Having An Identification Code Patents (Class 700/221)
  • Patent number: 11556101
    Abstract: An appliance management system includes a plurality of appliances connected to a network and a portable terminal. Each of the appliances includes a sensor configured to detect an abnormality of the appliance, and a first near field wireless communication module configured to broadcast an identifier of the appliance when the sensor detects the abnormality. The portable terminal includes a second near field wireless communication module and a controller. The controller is configured to control the second near field wireless communication module to transmit an access request to an abnormal appliance upon the second near field wireless communication module receiving an identifier of the abnormal appliance. The terminal controller is also configured to control a display to display an abnormality screen including the identifier of the abnormal appliance upon the second near field wireless communication module receiving abnormality information from the abnormal appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Minakuchi
  • Patent number: 11270256
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a material arrangement task. The method includes: receiving a target area arrangement instruction for a target warehouse, wherein the instruction includes at least one shelf number (S101); classifying a storage space corresponding to each shelf number in the instruction into a destination storage space set or a source storage space set according to pre-stored inventory information of the target warehouse (S102); determining whether there is at least one packing case in a storage space in the source storage space set that can be moved into a storage space in the destination storage space set, and if so, generating a material arrangement task; wherein the material arrangement task includes a shelf number corresponding to a source storage space and/or a shelf number corresponding to a destination storage space (S103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: HANGZHOU HIKROBOT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Senshan Zhou, Keping Zhu, Shengkai Li
  • Patent number: 11097417
    Abstract: Systems, devices, articles, and methods for the partition of a plurality of items. A system including at least one processor, a frame, an end-effector coupled to the frame, and a plurality of reception spaces proximate to the end-effector. Coupled to the at least one processor is the end-effector, and a storage device storing processor-executable instructions which cause the at least one processor to direct the end-effector partition a plurality of items into two or more defined parts per a defined partition for the plurality of items. The end-effector places the plurality of items in the plurality of reception spaces. Item(s) for a respective part of the two or more defined parts are placed in a respective reception space, and may be transferred to a respective container. A method of operation of a system including at least one processor and a robot substantially as described and illustrated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Kindred Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jinendra Raja Jain, Douglas Ian Fulop, George V. Babu, David Gabriel Hallock
  • Patent number: 11019149
    Abstract: A hub apparatus and a method are provided for selecting a device. The method includes receiving a service request; determining a sensor based on the received service request; receiving state information from a device including the determined sensor; and selecting the device based on the received state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventors: Sung-jin Kim, Kwang-min Byeon, Ho-chul Shin, Hee-bum Ahn, Doo-woong Lee, Kyu-sub Kwak, Jae-keun Na, Sun-min Park, Taik-heon Rhee, Jae-hyuck Shin, Sang-wook Lee, Hyun-jung Kim
  • Patent number: 10821769
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a double detection apparatus for a mail-piece inserter includes a detectable flag affixed to a rotating mail-piece gripper of a mail-piece rotary feeder. A stationary proximity sensor may generate a voltage output based on a presence of the detectable flag in a direction along a first axis normal to the rotation of the mail-piece gripper. A decision unit may then generate a double detect alert signal when a phase shift above a pre-determined threshold value is detected in the voltage output generated by the stationary proximity sensor. According to some embodiments, the decision unit may also generate a thin detect alert signal when a phase shift past another pre-determined threshold value is detected in the voltage output generated by the stationary proximity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: DMT Solutions Global Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Ifkovits, Andre P. Tremblay, John Masotta, Art H. DePoi, Boris Rozenfeld
  • Patent number: 10635369
    Abstract: A printing system includes a print manager that creates a job list and a printer that preforms printing on a target printing material, based on the job list. The print manager includes a continuous printing information provider that gives continuous printing information to each of print jobs. The printer includes a continuous printing determiner to continuously start, if specified by the continuous print information of the print job to perform continuous printing, printing of a next one of the print jobs, and, not to start, if specified by the continuous print information of the print job not to perform continuous printing, printing of the next one of the print jobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ROLAND DG CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Akao
  • Patent number: 10540821
    Abstract: A technology for virtualized container opening and optimized item placement, and in an example includes a receiving, from an augmented reality device, a first image of user view capturing a storing surface of a storage space; receiving an input identifying a first item; retrieving item data associated with the first item based on the input; determining, from the one or more placement regions, a set of one or more viable placement regions for placing the first item on the storing surface based on an arrangement model and the item data associated with the first item; generating overlay placement data describing the set of one or more viable placement regions; transmitting the overlay placement data to the augmented reality device; and instructing the augmented reality device to superimpose one or more virtual items in the storage space in the user view based on the overlay placement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Staples, Inc.
