Abstract: A load handling device is disclosed for retrieving, transporting, and delivering containers in a storage system having a grid structure formed of two substantially perpendicular sets of rails or tracks located above stacks of containers. An exemplary load handling device can include a wheel assembly, a container receiving space, and a plurality of vehicle modules. The wheel assembly can include a first set of wheels to guide movement of the load handing device in a first direction and a second set of wheels to guide movement of the load handing device in a second direction. Each of the vehicle modules can include a container lifting means arranged to lift a container into the container receiving space and each of the vehicle modules can be moveable to adjust the spacing of the containers in the load handling device.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for a lift truck load handler that has a clamp leading edge that is raked back from bottom to top. The clamp leading edge is a blade edge, angled inward from the leading edge. The clamp assembly typically has a clamp plate with a front edge that forms at least part of the clamp leading edge. The clamp assembly typically has a toe plate that is harder and more wear-resistant than the clamp plate that wraps around a front edge of a lower portion of the clamp plate. The toe plate has a front edge that aligns with a front edge of the upper portion the clamp plate that together form the clamp leading edge.

Abstract: A bollard setting and installation system for efficiently installing a bollard wall without any restrictions relating to proximity to water or flood plains. The bollard setting and installation system generally includes a setting frame which is positioned on a ground surface. A plurality of bollards is positioned on the setting frame in a desired spacing and orientation to form a bollard wall. A vehicle having a vehicle arm connected to a lifting frame is positioned such that the bollards are secured to the lifting frame by clamps in the desired spacing and orientation. The vehicle may then move the lifting frame to position the lower ends of the bollards in an opening in the ground surface. Concrete may be poured to encapsulate the lower ends of the bollards. The lifting frame may then be removed, with the bollard wall being free-standing in the ground surface.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus and methods include a plurality of article grippers driven by independently controlled motors in an end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), for picking articles, grouping articles, adjusting group pitch and placing article groups in packages where incoming articles and packages are continuously or intermittently moving and without motion of the entire EOAT in the direction in which articles and packages are picked and moved. Hole healing and incoming product registration apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an end effector that is attached to a tip end of a robot arm for providing dispensation using a pipette and a chip attached to the pipette. The pipette includes a press button configured to draw a liquid into the chip or to discharge the liquid drawn into the chip from the chip as the press button is pressed and operated. The end effector includes a holding part for holding the pipette, a motor, and a swing part that presses and operates the press button as the swing part is driven and swung by the motor.

Abstract: An optical coating has a set of layers to reflect a predetermined range of wavelengths, the set of layers including two or more pairs of alternating first and second layers, the first layers having a first refractive index, n1, and the second layers having a second refractive index, n2, greater than the first refractive index n1. The second layers each include a first distribution of nanoparticles of a first material. The layers exhibit a spectral characteristic that shifts a portion of the incident light to a first range of wavelengths and that directs light of the first range of wavelengths to a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) layer. The SERS layer is configured with a second distribution of conductive nanoparticles of a second material to further shift the light of the first range of wavelengths to a second range different from the first range, according to the second distribution of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A rotating cam device for a pick-up head with pick-up members arranged side by side and at a variable distance. The device extends along a horizontal axis an has a first cam and at least a second cam, which extend around the horizontal axis, are suitable to be engaged by tappet elements carried by a first and a second pick-up member, respectively, and at least partly have a sloped or spiral shape for causing a translation of the tappet elements parallel to the horizontal axis in response to a rotation of the first and second cams about the horizontal axis; the second cam is movable in respect to the first cam along the horizontal axis, at least when the device is installed in the pick-up head and rotates around the horizontal axis.

Abstract: An end-of-arm-tool (EOAT) can elongate from a retracted position into an extend position to be configured to fit within a space available for contacting and grasping an object. The EOAT includes arrays of linkage elements having corresponding arrays of suction cups attached to linkage element of the linkage element array. In the retracted position, the arrays are pulled away from the distal end of the EOAT to be alongside of a longitudinal rail. In the extended position, a proximal end of the array is moved toward the distal end of the EOAT such that the linkages glide outwardly and linearly to deploy additional suction cups of the suction cup array against the object-to-be-lifted.

