WO2023211264A1

WO2023211264A1 - An automated guided vehicle (agv) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2023211264A1
Application number: PCT/MY2022/050063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wei Liang WONG; Kong Wai CHEE
Original assignee: Tech Glove Innovations Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date: 2022-04-26
Filing date: 2022-07-13
Publication date: 2023-11-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility and method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates system and method of production for seamless thin-walled articles production facility for enhancing efficiency and performance. The present invention aims to provide a system and method for a practical and effective mass production seamless thin-walled articles such gloves, condoms, balloons and others without energy wastages. The present invention also facilitates ready and easy operations without labor intensive required.

Description

AN AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE (AGV) SYSTEM FOR SEAMLESS THINWALLED ARTICLES PRODUCTION FACILITY AND METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thinwalled articles production facility and method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates system and method of production for seamless thin-walled articles production facility for enhancing efficiency and performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, seamless thin-walled articles such gloves, condoms, balloons and others were produced utilizing a large number of different processes as well as various sorts of materials depending on the variety of applications. The dipping method would employ a three- dimensional thin-walled articles shaped mold which is introduced into a forming liquid compound. A portion of the forming liquid compound would adhere to the thin-walled articles shaped mold to produce a thin layer of film thereon. After this thin layer of film solidifies, the thin layer film would be stripped from the mold, thereby producing a glove, condom and other seamless thin-walled articles. The dipping process employs a wide range of plastic and rubber polymers such as, but not limited to, natural rubber latex (NRL), carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer (Nitrile), polyisoprene (PI), polychloroporene (Neoprene), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) etc., as well as the various combinations produced via blending and copolymerization of these materials. A combination of these materials can be used from a blend of two or more of these compounds in a single dipping step. Conversely, a multiple dipping process producing a structured film provided with multiple layers can be employed. The conventional process of production of seamless thin-walled articles such gloves, condoms, balloons and others are complex and waste of energy due to inefficient heat energy wasted through ovens and other related processes as well as labor intensive.

To avoid unnecessary wastage of energy and resources, prior art CN111267281 A, disclosed an intelligent condom production method and a system thereof comprise the following steps: the method comprises the steps of connecting with a client, and obtaining relevant parameters of a condom from the client; and controlling the production system to produce the condom according to the related parameters. Compared with the prior art, a client cannot control the production of the condom to carry out private customization, the intelligent production method and the system of the condom enable the client to directly input the relevant parameters of the condom from the Internet according to personal requirements through the client, further control the whole production process of the condom through the relevant parameters, and finally realize the personalized production of the condom. In addition, the molds are mounted on the AGV cart by mold mounts and travelling from one station to another station such as a mold mounting and dismounting station, a cleaning station, a drying station, a dipping station, a rolling station, a soaking station, an electrical inspection station, a coating station, and a packaging station; the main control unit controls the AGV trolley to drive the mold to move among the production stations and complete the condom. Nevertheless, AGV in this prior art is required to go through the conventional dipping process until the completion of the seamless thin-walled articles such gloves, condoms, balloons and others.

Another prior art, CN211842833U disclosed a hand mold device for injecting heat-conducting oil liquid, which comprises a hand mold body, a groove, a sealing plate, an oil guide port and a sealing screw; the hand mold body comprises a glove mold part and a mold extension part; the interior of the hand mold body is a cavity; the top end of the model extension part is provided with a groove; a sealing plate is arranged at the bottom of the groove; an oil guide port is arranged in the middle of the sealing plate; the sealing screw is arranged at the oil guide port; and heat conducting oil is injected into the hand mold body. The utility model has the advantages of reasonable design, easy operation, performance is good, has effectually avoided the current hand former rate of heating slower, the inhomogeneous condition of heating. However, this prior art limits to one hand mold body and no further teaching was provided for such application to a mass production seamless thin-walled articles such gloves, condoms, balloons and others based on the mold device for injecting heat-conducting oil liquid.

