Abstract: A method is provided for classifying incoming products (e.g., chicken butterflies) to be portioned into two or more types of end products (e.g., sandwich portions, strips, nuggets, etc.) to meet production goals. The method includes generally five steps. First, information on incoming products is received. Second, for each incoming product, a parameter value (e.g., the weight of an end product to be produced from the incoming product) is calculated for each of the two or more types of end products that may be produced from the incoming product. Third, the calculated parameter values for the incoming products for the two or more types of end products, respectively, are normalized so as to meet the production goals while at the same time achieving optimum parameter values. Fourth, for each incoming product, the end product with the best (e.g., largest) normalized parameter value is selected as the end product to be produced from the incoming product.

Abstract: A method and a tool for information output. The method involves determining and/or assessing one or more physical parameters of one or more components in a system or apparatus. Also included is a first assigner which associates a first is-information or a first is-not-information, respectively, to several parameters, which first is- or is-not-information is output and/or displayed depending on the determined and/or assessed parameters. Further included is a second assigner, which associates a second is-information or a second is-not-information, respectively, to several of the determined and/or assessed parameters, which second is- or is-not-information is output and/or displayed depending on the determined and/or assessed parameters in addition to, or in place of, the first is- or is-not-information. The system is a container flow system in which containers are directed and/or guided between the at least two components in a predetermined transport direction and/or along a predetermined transport path.

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: A process for prioritizing urgent test tubes in a test tubes (50) transport installation is disclosed, the test tubes (50) being loaded on transport devices (4) of single test tubes (50) in an automated analysis laboratory, comprising the loading of test tubes (50) classified as urgent and non urgent on transport devices (4) for transporting single test tubes (50), moving said loaded transport devices (4) on a conveyor belt until they interact with an identification device (5) identifying the test tube upstream of processing modules (6) of the test tubes (50), removal of the test tubes (50) that are recognized to be non-urgent from the respective transport device (4) and discharging of the non-urgent test tubes (50) onto a wait bench (10) for non-urgent test tubes (50), moving transport devices (4) for transporting single urgent test tubes (50) towards the processing modules (6), the recall by a control unit (7) of the non-urgent test tubes (50) at the moment in which the availability of the processing module

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: 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: Methods for anti-collision control of pickers in a packaging line are disclosed. The line includes linear conveyors for the inlet of items and for the outlet of items, robots or picking devices that operate with shared working areas. The anti-collision method comprises an algorithm to assign a pickup location or a delivery location to a generic first robot including: checking for a pickup or delivery location already assigned to other robots and in a working area shared with the first robot; dynamically redefining the working area of the first robot to obtain a new working area such that the locations already assigned to other robots are outside of the dynamically-redefined area; assigning of a respective pickup or delivery location belonging to the redefined working area to the first robot. A prediction algorithm is disclosed to improve management of items and balancing of work load between the robots.

Abstract: A system and method provides for controlling a pneumatic carrier system based on identification information read from a carrier or a payload of the carrier. Each carrier or payload which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon information for the carrier or payload. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the identification device. Based on reading the identification device at locations within the system, the operation of the system is altered.

Abstract: A grain for the storage of grain millions of bushels of grain comprises a floor, a peripheral wall and a flexible covering. The grain bin includes an unloading system which enables the grain to be unloaded from the grain bin without the need to remove the covering and which substantially reduces the dust typically produced during unloading of currently used temporary grain bins.

Abstract: A conveyor belt monitoring system is disclosed that uses sensors to measure magnetic disruptions (“events”) in a conveyor belt which are indicative of one or more splice joints, rip panels and reinforcing cord damage. The system may comprise a plurality of sensing components, including coils or Hall Effect sensors for sensing rip panels, splices and generalized reinforcing cord damage. The system may also have RFID-based rip panels and may use RFID chips to identify various belt components. A PLC-based control system may communicate with the aforementioned components via an Ethernet link. Data received by the control system is used to chart belt wear and damage trends and to provide user alarms when signal levels exceed predetermined norms. The system may stop the belt when imminent belt failure is predicted. The PLC-based control system is highly scalable and will integrate easily into existing conveyor control systems and facility-wide monitoring systems.

