Abstract: An apparatus for feeding hanging conveyable articles into a hanging conveying installation includes a feeding unit for the individualized feeding of the hanging conveyable articles into a conveying system of the hanging conveying installation with a variably settable transport spacing. The feeding unit has an individualizing element for stopping the hanging conveyable articles (4), and a detection unit for detecting the thickness of the individual hanging conveyable articles.

Abstract: A multistage multi-lane singulator conveyor system for separating side by side packages in stages. A first high friction surface conveying moving articles forward is adjacent a second low friction conveying lane in lateral flow communication having both forward and lateral conveying forces urging parcels forward and away from the first conveying lane, wherein the second conveying lane can be level or transversely inclined and angled upward in lateral flow communication with a third high friction surface conveying surface. Controlling residence time and forward and lateral movement of articles by assembling high friction surface conveying lanes and low friction surface conveying lanes in an end to end and/or lateral arrangement in flow communication with one another and/or shifting articles moving forward and laterally by staggering the high friction conveying surfaces and low friction conveying surfaces and adjusting the width by adjusting the number of high friction conveying surfaces adjacent one another.

Abstract: A conveying unit (10) for the suspended transport of transport elements (40) in a conveyor system, in particular a rail-guided (86) conveyor system or a conveyor-chain system, includes a support hook (21) attached to a conveying element (20), in particular a carriage or a conveyor-chain link, a transport element (40), and a suspension hook (41) attached to the transport element, wherein the suspension hook is mounted in a suspended manner in the support hook. The support hook is configured such that the suspension hook can take up two stable positions (61, 62) in the support hook. The suspension hook (41) in a first stable position (61) has been turned through an angle with respect to the suspension hook in a second stable position (62).

Abstract: A carrier for securing a tracking component includes a housing. The housing includes a recess formed into a face of the housing that is adapted to secure the tracking component. The recess includes a wall that surrounds a periphery of the recess and a hole formed through a bottom surface of the recess.

Abstract: A conveying system includes a conveyor and a diverter, the diverter including a shifting section above the conveyor. The shifting section is laterally movable across a width of the conveyor for selectively shifting objects across the width of the conveyor as the objects move along the conveyor. A drive system for effecting lateral movement of the shifting section may include at least one prime mover located beneath the conveyor. The shifting section may include spaced apart walls, each of which is a telescoping wall. A drive system for controlling telescoping of the walls may include at least one prime mover located beneath the conveyor.

Abstract: A stabilizer can include an attachment surface and a non-stick surface. Multiple stabilizers can be arranged in a stack, e.g., such that the attachment surface of one stabilizer is engaged with the non-stick surface of another stabilizer. A stabilizer can be removed from the stack and attached to an item having a curved surface along the length of the item. The item, with the stabilizer attached, can be positioned on a conveyance surface, e.g., such that the stabilizer is between the conveyance surface and the item.

Abstract: An order-picking installation for the order picking of items, in particular items transported in a hanging state, includes at least one supply station having a plurality of parallel supply locations, by which the items to be picked are supplied into the order-picking installation, and at least one dispatch station having a plurality of parallel dispatch locations, by which the picked items are discharged for dispatch, wherein at least one interim store is provided, for the order picking of the items, between the supply station and the dispatch station. The interim store includes a dynamic store for the interim storage of the items provided for order picking as well as a retrieval store, arranged downstream of the dynamic store, and intended for storing items which have been removed from the dynamic store and pre-sorted in the process, the dynamic store and the retrieval store arranged within a common circulatory conveyor.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for automatically applying a noise reducing element to a tyre for vehicle wheels. The process includes: a) providing a noise reducing element; b) providing an adhesive material; c) guiding the noise reducing element according to a predetermined direction; d) during the guiding, applying the adhesive material onto a first surface of the noise reducing element; e) manipulating the noise reducing element by interacting with at least one second surface of the noise reducing element different from the first surface on which the adhesive material has been applied; and f) positioning the noise reducing element in a predetermined position on a radially inner surface of the tyre, bringing the first surface into contact with the radially inner surface.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system includes a stationary body with a sensor, a moving body with a sensor, and at least one computing device. The stationary body is positioned along a path of movement. The moving body moves along the path and physically interacts with the stationary body. The at least one computing device receives signals from the sensor on the stationary body and from the sensor on the moving body. The at least one computing device determines a performance value of the stationary or moving body based on the physical interaction between the moving and stationary bodies. The performance value is dependent on both of the signals received from the sensor associated with the stationary body and received from the sensor associated with the moving body as the moving body interacts with the stationary body.

