Abstract: Improved variable-pitch pick and place devices may include one or more improvements such as a mechanical linkage such as pantograph linkage, the linkage itself linked to a plurality of device-gripping mechanisms arranged in a row so as to keep uniform, though variable, spacing between the device-gripping mechanisms, with the number of such mechanisms being increased relative to the number of parts in the linkage for reduced tolerance stack-up and improved positioning accuracy. The horizontal position of the linkage may be fixed at a position not at an end thereof, and desirably within the middle third or at the middle thereof. The linkage may be controlled at three points. These point may include a vertically flexible but horizontally fixed link to a supporting structure at the middle of the pantograph, a link at one end of the pantograph to one side of an endless loop of timing belt, and a link at the other end of the pantograph to the other side of the endless loop of timing belt.

Abstract: A pick and place system is provided with an actuator is responsive to the connection to an air power source to move to a pick-up position. The actuator moves a fork-type link which in turn moves a probe to compliantly move to pick up a micro device upon connection to the air power source. A replaceable precisor precisely aligns the micro device relative to the probe and a floating seal disposed around the probe and resting on the replaceable precisor seals the probe to the replaceable precisor. A system control, connectable to the electrical power source, is connected to the pneumatic and supply valves for selectively, electrically actuating the pneumatic and supply valves.

Abstract: A pick and place quadruple head construction for transferring as many as four small workpieces such as computer chips and the like simultaneously from a first matrix to a second matrix. The four individual head units are arranged to form a rectangular area which may be contracted or enlarged upon moving three of the units relative to each other along two mutually perpendicular axes. Each unit includes a reciprocable spindle capable of movement along a third axis, and rotatable about the third axis in repeatable cyclic manner. The spindles include vacuum means for picking up and releasing transferred workpieces. Also disclosed is a wear compensating structure for the spindle. In several of the disclosed embodiments, the head units are arranged such that the reciprocating spindles are located in a common vertical plane so that the articles deposited on the place matrix permit an in-line separation.

Abstract: A pick and place system is provided with an actuator is responsive to the connection to an air power source to move to a pick-up position. The actuator moves a fork-type link which in turn moves a probe to compliantly move to pick up a micro device upon connection to the air power source. A replaceable precisor precisely aligns the micro device relative to the probe and a floating seal disposed around the probe and resting on the replaceable precisor seals the probe to the replaceable precisor. A system control, connectable to the electrical power source, is connected to the pneumatic and supply valves for selectively, electrically actuating the pneumatic and supply valves.

Abstract: Rotatable gripping device for the transport or machining of an arbitrarily shaped part. A rotatable gripping device designed to be fitted on a universal table for the transport or machining of a part comprises a ball joint support (16), a ball joint (18) and a suction cup (44) supported by the ball joint. The vacuum in the suction cup (44) is created by the duct (50) connected through a flexible tube (54) directly to the ball joint (18)—suction cup (44) assembly, on the outside of the support (16). The resulting total angular movement of the suction cup (44) is thus at least 90° (+ or −45 °).

Abstract: A gripper device for thin, plate-like parts, especially sheet-metal parts, is provided with a plurality of suction cups (26,28,30,32) disposed on the underside of a carrier frame. The suction cups (26,28,30,32) are fixed to the outer ends of four gear racks (18,20,22,24) which are disposed as a cross and can be displaced longitudinally along two superimposed planes. In the center of the cross formed by the racks, mounted in a vertical axis, there is a toothed gear (46) which extends over both superimposed planes. The gear racks (18,20,22,24) engage with the toothed gear (46) in pairs from diametrically opposed sides. A control rod (72) with a gear rack profile engages with the toothed gear (46) on a third plane and has an engaging device (76) at one radially external end by means of which an adjusting force can be exerted on the control rod in order to displace it in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Improved variable-pitch pick and place devices may include one or more improvements such as a mechanical linkage such as pantograph linkage, the linkage itself linked to a plurality of device-gripping mechanisms arranged in a row so as to keep uniform, though variable, spacing between the device-gripping mechanisms, with the number of such mechanisms being increased relative to the number of parts in the linkage for reduced tolerance stack-up and improved positioning accuracy. The horizontal position of the linkage may be fixed at a position not at an end thereof, and desirably within the middle third or at the middle thereof. The linkage may be controlled at three points. These points may include a vertically flexible but horizontally fixed link to a supporting structure at the middle of the pantograph, a link at one end of the pantograph to one side of an endless loop of timing belt, and a link at the other end of the pantograph to the other side of the endless loop of timing belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a pitch of a picker using a single actuator is provided. The apparatus includes a picker base, a plurality of pickers adapted for varying the pitch of the pickers by use of a linear guide device provided at one side of the picker base. The apparatus includes an actuator for driving the plurality of pickers, and a bevel gear unit coupled to the actuator by upper and lower racks for transmitting the driving force to the plurality of pickers.

