Abstract: A suction gripper arrangement includes several suction gripper arms arranged in a row, which, at their lower ends, each have a suction gripper head with an abutment surface for abutting an article to be sucked onto the suction gripper head. The abutment surfaces of the suction gripper heads of the suction gripper arms neighboring each other are arranged in different planes. Moreover, the invention relates to a suction gripper arrangement in which at least one of the suction gripper arms is connected to an actuator via a lever, wherein both between the lever and the suction gripper arm, and also between the lever and the actuator, respectively, a pivot joint is formed, and wherein the lever is composed of at least to lever parts.

Abstract: A holding device includes a fixing base, a rotary driving member, a first positioning member, a first holding assembly, a second holding assembly, and a second positioning member. The rotary driving member and the first positioning member are mounted on the fixing base. The first holding assembly and the second holding assembly are driven by the rotary driving member to rotate about a rotation axis. The first positioning member can move relative to the second positioning member to engage with the second positioning member, to position the first holding assembly and the second holding assembly. The first holding assembly and the second holding assembly can move separately to complete different tasks.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for engaging and releasing a plurality of items. The apparatus comprises a frame having a longitudinally extending support member and at least one group of engagement unit. Each engagement unit has at least one engagement member, and each engagement unit is adapted for engaging, and disengaging from at least one item. Each of the engagement units in the one group is mounted in series for longitudinal movement on the longitudinal support member, and each one of the plurality of engagement units is interconnected to at least one other of the plurality of engagement units. A movement apparatus is provided for engaging at least one but not all of the plurality of engagement units in the one group to displace the group longitudinally on the longitudinal support member.

Abstract: The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically removing pieces of luggage that have different surface properties and dimensions and getting the pieces of luggage ready for further transport by means of a gripper that is hingedly connected to a robot arm is described. The method includes: a) moving the gripper and the container that is to be emptied close together; b) determining the first piece of luggage to be removed; (c) gripping the piece of luggage using a horizontal suction elements (3) and withdrawing the luggage horizontally; d) if the vertical suction elements (4) are not yet able to sufficiently grip the luggage, the vertical suction elements (4) are repositioned and turned off, the vertical suction elements (5) are repositioned, and then turned on to re-grip the piece of luggage.

Abstract: A gripper head assembly for a product processing machine includes a gripper support and a plurality of grippers secured to the gripper support to grip a plurality of product routed through the product processing machine. The gripper head assembly is configured such that a spacing of the plurality of grippers is changeable relative to the gripper support. A product processing machine includes a grid assembly for guiding product to a destination and a gripper head assembly for gripping product and guiding the product into the grid assembly. The gripper head assembly includes a gripper support and a plurality of grippers secured to the gripper support to grip a plurality of product routed through the product processing machine. The gripper head assembly is configured such that a spacing of the plurality of grippers is changeable relative to the gripper support.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, there is provided a part-delivery apparatus which transports a part to a designated part-delivery position by drawing the part onto a head by suction pressure at a designated part-suction position, and which releases the part at the part-delivery position by stopping application of the suction pressure. The apparatus includes: a compliance mechanism for allowing movement of the head in a horizontal plane; an upper-side positioning unit for positioning the head in the part-suction position by responding to an upward movement of the head; and a lower-side positioning unit for positioning the head in the part-delivery position by responding to the downward movement of the head.

Abstract: A system for retaining a film on a single-piece frame includes a frame having a shape with a center open area larger than the film, the frame comprising a plurality of fingers on the frame extending into the open area, and a barb positioned on an end of each of the plurality of fingers, wherein the barbs retain the film. The system also includes an end effecter comprising a first and second plurality of vacuum line openings, wherein the end effecter holds onto the film with the first plurality of vacuum line openings and holds onto the frame with the second plurality of vacuum line openings, wherein the end effecter picks up the film with the first plurality of vacuum line openings and presses the film onto the frame, wherein pressing the film onto the frame will retain the film on the barbs.

