B65G2203/0208

VISION-ENHANCED PHOTOCELL SYSTEM FOR PACKAGE SORTING
20230211381 · 2023-07-06 ·

A system and method for enhanced monitoring and sorting of delivery items, such as packages, which are moved and sorted via a delivery service conveyor device. Conventional systems may employ photocells, which detect interrupted light beams, to identify packages or delivery items along a conveyor path. The present system and method enhances photocell function by adding image detection and analysis to the mail path; and further by modifying the photocell signals to the sorter/conveyor control. The present sensing system is located in the same area on the transport as the photocell, and uses a camera to capture an image of the mail path in the photocell area. The system and method then analyze a package image to formulate a more accurate item detection signal, based on photocell data and image data, for input to the sorter/conveyor control system.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ORDER FULFILLMENT USING A ROUTING CONVEYANCE SYSTEM
20250229985 · 2025-07-17 ·

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.

Radio sensor module for detecting material containers

A radio sensor module for detecting material containers in a storage or transport system includes a transmission device for the wireless transmission of signals. The radio sensor module has a holder and a rocker pivotably mounted therein. A sensor for detecting a position of the rocker and the transmission device are arranged in the rocker.

Carrier and Inspection System

A carrier is configured to hold a product carried on a material strip during horizontal conveying of the material strip. The carrier comprises a first holding member positioned on the upper or lower side of the product on the material strip during the horizontal conveying of the material strip and extending along a conveying direction of the material strip. A first contact surface is formed on the side of the first holding member facing the product, the first contact surface is configured to contact the product during the horizontal conveying of the material strip to limit the up and down bouncing movement of the product.

TRAPDOOR REJECTION SUBSYSTEM FOR A CONVEYOR SYSTEM

A trapdoor rejection subsystem includes one or more trapdoor rejection mechanisms. Each trapdoor rejection mechanism is configured to be selectively transitioned between a closed position to support parcels and an open position to allow parcels identified as unconveyable to pass through the trapdoor rejection mechanism. Each trapdoor rejection mechanism includes a first door, a second door, and one or more actuators which can be selectively actuated to rotate the first door and the second door and transition the trapdoor rejection mechanism between the closed position and the open position. The trapdoor rejection subsystem can be utilized in a conveyor system in combination with one or more robot singulators, an upstream conveyor, a place conveyor, and a vision and control subsystem. Detection of unconveyable parcels and the transition of each trapdoor rejection mechanism of the trapdoor rejection subsystem is controlled by the vision and control subsystem.

PALLET WRAPPER AND IMAGING SYSTEM

A pallet wrapper and imaging system a pallet loaded with containers to calculate a sustainability based upon a type of the pallet and the containers on the pallet. The system also determines the stability of the pallet and containers, a speed at which the pallet and containers can be wrapped, and an amount of stretch film needed to secure the load for transport. After validation by the imaging system (with or without a wrapper), a QC bot assists a QC worker in remedying or checking any detected errors or potential errors.

CONVEYANCE APPARATUS AND RADIATION INSPECTION SYSTEM

According to an embodiment, a conveyance apparatus includes an upstream-side conveyance portion and a downstream-side conveyance portion. The upstream-side conveyance portion is configured to convey a test object from a conveyance direction deviating with respect to a conveyance direction of a conveyance path of a radiation inspection apparatus to the conveyance path. The radiation inspection apparatus is configured to irradiate the test object with radiation to inspect the test object. The downstream-side conveyance portion is configured to convey the test object from the conveyance path in a conveyance direction deviating with respect to the conveyance direction of the conveyance path. The upstream-side conveyance portion and the downstream-side conveyance portion respectively include a shielding section that is on an extension line of the conveyance direction of the conveyance path and is configured to block the radiation.

OVERHEAD LABWARE TRANSPORT SYSTEM
20220363491 · 2022-11-17 ·

A selectably configurable modular labware transport system including a labware bulk overhead transport system module forming an overhead transport path. The labware bulk overhead transport system module has a labware support, with at least a movable part of the labware support being configured to support labware thereon, and move longitudinally defining the overhead transport path. The labware support has more than one labware holding stations for holding a labware piece, each of the labware holding stations having a different location along the labware support and overhead transport path. The labware bulk overhead transport system module is communicably couplable to another labware bulk overhead transport system module that forms another different overhead transport path, and effects undisrupted transport of the labware throughout the overhead transport path with the labware bulk overhead transport system module both coupled to and uncoupled from the other labware bulk overhead transport system module.

Method for dispensing discrete medicaments, a test station for testing a feeder unit, and a method for determining a fill level of a feeder unit

The invention relates to a method for step dispensing discrete medicaments from a feeder unit, wherein the feeder unit comprises a container holding said medicaments, and a dispensing mechanism configured for receiving the medicaments from the container and selectively dispensing the medicaments from the feeder unit, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a singulating body with a plurality of singulation chambers; and a first release member arranged below the singulating body and provided with a release opening, wherein the first release member and the singulating body are movable with respect to each other, the method comprising the steps of: moving the singulating body and the first release member relative to each other into an aligned position in which one of the plurality of singulation chambers is aligned with the release opening; when the singulating body is in the aligned position, stopping relative movement between the singulating body and the first release member; maintaining the singulating body stationary with respect to the first release member for a predetermined waiting period to allow any medicaments accommodated in the aligned singulation chamber to fall through the release opening.

METHOD FOR TURNING A RAILS-MOUNTED LIFT-ROBOT
20220356013 · 2022-11-10 ·

A method for turning a pinion-driven lift-robot in an intersection of rails. Moving the pinion-driven lift-robot in a first motion mode to position the pinion-driven lift-robot in a first position at the intersection. The pinion-driven lift-robot is turned over a corner of the intersection that is accessible from the first position and that includes continuous rails connecting a vertical track and a horizontal track, whereby positioning the pinion-driven lift-robot in a second position at the intersection. The pinion-driven lift-robot is moved in a second motion mode towards a designated direction.