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).

Abstract: A method and system for loading a loading carrier, in particular pallets, with packages by means of an automated manipulator, a model of a package stack on the loading carrier is automatically determined, an initial desired position for a package in the mode is determined, the package stack is detected on the loading carrier, a deviation between the detected package stack and the model is determined, the package is placed by the manipulator, and the steps are repeated until a termination criterion is reached.

Abstract: A sheet conveying system includes a sheet inserting apparatus that inserts a second recording medium between first recording media conveyed by a sheet conveying apparatus, and transmits a first time at which second recording media can be successively received hypothetically, and a second time indicating a difference between a conveying time from an accumulating unit of a second recording medium to a merging point at which a second recording medium is inserted and a conveying time from a sheet receiving surface of the sheet inserting apparatus to the merging point. The sheet conveying apparatus sets longer one of the received first time and second time as an insertion interval; and conveys first recording media such that an interval extended by an added value obtained by adding a conveying time corresponding to a length of second recording medium to the insertion interval is provided between the first recording media.

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: Systems and methods are provided for the loading and unloading of cargo in transport means. In one example, a cargo loading system having a fully automated conveyor system and a fully automated bolt system for locking the cargo unit is provided. Manual interventions of the loading personnel in the cargo space may not be necessary.

Abstract: A device for controlling material flows may include at least one feeding device for feeding material of at least one type of material, at least one output device for outputting material of at least one type of material, a transport device for transporting the material, at least one sensor for determining at least one state-dependent parameter of the device, and a control device for controlling the devices, the control device being designed to process event-based signals, e.g., signals from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for mounting and transferring a transferred component on a driven means, the transfer apparatus includes: a driving means for rotating a driving side pulley by a rotational driving force of a motor to move a belt wound around the driving side pulley, thereby moving the driven means coupled to the belt in a predetermined direction; and a transfer monitoring means for monitoring a transfer state of the driven means, wherein the transfer monitoring means detects a torque value of the motor required to move the driven means, calculates a torque differential value of the torque value with respect to time based on the detected torque value, and detects the transfer state using the calculated torque differential value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing and loading of bundles of printed material (18, 19) corresponding to respective specified consolidated orders (20; 30; 23, 33; 26; and 36) consisting of a specified number of preferably similar types of printed material that belong to a shipment (16) allocated to a means of transportation (11, 11?), with which bundles of printed material of shipment (16) can be produced on at least two production lines (2, 3) that can be operated independently of each other according to the consolidated orders (20; 30; 23, 33; 26; 36) are conveyed to a loading station (11) and are loaded there, wherein the production lines (2, 3) are automatically controlled by the shipment data corresponding to the production of the bundles of printed material (18, 19) depending upon the individual consolidated orders (20; 30; 23, 33; 26; 36) of the shipment (16).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a conveyor, a programmable motion device, and a controller. The conveyor preferably includes actuatable rollers, and the programmable motion device is preferably a robotic arm. The controller operates the conveyor, a stopping rail, and a positioning rail to move and position a box in a cutting position relative to the robotic arm. The controller determines three dimension of the box and translates a programmed cut pattern to those determined dimensions. Based on the determined dimensions, the controller then operates the robotic arm to perform the programmed cut pattern in the box with the cutting element. The cutting element preferably has square blade so that each of the four blades can be used to cut a side of the box without having to rotate the cutting element during operation.

