Inserting Patents (Class 700/220)
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Patent number: 11285602Abstract: An adjustment support device includes: a storage unit for storing, with force state data and position data in an operation when performing force control of the industrial robot as a state variable and with data indicating a result of determining whether a result of the force control is success or failure based on predetermined criteria as determination data, a learning model generated by machine learning; an analysis unit for analyzing the learning model to analyze, for a control parameter used when the force control of the industrial robot has failed, an adjustment method of the control parameter for improving a degree of success of the force control; and an adjustment determination unit for determining, based on a result of the analysis by the analysis unit, an adjustment method of the control parameter in the force control used when the force control has failed and outputting the adjustment method.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventors: Mikito Hane, Takashi Satou
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Patent number: 11138166Abstract: Database configuration tuning is provided. A set of database nodes having similar data factors is selected in a centerless network of database nodes. Configuration models corresponding to the set of database nodes are trained using data parallelism. Trained configuration models corresponding to the set of database nodes are combined to form a federated configuration model. It is determined whether performance indicators corresponding to the set of database nodes are greater than a performance threshold level. In response to determining that the performance indicators corresponding to the set of database nodes are greater than the performance threshold level, a database configuration corresponding to the federated configuration model is recommended to a new database node. The new database node is joined to the centerless network.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: ShengYan Sun, Ke Wei Wei, Meng Wan, Shuo Li, Xiaobo Wang
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Patent number: 9420101Abstract: A system for soliciting and activating one or more groups of workers to service contact center business includes an interface accessible to the one or more groups for accepting group registration data, publishing contact center business and for enabling the groups to subscribe to receive business; a data repository for storing the registration data for subscribing groups; and a routing server for specifying routing strategies for event routing to the groups. The system is characterized in that the one or more groups of workers may be activated during contact center business activity to perform services based on need.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: GENESYS TELECOMMUNICATIONS LABORATORIES, INC.Inventors: Petr Makagon, Herbert Willi Artur Ristock, Dan Kikinis
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Patent number: 9291302Abstract: A device attachment member used for a manufacture work machine equipped with: a device necessary for performing a manufacture work; a main frame on which the device is to be installed; and a controller configured to control the device, the device attachment member including a main body to be attached to the device, wherein the device attachment member includes an identification-information recording medium in which is recorded identification information, the device being identified by the controller based on the identification information, the identification-information recording medium being incorporated in the main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: FUJI MACHINE MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Noriaki Iwaki, Hideyuki Tsutsumi, Masaki Kato, Toru Takahama
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Patent number: 9043234Abstract: A system for locating goods stored in a storage area includes a computer, radio frequency transceivers and modular hangers. Ordered goods are placed in storage units that each have addresses at a central filling center. The filled storage units are shipped to local storage areas where they are coupled to hook units to form modular hangers and stored on rails. The identifications of the goods and the electronic addresses for corresponding hangers are stored on a local computer database. When a user wants to pick up goods stored in the containers, the user inputs the identification or order information for the goods and the computer will cause the radio frequency transmitter to emit a data packet that includes a search address and illumination data. The hangers compare the search address to the electronic address. If there is a match, the hanger is illuminated so the ordered goods can be found.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Maxor National Pharmacy Services Corp.Inventors: Kevin C Delaney, Kendrick S Lim, Robert G Guillermo
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Patent number: 9037288Abstract: A method of processing mailpieces, in which they are fed in series into a sorting machine comprising a sorting conveyor and sorting outlets, an image of each mailpiece is formed in the machine, processing is applied to the image for automatically recognizing address information for the purpose of automatically directing the mailpiece towards a determined sorting outlet, a digital model of running mailpieces or a “run” is built in a database prior to feeding the mailpieces into the machine, the model being built on the basis of an image of a mailpiece, and being defined by data characterizing the graphical appearance of the mailpiece in the image formed from an interactive acquisition terminal located remote from the machine, and the run model is associated in said database with indications usable by the recognition processing, which indications are also input from said interactive acquisition terminal.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: SOLYSTICInventors: Jean-Marc Pszatka, Belkacem Benyoub, Emmanuel Piegay