Abstract: A robot gripper for handling objects having at least one retaining foot by means of a robot. A gripper main part has a connection flange designed to secure the robot gripper to a tool flange of a robot arm, and a counter bearing that is connected to the gripper main part and has a cutout. The shape and size of the cutout is adapted to the retaining foot of the object to receive same in a formfitting manner. An actuator is arranged on the gripper main part, preferably in an adjustably mounted manner, and is designed to press against the retaining foot in a clamping position to fix the retaining foot against the counter bearing, and to release the retaining foot in a release position such that the counter bearing can be adjusted relative to the retaining foot to allow the retaining foot to be released from the robot gripper.

Abstract: In a substrate arrangement apparatus, a holder elevating mechanism disposes each first substrate between each pair of second substrates, with the first and second substrates being alternately arranged front-to-front and back-to-back. Each substrate is curved in a first radial direction to one side in a thickness direction with a minimum curvature, and curved in a second radial direction orthogonal to the first radial direction to the one side in the thickness direction with a maximum curvature. The first radial direction of the first substrates, each arranged between each pair of the second substrates, is approximately orthogonal to the first radial direction of the second substrates. This improves uniformity in the up-down direction of the distance in the direction of arrangement between the first and second substrates that are alternately arranged adjacent to each other in the direction of arrangement.

Abstract: The method of the present invention removes at least a plurality of articles (02) arriving consecutively in a transport direction (FR) from an infeed (03), and subsequently, arranging and grouping the articles (02), while simultaneously lifting and collectively transferring the article (02) from the infeed (03) to a staging surface (04). At the staging area are one or more outer packagings (05), and into which the articles (02) are placed. Individually or groupwise, as seen in a direction in parallel to the transport direction (FR), the individual distances between the articles (02) corresponding to a defined arrangement (20) are increased and/or decreased, and finally, the articles (02) are simultaneously lowered and released into the one or a plurality of outer packagings (05). The apparatus of the present invention comprises an infeed (03) of articles (02) being transported, at least one staging surface (04) arranged next to the infeed (03).

Abstract: A parts supply apparatus includes a supply tray stacking portion where a supply tray containing parts is stacked; a tray raising/lowering unit for separating one of the supply trays from the supply tray stacking portion; a tray holding unit with which the tray raising/lowering unit is provided; and an empty tray stacking portion where an empty tray, which is the supply tray that is emptied after supply of the parts, is stacked. The empty tray stacking portion is disposed above the supply tray stacking portion in a vertical direction.

