Abstract: An apparatus and assembly of a modular bearing device for a pair of gripper arms in a mirror-inverted configuration seated on a support plate for the gripping, holding and guiding of bottle-like containers. The gripper arms are movable from a gripping position into an open position and vice versa by means of a rotatably mounted cam control shaft, each gripper arm having a bearing pin for the pivotal supporting the respective gripping arm and a base plate with a receiving opening running through it for the pivotal supporting of the cam control shaft, wherein the bearing pins are fixed to one side of the base plate, and releasably fastening at least one of the gripper arms on the support plate. With the objective of quick and easy dismantling/assembling, the bearing device is characterized in that the first bearing pin or the second bearing pin is designed as a sleeve for receiving the fastening, the through-hole of which aligns with a receiving opening in the base plate in the axial direction of the sleeve.

Abstract: A holding fixture for a final fill container including a pair of rigid support structures. Each rigid support structure including an inner support having an inner surface with a radius of curvature with respect to a longitudinal axis, the inner surface facing radially inward, a support arm connected to the inner support and extending in an outward direction away from the inner surface, the support arm having a base surface at a terminal end opposite from the inner support; and a compression member attached to the inner surface, the compression member being configured to contact the shell at least when the their longitudinal axes are collinear. The pair of rigid support structures has a closed orientation when the compression member from one of the pair of rigid support structures contacts the compression member from the other one of the pair of rigid support structures forming a combined annular compression member.

Abstract: A separator placer assembly is used with a lumber stacker, which creates a stack of lumber, includes a frame, a separator transfer assembly, and a plurality of transfer arm assemblies. The separator transfer assembly includes a continuous loop chain, preferably a plurality of continuous loop chains, with upper and lower reaches mounted to the frame. Separators are transferred to lugs on the chain at a first position along the lower reach. The plurality of transfer arm assemblies, each with first and second arms, is mounted to the frame beneath the lower reach at a transfer position downstream of the first position. A separator supported by the lugs is removed from the lugs by the arms and released onto the stack of lumber.

Abstract: In order to detect a point of generation of oil leakage in a machine, an oil leakage detection device is provided with a state observation unit configured to acquire a change pattern of the flow rate of oil from log data recorded during operation of a machine tool and create input data based on the acquired change pattern of the oil flow rate, a label acquisition unit configured to acquire information on the presence of generation of oil leakage and a point of generation of oil leakage from the log data and create teacher data based on the acquired information on the presence of generation of oil leakage and information on the generation point of oil leakage, a learning unit configured to perform supervised learning based on the input data and the teacher data, thereby constructing a learning model, and a learning model storage unit configured to store the learning model.

Abstract: A second finger 40c of a hand part 40 includes a first link member 40c1 and a second link member 40c2 that are integrally rotatable with respect to a hand base 40a, a spring 40c3, and a second finger side engagement part 40c4. The spring 40c3 biases the second link member 40c2 so that a position of the second link member 40c2 with respect to the first link member 40c1 is maintained. A second finger side engagement part 40c4 is engaged with a hand base side engagement part 40a1 when the second link member 40c2 is moved by a load applied from an object O against a biasing force of the spring 40c3.

Abstract: An apparatus for the display of orders, especially suited for use in restaurants, commercial kitchens and the like, includes a holder element for receiving and releasably retaining an order, and an element upon which a plurality of said holder element can be releasably mounted for display, as well as for display, as well as for selective and controlled movement therealong. The holder mounting element may be in the form of either an elongate member or rail or a continuous loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging method comprising the operation of transferring containers to an endless conveyor element moving forward continuously, conveying suspended containers and describing a closed trajectory imposed by a series of rotary diverting elements using to that end a container transferring device assembled on one of the diverting elements of the endless conveyor element, and rotating in a synchronized manner therewith. A device for putting the method into practice comprises a rotary body driving a plurality of clamps guided by mechanisms which can further slow down the displacement of the clamps without changing the rotating speed of the rotary body.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoforming plant and their transport chains. Various aspects of the chain and chain rails are proposed. Overall the chain operates such that less wear occurs; it can also be cooled symmetrically and the film can be better heated up to the edges.

