Abstract: A holding device includes a supporter, a gripper, and a first driver. The supporter supports a weight of a workpiece in a first direction. The gripper includes a gripping surface that grips the workpiece in a second direction crossing the first direction. The first driver moves the supporter with respect to the gripper in the second direction. A tilt of the supporter is changeable with respect to the gripping surface along a plane including the first and second directions.

Abstract: A product sorting apparatus includes a pallet station supporting a pallet on which a product is placed and moves up and down between a base position and a raised position, a transfer device transferring the product to a first area that is on a first side of the pallet station, a first cart movable between the first area and a second area that is on a second side of the pallet station, and a second cart movable between the first area and the second area and able to pass through the inside of the first cart. Through the inside of the pallet station set at the base position, the first cart is unable to pass and the second cart is able to pass, and through the inside of the pallet station set at the raised position, both the first and second carts are able to pass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transfer device and a method for transferring a plurality of first tire components from a first container and a plurality of second tire components from a second container to a servicer, wherein the transfer device includes a first station and a second station for receiving the first container and the second container, respectively, wherein the first station and the second station are arranged side-by-side in a lateral direction, wherein the transfer device further includes a base and a take-out member that is mounted to said base and that is movable with respect to the base towards the first station and the second station for picking-up and taking-out one of the first tire components from the first container at the first station and for picking-up and taking-out one of the second tire components from the second container at the second station, respectively.

Abstract: A transferring device is provided for transferring containers from a container advancing device, where they are aligned in at least one row along an advancing direction, to at least one operating unit arranged outside the line, adjacent to the container advancing device, along a transferring direction transverse to the advancing direction. The transferring device includes at least two transferring arms, movable to selectively translate along the transferring direction from the container advancing device toward the operating unit.

Abstract: A system for storing and retrieving containers (108) comprises a first conveying means (1) operable to move stacks of containers between a loading position (2) and a discharge position (4), a container store (5), a container store dispatch conveyor (28) and a container store delivery conveyor (26). A first transfer means transfers containers from the container store dispatch conveyor (28) to the first conveying means (1) and a second transfer means transfers containers from the first conveying means (1) to the container store delivery conveyor (26). A container store storage/retrieval means (9) moves containers from the container store (5) to the container store dispatch conveyor (28) and from the container store delivery conveyor (26) to the container store (5).

Abstract: A machine moves shoe strobels to a camera or scanner where images of the strobels are captured. Using the images, a computing device instructs a printer how to mark guidelines within a threshold distance of each other on the strobels that signify strobel sewing lines for different shoes models and shoe sizes. Cross-sectional lines may also be printed on the strobels to aid in error-checking guideline marking. Unmarked strobels are stacked in a loading compartment, sometimes in pairs—e.g., right and left shoe strobels. The unmarked strobels are transferred to a conveyor that brings the strobels to the camera or scanner and the printer. After guidelines and/or cross-sectional lines are added to the strobels, the marked strobels are stacked in a compartments housing other marked strobels.

Abstract: There is provided a method for heavy vehicle traffic flow optimization. The method includes determining location information and destination information of qualifying heavy vehicles. The method further includes modifying one or more traffic signal sequences to optimize a traffic flow of the qualifying heavy vehicles responsive to the location information and the destination information. Each of the qualifying heavy vehicles has a respective associated weight greater than a predetermined weight threshold.

Abstract: A manipulator and a method of generating the shortest path along which the manipulator moves to grip an object without collision with the object models a target object and a gripper into a spherical shape, measures a current position of the gripper and a position of the target object and a target position of the gripper, calculates an arc-shaped path in a two-dimensional plane along which the gripper needs to move by calculating an included angle of a triangle consisting of the position of the object and the current position and target position of the gripper, transforms the arc-shaped path in the two-dimensional plane into an arc-shaped path in a three-dimensional space using a transform matrix consisting of the position of the object and the current position and target position of the gripper, thereby automatically generating the shortest path of the manipulator.