Abstract: The present document discloses a conveyor system comprising a plurality of workpiece carriers, each adapted for supporting at least one workpiece during transportation, a conveyor, adapted for transporting the workpiece carriers, at least one flow device for controlling a movement of one of the workpiece carriers relative to the conveyor, the flow device comprising a local controller, at least one workpiece carrier sensor and at least one actuator, and a central controller, which is in data communication with the flow device, and having a memory containing a flow plan comprising data describing an intended flow of workpieces in the conveyor system.

Abstract: A food processing system and a method for processing and batching food items conveyed by a conveyor means where the batches fulfil at least one target criteria including at least one weight target, including a first weight determining means for determining the weight of incoming food items, a batching system, a food item separation device positioned downstream in relation to the first weight determining means and upstream in relation to the batching system, and a control system for controlling the batching system and the food item separation device. The controlling including, repeatedly: monitoring the weight of the incoming food items, determining, based on the weight of the incoming food items, a prospect indicator indicating the prospect to meet the target criteria for the batches such that each batch fulfils the at least one target criteria, and comparing if the prospect indicator fulfils a pre-defined criteria.

Abstract: A processing system for processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The processing system a perception unit for perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of an object associated with an input conveyance system, and an acquisition system for acquiring the object from a plurality of objects at an input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, wherein the programmable motion device is adapted for assisting in the delivery of the object to an identified processing location. The identified processing location being associated with the identifying indicia and said identified processing location being provided as one of a plurality of processing locations. The processing system also includes a delivery system for receiving the object in a carrier and for delivering the object toward the identified processing location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving objects, in particular portions, each portion comprising at least one slice cut from a food product, comprising a plurality of individually movable transport movers for at least one object each, a track system for the transport movers, in which the transport movers can be moved along at least one specified track in a transport direction, and a control apparatus for controlling the motions of the transport movers in the track system, wherein at least one track segment and/or at least one transport mover has at least one support, which is frame-free at every point in time or at least at times, for at least a part of a holder, in particular a bowl-like holder, for holding at least one object to be transported, in particular for a packaging or a part of a packaging, preferably for a tray for holding at least one portion, and wherein, in addition to the support, fastening means are provided, which are designed to fasten the holder to the support at least at times.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor has pivotally mounted flaps for sorting articles into sorting outlets as a function of a sorting indication affixed to each of the articles. The conveyor includes a monitoring and control unit designed to cause each flap to pivot between a closed position in which the flap forms a conveyor portion suitable for conveying an article in a certain conveying direction and an open position in which the flap interrupts conveying of an article on the conveyor to deflect it towards an appropriate sorting outlet. The monitoring and control unit is also arranged to retrieve thickness data from a memory giving a certain thickness for the article to be deflected, and to respond by causing the flap to pivot into an open position through a certain opening amplitude determined as a function of the thickness data about the article that is to be deflected.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus includes a plurality of conveying rollers arranged in a first direction which is a horizontal direction, and configured to transfer a substrate in the first direction, the substrate being disposed on a plane formed by the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a developer providing nozzle configured to provide a developer onto the substrate to form a developer layer on the substrate, a sensor part for recognizing a position of the substrate, and a vertical moving part configured to move each of the conveying rollers along a third direction which is downward and perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Abstract: A controller of a material handling system performs a method of dynamic spacing on a sortation conveyor by predicting fullness of divert destinations. Required tray spacing between inducted articles destined for the same divert destination can be reduced when the divert destination is calculated to have sufficient capacity. Fewer discharge commands need to be ignored due to insufficient tray spacing. The material handling systems can achieve higher throughput by having fewer articles that cannot be discharged to an assigned destination.

Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (10) includes a thermal processing station (12) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (16). A first scanning station (18) is located upstream from a similar processing station (12) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (16). A second scanning station (20) is located downstream of the thermal processing station (12). A diverter conveyor (24) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (16) to a transverse conveyor (26) which is capable of positioning the diverted food product onto a temperature measurement station (28), whereat the temperature of the food product is measured, either manually or automatically.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for detecting a covering sleeve on a container. A sleeve detection system includes a conveyor, a height profile acquisition device, and a processor in communication with the height profile acquisition device. The height profile acquisition device is configured to acquire height profiles of a tray traveling on the conveyor. The processor is configured to analyze height profiles received from the height profile acquisition device to determine a sleeve status of the tray. In some embodiments, a light gate is disposed across the conveyor and configured to detect the presence of a tray on the conveyor approaching the height profile acquisition device.

Abstract: A transfer device and method for diverting packages about a conveyor. The conveyor has a conveyor path extending between locations of a facility. The transfer includes a frame positionable about the conveyor, rollers rotationally supported on the frame (the rollers non-aligned with the conveyor path to define a transfer path way from the conveyor path), belts rotationally supported on the frame between the rollers with a closed gap therebetween (the belts aligned with the conveyor path), and a tub movably coupled to the frame to selectively lift the rollers above the belts to engage the packages whereby the packages are selectively movable to locations away from the conveyor path.

Abstract: A rotatable buffer turret apparatus on which plural pairs of punches and dies to be set on a turret of a turret punch press are set, includes an upper buffer turret on which punch attachment holes in which the punches can be set are arranged circularly, and a lower buffer turret on which die attachment holes that is associated with the punch attachment holes and in which the dies can be set are arranged circularly. The upper and lower buffer turrets are rotatably attached to a single rotary shaft. A diameter of the lower buffer turret is made larger than a diameter of the upper buffer turret. The die attachment holes are formed in a circular die attachment area having a diameter larger than the diameter of the upper buffer turret. According to the apparatus, a tool exchange manually operated by an operator can be done easily and efficiently.

Abstract: This application describes an infrastructure for storing fabric totes, as well as techniques for use of fabric totes in the infrastructure that use mechanical systems to transport the fabric totes and/or access inventory items in the fabric totes. The infrastructure may include a conveyor system configured to transport the fabric totes, drive units configured to transport the fabric totes, inventory pods configured to house the fabric totes, and/or various other mechanical systems for accessing contents and/or transportation of the fabric totes. Additionally, the fabric totes may be accessed and transported manually within the infrastructure.

Abstract: A high throughput sorting device is disclosed. The device includes a first sorter and a second sorter, each of the first and second sorters having a plurality of cells each configured to support, carry, and deposit an item. The device can also include at least one shared chute extending below a portion of the first sorter and a portion of the second sorter. The at least one chute can be configured to receive an item deposited by each of the plurality of cells and transport the item to an endpoint. The device can also include a base configured to support the at least one shared chute and the first and second sorters.

Abstract: An automated storage system provides for storing and retrieving items at a common storage space, such as a warehouse. The system includes an arrangement of storage rails that support storage containers. A delivery rail network extends adjacent to the storage rails and to human worker-operated workstations. Picker devices, maneuvering along the delivery rail system, operate to locate a selected storage container, decouple the container from the storage rail system, and transport the storage container along a segment of the delivery rail network. A mover device then receives the selected storage container from the picker device and transports the storage container to a workstation, where items can be retrieved from (and/or added to) the storage container by the human worker.

Abstract: A system for filling a prescription order for a patient includes a plurality of trays each having an RFID tag for storing a unique identifier corresponding to the prescription order, and a plurality of workstations operatively linked to one another, each workstation having an antenna for detecting the unique identifier in one of the plurality of trays, where the detecting is operative to trigger displaying of a profile of at least one prescription item for the corresponding prescription order.

Abstract: A conveyor device for the automated conveyance of individual products in a direction of conveyance, the conveyor device being configured as a hanging conveyor device, comprises several adapters each provided with an adapter identification means for accommodating the individual products, wherein each individual product comprises an individual product transponder, a transponder reading unit for reading individual product data of the individual product transponder, an adapter data reading unit for reading adapter data of the adapter identification means, a control unit which is in signal communication with the transponder reading unit and the adapter data reading unit for linking the individual product data read by means of the transponder reading unit with the adapter data read by means of the adapter data reading unit.