Abstract: A set means for setting a workpiece (11) is provided behind a main shaft (4), the front end of which is provided with a chuck (8) that opens and closes freely, and is disposed so as to support the workpiece (11) with the chuck central axis line (C1) of the chuck (8) and the workpiece central axis line (C2) of the workpiece (11) positioned on a single line. The orientation of a workpiece (11)-holding means (53) of a conveyance means (56) for conveying the workpiece (11) between the set means (41) and the main shaft (4) is configured to be maintained when transferring the workpiece (11) between the holding means and the set means (41) and when transferring between the holding means and the chuck (8).

Abstract: A booklet processing mechanism is described that includes a booklet guide and clamp system that is configured to act as the guide during entry and exit of the booklet into and from the mechanism, as well as clamp and hold the booklet in its proper position during a processing operation, for example by a laser or during vision verification. The booklet guide and clamp system is moveable between a first position for guiding an upper, free edge of an opened booklet and a second position where the upper, free edge is clamped against a backing plate. At the second, clamping position, the mechanism is out of the way so that it does not interfere with the processing operation. Because the guiding and clamping functions are combined into one mechanism, only one actuator and one sensor are needed for the guiding and clamping functions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grip width adjusting mechanism incorporated in a packaging machine having a grip unit. The grip width adjusting mechanism includes a plurality of grip width adjusting plates disposed at the steps and set with distances between the guide rail and the grip width adjusting plates according to the work content of the steps, respectively and a grip width adjusting lever having a distal end having a grip width adjusting roller abutting against each grip width adjusting plate by a biasing force of the spring, respectively. The grip width adjusting lever is located on either one of the arms so as to be rotated with the arm. A rotational movement angle of the grip width adjusting lever is set according to the distance between the guide rail and the grip width adjusting plate, with the result that the grip width is adjusted.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a clamping mechanism for clamping a liquid crystal panel of a LCD, the clamping mechanism includes a base, a clamping member mounted on the base, and an elastic member connected to the base and applying a drawing force onto the clamping member to allow the clamping member under balanced outer force. With the clamping mechanism, the vertical position of the clamping mechanism can be adjusted as the height of the liquid crystal panel changes, thus, the clamping member can be kept coplanar with the liquid crystal panel, to avoid the fracture of the liquid crystal panel; meanwhile, with the elastic member, the frequency and the precision of adjusting the clamping mechanism can be decreased to reduce the maintaining cost of the clamping mechanism. The present disclosure further provides a carrying device and a transferring apparatus with the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grip width adjusting mechanism incorporated in a packaging machine having a grip unit. The grip width adjusting mechanism includes a plurality of grip width adjusting plates disposed at the steps and set with distances between the guide rail and the grip width adjusting plates according to the work content of the steps, respectively and a grip width adjusting lever having a distal end having a grip width adjusting roller abutting against each grip width adjusting plate by a biasing force of the spring, respectively. The grip width adjusting lever is located on either one of the arms so as to be rotated with the arm. A rotational movement angle of the grip width adjusting lever is set according to the distance between the guide rail and the grip width adjusting plate, with the result that the grip width is adjusted.

Abstract: A gripper arm for a gripping device for grasping, holding and guiding containers, comprises at least one rotatably mounted control cam, the control cam designed and disposed such that the gripper arm can be moved from at least one first position into at least one second position and/or vice versa, wherein the gripper arm comprises at least one bore hole for at least partially receiving a bearing pin, wherein the bearing pin is designed such that the gripper arm can pivot in the gripping device, and wherein the gripper arm further comprises at least one seating for a closing means configured such that it can move the gripper arm from the second position into the first position and/or vice versa, and wherein the gripper arm comprises at least one gripping section at least partially of fork-like form. A gripping device, a transport mechanism and a transport system is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and discharging flat, preferably flexible articles, in particular printed products, the apparatus including a plurality of grippers which can be moved in a conveying direction (F) along a continuous conveying path (U) defined by a conveying mechanism. The grippers include a first gripper jaw and a second gripper jaw, which can assume a clamping position and an open position relative to one another. The first gripper jaw is longer than the second gripper jaw and includes a first gripper part, which in the clamping position interacts with the second gripper jaw, and a second gripper part, which in the clamping position projects beyond the second gripper jaw. The orientation of the first and second gripper parts of the first gripper jaw relative to one another is variable and can be adjusted by a control means.