Abstract: A mechanism for assigning unique addresses to identical devices attached to a serial bus is presented. Each device has at least one output and is provided with a storage device to provide a configurable portion of a bus address having a fixed portion and a configurable portion. The device is further provided with circuitry, coupled to the storage device and the output, to determine a state of the output and use the state to configure the configurable portion. Once the configurable portion is configured, the bus address uniquely identifies the device. Such configuration allows more than one such device to be coupled to the same serial bus, e.g., an I2C bus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to automatically load and unload biological material test tubes into and from a capsule suitable for handling in a pneumatic mail system, the test tubes being supported by a test tube container which may be removably accommodated in the capsule, wherein the apparatus includes a loading and unloading interface, a receiving/dispatching station for conveying capsules to/from various biological material collection departments and a receiving/dispatching station for conveying capsules to/from biological material testing departments, and devices adapted to handle arriving test tube containers and test tubes to be dispatched to a bench, including a loading area and an unloading area for test tubes and test tube containers, arriving material identifying and checking devices and orienting devices for test tube containers, including a control unit adapted to coordinate the devices during the loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of enabling automated receiving/retrieving of stocks of cargo for storing purposes. The system uses at least one service level and one or more storage levels. The service level is operated and organized in such a way that it is able to receive, interchange cargo, and extract cargo simultaneously and batch way. The system is redundant and allows continued operation even if some of its components malfunction. The service area comprising (a) a plurality of pallets for conveying said cargo; (b) a matrix of blocks of predetermined shape upon which said cargo and said pallets located; (c) at least one elevator block for transporting said pallet to different areas of said system; (d) at least one box; (e) at least two buffer for allowing transport of said pallets in at least two orthogonal directions in each of said areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for securely storing items of media. The apparatus includes a storage bag body having an open mouth region and a sealing collar extending around at least a portion of the mouth region. The collar includes a first and second elongate side bar, each having a first and second end and a first pair of hinged end bars disposed in an end-to-end configuration between respective first ends of the side bars and a second pair of hinged end bars disposed in an end-to-end configuration between the respective second ends of the side bars. At least one side bar and at least one end bar in each pair of end bars comprises at least one securing element for irreversibly sealing the mouth region of the storage bag body closed.

Abstract: A multiplexing gathering device includes a first gatherer for forming first gathered printed products on a first line and a second gatherer for forming second gathered printed products on a second line. A collecting device collects the first and second gathered printed products. A first transporter transports the first gathered products from the first line to the collecting device and a second transporter for transports the second gathered products from the second line to the collecting device. At least one controller for controls the first gatherer and second gatherer so that second gathered products are selectively formed as a function of the formation of first gathered printed products. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A drive load measuring system for a conveyor-type oven is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a drive load measuring system includes: a pair of mounting assemblies that support opposing end portions of a rotating drive shaft of an oven drive unit; and a PLC control unit operatively connected to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies each include a pivot bracket mounted to the body of the oven and a force sensing fastener inserted into the pivot bracket and configured to generate an output signal representative of the load on the force sensing fastener. The PLC control unit can be configured to calculate load values of the force sensing fasteners and to detect rapid changes in the load values that may indicate jam-ups of conveyors driven by the oven drive unit. Alternatively, the PLC control unit can be configured to detect when load values of the force sensing fasteners exceed a threshold value, which may also indicate jam-ups of the conveyors.

Abstract: The invention relates method for controlling a machine for treating containers (12) as well as for controlling processing and/or treatment stations located downstream from it, wherein the machine has a plurality of turntables (42) that are each driven by a motor and that serve to orient and/or position the containers (12), in which method the motor drives (44) of the turntables (42) are each monitored separately, so that, if an error occurs with one or more of the turntable drives (44), the affected defective turntable drives (44) are deactivated while the machine and/or the stations located downstream continue to be operated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an aligned bunch of items of media. The apparatus includes a driven drum element arranged to rotate about a drum axis of rotation and at least one driven endless belt member, each arranged along a respective belt pathway. The belt pathway comprises a pathway portion in which the belt member extends in a co-operating relationship with more than sixty percent of the circumference of an outer surface of the drum element. The drum element and at least one belt member co-operate to receive and align items of media therebetween.

Abstract: A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.