Abstract: A mounting assembly, particularly suitable for mounting a buoy incorporating an analysis device is disclosed, which conveniently allows a device to be deployed at a remote location from a mounting point and suspended adjacent the mounting point for maintenance.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator having a gripping tool assembly for separating a thin sheet of metal from a stack of metal sheets. The assembly comprises a frame mounted to a lift arm. A separating device is pivotally mounted to the frame for grasping and lifting a corner of the top metal sheet to create an initial separation of the sheet from the stack. A plurality of stationary suction lifters are secured to the frame for grasping and lifting the remaining portions of the top sheet. The gripping tool assembly is characterized by first and second air hoses or nozzles mounted to the frame with the first air nozzle positioned above the second air nozzle whereby the first air nozzle provides pressurized air toward the corner of the sheet to assist in the initial separation of the sheet and the second air nozzle provides pressurized air below the sheet after the initial separation of the sheet from the stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum grip system (10) for gripping at least one object (11a), whereby the vacuum grip system (10) has a base unit (18) and at least two suction units (19, 20) affixed thereto, disposed at right angles to one another, each having at least one suction gripper (21, 22), and whereby at least one of the suction units (19) grasps the object or objects to be gripped (11a) from above, and at least one of the suction units (20) grasps the object or objects (11a) from one side. In order to provide a vacuum grip system (10) having maximum flexibility, it is proposed to affix the suction units (19, 20) to the base unit (18) such that, in order to grip the object (11a), the distance between the upper suction unit (19) and the lateral suction unit (20) may be varied. It is further proposed that the vacuum grip system (10) have a mechanical undergripper (25) upon which the gripped object (11a) may be laid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripper system which can be secured to a robot hand and has at least two mutually independent gripper elements; each gripper element is provided with at least one force sensor for ascertaining a force in a predetermined direction. With this gripper system, it is possible to grasp components more reliably.

Abstract: A suction pick-up head is disclosed having a soleplate supporting rows of compartments and connection devices for putting the compartments into communication with a suction device. The connection device includes partitioning ensuring that at least a portion of the compartments are connected in series or parallel relative to the suction device.

Abstract: In a workpiece pick up and transport mechanism, a shaft of a vacuum cup pick up bar is slideably interconnected with a shaft guide mounted on the pick up mechanism frame. The shaft also slideably engages a shaft collar of a pneumatic cylinder body. Operation of the air cylinder causes the shaft collar to lower the respective shafts of the vacuum cup bar until the vacuum cups come in contact with the target workpiece. Further movement of the air cylinder body causes the shaft collar to slide down the shaft thereby eliminating any overrun of the pneumatic cylinder and eliminates any pressure of the cylinder being applied to the shaft, thereby preventing such pressure from being transmitted to the vacuum cup tray and to the workpiece. The only force applied to the vacuum cup tray and to the workpiece is through the action of gravity. Vacuum is applied and the workpiece is attached to the vacuum cups and the pick up mechanism then moves the body of the pneumatic cylinder upward to lift the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting pipette tips is provided which comprises a vacuum manifold and one or more air conduits. The vacuum manifold internally defines a vacuum chamber, and has a wall which defines one or more apertures. The vacuum manifold is adapted for use in conjunction with a vacuum source. An air conduit is fixed to each of the one or more apertures defined by the wall of the vacuum manifold. Each air conduit defines an air channel, and is sized such that it can be inserted through a proximal opening defined by the head of one of the pipette tips without contacting the inner surface of the head of the pipette tip. The air channel of each air conduit is larger than a distal opening defined by the body of the pipette tip, such that when each air conduit is inserted through the proximal opening of one of the pipette tips and a vacuum source is used in conjunction with the vacuum manifold to create a vacuum in the vacuum chamber, the pipette tips are held in engagement with the vacuum manifold.

