Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for handling and moving a layer of articles, such as cased products. The system and apparatus comprise a hood enclosure having four side panels, and four interconnected corner member. The side walls and corner members interoperate to form an adjustable enclosure to pick the layer of articles. A vacuum generate is utilized to evacuate air from the hood enclosure to assist in lifting the layer of articles. The hood enclosure may utilize an array of vacuum cups to assist in the lifting of articles into the hood enclosure. The method is directed towards utilizing the hood layer end effector to move and hand articles.

Abstract: A method and system for precisely stacking bags by transferring them from a conveyor system onto a bag stacking table that allows the bags to be stacked in a uniform alignment without risking damage to the ends of the bags. As the conveyor feeds bags onto the bag stacking table, the speed of the bag is reduced until it reaches a predetermined stationary position. A friction paddle is used to slow each bag and send a signal to a cylinder to incrementally lower the grid table so that each bag can be stacked with relative accuracy in a way that does not disrupt the normal feed of bags from the conveyor system. Once each set of bags has been stacked, it is removed from the bag stacking table and the process can be repeated.

Abstract: A depalletizing apparatus for separating stacked objects from a stack. In one embodiment, the depalletizing apparatus comprises a clamping assembly having a moveable arm with a proximal and distal end, the proximal end of the arm being operatively coupled to a first robotic mechanism and the distal end being operatively coupled to a clamp mechanism configured to close and secure the divider, wherein the divider is manipulated by movement of the arm, and a separating assembly having a separator arm configured to be inserted into the stack in the proximity of the divider that is engaged by the clamping assembly, wherein the separator is inserted into the stack at a position at or below the divider and the collection of stacked objects are positioned for depalletizing by formation of a gap between the collection of stacked objects and the divider.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for handling and moving a layer of articles, such as cased products. The system and apparatus comprise a hood enclosure having four side panels, and four interconnected corner member. The side walls and corner members interoperate to form an adjustable enclosure to pick the layer of articles. A vacuum generate is utilized to evacuate air from the hood enclosure to assist in lifting the layer of articles. The hood enclosure may utilize an array of vacuum cups to assist in the lifting of articles into the hood enclosure. The method is directed towards utilizing the hood layer end effector to move and hand articles.

Abstract: A system method and apparatus for separating and transporting a collection of stacked objects from a stack. A depalletizing apparatus includes a suction device assembly, a probing tongue, a lifting blade, and an optional compression arm. The suction device assembly applies a suction force to the side of the stacked objects and lifts a portion of the stacked objects thereby reducing the weight on the edge of the stack. A probing tongue inserted at or below the suction device assembly into the stack aids the insertion of a lifting blade into the stack. A compression arm may be utilized to provide a downward force on the stacked objects to aid in providing stability during movement of the collection by the lifting blade.

Abstract: A robotic palletizing apparatus includes a conveyor and retractable product support having a support surface controllably extending beyond one end of the conveyor to support the bottom of an article beyond the conveyor end and retracting from the extended position such that the article supported thereon falls substantially flat from its otherwise supported condition.

Abstract: A Method of stacking product directly from a conveyor, comprising the steps of conveying a product toward the end of a conveyor; supporting a leading edge of the produce as the leading edge exists the conveyor; releasing the leading edge and a following edge of the product with such timing as to cause the product to fall substantially flat onto a platform; and articulating the conveyor, whereby product is stacked in a pattern.

Abstract: A gantry robot protection apparatus for protecting the bearings of a gantry robot from contamination.

Abstract: Ways and means are disclosed for removing old tubes from a tube bundle, consisting mainly of an array of transversally spaced tubes with tube sheets at their ends and baffles supporting the tubes of intermediate sites. The tubes are cut and driven from the respective tube sheets, then pulled out of the baffles. The apparatus includes a hydraulically reciprocable gripper that feeds an automatic throw stacker for pulling out tubes even if they are deformed, and for propelling them away from the apparatus.