Abstract: A work picking system according to embodiments includes a three-dimensional measuring unit, a hand, a calculating unit, a determining unit, and an instructing unit. The three-dimensional measuring unit measures a three-dimensional shape of a work that is a gripping target. The hand is provided on a terminal movable unit of a multi-axis robot and includes a mechanism that changes a distance between gripping claws and a mechanism that changes a tip end direction of the gripping claws. The determining unit determines a tip end direction of the gripping claws based on the attitude of the work calculated by the calculating unit and a direction of a rotation axis of the terminal movable unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a gripping head for packages of a wedge-like form. The invention also concerns a method of gripping a group of packages and transferring them into a box. The gripping head has side steering plates and pressure finger plates on two opposite sides. At one end of the gripping head a stop plate is arranged between the side steering plates and the pressure finger plates, while the opposite end is open. The side steering plates each has a number of steering plates and fingers of the pressure finger plates are placed on either side of the steering plates, which fingers are received in notches of the side steering plate. The fingers have folded lower ends. The side steering plates and the pressure finger plates are arranged mutually moveable bringing the folded lower ends of the fingers into and out of a position below the side steering plates.

Abstract: A robot includes a hand configured to process a workpiece, and an articulated-robot main body where the hand is mounted. The articulated-robot main body is displaced from a conveyance path of the workpiece in plan view.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for presenting a product to a manipulator, comprising a transfer location provided with a number of mutually parallel first support elements, each having an elongated horizontal first support edge, and a number of strip-shaped second support elements extending parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first support elements, each having an elongated horizontal second support edge, wherein the first support elements on the one hand and the second support elements on the other hand can move vertically up and down relative to each other. This way spaces can be made between the first support elements and between the second support elements respectively, in which spaces finger means of a manipulator can be inserted for picking up a product. The invention further provides a system and a method for automated loading of a carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stacking objects on a transport carrier. The apparatus is provided with a forming platform, a loading platform on which a transport carrier to be loaded, such as a pallet or a roller container, can be placed, and a gripper which is movable between the forming platform and the loading platform. The gripper comprises a support frame which is provided with at least one row of parallel forks, which forks comprise an upright to which a horizontal beam is attached at a distance beneath the support frame, wherein the beams can be moved backward and forward in their longitudinal direction, wherein each fork is individually adjustable vis-à-vis the support frame. The forks are independently adjustable vis-à-vis the support frame.

Abstract: A glove stacking apparatus for preparing a stack of gloves prior to packing into a box, and a method of stacking gloves using a glove stacking apparatus for preparing a stack of gloves prior to packing into a box, particularly ambidextrous disposable hygienic gloves are disclosed. A glove stacking apparatus for lifting and depositing gloves to be stacked comprises a lifting means for lifting each of the gloves. The lifting means includes an attractive glove lifting surface, wherein the lifting means includes within the lifting surface a movable member, the movable member being movable from a first position in which the movable member is substantially flush with the lifting surface to a second position in which the movable member stands proud of the lifting surface in order to help dislodge the lifted glove from the lifting surface.

Abstract: A palletizing robot includes at least one rotatable pallet; a crane comprising a rotary base, a lifting frame fixed on the rotary base, and an extensible mechanical hand slidably engaged to the lifting frame to grasp a good; and a controller. The controller controls the crane and the at least one rotatable pallet to cooperatively stack the goods on the rotatable pallet, and control the at least one rotatable pallet to rotate itself to package the stacked goods.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for economically forming packing unit layers. The apparatus comprises at least one supply conveyor, at least one further conveyor and an exit conveyor. Furthermore, at least one gripper for positioning and/or turning the packing units is associated with the further conveyor. The positioned and/or turned packing units are brought together to form form-fitting packing unit layers by a suitable device on the at least one exit conveyor. The at least one gripper is configured in such a way that is can be used to position and/or turn at least one packing unit and that at least one further packing unit can be placed on the positioned and/or turned packing unit in the same orientation.

Abstract: In one aspect, a programmable load forming system is programmed to perform the method of downloading a calculated path from the computer to the robot controller, moving one or more bundles along the calculated path to position the one or more bundles in a predetermined stacking position of a stacking pattern using the robot, and determining if the robot has completed moving along the calculated path. The calculated path is defined, in part, by the stacking pattern and other parameters such as, for example, bundle geometry, bundle levelness, bundle compressibility, among other parameters. In another aspect, the system is programmed to perform a method of sensing the top of a bundle and controllably placing a bundle. Additional aspects are directed to systems and methods of safely operating the robot and an inventive hopper design for holding bottom/tie sheets.