Abstract: An improved tool mount structure allows the infinite placement of a tool along a generally elongate cylindrical member at an infinite number of locations. The elongate cylindrical member is fixed at each axial end to a generally rigid moving member such as a robotic arm boom or transfer bar. The cylindrical member is fixed in a bracket at one axial end, and into a quick-release mount at an opposed axial end. The cylindrical member may be quickly released from the moving member such that the tool may be easily changed. At the same time, by fixing the cylindrical member at each axial end, a secure rigid connection is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for engaging on a configuration of a number of products with a certain mutual distance. The present invention has a frame and a number of pushing members mounted on the frame for movement between a first and a second position. The present invention also has a drive for moving the pushing members and a number of engaging members mounted on the frame for movement with a variable mutual distance. These engaging members are configured to correspond with the configuration of the products. Each of the pushing members has a contact surface which lies against an engaging member for varying the distance between adjacent engaging members during movement of the pushing member between the first and the second position.

Abstract: An egg removal apparatus includes a frame-and a manifold removably secured to the frame. The frame is movable from a first location overlying an egg flat to a second location overlying an area adjacent the egg flat. When the frame is in the first location, eggs from an egg flat are picked up under vacuum via a plurality of flexible cups. When the frame is in the second position, the eggs are released from the plurality of flexible cups. The removable manifold can be quickly and easily removed from a supporting frame and cleaned as a unit.

Abstract: An egg removal apparatus includes a frame and a manifold removably secured to the frame. The frame is movable from a first location overlying an egg flat to a second location overlying an area adjacent the egg flat. When the frame is in the first location, eggs from an egg flat are picked up under vacuum via a plurality of flexible cups. When the frame is in the second position, the eggs are released from the plurality of flexible cups. The removable manifold can be quickly and easily removed from a supporting frame and cleaned as a unit.

Abstract: A transfer device for picking up and placing resin preimpregnated composite plies. The transfer device includes a movable transfer head with a plurality of transfer feet movably mounted within it. Each transfer foot includes a support cage with a plurality of spaced posts extending between upper and lower ends. A mounting plate is located on the support cage. A pickup foot extends from the lower end of the support cage and has a channel formed through it which communicates with an opening in the lower end of the support cage. The pickup foot includes a tip end adapted to contact the resin preimpregnated composite ply. A valve is mounted within the support cage and includes a valve member located adjacent to the opening in the lower end of the support cage. The valve member is movable between a closed position and an open position. A spring surrounds at least a portion of the periphery of the transfer foot and biases the transfer foot into the transfer head.

Abstract: Device for adjusting a space between chips in a semiconductor chip tester, is disclosed, including a carrier plate mounted movable along a horizontal guide rail, a mounting plate fixed to the carrier plate, an elevating plate mounted on the mounting plate movable in up and down direction by a vertical LM (linear motion) guider, a cam shaft rotatably mounted on the elevating plate, the cam shaft having a plurality of cam grooves formed in a radial direction in an outer circumferential surface, a driving mechanism for rotating the cam shaft, and a plurality of pick-up members each fitted movable in a horizontal direction by a horizontal LM guider in a state a top of each of the pick-up members is inserted in one of the cam grooves.

