Abstract: A material handling system includes a body including a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member define a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member. The body is in flow communication with a first gas source to provide pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent to the body. The body has channels disposed within a central region of the body in flow communication with a second gas source. The channels are arranged to controllably disengage the object from the body.

Abstract: A tray denesting apparatus presents stacks of trays placed upside down within a storage area to a picker mechanism, and separates single trays from the stack of trays. Pneumatically and electrically controlled actuators are employed for handling of the stacked trays. A pneumatic separating device or suction pad may be used to remove individual trays from the tray stack. The Bernoulli principle operates by generating a differential pressure to draw in the tray in a materials handling system. Differential pressure is generated by transporting air through one or more passages in the suction pad to decrease pressure in a chamber. The decreased pressure draws the object towards the pad. After picking up the individual tray a driven rotary device inverts the tray and places the tray onto a tray conveyor located beneath the denesting apparatus.

Abstract: A material handling system includes a body including a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member define a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member. The body is in flow communication with a first gas source to provide pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent to the body. The body has channels disposed within a central region of the body in flow communication with a second gas source. The channels are arranged to controllably disengage the object from the body.