Abstract: In an arrangement for machining workpieces, with at least a first machining station in which the workpieces are machined during an operating cycle comprising a machining phase and a transport phase, and a transport unit which includes first accommodation structures for the workpieces and via which the workpieces can be supplied to the first machining station during the transport phase, a second machining station is arranged in transport direction after the first machining station in spaced relationship and the first accommodation structure is arranged on the transport unit so as to be movable relative thereto for supplying workpieces to both machining stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping bottle necks includes a clip having first and second opposed clip arms, each of which can be swivelled in a horizontal plane about a corresponding swivelling axis. Each clip arm has a corresponding grip area, a first magnet attached to the first clip arm between a grip area thereof and the swivelling axis about which the first clip arm swivels, and another permanent a second magnet attached to the second clip arm between a grip area thereof and the swivelling axis about which the second clip arm swivels. The first and second magnets exert a closing force on the clip in an operating position thereof.

Abstract: A conveyor includes a plate with a closed-loop track along which vials are driven in a continuous manner in holders arranged so as to be in free contact with each other in order to form a continuous stream along the track. Each holder includes a horizontal platen (72) to which is connected a plurality of vertical blades (72) forming a ring and capable of elastically moving away from the rotational axis of the platen, the inner surfaces thereof being intended for bearing against the periphery of a vial.

Abstract: A gripper for grasping and conveying objects while retaining the objects, and to a corresponding conveyor system and an operating method. The gripper has a gripper body and first and second gripper jaws. The gripper jaws each include at least one respective clamping region, can assume an open state and a closed state relative to each other, and can exert a clamping force on each other or on the object to be grasped. At least one of the gripper jaws includes a jaw body that is elastically deformable and is supported on the gripper body such that the body assumes a defined spatial position (resting position) when force is not applied to a control element and deforms and is deflected from the resting position when force is applied to the control element.

Abstract: The invention is a new container clip or clamp in a container conveying apparatus which is designed to have only a single clamp out of a group of clamps to release a container in the case of a failure of the single clamp thereby allowing the remainder of the system to continue. The invention includes a bearing block having holding elements and in the event of exceeding a lateral pivoting range the holding elements are at least partially detached from the bearing block to be released so as to pivot sideways.

Abstract: The conveyor system for planar products (60), in particular print shop products, features a feeder device (50) as well as a gripper conveyor (10) with a plurality of grippers (12) that move along an orbital track (U), wherein the grippers (12) each include two gripper parts (14, 16) that can be pivoted relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The relative position of the gripper parts (14, 16) to one another and/or the orientation of the whole gripper (12) in space is a function of its position along the orbital track and is set by at least one control guide (28, 30, 40, 80, 80?) that interacts with the grippers such that the gripper parts (14, 16) can be moved from an open position to a closed position while moving through a transfer area (A) of the orbital track (U) for the transfer of products (60) from the feeder device (50).

Abstract: A gripper for retaining containers includes gripper arms extending from corresponding rotation axes. Each gripper arm ends in a free claw and has a pair of permanent magnets. Adjacent poles of adjacent magnets have opposite polarities. The gripper also has a carrier plate for the gripper arms. This carrier plate has two pairs of permanent magnets oriented parallel to the rotation axes.

Abstract: A device having a holder for holding a container such as a bottle of a size and with a second other holder for holding a container such as a bottle of another size. In addition, a method for loading a device with containers such as bottles, whereby the containers of one size are placed in a first holder and the containers of another size are placed in a second other holder to allow easy adjustment to a different size of container without requiring any time-consuming retooling work.

Abstract: A gripping device for automatic bottle-topping machines comprising an anti-rotation blocking element, mobile between an opening position and a gripping position, a first mechanism, provided for actuation of the anti-rotation blocking element, a first actuation element, operatively connected to the first mechanism a gripping element, mobile between an opening position and a gripping position, a second mechanism, provided for actuation of the gripping element, and a second actuation element, operatively connected to the second mechanism, wherein the anti-rotation blocking element and the gripping element are provided for engaging on a bottle.