Abstract: A lid handling system employs a lid alignment assembly for aligning lids randomly placed on a rotating input disc, a lid separation assembly for separating lids spinning on a pair of horizontal spin bars into a counted stack, a vacuum pickup assembly for picking up a counted stack of lids, a pick and place assembly for transporting and placing stacks of lids into trays having upwardly bent side members, and a conveyor for conveying filled trays toward a carton.

Abstract: A vacuum based lifter device is provided for displacement of an article. At least one suction plate or suction cup is designed for connection to and disconnection from a vacuum source. The suction plate or suction cup is secured to equipment in order to be able to move it together with or relative to the article which is to be displaced. The device has a pallet-like structure into which fork members mounted on a fork-lift truck can be inserted. Parts of the structure define a vacuum chamber, a vacuum source having an electrically driven vacuum pump provided on the pallet-like structure and pneumatically connected to the vacuum chamber, and a mechanically or electrically controllable stop and release valve. The release valve is pneumatically coupled between the vacuum chamber and the suction plate or suction cup.

Abstract: In a conveying apparatus for conveying works between a first lower die and a second lower die in a press machine, a distal end portion of a multi-joint robot is connected to a linear shaft body, and the linear shaft body carries a linearly reciprocating body movable in the directions of the length of the linear shaft body. The linearly reciprocating body is connected to a first detachable holding device that holds a first work. The linear shaft body is connected to a second detachable holding device that holds a second work. The first work is transferred by motion of the linear shaft body and the motion of the linearly reciprocating body carrying the first holding device, and the second work is transferred by motion of the linear shaft body alone.

Abstract: A load retainer assembly includes a pair of lower and upper plates pivotably mounted on a main shaft, and an inverting mechanism provided between the lower and upper plates that, as the lower plate is driven to pivot, causes the upper plate to pivot in the opposite direction to the pivoting direction of the lower plate. The load retainer assembly further includes a first retaining member for interconnecting distal end portions of a pair of links pivotably connected to one end of the lower plate and one end of the upper plate, respectively, and a second retaining member for interconnecting distal end portions of another pair of links pivotably connected to the other end of the lower plate and the other end of the upper plate, respectively. A suction pad is attached to each of the retaining members to retain a load by suction.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a robot and capable of removing cases from a stack of cases and emptying the selected case of substantially flat, folded articles. The end effector includes a main body designed to be coupled to the robot. A case gripper is mounted on the bottom of the main body. A flattened articles gripper is also coupled to the main body and includes a vacuum chamber with two blades. A dunnage gripper is mounted on one of the sides of the main body. In use, the case gripper picks a full case from a pallet of cases and moves that case to an unloading station. There, the end effector is rotated so that the blades of the flattened articles gripper can be inserted into the case. With the blades inserted, vacuum is supplied to the flattened articles gripper to hold the articles against the gripper. Then, the end effector with the articles is moved to a regripping station where the articles are temporarily placed and regripped.

Abstract: Lifting apparatus, especially a palletizing device, with a lifting head (13) attached to an articulated arm (12) for receiving, transporting and setting down objects, especially cardboard boxes. The cardboard boxes or other objects are to be set down on pallets (10). For increased efficiency, a plurality of pallet stations is formed in the working area of the palletizing device (11) for depositing cardboard boxes. In order to transport empty pallets (10) from time to time to the pallet stations, an additional apparatus can be put on the lifting head (13), namely a pallet grab (36). The latter is actuated from the lifting head (13) in the sense of opening and closing grasping members, namely carrying legs (55, 56).

Abstract: The device comprises a transfer unit with a block (44) containing wells (48) in which suckers (50) are located. The wells (48) comprise a border (72) made of a sealing and friction material. The peripheral wall (60) of the sucker (50) is flexible enough to permit axial movement of the lip (62) between an expanded position in which the lip (62) projects above the border (72) of the well (48) and a contracted position in which the lip (62) is coplanar with this border. The internal space of the sucker (50) and the internal space (70) of the well (48) around the sucker are both connected to a vacuum source by respective narrow channels (64,68) whose cross sections are approximately the same as each other. The size of the cross sections of the narrow channels (64,68) is such that there is negligible loss of vacuum inside the sucker (50) when a work piece is placed against the lip (62) but not against the border (72) of the well (48).