Abstract: A suction gripper includes a cup member, a suction port, and a valve. The cup member has inner and outer surfaces defining an opening such that the inner surface defines an inner cavity. The suction port provides suction. The valve in is fluid communication with the suction port and the inner cavity of the cup member to modify the suction therebetween. The valve is operatively coupled to the cup member and is adapted to passively actuate in response to an applied force to the cup member.

Abstract: A pick-and-place module for test handlers is disclosed that includes a main body and a kit. The main body forms vacuum paths therein and the kit also forms vacuum passages therein. The kit is detachably mounted to the main body in a hook coupling manner. The pick-and-place module can be applied to all customer trays having different loading capabilities when only the kit of the pick-and-place module needs to be replaced, so there is no need to manufacture the entire pick-and-place module and this reduces manufacturing costs. The pick-and-place module can reduce the amount of resources to be replaced and reduce the replacement time since the kit can be easily removed from the main body of the pick-and-place module in a hook manner.

Abstract: A reconfigurable tool module for an end-effector includes an adjustable-height housing attached to a swing arm. The adjustable-height housing includes a valve spool and a flow path terminating at a workpiece interface tool. The valve spool is configured to interrupt the flow path when the adjustable-height housing is in a first position. The valve spool is configured to open the flow path when the adjustable-height housing moves away from the first position.

Abstract: An equipment (1) for the simultaneous handling of several components having a plurality of gripping heads (2) which are movable between a close position and at least one spaced position in which they are at a preset distance from each other, and vice versa, including a first rod-shaped element (3) to which the gripping heads (2) are slidingly combined, a second rod-shaped element (4) parallel to the first rod-shaped element (3), provided with a longitudinal guide (5), movable between a first position and at least a second position, a plurality of rods (6) hinged in a zigzag forming a broken line (7) having a median fulcrum (8) at which it becomes integral with the second rod-shaped element (4), and a plurality of lateral fulcrums (9) free to slide in the guide (5) of the second rod-shaped element (4).

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for the contamination-free transfer of thin, shock-sensitive crystalline plates, especially glass plates, from a horizontal into a defined vertical position. Said method and apparatus have the following features: a) a transverse bar of a transfer fork is disposed below the glass plate in order to grip the glass plate, said transverse bar (6) being fitted with suction head-supporting bars which are vertically mounted thereon and have suction heads that are distributed along the top side thereof and penetrate the free space between the rolls: b) the suction heads are moved close to the bottom side of the glass plate; and the suction elements thereof are connected to the glass plate by means of intake air, c) the glass plate is put into the placement device after being finely adjusted. Also disclosed are a computer program and a machine-readable carrier containing the corresponding program code.

Abstract: A workpiece pickup apparatus is provided. The workpiece pickup apparatus includes: a gripping unit which sucks a workpiece so as to lift up the workpiece; a lowering unit which lowers the gripping unit from a waiting position towards the workpiece; a detecting unit which detects a physical amount which corresponds to a force with which the gripping unit presses the workpiece; a comparison unit which compares the detected physical amount with a reference physical amount; and a controller which controls a movement of the gripping unit based on a comparison result of the detected physical amount and the reference physical amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum pad device used in a vacuum transport system. The pad device includes a housing, a pad unit connected to the housing through a ball joint such that the pad unit is rotatable, and a piston arranged in the housing and controlling the rotation of the pad unit. The pad unit is bonded to an object at a desirable rotation angle, and controlled such that the rotation angle is fixed by the movement of a piston operating via compressed air. Consequently, the object can be transported in an accurate and safe manner. Preferably, the vacuum pad device of the present invention further includes a vacuum pump arranged in the housing unit the piston.

Abstract: A suction head including a first transmission part, a second transmission part and a suction nozzle is provided. The second transmission part is magnetically attracted by the first transmission part to permit a displacement of the second transmission part relative to the first transmission part. The suction nozzle is disposed on the second transmission part and transmitted by the first transmission part via the second transmission part. Additionally, a transporting machine including a shuttle, a transporting mechanism and the aforementioned suction nozzle is provided. The shuttle is capable of carrying an object being transported, and the suction head is driven by the transporting mechanism to take the object being transported. The suction head and the transporting machine applying the same provide high transporting efficiency and ensuring a normal operation in transporting process.