Abstract: A grabber for automatically grabbing and placing packing units of different dimensions and configurations includes a frame with a support, a hold-down device and a stripper attached to the frame. The support supports a bottom portion of a respective packing unit, and is generally horizontally movable with respect to the frame. The hold-down device is downwardly movable toward the support to clamp the respective packing unit between the support and the hold-down device. The stripper is disposed above the support and is generally horizontally movable. The respective packing unit is substantially immobilized by the hold-down device and the stripper as the support is retracted.

Abstract: A substrate inspection system of a type that receives substrates disposed within a cassette and inspects a planar surface of the substrates with a read head, where the substrates are inspected while they are disposed within the cassette, and the read head is of a size to fit between adjacent substrates within the cassette. In this manner, the substrates do not need to be removed from the cassette, and no robotic arm is required to do so.

Abstract: A device for stacking articles which are molded and stamped in a multi-impression molding and stamping tool includes a transfer device having a single gripper plate made of lightweight construction for accepting all articles ejected from one work cycle of the molding and stamping tool. A stacking station having two stacking baskets arranged on respective arms is arranged so that the baskets are pivotable about a first axis for moving a first basket of the two baskets to a transfer position and a second basket of the two baskets to an ejection position, the transfer device transferring the articles to the transfer position of the stacking station. An ejector unit and conveyor belt are arranged proximate the ejection position, each of the first and second baskets being pivotable about a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, at the ejection position to a pivoted position.

Abstract: A handling apparatus for information storage disks includes a conveying apparatus and a mounting base. The conveying apparatus includes a body, a conveying arm, a transmission device and a driving device. The body includes an arm holder. The arm holder has a guide channel. The guide channel includes a transverse passage and a longitudinal passage. The conveying arm is movably mounted in the arm holder and moves along the guide channel. The transmission device connects the driving device to the conveying arm so that the driving device moves the conveying arm in the guide channel. When the conveying arm moves in the transverse passage, the conveying arm has at least one linear self-alignment for positioning.

Abstract: An infeed station has a carriage that is supported on a machine frame of the infeed station in a way that allows it to be moved laterally and a stack conveyor mounted on the carriage for conveying stacks from an infeed position to a transfer position, from which the stacks can each be removed by the stack gripper. The stacks can be centered in two stack chambers, which are arranged side by side on the carriage. A stop element supported on the carriage is assigned to each stack chamber and can be moved between a working position and a retracted position, such that in their working position, the stop elements project into the associated stack chamber in such a way that the stacks can be moved by the stack gripper from a forward holding position of the transfer position towards the stop elements and placed against the stop elements. The stacks positioned on the stop elements are gripped by the stack gripper between a finger and pressing means and conveyed to a pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up, stacking and bundling lumber, that comprises: a drive means, a conveyor assembly having a receiving bin and a conveyor, a stacking assembly operatively connected to the conveyor assembly, and having an unscrambling hopper, a row conveyor, a stacking bin and a bundling assembly a discharge platform, and a grapple assembly that picks up lumber pieces from the ground and deposits them into the receiving bin, and that also picks up bundles of lumber produced by the stacking assembly, for movement to a secondary location. The apparatus can be used on a variety of different terrains, including inclines and declines and can pick up lumber from a wide radius around the apparatus and from a number of ground conditions including rocky, muddy and wet ground.

Abstract: A new type of pallet stacking assembly line. Two pick-and-place robots are used. The first robot has a relatively low position. The second robot is in an elevated position. A pallet dispenser dispenses a first pallet onto a pallet conveyor. The pallet conveyor then moves the first pallet to a first build position in front of the first robot. The first robot then begins picking products from a first pick position and stacking them on the first pallet. Once the products on the first pallet reach approximately half the finished height, the pallet conveyor carries the first pallet over to a second build position in front of the second robot. At the same time, the pallet dispenser dispenses a second pallet which is carried to the first build position. The second robot picks products from a second pick position and places them on the upper portion of the first pallet in order to complete the stack. Meanwhile, the first robot is picking and placing products on the lower portion of the second pallet.