Abstract: A lead frame unloading apparatus includes a pair of opposing plate members, one of which has a long horizontal slit. The opposing plate members define a central space where one or more sliding blocks are located, each of the sliding blocks having a vertical through hole at its center. A picker penetrates through the vertical hole within each respective sliding block, each picker is immobilized when it contacts a lead frame for pickup thereby allowing the sliding block to move vertically up and down on the immobilized pickers, each of the pickers having a vacuum suction device at one end thereof, and a vacuum screw at the other end thereof. The vacuum screw has a hollow projection connected to a vacuum supplier. A spring is disposed beneath respective of the one or more sliding blocks, with the spring being fitted to an outside of the vacuum suction device. Spring stoppers support the springs and fastening devices fasten the one or more sliding blocks to the opposing plate members.

Abstract: A packaging device for lifting a loosely spaced set of articles from a supply conveyor, compressing the set of articles by eliminating the excess space between them, and placing the compressed set of articles into a receiving container is characterized by a frame, a vacuum housing rigidly mounted on the frame, a plurality of pickup assemblies extending downwardly from the vacuum housing, and an apparatus for shifting the plurality of pickup assemblies between an expanded loading configuration which corresponds to the spacing of the set of articles on a conveyor and a compressed unloading configuration which corresponds to the spacing required for the set of articles to be deposited in a container.

Abstract: The present invention involves both an apparatus and a method for handling and holding panels and other substrates for photolithographic exposures. In one of its aspects, the present invention comprises bi-modal vacuum cup-bellows devices which automatically retract behind (below) the surface of a chuck, and to remain so retracted at all times except when it is desired to draw a panel toward the chuck. The retraction eliminates interference with movements of the panel during snubbing. In another of its aspects, the present invention comprises registration (locator) pin mechanisms that incorporate bearings. The bearings both turn and move axially, and operate to prevent the panel edges from hanging thereon. In another of its aspects, the present invention comprises a hand-off vacuum cup-bellows device that clamps onto each panel as it comes from a robotic loader. Such device incorporates a lubricious cover that prevents rolling of the cup edges and that facilitates sliding of each panel during snubbing.

Abstract: A workpiece attracting device for attracting a workpiece having a curved surface has planar first and second housings securely coupled to each other by fasteners, and a suction pad made of a synthetic resin material and having a flange sandwiched between the first and second housings, and a bellows disposed in a hole defined in one of the first and second housings, the bellows being elastically deformable against the curved surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: An IC mounting/demounting system comprising a centering unit including first and second centering tools where socket pushers are constructed integrally with centering recess portions respectively. The centering unit is detachably fitted to a head body and replaceable with a centering unit corresponding to an IC having a different size. Accordingly, the replacement of the whole mounting/demounting head that normally accompanies the change in the kind of IC becomes unnecessary, thus enhancing work efficiency.

Abstract: A pick-and-place apparatus (404) for magnetically and vacuum coupling an item (1100) includes a base (516), a magnetic coupler (500), and a vacuum coupler (502). The magnetic coupler (500) includes a vertical member (506) and a magnetic body (504), where the vertical member (506) has a first end (501) coupled to a center (507) of the base (516) and a second end (503) coupled to the magnetic body (504). The vacuum coupler (502) includes a first tubular member (510), a first vacuum cup (508), a second tubular member (514), and a second vacuum cup (512). The first tubular member (510) has a first end (509) coupled to a first end (517) of the base (516) and a second end (511) having the first vacuum cup (508) attached thereto. The second tubular member (514) has a first end (513) coupled to a second end (519) of the base (516) and a second end (515) having the second vacuum cup (512) attached thereto.

Abstract: Grasping devices including arms pivotally connected to a support member and moved by actuators pivotally connected between the arms and the support member are described. The arms may be either single or multiple member limbs shaped to engage a variety of geometrically shaped objects. Multiple member embodiments include an outer member pivotally connected to an inner member which is pivotally connected to the support member. Each arm may carry a suction cup. The support members of each embodiment may be connected to any lifting device, such as a compound arm attached to a refuse truck.