Abstract: This disclosure includes bubble actuator arrays and methods for making and using the same. Some bubble actuator arrays include a first flexible layer having a substantially flat first portion and a plurality of second portions that protrude away from the first portion to define chambers, a flexible second layer sealed to the first layer to define a plurality of cells in the chambers and between the layers, and where the array can be coupled to a fluid source such that the internal pressures of the cells can be varied. Some of the present methods include adjusting with a processor and fluid source the pressure in the cells of an array. Others of the present methods include placing sacrificial material into chambers of a molded first layer such that a plurality of cells is formed when a second layer is molded coincident to the first and the sacrificial material is removed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for exchanging pallets. The apparatus includes a pallet-exchange machine having a frame assembly being configured to receive a pallet supporting a load once the pallet is positioned to do just so; a clamp assembly being supported by the frame assembly, and the clamp assembly being configured to clamp and hold the load once the pallet is positioned in the clamp assembly to do just so; and a blade assembly being configured to be movable relative to the frame assembly between a load-support position and an no-load position, and the blade assembly being configured to assist in supporting the load once the clamp assembly is actuated to clamp and to hold the load and once the blade assembly is moved from no-load position to the load-support position to do just so.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate conveyance apparatus that collectively conveys a plurality of substrates. The apparatus includes: a plurality of substrate placement racks disposed at intervals in a height direction and configured to simultaneously place the substrates thereon; a substrate placement rack holder configured to integrally hold the plurality of substrate placement racks; and a moving mechanism connected to the substrate placement rack holder and configured to integrally move the plurality of substrate placement racks. The moving mechanism includes: a first arm unit having a first support supported from an outside, and connected to one end of the substrate placement rack holder in a longitudinal direction; a second arm unit having a second support supported from the outside, and connected to another end of the substrate placement rack holder in the longitudinal direction; and a connecting portion which connects the first arm unit to the second arm unit.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a load-carrying vehicle capable of exerting an adjustable clamping force, comprises first and second clamp arms, and first and second clamp arm sensing elements. The first and second clamp arms are movable towards and away from each other to contact and exert a clamping force on a load sufficient for lifting the load and transporting the load. The first clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the first clamp arm. The second clamp arm sensing elements are positioned at spaced apart locations on the second clamp arm. The first clamp arm sensing elements and the second clamp arm sensing elements are configured sense and feed back forces exerted by the first and second clamp arms, respectively, in engaging the load such that the clamp arms can be moved relative to each other to adjust the clamping force applied to the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the handling of products in a product-handling installation, comprising the following method steps: a) providing at least one product on a flexible placing area, b) placing a cage, which is equipped with at least one displaceable supporting-body group, onto the flexible placing area, c) imparting at least one deflection to the flexible placing area and displacing the deflection along the flexible placing area, and d) simultaneously retracting the at least one supporting-body group into a gap created by the at least one deflection between the flexible placing area and a lower side of the products. The invention further relates to a method for the palletizing of products. Furthermore, a device for the handling of products and the use of said device for the palletizing of products is proposed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that serves as an attachment for a forklift truck or the like for handling multiple drums simultaneously. The drums to be transported are arranged symmetrically in a cluster about a central vertical axis. The apparatus includes a slidable suspension plate that connects to a latching device adapted to clamp onto the rim of each drum in the cluster. The sliding movement of the suspension plate is confined to a linear path of travel by guide rails. The limited forward/rearward linear movement aids in locating the clamping device accurately relative to the central vertical axis of the cluster.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism includes an adjusting assembly, a driving assembly and a plurality of clamping assemblies. Each clamping assembly includes a base body slidably sleeved on the driving assembly. The adjusting assembly includes a first adjusting member, and a second adjusting member parallel to the first adjusting member. The first adjusting member is fixed to a base body located on a first end of the plurality of clamping assemblies. Opposite ends of the second adjusting member are fixed to the driving assembly and a base body located on a second end of the plurality of clamping assemblies. Each of the first and second adjusting members respectively define a plurality of first and second steps. The first steps and the second steps slidable resist sidewalls of the base body. An upward direction of the plurality of first steps is reverse to that of the plurality of the second steps.

Abstract: A PNP apparatus may include a robotic arm, and a PNP tool head carried by the robotic arm. The PNP tool head may include a body configured to apply bonding pressure to a first area of an electronic device, and a pick-up tip movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body as the pick-up tip rests against a second area of the electronic device. The pick-up tip may define a vacuum passageway therethrough to couple a vacuum source to the second area of the electronic device.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping workpieces includes a base body, a first clamping unit, a second clamping unit, and an inserting member. The base body includes at least two elastic members. Both the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit include a splint assembly movably sleeved on the base body and a moving member. The inserting member is coupled to the base body. When the inserting member is withdrawn from or inserted into a space between the two moving members, the two splint assemblies can be moved away from each other to release a workpiece, or brought together to clamp a workpiece.

Abstract: A carrier device is provided that can supply, at uneven intervals, a plurality of works arranged at even intervals. The carrier device (1) includes: a first retaining portion (11), second retaining portion (12), third retaining portion (13) and fourth retaining portion (14) that hold and carry a plurality of works arranged at even intervals and supply these to a supply pallet (7) at any intervals; and a retaining base portion (20) to which these first to fourth retaining portions are connected. The retaining base portion (20) includes first to fourth sliding portions that cause the first retaining portion (11) to fourth retaining portion (14) to approach each other or separate in the arrangement direction of the works. The first retaining portion (11) to fourth retaining portion (14) respectively include first engaging parts and second engaging parts that disengage with the works independently.

Abstract: A technology related to a pick-and-place apparatus for electronic device inspection equipment is provided. The pick-and-place apparatus includes the guiding unit that can interact with a loading element and can guide the picker to load the electronic devices at a correct position on the loading element. Therefore, the pick-and-place apparatus can allow the electronic devices, for example, semiconductor devices having a ball type of electrical contact lead (BGA, FBGA, etc.), to electrically contact the tester in a stable manner when the tester inspects the electronic devices.

Abstract: A robot hand is provided. The robot hand includes a plurality of holding parts provided to be holdable of a plurality of workpieces, respectively, and a pneumatic drive for protruding one of the holding parts, when the holding part holds one of the workpieces, toward the workpiece with respect to one or more remaining holding parts by pneumatic pressure.