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Publication number: 20150127144Abstract: An electronic interface for electronic communication includes a system or apparatus for the order-based processing of flat items that can be categorized into flat item types. The interface has an exclusive input of formulations that combine features of flat item types to be processed in an order and the processing steps performed in the processing system, and/or for the order-based processing of orders according to which a specific amount of specific flat items are to be processed in accordance with one or more formulations, allows sources of error to be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: Böwe Systec GmbHInventors: Bernd Hoepner, Thomas Huber, Robert Bayer, Stefan Streil, Helmut Schuessler
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Patent number: 9020633Abstract: In some embodiments, an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) for storing workpieces includes a main body, a robotic arm mechanism and at least one first station. The workpiece comprises a first container configured to hold at least one article. The main body includes at least one side wall configured to confine a storage space for the workpieces in at least one first direction parallel to a floor. The robotic arm mechanism is configured to reach the storage space, the storage space being further confined by the robotic arm mechanism in at least one second direction opposite to the at least one first direction. The at least one first station is configured with at least one first accessing port located within the storage space, and configured for the ASRS to perform a routine for a process flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.Inventors: Yung-Ho Chen, Chun-Jung Huang
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Patent number: 9008832Abstract: A diamond sorting system comprising a diamond source for supplying one or more diamonds to be graded by a vision system having one or more cameras arranged to take one or more images of the diamond, and a processor arranged to receive the image data and execute an algorithm on the data to grade the diamond. The sorting system further comprising a diamond collection unit arranged to receive a graded diamond from the vision system and an electromechanical diamond transporter arranged to transport a diamond to be graded from the diamond source to the vision system, and further arranged to transport a graded diamond from the vision system to the diamond collection unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Eternity Manufacturing LimitedInventor: Chung Fai Lo
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Patent number: 8996157Abstract: There is proposed a unit including a station for preparing orders, controlled by a control system. The station has a first circuit that includes a first outward conveyor, which receives containers for storing products, and an accumulator for accumulating a predetermined quantity of storage containers received on the first outward conveyor. The accumulator includes: at least one first shaft comprising superposed mobile positions that can each receive and downwardly move at least one storage container, the at least one first shaft vertically accumulating and sequentially dispensing storage containers previously placed in the positions; and at least one first elevator moving vertically along the at least one first chute up to each of the locations of the at least one first chute.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: SavoyeInventor: Jean-Michel Collin
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Patent number: 8990387Abstract: A system and an article of manufacture for automatically determining configuration completeness during information technology (IT) transformation from a pre-transformation source environment to a post-transformation target environment include obtaining a record of each of multiple data flows in a source environment, transforming each data flow in the source environment to a transformed data flow that corresponds to a target environment, and automatically determining that each of the transformed data flows is covered by a firewall configuration of one or more interfaces in the target environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Nancy Burchfield, Nathaniel Hang, Rafah A. Hosn, James Murray, Harigovind V. Ramasamy
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Patent number: 8983648Abstract: Two types of objects are sorted in multiple sorting passes, for instance flat mail items are precisely sorted into a delivery sequence. Objects of a first object type are fed to a sorting system from a first feeding device. Objects of a second object type are fed from a second feeding device. The sorting system sorts the objects in at least two successive sorting passes. A first sorting plan and a second sorting plan are used in each sorting pass except in the last sorting pass, where a sorting plan is used. Each first sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a first sorting end-location region and each second sorting plan assigns a sorting end location of a second sorting end-location region. A sorting end location is selected for each object using a sorting plan in each sorting pass, and the object is transferred into the selected sorting end location.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Franz Kreitmeier, Wolf-Stephan Wilke
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Patent number: 8970864Abstract: A system and method for enabling automatic electronic, telephonic, and Internet transactions through print media, as well as providing value that flows to a supplier for the service of enabling such transactions. The transactions can utilize print media that can include electronic recording media and counterfeit protection, where the electronic recording media can identify suppliers of the media, providers of the service promoted by the electronic media, and can set a value for a supplier, such as a print media supplier or facilitator.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Inventor: Avery Levy
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Patent number: 8965559Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Symbotic, LLCInventors: Kirill K. Pankratov, David Ehrenberg, Larry M. Sweet