Abstract: An article sorting apparatus includes: a conveyance path extending in a first conveyance direction; at least one conveyance unit including a belt that forms a load surface on which an article is placed and a driving portion to drive the belt, and configured to move along the conveyance path and to convey the article placed on the load surface in a second conveyance direction that intersects the first conveyance direction; a loading portion configured to load the article onto the load surface; a sorting portion configured to sort the article received from the at least one conveyance unit; a weight information detector configured to detect weight information correlated with weight of the article transferred to the load surface; and a controller configured to control driving the driving portion in accordance with the detected weight information, to transfer the article placed on the load surface to the sorting portion.

Abstract: A lumber sorter includes a plurality of bins. A conveyor carries lumber (e.g. boards) along a path extending above the plurality of bins. A diverter is selectively operable to allow the conveyor to carry the boards past one or more bins or to divert a selected board into a selected bin. The diverter may comprise an upstream gate and a downstream gate, each operable to move between respective closed positions and open positions. In the closed positions, the top surfaces of the upstream and downstream gates are substantially level and allow boards to travel along the path as directed by the conveyor. The diverter may be actuated to the open position in which the upstream and downstream gates are separated, thereby providing a path for a board to fall into a bin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tipping actuator for a conveyor system that comprises a plurality of article carriers moving on an endless conveyor in a conveying direction, each article carrier having a carrier frame for bearing an article, the carrier frame being pivotally mounted on the article carrier and operable to tip to enable discharge of the article borne on the carrier frame. The tipping actuator comprises a trigger member for contacting the article carriers to tip them and is configured such that, when in a non-contact position, the article carriers are able to at least partly tip towards the trigger member such that the contact portion of the trigger member is received by a portion of the article carrier. In another embodiment, a contact portion of the trigger is sloped with two different gradients. An electromagnet may be used to cause actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: A method of handling parcels (2) and a logistics center (1) for handling parcels, use is made of superposable racks (5) and motor-driven shuttle carts (6) that are remotely controlled by a central processing unit (7) to travel in freely guided manner and that are suitable for docking with each rack (5), each parcel (2) is unloaded onto a rack (5) and the destination of the parcel is identified (103), a specific location is assigned (104) to said rack (5) using an outward shipping plan, and said corresponding shuttle cart (6) is caused to move (105) so as to store said parcels (2) side-by-side and in superposed manner, and then, using an inward delivery plan, each rack (5) is docked (110), and each parcel (2) is transferred (111) from said stowage zone (11) to a loading point (3) so that parcels (2) are presented in their order of delivery.

Abstract: A system for processing core wheels and associated method are disclosed. A sorting station is configured to allow sorting of a source of wheels according to a first set of criteria. A first conveyor is configured to receive a plurality of wheels conforming to the first criteria and to a first inspection station, disposed along the first conveyor. The first inspection station is configured to allow examination of the wheels to determine whether the wheels conform to a second criteria. A diverter mechanism, downstream of the first inspection station, is configured to divert wheels conforming to the second criteria from the first conveyor. A second conveyor is configured to receive the diverted wheels and to direct the diverted wheels to a second inspection station, whereby the diverted wheels may be inspected at the second inspection station to confirm that the diverted wheels conform to the second criteria.

Abstract: A system for processing core wheels and associated method are disclosed. A sorting station is configured to allow sorting of a source of wheels according to a first set of criteria. A first conveyor is configured to receive a plurality of wheels conforming to the first criteria and to a first inspection station, disposed along the first conveyor. The first inspection station is configured to allow examination of the wheels to determine whether the wheels conform to a second criteria. A diverter mechanism, downstream of the first inspection station, is configured to divert wheels conforming to the second criteria from the first conveyor. A second conveyor is configured to receive the diverted wheels and to direct the diverted wheels to a second inspection station, whereby the diverted wheels may be inspected at the second inspection station to confirm that the diverted wheels conform to the second criteria.

