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods for receiving shipment parcels at materials handling facilities. A parcel receiving system has an imaging tunnel through which shipment parcels received at a materials handling facility are passed. While a shipment parcel is passing through the imaging tunnel, a camera captures at least one image of the parcel. The parcel image is electronically analyzed to discover various tracking information and to detect various types of exceptions, such as damage to the parcel or defective tracking information. In addition, the captured image is stored in order to create a visual record of the parcel at the time of reception. This record may be used in a variety of ways, such as resolving or tracking exceptions or providing feedback to the vendor or shipment carrier. In addition, the parcel image may be viewed by a user to enable the user to detect and/or resolve an exception.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric C. Young, Devesh Mishra, Timothy Jesse Tien, Jun Zhao, Sameer Vinod Shah, Zongyi Liu
-
Patent number: 8626336Abstract: An automated destacking device is used to remove a single flat item or sheet from the top of a stack, and to then transport the item from the stack so that it may be used in an assembly line, manufacturing process, or the like. The stacked items are placed into a hopper, and an elevator drives the hopper upwardly until the top item in the stack contacts the underside of a horizontally movable carriage. The underside of the carriage includes an adhesive element, which engages the top item, and then the carriage moves in a horizontal direction away from the stack, carrying the top item from the stack to a position separately from the stack.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventor: Roger Blaine Trivette
-
Patent number: 8615386Abstract: In a computerized method, and a computer-readable medium encoded with programming instructions for implementing the method, multiple layers of packages stacked on a load carrier are virtually constructed in a computer and, for each of the layers, an automatic determination is made with regard to the additive pressure that each layer exerts on the respective layers therebelow in the stack. The packages are organized in the multiple layers in the virtual construction dependent on predetermined constraints for the respective additive pressures, and the virtual construction is made available at an output of the computer in a form allowing the actual loading of the load carrier with the packages to be guided.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventors: Lars Baldes, Gerda Ruge, Julian Haselmayr
-
Patent number: 8615321Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventors: Lars Baldes, Gerda Ruge, Julian Haselmayr
-
Patent number: 8612049Abstract: When the load factor of a loading/unloading apparatus reaches a second reference value that is smaller in load factor than the first reference value, the operation speed of the loading/unloading apparatus becomes a reduction state. It is possible to make load vibration difficult to be generated in a load. Further, fine adjustment of the manipulation becomes easy, such that it is possible to prevent the load factor from reaching the first reference value due to careless manipulation of the operator. Even if the load factor reaches the first reference value, the operation speed of the loading/unloading apparatus has been reduced, such that it is possible to prevent load vibration of the load W when stopping.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignees: Central Japan Railway Company, Nippon Sharyo, Ltd.Inventors: Noriyuki Ogita, Kazunari Sakurai, Ryou Maeda, Kazuki Kobayashi, Koshu Yamashita
-
Patent number: 8593263Abstract: A control/monitor signal transmission system in which simple communication control can be performed without a control unit, and a wiring allowable distance is larger than a conventional system. A plurality of slave stations which are installed corresponding to the plurality of actuating apparatuses and are connected through a common data signal line, and a mediation station which is connected to the data signal line are equipped, and the data signal line includes a plurality of independent groups which are consolidated to the mediation station. The plurality of actuating apparatuses are divided into one or plural sets including at least two, and the actuating apparatuses which belong to the same set and are different in group of the connected data signal line have a correspondence relationship.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Anywire CorporationInventors: Yoshitane Saitou, Kenji Nihikido
-
Patent number: 8594835Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Symbotic, LLCInventors: John Lert, Stephen Toebes, Robert Sullivan, Foster D Hinshaw, Nathan Ulrich, Eric Peters
-
Patent number: 8583277Abstract: In a method for palletizing packages using an automated manipulator, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with programming instructions for implementing the method, a sequence of grip positions is designated for accepting packages with the automated manipulator, and a supply of provided packages is automatically checked with regard to the grip positions of the packages in the supply. The supplied packages are palletized according to a predetermined initial palletizing pattern as long as the packages are supplied in the grip positions in the sequence. The packages are palletized by the manipulator according to an alternate palletizing pattern, different from the initial palletizing pattern, in the event that a package is not supplied to the manipulator in a grip position in the sequence.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventors: Ralf Kuehnemann, Lars Baldes, Gerda Ruge
-