Abstract: A handling device includes a base plate defining an X-Y plane, a plurality of X rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in an X-direction, a plurality of Y rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction and a drive system supported on the base plate for moving the X rails in the Y-direction and for moving the Y rails in the X-direction, wherein a spacing between the X rails varies as the X rails move, and wherein a spacing between the Y rails varies as the Y rails move, and wherein the spacing between the X-rails is continuously variable with respect to the spacing between the Y rails.

Abstract: Techniques for handling media arrays are disclosed. The techniques may be realized as a system for handling a plurality of substrates. The system may comprise a plurality of row elements for supporting the plurality of substrates, wherein the plurality of row elements may be operable to change configuration of the substrates from open configuration to a high-density configuration, where a distance between adjacent substrates in the open configuration may be greater than a distance between the adjacent substrates in the high-density configuration.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a moving device has a frame and a plurality of operational members mounted for movement on the frame. The effector also has an actuation mechanism directly connected to a first operational member and is operable to move the first operational member from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position. A linking apparatus is provided for linking the first operational member to a second operational member. The actuation mechanism moves the first operational member from the first position to the second position, and results in the second operational member being moved by the linking apparatus from a third position to a fourth position. The operational members can be pick up members for picking up items at one pitch and releasing them at a second pitch.

Abstract: A method of processing IC units comprising the steps of: dicing said IC units from a substrate; delivering said IC units to a idle block; inspecting a face of said units as exposed during the dicing step using an inspection device whilst said units are on said idle block, then; engaging said units with a picker assembly; passing said units over a second inspection device to inspect an opposed face of said units.

Abstract: A handling module for handling vehicle wheels in an installation for the surface treatment thereof and having at least two gripping units which are supported by a frame structure and each of which comprises a plurality of press-on elements which are pressable onto one or more counter surfaces of an individual vehicle wheel. At least one of the gripping units includes a translation device by which the press-on elements are movable in relation to the frame structure with a movement component which is parallel to the axis of rotation of a gripped vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A holding device includes a fixing base, a rotary driving member, a first positioning member, a first holding assembly, a second holding assembly, and a second positioning member. The rotary driving member and the first positioning member are mounted on the fixing base. The first holding assembly and the second holding assembly are driven by the rotary driving member to rotate about a rotation axis. The first positioning member can move relative to the second positioning member to engage with the second positioning member, to position the first holding assembly and the second holding assembly. The first holding assembly and the second holding assembly can move separately to complete different tasks.

Abstract: A grasping apparatus includes a robot and a grasping assembly. The grasping assembly is rotatably mounted to the robot and includes a cylinder, two grasping plates, two grasping blocks and two first resilient members. The cylinder is secured to the robot. The two grasping plates are rotatably attached to the cylinder. The cylinder is capable of driving the two grasping plates to rotate towards each other. Each grasping block is slidably attached to each grasping plate. Each first resilient member is secured between each grasping block and each of the two grasping plates. When the two grasping plates are rotated towards each other, the two grasping blocks are adapted to sandwich a product therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for engaging and releasing a plurality of items. The apparatus comprises a frame having a longitudinally extending support member and at least one group of engagement unit. Each engagement unit has at least one engagement member, and each engagement unit is adapted for engaging, and disengaging from at least one item. Each of the engagement units in the one group is mounted in series for longitudinal movement on the longitudinal support member, and each one of the plurality of engagement units is interconnected to at least one other of the plurality of engagement units. A movement apparatus is provided for engaging at least one but not all of the plurality of engagement units in the one group to displace the group longitudinally on the longitudinal support member.

Abstract: A technology related to a pick-and-place apparatus for electronic device inspection equipment is provided. The pick-and-place apparatus includes the guiding unit that can interact with a loading element and can guide the picker to load the electronic devices at a correct position on the loading element. Therefore, the pick-and-place apparatus can allow the electronic devices, for example, semiconductor devices having a ball type of electrical contact lead (BGA, FBGA, etc.), to electrically contact the tester in a stable manner when the tester inspects the electronic devices.