Abstract: A material moving device is beneficial for manufacturing. The material moving device has a tower assembly, a vertical trolley assembly adapted to travel up and down the tower assembly, a horizontal trolley assembly adapted to travel back and forth along the vertical trolley assembly, and a material pickup assembly connected to the horizontal trolley assembly. The trolleys are adapted to move the material pickup assembly relative to the tower assembly to thereby move materials for manufacturing on to and off of a work surface.

Abstract: The device serves for stacking hollow objects generally tapered and intended for accumulation in stacks where they are arranged, each one partially inserted in the next. The stacking device operates at the exit of a rotating machine (20) operating at high speed, and having a rotating head (21) for the single objects, and comprise an extractor means (30) located in an exit station (B) of the rotating machine (20) intended to remove the objects from the rotating head (21) one at a time.

Abstract: The present invention is a stacker unit having an inlet area with sensors to detect ingress of a hamper or similar nestable container whereby a plurality of parallel lifting elements complimentary of the container, may grasp the container and lift it to perform a stacking operation when combined with a plurality of stacked containers. The inlet area has a plurality of walls providing structure and mounting for sensors and controls for selecting containers having an open end forming an entrance, within said entrance a plurality of guides, lifting elements and adaptors are actuated upon detection of an incoming container operable in lifting said container for stacking by utilization of a chain drive and motor having adjustable plates coupled to said lifting elements.

Abstract: A device is used for transporting a horizontal stack from a stack support to an intermediate deposit, where the stack is formed in a gathering device with upright, lined-up signatures. The device is comprised of a horizontally and vertically displaceable clamp arranged above the stack support, wherein the clamp compresses the stack at the ends and transfers a strapped stack from the stack support to an adjacent intermediate deposit.

Abstract: For producing wall panels (8) from bricks (1), a line-up path (4) on which bricks to be masoned are deposited in a row with a gripper, a transfer device (10) for transporting the brick row from the line-up path (4) to a bricklaying station (7) for masoning the wall panel, and a device for moving apart the bricks to form vertical joints (9) between the bricks (1) of the wall panel (8) are provided. The gripper depositing the bricks (1) on the line-up path (4) is formed by a depiling gripper (3) that depiles the bricks (1) of a pile (2) in rows with its two longitudinal grippers (13, 14). The device for moving apart the bricks (1) is formed by transverse grippers (21, 21a) disposed on the depiling gripper (3) between the longitudinal grippers (13, 14), said transverse grippers (21, 21a) individually holding the bricks (1) of the brick row depiled with the longitudinal grippers (13, 14) and being formed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the depiling gripper (3).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for unloading and binding brick or other components include an infeed conveyor that delivers layers of brick to a transfer distribution carriage. The distribution carriage repositions the brick layers on either an outfeed conveyor or a tine conveyor. The layers of bricks carried by the outfeed conveyor are moved to where a tine layer is positioned on their upper surface. The tine conveyor divides the bricks into an arrangement of rows spaced apart to define openings for receiving a lifting or moving member, so that when the tine layer is positioned in a completed stack, enables movement of the stack by a forklift or other suitable moving means. Additional layer or layers are then positioned on the tine row on a packaging conveyor so that completed stacks are delivered to a package station that binds the stack of bricks or other components into an integrated structure.

Abstract: An improved freight container for use in intermodal freight transportation systems that includes lift castings having a top lift aperture located on the lift casting at an outboard position, such that when other containers are stacked on top of the improved container, loads are properly distributed through reinforcement beams of the improved container, thereby substantially reducing bending stresses in the improved container, substantially reducing the possibility fatigue failure of the improved container, and reducing the costs of maintenance and inspection of the improved container.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sheet accumulation processing device having a shielding mechanism of a sheet discharge opening which is simple in mechanism, low in cost and requires no complicated control. In the device, after an end of a sheet bunch sent via one end of a slit opening formed in a housing front face of the device is received by a sheet holding means disposed in the slit opening in a predetermined receiving position, the sheet holding means with the sheet bunch held therein is moved along the opening and, in a predetermined discharge position in the slit opening, discharges the sheet bunch onto a sheet accumulating tray in front of the housing. In the discharge position, a sheet holding section of the holding means is rotated forward and downward from its sheet-bunch holding condition and protruded forward from the housing front face, then releases the sheet bunch to place the sheet bunch onto the sheet accumulating tray.