Abstract: A preform transfer device includes at least one clamp including two levers pivoting between an open position and a closed position and elements for the elastic return of the levers to the closed position. The device includes a mechanism for selectively controlling the opening and closing of the clamp, this mechanism including: a lever spreading member driven by a link including at least one free end able to interact with actuating elements to cause the clamp to open against the force of the elastic return elements, and associated locking elements that are able to move between a locked position in which the clamp is held in the open position and a retracted position in which the clamp is free to close, the locking elements being able to interact with second actuating elements designed to cause the locking element to move from the locked position to the retracted position, to trigger the closure of the clamp.

Abstract: A gripper has a pair of supports 22A, 22B positioned on opposite sides of a bottle made of resin, and abutments 24A, 24B disposed respectively on the supports 22A, 22B for holding the bottle 4 made of resin, each of the abutments 24A, 24B have two thin plates 26A, 28A, 26B, 28B which are vertically spaced from each other. The abutments 24A, 24B hold the bottle 4 by gripping a neck 4a of the bottle 4 on its opposite sides. While holding the bottle 4, the supports 22A, 22B are held out of contact with an outer surface of the bottle 4, allowing the electron beam to travel around the neck 4a to sterilize the entire surface of the bottle 4.

Abstract: The apparatus serves for blow molding containers. Preforms of a thermoplastic material are heated in the region of a heating zone and subsequently transferred to a blow molding device. The blow molding device is provided with at least one blow molding station for transforming the preforms into the containers. Provided for handling the preforms is a gripper-like transporting element (41) with two gripper arms (45, 46), which are arranged pivotably in relation to a gripper carrier (42). Each of the gripper arms can be pivoted by means of at least one lever and is coupled with a central element (49). The central element is arranged at least partly between the gripper arms. Each of the gripper arms is resiliently clamped with respect to the central element by at least one spring (56, 57).

Abstract: A clamp is designed for accepting a mail piece at a loading station, and for releasably holding the mail piece while the mail piece is moved to an unloading station via a sorting system. The clamp is manipulated in the sorting system, instead of manipulating the mail piece held by the clamp. The clamp includes jaws for releasably holding the mail piece, plus a machine readable identifier, plus a mechanism for engaging with the sorting system. The clamp's identifier includes clamp information which uniquely identifies the clamp. The clamp information is for use by the sorting system, in combination with address information on the mail piece, to enable sortation of the mail piece held by the clamp.

Abstract: A gripping device for gripping a printed product including a rotatable first gripper arm having a first gripper pad and a pivot, a rotatable second gripper arm having a second gripper pad and a pivot, a first link connecting the first gripper arm and second gripper arm and a second link having a spring connected to the first link. A method is also provided.

Abstract: This is a media transport apparatus using gripper segments that are connected to conveyor belts. These segments grip the leading edges of paper media and pull the media on a path toward a paper exit. Above the conveyor belts are baffle panels that have at least two panel separations. It is through these separations that the gripper segments move as the endless conveyor belts rotate. The gripper segments are provided with shifting structures that can laterally align the paper sheets. The leading edges of the paper are held between a gripper bar and elastomeric rollers.

Abstract: A gripper device for gripping the neck of a hollow body from the outside, which gripper device includes an annular body supporting at least two gripper parts each having its own bearing face, said gripper parts being movable substantially radially and constrained by an elastic device in such a way that the gripper parts are able to occupy a first radial position in which they bear against a buffer of the annular body with their bearing face projecting into the annular body, and a second radial position in which they are pushed back with their bearing face bearing against the exterior wall of the neck of a hollow body engaged in the annular body. The bearing faces of the gripper parts are bowed in the overall shape of an arc of a cylinder.

Abstract: A device for receiving and transporting articles, in particular syringes and the like, of a type comprising a transfer carousel destined to be rotated about a substantially vertical axis peripherally bearing a series of seatings for receiving single articles from a supply station and for transferring the articles to a receiving station. The seatings are fashioned from respective shaped and recessed surfaces realized on respective appendages peripherally associated to the carousel and elastically deformable such as to absorb any variations in size of the articles.