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Patent number: 8965566Abstract: Objects are sorted according to predetermined groups of sorting feature values. In particular, postal items are sorted according to groups of delivery addresses. A sorting system sorts the objects into a sequence so that all objects with sorting feature values belonging to the same predetermined value group are situated one directly behind another in this sequence. The sorting system has x1 storage subregions, x2 sorting subregions and a sorting plan. The objects are apportioned to the x1 storage subregions. For each storage subregion, an apportionment step is then carried out, in which the objects from this storage subregion are apportioned to the x2 sorting subregions. The apportionment steps are performed one after the other. Each apportionment step, is followed by a sorting and output step for each sorting subregion, in which the objects from this sorting subregion are brought into a sequence in accordance with the sorting feature values and this sequence is output.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiegesellschaftInventor: Peter Berdelle-Hilge
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Patent number: 8958904Abstract: A banknote handling apparatus includes: a first winding storage unit; a second storage unit; a transport unit; a recognition unit; and a control unit. The first storage unit stores the banknotes, while providing a mark associated with inventory amount information of the first storage unit. To perform a reconciliation process for the first storage unit, the control unit allows some of the banknotes stored in the first storage unit to be fed from the first storage unit, based on the mark, for recognition by the recognition unit, and determines an inventory amount of the first storage unit based on a result of the recognition and the inventory amount information associated with the mark.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Masao Sakamoto, Youhei Kamada, Yuya Kataoka, Masao Okamura
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Patent number: 8947681Abstract: An insertion system includes an enclosure supply device, an envelope supply device, an insertion device to insert an enclosure supplied from the enclosure supply device into the envelope supplied from the envelope supply device, a first input unit to input identification data of the enclosure inserted into the envelope in each of multiple insertion setting records, a second input unit to input identification data of the enclosure set in the enclosure container of the enclosure supply device, and a controller to determine whether the identification data of the enclosure to be inserted, input by the first input unit, matches the identification data of the enclosure set in the enclosure container, input by the second input unit, and to control supply of the envelope by the envelope supply device as well as supply of the enclosure by the enclosure supply device based on a result of the determination.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shingo Matsushita, Takeshi Sasaki, Satoshi Saito, Ikuhisa Okamoto, Junichi Tokita, Akira Kunieda, Takahiro Watanabe, Jun Yamada
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Patent number: 8948909Abstract: An article loading system for loading and carrying out, in one of a plurality of containers each having identification information, articles of plural types which correspond to the container, includes a holding shelf which temporarily holds the containers that are carried in, container placement units on each of which the container into which an article is to be loaded by a worker is placed, a transporting unit which transports an arbitrary container between the holding shelf and an arbitrary container placement unit, and a control unit programmed to control the transporting unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiko Ogawa, Takeshi Omae
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Patent number: 8918200Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position and type of food located in a food compartment wherein the food compartment may contain or hold solids or liquids. For example, the method includes a sensor to determine the type of the solid or liquids located in the food compartment or container. The sensor may also be used to determine the position or location of the food. The method contemplates having at least one and may include multiple containers or food compartments wherein a container holds liquids and a food compartment holds solids or semi-solids. By determining the type and location of the food in the food compartment an individual may select a certain type of food from a specific food compartment. In addition, transmitting the location or position of the food to the feed arm results in a more efficient delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Desin, LLCInventor: Jonathan P. Dekar
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Patent number: 8914146Abstract: Methods for filling packagings with at least one medication include producing filling instructions, operating a packaging station to fill packagings, and verifying that each of the packagings is filled correctly. The production of filling instructions includes an allocation of medications to separated compartments in the packagings. Each packaging receives a single medication pass for a specified time on a specified day, or a medicine pass for administration on an as needed basis. The packaging station may include a manual packaging station at which an operator follows prompts to move canisters of medications, pills from the canisters, and trays of packagings to fill the packagings. The manual packaging station includes a shutter assembly with shutters configured to selectively provide access to only one compartment in each packaging at a time, thereby reducing the likelihood of filling errors. Apparatus for filling packagings may include the same manual packaging station.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Omnicare, Inc.Inventors: Bradley Carson, Darin L. Danelski, Joseph T. DeDeo, Jack M. Friday, Mitchell Mosbacher
