Abstract: An address label rework station according to the invention includes a conveyor which can simultaneously transport a series of spaced parcels along a conveyor path in a substantially horizontal stream. The station includes a camera, A work space, a microphone is usable by an operator in the work space, a targeting device directing a human operator in the work space. Station also includes a sensor system, a labeler and a printer to print shipping information. The station also includes a computer configured to receive and recognize image and voice data, generate a label with a recognized shipping address, and control the conveyer to apply a new label to the parcel by the labeler at the position selected using the targeting device.

Abstract: A sheet processing system includes an arrangement device, a sheet processing apparatus, and a server with a communication line to count and sort sheets. The arrangement device includes an input unit configured to input attribute information of the sheets, a reading apparatus configured to, sort the sheets to a first sheet group and a second sheet group by respective first and second identification cards, and a unified identification card corresponding to a unified sheet group. A transmitting unit processes the input attribute information and the identification information, transmits the processed arrangement processing information to the server via the communication line. A sorter conveys and sorts the sheet groups and identification cards. A second reading apparatus reads the identification information, and a CPU checks the information from the server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the loading and/or unloading process of an aeroplane. According to the invention, a parcel introduced into the aeroplane is identified, a weight is associated with the parcel, the position of the parcel inside the airplane is monitored, and the total weight and/or center of gravity of the aeroplane is calculated from the aeroplane information provided and the weights and positions of the parcels.

Abstract: A sortation conveyor includes a method of calibrating the control system to provide a calibration value indicative of the spacial correlation between the sort induct sensor and the first shoe sensor.

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.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to techniques and/or equipment for validating mail items within a mail processing system. Sort scheme data and mail item identification data are loaded into the mail processing system. The mail item identification data includes a mail owner identification value and a unique mail item identifier. Then, mail item identification data is acquired from each of the mail items processed in the system and validated against the loaded mail item identification data. The method may involve storing mail item validation data. The mail items are sorted in accordance with the loaded sort scheme data. Further, the present subject matter relates generally to building reports based on the information derived from the techniques and/or equipment utilized therein.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a sorting of a plurality of components nested in a workpeice, including at least two sets of components, each adapted to be assembled to form a structure, comprising producing a plan replicating the cut pattern of the workpiece, depicting the profiles of the components, each provided with an identifier denoting the location of the component on the workpiece; producing at least one of a plurality of labels, each bearing a distinguishable one of the location indicators and a distinctive, readily visable identifier denoting a different one of the sets of components; applying each of the labels on a nested component of the workpiece corresponding to the profile of the component on the plan, guided by the plan and the applicable location identifiers; removing each of the nested components provided with labels bearing the same readily, visable identifier and grouping all components provided with labels bearing the same identifier, together.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for determining the usability of overage units in a sortation process are described. The embodiments described herein may include a control system of an order fulfillment center. For each unit of multiple units picked from inventory in an order fulfillment center, the control system may be configured to determine whether the given unit is designated to be inducted into a sortation system for sorting units of items into shipments. The control system may be configured to determine an overage unit of a particular item. The control system may also be configured to dynamically determine one or more incomplete shipments that each requires at least one unit of the particular item in order to become a completed shipment. Once such incomplete shipments are determined, the control system may generate an instruction to induct the unit into the sortation system.

Abstract: A method determines setups for constant tables of automatic placement machines in placement lines at predetermined table locations by mixed integer linear optimization based on input data describing the placement infrastructure and input parameters that can be specified by the operator or user. The method can be used regardless of the mounting technique used (for example, plug in mounting technique, surface mounting technique, or a hybrid technique). The method can be advantageously used with other methods, for example, cluster methods for forming setup groups or line balancing for cycle time optimization.