In view of the above shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide a system and method for a practical and effective mass production seamless thin-walled articles such gloves, condoms, balloons and others without energy wastages. The present invention also facilitates ready and easy operations without labor intensive required. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thinwalled articles production facility and method thereof.

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility, comprising: an AGV; a control system onboard the AGV, said control system comprising: a computer processor; a memory unit; an onboard wireless I/O communications unit for receiving and sending communications, including task(s) and instruction(s) to be performed by the AGV, the onboard communications unit having a limited operating distance; a routing system for determining travel routes for the AGV to perform the required task(s); and a navigation system to direct the AGV along the determined travel route while avoiding other AGVs and impediments along the travel route; characterized in that a heating system is provided to the AGV further comprising a heating tank for storing a thermal fluid and regulating the thermal fluid to a predetermined temperature; a plurality of molds; and a pumping system for transferring the thermal fluid from the heating tank and connected to the plurality of molds.

In another embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention, wherein the pumping system further comprising a closed cycle system comprising the thermal fluid flowing through, in sequence, a pump configured to pump the thermal fluid to and fro from the heating tank to the plurality of molds at a variable flow rate based on a predetermined speed of the pump and to maintain the predetermined temperature within the molds; at least one control device operatively connected to the pump and configured to control the speed of the pump; at least one sensor; and a controller in communication with the at least one control device and the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is configured to (i) determine an operating condition based on data received from the at least one sensor and (ii) direct the at least one control device to adjust the speed of the pump based at least in part on the operating condition.

In another embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention wherein the predetermined temperature is in a range of 40°C-250 °C.

In yet another embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention wherein the thermal fluid through a closed cycle system.

In another alternative embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention wherein the onboard control system further comprises a destination determination system to determine one or more destinations to which the AGV needs to travel to perform a plurality of designated tasks for producing seamless thin-walled articles.

The automated guided vehicle (AGV) system wherein the destination determination system determines the one or more destinations to which the AGV needs to travel to perform designated tasks, by one or more of the following: a. using the destination information provided in the instructions sent to the AGV wireless I/O communications unit by the facility communications unit; b. using a look-up table stored in the memory of the AGV control system that provides corresponding destination(s) based on the task communicated to the AGV; and c. querying a facility communications unit that has the capacity to provide the required destination information to the AGV.

In one of the embodiments of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention, the facility communications units are operably connected to one or more of the following facility locations: molds mounting and dismounting location; molds cleaning location; coagulant dipping location; dipping location; beading brush location; pre-leaching location; post leaching location; slurry location; stripping location; production storage location; loading dock location; battery charging location; and battery exchange location.

In another embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention wherein the onboard communications unit of the AGV control system comprises a wireless local area network (LAN) receiver and transmitter capable of communicating with a wireless LAN (WLAN) of the facility.

In yet another embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention wherein the pumping system further comprising a cooling tank for allowing the thermal fluid for dissipating heat.

In another embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention wherein the pumping system further comprising an open cycle system comprising the thermal fluid flowing through, in sequence, a pump configured to pump the thermal fluid to and fro from the heating tank to the plurality of molds at a variable flow rate based on a predetermined speed of the pump and to maintain the predetermined temperature within the molds; at least one control device operatively connected to the pump and configured to control the speed of the pump; at least one sensor; and a controller in communication with the at least one control device and the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is configured to (i) determine an operating condition based on data received from the at least one sensor and (ii) direct the at least one control device to adjust the speed of the pump based at least in part on the operating condition.

In another embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention wherein the pumping system further comprising a cooling tank for allowing the thermal fluid for dissipating heat.

In another embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system of the present invention wherein each mold is further connected to a servomotor for allowing the mold to operate and move in a different direction and level. A method of producing seamless thin-walled articles at a production facility utilizing an automated guided vehicle (AGV) comprising providing a heating system to the AGV for transferring a thermal fluid from a heating tank and connected to a plurality of molds in a predetermined temperature via a pumping system; receiving task instructions by the AGV through the AGV’s wireless I/O communications unit; using a route determination system on board the AGV to determine a travel route for the AGV if the AGV is required to travel to one or more locations to perform the assigned tasks; and using a navigation system onboard the AGV during travel to the one or more required locations via the determined route and avoiding other AGVs or other impediments along the determined route; wherein wireless I/O communications units are positioned at functional locations about the facility to communicate to the AGV instructions for the task to be performed by the AGV, and also to receive instructions or information from the AGV regarding the task that it is performing in a sequence until seamless thin-walled articles are produced.

