Abstract: A transport mechanism is disclosed for handling and manipulating flat objects such as carton blanks through an intermediate processing step such as the application of adhesive to end tabs prior to die and plunger carton formation. Specifically, the invention enables a blank to be picked from a magazine, run past an adhesive application system at a fixed, constant distance and speed, and deposited in place for a carton forming step using a single mechanism.

Abstract: A robot device includes a sensor on its base plate capable of sensing rotation of the base plate occasioned by decoupling of a detachable joint that joins a forearm member of the robot to the base plate. The sensor produces an output signal which, if above a preset threshold, shuts off the motors driving the robot.

Abstract: An end effector (10) for an industrial robot has the ability to pick up plural objects, selectively rotate same and adjusts the spacing between the plural objects as the products are being carried by the robot to a desired deposit location. This functionality is achieved by locating a rotary actuator (16) at the end (8) of a robot arm and providing a lazy tong linkage assembly (60) to which plural product graspers (62) are affixed where the lazy tong assembly is carried by a rotatable platform (18) of the rotary actuator. The rotary actuator, the lazy tong assembly and the product graspers are preferably pneumatically actuated.

Abstract: A transport mechanism is disclosed for handling and manipulating flat objects such as carton blanks through an intermediate processing step such as the application of adhesive to end tabs prior to die and plunger carton formation. Specifically, the invention enables a blank to be picked from a magazine, run past an adhesive application system at a fixed, constant distance and speed, and deposited in place for a carton forming step using a single mechanism.

Abstract: In order to selectively reinforce portions of a material web, a cutting and laminating device efficiently produces the required reinforcing strips and then laminates them to the web. In order to efficiently and accurately produce these reinforcing strips, a cross web shear is utilized which is capable of cutting required reinforcing strips from the fairly large web of reinforcing material in an accurate manner. Once cut, a holding and positioning device is capable of grabbing onto the reinforcing strip and appropriately positioning it next to the primary material web. A separate laminator can then attach this reinforcing strip to the web at a desired location.

Abstract: An end effector (10) for an industrial robot has the ability to pick up plural objects, selectively rotate same and adjusts the spacing between the plural objects as the products are being carried by the robot to a desired deposit location. This functionality is achieved by locating a rotary actuator (16) at the end (8) of a robot arm and providing a lazy tong linkage assembly (60) to which plural product graspers (62) are affixed where the lazy tong assembly is carried by a rotatable platform (18) of the rotary actuator. The rotary actuator, the lazy tong assembly and the product graspers are preferably pneumatically actuated.

Abstract: A robot device includes a sensor on its base plate capable of sensing rotation of the base plate occasioned by decoupling of a detachable joint that joins a forearm member of the robot to the base plate. The sensor produces an output signal which, if above a preset threshold, shuts off the motors driving the robot.

Abstract: In order to selectively reinforce portions of a material web, a cutting and laminating device efficiently produces the required reinforcing strips and then laminates them to the web. In order to efficiently and accurately produce these reinforcing strips, a cross web shear is utilized which is capable of cutting required reinforcing strips from the fairly large web of reinforcing material in an accurate manner. Once cut, a holding and positioning device is capable of grabbing onto the reinforcing strip and appropriately positioning it next to the primary material web. A separate laminator can then attach this reinforcing strip to the web at a desired location.