Abstract: An expandable gripper for semiconductor processing equipment that allows the pitch between semiconductor chips to be adjusted. To adjust the pitch, several pick and place mechanisms are mounted around a shaft using nuts. The threads of the nuts have variable leads, causing each to travel a different amount as the shaft rotates. All of the threads engage the shaft because a compliant layer is attached to the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting one or more objects by suction includes a vacuum chamber, a grid element forming the floor of the vacuum chamber, and apparatus for creating a vacuum in the vacuum chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the grid element includes a two-dimensional array of cells, each of which opens directly onto each opposite major surface of the grid element. Each cell has at least one valve member for closing and opening of the cell. The valve(s) normally assume a first position wherein the cell is open to provide direct communications through the cell between the opposite major surfaces of the grid element but are movable by a sufficient flow of air through the cell into a second position wherein the cell is substantially closed against such communication. Each valve member can include a flap valve pivoted for rotation between the first position and the second position, and a structure for supporting the grid element within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A device for use in handling a semiconductor wafer from a front face of the wafer on which a finished surface is formed by processing of the semiconductor wafer, the front face including an outer peripheral edge margin. The device includes fingers having tip portions adapted to engage the wafer for use in holding the wafer and a frame mounting the fingers and positively locating the fingers for simultaneously engaging the wafer only on the outer peripheral edge margin of the wafer. The device further includes vacuum pressure passages terminating at the tip portions of the fingers for applying a vacuum pressure through the finger tip portions to the wafer to grip the wafer. The fingers are arranged for holding the wafer in a single predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An improved tool mount structure allows the infinite placement of a tool along a generally elongate cylindrical member at an infinite number of locations. The elongate cylindrical member is fixed at each axial end to a generally rigid moving member such as a robotic arm boom or transfer bar. The cylindrical member is fixed in a bracket at one axial end, and into a quick-release mount at an opposed axial end. The cylindrical member may be quickly released from the moving member such that the tool may be easily changed. At the same time, by fixing the cylindrical member at each axial end, a secure rigid connection is provided.

Abstract: A tool mounting frame incorporates a unique structure that secures the frame to a base at least at four points. The four-point connection ensures that the tool mounting frame will not move relative to the base. The frame has particular application in moving cross-bars, which are subject to vibration and stress from the weight of the parts they are moving. In a first embodiment, the frame incorporates two spaced locking portions that are interconnected by axially extending rails. The rails allow the mounting of tools at any location along the rail. The connection between the locking portions and the base includes pins at each lateral side of each of the forward and rear positions. In this way, a secure connection is provided. In a second embodiment, the four-point connection is provided by locking pins, and also by a roller fixed to the base which is received between two spring biased fingers.

Abstract: A battery lift apparatus, for use with an overhead air hoist, adapted to lift and load heavy vehicle batteries into a tray of an electric powered vehicle including a rectangular-shaped carrier beam of electrically insulative plastic material, formed with a plurality of manifold passageways which, in combination with a plurality of flexible lines, provide a distribution network for supplying pressurized system air to a plurality of suction assemblies mounted on the beam. First and second handles, secured adjacent opposite end faces of the beam, enable a pair of operators to readily position each battery on the tray. The first actuator handle is mounted by a bracket assembly supporting a valve block pair of valve unit actuators controlling up and down movement of the air hoist cable, and a pilot valve actuator is adapted for supplying vacuum releasing system air to each vacuum cup.

Abstract: A lead frame suction holding device including a suction holder which is movable horizontally and vertically and is provided with two rows of guide plates. A plurality of suction nozzles are installed on each of the two rows of guide plates so as to suction-hold opposite edges of a lead frame, and between the two rows of suction nozzles on the guide plate is provided a detection terminal and a paper suction nozzle which respectively detects and removes paper placed between lead frames which is accommodated in a lead frame magazine.