A plurality of facility communications units is operably connected to one or more of the following facility locations: molds mounting and dismounting location; molds cleaning location; coagulant dipping location; dipping location; beading brush location; pre-leaching location; post leaching location; slurry location; stripping location; production storage location; loading dock location; battery charging location; and battery exchange location.

The method of producing seamless thin-walled articles wherein the pumping system is a closed cycle system.

The method of producing seamless thin-walled articles wherein the pumping system is an open cycle system.

The method of producing seamless thin-walled articles wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are gloves. The method of producing seamless thin-walled articles wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are finger cots.

The method of producing seamless thin-walled articles wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are condoms.

The method of producing seamless thin-walled articles wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are balloons.

The method of producing seamless thin-walled articles wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are shoe covers.

The method of producing seamless thin-walled articles wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are shower caps.

One of the advantages of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thinwalled articles production facility and method thereof of the present invention is that ovens are not required for producing seamless thin-walled articles. Thus, energy wastages from ovens are avoided. In addition, the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility and method thereof of the present invention reduced a few machineries such as ovens and conveyor system. Therefore, a small space is required to produce a mass production of the seamless thin-walled articles production facility with high output of the seamless thin-walled articles.

Another advantage of the present invention is that raw materials in each location such molds mounting and dismounting location; molds cleaning location; coagulant dipping location; compounded latex dipping location; beading brush location; pre-leaching location; post leaching location; slurry location; stripping location; production storage location; loading dock location; battery charging location; and battery exchange location are precisely determined. Therefore, unnecessary wastages of raw materials are unlikely to happen.

Further advantages of the system in accordance with the invention and its application can be derived from the description and the accompanying drawings. The above-mentioned features and those to be further described below can be utilized in accordance with the invention individually or collectively in arbitrary combination. The embodiments mentioned are not to be considered exhaustive enumerations, rather have exemplary character. The invention is shown in the drawings and explained more closely with reference to embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates an example of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of an example of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a heating system of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a heating system of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates an example of a plurality of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in detail in connection with specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to”. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

Various aspects of the systems and devices disclosed herein may be illustrated by describing components that are connected, coupled, attached, bonded and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms "connected", "coupled", "attached", "bonded" and/or "joined" are used interchangeably to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, these terms are used interchangeably to indicate a connection in which one or more degrees of freedom are not rigidly constrained between two components (e.g., a pivoting connection, a translating connection, a pivoting and translating connection, an elastic connection, a flexible connection, etc.), or a rigid or substantially rigid connection in which all degrees of freedom are constrained or substantially constrained between the two components.

The terms “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation. The term “sequence,” as used herein, generally refers to elements (e.g., unit operations) in order. Such order can refer to process order, such as, for example, the order in which a fluid flows from one element to another. A fluid flowing through unit operations in sequence can flow through the unit operations sequentially. A sequence of elements can include one or more intervening elements.

As used herein, the term “fluid” generally refers to a liquid or a gas. A fluid may not maintain a defined shape and may flow during an observable time frame to fill a container in which it is put. Thus, the fluid may have any suitable viscosity that permits flow. If two or more fluids are present, each fluid may be independently selected among essentially any fluid (liquids, gases, and the like).

The term “thermal fluid” as used therein, generally refers to working fluids used in heating system may include water, air, thermal oil, argon, other noble gases, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, oxygen, or any combination thereof, and/or other fluids in gaseous, liquid, critical, or supercritical state (e.g., supercritical CO²).