    Inventors: Vishal Musunuri, Michael Bhaskaran
  • Patent number: 10274953
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to transport an item from a first location to a second location; selecting a bot for transporting the item from the first location to the second location; determining a first vertical level associated with an initial location of the selected bot and a second vertical level associated with a destination of the selected bot; determining whether the first vertical level associated is different than the second vertical level. The method further includes, in response to the determination that the first vertical level is different from the second vertical level, (a) selecting a transport device configured to transfer the selected bot from the first vertical level to the second vertical level in a vertical direction; and (b) outputting a control signal to the selected bot causing the selected bot to move to a first position associated with the selected transport device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Grey Orange Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Rupesh Agarwal, Gaurav Kumar, Jai Thakkar, Gaurav Kejriwal
  • Patent number: 10127758
    Abstract: An automated device for automatically and without any human intervention, receiving into the device articles to be distributed or sold, storing the articles, and then distributing or selling the articles to users/customers. The store includes within a housing an entry means for controlling entry into the housing of a plurality of closed shipping containers. Also within the housing is an automated forming means for forming an opening in each of the plurality of the shipping containers, a storing means for storing the plurality of opened shipping containers inside a storage area of the housing, a computer controlled retrieving means for entering into selected ones of the opened shipping so as to retrieve an article from inside one of the stored opened shipping containers and further including moving means for moving the retrieved articles to an output of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Munroe Chirnomas
  • Patent number: 9811291
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a printing system comprises a memory, a processor and an interface. The processor rewrites the first information contained in the print data stored in the memory and designating a sheet stacking section at an end of a conveyance path of an image forming apparatus. The interface sends the rewritten print data to the image forming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: KABUSHIKIK KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuaki Nagata, Hideyuki Kato, Satoshi Oyama
  • Patent number: 9801318
    Abstract: A component verification method includes a component ID reading process of reading a component ID corresponding to a stored component of a subsequent tape, a tape insertion detecting process of detecting that the subsequent tape has been inserted into a tape feeder, a feeder specifying process of specifying a tape feeder in which the insertion of the subsequent tape has been detected, and a component verifying process of verifying whether or not a correspondence relationship between the read component ID and the specified tape feeder is correct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Sumi
  • Patent number: 9403402
    Abstract: A method and a device for generating postal items with: a linearly formed first feed channel for feeding first documents of a postal item, with a first transport device, which transports the first documents in a first transport direction along a first straight transport line; an identification device for identifying the first documents; a second feed channel for feeding second documents of a postal item; an identification device for identifying the second documents; a collecting channel arranged downstream of the first feed channel and downstream of the second feed channel, for receiving first documents or groups of first documents from the first feed channel and/or of second documents or groups of second documents from the second feed channel, wherein the documents received in the collecting channel are collected as document group, wherein each document group forms the content of a postal item; and an envelope stuffing device arranged downstream of the collecting channel, in which the document groups coming
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: BÖWE SYSTEC GMBH
    Inventor: Heimer Kudrus
  • Patent number: 9037288
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SOLYSTIC
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Pszatka, Belkacem Benyoub, Emmanuel Piegay
  • Patent number: 8996157
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Savoye
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Collin
  • Patent number: 8983648
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Kreitmeier, Wolf-Stephan Wilke
  • Patent number: 8972274
    Abstract: Tracking and management data for distribution of informational, legal, or contractual notices and tracking associated response, or non-response, is disclosed. The system generates and links tracking data for both the distribution and the response, generates indicators that include the tracking data, and encodes the indicators so that the indicators are detectable as they traverse various events and locations throughout the lifecycle. A detailed audit trail of each event in the distribution and response lifecycle is constructed using data matching methods and various statistics regarding the lifecycle, such that the response habits of notice recipients are formulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: III Holdings 1, LLC