Abstract: An individual support device (5) for a container provided with a neck (6), including a support member (4) that engages inside the neck (6) and support elements (7) which are elastically retractable in the radial direction and bear with friction against the internal wall of the neck (6). The support member includes a substantially axisymmetric cylindrical base (8) having a peripheral channel (9) defined between a core (10) and an external wall (11) perforated by at least one row of apertures (12) of circular contour, balls (13) forming the support elements (7), arranged in at least one row in the channel (9) opposite respective apertures (12), the balls (13) having a diameter greater than the diameter of the apertures (12), and elastic return mechanism (14) between the core (10) and the balls (13) such that the balls are pushed back into the respective apertures (12) and project outside thereof.

Abstract: The method and the device serve for the blow moulding of containers (2). Preforms (1) of a thermoplastic material are heated in the region of a heating path (24) and then transferred to a blowing device (25). The blowing device (25) is provided with at least one blowing station (3) for moulding the preforms (1) into the containers. The preforms (1) are retained along at least a section of the transport path thereof by a support element (46) which is at least partly loosely introduced into a mouth section (21) of the preform (1) and tightened in the mouth section (21) after the introduction thereof.

Abstract: A device for gripping products including a first gripper arm having a first gripper pad, and a second gripper arm having a second gripper pad, the first gripper pad having a bore and an outer surface being eccentric with respect to the bore. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor device 10 to aide a person 11 to place bags 12 of snack foods in a box 13. The device includes a base 14 that rotatably supports a hub 17. The hub 17 has a plurality of clips 20 that engage the bags 12 and move them to a position at which the bags 12 are griped by the person 11 and placed in the box 13.

Abstract: A system is provided for stacking mail having an escort assembly for handling each mailpiece. The system comprises a containment device, a transport mechanism and a detachment mechanism. The containment device includes a base, vertical walls extending from the base and an open end for accepting the mailpieces therein. The containment device, furthermore, has a slot formed in at least one of the vertical walls thereof. The transport mechanism includes first and second transport segment, the first transport segment conveying escort assemblies and respective mailpieces over an open end of the containment device and the second transport segment lowering the escort assemblies and respective mailpieces into the open end of the containment device. The transport mechanism furthermore aligns the edges of the mailpieces along one of the vertical walls of the containment device and positions the escort assembly through the slot of the containment device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning piece, a conveyor chain, and to a means for opening and closing the tensioning piece.

Abstract: An apparatus having several stations that receive, apply adhesive to, crowd, press and cure the wood pieces into a continuous wood panel. A singulation station engages an individual one of the wood pieces oriented in a cross-machine direction from an infeed station, presents the wood piece to an adhesive station for adhesive application and releases the wood piece for crowding at a crowding station into a batch of the wood pieces. A press station downwardly presses the batch with an upper platen and presses the batch in a downstream direction onto the continuous wood panel with a clamping device. A radio frequency device applies radio waves to cure the adhesive between the wood pieces of the batch so as to adhere the wood pieces together and so as to adhere the batch to the continuous wood panel. A cutting station cuts individual wood panels from the continuous wood panel.

Abstract: A feeder belt for strip-shaped parts used to feed the strip-shaped parts in various processes such as plating, deflashing, or other processes for manufacturing semiconductors or other articles at industrial scale. By improving the structure of a finger for a feeder belt including a belt body, the separation, fatigue, and the sliding of the finger during feeding of the strip-shaped parts is resolved. Since external force can be applied in the horizontal direction when loading and unloading the strip-shaped parts, peripheral devices are simplified.

Abstract: Belt apparatus includes clip assemblies that releasably retain objects to the belt to convey the objects from a point of origination to a destination point. A feed system feeds the objects onto the belt apparatus at the point of origination and a deflector apparatus removes the objects from the belt at the destination point.

Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The conveyor includes a plurality of links, each link having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. Each link has a conveying surface for conveying one or more of the objects. Connection elements connect the links so as to form a conveyor. The connection elements include a flexible cable attached to the links at given intervals. The links are configured so as to be removably attachable to the cable. Various modifications and options are possible. Also, related article handling systems, including container handling and/or filling systems are also disclosed, suitable for use with various conveyor designs.