Abstract: In a signature-stacking apparatus, a conveyor chain holding a row of signatures travels along a conveyance path. A first signature release section and a second signature release section are provided in the conveyance path. During travel from the first signature release section to the second signature release section, the conveyor chain is twisted by 180 degrees about the direction of travel and makes a 180-degree turn about an axis parallel to a connection pin of the conveyor chain. Signatures released from the first and second signature release sections are conveyed to first and second signature delivery sections disposed on opposite sides of a stacking section by first and second conveyor mechanisms while their speed of conveyance is being adjusted. A predetermined number of signatures are delivered, while being led by their creases, into the stacking section from the first and second signature delivery sections alternately.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying signature bundles are provided that allow for many different sizes of bundles to be handled and manipulated in an easy and very agile fashion for low cycle times and for being deposited in various pallet patterns. The apparatus can include several units adjustably mounted relative to each other with each having bundle gripping members that can likewise be adjusted for varying signature formats. The upper clamp head gripping member preferably has a universal mount so that it self-adjusts to pivot for staying in flush engagement with sloped bundles. The units have a very thin housing to allow an operator to gain a good view of the bundles carried in front thereof. The units preferably include pulley drive systems provided with drive ratios to keep the housing size to a minimum while allowing a large advancing stroke for the gripping members for handling of different sized bundles.

Abstract: A work loading method and a work loading apparatus with excellent productivity are provided. For this purpose, a work loading method includes the steps of: positioning the work with two centering devices (3a, 3b) every other press shot; and making pairs of two robots (4a, 4d) each, which are located diagonally from each other, out of four of the robots (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) in total, the two robots of each pair holding the works, which are on two of the centering devices, and performing a loading operation into the pallets, each pair alternately holding the works and performing the loading operation each time two of the centering devices position the works.

Abstract: A process and a device for collecting and palletizing bottles 3 is provided, especially empty plastic bottles, which are fed from a bottle producer 36 or a bottle conveyor 8 in one or more rows one behind the other to a collecting device 4. They are transferred there to one or more intermediate carriers 6, forming bottle layers 25, wherein the loaded intermediate carriers 6 are subsequently conveyed to a palletizing device 7. The intermediate carriers 6 move in a circle in the collecting and palletizing unit 2 and can also be transferred into a storage facility 7 for intermediate storage.

Abstract: A method of picking up stacks (3) of blanks by means of a gripping device (1) having a gripper (13, 14, 15) hinged to a frame (11) and equipped with a first gripping member (15) having a free end (P); and actuating means (30, 41; 24, 25) for opening and closing the gripper (13, 14, 15); the method providing for pressing the free end (P) on a support (F) on which a stack (3) for pickup rests, and feeding the free end (P) along the support (F) and beneath the stack (3) while pressing the free end (P) against the support (F).

Abstract: The invention relates to a new device for and a new method of assembling stacking patterns and simultaneously stacking these stacking patterns by means of a robotic manipulator having at least one translational robotic axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging containers, of the type having an engagement lip, wherein the apparatus includes tacks to engage the engagement lip to move the containers from starting point to a delivery point. The containers are moved by the apparatus while being engaged by the track such that the containers are never free from the track until loaded on a pallet. A set of the containers is constricted into a bundle and the bundle is then resquared and set on a pallet. One a pallet includes a sufficient number of bundles the pallet is bound for shipment or storage.