Abstract: An air retriever, such as a bellows (24) is used in an end effector (18) for lifting work products (22) in prearranged configurations, and delivery to a container (20) in a predetermined pattern. An air flow control valve (50) is positioned in each bellows (24) for individually controlling the flow of air through each bellows so that the bellows in a pick zone may draw air for picking up work products while air flow is not applied to the other bellows out of the pick zone.

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: The invention relates to a method and device for the contactless seizing of glass sheets, characterised in that: a) said 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 means of four connecting supports (7) that are respectively fixed to the suction tube (2) of one partial surface (9) and is assembled in the centre 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: A lifting device has an elongate lifting arm provided with a suction mount enabling securing of the device to a body to be lifted. The suction mount has suction devices spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the lifting arm sufficiently for a user to grip the lifting arm in between the suction mount devices. The device extends away from the suction mount, in the longitudinal direction of the lifting arm, to a handle spaced from the suction mount, and which extends upwardly above the lifting arm on the opposite side of the lifting arm to the suction mount devices.

Abstract: There is provided a gripper system for stacked packaged goods. An exemplary gripper system comprises a first gripper unit for gripping a package by a front surface of the package. The exemplary gripper system further comprises a second gripper unit for gripping the package by a second surface that is at a right angle to the front surface, the second gripper unit having a drive device associated therewith, the second gripper unit being adapted to be moved out of a starting position in which the second gripper unit and the drive device as seen from the gripping side of the first gripper unit, are arranged behind the first gripper unit, into a gripping position in which the first gripper unit is positioned for gripping the package by its front surface and the second gripper unit is positioned for gripping the package by its second surface.

Abstract: A pick-and-place module for test handlers includes a main body, and a kit. The main body has N-th vacuum paths (where N is plural). The kit has M-th pickers. The M-th pickers are provided so as respectively correspond to M-th vacuum passages (where 1?M?N), which are formed to respectively correspond to all or some of the N-th vacuum paths formed in the main body, and holds semiconductor devices or releasing the held semiconductor devices using vacuum pressures. The kit is detachably mounted to the main body.

Abstract: The fetching device has an arm which captures die-cut blanks located in the magazine of an erecting machine for erecting these blanks to form boxes or the like. The extractor arm is provided with suckers and these suckers are supplied by circuits and. The circuits and are connected to each end of the arm and they are also provided with dispenser-type devive and, respectively, so that they can be active together or separately. The suckers are wholly or partly provided with multifunction three-way valves. These valves are able to allow as many suckers as possible to be selected and used for the operation of extracting each die-cut blank and to isolate the circuits from each other in order to deactivate any suckers which are to be shunted in order to erect said die-cut blanks, for example.

Abstract: A pick-and-place apparatus for transferring and loading semiconductor devices between first and second loading elements is provided. The pick-and-place apparatus includes a multiplicity of picking unit modules, each of which has at least one or more picking units, and an interval regulation apparatus for regulating intervals between the picking unit modules at the first to third modes. The first to third row interval values are different from each other. The intervals between the picking unit modules are all regulated to be identical to the first row interval at the first mode, are alternately regulated to the second row interval and the third row interval in turn at the second mode, and are alternately regulated to the third row interval and the second row interval in turn at the third mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor package pickup apparatus. The apparatus includes a picker base formed with first and second main feeding holes, which are connected to each pneumatic line providing a pneumatic pressure and aligned in a dual-layer structure, and an adsorption pad coupled to a lower portion of the picker base and formed with adsorption holes connected to the first and second main feeding holes. The pneumatic pressure supplied into the first and second main feeding holes is independently controlled, so that the apparatus easily loads or picks up semiconductor packages, even if the size of the semiconductor packages becomes reduced.

Abstract: A robot includes a base, a movable platform, a shaft rotatably connecting the movable platform and the base, three kinematic chains rotatably connecting the movable platform and the base, an end effector defining an air orifice, and a rotary member. The rotary member is rotatably connected to the movable platform, and two opposite ends of the rotary member are connected to the shaft and the end effector, respectively. The movable platform defines an air hole, and the rotary member defines an airflow passage communicating between the air hole and the air orifice.

