A method for storing containers in an automated storage and retrieval system includes a framework structure including upright members, horizontal members and storage columns provided between the members. Storage containers are stackable in stacks within the storage columns. The method includes: defining a first storage area, wherein the first storage area includes specific storage columns within the framework structure; setting a first maximum weight threshold for the first storage area; determining a total weight for all storage containers stored in the first storage area; determining a weight for a further storage container which is to be stored within the framework structure; and determining a storage position for the further storage container to be within the first storage area if the sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is below the first maximum weight threshold, or determining the storage position for the further storage container to be outside of the first storage area if the sum of the total weight and the weight of the further storage container is above the first maximum weight threshold.

Conveyor idler monitoring apparatus, systems and methods are provided. In some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, load sensors, etc.) are supported by the shaft of a conveyor idler. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are in data communication with a wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, a power generator driven by rotation of the idler is in electrical communication with one or more sensors and/or a wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, a plurality of idlers monitoring systems are in data communication with a conveyor monitoring system and/or operational monitoring system.

An article transport apparatus includes a travel carriage, a mast, a lift, and a transfer machine. The transfer machine includes a holder and a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism is configured to transfer an article between the holder and a storage rack. The article transport apparatus further includes a receiver supported by the lift and configured to receive liquid that has dripped from the article, a collector configured to collect the liquid received by the receiver, and a liquid detector configured to detect the amount of liquid collected in the collector. The receiver is disposed to cover, from below, the entire bottom surface of the article located at a holding position. The collector is connected to the receiver. The receiver includes a receiving surface that faces upward and that is entirely inclined to extend gradually downward toward the collector.

An apparatus has one or more conveyor systems, each conveyor having a conveyor bed having a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, a conveyance mechanism configured to move material from the first end to the second end, a material inlet at the first end, a material outlet at the second end, and a waste discharge outlet, at least one liquid dispenser arranged to dispense liquid into each conveyor bed, and at least one sensor at least partially inserted into each conveyor bed, wherein the material inlet of the one or more conveyors is configured as an initial material inlet, and the material outlet of the one or more conveyors is configured as a final material outlet. A method of rinsing coir includes moving the coir through at least two conveyor beds, applying liquid to the coir as it moves through the at least two conveyors, monitoring a composition of the liquid in the conveyor beds, and automatically adjusting application of the liquid based upon the monitoring.

A vehicle tilting device for tilting a delivery vehicle for increasing access to items from a storage container transported on the delivery vehicle. The vehicle tilting device comprises a base structure and a tiltable platform connected to the base structure, wherein the tiltable platform comprises guiding features adapted to guide the delivery vehicle onto the tiltable platform. The tiltable platform is arranged to be connected to a delivery grid cell of a delivery rail system such that that there is a path to and/or from the tiltable platform for the delivery vehicle via the delivery grid cell. The invention is also related to an access station, a delivery system and a method of accessing a storage container.

Examples of non-invasive inspection of a mechanical system are described. In an example implementation, a first operational data from a detector mounted on an item being handled by a mechanical system is retrieved. The detector may include one or more sensors, and the first operational data is indicative of a current operational condition of the mechanical system. The first operational data can be compared with a corresponding historical first operational data and an error in the current operational condition of the mechanical system is determined based on the comparison. In response to the identification of the error, a notification is generated to perform a non-invasive inspection of the mechanical system.

Apparatus, systems and methods for monitoring loads on a pallet, each apparatus using one or more force sensors placed under and along a single side of a loaded pallet. In embodiments, each apparatus comprises one or more low profile force sensors in one or more housings mountable on an underlying floor surface, carrying self-contained power supplies and having an associated Bluetooth transceiver. The apparatus force sensors output signals corresponding to pallet loads and load changes. Multiple apparatus may comprise a system including a base station having a Bluetooth transceiver for communicating with each the Bluetooth transceiver of each apparatus.

The present application provides a transfer device and a transfer method. The transfer device includes: a frame; a module transfer arm, arranged above the frame and with a number of at least one; a pre-inspection station, arranged on the frame at an initial placement position in a conveying direction of the module transfer arm, and configured to place thereon a target object to be inspected; a post-inspection station, arranged on the frame at a finish-placement position in the conveying direction of the module transfer arm, and configured to place thereon the target object after being inspected; an inspection station, respectively arranged on the frame and between the pre-inspection station and the post-inspection station, and configured to place thereon and inspect the target object; a feed mechanism.

A conveyance apparatus includes a mover, a stator, and a control unit. The mover moves along a first direction. The stator includes a plurality of first sensors arranged along the first direction. Each of the plurality of first sensors can detect position information about the mover. The control unit corrects the position information about the mover and controls a position and/or orientation of the mover based on at least one of a relative position between at least one of the plurality of first sensors and the mover. The relative position is obtained by (a) detection values of the plurality of first sensors and/or (b) detection times in which the plurality of first sensors each detect the position information about the mover.

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for an improved accumulation conveyor and systems and methods for controlling a high rate, high density tunable accumulation conveyor. In one embodiment, an accumulation conveyor system determines whether an item detection variable associated with a second zone of a plurality of zones is satisfied, wherein the second zone is downstream of a first zone. The accumulation conveyor system determines whether at least one of two operational characteristic variables is satisfied. In an instance where both the item detection variable and at least one operational characteristic variable are satisfied, the accumulation conveyor system is configured to set a zone operating state associated with the first zone to inactive and send a command signal comprising the zone operating state associated with the first zone to a control module associated with the first zone. In another embodiment, an improved method for adjusting aggressiveness is disclosed. In another embodiment, a tunable release rate accumulation conveyor is disclosed. In still another embodiment, a tunable crowding accumulation conveyor is disclosed.