Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing an item from a conveyor system are provided. In some aspects, an escapement assembly includes a sensor system configured to detect a target item of a plurality of items on a feed conveyor of a conveyor system. The feed conveyor is configured to facilitate transport of the plurality of items to a first location. The escapement assembly also includes an escape conveyor configured to couple to a body of the conveyor system such that at least a portion of the escape conveyor is above the feed conveyor. The escapement assembly also includes a delivery assembly configured to pick the target item from the feed conveyor and to place the target item onto the escape conveyor. The escape conveyor is configured to facilitate transport of the target item to a second location different from the first location.

Abstract: An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises pivotal clamps operated by sliding-contact linear actuators and return springs. A retractable gripper for placing divider sheets between packages in the cases may be disposed above the clamps and oriented 90 degrees from the clamps, so that the clamps and gripper may be attached to the same tool without either obstructing the operation of the other. In addition, a method of loading packages, and optionally divider sheets, into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided.

Abstract: An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises vacuum cup assemblies to grip the top surfaces of the packages, clamp fingers to clamp the edges of the packages, and optionally a pusher assembly to release the packages from the clamp fingers. In addition, a method of loading packages into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided. A gripper may be provided to place divider sheets between packages in the cases.

Abstract: An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises vacuum cup assemblies to grip the top surfaces of the packages, clamp fingers to clamp the edges of the packages, and optionally a pusher assembly to release the packages from the clamp fingers. In addition, a method of loading packages into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided. A gripper may be provided to place divider sheets between packages in the cases.

Abstract: An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises vacuum cup assemblies to grip the top surfaces of the packages, clamp fingers to clamp the edges of the packages, and optionally a pusher assembly to release the packages from the clamp fingers. In addition, a method of loading packages into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided. A gripper may be provided to place divider sheets between packages in the cases.