    Inventors: Brian William Ford, Dean Victor Vocaturo
  • Patent number: 8965566
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiegesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Berdelle-Hilge
  • Patent number: 8958904
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Sakamoto, Youhei Kamada, Yuya Kataoka, Masao Okamura
  • Patent number: 8914145
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Hasegawa, Takamasa Hirata, Naoki Imai, Masanori Kamiya, Yutaka Oishi
  • Patent number: 8903539
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Hasegawa, Takamasa Hirata, Naoki Imai, Masanori Kamiya, Yutaka Oishi
  • Patent number: 8903542
    Abstract: A method of processing mailpieces for sorting mailpieces into sequence in a sorting machine depending on delivery points of delivery rounds, in which method the mailpieces are grouped together into batches associated with delivery rounds and are sorted as a function of various sorting plans each associated with a respective batch of mailpieces and defining a list of delivery points of delivery rounds, which method includes the following steps, assessing the batches of mailpieces before the machine sorting to detect those that will under-use the sorting capacities; aggregating the batches of mailpieces detected as under-using the capacity so as to constitute aggregated batches of mailpieces; computing an associated sorting plan resulting from the aggregating; feeding each aggregated batch of mailpieces into the postal sorting machine and controlling the sorting of the mailpieces as a function of the sorting plan computed for said aggregated batch of mailpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventors: Didier Tresse, Christophe Lhomme
  • Patent number: 8903538
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Hasegawa, Takamasa Hirata, Naoki Imai, Masanori Kamiya, Yutaka Oishi
  • Patent number: 8850009
    Abstract: A network device comprises a storage device storing an application program for a secure communications service; and at least one processor configured to execute the application program enabling the network device to: (a) send a request to look up a network address of a second network device based on an identifier; (b) receive an indication that the second network device is available for the secure communications service, the indication including the requested network address of the second network device and provisioning information for a secure communication link; (c) connect to the second network device over the secure communication link, using the received network address of the second network device and the provisioning information for the secure communication link; and (d) communicate at least one of video data and audio data with the second network device using the secure communications service via the secure communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: VirnetX, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Larson, Robert Dunham Short, III, Edmund Colby Munger, Michael Williamson
  • Patent number: 8827066
    Abstract: Provided is a package automation apparatus including: a detection unit configured to detect package information of a package conveyed to a tray; a chute operation unit configured to operate a package loading chute so that the package is loaded on at least one of a plurality of sorting spaces formed at a pallet adjacent to the tray; and a control unit configured to transfer an operation control signal of the package loading chute to the chute operation unit so that the package is loaded on any one of the plurality of sorting spaces, based on the package information, in order to easily sort the package automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Young Won Kim, Dong Gil Na, Hoon Jung
  • Patent number: 8792123
    Abstract: A manufacturing system is disclosed. The manufacturing system may include a personalization mechanism to evaluate personalization information relating to mailpieces, wherein the mailpieces include mail containers and mail content components. The manufacturing system may further include a matching mechanism to compare the containers with their corresponding content components using unique verification codes assigned to each of the containers and content components, wherein the unique verification codes are assigned based on the evaluated personalization information, and a production machine to produce personalized containers and their corresponding content components based on comparison results of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Production Print Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Dwight Ross Palmer, Scott Matthew Jones, Brian Joseph Hogan
  • Patent number: 8793008
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Petra Bauer, Alexander Pfaffinger, Christian Royer
  • Patent number: 8781621
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Takamasa Hirata, Naoki Imai, Norie Iwasaki, Masanori Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8751035
