Patent classifications
B65G47/88
System and method for simultaneously moving objects between multiple locations
Embodiments provide for a conveying system to move multiple articles from one location to another. The conveying system may use a transport device to grasp each article from an initial location, rotate the articles away from the initial locations, move the articles linearly, and rotate the articles to destination locations. Rather than moving each article one-by-one, in the embodiments described herein, the conveying system can move multiple articles simultaneously to various locations where each location may contain a different process to perform on the article. Moving multiple articles simultaneously shortens the time required to process the articles.
Adjustable package flow stop wall systems and associated methods
Adjustable package flow stop wall systems and associated methods may operate as part of package processing stations, in order to facilitate accumulation and transfer of packages from inbound collection areas to outbound conveyances. For example, an adjustable package flow stop wall may include a wall assembly, a frame assembly, a pedal assembly, and/or a handle assembly. The wall assembly may selectively extend above the upper surface of a station between a plurality of positions, e.g., a closeout position, an active position, and a flush position, and the pedal and/or handle assemblies may be actuated to cause movement of the wall assembly. Further, the adjustable package flow stop wall may include one or more sensors, actuators, and/or input elements to enable movement of the wall assembly at least partially or fully automatically, which movements may be based on detected agents and/or packages and associated characteristics.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF A PAYLOAD
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.
KITTING SHELF MACHINE WITH SELF-LOADING PRESENTATION FACE
A robotic singulation system is disclosed. In various embodiments, sensor data image including data associated with an item present in a workspace in a workspace is received. The sensor data is used to determine and implement a plan to autonomously operate a robotic structure to move and place the item singly in a corresponding location in a singulation conveyance structure. The plan takes into consideration an attribute of the item determined based at least in part on the sensor data.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY MOVING OBJECTS BETWEEN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Embodiments provide for a conveying system to move multiple articles from one location to another. The conveying system may use a transport device to grasp each article from an initial location, rotate the articles away from the initial locations, move the articles linearly, and rotate the articles to destination locations. Rather than moving each article one-by-one, in the embodiments described herein, the conveying system can move multiple articles simultaneously to various locations where each location may contain a different process to perform on the article. Moving multiple articles simultaneously shortens the time required to process the articles.
METHOD FOR INSERTING PRODUCTS INTO TRAYS AND LOADING STATION
The disclosure relates to a method for inserting products into trays at a loading station for a tray sealer, where a tray of several trays loaded with product by way of a gripper unit to a target value at the loading station and provided therein on a tray conveyor is pushed directly onto a discharge belt of the loading station by way of a tray pusher formed on the gripper unit. The disclosure furthermore relates to a loading station for a tray sealer.
METHOD FOR INSERTING PRODUCTS INTO TRAYS AND LOADING STATION
The disclosure relates to a method for inserting products into trays at a loading station for a tray sealer, where a tray of several trays loaded with product by way of a gripper unit to a target value at the loading station and provided therein on a tray conveyor is pushed directly onto a discharge belt of the loading station by way of a tray pusher formed on the gripper unit. The disclosure furthermore relates to a loading station for a tray sealer.
Lapper assembly
The present disclosure provides embodiments of a lapper assembly for use to overlap successive sheets of wood veneer or other materials along a conveyor. The lapper assembly may include a stop member configured to be rotatably mounted to a roller such that the stop member is pivotable around the rotational axis of the roller independently of the rotational angle of the roller. The lapper assembly may further include a lever arm coupled to one end of the stop member. An actuator may be pivotably coupled to the lever arm and the conveyor frame, and operated to pivot the stop member between a workpiece engaging position, in which the stop member extends into the path of workpiece flow, and a workpiece disengaging position below the path. Optionally, the lapper assembly roller and other rollers upstream/downstream may be operatively connected to a drive. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed herein.
Lapper assembly
The present disclosure provides embodiments of a lapper assembly for use to overlap successive sheets of wood veneer or other materials along a conveyor. The lapper assembly may include a stop member configured to be rotatably mounted to a roller such that the stop member is pivotable around the rotational axis of the roller independently of the rotational angle of the roller. The lapper assembly may further include a lever arm coupled to one end of the stop member. An actuator may be pivotably coupled to the lever arm and the conveyor frame, and operated to pivot the stop member between a workpiece engaging position, in which the stop member extends into the path of workpiece flow, and a workpiece disengaging position below the path. Optionally, the lapper assembly roller and other rollers upstream/downstream may be operatively connected to a drive. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed herein.
Switch device
The present disclosure relates to a switch device for a transfer point between a first and a second rotatable star wheel, at which transfer point objects can be transferred selectively from the first star wheel to the second star wheel. The switch device includes a base in the region of the transfer point for supporting the objects transported by the star wheels; a first and a second wall portion that extend in the region of the transfer point; a drive mechanism for driving the movement of the wall portions; and a control means for actuating the drive mechanism. The first and the second wall portions are individually vertically movable by the at least one drive mechanism.