The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for reliably inserting packing trays into packing crates. Thus, the present invention solves the problems of conventional packaging lines by providing a positioning device for depositing packing trays into packing crates. Particularly, the present invention can be incorporated into existing fruit and vegetable packing lines.

A pallet is housed while being supported from below by a pair of shelf-side support surfaces. The shelf-side support surfaces extend in a second direction and are separate from each other in a first direction by a predetermined separation distance. A pallet inspection device includes a first lift member, a second lift member, a raising and lowering mechanism, and an inspection unit. The first lift member has a first support surface. The second lift member has a second support surface. The first support surface and the second support surface extend in a width direction and are separate from each other in a transportation direction by a predetermined setting distance. The setting distance corresponds to the separation distance between the pair of shelf-side support surfaces. The inspection unit inspects the pallet for bending while the first support surface and the second support surface are at a projecting position.

A stop device for holding a unit load device in place on decking is described. In one example, the stop device includes a switchable magnet with an actuator to engage or disengage the stop device on decking using a switchable magnetic field of the stop device. The stop device also includes an interface bumper secured over a first surface of the switchable magnet, a foot plate secured over a second surface of the switchable magnet, and a handle rod assembly that extends from the switchable magnet for positioning the switchable magnet on the decking. The handle rod assembly includes a switch linkage, with the switch linkage extending from the actuator of the switchable magnet to a distal end of the handle rod assembly with a handle for a user. An individual can rotate a locking lever of the stop device to engage or disengage the stop device on the decking.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to detecting jams when an intensity of a reflected signal exceeds a predetermined intensity threshold and an intensity window metric based on historic intensity value(s) fails to exceed an intensity window threshold for more than a predetermined time threshold. In an illustrative example, a jam detection unit (JDU) may emit a signal and detect a reflection of the signal. The JDU may, for example, compare intensity of the reflected signal to the intensity threshold. The JDU, for example, may compare the intensity threshold with at least one historic intensity value to determine the intensity window metric. If the intensity value exceeds the intensity threshold and the intensity window metric has not exceeded the intensity window threshold for longer than the time threshold, then the JDU may, for example, generate a jam signal. Various embodiments may advantageously detect jams based on intensity of a reflected signal.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a field-adjustable distance sensor configured to translate a transfer function of the sensor by a substantially constant value in a position domain by calibration at one or more known distances. In an illustrative example, the transfer function may correlate multiple distances to corresponding position vectors describing a position of a light signal on a receiver. The receiver may, for example, generate a detection signal corresponding to a position on the receiver of a light signal reflected off a target. A control circuit may, for example, generate a position vector in response to the detection signal. A calibration constant (C) may be generated, for example, as a function of a known distance of the target and position vector. C may be applied, for example, to translate the transfer function in the position domain. Various embodiments may advantageously reduce non-linear error in a distance sensor.

Features are disclosed for a stopping device that is resistant to forces in a first direction and compliant with forces in a second direction. The stopping device may be implemented in a roller top to restrict undesired horizontal movement of a payload being transported across the roller top. In some embodiments, the roller top can be implemented on a mobile robot to transport a payload between destinations. The stopping device can include a plurality of linkages to engage the stopping device and reduce forces applied to the stopping device by the payload. The stopping device, in an engaged position, may limit undesired horizontal movement of the payload. Further, the stopping device, in the engaged position, may respond to vertical forces applied to the stopping device by transitioning from the engaged position to a disengaged position.

To provide a ball transfer and a seal member for a ball transfer, a seal member is employed which is characterized in that it has a seal member employing pile fiber that, at a ball transfer having a main body which has a socket, an inner surface of which is a hemispherical concave surface, a plurality of ball bearings arranged at the main exterior socket, a primary ball, diameter of which is greater than that of said ball bearings and which is rotatably supported by the socket by way of the ball bearings, and a housing-like case which surrounds the main body socket and rotatably supports the ball bearings and the primary ball at a bearing portion thereof and which has a hole from which a portion of the primary ball is made to protrude at an upper surface of the primary ball socket.

Manual and automated racking systems and associated methods for loading/unloading glass panels (e.g., insulating glass units (IGU), laminated glass units, glass composites, monolithic glass, and the like) onto/from a transportable rack, and a rack for use with the manual and automated racking systems.

Manual and automated racking systems and associated methods for loading/unloading glass panels (e.g., insulating glass units (IGU), laminated glass units, glass composites, monolithic glass, and the like) onto/from a transportable rack, and a rack for use with the manual and automated racking systems.

The invention relates to a method for automated repalletizing of packaged goods, the method to be carried out with a conveyor table with devices for the omnidirectional movement of packaged goods from an original layer, formed by units of packaged goods to be reconfigured, to a target layer, formed by units of packaged goods, wherein the conveyor table has an area that is larger than the area that is occupied by an original layer of the units of packaged goods to be configured, having the following steps: providing an original layer of units of packaged goods on the conveyor table, automated separation of the units of packaged goods by the conveyor table such that maneuvering distances are created between at least two of the units of packaged goods, moving the units of packaged goods to a predetermined position of the target layer, and optionally completing and optionally compressing the target layer of units of packaged goods,
wherein at least more than one of the units of packaged goods of the target layer are on the conveyor table during the entire process, as well as a programmed data processing device for controlling a method and a data carrier or data sequence having control instructions for programming such data processing devices.