Abstract: An end effector is configured to grasp articles that have deviated from their original shape. The end effector can return the article to its expected condition. The end effector can include a main platform, a first sub-platform and a second sub-platform. A first suction cup extends vertically below the main platform. Each of the sub-platforms includes one or more suction cups, respectively, that protrude vertically below the sub-platforms. Each sub-platform is connected to the main platform via a bellows actuator that can be extended and retracted via positive and negative pressures. The main platform can include fittings to allow the end effector to be attached to a wide variety of robotic arms, such as a delta robot.

Abstract: A gripper device and method is provided. The method includes capturing, using an electronic device, information of an object that is indicative of holding position; determining, using the information, by a hardware processor, an optimal holding orientation and an optimal movement of at least one of (i) a plurality of fingers, or (ii) a plurality of suction cups of a gripper device; identifying the at least one of (i) the plurality of fingers, and (ii) the plurality of suction cups as one or more grasping components based on the information, the optimal holding orientation and the optimal movement; and enabling, using an actuator, the one or more identified grasping components to grasp the object based on the information, the optimal holding orientation and the optimal movement.

Abstract: A method of improved quality inspection includes (i) receiving a first command to capture a first image of a surface of a product, (ii) positioning, by actuating a plurality of rotatable joints, a camera at a first position that is substantially adjacent to the surface of the product, and capturing the first image of the surface of the product. The method further includes, after capturing the first image: (i) processing the first image to identify a defect in the first image and a relative location of the defect in the first image, and (ii) determining a second position of the camera in accordance with the first position of the camera and the relative location of the defect in the first image, and (iii) repositioning, by actuating the plurality of rotatable joints, the camera from the first position to the second position. The method further includes capturing the second image.

Abstract: A food product handling device is provided. The food product handling device can include a movable loading head having a plurality of rails and a vacuum system operatively associated with the head. In addition, a plurality of suction devices carried by the head and configured to pick up and transport a food product as the head is moved can be provided. A plurality of mounting blocks can be slidably coupled to the rails where at least one suction device is coupled to each mounting block. An actuating device can be operatively associated with the mounting blocks such that each mounting block is configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An end effector is provided that includes a vacuum source and a plurality of gripping surfaces with each gripping surface including a plurality of vacuum zones having a non-smooth portion for distributing a vacuum, and a plurality of openings defined over the non-smooth portion for distributing the vacuum on the gripping surface using the vacuum source. The plurality of gripping surfaces is generally arranged in a polygonal shape. The plurality of vacuum zones are generally configured to grip cut-outs having a plurality of shapes. Methods are also provided for removing a cut-out from a sheet of material using an end effector having a plurality of gripping surfaces.

Abstract: The apparatus for handling layers of palletized products includes a gripping head associable to a transfer machine adapted to displace the gripping head at least along a substantially vertical direction, the gripping head being provided with: a support framework associable to the transfer machine, a substantially horizontal suction plane associated to the support framework and adapted to suction a layer (S) of palletized products (P), and a fall-prevention plane associated to the support framework and mobile between a rest configuration, wherein the space underlying the suction plane is clear and the suction plane is free to be arranged at contact with the upper surface of the layer (S) of products (P), and an operating configuration wherein the fall-prevention plane is arranged below the suction plane and the layer (S) of suctioned products (P).

Abstract: Device (1) for carrying an object (2) having a smooth surface, which device comprises a first frame (3) that is arranged to be able to manipulate the device and the object to be carried, as well as a second frame (5) onto which a number of suction cups (6) is attached. The second frame is planar rotatably with respect to the first frame. Furthermore a number of vacuum sources (8, 9) is provided for evacuating the suction cups. The vacuum sources and suction cups are interconnected by means of at least one spiral-shaped hose assembly (10) of which the hoses (11), each being connected to a vacuum source (8) and a suction cup (6), are in the same spiral plane (14).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide an apparatus for carrying a substrate by an off-line vacuum suction and a method for transporting a substrate. The apparatus includes a carrying frame provided with a clamper, a vacuum suction device and a detaching device arranged on the carrying frame, wherein the vacuum suction device is arranged to suck and fix a substrate and is connectable to and detachable from a vacuum pipeline and the detaching device is arranged to detach the vacuum suction device and the vacuum pipeline from each other while keeping the vacuum suction device to continuously suck the substrate to be transported. The apparatus and the method can improve fixing of the substrate and achieve off-line suction to the substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for carrying plies of material. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes an end effector of a robot. The apparatus includes a frame, and a fixed cup assembly that is attached to the frame. The fixed cup assembly includes a suction cup for holding a ply, a pneumatic line, and a shaft that is coupled with the suction cup and that houses the pneumatic line, the shaft enabling the suction cup to translate vertically. The apparatus also includes floating cup assemblies. Each floating cup assembly includes a Bernoulli cup, a pneumatic line applying positively pressurized gas to the Bernoulli cup, a shaft that is coupled with the Bernoulli cup and that houses the pneumatic line, the shaft enabling the Bernoulli cup to translate vertically, and a bearing that enables the Bernoulli cup to pivot about an end of the shaft to conform with a surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an article handling apparatus includes a gripper, a supporting portion, a sensor, and controller. The gripper grips an article. The supporting portion supports an article from below. The sensor recognizes a plurality of articles to generate a recognition result. The controller calculates a position of a first article located highest among the plurality of articles based on the recognition result, calculates a position of a second article located second highest in a region determined based on the position of the first article, controls movement of the gripper based on the position of the first article, and controls the movement of the supporting portion based on the position of the second article.