Abstract: System, methods, and computer-readable media. A method performed by a mail sorter includes receiving a plurality of mailpieces in an input of the sorter. The method includes performing a buffered sort process by transporting the mailpieces along a plurality of transport lanes, each transport lane having an output tray and a buffer, from the input to respective buffers and output trays on the transport lanes, but not transporting mailpieces from the input to an output tray on a selected transport lane. The method includes transporting mailpieces from the buffer to the output tray on the selected transport lane during the buffered sort process. The method includes selecting a new selected transport lane of the plurality of transport lanes. The method includes repeating the buffered sort process and the transporting mailpieces from the buffer to the output tray on the selected transport lane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing articles made by series production is configured to deliver articles to selected storage positions in side-by-side rows of adjacent storage positions for stacked articles in a storage compartment. After selection of a storage position, a transport platform movably mounted on a horizontally movable carriage above the rows is driven to a location above the selected storage position with the platform moved between two possible positions for dispensing articles into the respective rows, an article conveyor on the platform is actuated to transport the article off the platform into the underlying storage position, where it is stacked on top of any previously stacked articles, and the platform is driven back to a start position to receive the next article. The procedure is repeated to distribute subsequent articles to selected storage positions in the storage area.

Abstract: A logistics system includes a transport device and a controller and stores inventory data of objects. The logistics system stores the inventory data in a storage unit, data on objects being transported by the transport device in a transport data storage unit, and recovery procedures for the transport device in a recovery procedure storage unit. When an abnormality detector detects an abnormality relating to the transport device, the recovery procedure for the detected abnormality is read out from the recovery procedure storage unit, and input is received for a recovery procedure to be carried out. Instructions are outputted to the transport device in accordance with the inputted recovery procedure, and storage of the inventory data is updated according to the received recovery procedure and data on objects being transported in the transport data storage.

Abstract: A method of storing and picking individual articles and/or packaging units in a storage system includes separating and transferring individual articles from incoming-load carriers and depalletizing and separating packaging units from incoming-load carriers. Individual articles, load carriers and packaging units are transported to a warehouse for intermediate storage of individual articles on or in load carriers and packaging units. Individual articles and packing units are picked at a picking area and the picked articles or packing units loaded onto order-load carriers. Individual articles, load carriers and packaging units are transported from the warehouse to the picking area. Load carriers are used only for the transportation and storage of non-conveyable individual articles or non-conveyable packing units and conveyable packaging units and wherein conveyable individual articles are transported and stored directly and without load carriers.

Abstract: A tire conveyance device is provided with at least two tire gripping devices spaced from each other at an interval in a front-rear direction and capable of gripping a horizontally situated tire from left and right sides of the tire in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance path along which the tire is conveyed in the front-rear direction. The front and rear tire gripping units are each provided with a pair of left and right tire support mechanisms facing each other across the conveyance path. The tire conveyance unit is also provided with a drive unit which moves the two tire gripping units together in the front-rear direction with a stroke equal to the interval between the two tire gripping devices in the front-rear direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for a network-based grocery store. The invention provides for network-based order placement, fulfillment, and delivery.

Abstract: A system and a method for processing of optical lenses in which the processing takes place by means of different processing apparatus between which there is a respective transfer apparatus. The transfer apparatus are used both for longitudinal and also cross conveyance. Each processing apparatus has its own conveyor apparatus which is controlled by the processing apparatus itself. The transfer apparatus are controlled by a central transfer control.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for efficient passenger belonging screening at security checkpoints. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for tracking, analyzing, and collecting information in order to improve efficiency at security checkpoints.

Abstract: A method for automatic packaging of sanitary articles (A) in at least one first type of package (I) and one second type of package (II) containing, respectively, a first number of articles and a second number of articles, envisages: providing a flow of incoming articles (A); diverting (10) articles from said flow of articles with a ratio between non-deflected articles and deflected articles that is a function of the ratio between the aforesaid first number and the aforesaid second number, generating a main flow of non-deflected articles (A) that may be packaged in the packages of the first type (I) and a derived flow of deflected articles that may be packaged in the packages of the second type (II).