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: 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 substrate processing system includes a control section configured to control a series of transfer operations and preset to control operation of a container transfer apparatus, operation at a substrate access area, and operation of a substrate handling apparatus independently of each other. The control section includes a schedule creating portion configured to create a transfer schedule by individually adjusting operation timing of the container transfer apparatus, operation timing at the substrate access area, and operation timing of the substrate handling apparatus such that, in a state while a first lot of substrates are treated in the processing system, but the container transfer apparatus and the substrate access area are unoccupied, a container with a second lot of unprocessed substrates stored therein is transferred onto the substrate access area, thereby minimizing total transfer time.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus includes: a characteristic information obtaining unit which obtains characteristic information of each of packages; a first branching unit to a third branching unit each of which performs branching operation for forwarding a predetermined package among the packages to a corresponding one of a first branching conveyor to a third branching conveyor; an interval adjusting unit which adjusts an interval which is a distance between two packages, which are a current package and the next package, forwarded sequentially; a branch control unit which causes each of the first branching unit to the third branching unit to change the details of branching operations according to the characteristic information; and an interval control unit which causes the interval adjusting unit to increase the interval in proportion to the time required for the branching operation for the current package.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect of the invention is a rack mounting position management system including a rack having a plurality of units, and a mounted device mounted in the rack. The rack includes, for each of the units, a signal output unit that outputs a signal having a different value for each of the units of the rack. The mounted device includes a signal acquisition unit that acquires the signal output from the signal output unit, and a control unit that discriminates a mounting position of the mounted device in the rack according to a value of the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit.

Abstract: A money handling apparatus for performing at least depositing includes: a casing; a depositing unit; a recognition unit configured to at least count or recognize money fed from the depositing unit; an inner storage unit from which the money stored therein is unremovable directly from the outside of the casing; an outer stacking unit from which the money stacked therein is removable directly from the outside of the casing; a transport unit configured to transport the money among the above-described units; and a controller configured to allow selective transport of the money handled by the recognition unit to the inner storage unit, or the outer stacking unit. The controller transfers the money to the inner storage unit when a first deposit mode is selected by a selection signal, or transfers the money to the outer stacking unit when a second deposit mode is selected.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for detecting overlapped items in a sequence of items moving along a conveying path based on rigidity and thickness contour measurements.

Abstract: An automated order-picking system for conveying article units towards a workstation, including at least one storage rack having a plurality of storage locations for receiving load supports, on which or in which article units are stored, preferably by one sort only, wherein the storage rack is divided into rack regions, wherein each of the rack region comprises a plurality of rack planes which respectively comprise a plurality of storage locations being arranged side-by-side, one endlessly rotating central conveyor, particularly a conveyor belt, being arranged along a longitudinal side of the storage rack and preferably between two storage racks, and which is divided into a plurality of windows, a number of vertical elevators being arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal side of the storage rack, and which respectively comprise one load suspension device for receiving and delivering of at least one of the storage units.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a row unit configured to deposit seeds within soil. The agricultural implement system also includes a bounce sensor rigidly coupled to the row unit and configured to output a signal indicative of a bounce magnitude, a bounce direction, or a combination thereof, of the row unit.

Abstract: A planting system for planting multiple seed varieties. The planting system includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. A seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters to transport seed from each of the plurality of seed meters into a seed tube. Each of the plurality of seed meters is engaged and disengaged by a clutch, and the seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters in an angled orientation.

Abstract: A method of distributing objects, having a random distribution of weights, according to their weights. In the method, the presence of one of the objects is detected, the detected object is grasped by a robot, and the object grasped is weighed by a sensor. The weight measured is associated with the object and stored. The process is repeated for the objects. The weight distribution obtained from the weights measured is used in filling containers with objects so that containers are optimally filled.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vegetable tower, which comprises a main body. A main spiral slide guide is disposed inside the main body and vegetable growing bins can be hung on the main spiral slide guide via a plurality of chains and then slipped downstream along the main spiral slide guide by means of gravity. The vegetable growing bins further comprises several supply tubes and supply inlets. A main control module is built inside the main body, and it can automatically ascend and descend inside the main body to perform identifying, feeding, catching images and measuring functionalities. The main control module can feed the vegetable growing bins with water, fertilizer, CO2. The central management module and the main control module are integrated to be an automatic planting-care system to make the growths of the vegetables under well control.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a rack that holds a magazine loaded with plural tape cartridges, the rack including an insertion slot through which the magazine is inserted, a conveying mechanism that attaches the plural tape cartridges to the magazine and detaches the plural tape cartridges from the magazine, the conveying mechanism including a reader for reading an identifier provided on each of the plural tape cartridges, and a control device that moves the conveying mechanism, prior to the magazine being inserted into the insertion slot, to an identifier reading position enabling the reader to read the identifiers as the magazine is inserted through the insertion slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting media trays for hole punching in an image production device in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a request to print a print job, the print job having a required number of media sheets, determining if print job requires hole punching, wherein if it is determined that print job requires hole punching, determining the media sheet capacity of one or more media trays, determining if the capacity of one of the one or more media trays is greater or equal to the number of media sheets required for the print job, wherein if it is determined that the capacity of one of the one or more media trays is greater or equal to the number of media sheets required for the print job, selecting one of the one or more media trays having the required number of media sheets for the print job, and printing the print job with media from the selected media tray.