Patent number: 8577496Abstract: An approach is provided to move an object across a surface using a grid of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules. A first set of transfer modules is selected from the grid, with the first set of modules being underneath the object. Back-side and front-side sets of modules are identified from the selected first set of modules, with the back-side sets being toward the back of the object opposite to the horizontal direction and the front-side sets being toward the front side of the object that faces the horizontal direction. The back-side and front-side sets are vertically adjusted so that the average of the back-side sets of vertical heights is higher than the average of the front-side sets of vertical heights. The vertical adjustment of the transfer modules causes the object to move across the tops of the transfer modules in the horizontal direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Nathan E. Masters, James Adam Oravec, Rodrigo Alberto Rey, Matthew Robert Sowders
-
Patent number: 8571702Abstract: Technologies are described herein for optimizing pick-to-tote operations. Each pick location for items in an inventory picking area is assigned a sequence number representing a relative position along a pick path through the inventory picking area. A number of tote pick lists are selected from a set of pending pick lists for the pick-to-tote operation, such that the range of sequence numbers across all the pick locations identified in the selected pick list is minimized. In this way, the required distance inventory personnel must travel along the pick path while picking the specified items and placing them into totes is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Paul N. Haake, Sarah T. Rowe, Sean Joseph Henry Oczkowski
-
Publication number: 20130282165Abstract: An automated palletizer includes an automated package pick device capable of moving packages from a package deposit section to a pallet to form a pallet load from packages. A controller is operably connected to the automated pick device, the controller having a pallet load generator configured to determine a pallet load structure of mixed packages. The pallet load generator is programmed so that it determines the load structure from mixed package layers overlaid over each other at least one of the mixed package layers being formed of stacks of mixed packages. Top and bottom surfaces of the stacks corresponding to the at least one mixed package layer respectively form top and bottom surfaces of the at least one mixed package layer that are substantially flat. The controller generates commands for the pick device to build the pallet load from the load structure determined by the pallet load generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: SYMBOTIC LLCInventor: Symbotic LLC
-
Patent number: 8565912Abstract: A pick and place system including at least one input conveyor, at least one output conveyor, at least one pick and place robot and control circuitry. Available picking positions on an input conveyor at which a respective item can be picked are determined as well as available placing positions on an output conveyor at which a respective item can be placed. For the available picking positions and the available placing positions, a respective picking time and placing time is calculated, and the at least one robot is instructed to pick items at the picking positions and place the items at the placing positions in an order determined by the respective picking times and placing times.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.Inventors: Daniel Wappling, Steve Murphy
-
Patent number: 8554371Abstract: The vision aided case/bulk palletizer system of this invention is a process and apparatus for: providing a camera positioned over the dunnage supply line; initiating a frame grab of the dunnage supply line with the camera; using the frame grab to determine the position of the dunnage; using the frame grab to position the programmable robot over the dunnage; feeding the dunnage from the dunnage supply line to the load building area; and controlling the steps with the single programmable robot, microprocessor and software. This system provides for transfer of the dunnage when the position of the dunnage is skewed by using the frame grab to position the programmable robot over the skewed dunnage. In another embodiment, the camera is used to determine any void in the tier of product during the build of a tier of product, and also provides for error-proofing the transfer of dunnage.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Kaufman Engineered SystemsInventor: Jonathon D. Parker
-
Patent number: 8538692Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Raffaello D'Andrea, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew E. Hoffman, Michael C. Mountz
-
Patent number: 8538579Abstract: In a method and system for depalletizing tires using a robot, wherein the tires are randomly located on a carrier, the position and orientation of outer tires on the carrier are detected using a sensor, and a processor, using a signal from the sensor, determines a tire that can be gripped by a gripping tool of an industrial robot, and calculates a movement path for the gripping tool for that tire. If the calculated path is not collision-free, another tire from among the outer tires is selected, and a movement path for depalletizing that tire is determined. The procedure is repeated until a collision-free movement path for a tire from among the outer tires is established. The gripping tool is then guided according to this collision-free movement path to depalletize the tire having the collision-free path associated therewith.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventors: Norbert Cottone, Thorsten Eberhardt, Sven Heissmeyer, Alexander Hollinger, Martin Peghini
-
Publication number: 20130238116Abstract: 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. 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. The subset of articles may be removed from the predetermined area, followed by loading of new articles to the predetermined area. Quicker and more efficient removal and loading of articles from and to the article dispensing machine may result.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Redbox Automated Retail, LLCInventors: Thomas Franklin Smith, William Martinka, Jim Polubinski, JR.
