A machine for labeling containers includes a rotating carousel with a lower base which supports a plurality of supporting pans for the containers and an upper supporting structure for a plurality of heads which are intended to engage the top portion of the containers. The labeling machine further includes a device for feeding the containers to be labeled to the rotating carousel and a device for unloading the labeled containers. The feeding device includes at least one first device for conveying the containers to be labeled which is provided with first elements for supporting the containers to be labeled at the neck. The labeling machine includes first elements for varying the height of the bottom of the containers to be labeled in order to bring the bottom to substantially the same height as the supporting pans.

An apparatus for detecting misplaced units in a moving carrier tape having a plurality of pockets with units positioned therein. The apparatus includes a displaceable assembly having a head portion positioned above the carrier tape that is adapted to deflect in response to engagement with a misplaced unit in one of the plurality of pockets.

A loose component supply device provided with component supply apparatus that stores multiple components, frame to which the component supply apparatus is detachably attached, claw member for locking the component supply apparatus to the frame, and a component support member that supports multiple component in a scattered state, the components having been ejected from an entrance of the component supply apparatus that is attached to the frame; the locking of the component supply apparatus to the frame is released by an operator grasping grip of the component supply apparatus. The component supply apparatus is swung, and with the swinging linking mechanism is operated such that shutter rotates downwards. That is, with the releasing of the locking of the component supply apparatus, the entrance of the component supply apparatus is covered by the shutter.

A method for optimizing the running properties of a rotating belt of a weighing belt conveyor includes, for at least one rotation of the belt, determining a unique reference position on the belt. A force signal is determined in dependence on the movement of the belt with respect to the reference position during the at least one rotation. From this force signal, the course of a deviation of the force signal from a set value as a consequence of a disruptive force is determined. At least in correspondence with the direction of the determined deviation, the mass of the belt is increased or reduced at locations in dependence on the position of the belt with respect to the reference position.

A method for optimizing the running properties of a rotating belt of a weighing belt conveyor includes, for at least one rotation of the belt, determining a unique reference position on the belt. A force signal is determined in dependence on the movement of the belt with respect to the reference position during the at least one rotation. From this force signal, the course of a deviation of the force signal from a set value as a consequence of a disruptive force is determined. At least in correspondence with the direction of the determined deviation, the mass of the belt is increased or reduced at locations in dependence on the position of the belt with respect to the reference position.

The present disclosure provides an automatic loading and unloading system that is adaptable for an array of freight sizes, trucks and/or trailers. In some examples, the automatic loading and unloading may inventory the parcels scheduled for delivery, identify the dimensions of the parcels, and plot a loading configuration that maximizes the use of the truck or trailer. Based on the plotting, the automatic loading and unloading system may direct the automated guided vehicles (e.g., automatic forklifts) to the parcels scheduled for delivery. The automated guided vehicles may utilize the information received from the automatic loading and unloading system to identify a route from the parcel's storage location in the warehouse, for example, to the plotted position in the truck or trailer.

The invention relates to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising an automated storage and retrieval grid and a delivery system wherein the automated storage and retrieval grid comprises a container handling vehicle rail system for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles, the container handling vehicle rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent container handling vehicle grid cells, each container handling vehicle grid cell comprising a container handling vehicle grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring rails of the first set of rails and a pair of neighboring rails of the second set of rails, the container handling vehicles being operable to retrieve a storage container from a stack of storage containers beneath the container handling rail system; and a delivery column adapted for transport of a storage container between a container handling vehicle and a delivery port situated at a lower end of the delivery column; and wherein the delivery system comprises a remotely operated delivery vehicle comprising a container carrier adapted to support the storage container, the delivery vehicle being further adapted to transport the storage container between a first location represented by the delivery port and a second location, wherein the second location comprises a robotic operator for handling of product item in the storage container. The invention further relates to methods of moving storage containers with product items from storage grid and to a robotic operator at the second location for handling of product item in the storage container.

The invention relates to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising an automated storage and retrieval grid and a delivery system wherein the automated storage and retrieval grid comprises a container handling vehicle rail system for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles, the container handling vehicle rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent container handling vehicle grid cells, each container handling vehicle grid cell comprising a container handling vehicle grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring rails of the first set of rails and a pair of neighboring rails of the second set of rails, the container handling vehicles being operable to retrieve a storage container from a stack of storage containers beneath the container handling rail system; and a delivery column adapted for transport of a storage container between a container handling vehicle and a delivery port situated at a lower end of the delivery column; and wherein the delivery system comprises a remotely operated delivery vehicle comprising a container carrier adapted to support the storage container, the delivery vehicle being further adapted to transport the storage container between a first location represented by the delivery port and a second location, wherein the second location comprises a robotic operator for handling of product item in the storage container. The invention further relates to methods of moving storage containers with product items from storage grid and to a robotic operator at the second location for handling of product item in the storage container.

Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.

Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.