Abstract: The working support robot system of the present invention includes: a robot arm (11); a measuring unit (12) for measuring the worker's position; a work progress estimation unit (13) for estimating the work progress based on data input from the measuring unit (12) while referring to data on work procedure, and for selecting objects necessary for the next task when the work is found to have advanced to the next procedure; and an arm motion planning unit (14) for planning the trajectory of the robot arm (11) to control the robot arm (11) based on the work progress estimated by the work progress estimation unit (13) and selected objects. The working support robot system can deliver objects such as tools and parts to the worker according to the work to be performed by the worker.

Abstract: A system and method of operation for proactively grouping disparate mail items that are queued to be produced in a processing facility, wherein the system and method utilize a manufacturing completion schedule for virtually grouping the mail items before physical production occurs and the system and method maximizes profitability by discounting the mail items by applying appropriate discount mailing regulations for virtually grouping the mail items before physical production occurs.

Abstract: During a carrying operation, the position, transportation origin, and transportation destination of a carrier or a boat can be easily checked. A carrying system is configured to carry a substrate, a manipulation unit is configured to display an operation state of the carrying system on a manipulation screen, and a control unit is configured to control an operation of the carrying system. The manipulation unit displays a carrying system icon indicating the carrying system which is a carrying target object and a carrying-out icon at predetermined positions of the manipulation screen corresponding to a transportation origin of the carrying system, and a carrying-in icon at a predetermined position of the manipulation screen corresponding to the transportation destination of the carrying system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the order picking of items in an order-picking installation (30) with an automatic order-picking device (31) and an associated dynamic-storage rack (1) as a store for replenishing the automatic order-picking device with items. The items are automatically transported, preferably separately according to type, in containers or boxes (2) to the dynamic-storage rack (1) on a driven conveying line (4). After reading and identifying the boxes (2), they are introduced automatically by an activated stationary lift (5) and activated level serving devices (6) of the dynamic-storage rack (1) into selected dynamic-storage channels (3) of the dynamic-storage rack. The channels have exits (A) that can be manually reached by an operator (17).

Abstract: In a transfer system, a storage data and a specific equipment data indicating a specific equipment are generated. When a transfer command indicates the specific equipment as one of a previous location and a subsequent location, a priority level of the transfer command is increased. A transfer command having a highest priority level is selected. When an available carrier that is not assigned with a transfer command is not accessible within a previous area in which the previous location of the transfer command selected belongs to, when the priority level of the transfer command selected has been increased, and when an alternative carrier that is assigned with the transfer command and is transferring without carrying the cassette is accessible within the previous area, the transfer command selected is assigned to the alternative carrier.

Abstract: An arrangement (1) and to a method is for detecting and controlling piece goods (2), having a code, in a commissioning system. The piece goods are fed on a conveyor line (3) through a scanning device (15), and are identified as actual data and are compared or captured to target data of the piece goods quantity stored in a central computer. The piece goods are separated out if the target data do not match the actual data. The invention proposes that a plurality of ejection devices (13) are provided. Each of the ejection devices (13) fills a positioned order container (25) of a particular commissioning order with piece goods, and piece goods that are not detected or sorted out are discharged to the longitudinal end of the conveyor line (3). The piece goods of various commissioning orders are randomly distributed on the central belt (27) of an automated commissioning machine and fed to the arrangement (1).

Abstract: An automated cassette-to-cassette substrate handling system includes a cassette storage module for storing a plurality of substrates in cassettes before and after processing. A substrate carrier storage module stores a plurality of substrate carriers. A substrate carrier loading/unloading module loads substrates from the cassette storage module onto the plurality of substrate carriers and unloads substrates from the plurality of substrate carriers to the cassette storage module. A transport mechanism transports the plurality of substrates between the cassette storage module and the plurality of substrate carriers and transports the plurality of substrate carriers between the substrate carrier loading/unloading module and a processing chamber. A vision system recognizes recesses in the plurality of substrate carriers corresponding to empty substrate positions in the substrate carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a control device for the low-vibrational control of the movement, by means of a motor (20), of a movable crane element (14, 16, 18) such as a crane jib (18) in a crane system (10), said crane element being made to vibrate at a natural frequency (fEIG) and having a damping ratio (?). Said movable crane element (14, 16, 18) is controlled by a control signal (VSOLL), the spectrum of which is substantially free from natural frequencies (fEIG) of the crane system (10), and the control signal (VSOLL) is calculated from an operator signal (SBED) of an operator, taking into account system parameters of the crane system (10).

