Abstract: A system for loading/unloading an article array head including a frame and a carriage selectively movably supported in a horizontal direction by the frame, the carriage selectively movably supporting an article array head in a vertical direction, movement of the article array head is constrained to interior of the frame. The article array head is suspended from the carriage by flexible members. The carriage is incapable of simultaneously moving the article array head in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

Abstract: An article gripping device including a pair of jaws including at least one movable jaw. The jaws of the pair of jaws are movable relative to each other between a first position for gripping an article and a second position associated with release of the article. The at least one movable jaw has at least two forms of actuation to achieve the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving loose-piece articles positioned on a slipsheet. A vacuum head is moved into proximity with the loose-piece articles positioned on a slipsheet. A vacuum is created which causes the slipsheet, and the loose-piece articles positioned thereon, to be drawn toward a surface of the vacuum head and maintained in such position as the vacuum head transports the slipsheet and the loose-piece articles positioned thereon.

Abstract: A bagging apparatus including a first jaw, a second jaw, at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw being movable. The first jaw and second jaw are movable relative to each other between a first position for joining at least a portion of two sheets together and a second position associated with release of the two sheets, the two sheets forming at least a portion of a bag. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw being removable from the apparatus without tools.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of arranging boxes containing components for transport (shipping units).

Abstract: An article metering device for use in a conveyor system includes a continuous belt, a body, a motor operatively connected to the body for drivingly moving the belt and a guide belt. The belt guide has opposed ends operatively connected to and continuously supported by the body in at least two directions, the belt guide having a support surface for continuously supporting the belt between the opposed ends. The belt guide has a different coefficient of expansion/contraction than the body. The belt guide is operatively connected to the body such that the belt guide can freely expand/contract relative to the body without distorting the support surface. The belt guide extends between adjacent conveyor sections of the conveyor system or between different positions of a conveyor section of the conveyor system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus having an articulating frame for conveying articles, as well as self-propelled articulating frames.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating articles susceptible to cohesive grouping includes a first collection area having an end. A first conveying device collects and conveys an array of articles in a plurality of rows toward a second collection area receiving at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area. A barrier positioned in close proximity to the end of the first collection area controls movement of the article rows between the end of the first collection area and the second collection area. A separator is positionable between the end of the first collection area and at least a portion of the second collection area. Upon the second collection area receiving the at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area, the separator maintains a spacing between the row of articles controllably positioned along the end of the first collection area by the barrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating articles susceptible to cohesive grouping includes a first collection area having an end. A first conveying device collects and conveys an array of articles in a plurality of rows toward a second collection area receiving at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area. A barrier positioned in close proximity to the end of the first collection area controls movement of the article rows between the end of the first collection area and the second collection area. A separator is positionable between the end of the first collection area and at least a portion of the second collection area. Upon the second collection area receiving the at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area, the separator maintains a spacing between the row of articles controllably positioned along the end of the first collection area by the barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus having an articulating frame for conveying articles, as well as self-propelled articulating frames.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for inspecting and orienting manufactured articles. The apparatus and method include recirculating inspected articles to the inspection station for additional processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for inspecting and orienting manufactured articles. The apparatus and method include recirculating inspected articles to the inspection station for additional processing.

Abstract: A system is provided for palletizing articles including a stacking area for stacking palletized article layers. Each palletized article layer is constructed from a plurality of arranged articles. The stacking area includes a structural member for structurally carrying a stabilizer over the stacking area. The stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving loose piece articles positioned on a slip sheet. A vacuum head is moved into proximity with the loose piece articles positioned on a slip sheet. A vacuum is created which causes the slip-sheet, and the loose piece articles positioned thereon, to be drawn toward a surface of the vacuum head and maintained in such position as the vacuum head transports the slip-sheet and the loose piece articles positioned thereon.

Abstract: A system is provided for palletizing articles including a stacking area for stacking palletized article layers. Each palletized article layer is constructed from a plurality of arranged articles. The stacking area includes a structural member for structurally carrying a stabilizer over the stacking area. The stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles.

Abstract: A robotic head for use in palletizing products includes a body having opposed ends. A portion of a first clamping assembly is pivotably connected at one end of the body and extends to a first lip, the portion having an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the first lip. A second clamping assembly is disposed at the opposite end of the body and is movable both toward and away from the first clamping assembly. The second clamping assembly includes a second segment having a second lip, the second segment being pivotably connected with respect to the rest of the second clamping assembly. The second segment has an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the second lip of the second segment. The first and second clamping assemblies are independently operable, and capable of manipulating a box or a tray pack containing products.

Abstract: A system for packaging articles includes a first collection area for receiving and arranging a plurality of articles having a substantially non-uniform geometry. A transport device is included and a consolidation area for constructing an article layer, each article layer constructed from the plurality of arranged articles transported from the first collection area by the transport device. The consolidation area includes a stabilizer providing substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles. A portion of the arranged articles transported by the transport device is oriented differently from the other arranged articles.

Abstract: A system for packaging articles includes a first collection area for receiving and arranging a plurality of articles having a substantially non-uniform geometry. A transport device is included and a consolidation area for constructing an article layer, each article layer constructed from the plurality of arranged articles transported from the first collection area by the transport device. The consolidation area includes a stabilizer providing substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles. A portion of the arranged articles transported by the transport device is oriented differently from the other arranged articles.

Abstract: A system is provided for palletizing articles including a stacking area for stacking palletized article layers. Each palletized article layer is constructed from a plurality of arranged articles. The stacking area includes a structural member for structurally carrying a stabilizer over the stacking area. The stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles.

Abstract: A robotic head for use in palletizing products includes a body having opposed ends. A portion of a first clamping assembly is pivotably connected at one end of the body and extends to a first lip, the portion having an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the first lip. A second clamping assembly is disposed at the opposite end of the body and is movable both toward and away from the first clamping assembly. The second clamping assembly includes a second segment having a second lip, the second segment being pivotably connected with respect to the rest of the second clamping assembly. The second segment has an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the second lip of the second segment. The first and second clamping assemblies are independently operable, and capable of manipulating a box or a tray pack containing products.