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Patent number: 8914145Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for the use of a first storage medium located in a first library unit in a storage medium library. It is determined that the first storage medium is to be moved by a transportation component. In response to determining that the first storage medium is to be moved by the transportation component, it is determined that the transportation component is located at a second library unit. In response to determining that the transportation component is located at the second library unit, it is determined that a second storage medium, which is in the second library unit, can be transported to the first library unit. In response to a determination that the second storage medium can be transported to the first library unit, the second storage medium is transported to the first library unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tohru Hasegawa, Takamasa Hirata, Naoki Imai, Masanori Kamiya, Yutaka Oishi
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Patent number: 8903538Abstract: An apparatus comprises a network interface, a processor and a computer readable storage medium coupled with the processor. The computer readable storage medium includes computer usable program code. The computer usable program code, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive a request for a first storage medium located in a first library unit in a storage medium library. The processor is caused to determine that the first storage medium is to be moved by a transportation component. The processor is caused to, responsive to said determination, determine that the transportation component is located in a second library unit. The processor is caused to, responsive to said determination, determine that a second storage medium located in the second library unit can be transported to the first library unit. Responsive to said determination, the processor is caused to transport the second storage medium to the first library unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tohru Hasegawa, Takamasa Hirata, Naoki Imai, Masanori Kamiya, Yutaka Oishi
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Patent number: 8903539Abstract: An apparatus includes a network interface, a processor and a computer readable storage medium. The processor is coupled with the computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium has computer readable program code embodied therewith. The computer readable program code, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine the state of a storage medium library and determine distribution for a plurality of distributable components within the storage medium library based, at least in part, on the state of the storage medium library. The computer readable program code also causes the processor to, responsive to a determination of the distribution for the plurality of distributable components within the storage medium library, issue commands distributing the plurality of distributable components within the storage medium library in accordance with the distribution.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tohru Hasegawa, Takamasa Hirata, Naoki Imai, Masanori Kamiya, Yutaka Oishi
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Patent number: 8896421Abstract: A wide area radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes: a first RFID cell and a second RFID cell. The first RFID cell and the second RFID cell each include a reader and tags. The readers access the tags using ultra-wide band signaling. The RFID cells each include: a communications interface operable to communicate with a network operations center, and a communications gateway which supports direct communications between RFID cells. The method includes accessing the second RFID cell from the first RFID cell, and the accessing is performed using the communications gateway that can cover a range of at least five hundred meters.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Zebra Enterprise Solutions Corp.Inventor: Gideon Kaplan
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Patent number: 8875068Abstract: An automated processor design tool uses a description of customized processor instruction set extensions in a standardized language to develop a configurable definition of a target instruction set, a Hardware Description Language description of circuitry necessary to implement the instruction set, and development tools such as a compiler, assembler, debugger and simulator which can be used to develop applications for the processor and to verify it. Implementation of the processor circuitry can be optimized for various criteria such as area, power consumption, speed and the like. Once a processor configuration is developed, it can be tested and inputs to the system modified to iteratively optimize the processor implementation. By providing a constrained domain of extensions and optimizations, the process can be automated to a high degree, thereby facilitating fast and reliable development.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.Inventors: Earl A. Killian, Ricardo E. Gonzalez, Ashish B. Dixit, Monica Lam, Walter D. Lichtenstein, Christopher Rowen, John C. Ruttenberg, Robert P. Wilson, Albert Ren-Rui Wang, Dror Eliezer Maydan
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Patent number: 8868233Abstract: A control apparatus in a substrate treating system with a substrate treating apparatus having a physical load port for receiving pods for storing substrates, and a carrier transport system for transporting the pods to and from the physical load port. The control apparatus includes a virtual load port control device for allotting a virtual load port to the physical load port, and instructing the carrier transport system to perform a transporting operation to and from the virtual load port on an assumption that the virtual load port really exists.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideki Shibata