Abstract: A vending machine is equipped with a dispensing device that includes a plate, a track, carriers, a work station, a driving unit and a sensor. The plate is horizontally placed in a vending machine. The track is connected to the plate. The carriers are movably connected to the track for carrying products. The work station causes a selected one of the carriers to release the corresponding one of the products. The driving unit drives the carriers along the track. The sensor senses the selected one of the carriers and accordingly stops the driving unit so that the selected one of the carriers is placed at the work station.

Abstract: Provided is a package automation apparatus including: a detection unit configured to detect package information of a package conveyed to a tray; a chute operation unit configured to operate a package loading chute so that the package is loaded on at least one of a plurality of sorting spaces formed at a pallet adjacent to the tray; and a control unit configured to transfer an operation control signal of the package loading chute to the chute operation unit so that the package is loaded on any one of the plurality of sorting spaces, based on the package information, in order to easily sort the package automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method transport articles by way of a plurality of parallel buffer sections. A feeding device transports the articles to a buffer device at a predetermined feeding speed. Each article is then directed into in each case one buffer section, which is either in a feeding mode or in a transporting-away mode. Each buffer section transports the articles which have been directed into this buffer section to a transporting-away device. In the feeding mode, the buffer section transports to the transporting-away device at a feeding buffer speed which depends on the feeding speed. In the transporting-away mode, the buffer section transports to the transporting-away device at a transporting-away buffer speed which depends on the transporting-away speed. The transporting-away device transports the articles away at a predetermined transporting-away speed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for transporting containers, a first transport unit including a first drive unit transports the containers along a first transport section, and a second transport unit including a second drive unit transports the containers along a second transport section. First and second sensor units detect a condition of the containers transported by the first and second transport units. At least one control unit controls at least one of the first and second drive units in response to at least one of the first and second conditions detected by the corresponding first or second sensor units. At least one of the first and second sensor units includes a signal transmission unit that wirelessly emits a signal characteristic of the respective at least one first or at least one second condition to a receiving unit of the control unit.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses, and program products that are used to control at least a portion of a conveyor, determine information about an article conveyed by the conveyor, or otherwise operate a conveyor are provided. One method includes detecting whether a second conveyor controller is connected to the first conveyor controller and, in response to detecting that there is a second conveyor controller connected to the first conveyor controller, identifying whether the second conveyor controller is connected to a predetermined network interface of the first conveyor controller. The method further includes configuring the first conveyor controller to rotate a motorized roller in a first predetermined direction if a second conveyor controller is connected to the predetermined network interface and configuring the first conveyor controller to rotate the motorized roller in a second predetermined direction if a second conveyor controller is not connected to the predetermined network interface.

Abstract: A package handling device includes a conveyor, a sensor system and a reject system. The conveyor transports a product along a product handling line. The sensor system is proximate to the conveyor system to determine at least one characteristic of the product for comparison to product acceptance criteria. Failure of the product to meet product acceptance criteria generates a reject signal. The reject system directs the product to a reject bin responsive to the reject signal via a movable assembly that moves a portion of the conveyor to create a gap in the product handling line. The reject system includes an adjustable retraction mechanism coupled to a frame of the conveyor and to the movable assembly. The adjustable refraction mechanism draws the movable assembly inwardly responsive to receipt of the reject signal to define a size of the gap based on information indicative of a size of the product.

Abstract: A circuit board inspection apparatus is equipped with a plurality of lane divided sections for transferring circuit boards, a plurality of movable transfer devices disposed on the plurality of the lane divided sections and having transfer portions for transferring the circuit boards, and visual recognition positions disposed adjacent to the plurality of the lane divided sections in a Y direction. The plurality of the movable transfer devices transfer the circuit boards from the lane divided sections to the visual recognition positions. One of the movable transfer devices has a height adjustment portion that moves a corresponding one of the transfer portions in a Z direction to prevent the movable transfer device from interfering with a corresponding one of the lane divided sections, in transferring one of the circuit boards from one of the lane divided sections to one of the visual recognition positions.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically preparing client orders in a distribution facility, where the inputs to the system are complete pallets of cases of individual products and the outputs of the system are client order pallets of mixed products. Specifically, the methods and systems are for conveying, storing, and dispensing cases using automated case order sequencing typically using non-product-dedicated and non-accumulating buffer conveyors.