Abstract: An air retriever, such as a bellows (24) is used in an end effector (18) for lifting work products (22) in prearranged configurations, and delivery to a container (20) in a predetermined pattern. An air flow control valve (50) is positioned in each bellows (24) for individually controlling the flow of air through each bellows so that the bellows in a pick zone may draw air for picking up work products while air flow is not applied to the other bellows out of the pick zone.

Abstract: A pick and place apparatus includes a plurality of device holing elements in a predetermined arrangement; a power supply mechanism for supplying a power for controlling a horizontal pitch between the plurality of device holding elements; a power transmission mechanism for delivering the power from the power supply mechanism to the plurality of device holding elements as a translational force in a horizontal direction; a first linear motion guide mechanism for guiding horizontal movements of some of the plurality of device holding elements; and a second linear motion guide mechanism disposed below the first linear motion guide mechanism, for guiding horizontal movements of the other device holding elements. The plurality of device holding elements are slidably coupled to the first and the second linear motion guide mechanism alternately.

Abstract: A ratcheting end-of-arm (EOM) tool having a spring-loaded level compensator, a distally mounted gripper, and a ratcheting mechanism. In operation, upon a selectively adequate contact between the gripper and a payload, the ratcheting mechanism is engaged which holds the position of the gripper with respect to the robot arm at a fixed position, independent of spring biasing. Upon conclusion of robotic movement of the payload, the gripper is deactivated, the ratcheting mechanism is disengaged, and the spring returns the ratcheting EOA tool to its nominal configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling layers of palletised goods, including a vertically displaceable lift head (2) with a mainly horizontal suction face which is substantially adjusted in size for a pallet, and which comprises downwardly open suction chambers (8) which via individual ball valves and an air distribution chamber are connected to a centrifugal blower (4), which is the vacuum source of the apparatus. The suction face moves downwards against the upper side of an upper layer of goods on a pallet. The ball valves are light, thin-walled spherical valve bodies (10) which are closed if the associated suction chamber (8) is not blocked downwardly by contacting the upper side of the goods on the uppermost pallet layer. The lift head (2) comprises a vertically adjustable skirt with inflatable squeezing pads for exerting an inwardly directed pressure on the outer sides of the goods of the upper pallet layer.

Abstract: A tool module associated with an end-effector for a robot arm that includes both linear and rotational locking mechanisms providing movement in five degrees of freedom. The tool module includes an integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism that are simultaneously locked and unlocked. The linear locking mechanism locks to a rod and the rotary locking mechanism locks and unlocks a shaft that is rigidly coupled to a swing arm. An opposite end of the swing arm includes another linear locking mechanism that locks and unlocks a shaft supporting a vacuum cup at an opposite end. The vacuum cup is mounted to a ball joint on the shaft that allows the vacuum cup to pivot. By locking and unlocking the locking mechanisms of the tool module, the end-effector can be readily configured to grasp and hold various parts of different dimensions and shapes.

Abstract: A pick and place apparatus includes a 1st to an nth device holding element arranged in a lengthwise direction, every one of the 1st to the nth device holding element being connected to its neighboring one(s) of the 1st to the nth device holding element by means of at least one pitch setting ring; a belt having a first coupling part at an upper part thereof for being coupled to the 1st device holding element and a second coupling part at a lower part thereof for being coupled to the nth device holding element; and a driven pulley and a differential pulley. The driven and the differential pulley are rotated by being engaged with the belt to move the 1st and the nth device holding element such that the 1st device holding element moves in a direction opposite to the nth device holding element.

Abstract: An end effector for a robot having an array of suction cups includes an air control valve connected to each suction cup. Each valve can be individually operated so that specific zones of suction cups may be activated while others are dormant. The dormant suction cups are closed to the sub-atmospheric pressure, so that leakage of air through unused suction cups is avoided, while only the suction cups of the selected zone perform the picking of the work products. This allows the end effector to provide accurate and constant sub-atmospheric pressure to the work products during the picking process.