As used herein, the term “coolant” generally refers to a substance, such as a liquid or a vapor (e.g., gas), that may be used to reduce, increase, or regulate the temperature of a source of thermal energy. The coolant can either maintain a phase or may undergo a phase transition during cooling, heating, or temperature regulation. In an example, the coolant may undergo a phase transition from a liquid phase to a gas phase to increase the cooling efficiency of the coolant.

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) system (100) for seamless thin-walled articles production facility of the present invention, comprising an AGV, a control system onboard the AGV having a computer processor, a memory unit, an onboard wireless I/O communications unit for receiving and sending communications, including task(s) and instruction(s) to be performed by the AGV, the onboard communications unit having a limited operating distance; a routing system for determining travel routes for the AGV to perform the required task(s); and a navigation system to direct the AGV along the determined travel route while avoiding other AGVs and impediments along the travel route. Figure 1 illustrates an example of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. For the purposes for seamless thin-walled articles production facility of the present invention, a heating system (102) is provided to the AGV further comprising a heating tank for storing a thermal fluid and regulating the thermal fluid to a predetermined temperature, a plurality of molds (104) and a pumping system for transferring the thermal fluid from the heating tank and connected to the plurality of molds. Each mold (104) is further connected to a servomotor (106) for allowing the mold to operate and move in a different direction and level.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of an example of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. In one of the embodiment of the present invention, a pumping system comprises a closed cycle system comprising the thermal fluid flowing through, in sequence, a pump configured to pump the thermal fluid to and fro from the heating tank to the plurality of molds at a variable flow rate based on a predetermined speed of the pump and to maintain the predetermined temperature within the molds, at least one control device operatively connected to the pump and configured to control the speed of the pump, at least one sensor and a controller in communication with at least one control device and the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is configured to (i) determine an operating condition based on data received from the at least one sensor and (ii) direct the at least one control device to adjust the speed of the pump based at least in part on the operating condition. Depending on the seamless thin-walled articles, a predetermined temperature is in a range of 40°C-250 °C. In particular for latex glove production, the predetermined temperature of the molds is in a range between 50°C-80 °C more preferably within 70°C-75 °C. The onboard control system further comprises a destination determination system to determine one or more destinations to which the AGV needs to travel to perform a plurality of designated tasks for producing seamless thin-walled articles. The onboard communications unit of the AGV control system comprises a wireless local area network (LAN) receiver and transmitter capable of communicating with a wireless LAN (WLAN) of the facility.

The AGV control system of the present invention, the destination determination system determines the one or more destinations to which the AGV needs to travel to perform designated tasks, by one or more of the following: a. using the destination information provided in the instructions sent to the AGV wireless I/O communications unit by the facility communications unit; b. using a look-up table stored in the memory of the AGV control system that provides corresponding destination(s) based on the task communicated to the AGV; and c. querying a facility communications unit that has the capacity to provide the required destination information to the AGV.

Figure 3 illustrates a heating system of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of facility communications units is operably connected to one or more of the following facility locations: molds mounting and dismounting location; molds cleaning location; coagulant dipping location; dipping location; beading brush location; pre-leaching location; post leaching location; slurry location; stripping location; production storage location; loading dock location; battery charging location; and battery exchange location. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the pumping system is an open cycle system comprising the thermal fluid flowing through, in sequence, a pump configured to pump the thermal fluid to and fro from the heating tank to the plurality of molds at a variable flow rate based on a predetermined speed of the pump and to maintain the predetermined temperature within the molds; at least one control device operatively connected to the pump and configured to control the speed of the pump; at least one sensor; and a controller in communication with the at least one control device and the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is configured to (i) determine an operating condition based on data received from the at least one sensor and (ii) direct the at least one control device to adjust the speed of the pump based at least in part on the operating condition. A cooling tank is provided to the pumping system for allowing the thermal fluid for dissipating heat.