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Patent number: 8855808Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for targeting using storage magazines. Some embodiments operate in context of a data storage environment, in which the magazines are used to hold data cartridges, and the data cartridges are installed in, removed from, and ferried between the magazines by a robotic mechanism. Magazine implementations include integrated targeting features in the magazine base structure. For example, some side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for optical targeting, while other side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for lead-in (i.e., to minimize undesirable collisions or interference between the cartridges and the magazine slot walls). Some embodiments describe novel locating functionality in context of magazines with integrated targeting features. Other embodiments include other geometric magazine features.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Timothy Craig Ostwald, Matthew David Woodbury, Daniel James Plutt
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Patent number: 8838266Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved insert machine for inserting flat material into an open pocket and, more particularly, to a straight line insert machine employed for printed matter such as newspapers. The machine includes an all-electronic control system for controlling machine functions. The control system includes at least one central control computer running under software control and a plurality of network controllers, all coupled together via a controller area network (CAN) bus. Electronic control messages for controlling machine elements are sent among the computers and controllers using a novel message protocol to enable both broadcast messages and individual messages to be employed.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Muller Martini Corp.Inventors: Eric Bader, Peter Braschoss, Gary Davenport, Robert James, Darrell Pav, Harry Noll, Randy Seidel, Douglas Walter, Barry Yeakel, Daniel Langengger
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Patent number: 8834091Abstract: A system and method for transferring component panes from a component pane storage station to a vacuum table assembly are disclosed. The system includes a number of component pane handlers, for instance two handlers, and a pick and place mechanism or arm. The handler transfers the component panes from the station to the mechanism. The system includes an alignment module configured to facilitate spatial alignment of the component pane while the component pane is coupled to the handler. The module can be carried by the mechanism. Spatial alignment of the component pane can be substantially completed before transfer of the component pane from the handler to the mechanism. The mechanism includes a set of vacuum elements or pads that enables pick up of the component pane from the handler as well as release and pick up of the component pane at the vacuum table assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Technologies & Instruments Pte LtdInventors: Jian Ping Jin, Lee Kwang Heng
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Patent number: 8831772Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jeremy S. Bridges, Michael DeCesaris, Luke D. Remis, Gregory D. Sellman
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Patent number: 8825197Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for determining stowability based on item-size categories are described. Embodiments may select a storage module for a stow operation based on accessing stowability information. Stowability information, in various embodiments may include stowability information for each storage module in a materials handling system. Stowability information may indicate a capacity to hold additional items in a storage module. The capacity may be determined according an item-size category descriptor, describing the quantity of items in each category of a storage module, and a storage module capacity module characterizing item descriptors of fully-stowed storage modules. In some embodiments the storage module capacity model is a function fitted to data points representing the values of item-size descriptors of fully-stowed storage modules. Embodiments may update the stowability information for a storage module in response to the removal of an item from the storage module.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Danny Guan
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Patent number: 8825202Abstract: A system for automatically exchanging a battery of an electric vehicle, the system including a horizontal frame of a predetermined area formed at a location higher than the electric vehicle; a plurality of battery stands formed on a bottom surface of the horizontal frame at a predetermined interval; a pair of fixed guide rails arranged and installed on front and rear sides or left and right sides of the horizontal frame, respectively; a variable guide rail adapted to move horizontally along X-axis or Y-axis along the fixed guide rails; a movable rail adapted to move horizontally along Y-axis or X-axis along the variable guide rail and ascend/descend vertically; and a grasping means installed on a lower end of the movable rail and adapted to pick up a battery of the electric vehicle or a battery seated on the battery stand and exchange each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignees: Motex Products Co., Ltd., Kookmin Univ. Industry Academy Cooperation Foundation, Industry-University Cooperation Foundation of Korea Aerospace UniversityInventor: Chi-Man Yu
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Patent number: 8805574Abstract: A method for managing an inventory system includes receiving an operation request that identifies an inventory item and selecting, from a plurality of workstations, a workstation at which to fulfill the operation request. The method also includes moving an inventory holder storing the identified inventory item to the selected workstation and moving a supply holder storing a supply item associated with the received operation request to the selected workstation. The method additionally includes fulfilling the operation request, at least in part, at the workstation.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rob Stevens, William J. Watt, Timothy Bragg, Nicholas Cravalho