Abstract: A connection device for an electric component 4 is constituted by two units 2 and 3, height position change means that changes the height position of one end 4a of the electric component 4 relative to the other end 4b is provided for a second unit 3, and the size and weight of a first unit 2 that connects the electric component 4 to a wiring board can be reduced. Therefore, the electric component 4 can be connected, under a low load, to a limited connection region of a wiring board.

Abstract: A suction gripper includes a cup member, a suction port, and a valve. The cup member has inner and outer surfaces defining an opening such that the inner surface defines an inner cavity. The suction port provides suction. The valve in is fluid communication with the suction port and the inner cavity of the cup member to modify the suction therebetween. The valve is operatively coupled to the cup member and is adapted to passively actuate in response to an applied force to the cup member.

Abstract: A nozzle for holding a substrate may include a nozzle head and a nozzle body. The nozzle head may provide the substrate with compressed air. The nozzle body may be connected to the nozzle head. The nozzle body may be arranged facing the semiconductor substrate. The nozzle body may have a substantially flat supporting surface which provides a uniform gap between the substrate and the nozzle body. The nozzle body may have a first passageway which allows the compressed air to pass through toward the substrate to form a vacuum between the substantially flat supporting surface and the substrate.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

Abstract: An equidistance pick-and-place device for ICs is disclosed. It comprises a housing, a driving device, a guideway structure, a moving structure, a lazy tongs, a plurality of pick-and-place structures, and a transmission structure. The housing supports the equidistance pick-and-place device. The guideway structure is set on the housing. The moving structure slides on the guideway structure. The pick-and-place structures are set on the moving structure. The free end and the shafts of the lazy tongs are fixed in the moving structure. The transmission structure is connected with the driving device and the moving structure for driving the moving structure. The equidistance pick-and-place device utilizes the lazy tongs to drive the pick-and-place structures moving with equidistance to pick and place a plurality of ICs at a time. Therefore, the present invention can improve the efficiency and reduce cost.

Abstract: A manipulator robot for handling objects and in particular bottles. The manipulator robot includes a body whereon are fitted equipment items for gripping the bottles and the lower part of the body includes slide-shaped devices connecting the body and elongated support members whereon is arranged the equipment items. Fast fixing devices are also interposed between the body and each elongated support member to facilitate changing the elongated support members. The elongated support members may include all sorts of equipment items such as pneumatic bell-shaped gripping heads or handling suckers and/or claw systems for handling cartons.

Abstract: A material handling system includes a support assembly, a cup assembly comprising a cup and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a post extending from the cup, and a mounting collar movably attached to the post and adjustably attached to a support arm of the support assembly. The mounting assembly may include a level indicating element for indicating an orientation of the mounting assembly. The mounting collar is adjustable relative to the support arm to establish a first or level orientation of the mounting assembly. The level indicating element provides an indication when the mounting assembly is generally at the first or level orientation, and the mounting collar is securable relative to the support arm when the mounting assembly is in the first or level orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strip-like holding gripper which holds a semiconductor wafer when measuring a shape of the semiconductor wafer, wherein a side where the semiconductor wafer is held has a round shape, a groove which holds an edge of the semiconductor wafer along a side surface of the round shape portion is provided on the side surface, and the groove comes into contact with the edge of the semiconductor wafer from a periphery of the wafer to hold the semiconductor wafer. As a result, it is possible to provide the gripper, which can stably hold the wafer in a fixed state even if the gripper is inclined when holding the wafer, a holding method, and a shape measuring apparatus.

Abstract: An attachment for a telescopic material handler supplies five degrees of freedom (DOF) for the task of picking, manipulating and aiding in the installation of vertical and horizontal wall cladding and other construction materials. The cladding can be of a size up to 1.3×8.0 m and a mass of 350 kg. The control and positioning of the load is accomplished through standard operation of the telehandler in conjunction with wireless control of the five DOF of the device. Hydraulic power for the device functions may be supplied through the telehandler auxiliary circuit. The auxiliary flow also powers a hydraulic generator, which supplies the device with electrical power for both system logic and control and vacuum generation. The cladding panels are handled by the vacuum system.