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: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring plurality of samples from one sample container to another one is disclosed wherein each sample is randomly accessible and can be “cherry picked”. The disclosed method of actuation allows for using a smaller number of actuators than the number of sample transferring channels or pins and thereby simplifies the design and control of the sample transferring apparatus.

Abstract: An order fulfillment system is provided. The system comprises logistics substations comprising an entry and exit points. The system also comprises conveyors that adaptively couple the logistics substations in a serialized order fulfillment logistics workflow to convey an order from a selected one of the entry points of one of the logistics substations to a selected plurality of logistics substations where order fulfillment procedures are performed on the order and to a selected one of the exit points of one of the logistics substations. The system also comprises a computer system that receives batches of orders, that analyzes a trend of orders, that analyzes a current inventory, that analyzes a current topology of the serialized fulfillment logistics workflow, and that changes the topology of the serialized fulfillment logistics workflow by commanding the plurality of conveyors to change their coupling of the logistics substations, based on the analysis.

Abstract: A robot programming device capable of reducing the operation of a robot in the field required for generating a program for palletizing operation, and shortening a time to generate the palletizing program. The robot programming device includes a storing part for storing three-dimensional models of the plurality kinds of units, a conveyor, a recognition device, a robot and a plurality of pallets; a layout making part for making a layout, in a virtual space, of the three-dimensional models stored in the storing part; a displaying part for displaying the layout made by the layout making part; an information setting part for setting information regarding each component displayed on the displaying part; and a program generating part for generating a palletizing program for the robot based on the layout of the three-dimensional models and the information set by the information setting part.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods for receiving shipment parcels at materials handling facilities. A parcel receiving system has an imaging tunnel through which shipment parcels received at a materials handling facility are passed. While a shipment parcel is passing through the imaging tunnel, a camera captures at least one image of the parcel. The parcel image is electronically analyzed to discover various tracking information and to detect various types of exceptions, such as damage to the parcel or defective tracking information. In addition, the captured image is stored in order to create a visual record of the parcel at the time of reception. This record may be used in a variety of ways, such as resolving or tracking exceptions or providing feedback to the vendor or shipment carrier. In addition, the parcel image may be viewed by a user to enable the user to detect and/or resolve an exception.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for robotic induction in materials handling facilities. Singulation and induction of items is performed at one or more induction stations in one or more inventory areas. Each inventory area includes a stock storage area containing storage units, each storage unit including locations for stowing inventory. Mobile robotic devices deliver particular storage units from the stock storage area to particular induction stations. At the induction stations, inductors remove single units of items from locations on the storage units (singulation) and induct the units of items into a conveyance mechanism (induction). The singulated and inducted units of items are conveyed to downstream processing station(s). The operations of the robotic devices, induction stations, conveyance mechanism, and downstream processing may be controlled and/or directed by a control system.

Abstract: A system and method for storing returned goods (56) of different type of goods in an order-picking system (10), wherein the order-picking system (10) comprises a container warehouse (12) for providing a plurality of storage containers (52, 54), and at least one workstation (14) at which the returned goods (56) in the storage containers (52) from the container warehouse (12) are, in a return mode, delivered, the method comprising the following steps: providing (70) at least one returned good (56) of a first type of goods at a delivering station (16), detecting (72) of each of the returned goods (56) and, preferably separately, delivering the returned goods (56) to a returned-goods conveyor (32) conveying the returned goods (56) to the workstation (14), identifying (74) the type of goods of each of the detected returned goods (56), identifying (76) a storage container (52) with which the respectively identified type of goods is associated, retrieving (78) the respectively associated storage container (52) from

Abstract: A production efficiency improving apparatus includes a first communicating means for communicating information with a plurality of processing apparatuses that process objects, and a second communicating means for communicating conveyance control information, with a conveyance system comprising conveyance apparatuses for conveying the objects between the plurality of processing apparatuses. A means for predicting, on the basis of information communicated by the first communicating means, the conveying timing at which the processing apparatus needs to send out processed objects, and the conveying timing at which the processing apparatus needs to bring in unprocessed objects. A generating means generates the control information such that the conveyance apparatus will arrive at the processing apparatus that is the destination of the communication of information at the predicted timing predicted by the means for predicting.