-
Patent number: 8532575Abstract: An application for a two-way communication system for communicating with a person who is within a second vehicle includes a short-range radio transmitter within a first vehicle to transmit audio to a radio within the second vehicle. Communication from the person in the second vehicle to a person in the first vehicle is performed by aiming a light beam from the first vehicle at the second vehicle and receiving reflections of the light beam at the first vehicle. The light beam is modulated by vibration of the second vehicle caused by the person speaking in the second vehicle. The received light beam is then processed to reproduce the sound of the person's voice.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Inventor: Eddie B. Lofton
-
Patent number: 8527093Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the position of the tongs of a crane depending on bending of a slab are disclosed. Side surface detection units are installed at both ends of the tongs of a crane for gripping the side surfaces of one or more slabs, and are configured to detect one or more gaps generated due to bending of one of the slabs. A distance detection unit is configured to detect the distance between an uppermost slab and the crane. A control unit is configured to adjust the final grip position of the tongs using information about the gaps generated due to the bending of the slab. The information about the gaps is detected by the side surface detection units and the distance detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: PoscoInventors: Dong Wook Kim, Sang Choul Won, Joo Man Kim, Young Su Kim, Kyu Hyun Kim, Jin Ho Kim, Se Hoon Kim
-
Publication number: 20130184854Abstract: A robotic automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) mixed pallet build system includes a rack that includes two or more verticals levels upon which items are stored. The system includes a three-dimensional robotic AS/RS that includes a carriage, robot arm, vertical lift, and horizontal propulsion system. The items from the rack are loaded upon the carriage to create a pallet. The robot arm is configured to stack the items from the racks onto the pallet. The vertical lift is configured to move the carriage vertically between the vertical levels of the racks. The horizontal propulsion system is configured to move the carriage horizontally along the rack so that the carriage is able to service the entire length of the rack. The three-dimensional robotic AS/RS also includes a stretch wrapper that progressively secures the layers of items on the pallet to prevent the items from falling off the pallet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: BASTIAN SOLUTIONS, LLCInventor: BASTIAN SOLUTIONS, LLC
-
Patent number: 8489229Abstract: A method and system for loading a loading carrier, in particular pallets, with packages by means of an automated manipulator, a model of a package stack on the loading carrier is automatically determined, an initial desired position for a package in the mode is determined, the package stack is detected on the loading carrier, a deviation between the detected package stack and the model is determined, the package is placed by the manipulator, and the steps are repeated until a termination criterion is reached.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventors: Ralf Kuehnemann, Lars Baldes, Gerda Ruge, Botond Goeroeg
-
Patent number: 8489237Abstract: Methods correcting wafer position error are provided. The methods involve measuring wafer position error on a robot during transfer to an intermediate station. This measurement data is then used by a second robot to perform wafer pick moves from the intermediate station with corrections to center the wafer. Wafer position correction may be performed at only one location during the transfer process. Also provided are systems and apparatuses for transferring wafers using an intermediate station.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Chris Gage, Damon Genetti
-
Patent number: 8457780Abstract: The invention relates to a system of enabling automated receiving/retrieving of stocks of cargo for storing purposes. The system uses at least one service level and one or more storage levels. The service level is operated and organized in such a way that it is able to receive, interchange cargo, and extract cargo simultaneously and batch way. The system is redundant and allows continued operation even if some of its components malfunction. The service area comprising (a) a plurality of pallets for conveying said cargo; (b) a matrix of blocks of predetermined shape upon which said cargo and said pallets located; (c) at least one elevator block for transporting said pallet to different areas of said system; (d) at least one box; (e) at least two buffer for allowing transport of said pallets in at least two orthogonal directions in each of said areas.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Inventor: Ilia Kharkover
-