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Patent number: 8794731Abstract: An image forming system includes an enclosure supply device including an enclosure container, a first image forming unit to form an image on the sheet, an envelope supply device including an envelope container, an input device to input an insertion job, an insertion device to insert into the envelope at least one sheet on which the first image forming unit has formed the image and including a temporary storage tray to temporarily store the sheets inserted into the envelope as well as an envelope retainer to hold the envelope at an insertion position where the sheets are inserted into the envelope, and a controller to cause the second image forming unit to complete image formation on the envelope and conveyance of the envelope to the insertion position before a last sheet of the multiple sheets inserted into the single envelope reaches the temporary storage tray.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Watanabe, Shingo Matsushita, Takeshi Sasaki, Satoshi Saito, Ikuhisa Okamoto, Akira Kunieda, Jun Yamada
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Patent number: 8798367Abstract: A system is provided to correlate a medication package with a prescribed medication for a patient. The medication package accommodates an intended patient medication. The system includes an optical imager adapted to read an encoded symbol character comprising encoded patient information and further adapted to image an attribute of the medication package. The optical imager comprises a two-dimensional image sensor array and an imaging lens for focusing an image on the two-dimensional image sensor array. The two-dimensional image sensor array has a plurality of pixels formed in a plurality of rows and columns of pixels. The optical imager further includes a digital link to transmit a segment of data. The segment of data includes the patient information encoded in the encoded symbol character and the attribute of the medication package.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Duane Ellis
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Patent number: 8788088Abstract: The production system includes: an item feeding device having transfer mechanisms provided alongside and respectively transferring containers each storing an item to item feeding positions; a carrier device holding and carrying the container and the item at the feeding position; and a control device making: the item feeding device operate to select only one of the transfer mechanisms and to transfer the container of the selected transfer mechanism to the feeding position; the carrier device operate to hold the item from the container transferred to the feeding position and to carry the item to a transfer position; and the carrier device operate to hold the container transferred to the feeding position and to carry the container from the feeding position to a transfer position over an item feeding position for a different one of the transfer mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Yoshinobu Murakami, Kengo Okadome, Toshihiko Fukushima
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Patent number: 8781621Abstract: The present description is directed to moving a cartridge including a storage medium between library strings (LS) using a car able to move within a shuttle connection in a shuffle complex system in which, in one embodiment, a first cartridge is to be moved from a first LS to a second LS, a car located in the LS nearest to the first LS due to movement of a second cartridge is used to move the second cartridge to the first LS , and the empty car is used to move the first cartridge from the first LS to the second LS. In one aspect, movement of empty cars may be reduced, and cartridges may be moved between library strings more efficiently in less time. Other features and aspects are described.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Takamasa Hirata, Naoki Imai, Norie Iwasaki, Masanori Kamiya
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Patent number: 8781616Abstract: A robotic unscrambler apparatus is provided that ensures articles that are delivered in an initial orientation are transported in a conveyable orientation for further treatment at one or more stations in a production line. The apparatus includes a conveyance apparatus and at least one picker. An uprighting device is provided with a series of guides. The picker removes articles from the conveyance apparatus, and places the articles onto one of the guides. The uprighting device moves the guides between article placement positions and article conveyance positions. Each guide may include a contoured article support surface that facilitates centering of an article placed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Marc Richard Bourgeois, Roger Phillip Williams, Jeffrey Kyle Werner, Kunie Kolb
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Patent number: 8755930Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Aesynt IncorporatedInventor: George Brad Miller
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Patent number: 8744617Abstract: A component pane handling apparatus configured to handle component panes of multiple different sizes is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one component pane capture element that can be displaced between a number of different positions, each position corresponding to a particular component pane size. Therefore, the at least one component pane capture element can be positioned to different positions for allowing handling of component panes of corresponding sizes. The apparatus also includes a position alignment mechanism configured to control displacement of the at least one component pane capture element to the different positions. The apparatus can also include one displacement arm coupled to the component pane capture element. The displacement of the component pane capture element can be effectuated by a displacement of at least a portion of the displacement arm. A method for handling component panes of multiple sizes is also included in this disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Technologies & Instruments Pte LtdInventors: Jian Ping Jin, Lee Kwang Heng