Abstract: An improved assembly, test, packaging and/or processing system and a control system, each of which may be expanded or reduced in size, capability and/or capacity on a modular basis to suit or adapt to a number of different applications. The product assembly, test, packaging and/or processing system comprises a number of modules which are assembled and arranged as required. Pallets move between stations on the modules along track portions which cooperate with track portions on adjacent modules so other modules can be added without affecting the movement of the pallets. When those modules are added or removed, or when stations are added or removed, corresponding controllers in the control system are also added or removed.

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: A substrate processing system including a housing for housing at least part of a processing device, at least one target affixed to the processing device, the processing device having a first processing device reference point in a known relationship with the at least one target, at least one transmitter located within the housing and configured to transmit an identification signal identifying the at least one transmitter to the at least one target and a controller operably connected to the at least one target and the at least one transmitter, the controller being configured to receive data signals, based on the identification signal, from one of the at least one target and the at least one transmitter and control an operational characteristic of the processing device, based on the data signals.

Abstract: Intelligent product feed systems and product transport methods are presented in which an array of variable speed transport modules is positioned between an input transport mechanism and an output mechanism, with the individual module speeds being controlled by a model-based planner to transport products delivered in an uncertain fashion by the input transport mechanism to the output mechanism synchronized and oriented according to a specified product configuration.

Abstract: A robot includes an arm member, a rotary actuator that swings the arm member, a hand member provided at an end of the arm member, a joint member that connects the arm member and the hand member to each other such that the arm member and the hand member are rotatable with respect to each other, a linear actuator that supports and linearly moves the rotary actuator, and a controller that operates the rotary actuator and the linear actuator in association with each other to linearly move the hand member in a forward-backward direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a glove (100) from a conveyor (200) characterised by: a camera (10); a pick-up assembly (20) comprising a pair of inner grippers (21) and two pairs of outer grippers (22); a pair of sensors (30); a robotic arm (40) mounted with the pick-up assembly (20); a processor.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for use in controlling a translocation process of a pneumatic tube system in order to reduce the amount of energy transferred from the tube system to a pneumatic carrier and, hence, its contents. Generally, these utilities entail identifying and/or reducing forces applied to a pneumatic carrier traveling through a travel path within a pneumatic tube system. The systems and method disposed herein allow for varying the velocity of a pneumatic carrier as it passes through a travel path of the pneumatic system. Such varying of the velocity allows for reducing the total forces applied to the pneumatic carrier during passage through the system. In one arrangement, the power output of a power source connected to a compressor device is altered to vary the velocity of pneumatic carries in the system.

Abstract: Techniques for construction and operation of a programmable product picking apparatus are described herein. Such an apparatus picks up product according to a first spacing (e.g., from a conveyor) and releases the product according to a second spacing (e.g., into a carton). In one possible configuration, a fixed matrix plate defines at least first and second rows of slots. Two movable matrix plates, one that moves right-then-left and one that moves left-then-right, move in opposite directions parallel to the fixed matrix plate according to strokes of pneumatic cylinders. Each of a plurality of product pickers is driven by one of the two movable matrix plates. As that plate moves, the product picker is also moved according to a slot defined in the movable matrix plate. Each product picker comes to a stop when it reaches an end of a slot defined in the fixed matrix plate.

Abstract: A mailpiece feed device designed to be mounted upstream from a franking machine, and comprising at least a mailpiece feed zone for receiving a stack of mailpieces of various formats supported by a first plurality of drive rollers and a separation zone for individually selecting the mailpieces and having a second plurality of drive rollers, at least first clutch means E3 being provided for actuating said first plurality of drive rollers, said mailpiece feed device further comprising at least one sensor CN for detecting passage of said mailpieces as they enter said separation zone, and control means for subjecting said first clutch means to forced deactivation followed by an activation/deactivation series so long as the sensor CN is not activated, so as to cause a rapid succession of horizontal movements generating jerky motion on said stack, conducive to facilitating mutual separation of said mailpieces.

