A machine vision system for automatically identifying and inspecting objects is disclosed, including composable vision-based recognition modules and a decision algorithm to perform the final determination on object type and quality. This vision system has been used to develop a Projectile Identification System and an Automated Tactical Ammunition Classification System. The technology can be used to create numerous other inspection and automated identification systems.

A die sorter tool may include a first conveyor, and a first lane to receive, from one or more load ports and via the first conveyor, a carrier with a set of dies. The die sorter tool may include a die flip module to receive the carrier from the first lane, manipulate one or more dies of the set of dies by changing orientations of the one or more dies, and return the one or more dies to the carrier after manipulating the one or more dies and without changing positions of the one or more dies within the carrier. The die sorter tool may include a second conveyor, and a second lane to receive, via the second conveyor, the carrier from the die flip module, and provide, via the first conveyor, the carrier to the one or more load ports.

Disclosed is a loading machine for slides, provided with biological samples and with an electronically readable identification code, inside a tray divided, by means of separation structures, into multiple compartments, each compartment being adapted to contain one of the slides in an orderly manner. The loading machine includes: a supporting frame structure for resting on a work surface; a linear feeder of the tray with respect to the frame structure; an inserter of the slides into the tray in an orderly and sequential manner; a reader of the identification code provided on each of the slides; and a control unit. The inserter of the slides into the tray includes a unit to temporarily retain each slide and to release it, in coordination with the reader and linear feeder of the tray, into one of the compartments making use of gravity.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an exemplary system that includes a mechanism configured to create by a digital mailing services provider, DMSP, a recipient-specific handling information indicia and provide said recipient-specific handling information indicia to a recipient; a mechanism configured to allow the recipient to provide said handling information indicia in delivery address C/O line, on a mail item, thereby indicating to said service provider their desired handling route for the mail item so that a paper mail recipient to receive improved transmission of correspondence from said service provider via both paper and electronic channels solely via including said handling information indicia contained in the delivery address C/O line of the recipient's delivery address on the mail item.

Sortable tracking objects that can be associated with item containers and items for tracking and organization.

A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to form groups at respective sort destinations. A scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item fed into the apparatus. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle. When an item to be manually sorted is encountered, a visual alert aligned with a selected destination is activated until manual transfer is confirmed.

An order processing system, such as may be used in a high-volume pharmacy, may include a material handling system, an accumulator, and a packing device. The material handling system may move containers through a plurality of container paths. The container sorting device may receive the containers, scan the plurality of containers to detect container identifiers, and separate the containers based on the container identifiers to travel through a first container exit path or a second container exit path. The accumulator may accumulate containers that traveled through the first container exit path and the second container exit path. The accumulator may include an accumulator scanning device for scanning the containers to detect the container identifiers. The accumulator may group the containers together based on the detected container identifiers and orders, and provide the grouped containers. The packing device may package the grouped containers along with literature associated with the orders.

A conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor has a conveyor belt and at least one cleat disposed on an outer surface of the belt and configured to receive and move an object along the conveyor frame. The system may also include a portable base having a base frame and at least one wheel secured to the base frame. The conveyor may also be pivotably coupled to the portable base.

A recycling identification container, including a main body, including a first section to store at least one trash item therein, a second section connected to the first section to store at least one recycle item therein, and a divider disposed between at least a portion of the first section and the second section to separate the first section from the second section, a cover unit removably connected to at least a portion of a first end of the main body to cover an interior of the main body, and an identification scanner disposed on and within at least a portion of the main body to scan properties of at least one item based on a predetermined algorithm to determine whether the at least one item is at least one of the at least one recycle item and the at least one trash item.

A distribution system for use in an induction system with an object processing system. The distribution system provides dissimilar objects into one of a plurality of receiving units. The distribution system includes an air intake system with an opening that is a fixed distance from a conveyor section, said air intake system aiding in moving an object on the conveyor section from the conveyor section to one of a plurality of adjacent transport units.