Abstract: An automated actuation device for releasing items within a confined space, particularly an automated pickup head and gripping plate assembly which is used to grip egg cartons or trays and place those egg cartons or trays in stacks in a shipping container or basket. The actuation device includes a pickup head which may be mounted on any known or conventional apparatus for moving and orienting the pickup head and gripping plates to grasp individual items such as, e.g., egg cartons or trays, and to transfer those items to, and insert those items within, a confined space such as, e.g., a shipping container or basket.

Abstract: An automated actuation device for releasing items within a confined space, particularly an automated pickup head and gripping plate assembly which is used to grip egg cartons or trays and place those egg cartons or trays in stacks in a shipping container or basket. The actuation device includes a pickup head which may be mounted on any known or conventional apparatus for moving and orienting the pickup head and gripping plates to grasp individual items such as, e.g., egg cartons or trays, and to transfer those items to, and insert those items within, a confined space such as, e.g., a shipping container or basket. Mounted on the actuation device is a pickup head and gripping plate assembly. This assembly is actuated by an air cylinder connected to the assembly by a spider arm and an actuating bar. The gripping plate itself is connected to the pickup head by a first link and a second link.

Abstract: An automated device for releasing items within a confined space, particularly an automated pickup head which is used to grip egg cartons or trays and place those egg cartons or trays in stacks in a shipping container or basket. The device includes a pickup head which may be mounted on any known or conventional apparatus for moving and orienting the pickup head to grasp individual items such as, e.g., egg cartons or trays and to transfer those items to, and insert those items within, a confined space such as, e.g., a shipping container or basket. Mounted on the pickup head is an actuation device such as, e.g., two air cylinders, each having one end connected to the pickup head and another end connected to a first link. The first links are pivotally mounted on the pickup head, and are pivotally attached at one end to an upper end of a gripping finger. A biasing element biases the gripping fingers to an open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying, cleaning, drying, oiling, candling, grading and packing eggs and high speeds. A main conveyor assembly, which includes two or more conveyors, transfers eggs continuously in spaced-apart, aligned relationship to transfer at which eggs are packaged according to their previously-determined individual physical characteristics, such as weight, cracks, dirt, etc. The conveyors can run in the same direction, or may run in opposite directions. The transfers accommodate the at least two conveyors, and include a section which gathers ejected eggs and may convey them to a packing station in a manner which prevents egg collisions. The eject mechanism for ejecting eggs from the conveyors ensures proper distribution of the eggs across a transfer so as to prevent egg collisions and to ensure that the packers are filled equally across their widths.