Patent number: 8447426Abstract: An installation includes a machine (2) for packaging products (8) and of a robotic palleting station, both arranged in a same enclosure (1) that is provided with a door (7) that offers access to the palleting station. The installation includes a device which limits the range of movement of the robot (15) in the closed enclosure (1) in order to concentrate the displacements of its gripping head (17) in a restricted space which does not overlap with a safety space, which is defined according to a minimum distance measured from the immaterial barrier located in the enclosure in the vicinity of the door (7). The limiting device includes an electric cam that limits, under the control of the steering control of the robot, the amplitude of the movement of the robot (15) around its main axis and reduces its movement speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Sidel ParticipationsInventors: Didier Mougin, Christophe Alix
-
Patent number: 8442671Abstract: A system (1), a method and an operating unit (62) for the creation of mixed layers for pallets (81, 82, 83, 84) are disclosed. A storage (10) is provided in which at least two different pack types are stored on a plurality of pallets (81, 82, 83, 84), including a plurality of layers of homogenous packs. The packs are intermediately stored in a plurality of individual, parallel conveyors (301, 302, . . . 30N) in a homogenous state. Based on the input of a user (5) on a touch panel (62), the packs are supplied to a grouping table (50) via a supply conveyor (40) in a predetermined sequence. A controller (60) is associated with the system (1) so that, in the grouping table (50), individual different pack types are allocated to the predefined positions of the different pack types as a function of predefined positions of the different pack types in a layer pattern (14) of a layer (24) of a production pallet (12).Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Michael Beck, Markus Ludsteck
-
Patent number: 8433437Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan J. Shakes, Francois M. Rouaix
-
Patent number: 8423177Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jason S. Lee, Ivory W. Knipfer, Antoine Sater, Manivannan Thavasi, Yajun Tu
-
Patent number: 8423178Abstract: A method for automated commissioning of bundles includes providing different source palettes and palettizing at least one target palette, with bundle layers of different source palettes being individualized and/or magazined in alternation and/or with variable predetermination, and/or bundles or bundle groups being magazined and/or demagazined in stacks before palettizing of the target palette, and/or the target palette is selectively palettized with at least one non-individualized bundle layer of a source palette.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventor: Michael Baumann
-
Publication number: 20130085596Abstract: An automated parking system comprising a multi-level vehicle parking structure including multiple parking spaces arranged in one or more rows on each level of said structure; and an automatic vehicle positioning system configured to position and retrieve vehicles in said one or more rows of parking spaces, and further configured to shift a parking space of one or more vehicles in one row for retrieving one or more other vehicles in said row.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: Unitronics Parking Solutions Ltd.Inventor: Haim Shani
-
Patent number: 8406917Abstract: A system and method of the present invention randomly mixes and palletizes various containers received from a conveyor. A control system received an order in advance to cooperate with an automatic storage and retrieval system to pick the containers, ordered by various customers, and to place them on a second conveyor. A robotic device, such as a robotic arm or a gantry system, selectively picks the containers from the second conveyor and places the containers on a pallet in a mixed fashion. The pallets are delivered to the respective customers.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Inventors: Salahuddin F. Khan, Jeffrey A. Clark, Philip K. Ickes, Hans Peter Schuster, Mike A. Shaffer
-
Patent number: 8406915Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile rack for a library and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system for a library including the same, wherein the mobile rack includes a plurality of racks configured to keep books each attached with an RFID tag and mounted with an RFID reader for recognizing tag information stored in the RFID tag, a moving unit configured to move at least one of the plurality of racks, a server configured to manage the books that are inputted, outputted and stacked, and a controller configured to control the moving means in response to a user command through the server or the tag information and to adjust a discrete distance between racks.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin Kuk Hong, Jae Yul Choo, Jeong Ki Ryoo
-