Abstract: A gripper head assembly for a product processing machine includes a gripper support and a plurality of grippers secured to the gripper support to grip a plurality of product routed through the product processing machine. The gripper head assembly is configured such that a spacing of the plurality of grippers is changeable relative to the gripper support. A product processing machine includes a grid assembly for guiding product to a destination and a gripper head assembly for gripping product and guiding the product into the grid assembly. The gripper head assembly includes a gripper support and a plurality of grippers secured to the gripper support to grip a plurality of product routed through the product processing machine. The gripper head assembly is configured such that a spacing of the plurality of grippers is changeable relative to the gripper support.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring product stacks has a connecting element for connecting the transfer device to a transport device, and the transfer device has a number of receiver regions therein, that each receive a product stack. Each receiver region has guide elements with spring-loaded closure elements, and a plate that is movable in a spring-loaded manner toward the closing elements along the direction of the guide elements. When the transfer device with the product stacks therein reaches its transfer destination, the product stacks are pushed from the transfer device by the plates by spring force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grasping and lifting a boiling water reactor (BWR) control rod using a grapple. The grapple may grasp the control rod blade, the fuel support casting and the control rod guide tube of the control rod, to lift and move all three of these components in unison. The grapple includes a frame, a control rod blade hook, a fuel support casting hook(s) and a control rod guide tube hook(s). The control rod guide tube hook(s) may have a distal end that extends through a side flow orifice of a fuel support casting and beyond the confines of a control rod guide tube flow orifice to grasp the control rod guide tube. The distal end of the control rod guide tube hook(s) may include inner and outer landing surfaces, providing respective support for the fuel support casting and control rod guide tube.

Abstract: An equipment (1) for the simultaneous handling of several components having a plurality of gripping heads (2) which are movable between a close position and at least one spaced position in which they are at a preset distance from each other, and vice versa, including a first rod-shaped element (3) to which the gripping heads (2) are slidingly combined, a second rod-shaped element (4) parallel to the first rod-shaped element (3), provided with a longitudinal guide (5), movable between a first position and at least a second position, a plurality of rods (6) hinged in a zigzag forming a broken line (7) having a median fulcrum (8) at which it becomes integral with the second rod-shaped element (4), and a plurality of lateral fulcrums (9) free to slide in the guide (5) of the second rod-shaped element (4).

Abstract: An integrated robotic mechanism is disclosed for improving transport equipment, integrating an object movement with other functionalities such as alignment or identification. The disclosed integrated robot assembly can comprise a multiple end effector for moving a plurality of workpieces, a single end effector for moving a single workpiece, a rotation chuck incorporated on the robot body to provide alignment capability, and an optional identification subsystem for identify the object during transport. The present invention robot assembly can be used in a sorter or stocker equipment, in processing equipment, and a transfer system.

Abstract: A gripping head for a loading robot or manipulator of a cartoning machine capable of nesting articles arranged on two substantially parallel rows, the gripping head comprising a row of gripping members, wherein each of the gripping members comprises a gripping section adapted to receive two adjacent articles and on opposite sides with respect to a centreline plane, and wherein at least the gripping members having even index position or odd index position in the row rotate by about 180 degrees around an axis.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a moving device has a frame and a plurality of operational members mounted for movement on the frame. The effector also has an actuation mechanism directly connected to a first operational member and is operable to move the first operational member from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position. A linking apparatus is provided for linking the first operational member to a second operational member. The actuation mechanism moves the first operational member from the first position to the second position, and results in the second operational member being moved by the linking apparatus from a third position to a fourth position. The operational members can be pick up members for picking up items at one pitch and releasing them at a second pitch.

Abstract: An equipment (1) for the simultaneous handling of several components having a plurality of gripping heads (2) which are movable between a close position and at least one spaced position in which they are at a preset distance from each other, and vice versa, including a first rod-shaped element (3) to which the gripping heads (2) are slidingly combined, a second rod-shaped element (4) parallel to the first rod-shaped element (3), provided with a longitudinal guide (5), movable between a first position and at least a s econd position, a plurality of rods (6) hinged in a zigzag forming a broken line (7) having a median fulcrum (8) at which it becomes integral with the second rod-shaped element (4), and a plurality of lateral fulcrums (9) free to slide in the guide (5) of the second rod-shaped element (4).

Abstract: A holding device includes a fixing base, a rotary driving member, a first positioning member, a first holding assembly, a second holding assembly, and a second positioning member. The rotary driving member and the first positioning member are mounted on the fixing base. The first holding assembly and the second holding assembly are driven by the rotary driving member to rotate about a rotation axis. The first positioning member can move relative to the second positioning member to engage with the second positioning member, to position the first holding assembly and the second holding assembly. The first holding assembly and the second holding assembly can move separately to complete different tasks.