Abstract: A device for picking articles includes a supporting unit and a plurality of gripper heads equipped with respective mechanisms for gripping an article and movable relative to the supporting unit along a picking direction. The gripper heads are divided into at least first gripper heads and second gripper heads. The device includes at least a first picking unit, applied to the supporting unit and on which the first gripper heads are positioned in mutually aligned configuration along a first alignment direction, and a second picking unit, applied to the supporting unit and on which the second gripper heads are positioned in mutually aligned configuration along a second alignment direction transversal to the first alignment direction.

Abstract: A gripping device for a part stacking system that according to one embodiment includes a plurality of supporting arms and a plurality of gripping elements attached to the supporting arms, at least some of the gripping elements being movable with respect to the respective supporting arm. Each supporting arm comprises at least one guiderail and each movable gripping element comprises a carriage movable in the corresponding guiderail. The static friction force between each carriage and the respective guiderail is such that the movable gripping elements are kept immobile with respect to the supporting arms by the static friction force during the part stacking process, and the movable gripping elements are positioned with respect to the respective supporting arm overcoming the static friction force.

Abstract: Apparatus (54) for positioning performed glass sheets for further forming includes positioners (55) that are moved slower than the speed of glass sheet conveyance to provide rotational adjustment of a glass sheet into alignment above a forming mold (52) under the operation of a controller (78). The forming mold (52) is moved upwardly for the forming in a pressing manner against a downwardly facing upper mold (58).

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool is described and includes an outer sheet and an inner sheet. The end-of-arm tool may be reinforced with a backing plate attached to the inner sheet and a front plate attached to the outer sheet. The end-of-arm tool may also include spacers to provide structure and rigidity to the end-of-arm tool at passages configured for the installation of workpiece interface tools, for example, spring plungers.

Abstract: A mounting device, which receives electronic circuit components from component supply devices, and mounts the components onto a substrate which is carried into a work region by a substrate conveyance device. The mounting device includes (a) a plurality of articulated robots, which include an arm section that includes a plurality of link members, which are connected so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to one another at a plurality of joints, and a hand that is attached to a free end section of the arm section so as to be relatively rotatable, and (b) a robot guide rail that supports base end sections of the articulated robots in a manner in which the articulated robots are capable of moving in a direction that is parallel to a conveyance direction, and the hand holds a rotating head, which holds a plurality of suction nozzles.

Abstract: An egg transfer system is provided. Such an egg transfer system includes a controller configured to receive a classification signal indicative of an egg classification status for each of a plurality of eggs carried by a flat. A transfer head assembly is in communication with the controller and is configured to remove a plurality of eggs from the flat. The eggs are grouped into at least a first and second subset based on the egg classification status. The controller is configured to direct the transfer head assembly to selectively release the first and second subsets separately based on the respective egg classification status of the eggs. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A film suction mechanism is provided which can prevent a film-like member from warping or sagging for reliable suction, handing over, or the like of the film-like member. A film suction mechanism of the present invention is a film suction mechanism for processing or transferring a flexible film-like member. The film suction mechanism includes a suction unit having a function of attaching the film-like member thereto by suction and an air nozzle having a function of blowing pressurized air onto a first surface of the film-like member. The suction unit includes a plurality of suction pads. The suction unit is capable of attaching a second surface of the film-like member thereto by suction while the pressurized air is blown onto the first surface of the film-like member.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remote perception assistance to facilitate robotic object manipulation are provided herein. From a model of objects in an environment of a robotic manipulator, a virtual boundary line separating two adjacent identified virtual objects may be identified. The robotic manipulator may be configured to perform a task involving a manipulation of at least one object in the environment represented by the identified virtual objects. Based on the identifying, a request for remote assistance with verifying the virtual boundary line may be sent to a remote assistor device. A response to the request, including a modification to the virtual boundary line, may then be received from the remote assistor device. The robotic manipulator may then be caused to perform the task based on the modification to the virtual boundary line.