    Abstract: A storage unit for the drop-off, delivery, and pick-up of personal garments includes a plurality of apparel totes, each sized to enclose a plurality of apparel items on hangers, each including a machine-readable medium carrying a tote identifier code, and each configured with an access panel to allow deposit and retrieval of apparel items on hangers. A multi-layer conveyor system selectively moves apparel totes to and from a pre-defined customer access position and to and from a plurality of storage positions on each of at least two horizontal storage layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Jason André Janét
  • Patent number: 8731710
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Inagaki, Koujiro Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8688263
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a system for inserting documents (32) in an automated manner into load supports, in particular into containers (30), which are transported by means of a conveyor (26) in an order-picking system (10), comprising: a document guiding device (40) for storing one, preferably single, document (32), and for mechanically guiding same to an assigned load support, which passes the document insertion apparatus (12;12?) by means of the conveyor (26) in an automated manner such that the document (32) can be moved actively into the assigned load support, wherein the document guiding device (40) comprises receiving members (42, 44; 90) which are arranged substantially oppositely horizontal and are mounted movably relative to each other, wherein in a receiving position (FIG. 6A) the receiving members (42, 44; 90) receive the document (32) in a space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: SSI Schaefer Peem GmbH
    Inventors: Max Winkler, Robert Fankhauser
  • Patent number: 8649895
    Abstract: A lot of buildings have been built while it is concerned that a building material is used fraudulently. Therefore, the present invention provides a managing method of the material and a system thereof. The present invention provides a managing method including a step of attaching a sheet including a plurality of memories to each surface of a plurality of materials, a step of dividing the plurality of materials with the sheet in accordance with data in the memory, a step of constructing a building by using the divided material in accordance with the data in the memory, and a step of checking the data on the constructed building, which is stored in the plurality of memories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Asami
  • Patent number: 8615322
    Abstract: A storage library is described that includes a shelf system adapted to support a number of tape cartridges. The storage library further includes a tape drive adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges. The storage library further possesses a single tape picker device that is adapted to hold two tape cartridges at the same time facilitating an exchange of a first tape cartridge intended to be loaded in the tape drive with a second tape cartridge ready to be removed from the tape drive with a single tape picker device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Spectra Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Christopher Thompson, Matthew Thomas Starr
  • Patent number: 8594835
    Abstract: A warehouse storage and retrieval system including an array of multilevel storage racks having at least one transfer deck, picking isles and storage areas disposed along picking isles, the storage areas being configured to hold differing loads, and a controller including a management module configured to variably size the storage areas of the array of multilevel storage rack modules and assign each of the variably sized storage areas to a corresponding one of the differing loads, wherein the storage and retrieval system is arranged to transport the differing loads for placement in the variably sized storage areas assigned by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventors: John Lert, Stephen Toebes, Robert Sullivan, Foster D Hinshaw, Nathan Ulrich, Eric Peters
  • Patent number: 8588961
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventor: Marco Goltz
  • Patent number: 8560115
    Abstract: The present application relates to a system and related method for processing a mailpiece through the steps associated with its manufacture and post processing. The present system and method allow for mailpiece item tracking data collection at each step in the mailpiece manufacturing and processing. The present system and method allow for the integration of mailpiece item data from a postage device by utilizing information based barcode data included as part of the postage evidence, together with the production and sorting processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Van Gorp, John Keirsbilck, Walter S. Conard
  • Patent number: 8489231
    Abstract: Methods to solve the costly “loop mail” problem (FIG. 4, 464) in automated sorting and delivery of mail pieces are disclosed. Loop mail is detected, and marked as such (FIG. 7, 738), in an automated reject encoding machine (REM) (FIGS. 9-10). In one case, loop mail is detected where a new image of a returned mail piece is captured (702), a new destination address is read (720), and the new address does not match the bar code on the piece (732), suggesting that the previous address resolution was erroneous. The bar code is over-labeled (734) and replaced with the new postal code (736). The mail piece is marked with a loop mail indicator (738), and then returned for automated DBCS sortation (740). The loop mail indicator (810) indicates that the piece has already gone around the sorting and attempted delivery loop at least once, and is used to prevent recurrence (704, 710).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: RAF Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Brandt, Gregor Nitsche