Patent number: 8401693Abstract: In a method for spacing bundles of a bundle layer by means of a manipulator gripper with at least one support base that engages bundles and a stop for the placement of bundles, separation between an edge of the support base and the stop is reduced, by a placement motion of the support base in a placement direction that is superimposed on the relative motion of the support base and the stop and is synchronized with this relative motion.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventor: Michael Baumann
-
Patent number: 8401477Abstract: An application for a two-way communication system for communicating with a person who is within a vehicle includes a short-range radio transmission to transmit audio to a radio within the vehicle. Communication from the person is done by reflecting a light beam on a window of the vehicle and receiving the light beam. The light beam is modulated by vibration of the window caused by the person's voice. The received light beam is then processed to reproduce the sound of the person's voice.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Inventor: Eddie B. Lofton
-
Patent number: 8392017Abstract: Apparatus for grouping a number of units, such as packaging units, when palleting the units, comprising a feed belt for conveying the units (10) and a grouping belt, which defines a grouping plane, said feed and grouping belts being driven for movement parallel to one another, and a robot, which is designed to group the units by positioning and orienting the units on the grouping plane. At least one part of the feed belt (1) runs beside and adjacent to the grouping belt (2). The robot (3) is a multi-axial industrial robot having a robotic arm on which a pusher element (5) is arranged, rotatable about an axis (6) perpendicular to the grouping plane, in order to allow the transfer of at least one unit from the feed belt to the grouping belt under a pushing action supplied by the pushing element, together with orientation and positioning of the unit on the grouping belt.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Lars Erik Trygg
-
Patent number: 8384544Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that distribute electronic data, such as Electronic Product Code (EPC) data, obtained from RFID tags by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and/or servers to agents within an agent-based control system. The systems and methods employ a component that collects, filters, processes, and stores electronic product data. The component collects electronic product data through corresponding reader and/or server interfaces. This data can be filtered to accept particular electronic product data, processed to a format suitable to the agents, and stored. Such storage can include delineating the electronic product data across rows of a table by electronic product code and across columns of the table by various types of data. Upon receiving a subscription and/or request from an agent for electronic product data, the component can obtain and convey the information to the agent.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Pavel Vrba, Filip Macurek, Vladimir Marik, Kenwood H. Hall, Pavel Tichy
-
Patent number: 8335585Abstract: The invention describes a goods distribution center (1) and a method for its operation for goods (9) to be handled preferably in partitioned storage and transport containers (8) with at least two storage areas (5, 7) for groups of goods with varying turnover frequencies. It comprises an incoming goods area (2), an outgoing goods area (6) and at least one order picking area (4). Conveying devices (10) form for example conveyor belts, roller conveyors, storage and retrieval means (12), e.g. shelf operating devices. Storage devices form e.g. high shelf, flow shelf storage etc. Furthermore, data input and output devices (26) are provided at workstations (18) and connected communicatively with a storage, control and monitoring device (25). The conveying devices (10) of the incoming goods area (2) and the order picking area (4) are in the form of continuous conveying devices (14, 16), which are connected via transfer conveying means (15) to one another and to storage and retrieval means (12).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignees: TGW Logistics Group GmbH, Klug GmbH Integrierte SystemeInventors: Rudolf Hansl, Dieter Klug
-
Patent number: 8332065Abstract: A method includes causing a stacking device having a first stacking unit and a second stacking unit to stack sheets of a small size on the first stacking unit or the second stacking unit and to stack sheets of a large size over the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit, and controlling the stacking of sheets by restricting stacking of the sheets of the large size on the sheet of the small size when the sheets of the small size are stacked on at least one of the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tsuyoshi Kurakata
-