Abstract: A computer system utilizes an algorithm that: (a) prepares a table that includes counts of zip code occurrences in a mailing list; (b) prepares a container list that allocates counts to different containers; (c) uses the container list to allocate individual addresses to different mailing containers; and (d) addresses the mailing pieces (directly or by labels) according to the addresses associated with the various containers. Such configurations can advantageously decrease the time required to sort an extremely large mailing into mailing containers according to postal presort levels, among other things by performing the above steps predominantly in the internal memory of the computer system.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for mail forwarding and special handling services include processing mail in a single pass or in multiple passes (i.e., online or offline). The methods and systems can include one or more of a scannable symbol, an extra appended post code digit, a dedicated database field, separate table indexed by a control number, a logically separate database, or a database hosted on a separate server for use in identifying mail pieces needing special handling and retrieving special handling information, for example forwarding address text for such mail pieces.

Abstract: A money handling device for accepting, storing and dispensing valuable documents in exchange for goods or services includes a validation module (100), a recycler module (200) and a note storage module (300). The validation module determines acceptable and non-acceptable valuable documents, and the storage module stores acceptable valuable documents. The recycler is arranged to dispense a temporarily stored valuable document to the validation module for dispensing as change or to dispense a temporarily stored valuable document to the note storage module.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining when a set of RFID tags on a set of objects belongs to a same defined subset of objects (“set identification”).

Abstract: A merchandise sales data processing apparatus includes a display device and a first display control unit. The first display control unit displays balance information and an input area simultaneously on the display device. The balance information is information regarding balance of each denomination in an automatic change dispenser which deposits or dispenses money. The balance information is generated by a balance information generating unit. The input area receives, through an input device, the input of change reserves information regarding change reserves that should be prepared in the automatic change dispenser.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that warns that a JOB fails to be pulled out is provided. Warning processes executed by a CPU of a printer that is one example of the image forming apparatus includes the steps of determining whether a JOB list is updated, setting a job counter JB_S_CTA for checking JOB at an initial value “1” and setting an upper limit counter JB_S_CTB at an upper limit value when the JOB list is updated, executing a failure-to-pull-out warning process if JOBs counted by JB_S_CTA belong to the same client, and incrementing the JB_S_CTA by “1”.

Abstract: A bill recognizing and counting apparatus includes a feeding and transporting mechanism; a line sensor to scan an image of the bills; a denomination determination table in which denomination recognition data is registered for at least one currency; a denomination recognizing unit that recognizes a denomination of the currency by referring to the table; a processing-mode switching unit that switches between a denomination mode and a different currency recognition mode; a different-currency recognizing unit that compares a difference in size between a first bill and each bill of a second bill and thereafter with an allowable range, and recognizes whether the each bill of the second bill and thereafter is of the same denomination as the first bill; and a control unit that guides the bill being determined as a different denomination to a rejecting unit or stops the feeding and transporting mechanism.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing cards for processing first cause a drawing of a card from at least one card magazine. The cards are arranged in a plurality of card magazines and may be drawn from the same, and information regarding their card type is further associated with the cards. After drawing the card, it is output for subsequent processing together with the information regarding the card type associated with the card to allow control of the subsequent processing based on the forwarded information. Cards of a known card type are arranged in a card magazine and the information regarding the card type is associated with the card magazine, wherein the information associated with the card magazine is forwarded when drawing a card from a card magazine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coin handling machine 11 which can properly and effectively use the capacities of the coin storing units 25. Coins to be transported in the deposit transport unit 22 are recognized by a recognition unit 23, sorted by sorting by a plurality of sorting units 24 using electric driving units according to recognition results, and stored in coin storing units 25 of a plurality of stackers 26. Each stacker 26 is provided with two coin storing units 25 with different capacities. To coins with a large diameter or thickness or coins of a sort the handling amount of which is large, a coin storing unit 25 with a large capacity is assigned to prevent capacity shortage. To coins with a small diameter or thickness or coins of a sort the handling amount of which is small, a coin storing unit 25 with a small capacity is assigned to prevent the capacity from becoming excessive. The capacities of the coin storing units 25 can be properly and effectively used.