Abstract: A robotic tape library which queues two or more move instructions is described. Generally, the robotic system receives a first move instruction which commands a first robot to move a first tape cartridge from a shelf to a first tape drive to be loaded therein. Though the first move has not actually taken place, the library replies to the host computer that the first tape drive has been loaded with the first tape cartridge, at least to an acceptable level of engagement, at which point, the first move instruction is queued. After receiving a second move instruction from the host to move a second tape cartridge from the shelf to a second tape drive, the library reorganizes and physically carries out the move instructions with potentially different hardware in a preferred order.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for fixing glass sheets in a superclean room for feeding a sputter system, comprising the following: a) a roller drive (12), designed to convey a transport frame (19) to a centering unit that centers the transport frame (19) horizontally and to convey the frame from the unit to a sputter system; b) a frame lifting device (7) which lifts and lowers the transport frame (19) in a magnetic rail mounting (2); c) a fixing unit (5, 8) which fixes and releases the transport frame (19), opening heads (3) being provided for opening and closing frame clips (17) that receive a glass plate (18); d) a lifting unit for lifting and pivoting said glass plate (18), the unit bringing the plate into a vertical position and placing said plate in the transport frame (9).

Abstract: An automatic working device according to an aspect of an embodiment includes a robot hand and a determining unit. The robot hand grips a target workpiece. The determining unit determines the type of the workpiece on the basis of a gripping operation for making the robot hand grip a gripped piece that indicates the type of the workpiece provided in a supply vessel that supplies the workpiece to the robot hand.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs store a plurality of combinations of departure points and destination points that have been set in the past, store pre-update map information, and store post-update map information. The systems, methods, and programs compare, for each of the combinations of departure points and destination points, a route retrieved using the pre-update map information and a route retrieved using the post-update map information, and transmit the comparison results to the navigation apparatus so that a user of the navigation apparatus can appreciate the benefits of updating map information.

Abstract: A medication bin is provided that includes a bin housing configured to carry medication and other medical supplies, an electronic display, such as a liquid crystal display or electronic paper, carried by the bin housing and a processor carried by the bin housing and configured to control the electronic display. The processor is configured to receive information relating to a destination of the medication or other medical supplies to be carried by the medication bin. The processor is also configured to direct the electronic display to present a representation of the destination. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A wafer cassette transportation method includes the steps: (a) Provide a monitoring system, overhead platforms, a detection system, and a plurality of transportation systems; (b) The detection system detects whether or not any overhead platform has a wafer cassette and generates and transmits first signals to the monitoring system; (c) The monitoring system reads the first signals and instructs one of the transportation systems to move the wafer cassette to an empty overhead platform; (d) The detection system detects whether or not any overhead platform has a wafer cassette and generates and transmits second signals to the monitoring system; and (e) The monitoring system reads the second signals and instructs another transportation system to move the wafer cassette away from the overhead platform, so as to enhance the transportation speed of the wafer cassette and lower the manufacturing cost. The present invention further provides a wafer cassette transportation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multidirectional transport module having a control system for the goods pack movement direction and having an interface for communication with other transport modules. In this case, the invention provides for the control system to be designed to reserve the transport module for the transport of at least one goods pack in a given goods pack movement direction, in response to signals received via the interface.

Abstract: In a transfer device for workpiece carriers (18), with a number of segments (10, 10?, 10?) in which a control unit (14, 14?, 14?) respectively activates a linear motor (12, 12?, 12?), in a phase of the transfer of the workpiece carrier (18) from a first segment (10) to a neighbouring segment (10?) synchronization of the linear motors (12, 12?) is no longer effected on the basis of control commands of a central controller but instead the control unit (14) of the first segment (10) makes itself the master (S18) and subjugates the control unit (14?) of the neighbouring segment (10?) as the slave (S20). A position measuring device (22, 24) makes it possible for the master control unit (14) to carry out speed control for the workpiece carrier (18). The control unit (14?) receives information on the commutation angle and the actual force value and can therefore issue the control commands to the associated linear motor (12?) for the control process.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample for an assembly line workstation for a body fluid test includes: receiving application information including a sample number; checking a sample of a sample rack to acquire a sample checking result; matching the sample checking result with the sample number to determine if a match succeeds; and if a match is not successful, pausing dispatch of the sample rack.