  • Patent number: 8437874
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing plant material samples and a transfer station designed for use in such systems and methods. In one embodiment, the system includes a controller, a plant-material sampling device, and a transfer station. The plant-material sampling device is configured to communicate with the controller and to read an identifier of a plant. The sampling device also has a removable magazine, and is designed to take at least one plant sample from multiple plants, place such samples in the magazine, and track the identity of the plant from which each sample is taken. The transfer station is configured to hold, at multiple positions, multiple magazines and multiple trays such that the positions of the magazines are mirrored by the positions of the trays, read an identifier of each magazine, read an identifier of each tray, map storage locations for each one of the magazines to storage locations of one of the trays, and sequentially unload plant samples from the magazines to the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: William Michael Lafferty, Scott Wayne Beaver, Charles Wilson Tweedy, Elizabeth Ann George, Walter James Frandsen, Jr., Anthony David Barghini, Daniel Steven Kline, Shane Scott Swamer
  • Patent number: 8437872
    Abstract: An apparatus (4) for the distribution of cards on paper carriers allows easier control and reading steps on the cards, without slowing down the coupling process, and includes a card conveying line, on which are provided: a first section (44) wherein the cards (100) translate in a substantially vertical arrangement, the apparatus (4) including at least one card control and/or reading station (41) thereat; and a second section wherein the cards translate in a substantially horizontal arrangement and wherein an element for coupling (49) cards to a paper carrier is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Kern Sistemi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro Prataiola
  • Patent number: 8433438
    Abstract: The present application relates to a system and related method for processing a mailpiece through the steps associated with its manufacture and post processing. The present system and method allow for mailpiece item tracking data collection at each step in the mailpiece manufacturing and processing. The present system and method allow for the integration of mailpiece item data from a postage device by utilizing information based barcode data included as part of the postage evidence, together with the production and sorting processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Van Gorp, John Keirsbilck, Walter S. Conard
  • Patent number: 8416080
    Abstract: An RFID cabinet for monitoring items having an RFID tag includes a cabinet having at least one locking front door. An RFID detector is used for monitoring each item placed within the cabinet and is located within the interior of the cabinet. A computer is coupled to the RFID cabinet and controls opening and closing of the front door and is configured to receive an input that identifies the user. In this way, the computer is configured to periodically record data read from the RFID tags by the RFID detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.
    Inventor: John Higham
  • Patent number: 8393075
    Abstract: A display change device is formed by connecting and thereby integrating an installation/removal device and a card display change device together. The card installation/removal device is configured to have at a back side thereof a pressure reception wall, at a further back side of which a position adjustment mechanism part is provided. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to include a seat member, a moving part, and a drive part. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to strike and move the card installation/removal device by an eccentric cam. The position adjustment mechanism part moves the eccentric cam far from the pressure reception wall under the condition that a reaction force Fr received by the eccentric cam becomes larger than a force Fa for pulling the moving part toward the pressure reception wall side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Yuyama MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Tatsuaki Kunimoto, Nobuyuki Fujishima
  • Patent number: 8350677
    Abstract: A system includes an ordering module, an asset tagging module, a database, and a manufacturer server. The ordering module is configured to receive an order for a component from a web browser. The asset tagging module is configured to receive information for an asset tag from the web browser, and to receive a selection of a location on the component to place the asset tag. The database is configured to store the order for the component, the information for the asset tag, and the location of the asset tag on the component. The manufacturer server is configured to retrieve the order for the component, the information for the asset tag, and the location of the asset tag on the component, and to direct printing of the information on the asset tag and placement of the asset tag at the location on the component prior to placing the component in packaging for the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: John Mullin, David J. Trotter, John Herrick, Reza Koohrangpour, Stuart Ross Hobbie
  • Patent number: 8315732