Abstract: A method and device for handling flat objects, in particular flat folded diapers (10), which are fed to a conveyor with receptacles for each object or for each diaper (10) by way of a feeder (13, 14), in particular to a compartment conveyor (17) comprising separation struts (22) which are arranged so as to protrude radially from a continuous conveyor (21) in order to form compartments (23) for each object. Provision is made for the speed (v) at which the objects are transported on the feeder (13, 14) to be reduced for handover of the objects to the conveyor. The device includes a database in which respective data records containing transport speeds (vx) for a control unit (34) being filed for different objects and/or objects of different size, the speed of the feeders (13, 14) being regulated by the control unit (34) in accordance with the transport speed (v) pertaining to the respective object.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention concerns a loading system for an aircraft, wherein the loading system comprises a control computer; a multiplicity of cargo conveying devices for conveying a piece of cargo on a cargo loading deck of the aircraft, wherein to control the cargo conveying devices, the control computer is communicatively connected with the cargo conveying devices; at least one input device which is communicatively connected with the control computer to transfer user inputs to the control computer. An aspect of the invention is that the one input device may be formed as a touchscreen.

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: A convey control device for a long object includes an upstream side conveying unit, a buffer unit, a downstream side conveying unit, and a convey control unit. When starting to convey the long object, by a catalyst of starting output of conveying speed information of the long object output after receiving a convey start instruction sent from another device following the downstream side conveying unit, the convey control unit releases the restricting of a driving source of the upstream side conveying unit and the downstream side conveying unit and starts the convey control of the long object.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus includes a motor, a transporting mechanism which receives a power from the motor and transports the sheet, and a control section which controls the motor in accordance with a predetermined control sequence to make the transporting mechanism transport the sheet up to a target position, and detects an occurrence of an electric-current saturation phenomenon in the motor. When the control section detects the occurrence of the electric-current saturation phenomenon, the control section performs correction of the predetermined control sequence including correction in which a target transporting velocity of the sheet is lowered from a predetermined value determined in the predetermined control sequence, and controls the motor in accordance with the corrected control sequence to make the transporting mechanism transport the sheet so that the sheet is stopped at the target position.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of travelling carriers includes providing, to a rear travelling carrier approaching a work area at a high speed, current location information corresponding to distances from a measurement starting point to the rear travelling carrier and a front travelling carrier, the rear travelling carrier calculating a following distance between the front and rear travelling carriers based on the current location information, and the rear travelling carrier performing deceleration control to the operating speed based on decremental changes of the following distance.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the recovery of carriers stranded within a pneumatic carrier system. Initially, unresolved transaction records generated during the transit of carrier within the system are identified for carrier recovery purposes. System handling information is identified from the transaction record. Based on this information, the system determines a putative location of each a carrier associated with a transaction record. The system operates a segment of the pneumatic system including the putative carrier location to confirm the presence or absence of a stranded carrier. If a carrier is identified within that segment of the system, the carrier is deemed recovered. The carrier is then delivered to the destination location in the transaction record.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

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 transport system and method has a support frame which carries at least a first reciprocating conveyor and a second reciprocating reference mass. The reciprocating conveyor and reference mass are connected by springs. The system has at least one first force generating apparatus and at least one activation spring connected to the force generating apparatus. The activation spring is connected to at least one reciprocating conveyor or the reciprocating reference mass. The system and method for vibration transport of goods determines the mass of goods delivered by the transport system. The support frame is carried by at least one load cell. The load cell is connected to a computer system. The computer system performs a calculation of the mass of transported goods. The computer system delivers a continuous measurement of the mass of the goods which are transported.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plurality of bushings arranged and held together in an array; and a plurality of pins residing in the plurality of bushings, wherein the plurality of pins are for transferring samples. Manufacturing tolerances for inside diameters of the bushings and outside diameters of the pins substantially match to allowing the pins to slide freely within the bushings. The plurality of bushings can reside in one or more plates, each of which having plurality of holes, with the plurality of bushings being held together in the array.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, apparatus and circuits are configured to detect fallen containers upstream or proximate an intake zone suitable for automated evaluation apparatus using different sensors, including at least one lower sensor and at least one upper sensor which is positioned to project an optical signal at a height corresponding to a top portion of an upright container to thereby allow an increased reliability in detection of different orientations and positions of fallen containers. An optional second lower sensor may be used which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first lower sensor and the lower sensors can transmit optical signals across the container travel path that do not intersect.

