B65G2203/04

PALLET AUTOMATIC CHANGEOVER SYSTEM AND METHOD
20220063032 · 2022-03-03 ·

The disclosure relates to a system and method for changing location pins on a pallet for an assembly line. The system may include a plurality of pallets, each pallet including at least a first and second sockets configured to receive a location pin. The system may include a pin changing unit located between a top assembly line and a lower return line. The pin changing unit may include a pin grabber configured to engage the location pin within the first socket. The pin changing unit may include a horizontal linear actuator configured to move the pin grabber and the engaged location pin into alignment with the second socket. The pin changing unit may include a vertical linear actuator configured to extend the pin grabber into engagement with the location pin and retract the pin grabber away from the location pin.

Conveyor
11180321 · 2021-11-23 · ·

A conveyor includes a first conveyor belt with a first surface along which an article is conveyed in a conveyance direction from an upstream end to a downstream end, The first surface has an upstream end and a downstream end along the conveyance direction. A second conveyor belt is directly downstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveyance direction and has a second surface along which the article is conveyed in the conveyance direction from an upstream end to a downstream end. The downstream end of the first surface is at a height greater than the upstream end of the second surface. A first reading unit is positioned to read a symbol on the article through a gap left between the first and second conveyor belts.

ADAPTIVE ACCELERATION CONTROL FOR PACKAGING MACHINE
20210300612 · 2021-09-30 ·

A method of adjusting accelerations within a packaging machine includes determining the dimensions and frictional coefficients of each product or group of products that are placed on a product feeder 106. Acceleration profiles of first and second drive lines 200, 202 can be adjusted to ensure that the products are moved through the packaging machine at appropriate speeds and accelerations. The method may ensure that the products maintain proper positions throughout the packaging process so that the products are not damaged, and the packaging process is not hindered. A packaging machine with means for determining the coefficient of friction associated with a product is also provided.

Transverse-Belt Sorter Having a Control Device
20210292099 · 2021-09-23 ·

A control device for activating a transverse belt (8) of a conveying carriage (6) of a transverse-belt sorter (2), wherein a transverse-belt conveyor (4) for conveying an article in a transverse conveying direction, which is oriented substantially transversely to the conveying direction of the transverse-belt sorter (2), is formed on the conveying carriage (6), and wherein the transverse belt (8) can be driven mechanically, wherein the control device is configured so that, when the article is introduced laterally onto the transverse belt (8), it activates the transverse belt (8) such that the article is transported to a conveying position on the transverse belt (8) or, when the article is discharged laterally, it activates the transverse belt (8) such that the article is transported in the downward direction from a conveying position on the transverse belt (8); and wherein, when the article is introduced and/or discharged laterally, the control device activates the transverse belt (8) at least in dependence on a mass of the article.

Frame for fastening inspection modules for containers and inspection device
11085883 · 2021-08-10 · ·

The present disclosure relates to a frame for fastening inspection modules for containers. The frame includes a conveyor for the containers and a plurality of rails. The plurality of rails includes a first rail and a second rail arranged on a first side of the conveyor and a third rail and a fourth rail arranged on a second side of the conveyor. Each of the plurality of rails are for the fastening of the inspection modules. The present disclosure further relates to an inspection unit including the frame and at least one of the inspection modules.

INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT
20230399179 · 2023-12-14 · ·

An information processing apparatus includes a candidate generating unit and a correcting unit. The candidate generating unit generates, using first log information indicating states of a monitoring target and acquired in a certain time period, a frequently appearing transition path of states of the monitoring target, as a candidate of a first path that is a transition path presumed to represent a first specific condition. The correcting unit obtains the first path by correcting the candidate using a predetermined reference path.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ORDER FULFILLMENT USING A SHUTTLE TAKEAWAY SYSTEM
20210276796 · 2021-09-09 ·

A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects includes: a plurality of bins including objects to be distributed, said plurality of bins being provided on an input conveyance system; a programmable motion device that includes an end effector for grasping and moving any of the objects, a perception system for providing perception data regarding a selected object that is presented to the perception system by the programmable motion device, and a routing conveyance system for receiving the selected object, and for moving the selected object in each of horizontal and vertical directions toward a selected destination container responsive to the perception data, the routing conveyance system including at least one object conveyor for urging the selected object toward the selected destination container in a third direction that is generally orthogonal to the horizontal and vertical directions.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ORDER FULFILLMENT USING A CONVEYOR TAKEAWAY SYSTEM

A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed that includes a plurality of bins including objects to be distributed by the storage, retrieval and processing system, the plurality of bins being provided on an input conveyance system, a programmable motion device that includes an end effector for grasping and moving any of the objects, a perception system for providing perception data regarding a selected object that is presented to the perception system by the programmable motion device, and a routing conveyance system for receiving the selected object, and for moving the selected object in each of horizontal and vertical directions toward a destination container responsive to the perception data, the destination container being provided among a plurality of destination containers in a row that are provided as a set on a destination conveyance system.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ORDER FULFILLMENT USING A SPIRAL TOWER SYSTEM

A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed that includes a plurality of bins including objects to be distributed, the plurality of bins being provided on a conveyance system, a programmable motion device that includes an end effector for grasping and moving any of the objects, the programmable motion device being capable of reaching any of the objects within at least one of the plurality of bins in an input area of the conveyance system, a perception system for providing perception data regarding a selected object that is presented to the perception system by the programmable motion device, and a routing conveyance system including a routing conveyor for receiving the selected object, and for moving the selected object in each of vertical and rotational directions toward a destination container responsive to the perception data.

Drive-through automated supermarket
11049196 · 2021-06-29 · ·

A store is described, including an ordering interface, a storage area, automated vehicles, and a central processing system. The ordering interface accepts selections of items for purchase from a shopper. The storage area, stocking items for sale, is separate from the area containing the ordering interface. The automated vehicles retrieve items from the storage area. The central processing system is configured to: check-in the shopper; assign an order fulfilment module to the shopper; receive selections of items from the ordering interface in real-time, as the shopper selects the items for purchase; send the selections to the order fulfilment module for retrieval in real-time; check-out the shopper when the shopper is finished selecting items; and arrange delivery of the completed order to the shopper. The order fulfilment module assigns automated vehicles to retrieve the items for purchase in real-time. A method for operating a store is also described.