Figure 4 illustrates a heating system of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of another embodiment of the present invention. Depending on the arrangement of the heating system of the present invention and application of the seamless thin-walled articles production facility, a process for transferring the thermal fluid can be using the pumping system for transferring the thermal fluid from a heating or cooling tank with min 0.1 bar to 10 bar pressure via a circulation pump to the rotary joint flow into the hand former and heating or cooling the surface of the former. The thermal fluid returns to rotary joint and return to the heating system. Depending on the arrangement of the heating system of the present invention and application of the seamless thin-walled articles production facility, a heating coil (heating by gas or electricity) is provided to control temperature of the thermal fluid and to maintain the temperature of the tank from 40°C-250 °C. The thermal fluid having a temperature of 40°C- 250 °C is pumped by the circulation pump and flow into glove hand mold (former) again vice versa. The hand former surface heats up to a predetermined temperature and use for glove dipping process to produce Nitrile rubber (NBR) is blended with natural rubber (NR). In addition, the system is further provided with a bypass system for automatically cutting off a connection to the heating system when the temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a process for transferring the thermal fluid can be using the suction system with a suction pump for transferring the thermal fluid from a heating or cooling tank with min 0.1 bar to 10bars pressure via a circulation pump to the rotary joint flow into the hand former and heating or cooling the surface of the former. The thermal fluid returns to rotary joint and return to the heating system. Depending on the arrangement of the heating system of the present invention and application of the seamless thin-walled articles production facility, a heating coil (heating by gas or electricity) is provided to control temperature of the thermal fluid and to maintain the temperature of the tank from 40°C-250 °C. The thermal fluid having a temperature of 40°C-250 °C is sucked by the suction pump and flow into glove hand mold (former) again vice versa in a circulation within the heating system. The hand former surface heats up to a predetermined temperature and use for glove dipping process to produce Nitrile rubber (NBR) is blended with natural rubber (NR). In addition, the system is further provided with a bypass system for automatically cutting off a connection to the heating system when the temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature.

The pumping system of the heating system of the present invention may be a closed system or an open system. A closed system may be a system that is sealed from an ambient environment such that a fluid within the system does not leave the system. An open system may be a system that is not sealed from an ambient environment such that a fluid within the system may be added or removed from the system. The thermal regulation system may further comprise a closed loop circulatory fluid flow path that comprises the liquid coolant reservoir, cooling unit, fluid flow line, and condenser. The closed loop circulatory fluid flow path may be a closed system. Figure 5 illustrates an example of a plurality of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility in particular for latex glove production in accordance of another embodiment of the present invention. A method of producing seamless thin-walled articles at a production facility utilizing an automated guided vehicle (AGV) begins by providing a heating system to the AGV for transferring a thermal fluid from a heating tank and connected to a plurality of molds in a predetermined temperature via a pumping system. Next, receiving task instructions by the AGV through the AGV’s wireless I/O communications unit. Subsequently, using a route determination system on board the AGV to determine a travel route for the AGV if the AGV is required to travel to one or more locations to perform the assigned tasks. Then, using a navigation system onboard the AGV during travel to the one or more required locations via the determined route and avoiding other AGVs or other impediments along the determined route. Finally, the wireless I/O communications units are positioned at functional locations about the facility to communicate to the AGV instructions for the task to be performed by the AGV, and to receive instructions or information from the AGV regarding the task that it is performing in a sequence until seamless thin-walled articles are produced. A plurality of facility communications units is operably connected to one or more of the following facility locations: molds mounting and dismounting location; molds cleaning location; coagulant dipping location; dipping location; beading brush location; pre-leaching location; post leaching location; slurry location; stripping location; production storage location; loading dock location; battery charging location; and battery exchange location. The seamless thin-walled articles produced by the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility are gloves, finger cots, condoms, balloons, shoe covers and shower caps. In other embodiment of the present invention, different molds with different sizes are applied and used for each automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility. Each operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, computer instructions, or a combination thereof. In the context of computer instructions, the operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the processes. Additionally, some, any, or all the process (or any other processes described herein, or variations and/or combinations thereof) may be performed under the control of one or more computer systems configured with executable instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable instructions, one or more computer programs or one or more applications) executing collectively on one or more processors, by hardware or combinations thereof. As noted above, the code may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for example, in the form of a computer program including a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors. The computer-readable storage medium may be non-transitory.