Abstract: Clamshells for packaging produce, or other unit packaging, are labeled with unique codes. Harvest crates for transporting filled clamshells from the harvest, or other containers for transporting unit packaging, are also labeled with unique codes. A plurality of labeled un-filled clamshells are nested together and placed into each harvest crate before the harvest, and the codes from the clamshells and the harvest crate are stored in association. In some instances, clamshells are de-nested, labeled with pre-printed labels, and nested again before being placed into the harvest crates. At the harvest the clamshells are removed from the harvest crate, de-nested, filled with produce, packed back into the harvest crate, and moved into the distribution chain. The unique codes are further associated with other information such as harvest data.

Abstract: A device for collecting items from a container comprises a collection unit, a conduit, a vacuum producing unit and a controller. The conduit is in fluid communication with the collection unit and is mountable to the container so as to be placed in fluid communication therewith. The vacuum producing unit produces a vacuum within the conduit. The controller is linked to the vacuum producing unit and is configured to acquire data regarding the contents of the container. When the controller receives data regarding the contents of the container it controls the vacuum producing unit to modulate the vacuum produced within the conduit thereby suctioning the items within the container when mounted thereto into the collection unit. The container can be a transit fare box for receiving items tendered for fare. The data regarding the contents of the container can be the volume of items within the container.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a set number of items as a batch comprising the steps of: setting the set number of items in a batch; calibrating by forwarding items along a conveyor for a time interval; counting the number of items to fall off end of feeder in that time interval; calculating throughput per unit time; setting the conveyor to operate for a discrete time period calculated to approach but not exceed that required so that the running total reaches nut does not exceed the set number without otherwise adjusting conveyor settings; counting the number of items dispensed in the discrete time period; adding the number of items to fall off feeder in the discrete time period to running total, and repeating steps until the running total is greater or equal to the batch size wherein each iteration uses the number of particles per unit time in the preceding time period as basis for determining item through rate for calculating subsequent time period for operating the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for controlling a group of machines such as robots or pick and place machines to pick up an item from a first position and place the item in a second position. Information from a sensor about the location of the first position is provided to a control member, which sends a message from a master process to all machines. The message includes a list of all first positions. The machines dynamically and adaptively handle each of the first positions and inform the master process when each first position is handled. The master process in turn informs all machines that a given first position has been handled. A system, a computer program and a graphical user interface are also described.

Abstract: A method of reversing direction of an article, or of speeding up or slowing down an article is disclosed by engaging an article with a first belt to move the article in a first direction; disengaging the article from the first belt; and then engaging the article with a second belt to move the article at a different speed. An apparatus to change speed of an article is also disclosed by a first belt rotating in a first direction; a second belt rotating in the direction at a second speed; the first belt engaging an article at a first time while the second belt is disengaged with the article, the first belt disengaging the article at a second time, and the second belt engaging the article at a third time while the first belt is disengaged with the article.

Abstract: A conveying system, includes control devices for controlling the operation of the conveying system. The conveying system also includes a central control. The central control is arranged to select from a plurality of the different operating modes of the conveying system the operating mode to be used at any given time. The central control is connected to the control devices with a communications channel for indicating the operating mode selected to the control devices.

Abstract: A method includes generating a reticle transport job using a computing device. The reticle job identifies a selected reticle. A reticle pod available for transporting the reticle is autonomously identified using the computing device. The reticle transport job is updated suing the computing device with an identifier of the reticle pod.

Abstract: A method for processing material that contains biomass. The material is led onto a conveyor. The conveyor conveys the material to an apparatus for mechanical processing and/or to a further processing plant. The moisture content is measured and/or the size of pieces of non-combustible material and/or the content of non-combustible material in the material flow is measured in connection with the conveyor. Based on at least one of the measurements, material is conveyed to the material to be conveyed for further processing and/or to the apparatus for mechanical processing, or to at least one material to be conveyed elsewhere than to the further processing plant or the apparatus for mechanical processing. Also a system for processing material that contains biomass.

