A system and method for operating a terminal facility handling containers may comprise: a sensor set sensing containers entering and/or exiting the facility for providing container identification data and location data to a relational database; and container handling equipment having a sensor set for providing container identification data and location data to the database when a container is grasped and/or released. Sensors may sense when the equipment grasps and/or releases a container for storing a record thereof in the database, and/or geo-tagged identification data and location data relating to carriers that are to pick up and/or to deliver a container is received and stored as records in the database. The relational database contains records representing the current location of each container and each container handling equipment substantially in real time and can estimate arrival time.

In a grain cart having an auger fold actuator, a gate actuator, and at least one spout actuator, a grain cart control system has an input device received within an operator cab to generate command signals responsive to operator commands, an electronic controller operatively associated with selected actuators of the grain cart, a valve actuator connected to each valve of the selected actuators of the grain cart, and stored programmable criteria to generate activation signals for the valve actuators in response to the command signals. Each mechanical function that is controlled also has a rotary potentiometer for positional feedback. To actuate any sequence, a joystick will send commands to the controller to activate a sequence. Since the controls according to the present invention are driven by a logic-based controller, various functions can be automated.

A logistics arrangement for conveying objects between different locations is provided herein. The logistics arrangement comprises a loading structure having a first storage area, a mobile robot having a second storage area, and a guard module arranged at the loading structure. The guard module is configured to be operated in a closed mode and an open mode.

A logistics arrangement for conveying objects between different locations is provided herein. The logistics arrangement comprises a loading structure having a first storage area, a mobile robot having a second storage area, and a guard module arranged at the loading structure. The guard module is configured to be operated in a closed mode and an open mode.

A rail can include first and transverse channels defined therein. A container can include a rod, a spring, a first plate assembly, and a second plate assembly. The first plate assembly can include a first transverse bearing disposed in the first transverse channel. The second plate assembly can include a second transverse bearing disposed in the second transverse channel. A robotic assembly can include a robotic arm. The robotic arm can include opposing grips defining a grip space therebetween. A processing system including one or more processors can be configured to, via the robotic assembly: align the grip space with the container rod; drive the rod against the spring; allow the spring to relax and thereby separate the first plate assembly from the second plate assembly; position the rod such that the first transverse bearing and the second transverse bearing are simultaneously withdrawn from the first and second transverse channels.

A rail can include first and transverse channels defined therein. A container can include a rod, a spring, a first plate assembly, and a second plate assembly. The first plate assembly can include a first transverse bearing disposed in the first transverse channel. The second plate assembly can include a second transverse bearing disposed in the second transverse channel. A robotic assembly can include a robotic arm. The robotic arm can include opposing grips defining a grip space therebetween. A processing system including one or more processors can be configured to, via the robotic assembly: align the grip space with the container rod; drive the rod against the spring; allow the spring to relax and thereby separate the first plate assembly from the second plate assembly; position the rod such that the first transverse bearing and the second transverse bearing are simultaneously withdrawn from the first and second transverse channels.

A rail can include an entry portion, an exit portion, and a middle portion disposed between the entry and exit portions. The middle portion can be lower than the entry and exit portions. The rail can be configured to couple with a container such that the container is movable, along the rail, from the entry portion to the exit portion. A first storage rack can be disposed on a first side of the rail middle portion and a second storage rack can be disposed on an opposing side of the rail middle portion. A processing system can be configured to: receive an order; analyze the order based on an inventory of the first storage rack and the second storage rack; and cause the container to move from the rail entry portion to the rail middle portion based on the analysis.

A system for transferring a group of components of electronic cigarettes from a first to a second operating station includes a conveyor extends from a feeding zone to a disengagement zone and has a plurality of seats. A feeding device receives the components and feeds them into the seats at a first mutual distance. A disengaging and transferring device operates to disengage the components from their seats and transfer the components to a collecting zone. A compacting device operates in the collecting zone to move the components closer together and place them at a second mutual distance that is smaller than the first mutual distance. A tray faces and receives from the collecting zone the group of components which have been placed close together. A pushing device pushes the components from the collecting zone into the tray. A movement device transfers the tray to the second operating station.

An automated guided vehicle, a system for sorting cargo, and a method of sorting cargo using the same are provided. The system for sorting cargo according to an embodiment includes an automated guided vehicle, a cargo supply unit, a plurality of cargo sorting units, a supply control unit configured to load the plurality of pieces of cargo supplied from the cargo supply unit into the plurality of cargo loading units of the automated guided vehicle, a transport control unit configured to transport the pieces of cargo to each cargo sorting unit while controlling a movement path of the automated guided vehicle into which the plurality of pieces of cargo are loaded; and a discharge control unit configured to discharge at least one piece of cargo transported through the automated guided vehicle to each cargo sorting unit to sort the at least one piece of cargo.

A loading or unloading apparatus configured to convey goods to a transport robot or unload goods on the transport robot. The loading or unloading apparatus includes an upright frame, a plurality of goods loading or unloading assemblies and a second driving structure. The upright frame is extending along a vertical direction. The plurality of goods loading or unloading assemblies are arranged on the upright frame at intervals along the vertical direction and capable of separately conveying, at different heights, the goods to the transport robot or unloading the goods on the transport robot. The second driving structure is configured to drive the upright frame to approach or move away from the transport robot along a loading or unloading direction, such that the plurality of goods loading or unloading assemblies convey the goods to the transport robot or unload the goods on the transport robot.