A system for handling of luggage or parcel items comprises at least one cart with shelves, at least one item conveyor, such as a sorting conveyor or a luggage reclaim conveyor, and at least one item accumulation unit arranged in proximity to the conveyor. The item accumulation unit is configured as a buffer for storing a plurality of the items on a plurality of accumulation shelves. An item transfer structure is configured to transfer the plurality of the items from the sorting conveyor or from the shelves of the at least one cart into the item accumulation unit. Operation of item accumulation unit and/or the item transfer structure is controlled by a control system.

A system for handling of luggage or parcel items comprises at least one cart with shelves, at least one item conveyor, such as a sorting conveyor or a luggage reclaim conveyor, and at least one item accumulation unit arranged in proximity to the conveyor. The item accumulation unit is configured as a buffer for storing a plurality of the items on a plurality of accumulation shelves. An item transfer structure is configured to transfer the plurality of the items from the sorting conveyor or from the shelves of the at least one cart into the item accumulation unit. Operation of item accumulation unit and/or the item transfer structure is controlled by a control system.

A method for automated unloading of items from a container includes moving a nose ramp of an unloader under a base belt, which is positioned over a floor of the container. A stack of items are located in the container over the base belt. The method includes removing items from a bottom of the stack of items via an extraction conveyor of the unloader. The method also includes measuring a density of items transitioning onto the extraction conveyor from the base belt. The method further includes controlling an unloader advance speed relative to the container in dependence of the measured density of items transitioning onto the extraction conveyor. Thereby, a bulk flow of items having a substantially steady density is delivered by an output conveyor of the unloader positioned downstream of the extraction conveyor.

Embodiments according to the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for plant transportation using a smart conveyor. Embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced capabilities as a result of integrating robotic features, automations, artificial intelligence, queuing, fault control, automatic transport, scalability, safety measures, smaller footprint, and other computerized functions, along with a creative business model. In design of this invention the following high-level requirements were achieved: scalable for small, medium, and large businesses; safer than other machines in the market; sanitation consideration; simplicity in maintenance, and automated functions to reduce the need for labor (e.g., integration of robotics, AI, and/or other computerized systems).

Embodiments according to the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for plant transportation using a smart conveyor. Embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced capabilities as a result of integrating robotic features, automations, artificial intelligence, queuing, fault control, automatic transport, scalability, safety measures, smaller footprint, and other computerized functions, along with a creative business model. In design of this invention the following high-level requirements were achieved: scalable for small, medium, and large businesses; safer than other machines in the market; sanitation consideration; simplicity in maintenance, and automated functions to reduce the need for labor (e.g., integration of robotics, AI, and/or other computerized systems).

A method of finishing garments that includes the steps of providing an endless conveyor that transports a plurality of garment forms mounted on respective carriages successively through a garment loading zone, a steam zone for applying steam to the garments, a hot air zone for applying hot air to the garments as they pass through the hot air zone, a cool down zone for exposing the garments to cooling air, and an unloading zone where the operator removes the garment from the garment form. A plurality of form rotating stations are positioned at predetermined locations relative to the zones that rotate the forms between a position aligned with the direction of travel of the conveyor and perpendicular with the direction of travel of the conveyor.

A method of finishing garments that includes the steps of providing an endless conveyor that transports a plurality of garment forms mounted on respective carriages successively through a garment loading zone, a steam zone for applying steam to the garments, a hot air zone for applying hot air to the garments as they pass through the hot air zone, a cool down zone for exposing the garments to cooling air, and an unloading zone where the operator removes the garment from the garment form. A plurality of form rotating stations are positioned at predetermined locations relative to the zones that rotate the forms between a position aligned with the direction of travel of the conveyor and perpendicular with the direction of travel of the conveyor.

A logistics arrangement for conveying objects between different locations is provided herein. The logistics arrangement comprises a loading structure having a first storage area, a mobile robot having a second storage area, and a guard module arranged at the loading structure. The guard module is configured to be operated in a closed mode and an open mode.

A logistics arrangement for conveying objects between different locations is provided herein. The logistics arrangement comprises a loading structure having a first storage area, a mobile robot having a second storage area, and a guard module arranged at the loading structure. The guard module is configured to be operated in a closed mode and an open mode.

A robotic item retrieval and transport apparatus includes at least one item retrieval mechanism that is minimally exposed while stored and/or engaged in loading or unloading of objects relative to a deck (e.g., upper surface) thereof. Actuators and at least major portions of one or more movable implements are arranged below the deck. Loading and/or unloading of objects may include lateral sliding, such as by pulling the object while it is supported by an extrinsic support surface. At least substantial portions of an item retrieval mechanism may remain outside a central target area of a deck, to provide a unobstructed or minimally obstructed deck surface for holding objects. The apparatus may be used with at least one movable pallet element. A pallet element and/or a retrievable item may include one or more features detectable by a sensor.