Described are methods and systems for identifying processing locations in composite layups. An optical magnetic marker is magnetically supported by a layup tool at a target position, such that a portion of the marker protrudes above the tool processing surface. When a composite layup is placed onto that surface, the protruding portion extends into the layup at a processing location. When the layup is cured, the marker is permanently embedded into the layup. Separating the cured layup from the tool removes the marker from the tool and allows an additional marker to advance into the target position for processing another layup. The embedded marker or, more specifically, marker's reflective surface is used during optical inspection of the layup surface to precisely determine the processing location. In some examples, the marker is consumed while the layup is processed at that location.

Device for carrying workpieces in a plurality of stacks, including a frame and a plate-like carrier with a plurality of pegs positioned in a pattern. The pattern is related to the plurality of stacks. The plurality of pegs extend substantially at right angles relative to the plate-like carrier. The plate-like carrier is positioned at an angle relative to the ground surface. In use the stacks lean against the pegs in order to position the workpieces against the pegs. The device is configured to be operatively coupled to a robot arm which is adapted to place the workpieces on the stacks and/or take them from the stacks. At least a predetermined number of the plurality of pegs is formed with at least one flat side in section, so that a workpiece can be positioned against the flat side of the pegs.

A sprung display case for dispensing products, particularly heavy products such as beverage multipacks. The case comprises a vertical chamber that is open at an upper end and is sized and shaped such that a plurality of the products can be vertically stacked within the chamber; a horizontal platform that is mounted to be vertically slidable within the chamber, the platform having at least one air hole formed therethrough; a single resiliently compressible member mounted in the chamber between a lower side of the platform and an upper side of a base of the chamber to bias the platform towards the upper end of the chamber; and a tether fixed at a first end to the platform and at a second end to the base of the chamber to prevent the platform moving out of the upper end of the chamber.

A sprung display case for dispensing products, particularly heavy products such as beverage multipacks. The case comprises a vertical chamber that is open at an upper end and is sized and shaped such that a plurality of the products can be vertically stacked within the chamber; a horizontal platform that is mounted to be vertically slidable within the chamber, the platform having at least one air hole formed therethrough; a single resiliently compressible member mounted in the chamber between a lower side of the platform and an upper side of a base of the chamber to bias the platform towards the upper end of the chamber; and a tether fixed at a first end to the platform and at a second end to the base of the chamber to prevent the platform moving out of the upper end of the chamber.

A self-leveling bin assembly includes a docking station, a bin received in or on the docking station, a bottom member or parts tray movably received in the bin, and a lifting mechanism provided as part of the docking station. The lifting mechanism is configured to lift or raise the parts tray within the bin as associated material located on the parts tray is selectively removed.

A self-leveling bin assembly includes a docking station, a bin received in or on the docking station, a bottom member or parts tray movably received in the bin, and a lifting mechanism provided as part of the docking station. The lifting mechanism is configured to lift or raise the parts tray within the bin as associated material located on the parts tray is selectively removed.

Vertical point of purchase product display stands with spring-loaded platforms that display a vertically-stacked plurality of products for viewing and removal by customers and raise the plurality of products as top layers of the products are removed.

Vertical point of purchase product display stands with spring-loaded platforms that display a vertically-stacked plurality of products for viewing and removal by customers and raise the plurality of products as top layers of the products are removed.

A self-leveling bin assembly includes a docking station, a bin received in or on the docking station, a bottom member or parts tray movably received in the bin, and a lifting mechanism provided as part of the docking station. The lifting mechanism is configured to lift or raise the parts tray within the bin as associated material located on the parts tray is selectively removed.

A self-leveling bin assembly includes a docking station, a bin received in or on the docking station, a bottom member or parts tray movably received in the bin, and a lifting mechanism provided as part of the docking station. The lifting mechanism is configured to lift or raise the parts tray within the bin as associated material located on the parts tray is selectively removed.