Abstract: This invention provides a change refill and management system, which can substantially reduce the initial cost for a coin-roll management apparatus, even in the case in which a plurality of register units are provided in the system. The change refill and management system related to this invention includes: a coin-roll management apparatus (20) capable of storing therein coin rolls of a plurality of denominations; and a plurality of register units (10), each register unit (10) including at least a change machine (14) or drawer, more than one register unit (10) being provided to the one coin-roll management apparatus (20) in the vicinity of this coin-roll management apparatus (20). The coin-roll management apparatus (20) includes a coin-roll-total-amount detection unit (22a) for detecting the total amount of money of the coin rolls stored in each coin-roll drawer (23, 24, 25) provided to this coin-roll management apparatus (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a money depositing and dispensing machine 11 which suppresses reduction in money stored in denomination-specific storing and ejecting units 53 to be dispensed and prevents suspension of transactions due to a shortage of money to be dispensed even when unfit money is recognized in a dispensing process. In a dispensing process, normal money is transported to an outlet 16, and money recognized as unfit money is judged whether it is allowed to be dispensed to the outlet 16 based on the kind of unfit money. Stained money of unfit money is allowed to be dispensed to the outlet 16, and unfit money other than stained money is disallowed to be dispensed to the outlet 16. Stained money is not rejected but is handled as money to be dispensed, and accordingly, reduction in money stored in the denomination-specific storing and ejecting units 53 to be dispensed is suppressed, and suspension of transactions due to a shortage of money to be dispensed is prevented.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting duplicate shipments at one or more materials handling facilities in a distribution system. For each package processed at one or more downstream processing station(s), a destination identifier (customer/address combination) and one or more item identifiers for item(s) in the package may be obtained. An analysis of the obtained data may be performed in accordance with an analysis interval (e.g., thirty minutes or one hour). For every analysis interval, all destination-identifier/item-identifier combinations obtained in the analysis interval may be examined to determine the number of instances each destination-identifier/item-identifier combination occurred in aggregated data (a window, e.g. two weeks or one month of data). The number of destination-identifier/item-identifier combinations that have an occurrence count greater than a specified number may be counted, and if the sum is greater than a specified threshold, an alarm may be raised.

Abstract: A method and system of making a book formed of a plurality of booklets having a plurality of sheets including receiving a paper value from an input device which corresponds to a sheet thickness. A maximum number of sheets per booklet based on the paper value is determined. The minimum number of sheets which will contain all pages of the book pages and the least number of booklets required responsive to the maximum number of sheets required are determined. The number of sheets in each booklet is determined and is stored. The sheets are distributed among the number of booklets. The creep for each sheet based on the paper value is determined. An image transfer device is controlled responsive to the determination of the creep.

Abstract: Replenishing coins in a coin store associated with a coin handling device includes feeding a batch of coins from a bulk coin store to a receptacle near the coin handling device, delivering coins from the receptacle to the coin handling device and routing at least some of those coins from the coin handling device to the coin store associated with the coin handling device.

Abstract: A gripping device for a manipulation system, particularly a robot, for receiving workpieces and feeding them from a readied stack of the workpieces to a manufacturing plant such as a metal sheet folding machine, punching press, welding plant, etc. The device has a gripper head fitted with gripping means such as suction cups, magnets, tongs, etc., and a detection system for detecting characteristics of the workpiece gripped by the gripping means. A pulse emitter excites vibrations in the workpiece and the vibration spectrum of the workpiece is compared to reference vibration data to determine characteristics of the gripped workpiece, such as whether two or more workpieces are stuck together, or whether the workpiece is the correct workpiece.