Abstract: The present invention is a transfer apparatus for a substrate, including a substrate housing container housing a substrate therein and having a transfer-in/out port for the substrate formed in a side surface thereof; a gas jet unit jetting a predetermined gas toward a rear surface of the substrate in the substrate housing container; and a control unit regulating a supply amount of the predetermined gas supplied from the gas jet unit to control the substrate in the substrate housing container to a predetermined height.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automatically supplying packages, that have been sorted by type, to a column stacker, preferably in a sorting system. The device has at least one supply path (2) on which the packages, which have been sorted by type, are automatically supplied to the column stacker (3) individually and chaotically distributed in partial stacks. The invention proposes that at least two packages (T1, T1) or partial stacks of packages (T2, T2 or T3, T3 or T4, T4 or T5, T5)—as long as said partial stacks are not already randomly present on the supply path (2)—of the same height disposed one directly behind the other be combined with the aid of a package register 1 before being supplied to the column stacker (3) simultaneously.

Abstract: In a method for spacing bundles of a bundle layer by means of a manipulator gripper with at least one support base that engages bundles and a stop for the placement of bundles, separation between an edge of the support base and the stop is reduced, by a placement motion of the support base in a placement direction that is superimposed on the relative motion of the support base and the stop and is synchronized with this relative motion.

Abstract: An adjustable speed control system includes a reader, databases, processors and a conveyor controller. The databases store data concerning conveyor stops and failed attempts by the reader to identify conveyed items. Based on the failed attempts and the conveyor stops, the processors calculate an optimal speed of the conveyor. The controller adjusts the conveyor speed towards the optimal speed to increase the conveyed items successfully identified by the reader. Also disclosed are a corresponding method and computer readable medium on which is stored instructions to, upon execution, adjustably control the conveyor speed.

Abstract: A conveyor system has a plurality of sensors coupled to a computer system, the computer system being programmed to check a number of safety functions greater than the number of sensors.

Abstract: Provided is a conveyance control system in which fast and smooth control is realized without causing a control delay by a processing delay of a control apparatus such as a PLC, and wiring between a control object and a central control unit is omitted. A conveyance control system according to the present invention includes a plurality of data processing slave stations connected through a common transmission line. The data processing slave station obtains information about a predetermined station from monitor/control data about a plurality of stations of the data processing slave station transmitted to the common transmission line, determines and adjusts control/monitoring of an own station and outputs information about an own station to the common transmission line. The information about an own station output to the common transmission line from the data processing slave station is obtained by a different station as part of the monitor/control data to become a control/monitor factor of the different station.

Abstract: Apparatus for grouping a number of units, such as packaging units, when palleting the units, comprising a feed belt for conveying the units (10) and a grouping belt, which defines a grouping plane, said feed and grouping belts being driven for movement parallel to one another, and a robot, which is designed to group the units by positioning and orienting the units on the grouping plane. At least one part of the feed belt (1) runs beside and adjacent to the grouping belt (2). The robot (3) is a multi-axial industrial robot having a robotic arm on which a pusher element (5) is arranged, rotatable about an axis (6) perpendicular to the grouping plane, in order to allow the transfer of at least one unit from the feed belt to the grouping belt under a pushing action supplied by the pushing element, together with orientation and positioning of the unit on the grouping belt.

Abstract: A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.

Abstract: A foreign matter detection unit detects an entry of an unexpected foreign matter that is other than the substrates by light transmitting optical sensors 7 having light projecting portions 7a and light receiving portions 7b at opening sections 3a, 3b formed in cover members 2 through which the substrates pass. By executing an emergency stop processing, when the entry of the foreign matter is detected at one of the opening sections, to stop the electronic component mounting apparatus that is adjacent to the opening section at which the entry of the foreign matter is detected, safety of the machine operators is properly ensured in check and confirmation works conducted at the time of machine troubles etc even in an electronic component assembling line in which the small-sized thin unit apparatuses are combined.

