An object redirection mechanism for a conveying system is provided. The object redirection mechanism is configured to redirect an object moved by the conveying system from a first direction to a second direction. The object redirection mechanism includes an arm tunnel positioned proximate an end of a conveyor configured for moving an object in the first direction. The arm tunnel includes an object stop having an object stopping portion defining at least a first side of the arm tunnel at least substantially parallel with the second direction and configured to engage an object moving in the first direction. The object stopping portion defines at least one finger aperture to enable at least one of the rotationally-retractable fingers to, when aligned with the at least one finger aperture, rotate between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. A corresponding object conveying system and method of assembling an object stop are provided.

An apparatus for moving transport containers (1) between a container stack (4) and a container rack (22) comprises a lifting device (2) that can be adjusted to a transport container (1) transversely to a lifting direction (H). For the apparatus to have a compact structure and reliably moves transport containers between a container stack and a container rack, irrespective of the fill level of said rack, and to be preferably suitable for manipulators of industrial robots, the lifting device (2) comprises a guide for moving the transport container (1) transversely to the lifting direction (H), and a sliding device (3), which is detachably translationally rigidly connectable to the transport container (1), is provided for moving the transport container (1) in the guide (19) between a lifting position and a position for being introduced into the rack.

A control system for an automated singulation system is provided. The control system detects a presence of a first item on a first conveyor and detects a presence of a second item on a second conveyor while the first item is present on the first conveyor. The second conveyor transfers items onto the first conveyor and is at a lower height than the second conveyor. The first conveyor is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the second conveyor. In response to detecting the presence of the second item, a location of the first item along a length of the first conveyor is determined. The first conveyor and the second conveyor are controlled based at least on the location of the first item.

Exemplary embodiments provide a sorting system using the principles of linear motors to move a magnetized mat in multiple directions. The sorting system uses a series of stator coils in particular patterns to direct the magnetized mat along predefined looping pathways such that the magnetized mat can move articles in a desired direction. Embodiments include the use of multiple magnetized mats to improve package sorting rates. The magnetized mat is comprised of a plurality of magnetized and non-magnetized tiles which are connected using flexible tabs that form a living hinge. The living hinge flexes and allows the mat to travel along the predefined looping pathways. The sorting system may be used as a node in a larger grid sorting system and may be connected to conveyors, chutes, or other means for moving articles.

Block storage arrangement and method. The block storage arrangement includes at least one container receiving space; a loading space below, in a direction of gravity, the at least one container receiving space; at least one loading vehicle, which can be moved in the loading space to a position below the at least one container receiving space, having a lifting device; and a container detecting device arranged at an upper end, in the direction of gravity, of the at least one container receiving space. A lifting movement of the lifting device is interrupted when the container detecting device detects a container passing the container detecting device.

A block stacking arrangement that includes a plurality of container receiving slots; a loading space arranged in the direction of gravity below the container receiving slots; a pass-through opening between each of the container receiving slots and the loading space; and a holding device at the pass-through opening, which has at least one holding pawl that is pivotable between a holding position and a release position. The holding pawl has a cutout that, in the holding position, is directed into the pass-through opening.

A block storage arrangement and method of operating same. The block storage arrangement includes multiple container stacking compartments; a loading compartment arranged below the container stacking compartments; at least one loading vehicle, which is movable in the loading compartment and with which containers are storable from below into a container stacking compartment and/or removable from below from the container stacking compartment, has an electric drive assembly and an electrically rechargeable battery; and at least one transfer station. An electrical charging device for the battery is arranged in the transfer station.

A singulation device can singulate items. The items can be received onto a singulation conveyor. A portion of the items can be retained on the singulation conveyor by a retaining ledge. The portion of the items not retained on the singulation conveyor can fall onto a return conveyor. The singulation conveyor can transport the retained items along the length of the ledge. During conveyance, some of the items can fall off of the singulation conveyor onto the return conveyor.

An automated package Pickup and Receiving Station (PRS) (100) with autonomous ground vehicles (AGV) (18) are presented, which may be used to pick up, deliver and securely store packages (28), parcels, mail, prepared food, groceries or other items that may be placed in a tray, which may include an integrated container. A portal (10) facilitates loading of items into, and removal of items from, the PRS (100). Within the PRS (100), items (28) may be transported from source to destination on standardized trays (25), via a two-dimensional gantry (32) and an end of arm tool (22). The gantry (32) may be oriented for movement through a central corridor (21) in the PRS (100), with end of arm tool (22) adapted for pushing trays towards, or pulling trays from, either side of the gantry (32). Items may be stored on a tray (25) in internal shelving (20), or placed directly into an AGV (18), on either side of the PRS (100).

A container transport machine for transporting containers, such as beverage bottles, cans, and similar containers, and packages of containers or other products.