Abstract: A robotic arm suction cup capable of eliminating negative pressure is provided. A robotic arm is provided with a first suction cup and a second suction cup of unequal length. Each of the first and second suction cups is connected with a Y-shaped tube. An end of the Y-shaped tube is connected with a communication tube. The communication tube is connected with a vacuum pump. Another end of the Y-shaped tube is connected with a pressure detection tube. A distal end of the pressure detection tube is connected with a pressure detector. The first and second suction cups are not coplanar, and can effectively eliminate the negative pressure between the first and second suction cups and a playing card rapidly, so that the playing card can be separated from the first and second suction cups easily for the game to go on smoothly.

Abstract: A tool positioning and holding mechanism includes a mounting frame, a feed member, a tool support, a positioning member, an elastic member, and a blocking member. The feed member is slidably mounted on the mounting frame. The tool support is fixed on the feed member and defines a receiving hole to receive the tool. The positioning member is pivotally coupled to the tool support and partially received in the tool support. The elastic member is located between the positioning member and the tool support. The blocking member is fixed on the mounting frame and includes a pushing portion configured to resist the positioning member. The feed member can move the positioning member to allow detachment of the positioning member from the pushing portion, and upon detachment of the positioning member, the positioning member is configured to rotate under an elastic force of the elastic member to position the tool.

Abstract: An end effector for the packaging industry comprises has a frame, a bridge on top of the frame, a rack and pinion assembly, actuation rods, carrier assemblies, and vacuum ports. The rack and pinion assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a robot's rotatable shaft, and to the actuation rods. The actuation rods are fixedly connected to one or more of the carrier assemblies. As the robot's shaft rotates, the rack and pinion assembly is actuated, which actuates the actuation rods, which causes the carrier assemblies fixedly connected to the actuation rods to move longitudinally along the frame. Each carrier assembly includes a carrier block and at least one pick-up member. Each carrier block has at least one arm with a grabber to cooperate with an adjacent arm with grabbers of an adjacent carrier block(s) of the same subgroup.

Abstract: The containers are thermoformed at a thermoforming station from blanks cut out from a sheet of thermoplastic material. Before thermoforming the containers, at least some blank zones in the sheet are heated, the hot blanks are cut out from the heated zones and the hot blanks are conveyed to the thermoforming station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (10) for handling workpieces, with a handling device (12) which comprises at least one vacuum gripper (16) for drawing a workpiece in by suction, with at least one vacuum generator (26) that can be operated by the supply of compressed air for supplying the vacuum gripper (16) with vacuum, with at least one controllable control valve (28) by which the supply of compressed air to the vacuum generator (26) can be controlled, wherein the control valve (28) is associated with a control device (30) for the proper control of the control valve (28 as required.

Abstract: A system, a method and a modular apparatus may use a wire loop to cut an object. The apparatus may have a wire loop connected to pulleys on a deck attached to a frame. The deck may move relative to the frame to direct the wire loop through the object. The apparatus may have arms that may hold the object being cut. The apparatus may be configured with different cutting decks to reduce the overall size of the apparatus and/or to facilitate cutting a particular object in a particular environment.

Abstract: A manipulator gripper configured for gripping workpieces and fixtures is provided. The manipulator gripper includes a mounting assembly, a suction assembly, and a clamping assembly coupled to the mounting assembly. The suction assembly includes a connecting arm coupled to the mounting assembly and at least one suction cup coupled to the connecting arm. The clamping assembly includes a pressing plate coupled to the mounting assembly, a driving member mounted on the pressing plate, two clamping members pivoting on opposing ends of the pressing plate, and two connecting rods. One end of each connecting rod pivots on the driving member, and the other end of each connecting rod pivots on one of the clamping members.

