Abstract: A packaging system for handling palletized product arranged in multiple layers of product cases, a pallet de-layering system includes a gripper mechanism. The gripper mechanism is configured to clamp a layer of the multiple layers by applying a clamping force to one or more product cases of the layer such that the layer can be removed from an adjacent layer of product cases to a different location. The layer includes a void between adjacent product cases. The gripper mechanism includes a void filling member carried by the gripper mechanism. The void filling member is sized and located to be positioned within the void to limit movement of the adjacent product cases into the void during a clamping operation.

Abstract: In a packaging system for packing cases with product, a product metering system is provided. The product metering system includes a first product lane along which a first product travels and a second product lane along which a second product travels. The second product is different from the first product. A first movable barrier has a first position that obstructs progress of the first product along the first product lane and a second position that allows progress of the first product along the first product lane past the first movable barrier. The first product lane and second product lane merge into a first common lane downstream of the first movable barrier, wherein when the first movable barrier is in the first position only the second product is metered to the first common lane.

Abstract: A packaging system for handling palletized product arranged in multiple layers of product cases, a pallet de-layering system includes a gripper mechanism. The gripper mechanism is configured to clamp a layer of the multiple layers by applying a clamping force to one or more product cases of the layer such that the layer can be removed from an adjacent layer of product cases to a different location. The layer includes a void between adjacent product cases. The gripper mechanism includes a void filling member carried by the gripper mechanism. The void filling member is sized and located to be positioned within the void to limit movement of the adjacent product cases into the void during a clamping operation.

Abstract: In a packaging system for packing cases with product, a product metering system is provided. The product metering system includes a first product lane along which a first product travels and a second product lane along which a second product travels. The second product is different from the first product. A first movable barrier has a first position that obstructs progress of the first product along the first product lane and a second position that allows progress of the first product along the first product lane past the first movable barrier. The first product lane and second product lane merge into a first common lane downstream of the first movable barrier, wherein when the first movable barrier is in the first position only the second product is metered to the first common lane.