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Patent number: 8731710Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Hiroyasu Inagaki, Koujiro Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8717143Abstract: A binder management system having a cabinet with shelves for removable storage of searchable binders. Each binder has a body with front and rear covers and a spine. Inside the body is a binder mechanism for removably retaining sheet media. Each binder has externally extending upper and tower ohmic contact members which ohmically engage conductive members mounted on the shelf surfaces near the front. Each binder has a binder identification circuit coupled to an LED mounted on the binder spine in a location visible when the binder rests on a shelf. When a binder identification signal from a host computer is presented to the shelf conductive members it is transferred by the binder contact members to the binder identification circuit. If the signal matches, the LED is activated to aid the user in finding the binder. An LED and an optional audible indicator are mounted on the shelves to further aid the user in finding the sought binder.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Silicon Valley Micro E Corp.Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
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Patent number: 8688263Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a system for inserting documents (32) in an automated manner into load supports, in particular into containers (30), which are transported by means of a conveyor (26) in an order-picking system (10), comprising: a document guiding device (40) for storing one, preferably single, document (32), and for mechanically guiding same to an assigned load support, which passes the document insertion apparatus (12;12?) by means of the conveyor (26) in an automated manner such that the document (32) can be moved actively into the assigned load support, wherein the document guiding device (40) comprises receiving members (42, 44; 90) which are arranged substantially oppositely horizontal and are mounted movably relative to each other, wherein in a receiving position (FIG. 6A) the receiving members (42, 44; 90) receive the document (32) in a space therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: SSI Schaefer Peem GmbHInventors: Max Winkler, Robert Fankhauser
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Patent number: 8655482Abstract: A storage device testing system includes one or more test racks, and one or more test slots housed by the one or more test racks, each test slot being configured to receive a storage device for testing. The storage device testing system also includes a transfer station for supplying storage devices to be tested. The one or more test racks and the transfer station at least partially define an operating area. The storage device testing system can also include automated machinery that is disposed within the operating area and is configured to transfer storage devices between the transfer station and the one or more test slots, and a cover at least partially enclosing the operating area, thereby at least partially inhibiting air exchange between the operating area and an environment surrounding the test racks.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.Inventor: Brian S. Merrow
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Patent number: 8630736Abstract: A conveying device capable of sequentially and efficiently picking up a plurality of randomly located rods, and conveying the picked up rod to a predetermined place, without using a complicated mechanism. A sucking unit has a nozzle attached to a robot hand, and is configured to move the nozzle close to an end of a first cylindrical portion of a rod to be picked. The nozzle is configured to hold the rod by being lifted while sucking the first portion within the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Fanuc CorporationInventors: Kazuo Hariki, Shigenori Kajio, Takaki Aiba
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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
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Patent number: 8615322Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Spectra Logic CorporationInventors: Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr
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Patent number: 8612048Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling a robotic device for inserting or removing rod-like elements into or from a storage frame, the rod-like elements, like smoking bars, serving for storing products, like sausages, each having a sausage-shaped body and a loop for a pendulously storage of the products. The method comprises the steps of moving the storage frame into the operating range of the robotic device, picking up a rod-like element on which a number of sausage like products are hung up by the robotic device, and inserting or removing the rod-like element into or from the storage frame by the robotic device. Moreover, there is provided a storage frame with at least a machine readable label from which information regarding the storage device are read out from the machine readable label, which is attached to the storage device, at least before the storage frame is moved into the operating range of the robotic device.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Poly-Clip System GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Joachim Meyrahn, Frank Niedecker
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Patent number: 8588961Abstract: A method for controlling the transport of transport bags (20, 22) filled with notes of value, in which in a database of a central control unit (11) data with information of several orders for the transport of transport bags (20, 22) are stored. After a transport case (16) has been removed from the rack (14) of a vehicle (12), data with information about the removed transport case (16) are transmitted to the central control unit (11) which then assigns the transport case (16) to a selected order. After the transport bags (20, 22) were taken from the device (18) for handling notes of value and were inserted into the transport case (16), the device (18) transmits data with information about the inserted transport bags (20, 22) to the central control unit (11) which then assigns the inserted transport bag (20, 22) to the transport case (16) and/or the order.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbHInventor: Marco Goltz
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Patent number: 8583275Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: SolysticInventors: Mickael Dauvergne, Stephane Ambroise, Christophe Cordola, Guy Forella