Abstract: A multi-port vacuum lifting attachment, with remote controlled release, including a dual port vacuum lifting attachment for use in the concrete and steel industries, the attachment includes flexible seals for each of its suction ports, that creates a tight vacuum seal on smooth steal, and also upon roughened surfaces such as concrete, allowing for the suction attachment of the device to these panels, to attain their lifting, transporting, and releasing, with the aid of the remote controlled release mechanism.

Abstract: A pick-and-place head for picking a plurality of work-pieces from at least one first location and for placing the plurality of work-pieces at least one second location is disclosed. The pick-and-place head exhibits a plurality of nozzles, wherein each nozzle is configured to engage one of the work-pieces by action of a vacuum. At least one nozzle has an individual vacuum supply and at least two further nozzles have a shared vacuum supply. A corresponding method is also disclosed, the method including the steps of approaching at least one of the plurality of work-pieces with a respective nozzle and then starting generation of a vacuum at each respective nozzle. The generation of vacuum in at least one nozzle is achieved by an individual vacuum supply, and generation of vacuum in at least two further nozzles is achieved by a shared vacuum supply of the at least two further nozzles.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for a fuel cell electrolyte membrane includes a support having a flat surface part which supports an electrolyte membrane on which catalyst layers are disposed, and which constitutes a membrane electrode assembly. The flat surface part has a frame-shaped recess positioned outside an outer circumference of the catalyst layers, and the recess is connected to an air-sucking section, and attracts the electrolyte membrane by sucking air in the recess.

Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring a manual and/or automated processing system to conform to a contoured surface of a structure are disclosed. One example includes an automated processing system with a flexible rail configuration. One or more turnbuckles and/or other actuators configure and hold the flexible rail configuration into conformity with the surface (which could be flat or of a curvature) during processing by the automated processing system. Additionally, one or more combination suction-cup pressurized-air devices may be coupled to the flexible rail configuration for selectively attaching the flexible rail configuration to the contoured surface and also for selectively releasing and/or facilitating elevation and movement of the flexible rail configuration above and about the contoured surface. A multi-function end effector may be associated with the flexible rail configuration and be moveable relative thereto.

Abstract: A pitch control unit includes a base plate having an opening therethrough, a linear driver attached to the base plate in the opening, the linear driver including a plurality of rods linearly movable in a first direction, the rods being spaced apart from each other in a second direction, a stopper box attached to the base plate and including a plurality of stopper bodies, the plurality of stopper bodies individually face the plurality of rods of the linear driver to stop respective moveable rods at different moving distances from each other, and a picker holder attached to the linear driver, the plurality of rods of the linear driver being individually attached to pickers arranged in the first direction to pick the objects, and a picker pitch of the pickers being controlled by the moving distances of the plurality of rods.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a switchable plate, such that a common vacuum tool may be adapted with different plates. A switchable plate may form the entirety of the vacuum tool's material contacting surface or a switchable plate may form a portion of the material contacting surface. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force.

Abstract: A tool for handling and grouping products aligned one behind another and separated by a given spacing. The tool has a row of supports, each able to carry a grasping element for grasping a product, the supports mounted to move on a rail, each support connected to an adjacent support by an attachment. The attachment includes a rod that connects two adjacent supports and a member for locking the position of at least one of the two adjacent supports on the rod. The locking member can be deactivated to adjust the distance between two supports to the distance between two products. The mechanism for grouping together includes at least one cylinder, the cylinder including a body fixed on a support and a rod.

Abstract: A suction device for an ejection head provided with a nozzle includes a cap capable of sealing a nozzle surface provided with the nozzle, a decompression pump serving as a decompression device, and a suction passage provided between the cap and the decompression pump. The negative pressure level of the suction passage set by the decompression pump are controlled on the basis of a volume of the suction passage such that a liquid with which the ejection head has been filled is sucked out from the nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum-lifting device of variable configurations includes a first slat element, a second slat element, and four suction members. The first slat element is detachably fixed to the second slat element, and the first slat element intersects with the second slat element defining an intersection. A first slot is defined in the first slat element and a second slot is defined in the second slat element. Two of the four suction members are translatably secured in the first slot. The other two of the four suction members are translatably secured in the second slot.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for use with a moving device is disclosed. The moving device can be a mechanical device such as a robot. The gripper assembly includes a platform and an elongate arm extending from the platform. The elongate arm is in the form of least one elongate member. Each elongate member has a body which has a proximal end and an opposed distal end. A gripping mechanism is rotatably supported relative to the arm, and includes a holder having a pivoting arm pivotably joined to the body in the region of the distal end of the body. An actuator is in operable communication with the pivoting arm to impart pivotable movement to the pivoting arm and rotational movement to said gripping mechanism about a horizontal axis upon actuation of the actuator. The gripper assembly may have a center of mass substantially aligned with a vertical rotation axis of the gripper assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum-lifting device of variable configurations includes a first slat element, a second slat element, and four suction members. The first slat element is detachably fixed to the second slat element, and the first slat element intersects with the second slat element defining an intersection. A first slot is defined in the first slat element and a second slot is defined in the second slat element. Two of the four suction members are translatably secured in the first slot. The other two of the four suction members are translatably secured in the second slot.