Abstract: Each load-carrier of a system is always controlled by one of a series of MCUs (monitoring and control units) that are assigned to contiguous regions along guideways. Each carrier is slowed down to maintain a safe distance behind a carrier ahead, or to avoid collision with another carrier when approaching a merge point of a convergent Y-junction or when otherwise desirable. Distance measurements take into account the lengths of carriers and of assigned regions and the counts of speed pulses sent to MCUs since entry of carriers into their respective regions. For merge control, arrival data are developed that include the times and speeds to and at arrival of two carriers at a merge point. Through repeated comparisons of arrival data developed from one carrier with arrival data previously developed and stored as to the other carrier, the one carrier is gradually slowed down as necessary to avoid a collision.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated handling of workpieces comprising an object recognition device for detecting the workpiece and a gripper arranged at a gripping arm for picking the workpieces and a control for evaluating the data of the object recognition device, for track planning and for controlling the gripping arm and the gripper and comprising a compensation unit which allows an evasion movement of the gripper, wherein the compensation unit only allows an evasion movement of the gripper on the exceeding of a predefined first load of the gripping arm and remains rigid below the first load, wherein the first load is larger than a load exerted on the gripping arm solely by the gripper and/or the picked workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated detection and removal of workpieces comprising an object recognition device for detecting the workpieces and a gripper for picking the workpieces; and a gripper for picking the workpieces; and a control for evaluating the data of the object recognition device, for track planning and for controlling the gripper, wherein the object recognition device is arranged at a travel arrangement by which it can be traveled from a position of rest into at least one measuring position and back.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a loading/unloading unit including a mounting table on which a storage container accommodating a target substrate is mounted; a processing unit set including a plurality of processing units that perform a process on the target substrate; a plurality of transit units that transit the target substrate between the loading/unloading unit and the processing unit set; a selection unit that receives input for selecting a storage container for loading, a storage container for unloading, and a processing unit to be used for processing the target substrate; and a transfer recipe creating unit that automatically selects a transit unit to be used among the plurality of transit units based on the storage container for loading, the storage container for unloading, and the processing unit selected through the selection unit, automatically generates a transfer route of the target substrate, and creates a transfer recipe.

Abstract: A vacuum processing system includes a transfer chamber configured to form a vacuum atmosphere through which a target object is transferred. A transfer mechanism is disposed in the transfer chamber and configured to transfer the target object. A process chamber is connected to the transfer chamber through a first gate valve and configured to perform a process on the target object within a vacuum atmosphere. A first exhaust port is formed in a bottom of the transfer chamber at the foot of the first gate valve. A first gas exhaust section is connected to the first exhaust port and configured to exhaust gas inside the transfer chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the product is not defective.

Abstract: When the load factor of a loading/unloading apparatus reaches a second reference value that is smaller in load factor than the first reference value, the operation speed of the loading/unloading apparatus becomes a reduction state. It is possible to make load vibration difficult to be generated in a load. Further, fine adjustment of the manipulation becomes easy, such that it is possible to prevent the load factor from reaching the first reference value due to careless manipulation of the operator. Even if the load factor reaches the first reference value, the operation speed of the loading/unloading apparatus has been reduced, such that it is possible to prevent load vibration of the load W when stopping.

Abstract: A method for qualifying an automated process for inspecting and sorting particles through the production and use of seed particles is disclosed. In one embodiment, seed particles are produced by forming a conformal surface layer on a plurality of particles, thereby imparting them with at least one property whose value or range of values is the same as or about the same as a value or range of values of a corresponding property of undesirable particles. By introducing a predetermined quantity of seed particles, their detection and removal by the automated sorting system can be used to periodically calibrate and qualify the sorting system without interrupting the manufacturing operations or introducing actual undesirable particles into the process stream. The production and use of seed particles to qualify an automated sorting system is particularly well-suited for use with Ti sponge sorting operations.

Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting samples to a first loading position, a second loading position, and a third loading position; a first sample processing apparatus capable of being set in a first setting position and a third setting position; a second sample processing apparatus capable of being set in a second setting position; and a controller including a memory under control of a processor, the memory storing instructions enabling the processor to carry out operations comprising: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to the first loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the first setting position; and controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to the third loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the third setting position, is disclosed. A sample processing method and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Only a wafer for QC check may be transferred and a production wafer may prevent from being transferred into an assigned process chamber whose QC check is not completed after a maintenance task, and the production wafer may be processed the assigned process chamber after the completion of the QC check. The wafer for QC check is transferred while inhibiting a transfer of the production wafer into the assigned process chamber, and the production wafer is transferred into each of the process chambers of the plurality except the assigned process chamber.

