A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

A feeder assembly includes a feeder unit and an open top portable storage vessel defining an interior chamber. The feeder unit includes a feeder and a coupler securing the feeder to the vessel. The feeder defines a feed opening in communication with the interior chamber. The feeder includes a conveyance assembly in communication with the feed opening. The coupler is selectively secured to the feeder and independently selectively secured to the vessel, such that the coupler selectively secures the feeder to the vessel. The feeder unit facilitates dispensation of a material from the vessel. The method includes the steps of securing the vessel to the feeder, such that the feed opening is in communication with the interior chamber through the open top; collectively inverting the vessel and the feeder; and operating the feeder such that material from the vessel is dispensed by the feeder.

The present disclosure relates to equipment for handling bulk materials. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to equipment for use in stockpiling grains in a bulk storage system of the type commonly referred to as a bunker, although its application is not so limited. In one aspect, there is provided a mobile stacker and reclaimer combination comprising a mobile stacker, and a mobile reclaimer which is movable independently to the mobile stacker, wherein in use, the mobile reclaimer simultaneously collects a bulk material and feeds this to the mobile stacker.

The present disclosure relates to equipment for handling bulk materials. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to equipment for use in stockpiling grains in a bulk storage system of the type commonly referred to as a bunker, although its application is not so limited. In one aspect, there is provided a mobile stacker and reclaimer combination comprising a mobile stacker, and a mobile reclaimer which is movable independently to the mobile stacker, wherein in use, the mobile reclaimer simultaneously collects a bulk material and feeds this to the mobile stacker.

Embodiments of product handling systems facilitate transfer of individual product items from incoming bulk form into dedicated trays for inspection, sorting, selection, and packaging. Inspection may comprise interrogation of product items within a tray by electromagnetic (e.g., optical, hyperspectral) or other (e.g., physical, acoustic, gas sensing, etc.) techniques. Prior to packaging, product items disposed within the tray may be stored in a moveable carousel responsible for controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, illumination, ambient gases, product-to-product interactions, and/or others. Movement of product items from a carousel's transfer station to an outside staging position may be accomplished using robots and/or conveyor belts. Embodiments may allow rapid, low-cost consumer selection of specific individual product items based upon their accompanying metadata (e.g., source, identifier), in combination with the results of inspection (e.g., visual appearance). Embodiments may receive product items pre-packaged in tray format to expedite inspection, sorting, selection, and packaging.

A drum loading and unloading system and method for loading and unloading a drum. The system includes a portable base unit having pedestals for holding a drum at a predetermined position for loading and unloading material from the drum; a pair of pneumatic cylinders attached to the portable base supporting a cross-beam; a pumping piston attached to the cross-beam for pumping material into and out of the drum; and a lifting device attached to the cross-beam for lifting the drum onto the pedestals of the portable base.

A drum loading and unloading system and method for loading and unloading a drum. The system includes a portable base unit having pedestals for holding a drum at a predetermined position for loading and unloading material from the drum; a pair of pneumatic cylinders attached to the portable base supporting a cross-beam; a pumping piston attached to the cross-beam for pumping material into and out of the drum; and a lifting device attached to the cross-beam for lifting the drum onto the pedestals of the portable base.

A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

An article supply device capable of supplying first and second type articles comprises a main body, an accommodation unit for accommodating articles, a supply unit for supplying articles accommodated in the accommodation unit, a lock unit which prevents articles from being supplied from the supply unit; and a detection unit capable of detecting the presence or absence of first type articles and the presence or absence of the second type articles accommodated in the accommodation unit, wherein the lock unit is turned into a lock state, on condition that the absence of the articles is detected by the detection unit.

A drum unloader may include a pump assembly, a motor, a plate, a piston-cylinder assembly, and a sensor. The motor drives the pump assembly. The plate is mounted to the pump assembly and includes an inlet to the pump assembly. The piston-cylinder assembly includes a housing, a piston, and a piston rod. The housing defines a bore. The piston is received within the bore and cooperates with the housing to define a first cavity and a second cavity. The piston rod is attached to and extends from the piston such that the piston rod extends through the first cavity. The piston rod is coupled to the pump assembly, the motor and the plate such that movement of the piston within the bore causes corresponding movement of the pump assembly, the motor and the plate relative to the housing. The sensor measures a pressure within the second cavity.