Patent number: 8321354Abstract: A system, computer-implemented method, and software for automatically planning and scheduling ocean-going vessels for oil distribution is provided. The scheduling of the vessels is based on a filtered beam search and greedy heuristic. A server can be used for receiving a schedule request and one or more constraints for scheduling one or more vessels from one or more users. An optimization engine can be used for generating a schedule based at least in part on the one or more constraints using a beam search algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: JDA Software Group, Inc.Inventors: Jian Ye, Mark Hartge
-
Publication number: 20120290123Abstract: In a sheet processing apparatus which is able to control to stack a sheet on at least one of a plurality of stacking units which stack printed sheets, when a first sheet having a small size is stacked on a first stacking unit, and a second sheet having the small size is designated to be stacked on a second stacking unit different from the first stacking unit, it is determined whether a sheet is stacked on a stacking unit adjacent to the second stacking unit, and a third stacking unit, that is different from the second stacking unit and is adjacent to a stacking unit on which a sheet is stacked, is selected as a stacking unit for the second sheet if it is determined that no sheet is stacked on the stacking unit adjacent to the second stacking unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Sho Saito
-
Patent number: 8311673Abstract: A method for providing independent static and dynamic models in a prediction, control and optimization environment utilizes an independent static model (20) and an independent dynamic model (22). The static model (20) is a rigorous predictive model that is trained over a wide range of data, whereas the dynamic model (22) is trained over a narrow range of data. The gain K of the static model (20) is utilized to scale the gain k of the dynamic model (22). The forced dynamic portion of the model (22) referred to as the bi variables are scaled by the ratio of the gains K and k. Thereafter, the difference between the new value input to the static model (20) and the prior steady-state value is utilized as an input to the dynamic model (22). The predicted dynamic output is then summed with the previous steady-state value to provide a predicted value Y.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eugene Boe, Stephen Piche, Gregory D. Martin
-
Publication number: 20120283868Abstract: Generation of a plan for loading or unloading a variety of objects into a container. Such objects can comprise irregularly-shaped objects, regularly-shaped object, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a method enables such generation, wherein the method can comprise the steps of storing a model for each object of a plurality of objects, each model comprising a weight, a center of gravity, and a shape of the associated object, and storing a plurality of parameters associated with the container. The method can comprise the steps of selecting a set of one or more objects, from the plurality of objects, to be loaded into the container, and generating an optimized sequence for loading the set of one or more objects into the container, based on at least the weight, the center of gravity, the shape of each of the one or more objects, and the parameters associated with the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: John D. Rutt, Frank J. Cygler, III, Richard A. Bucher
-
Patent number: 8301294Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan J Shakes, Francois M. Rouaix
-
Patent number: 8295976Abstract: A system and method for determining the degree of filling of a container with filled envelopes is described including dynamically determining the real thickness of each of the filled envelopes of a plurality of filled envelopes before it is loaded into the container and evaluating the degree of filling of the container on the basis of the real thicknesses of envelopes thus determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Mag Systemes S.A.S.Inventor: Michel Moreaux
-
Patent number: 8290617Abstract: In a robot system, and a method for operating a robot system, for loading general cargo units, a gripper unit of the robot is operated to stack the general cargo units in a stack, by movements controlled by a computerized control unit. In order to avoid unstable loading patterns, the computerized control unit automatically determines the loading pattern of the stack of general cargo units, and also automatically determines at least one characteristic that represents the stability of the loading pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbHInventor: Gerda Ruge
-