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.

Abstract: Transportation control in a vacuum processing device with high transportation efficiency without lowering throughput is provided. A control unit is configured to update in real time and holds device state information showing an action state of each of a process chamber, a transportation mechanism unit, a buffer room, and a holding mechanism unit, the presence of a process subject member, and a process state thereof; select a transport algorithm from among transport algorithm judgment rules that are obtained by simulating in advance a plurality of transport algorithms for controlling transportation of a process subject member for each condition of a combination of the number and arrangement of the process chambers and process time of a process subject member based on the device state information and process time of the process subject member; and compute a transport destination of the process subject member based on the selected transport algorithm.

Abstract: A substrate processing system, which repeats a carrying cycle in which a substrate is carried sequentially in a carrying order indicated by module numbers assigned to the modules, respectively, from the module of a lower module number to that of a higher module number, and is capable of processing substrates at a high throughput even if some modules become unusable and, thereafter, become usable. A controller controls a carrier such that the carrier carries a substrate taken out from the module preceding a multimodule unit including a plurality of modules to the module nest in the carrying order to the module of the multimodule unit from which a substrate is carried out at time nearest to time when the substrate was carried out from the module preceding the multimodule.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: An approach is provided to move an object across a surface using a grid of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules. A first set of transfer modules is selected from the grid, with the first set of modules being underneath the object. Back-side and front-side sets of modules are identified from the selected first set of modules, with the back-side sets being toward the back of the object opposite to the horizontal direction and the front-side sets being toward the front side of the object that faces the horizontal direction. The back-side and front-side sets are vertically adjusted so that the average of the back-side sets of vertical heights is higher than the average of the front-side sets of vertical heights. The vertical adjustment of the transfer modules causes the object to move across the tops of the transfer modules in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: An approach is provided to move an object across a surface using a grid of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules. A first set of transfer modules is selected from the grid, with the first set of modules being underneath the object. Back-side and front-side sets of modules are identified from the selected first set of modules, with the back-side sets being toward the back of the object opposite to the horizontal direction and the front-side sets being toward the front side of the object that faces the horizontal direction. The back-side and front-side sets are vertically adjusted so that the average of the back-side sets of vertical heights is higher than the average of the front-side sets of vertical heights. The vertical adjustment of the transfer modules causes the object to move across the tops of the transfer modules in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of a TRS Controller to ECU interface are provided. The interface includes a TRS Controller connected to an ECU that is part of an engine. The interface includes a keyswitch connection that is configured to send a keyswitch message from the TRS Controller to the ECU, a run signal connection that is configured to send a run message from the TRS Controller to the ECU, and a CAN communication connection that is configured to provide two-way communication between the TRS Controller and the ECU.

Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus that reduces the quantity of sensors used to detect the position of a substrate so as to simplify the structure and lower costs. The substrate transfer apparatus transfers a substrate (S) between a core chamber (11) and a peripheral chamber (12 or 13). A transfer robot (15) is arranged in the core chamber. The transfer robot includes a hand (17) for carrying the substrate and is capable of extending/drawing and pivoting the hand. A sensor (19) detects an edge surface of the substrate. The sensor is arranged at a position that the edge surface of the substrate passes by when the hand is extended/drawn between the core chamber and the peripheral chamber and that the edge surface of the substrate passes by when the hand is pivoted in the core chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for automated beverage dispensing, for staging beverages, and a cup carrier. Based on beverage orders, a cup picker having a telescoping mast picks a cup and places it on a cup carrier typically having a plurality of slots in its base. The cup carrier moves the cup to an ice dispenser, to a beverage dispenser, and typically to one of a couple transfer locations. From the transfer location, the cup is moved down a lane to a staging position. The identity of staged beverages is displayed on a human-readable display.