Abstract: A gripper head assembly for a product processing machine includes a gripper support and a plurality of grippers secured to the gripper support to grip a plurality of product routed through the product processing machine. The gripper head assembly is configured such that a spacing of the plurality of grippers is changeable relative to the gripper support. A product processing machine includes a grid assembly for guiding product to a destination and a gripper head assembly for gripping product and guiding the product into the grid assembly. The gripper head assembly includes a gripper support and a plurality of grippers secured to the gripper support to grip a plurality of product routed through the product processing machine. The gripper head assembly is configured such that a spacing of the plurality of grippers is changeable relative to the gripper support.

Abstract: A pick-and-place apparatus for transferring and loading semiconductor devices between first and second loading elements is provided. The pick-and-place apparatus includes a multiplicity of picking unit modules, each of which has at least one or more picking units, and an interval regulation apparatus for regulating intervals between the picking unit modules at the first to third modes. The first to third row interval values are different from each other. The intervals between the picking unit modules are all regulated to be identical to the first row interval at the first mode, are alternately regulated to the second row interval and the third row interval in turn at the second mode, and are alternately regulated to the third row interval and the second row interval in turn at the third mode.

Abstract: An apparatus to feed elongated metallic workpieces to a manufacturing process including a storage hopper configured to hold a plurality of workpieces that are randomly oriented and a movement device having a workpiece support that is automatically engageable with a workpiece.

Abstract: An arrangement for handling packaging units, such as bottles, crates and the like with the aid of a robot, wherein the arrangement includes a mounting part (10) which is adapted for fixation to a robot arm, a tool carrier (20) which is adapted to carry one or more handling tools (30) such as a number of bottle grippers or the like, and a number of couplings each comprising a first engagement member (13) affixed to the mounting part, and a second engagement member (24) affixed to the tool carrier, wherein the second engagement member is restrictively displaceable axially relative to the first engagement member, so that the second engagement member will take a latching position relative to the first engagement member under the effect of gravity on the tool carrier in engagement with the first engagement member, wherein the working state of the tool carrier relative to the mounting part is defined when all second engagement members are in their respective latching positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for segregating electronic components that engages and stops each of a plurality of electronic packages passing down a singulation tube is disclosed. In addition, the segregating apparatus is cable of segregating the electronic packages even though some of them had been linked together during the sealing process. The segregating apparatus includes a first swing arm to clip a electronic component, a second swing arm to clip another electronic component, and a third swing arm to depart the two electronic components, where all of components of the segregating apparatus are driven by a single driving force, reducing the size of the apparatus and the time needed for the segregating process.

Abstract: A pick and place apparatus includes a plurality of device holing elements in a predetermined arrangement; a power supply mechanism for supplying a power for controlling a horizontal pitch between the plurality of device holding elements; a power transmission mechanism for delivering the power from the power supply mechanism to the plurality of device holding elements as a translational force in a horizontal direction; a first linear motion guide mechanism for guiding horizontal movements of some of the plurality of device holding elements; and a second linear motion guide mechanism disposed below the first linear motion guide mechanism, for guiding horizontal movements of the other device holding elements. The plurality of device holding elements are slidably coupled to the first and the second linear motion guide mechanism alternately.

Abstract: A pick and place apparatus includes a 1st to an nth device holding element arranged in a lengthwise direction, every one of the 1st to the nth device holding element being connected to its neighboring one(s) of the 1st to the nth device holding element by means of at least one pitch setting ring; a belt having a first coupling part at an upper part thereof for being coupled to the 1st device holding element and a second coupling part at a lower part thereof for being coupled to the nth device holding element; and a driven pulley and a differential pulley. The driven and the differential pulley are rotated by being engaged with the belt to move the 1st and the nth device holding element such that the 1st device holding element moves in a direction opposite to the nth device holding element.

Abstract: A packaging system for handling palletized product arranged in multiple layers of product cases, a pallet de-layering system includes a gripper mechanism. The gripper mechanism is configured to clamp a layer of the multiple layers by applying a clamping force to one or more product cases of the layer such that the layer can be removed from an adjacent layer of product cases to a different location. The layer includes a void between adjacent product cases. The gripper mechanism includes a void filling member carried by the gripper mechanism. The void filling member is sized and located to be positioned within the void to limit movement of the adjacent product cases into the void during a clamping operation.