Abstract: A link is disclosed for a conveyor, as is a conveyor itself, suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, a plurality of the links being attachable to form the conveyor, the link includes a body having a length extending along the direction of transport and a width extending across the direction of transport, and two opposed gripping members extending from the body. At least one of the gripping members is a movable gripping member movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position, the movable gripping member includes a gripping end, the gripping members being located so as to contact one of the objects via the gripping end when the movable gripping member is in the second position to hold the object relative to the body during transport.

Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed suitable for conveying objects such as containers to a processing station. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, and at least one gripping member extending from each of the links. Each gripping member is movable relative to its respective link for gripping a container by the neck of the container. A guide structure is disposed on the link for mating a component of the processing station to the neck of the container for processing the container. The processing station may be a filler such as a rotary filler, a capper, or a rinser. Related individual links, conveying systems, and filler components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A link is disclosed for a conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The link includes a body having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. The body has a conveying surface and two opposed gripping members extending from the conveying surface. Each gripping member is movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position. The gripping members each include a gripping arm configured to be pivotable relative to the conveying surface when the gripping members move from the first position to the second position. The gripping arms are located so as to be able to contact one of the objects when the gripping members are in the second position to hold the object relative to the link during transport. The link includes at least one spring member urging the gripping members toward the second position. Various other related options are disclosed, along with related conveyors.

Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, each link having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. Each link has a conveying surface and at least one movable gripping member extending from the conveying surface of the link. Each gripping member is movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position. The gripping members each include a gripping arm having a pivot point, a gripping end spaced from the pivot point, and a cam follower extending outward from the gripping arm between the pivot point and the gripping end. The gripping arm is located so as to be able to contact one of the objects via the gripping end when the gripping member is in the second position to hold the object relative to the link during transport. Each link includes at least one spring member urging the gripping members toward the second position.

Abstract: Various shuttle conveyor designs are disclosed. The conveyors are suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The shuttle conveyors may include a track extending along a conveying path, the track defining a length, and a plurality of shuttle elements independently movable along the track. Each shuttle element may define mating structure for following the track along the conveying path. Each shuttle element may include at least one movable gripping member for selectively gripping conveyed objects. The shuttle elements may define a collective length less than the length of the track. A drive mechanism moves the shuttle elements along the track. The shuttle elements may include a plurality of links. The shuttle elements may be driven faster on at least a portion of a return portion of the track than on the conveying portion of the track, and the shuttle element flow along the track may be modulated in various ways.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for spouts or bags with spouts thereon, including: a circular rotating body which is driven rotationally, a guide rail disposed around the circumference of the rotating body with a predetermined spacing in between, and a plurality of grippers disposed on the rotating body and rotated with the rotating body. The rotating body has an outer circumferential edge that supports the flanges of the spouts, and the guide rail has on its inner edge an arc-shaped guide portion that also supports the flanges of the spouts. During the rotation of the rotating body, the grippers close to hold the spouts at the flanges and then opens to release the spouts. A rotational force is imparted by the rotating body to the spouts while spouts are held at the flanges by the grippers.

Abstract: A conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, and related links, are disclosed. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, each link having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. Each link also has a body, a cam follower member, and at least one gripping member. A gear drive mechanism may be used to interconnect the cam follower member and the gripping member. The cam follower member is movable to selectively move the gripping member between a first position and a second position. The gripping member when in first position is disposed in an open position, and the gripping member when in the second position is disposed in a gripping position for contacting one of the objects to hold the object during transport. Gear-drive mechanisms of various designs may be used to interconnect the cam follower member and gripping member.

Abstract: A conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, and a related link are disclosed. The link may include a link body having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport, each link body having a conveying surface. At least one gripping member is movably secured to the link body and has a gripping arm extendable from the conveying surface of the link body. Each gripping member is moveable between a first opened position and a second gripping position. The gripping arm is located so as to be able to contact one of the objects when the gripping member is in the second position to hold the object relative to the link body during transport. Various options for link designs are disclosed, including slidable and/or pivotable designs.