In one illustrative configuration, processor(s) may be implemented as appropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility. Computerexecutable instruction or firmware implementations of the processor(s) may include computerexecutable or machine-executable instructions written in any suitable programming language to perform the various functions described when executed by a hardware computing device, such as a processor. The memory may store program instructions that are loadable and executable on the processor(s) as well as data generated during the execution of these programs. Depending on the configuration and type of the one or more service provider computers, the memory may be volatile (such as RAM) and/or non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.). The one or more service provider computers or servers may also include additional storage, which may include removable storage and/or non-removable storage. The additional storage may include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage, optical disks and/or tape storage. The disk drives and their associated computer-readable media may provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computing devices. In some implementations, the memory may include multiple different types of memory, such as SRAM, DRAM, or ROM. Each server typically will include an operating system that provides executable program instructions for the general administration and operation of that server and typically will include a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a hard disk, random access memory, read only memory, etc.) storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of the server, allow the server to perform its intended functions. Suitable implementations for the operating system and general functionality of the servers are known or commercially available and are readily implemented by persons having ordinary skill in the art, particularly in light of the disclosure herein.

The memory, the additional storage, both removable and non-removable, are all examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media. For example, computer-readable storage media may include volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The memory and the additional storage are all examples of non-transitory computer storage media. Additional types of non- transitory computer storage media that may be present in the one or more service provider computers may include, but are not limited to, PRAM, SRAM, DRAM, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the one or more service provider computers. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of non-transitory computer-readable media.

The various embodiments further can be implemented in a wide variety of operating environments, which in some cases can include one or more user computers, computing devices or processing devices which can be used to operate any of a number of applications. User or client devices can include any of a number of general-purpose personal computers, such as desktop or laptop computers running a standard operating system, as well as cellular, wireless, and handheld devices running mobile software and capable of supporting a number of networking and messaging protocols. Such a system also can include a number of workstations running any of a variety of commercially-available operating systems and other known applications for purposes such as development and database management. These devices also can include other electronic devices, such as dummy terminals, thin-clients, gaming systems, and other devices capable of communicating via a network.

Most embodiments utilize at least one network that would be familiar to those skilled in the art for supporting communications using any of a variety of commercially-available protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol/lnternet Protocol ("TCP/IP"), Open System Interconnection ("OSI"), File Transfer Protocol ("FTP"), Universal Plug and Play ("UpnP"), Network File System ("NFS"), Common Internet File System ("CIFS"), and AppleTalk®. The network can be, for example, a local area network, a wide-area network, a virtual private network, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a public switched telephone network, an infrared network, a wireless network, and any combination thereof. The foregoing detailed description and examples are merely illustrative of the preferred embodiments. They are by no means meant to be the exclusive description of the inventive concept hereby disclosed. It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that certain aspects of the practice of the invention are readily susceptible to modification or practice by alternative, known means.

Claims

1. An automated guided vehicle (AGV) system for seamless thin-walled articles production facility, comprising: an AGV; a control system onboard the AGV, said control system comprising: a computer processor; a memory unit; an onboard wireless I/O communications unit for receiving and sending communications, including task(s) and instruction(s) to be performed by the AGV, the onboard communications unit having a limited operating distance; a routing system for determining travel routes for the AGV to perform the required task(s); and a navigation system to direct the AGV along the determined travel route while avoiding other AGVs and impediments along the travel route; characterized in that a heating system is provided to the AGV further comprising a heating tank for storing a thermal fluid and regulating the thermal fluid to a predetermined temperature; a plurality of molds; and a pumping system for transferring the thermal fluid from the heating tank and connected to the plurality of molds.

2. The automated guided vehicle (AGV) system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the pumping system further comprising a closed cycle system comprising the thermal fluid flowing through, in sequence, a pump configured to pump the thermal fluid to and fro from the heating tank to the plurality of molds at a variable flow rate based on a predetermined speed of the pump and to maintain the predetermined temperature within the molds; at least one control device operatively connected to the pump and configured to control the speed of the pump; at least one sensor; and a controller in communication with the at least one control device and the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is configured to (i) determine an operating condition based on data received from the at least one sensor and (ii) direct the at least one control device to adjust the speed of the pump based at least in part on the operating condition.