Patent number: 8290613Abstract: An automated parking system and method for controlling a parking garage employ a distributed control system to control the transport of a vehicle between an entry/exit station and a parking space. The distributed control system employs an independent controller (PLC) for each mechanical element, such as elevators and shuttle cars. The PLCs are interconnected by a network and coordinate with each other to control the operation of the automated parking system. An operator panel including a touchscreen display may be used by an operator to control directly the operation of a particular PLC and its associated mechanical element. A central management computer is used to coordinate the overall operation and management of the distributed control system and to provide enhanced features including redundant safety checks.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Unitronics (1989) (R″G) Ltd.Inventor: Haim Shani
-
Patent number: 8260454Abstract: An automated storage system comprises a plurality of storage locations, at least one access location, a plurality of storage containers provided on the storage locations, a control system and at least one user interface, the control system further comprising a retrieval mode and a storage mode, and a delivery system for delivering a storage container from a storage location to an access location during the retrieval mode, and for returning the storage container to a storage location during the storage mode. User instructions at the control interface initiate the retrieval mode and the storage mode, and a user is provided access to the retrieved storage container while it is located at the access location.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Boomerang Systems, Inc.Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
-
Patent number: 8249997Abstract: A computer coupled to a mail processing device enables sort schemes having associated sort parameters, particularly mail item sort schemes and an associated pallet scheme providing pallet location designations for mail items sorted in accord with one or more of the sort schemes. A mailing job to be run by the mail processing device as well as an execution or dispatch date of the mailing job are selected or otherwise identified. Based on mailing criteria corresponding to the mailing job, a server or other computer associated within the mail processing device retrieves a pallet scheme and a one or more mail sort schemes. One or more pallet location designations associated with the sort scheme(s) are updated, based on the pallet scheme. The mail processing device is run on the mailing job, based on said one or more enabled sort schemes.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLCInventors: Raymond Lee, Brian Bowers, Paul Kostyniuk
-
Patent number: 8240973Abstract: A palletizing robot includes at least one rotatable pallet; a crane comprising a rotary base, a lifting frame fixed on the rotary base, and an extensible mechanical hand slidably engaged to the lifting frame to grasp a good; and a controller. The controller controls the crane and the at least one rotatable pallet to cooperatively stack the goods on the rotatable pallet, and control the at least one rotatable pallet to rotate itself to package the stacked goods.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiao-Ming Xu, Hua Li, Xi-Song Shuai
-
Patent number: 8244400Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for automatically stacking tires (4) on a support (1). According to the method, geometrical data of the tires (4) and/or a digital model of the tires (4) is provided, based on the geometrical data and/or the tire model and a predefinable size of the support (1), an algorithm calculates a stacking pattern for the tires (4) on the support (1) by taking into account a predefined size of the support, said stacking pattern making it possible to store the largest possible number of tires (4) in a stable manner on the support (1). Positional data of the tires (4) are adopted from the stacking pattern and associated trajectories of a handling device for stacking the tires (4) are generated and stored according to the stacking pattern.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbHInventors: Norbert Cottone, Daniel Kotzor, Torsten Albrecht, Martin Peghini
-
Publication number: 20120197432Abstract: A method for positioning electronic devices into compartments of an input medium is disclosed. At least one electronic device is packable in a single compartment of the input medium. Known positions on an upper side of the input medium are imaged by an inspection device. Actual position data of the compartments of the input medium are calculated on the basis of images of the known positions, given target position data of the known positions, and given target position data of the compartments of the input medium. A pick and place device for the electronic devices is controlled on the basis of the calculated actual position data of the compartments of the input medium. A method for determining the actual positions of compartments of an output medium is disclosed with analogous steps, whereby the electronic devices are picked-up from compartments of the input medium, transferred to compartments of the output medium, and placed into the compartments of the output medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventors: Bert Vangilbergen, Jimmy Vermeulen, Carl Truyens, Erik De Block, Bruno Accou