Abstract: A stepwise powerful suction device includes suction holders, suction elements, resilient elements, a support frame, and rotary knobs. The support frame and the three suction holders are integrally formed together. A portion of the support frame forms a handle. Each suction element forms an upright post extending through the respective resilient element and suction holder. Each suction holder forms a multi-step stepwise recess, and each rotary knob has a handgrip that forms a multi-step stepwise projection overlappingly engaging the multi-step stepwise recess and including a safety button, a spacer ring, and a bolt extending through the handgrip of the rotary knob to engage an inner-threaded hole defined in the respective suction element. Each suction holder forms a stop, and the handgrip of the respective rotary knob forms a counterpart raised portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting objects may include a plurality of grippers having a first spacing at a first position and second spacing at a second position. A drive mechanism may be provided is for selectively displacing the grippers from the first position to the second position to adjust the spacing between the grippers.

Abstract: A method is proposed for operating a vacuum handling device controlled by a programmable controller (39) which can be connected to a machine controller (10), with at least one vacuum generator (28) and with a number of gripper modules (20), which are connected to the vacuum generator and are each equipped with a first pressure sensor (46) and with a control valve (44) for the vacuum in the gripper module, and which are connected to the programmable controller. The control valve in the gripper module is closed in a first switching state (vacuum on) of the programmable controller and is detected up to the control valve (44) by means of a second pressure sensor (78) in the vacuum generator.

Abstract: An accessory for a forklift allows handling of cartoned goods a whole layer at a time and part of a layer. The head has a series of closely parked suction devices which are served by a common vacuum chamber. The head is carried by the forks and vacuum is supplied by a separate unit mounted on the forklift. In a modification, the head is carried on a sub assembly which allows the head to move to one side of the forklift.

Abstract: A vacuum suction head of the present invention can be applied to a large-sized liquid crystal display panel and can reliably suck an object to be sucked even if the object has undulation or flexure. The suction head has a shaft, which holds a suction pad, and gas is charged into and discharged from the suction pad through a suction hole. A casing holds the shaft through first and second springs so as to be movable in the axial direction. Since the suction pad is elastically supported by the springs, the suction pad can reliably suck the object to be sucked having undulation or flexure. The vacuum suction head can be used for a vacuum suction device and a working table.

Abstract: A magazine loader for automatically loading stacks of cartons onto a magazine of a mass feeder for supplying cartons to a packaging machine, includes a loader in which stacks of cartons are received and held, and a carriage on which the loader is pivotally mounted. The cartons are received loaded in the loader, after which the loader is pivoted from a loading position to a stacking position. The loader is then moved along a feeder conveyor for the packaging machine toward a magazine or supply of previously stacked cartons, until the stack of cartons is received and stacked against the previously loaded cartons to maintain a supply of cartons for feeding into the packaging machine.

Abstract: A terminal portion for a robotic pick-up element lifts and transfers objects, the terminal portion lifts objects using vacuum suction cups. The terminal portion includes: a) a main unit, on the lower face of which are fixed a support suction cup and a vacuum transfer suction cup connected to the pneumatic equipment; b) a secondary unit, on the lower face of which are mounted a plurality of pick-up suction cups, the suction passages of which are connected to a single collecting passage opening into a hole on the upper face of the secondary unit which is smooth and shaped to adhere to the support cup and the vacuum transfer cup when they are placed next to it and the vacuum transfer cup of the main unit coaxially faces the hole of the secondary unit.

Abstract: A degreasing furnace loading apparatus including a molded body moving mechanism configured to move a plurality of ceramic molded bodies simultaneously, and a transporting table configured to transport a degreasing jig for mounting the ceramic molded bodies thereon to a degreasing furnace. The molded body moving mechanism is configured to simultaneously place the plurality of ceramic molded bodies on the degreasing jig, such that each of the ceramic molded bodies is placed to have predetermined intervals therebetween.