3. The automated guided vehicle (AGV) system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the predetermined temperature is in a range of 40°C-250 °C.

4. The automated guided vehicle (AGV) system as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the thermal fluid through a closed cycle system.

5. The automated guided vehicle (AGV) system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the onboard control system further comprises a destination determination system to determine one or more destinations to which the AGV needs to travel to perform a plurality of designated tasks for producing seamless thin-walled articles.

6. The automated guided vehicle (AGV) system as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the destination determination system determines the one or more destinations to which the AGV needs to travel to perform designated tasks, by one or more of the following: a. using the destination information provided in the instructions sent to the AGV wireless I/O communications unit by the facility communications unit; b. using a look-up table stored in the memory of the AGV control system that provides corresponding destination(s) based on the task communicated to the AGV; and c. querying a facility communications unit that has the capacity to provide the required destination information to the AGV.

7. The automated guided vehicle (AGV) system as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the facility communications units are operably connected to one or more of the following facility locations: molds mounting and dismounting location; molds cleaning location; coagulant dipping location; dipping location; beading brush location; pre-leaching location; post leaching location; slurry location; stripping location; production storage location; loading dock location; battery charging location; and battery exchange location.

8. The automated guided vehicle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the onboard communications unit of the AGV control system comprises a wireless local area network (LAN) receiver and transmitter capable of communicating with a wireless LAN (WLAN) of the facility.

9. The automated guided vehicle as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the pumping system further comprising a cooling tank for allowing the thermal fluid for dissipating heat.

10. The automated guided vehicle (AGV) system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the pumping system further comprising an open cycle system comprising the thermal fluid flowing through, in sequence, a pump configured to pump the thermal fluid to and fro from the heating tank to the plurality of molds at a variable flow rate based on a predetermined speed of the pump and to maintain the predetermined temperature within the molds; at least one control device operatively connected to the pump and configured to control the speed of the pump; at least one sensor; and a controller in communication with the at least one control device and the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is configured to (i) determine an operating condition based on data received from the at least one sensor and (ii) direct the at least one control device to adjust the speed of the pump based at least in part on the operating condition.

11. The automated guided vehicle as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the pumping system further comprising a cooling tank for allowing the thermal fluid for dissipating heat.

12. The automated guided vehicle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein each mold is further connected to a servomotor for allowing the mold to operate and move in a different direction and level. A method of producing seamless thin-walled articles at a production facility utilizing an automated guided vehicle (AGV) comprising providing a heating system to the AGV for transferring a thermal fluid from a heating tank and connected to a plurality of molds in a predetermined temperature via a pumping system; receiving task instructions by the AGV through the AGV’s wireless I/O communications unit; using a route determination system on board the AGV to determine a travel route for the AGV if the AGV is required to travel to one or more locations to perform the assigned tasks; and using a navigation system onboard the AGV during travel to the one or more required locations via the determined route and avoiding other AGVs or other impediments along the determined route; wherein wireless I/O communications units are positioned at functional locations about the facility to communicate to the AGV instructions for the task to be performed by the AGV, and also to receive instructions or information from the AGV regarding the task that it is performing in a sequence until seamless thin-walled articles are produced. The method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein a plurality of facility communications units is operably connected to one or more of the following facility locations: molds mounting and dismounting location; molds cleaning location; coagulant dipping location; dipping location; beading brush location; pre-leaching location; post leaching location; slurry location; stripping location; production storage location; loading dock location; battery charging location; and battery exchange location. The method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the pumping system is a closed cycle system. The method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the pumping system is an open cycle system.

17. The method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are gloves.

18. The method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are finger cots.

19. The method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are condoms.

20. The method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are balloons.

21 . The method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are shoe covers.

22. The method as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the seamless thin-walled articles are shower caps.