Abstract: Aspects relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for a zoned vacuum tool comprised of independently operable vacuum sources provided a vacuum force to segregated zones. A vacuum force is generated in connection with a first zone independently of an activation or deactivation of vacuum force generation associated with a second zone. Therefore, a single vacuum tool can selectively apply a vacuum force to material portions, which allows for control as to which material portions are manipulated by the vacuum tool.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) wafer picker that may increase a suction force and may perform stable adsorption without a concern for contact with a top surface of an LED wafer is provided. An LED wafer picker may include a main body to hold, in an adsorbed state, an LED wafer disposed below the main body, when air drawn in from a top of the LED wafer picker is discharged along a streamlined discharge surface to both sides of the LED wafer picker, a guide member to enable the air to flow along the discharge surface, the guide member being disposed below the discharge surface, a single central hole formed in a central portion of the guide member, excluding a portion facing the discharge surface, and a support portion to support the LED wafer, the support portion extending downward from the guide member. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform adsorption of an LED wafer that is relatively far from the LED wafer picker.

Abstract: A gripping device for manipulating flexible elements includes a main rack and a plurality of gripping elements coupled in the main rack by respective operating mechanisms for gripping a flexible element. The gripping device includes at least four gripping elements for gripping the flexible element. At least one gripping element is a multiposition gripping element independently displaceable by a displacement system assembled in the main rack and a vertical operating mechanism. At least two of the other gripping elements are independently displaceable in any direction by respective two-way additional displacement systems assembled in the main rack. The gripping elements are automatically adjustable in their respective positions such that they are arranged in one and the same plane for capturing the flexible element in a flat two-dimensional configuration and movable to generate a three-dimensional configuration in the flexible element without generating stretching forces on the flexible element.

Abstract: A carrier device is provided that can supply, at uneven intervals, a plurality of works arranged at even intervals. The carrier device (1) includes: a first retaining portion (11), second retaining portion (12), third retaining portion (13) and fourth retaining portion (14) that hold and carry a plurality of works arranged at even intervals and supply these to a supply pallet (7) at any intervals; and a retaining base portion (20) to which these first to fourth retaining portions are connected. The retaining base portion (20) includes first to fourth sliding portions that cause the first retaining portion (11) to fourth retaining portion (14) to approach each other or separate in the arrangement direction of the works. The first retaining portion (11) to fourth retaining portion (14) respectively include first engaging parts and second engaging parts that disengage with the works independently.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) wafer picker that may increase a suction force and may perform stable adsorption without a concern for contact with a top surface of an LED wafer is provided. An LED wafer picker may include a main body to hold, in an adsorbed state, an LED wafer disposed below the main body, when air drawn in from a top of the LED wafer picker is discharged along a streamlined discharge surface to both sides of the LED wafer picker, a guide member to enable the air to flow along the discharge surface, the guide member being disposed below the discharge surface, a single central hole formed in a central portion of the guide member, excluding a portion facing the discharge surface, and a support portion to support the LED wafer, the support portion extending downward from the guide member. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform adsorption of an LED wafer that is relatively far from the LED wafer picker.

Abstract: A multi-shaft linear motor formed by a plurality of single-shaft linear motors is disclosed. Each of the single-shaft linear motors is provided with a magnetic body and an armature. Each of the single-shaft linear motors includes a base plate. The base plate has a base surface defining the moving direction, wherein the stator is fixed onto the base surface along the moving direction, and the mover is attached onto the base surface in a movable manner reciprocating along the moving direction and in opposed relation to the stator. The single-shaft linear motors are stacked in a stacking direction perpendicular to the base surface in such a way that the single-shaft linear motors are individually detachable as a unit, the base plate thereof contains the stator and the mover.