Abstract: The present invention is a grain auger protection system that includes an electric motor that generates power to operate the system that is shut-off when movement by a person is detected by the system, a motor cord that is an electrical cord that runs from the motor and a grain bin doorway that receives the motor cord running from the motor that allows a person access to the system. The system also includes a motion detector sensor that includes a circuit controller, a motion detector eye, a controller sensor, a sensor cable, a control circuit and a voltage line that is connected to the motor and terminates the system when movement by the person is detected, a plurality of cords to a controller and a bin sweep auger that is controlled by the system that sweeps a grain bin being protected by the system.

Abstract: Upon receiving first data, a stop control unit (211) performs control such that a transportation vehicle (200) stops at a first stop position at which the transportation vehicle (200) can load the article onto a second apparatus. Upon receiving second data, the stop control unit (211) performs control such that the transportation vehicle (200) stops at a second stop position corresponding to a first apparatus.

Abstract: A method, control, and tracking system of a charge of material transported by a continuous supply conveyor of a metallurgical furnace, for example an electric furnace for production of steel. The continuous conveyor includes, in sequence starting from its inlet end towards its outlet end, a loading section of the charge of material to be supplied to the furnace, a preheating section of the charge of material loaded, and an introduction section into the furnace of the preheated charge of material, and along the loading section at least a first loading station of material.

Abstract: An automated airport baggage handling system includes a baggage transport can transported with baggage between remote locations, a stationary baggage transport conveyor to transport the baggage, a communication link, a controller coupled to the baggage transport can and the baggage transport conveyor via the communication link, and a mobile robotic device controlled by the controller. A stationary guide track is located adjacent to the baggage transport can and the baggage transport conveyor, first sensors are located at the baggage transport can, the baggage transport conveyor, the robotic device and the guide track. A plurality of second sensors is attached to the baggage. The controller causes the robotic device to be displaced along the guide track in such a manner that the robotic device accesses the baggage transport can and thereafter accesses the transport conveyor while remaining positioned along the guide track.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a plurality of substrate processing sections arranged alongside a transport passage; a standby mechanism which retains a substrate in standby, the standby mechanism being movable along the transport passage; a transport mechanism which transports the substrate between the standby mechanism and each of the substrate processing sections, the transport mechanism being movable along the transport passage; a first movement mechanism which moves the transport mechanism along the transport passage; and a second movement mechanism which moves the standby mechanism along the transport passage.

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

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a warehouse system and a method of operating the same, whereby a plurality of different packaging units (2) are placed in storage on delivery pallets as storage units in a goods-in store (4). The properties of the packaging units are detected in a data bank and a conveying property is determined from the packaging unit properties, and a classification group is assigned to the packaging units (2) by a computer. The packaging units (2) are distributed, temporarily stored and loaded onto despatch pallets in the warehouse system in accordance with the classification group.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods for receiving shipment parcels at materials handling facilities. A parcel receiving system has an imaging tunnel through which shipment parcels received at a materials handling facility are passed. While a shipment parcel is passing through the imaging tunnel, a camera captures at least one image of the parcel. The parcel image is electronically analyzed to discover various tracking information and to detect various types of exceptions, such as damage to the parcel or defective tracking information. In addition, the captured image is stored in order to create a visual record of the parcel at the time of reception. This record may be used in a variety of ways, such as resolving or tracking exceptions or providing feedback to the vendor or shipment carrier. In addition, the parcel image may be viewed by a user to enable the user to detect and/or resolve an exception.