Abstract: A vacuum lifting plate 1 for board-shaped production pieces that provides a vacuum chamber 8 in connection with a vacuum pump, is sealed against the board-shaped production piece, and includes a suspension arrangement for a hoisting device, includes a base plate 2 with a suspension arrangement and interchangeable sealing ledges 20,22 fastened to the sides of the base plate for fitting to the contour of the production piece.

Abstract: In a vacuum chuck apparatus for chucking an article, a plurality of movable suction cups are mounted on a support member to be movable up and down relative to the support member between an operative position where each of the movable suction cups can attract the article by suction and a retracted position above the operative position. A plurality of air cylinders move the respective suction cups independently from each other between the operative position and the retracted position. An article size designating circuit outputs a size signal representing the size of the article to be chucked, and a controller controls the air cylinders according to the size signal so that a part of the movable suction cups which are not necessary for chucking the article of the size represented by the size signal are held in the retracted position and the other suction cups are held in the operative position.

Abstract: A device for packing filled bags in outers comprises means (1, 3) for placing the bags in a row in such a way that they overlap each other, a suction box (8) with suction cups (13, 14) for retaining filled bags, which suction box can be moved between a pick-up position above the means for forming a row and a delivery positon above an outer or device for feeding in an outer, and means (4, 6) for pushing a formed row of bags up against the suction cups of the suction box. The suction box (8) has one or more rows of suction cups (13) having mouths placed relatively high up and one or more rows of suction cups having mouths placed relatively low down. In a tint pick-up position of the suction box, the suction cups having mouths placed high up are positioned directly above the means for forming a row of bags, and in a second pick-up position of the suction box, the suction cups having mouths placed relatively low down are situated directly above the means for forming a row of bags.

Abstract: A product handling device having at least one carriage provided with at least one product engagement element and movable between different positions, and a drive element for driving the at least one carriage between the different positions. With the at least one carriage there is associated at least one locator element interacting with external elements arranged to determine the limits of a preselectable travel path. A handling apparatus integrates into one structure of a plurality of such devices, mounted in common to a carriage for vertical and horizontal movement.

Abstract: An article transfer apparatus is described which is movable along a row of article storage racks and comprises an article carrier having a conveyor and an article holder disposed above the article carrier and containing a plurality of suction cups. The article holder includes mechanism which, after the suction cups have been pushed against an article to suck and attract the article, there is operable via a folding motion of first and second swing arms, or alternatively, in conjunction with a movement of a front-back moving member simultaneously with such folding motion of the swing arms, and an article carrying conveyor is synchronously driven in an article pulling-in direction, whereby the article can be put onto the article carrying conveyor.

Abstract: A two-sided clamp for manipulating heads of paper rolls,which includes an arm having one end attached to the wrist joint of a robot and another end that carries two grasping members which are aligned parallel and outwardly facing in opposite directions. Each of the grasping members has a base plate and multiple resilient suction cups which are mounted to the base plate. The grasping members are mounted to the arm so that the clamping center point of the first grasping member is farther removed from the wrist joint of the robot in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the arm than the clamping center point of the second grasping member. The grasping members are mounted in an asymmetrical manner to the arm, which asymmetrical structure of the clamp facilitates the two-sided structure of the clamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a balustrade for a passenger conveying device includes a frame, a left support arm, and a right support arm. The right and left support arms are attached to the frame and include apparatus for attaching the escalator balustrade. The attaching apparatus attaches the transportation apparatus to the escalator balustrade, thereby enabling the balustrade to be transported.

Abstract: A vacuum-type gripping apparatus includes a frame which is movable between a retracted position, in which the frame is remote from an item stored in a storage bin, and an extended position, in which the frame is proximate to an item stored in the storage bin. The apparatus includes a vacuum-type gripping mechanism which grips the item to be extracted from the storage bin prior to and during the extraction operation. The vacuum-type gripping mechanism employs a redundant vacuum source which improves the operating reliability of the apparatus. A lifting mechanism, which is adapted to engage a bottom surface of the item to be extracted, cooperates with the vacuum-type gripping mechanism during the extraction operation.