The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for analyzing and sorting batteries according to battery classifications. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems scan a target battery with a plurality of sensors and analyze signals of the plurality of sensors utilizing a classifier model to determine a battery classification for the target battery. Also, in some embodiments, the disclosed systems indicate the predicted battery classification to a battery sorting mechanism for sorting the target battery. Additional mechanisms and related methods for automated classification and sorting of batteries are disclosed.

A parcel cart loading system includes: a conveyor; parcel carts for receiving parcels offloaded from the conveyor; a loading station where parcels are offloaded to the parcel carts; and a vision and control subsystem that is operably connected to a plurality of mobile robots. The vision and control subsystem acquires one or more images of parcel carts within a loading area of the loading station and determines if any of the parcel carts are fully loaded based on the image data. Each parcel cart determined to be fully loaded is autonomously transported out of the loading area and to its intended destination by one of the mobile robots within the system. Each parcel cart transported out of the loading area is replaced by another parcel cart from a queue area of the loading station by another mobile robot of the system.

Images depicting items in a waste flow on a conveyor belt are provided to two analysis systems. The first system processes images to decode digital watermark payload data found on certain of the items (e.g., plastic containers). This payload data is used to look up corresponding attribute metadata for the items in a database, such as the type of plastic in each item, and whether the item was used as a food container or not. The second analysis system can be a spectroscopy system that determines the type of plastic in each item by its absorption characteristics. When the two systems conflict in identifying the plastic type, a sorting logic processor applies a rule set to arbitrate the conflict and determine which plastic type is most likely. The item is then sorted into one of several different bins depending on a combination of the final plastic identification, and whether the item was used as a food container or not. A variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

The present disclosure discloses a positioning apparatus, including an identification code reading assembly which comprises a support part and an identification code reader mounted on the support part, wherein the support part is connected with a running part of a conveyor mechanism; and further comprising a shield, in which at least a portion of the support part is located and out of which the identification code reader is located. The present disclosure also discloses a conveyor mechanism. The shield provided by the positioning apparatus according to the present disclosure may function to protect the identification code reader without affecting the normal reading operation of the identification code reader, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the positioning of the conveyor mechanism conducted by the positioning apparatus.

The present invention relates to a parcel sorting system which is operated using two separate tracks so as to distinguish between concentrated population areas and other areas, and feed and sort only parcels destined for a corresponding area, whereby parcel sorting can be efficiently performed, and the system can be efficiently constructed while occupying a small area.

A physical distribution system includes first and second conveyance paths, first and second sensors, and a processor. The first sensor detects a package passing along the first conveyance path. The second conveyance path merges with the first conveyance path at a junction. The second sensor detects a package passing along the second conveyance path. The processor counts a first number of packages present in a first convergence monitoring section determined in the first conveyance path upstream the junction, and counts a second number of packages present in a second convergence monitoring section determined in the second conveyance path upstream the junction, determines an order in which packages in the first and second convergence monitoring sections pass the junction, based on the first number and the second number, and control the first and second conveyance paths, such that the packages pass the junction in the determined order.

A code reading device including: an article placement surface on which an article is placed; at least one code reading unit that optically reads a code attached to the article; and a motion unit that causes the article to swivel and/or rotate on the article placement surface, the code reading device being configured to read the code with the code reading unit while causing the article to swivel and/or rotate on the article placement surface.

An object processing system is disclosed for unloading objects from a trailer of a tractor trailer. The object processing system includes an engagement system including a truck entry portion for entering the trailer and for indiscriminately engaging unidentified objects within the trailer, and a conveyance system for conveying objects engaged by the engagement system toward an unloading portion of the trailer.

According to one embodiment, a paper sheet processing system includes a paper sheet processing apparatus which includes an inspection device, a reject device, and a first communication module, and a robot device which includes a robot arm and a second communication module. The reject device rejects a rejected paper sheet and a batch card to a rejecting port. When the batch card is detected, the first communication module transmits a predetermined signal to the robot device. Upon receiving the predetermined signal, the robot device takes the rejected paper sheet and the batch card out of the rejecting port by the robot arm, moves them to another storage section, and transmits a move completion signal to the paper sheet processing apparatus.

The present disclosure discloses a positioning apparatus, including an identification code reading assembly which comprise a support part and an identification code reader mounted on the support part, wherein the support part is connected with a running part of a conveyor mechanism; and further comprising a shield, in which at least a portion of the support part is located and out of which the identification code reader is located. The present disclosure also discloses a conveyor mechanism. The shield provided by the positioning apparatus according to the present disclosure may function to protect the identification code reader without affecting the normal reading operation of the identification code reader, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the positioning of the conveyor mechanism conducted by the positioning apparatus.