Abstract: A suction cup for engaging and lifting an object is disclosed, comprising a lip, a bellows, and an upper portion sealingly connected to the bellows for connecting an inner volume of the suction cup to a source of vacuum, which cup, in an operative state, is capable of being locked in an at least partly compressed state of the lip and/or bellows. Locking is accomplished by air entrapped in a sealed exterior volume formed between the lip and bellows and/or between one or more segments of the bellows in an operative state being evacuated through one or more through open holes provided in the lip and/or bellows when vacuum is connected to the suction cup. A corresponding lip and a corresponding bellows for use in the suction cup are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a vacuum ejector provided with a seal valve mechanism between a vacuum generation mechanism and a break flow path, the seal valve mechanism includes a valve plug that is biased toward a sealing opening from the break flow path side to block the seal opening, and is configured to open the seal opening by moving the valve plug away from the seal opening using a piston portion that operates according to supply air supplied from the vacuum generation mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-zone end effector assembly is described in the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the multi-zone end effector assembly comprises a manifold that comprises a first interior chamber and a second interior chamber. A first port connects to the first interior chamber, and a second port connects to the second interior chamber. A first compression cup region can be connected to the first interior chamber. The first compression cup region is in air connection with the first port. The first compression cup region is configured to be independently activated in order to create a first vacuum zone. A second compression cup region is connected to the second interior chamber. The second compression region cup is in air connection with the second port. The second compression cup region is configured to be independently activated in order to create a second vacuum zone.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing high flow vacuum control to an end effector of an articulated arm. The system includes a high flow vacuum source that provides an opening with an area of high flow vacuum at the end effector such that objects may be engaged while permitting substantial flow of air through the opening, and a load detection system for characterizing the load presented by the object.

Abstract: A food product handling device includes a movable loading head having a plurality of coupling rails, a vacuum system operatively associated with the loading head, a plurality of suction devices carried by the loading head and configured to pick up and transport a food product, a plurality of mounting blocks slidably coupled to each other by the coupling rails, and an actuating device operatively associated with the mounting blocks for sliding each of the mounting blocks between a first position and a second position. Each of the suction devices is selectively coupled to the vacuum system. At least one of the suction devices coupled to each of the mounting blocks. The actuating device includes an actuating cylinder configured to displace the mounting blocks between the first position and a second position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing eggs based upon a characteristic such as gender are provided. Material is extracted from each of a plurality of live eggs, the extracted material is assayed to identify eggs having the characteristic, and then eggs identified as having the characteristic are processed accordingly.

Abstract: A part-processing machine having, in series, consecutive parts on a belt (2) moving same along a main conveying line. Selectively identified non-compliant parts are removed from the conveying line, into a transfer device (1) by pickup tools (8) supported on the periphery of a rotating drum (6) mounted transversely to the conveying line and arranged to rotate about itself so as to pass over the belt, enabling the non-compliant parts to be picked up by the pickup tools and released once the parts have been transported away from the conveying line. The pickup tools have pneumatic gripping heads, more particularly for example suction cups. The pneumatic gripping heads are depressurized relative to the surrounding air by a low-pressure chamber provided inside the drum, to which each head is connected by a tube inside a tool support arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for delivering substances to specific embryonic structures, including heart and blood vessels, within a developing avian egg. The disclosure also relates to methods of using the device to produce enhanced avian embryos. Methods include administering to chicken embryos various substances, including vaccines, nutrients, and stem cells. Chickens resulting from enhanced avian embryos have advantages, including greater growth potential and resistance to pathogen infection/infestation.

Abstract: A method and device for unstacking a stack of trays, each tray having pockets and edge portions. A holder frame above the stack has suction heads which engage the eggs of the uppermost tray of the stack. A carrier unit above the holder frame has oppositely opposed grippers which engage sides of the uppermost tray. The holder frame is connected to the carrier unit by one or more spacer rods which are freely moveable in a channel in the carrier unit so as to permit three degrees of movement relative thereto. The carrier unit may also be moveably suspended in a second carrier unit above it. Support rods may extend downwardly from the carrier unit to engage the tray.

Abstract: A method for packaging LED chip modules is provided. First, a first sacrificial layer is disposed on a substrate. Afterwards, LED chips are synchronously disposed on the first sacrificial layer before the first sacrificial layer cures. Next, a first material, a second sacrificial layer, and a second material are used to form a support layer on the first sacrificial layer. The first sacrificial layer and the second sacrificial layer are then removed, so that LED chip modules are obtained, wherein each LED chip module has a corresponding support layer. Furthermore, a moving fixture is provided to synchronously remove chips from a wafer and dispose them on the sacrificial layer.

Abstract: A method for packaging LED chip modules is provided. First, a first sacrificial layer is disposed on a substrate. Afterwards, LED chips are synchronously disposed on the first sacrificial layer before the first sacrificial layer cures. Next, a first material, a second sacrificial layer, and a second material are used to form a support layer on the first sacrificial layer. The first sacrificial layer and the second sacrificial layer are then removed, so that LED chip modules are obtained, wherein each LED chip module has a corresponding support layer. Furthermore, a moving fixture is provided to synchronously remove chips from a wafer and dispose them on the sacrificial layer.