Abstract: Provided is a transport method comprising judging whether there is a possibility that misalignment greater than or equal to a threshold value occurs between substrates to be layered that are held by a pair of substrate holders aligned and stacked by an aligning section, the misalignment occurring when the pair of substrate holders is transported from the aligning section to a pressure applying section; and if the judgment indicates that there is the possibility of misalignment, transporting the pair of substrate holders to a region other than the pressure applying section. Whether there is the possibility of misalignment may be judged based on acceleration of the substrate holders. Whether there is the possibility of misalignment may be judged based on acceleration of a transporting section that transports the substrate holders. Whether there is the possibility of misalignment may be judged based on relative positions of the substrate holders.

Abstract: In a method for managing waste (W) deposited in disposal packages (6-F1, 6-F2, 6-F . . . 6-Fn) and introduced into a vacuum operated waste collection system (1) wherein waste is conveyed through transport piping (3), from waste inlets (2) to a waste collection container (5) for storing waste before removal and wherein the disposal packages carry readable information (7-F1, 7-F2, 7-F3 . . . 7-Fn), disposal packages containing one of multiple waste fractions (F1, F2, F . . .

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

Abstract: A facility control system comprises a selection processing portion that selects, based on a manual operation and when an abnormal condition occurs in a first-layer computer that executes a first-layer program which issues an apparatus operating command to an apparatus controller, whether to cause a second-layer computer to execute the first-layer program that had been executed by the first-layer computer, and a substitute command output processing portion which outputs a substitute command in accordance with selection information selected by the selection processing portion. The second-layer computer executes the first-layer program that had been executed by the first-layer computer in which the abnormal condition occurred based on a substitute command outputted by the substitute command output processing portion.

Abstract: A power assist device includes: holder holding a workpiece; a pair of wires each having one end connected to the holder to suspend the holder; a pair of wind-up wheels winding up respective other ends of the wires; a pair of motors rotationally driving the respective wind-up wheels; a pair of rotation detectors detecting rotation information of the respective motors; a pair of torque detectors detecting drive torque in the respective motors; and controller controlling drive of the motors. The controller calculates operating force to the workpiece based on the rotation information detected by the rotation detectors and the drive torque of the motors detected by the torque detectors, and controls the motors to assist the operating force that is calculated, to move up and down the holder.

Abstract: The present disclosure shows a crane controller for a crane which includes a hoisting gear for lifting a load hanging on a cable, with an active heave compensation which by actuating the hoisting gear at least partly compensates the movement of the cable suspension point and/or a load deposition point due to the heave, wherein the heave compensation takes account of at least one constraint of the hoisting gear when calculating the actuation of the hoisting gear.

Abstract: The present disclosure shows a crane controller for a crane which includes a hoisting gear for lifting a load hanging on a cable, wherein the crane controller has a cable force mode in which the crane controller actuates the hoisting gear such that a setpoint of the cable force is obtained.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a crane controller for a crane which includes a hoisting gear for lifting a load hanging on a cable, with an active heave compensation which by actuating the hoisting gear at least partly compensates the movement of the cable suspension point and/or of a load deposition point due to the heave, and an operator control which actuates the hoisting gear with reference to specifications of the operator, wherein the division of at least one kinematically constrained quantity of the hoisting gear is adjustable between heave compensation and operator control.

Abstract: A work hanging apparatus includes a hanger line continuously conveying hangers each having a hook, a robot that has a hand with which a work having a hole is held and transfers the held work to a hanging location set in the hanger line, a controller controlling a movement of the hand to catch the hook of one of the hangers with the hole of the held work at the hanging location, a hole deviation detector that detects a positional deviation of the hole of the work, an attitude deviation detector that detects an attitudinal deviation of the hanger, and a corrector that corrects the movement of the hand according to the positional and attitudinal deviations.

Abstract: A logistics installation for a high-rack storage system has a plurality of conveyor vehicles that travel along a reference track section. A control device is enabled to block a given region of the reference section for travel by a second conveyor vehicle depending on a measured position of a first conveyor vehicle along the reference section. A device for determining a direction of movement of the conveyor vehicles transmits a corresponding signal to the control device. The region that is blocked for the second conveyor vehicle can be established by the control device with regard to the signal representing the direction of movement of the first conveyor vehicle.

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

Abstract: An article processing facility includes a transport control device which controls operation of at least one article transport device, management control device which transmits to the transport control device a transport command for transporting the article from a transport origin to a transport destination based on transport data with identifying information, and a display control which causes a display device to display transport-data-associated information. The management control device manages and stores attribute information of the article such that the attribute information is associated with identifying information which identifies the transport data.