Abstract: A handling device includes a base plate defining an X-Y plane, a plurality of X rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in an X-direction, a plurality of Y rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction and a drive system supported on the base plate for moving the X rails in the Y-direction and for moving the Y rails in the X-direction, wherein a spacing between the X rails varies as the X rails move, and wherein a spacing between the Y rails varies as the Y rails move, and wherein the spacing between the X-rails is continuously variable with respect to the spacing between the Y rails.

Abstract: A reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm, includes a master boom, a first branch assembly and a second branch assembly, a dual articulation mechanism. The dual articulation mechanism includes a first clutch attached to the first branch assembly and is configured to articulate the first branch assembly relative to the second branch assembly. The dual articulation mechanism further includes a second clutch attached to the master boom, the second branch assembly and the first clutch and is configured to simultaneously articulate the first and second branch assemblies relative to the master boom. The first and second branch assemblies each have limbs connected to branches supporting a plurality of tool modules. Each tool module includes an end element configurable to interact with a workpiece.

Abstract: A device that includes a frame having a first part and a second part and a plurality of first suction devices connected to the first part of the frame, the first suction devices positioned so as to contact a glass plane. Also included in the device is a plurality of second suction devices connected to the second part of the frame, the second suction devices positioned so as to contact a body having an opening to receive the glass plane. A plurality of positioning components that position the frame with respect to the opening in the body, the positioning components connected to the first part of the frame and a plurality of shimming elements that move down between the glass plane and the opening and shift the glass plane forward, the shimming elements connected to the first part of the frame are as included in the device.

Abstract: A conduit system for conducting activation power to a tool module of a reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm includes a fixed conduit portion conforming to a first portion of the reconfigurable end-effector including a master boom and a first portion of a rotatable guide rail. The conduit system includes a translatable conduit portion translatably connected to a second portion of the reconfigurable end-effector including a second lateral portion of the rotatable guide rail and a branch. The conduit system includes a rotatable portion connected between an end of the translatable conduit portion and a workpiece interface tool of the tool module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the contactless seizing of glass sheets, characterized in that: a) the device comprises at least one oscillatory, rectangular, plate-shaped oscillating plate (1) comprising an oscillation generator (8), b) each partial surface (9) comprises a central opening for receiving a suction tube (2) which is installed on the upper side and which is used to suction air, c) a circular recess which is connected to the central opening is provided on the lower side of each partial surface (9), d) the plate-shaped oscillating plate (1) is connected to a central damping joint (5) by four connecting supports (7) that are respectively fixed to the suction tube (2) of one partial surface (9) and is assembled in the center of the oscillating plate (1), e) the central damping joint (5) is connected to a central fixation (6), f) a distance sensor and an optical sensor are housed in at least one suction tube.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a moving device has a frame and a plurality of operational members mounted for movement on the frame. The effector also has an actuation mechanism directly connected to a first operational member and is operable to move the first operational member from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position. A linking apparatus is provided for linking the first operational member to a second operational member. The actuation mechanism moves the first operational member from the first position to the second position, and results in the second operational member being moved by the linking apparatus from a third position to a fourth position. The operational members can be pick up members for picking up items at one pitch and releasing them at a second pitch.

Abstract: Provided is a workpiece transfer apparatus for a press machine including: a workpiece retaining device which is supported by a crossbar extending to be approximately orthogonal to a workpiece transfer direction, and is capable of retaining and releasing a workpiece; a guiding device which supports and guides the workpiece retaining device so that the workpiece retaining device is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the crossbar; a driving device which drives the workpiece retaining device supported and guided by the guiding device so that the workpiece retaining device is moved along the longitudinal direction of the crossbar; and a brake device which acts in a path different from a path of the driving device, the brake device being capable of fixing and releasing a position of the workpiece retaining device with respect to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar.

Abstract: Techniques for construction and operation of a programmable product picking apparatus are described herein. Such an apparatus picks up product according to a first spacing (e.g., from a conveyor) and releases the product according to a second spacing (e.g., into a carton). In one possible configuration, a fixed matrix plate defines at least first and second rows of slots. Two movable matrix plates, one that moves right-then-left and one that moves left-then-right, move in opposite directions parallel to the fixed matrix plate according to strokes of pneumatic cylinders. Each of a plurality of product pickers is driven by one of the two movable matrix plates. As that plate moves, the product picker is also moved according to a slot defined in the movable matrix plate. Each product picker comes to a stop when it reaches an end of a slot defined in the fixed matrix plate.