Abstract: A method for tamping media during transportation is disclosed. Multiple parallel beltsets lie between an inlet station(s) and a delivery station(s). The multiple parallel beltsets have one or more parallel belts, a motor connected to drive the beltsets, and multiple pushers attached to the belts of the beltset with the pushers of one beltset placed between the pushers of the adjacent beltset. A control module coupled to the motors accepts a set of instructions and controls tamping of the media stack during transportation. The control module varies the velocity of one of the beltsets relative to the adjacent beltset and adjusts the distance between successive pushers on the beltsets to accept media or to tamp media during transportation.

Abstract: A method for controlling the extraction capacity of longwall operations in underground coal mining, including ascertaining the respective demand of the longwall operations, for air-technology and climate-technology resources, as influencing variables for a projected delivery quantity on the basis of data applicable to equipment of the longwall operations and to mineral deposit parameters, and storing the ascertained influencing variables in a computer as target data. Actual data for a raw coal delivery quantity, for air flowing through, for the supplied cooling capacity, and for the exhaust gas during running operation is detected and conveyed to the computer. If an increased demand for resources is recognized, coverage is initiated via a changeover of excess resources available at other longwall operations or, if a reduced demand for resources is recognized, excess resources are rerouted to other longwall operations experiencing corresponding demand deficiencies.

Abstract: An article processing facility includes an article carrier movable along a track and having an article gripper, and a pair of article racks for temporarily supporting articles. Each of the article racks is configured to be shiftable between an extended position and a retracted position. When an article for loading gripped by the article gripper is to be delivered to an article loading and unloading station but an article for unloading is present at the article loading and unloading station, the article for loading is stored temporarily on one of the article racks, and thereafter the article for unloading at the article loading and unloading station is temporarily stored on the other article rack.

Abstract: Control architecture for use with transport systems, such as linear drive systems, rotary drive systems, or a combination thereof, comprising a computer system having a controller for operating control system software for receiving input commands and protocols for creating a motion profile for each transport element, and a gateway for receiving the motion profile from the control system software and for operating gateway drive software that functions to select the appropriate drives to move each transport element along one or more tracks in accordance with their motion profiles.

Abstract: A moving stop station includes a vehicle carrier configured to move a vehicle along an assembly line, an assembly platform disposed adjacent to the assembly line, and a synchronizer in communication with the vehicle carrier and the assembly platform. The synchronizer is configured to synchronize the motion of the assembly platform with the motion of the vehicle carrier as the vehicle carrier moves along a length of the assembly line, and includes a sensor, processor, and actuator. The sensor is configured to sense the position of the vehicle carrier and to generate a position signal corresponding to the sensed position. The processor is configured to receive the position signal and selectively provide a synchronization signal in response, and the actuator is configured to receive the synchronization signal and synchronize the motion of the vehicle carrier and the motion of the assembly platform in response.

Abstract: Facility for processing printed materials, comprising primary conveyor lines for processing different printed materials, a first transfer device for transferring printed materials from each primary conveyor line to a distribution conveyor line, and a second transfer device for transferring printed materials from the distribution conveyor line to a grouping conveyor line. The grouping conveyor line comprises an identification device for affixing an indication of a point of destination on the printed materials. The facility is controlled such that the printed materials arrive on the grouping conveyor line grouped by recipient.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus measure a quantity parameter during the transport of objects. The objects are in particular flat mail items and are tipped onto a conveyor component of a transport device and are transported by the latter. At least one recording time, in each case at least one photograph of a measurement sector of the conveyor component is taken. For each recording time, the value which a quantity parameter which describes the quantity of objects in the measurement sector has at the recording time is calculated. For this purpose, the proportion of the area of the measurement sector which is covered by objects is measured. A prescribed functional relationship between the quantity parameter and the measured proportion is evaluated. The speed at which the conveyor component transports the objects is changed depending on the quantity parameter value measured.