Abstract: Methods include one or more of robotically positioning a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, using a power-driven device to move a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, and robotically applying a bonding material for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool. Robotic systems are used to robotically position a cutting element on an earth-boring tool. Systems for orienting a cutting element relative to a tool body include a power-driven device for moving a cutting element on or adjacent the tool body. Systems for positioning and orienting a cutting element on an earth-boring tool include such a power-driven device and a robot for carrying a cutting element. Systems for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool include a robot carrying a torch for heating at least one of a cutting element, a tool body, and a bonding material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining a random sample. The method includes randomly selecting a sample of a mailing at a DMU. This sample is then analyzed for conformance with United States Postal Service standards.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (8) for depositing and/or dispensing at least banknotes (13) of a first denomination and banknotes (13) of a second denomination having at least one input and/or output unit (22) for the input of the banknotes (13) to be deposited and/or the output of the banknotes (13) to be dispensed. The apparatus (8) further comprises a reading unit (26) with the aid of which at least the denomination of each banknote (13) to be deposited or dispensed can be ascertained. Furthermore, at least one banknote acceptor (12a to 12d) to accept the banknotes (13) is provided. In addition, the apparatus has at least one transport unit to transport banknotes (13) between the input and output unit (22) and the banknote acceptor (12a to 12d), wherein the transport unit of the banknote acceptor (12a to 12d) supplies only banknotes (13) of the first denomination and banknotes (13) of the second denomination to the banknote acceptor (12a to 12d).

Abstract: A transport system. The transport system comprises a first interbay component, a second interbay component, a plurality of intrabay components, and a route controller. The first and second interbay components transport the vehicles between the tool bays. Each of the intrabay components, linked with the second interbay component, transports the vehicles within one of the tool bays. Additionally, the intrabay component does not link with the first interbay component directly. The route controller estimates a transport cost for transporting the vehicle via the second interbay device, and determines whether the vehicle is to be transported via the first or second interbay component according to the estimated transport cost.

Abstract: A system and method for removing a piece of tramp metal from particulate material transported by a conveyor is provided. A metal detector is used to detect tramp metal in the particulate material traveling along the conveyor. When a piece of tramp metal is detected, a redirection device positioned at the end of the conveyor is used to reject a portion of the particulate material that contains the tramp metal, by temporarily redirecting the flow of particulate material discharging from the conveyor. After the portion of particulate material containing the piece of tramp metal has been redirected by the redirection device, the system resumes normal operation.

Abstract: A method for ordering and assembling printed products, processed together with allocated supplements or add-on products, into package bundles, including processing printed products in a dispatch area of a shipping facility, picking and assembling allocated add-on products inside an allocation area, where the allocation area is operatively associated with the dispatch area, and detecting the allocated add-on products using an expanded guide system, wherein the expanded guide system monitors both the dispatch area and the allocation area. The invention further includes facility for selecting and assembling orders. The facility includes a dispatch area to process printed products, an allocation area in which allocated add-on products are picked and assembled, and an expanded guide system adapted to detect the allocated add-on products in the dispatch and allocation areas and to control assembly of printed products together with the allocated add-on products into package bundles.

Abstract: A production facility configured to fill a multiple prescription order having different medications is described. The production facility comprises a means for processing a multiple prescription order, a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a first labeling component, a first inspection module, a second labeling component and a second inspection module. The means for processing the multiple prescription order is associated with a particular patient, and the multiple prescription order comprises at least two different tablets that are consumed at prescribed intervals determined by a prescription. Each of the plurality of multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by the multiple prescription order, and each multiple prescription container is configured to receive the different medications. The first labeling component is configured to generate a detailed label that provides a plurality of medical information regarding the different tablets.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: A delivery point packaging system and method of preparing and sorting mail pieces sorts, packages and assembles mail pieces into a predetermined delivery point order.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.