    Abstract: For preparing mail pieces including reply items to be returned by addressees of the mail pieces, address carriers (20) are fed one by one from a first feeding station (2). An address (21) is scanned from each fed address carrier (20). Address data sets each representing a scanned address (21) are stored. A unique identification code (23) is scanned from each fed reply item (22) and stored as a reply code data set representing the scanned identification codes (23). Mail pieces of which at least a plurality each comprises at least one of the fed address carriers (20) and at least one of the fed reply items (22) are prepared. For each assembled mail piece comprising at least one of the address carriers (20) and at least one of the reply items (22), an association between the reply code data set and the address data set of that mail piece is stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Neopost Industrie
    Inventor: Hendrik Cornelis Fijnvandraat
  • Patent number: 8311665
    Abstract: When handling paper sheets, the paper sheet present at the uppermost or lowest part of each batch of the paper sheets is assigned as a designated paper sheet, and then intrinsic information on this designated paper sheet is associated with transaction information corresponding to the batch of the paper sheets. Thereafter, a plurality of batches of the paper sheets are stacked, one on another, in a certain number corresponding to transactions, while the intrinsic information on each designated paper sheet is already associated with the corresponding transaction information. Then, such stacked batches of the paper sheets are handled, collectively, by a paper sheet handling system. Thereafter, each recognition result on the plurality of batches of the paper sheets, respectively handled by the paper sheet handling system, is separated by utilizing each designated paper sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadaaki Uesaka, Hajime Morino, Keishi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8311668
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for automatically configuring a feeder system of a mail sorting system are shown and described. The feeder system is configured in accordance with a customer's mailing parameters. This improves the performance of the mail sorting system. In various examples, customer information associated with a processing job is received. A feeder profile is also received. The feeder system is automatically configured according to parameters of one or more of the customer information and feeder profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Lee, Brian Bowers
  • Patent number: 8265788
    Abstract: An automated mail sorting system including a display for displaying the image of an item of mail belonging to a carrier route, and input device for associating the image with any of a plurality of stations in a walking sequence of the carrier route, and a sorter having a reader for identifying the item of mail, to sorter for placing the item of mail in a location corresponding to the station in the walking sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ehud D. Karnin, Eugene Walach
  • Patent number: 8239060
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takuji Tokushige
  • Patent number: 8229593
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for object destruction. An object is detected in a receptacle and identified. Based on the type of object identified, the object may be destroyed in a shredder and a confirmation of the destruction of the object is recorded for reference. The object may also be directed to a secure bin where it will not be destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Clifford Jay Spinac
  • Patent number: 8200364
    Abstract: A mail system including a tracking and reporting system that is adapted to integrate address information together with a unique code on at least one mailpiece, wherein the address information and code are linked, an in-process tracking and archiving system that is adapted to track the mailpiece as the address information and code are printed on the mailpiece and during a mailpiece insertion process to verify that the at least one mailpiece is inserted into a mailer and store an electronic copy of the mailpiece with the address information and code in an archive, an in-bound data capture of return mail system that scans the unique code and automatically links the mailpiece to account information stored in an account database and an postal address update and management system that is linked to a postal service database for verifying address information and correcting address errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventors: Richard Rosen, Rana Dutta
  • Patent number: RE43549
    Abstract: A writing device for display members is provided which can erasably writing patient information on a display member carried on the side of a drug carrier and automatically attach and detach it to and from the carrier. The writing device has an attach/detach/transfer unit for detaching, attaching and transferring a rewrite card to a carrier carrying the rewrite card, and a writing means connected to the attach/detach/transfer means for writing and displaying patient information on the rewrite card. The respective means are controlled based on prescription information to attach and detach the rewrite card to and from the side of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho
    Inventors: Noaki Koike, Takafumi Ikeda