Abstract: A conveying system may include a frame that supports a plurality of rollers which carry articles thereon. At least one of the rollers may be a motorized roller with first and second motors adapted to rotate an outer cylindrical shell of the motorized roller. A controller external to the motorized roller may send speed control commands to the motorized roller to control both the first and second motors in a manner that increases torque of the motorized roller. The motors may be controlled in four quadrant mode, or two quadrant mode, or a combination thereof. The motorized roller may be used in a right angle transfer mechanism, or in other components of a conveying system.

Abstract: A system and method for automated piezoelectric sensor-based tactile sorting of plurality of small objects. A high accuracy, high precision delivery system targets the sensor which accounts for softness and mass of individual objects by measuring a force exerted and total contact time for each object upon passing contact with a sensing surface of a piezo sensor, wherein a plurality of objects cascade onto the sensor in one-by-one fashion. The quantified force and contact time values are then analyzed and compared against two threshold values or a range of threshold values which are predetermined and preset based on data from optimal objects and undesirable objects or possibly a spectrum of objects which has been analyzed and recorded to assist in calibrating the system.

Abstract: A picking system includes a conveyer, a robot, a main camera, and a control device. The conveyer conveys workpieces. The robot performs a holding operation and a moving operation on the workpieces. The main camera captures the transport path of the conveyer. The control device detects the workpiece on the basis of the image captured by the main camera and instructs the robot to perform the holding operation on the detected workpiece. Moreover, the control device instructs the robot to perform the holding operation on the overlapped workpieces when the overlapping of the workpieces is detected.

Abstract: The invention describes a goods distribution center (1) and a method for its operation for goods (9) to be handled preferably in partitioned storage and transport containers (8) with at least two storage areas (5, 7) for groups of goods with varying turnover frequencies. It comprises an incoming goods area (2), an outgoing goods area (6) and at least one order picking area (4). Conveying devices (10) form for example conveyor belts, roller conveyors, storage and retrieval means (12), e.g. shelf operating devices. Storage devices form e.g. high shelf, flow shelf storage etc. Furthermore, data input and output devices (26) are provided at workstations (18) and connected communicatively with a storage, control and monitoring device (25). The conveying devices (10) of the incoming goods area (2) and the order picking area (4) are in the form of continuous conveying devices (14, 16), which are connected via transfer conveying means (15) to one another and to storage and retrieval means (12).

Abstract: Preparation of a wafer processing or measuring tool for a job can be initiated prior to assigning a wafer carrier to deliver wafers to the tool. The automated process may include transfer of wafers from a container, such as a bare wafer stocker, or between two tools.

Abstract: A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles is described. A station removes one or more spent batteries of electric vehicles having multiple batteries. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles may be tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries may be transferred to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged can be automatically removed from the system.

Abstract: Provided are a power assist apparatus and its control method, which realize improvements in positioning precision and in workability while reducing the burden of a work positioning operation on a operator by burdening a portion of the positioning work on the power assist apparatus and while making good use of the decision or experience (or institution or knack) by the operator when the operator positions the work by using the power assist apparatus. The power assist apparatus thus autonomously cooperated with the working action of the operator comprises a transfer tool including an articulated robot, a sucking jig and a free joint for gripping and transferring windows, and a control device for controlling the actions of the transfer tool. The control device divides and stores a series of working tasks into a plurality of working section, and sets control logics for the individual working sections and for the individual working directions, in which the power assist apparatus has degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10, 100) for handling slides, including an input compartment (14) for inputting racks (16) and the slides held therein, and a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping slides. The system (10, 100) further includes an output compartment (22) for outputting racks (16), a transport unit (20) for transporting the racks (16), and a control unit (52) for controlling the transport unit (20). The transport unit (20) is designed to be capable of transporting the racks (16) between the input compartment (14), the coverslipper module (30, 32) and the output compartment (22).