Abstract: A robotic containerization and palletizing system having a multiple-fingered end effector. The system includes a frame that defines one or more cells. Each cell has one gantry-type robot, which is mounted in a set of tracks on top of the frame. The robot is movable along two axes and has an arm to which the end effector is mounted. The end effector is designed to grasp trays, tubs, and similar items from a conveyor system running through the cell and load them in a cart or on a pallet. The items are gripped by two sets of fingers. One set of fingers may be mounted to a first plate and another set of fingers may be mounted to a carriage that moves in a horizontal direction, either toward or away from the first set of fingers. Each finger has a main shaft and a bent tip. The shafts are rotatable such that the tips can be moved underneath or out from under a load, depending upon whether a pick-up or drop-off operation is being performed.

Abstract: A freight container for use in intermodal freight transportation systems that includes lift castings having a top lift aperture located on the lift casting at an outboard position, such that when other containers are stacked on top of the container, loads are properly distributed through reinforcement beams of the container, thereby substantially reducing bending stresses in the container, substantially reducing the possibility fatigue failure of the container, and reducing the costs of maintenance and inspection of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying signature bundles are provided that allow for many different sizes of bundles to be handled and manipulated in an easy and very agile fashion for low cycle times and for being deposited in various pallet patterns. The apparatus can include several units adjustably mounted relative to each other with each having bundle gripping members that can likewise be adjusted for varying signature formats. The upper clamp head gripping member preferably has a universal mount so that it self-adjusts to pivot for staying in flush engagement with sloped bundles. The units have a very thin housing to allow an operator to gain a good view of the bundles carried in front thereof. The units preferably include pulley drive systems provided with drive ratios to keep the housing size to a minimum while allowing a large advancing stroke for the gripping members for handling of different sized bundles.

Abstract: An apparatus for palletizing substantially cylindrical objects. The apparatus comprises at least one position-defining support device for at least one pallet, a supply of the cylindrical objects for palletizing, at least one holder for a roll of material intended for arrangement between the palletized objects and a handling device for removing the cylindrical objects from the supply and placing them on the pallet. The apparatus also comprises at least two support members each arranged on a side of a base of the position-defining support device. The handling device is adapted to removably place the at least one holder for the roll of material on different support devices after a number of objects for palletizing have been placed on the pallet.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically loading tires into a tire transport frame is disclosed. The system stacks a plurality of tires in a herringbone pattern within a tire transport frame. The tire transport frame provides a structure that maintains the stacked tires in a stable, compressed state. Further, the tire transport frame may be adapted to withstand external loads so that multiple tire transport frames may be stacked atop one another for long term storage of tires. Further, the loaded tire transport frames may be easily loaded by forklift into a vessel for storage and/or transportation without requiring significant expenditures of manual labor, time, space, or cost. As a result, the instant invention enables significant improvements in reliability, cost, and capacity in the storage and/or transportation of tires.

Abstract: A device is provided for palletizing parcels, preferably stacks of tubular sections or flat lying sacks. Said device comprises a lifting frame, which can be raised and lowered in a stand and which is provided with a roller track, in order to slide the pallets on and off. Said device also comprises a conveyor, which supplies the parcels to be stacked and from which a controlled accepting unit accepts the supplied parcels and deposits them on a pallet, provided on the roller track. To align the pallets accurately in relation to the accepting gripper, there are stops or clamping strips that can be moved in opposing directions in the lifting frame above the conveying plane of the roller track. Said stops or clamping strips act on the opposing sides or comers of the pallet and fix them in a position, in which the accepting unit deposits the parcels with positioning accuracy, according to the predetermined pattern, on the pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus for presenting components stored in stackable trays, and removing empty trays having a base member having an input and an output portion; a discharge area; a shuttle member which removes empty storage trays and places them in the discharge area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for laying masonry blocks in multiple block units. The system comprises a mortar injection device, a block hoist apparatus and a mortar applying apparatus, The mortar injection device includes a mortar feed, mortar dispensing chutes and a block tamper. The mortar dispensing chutes are positioned to inject mortar into gaps between adjacent blocks in the multiple block unit, to create a mortar joint between each block. The block tamper comprises a vibratory roller and/or a series of vibrating pistons attached to the mortar injection device, and facilitates substantially uniform settling of the mortar in the block gaps.

Abstract: A stack grasper, in particular for unbound printed products comprises a stack receiving space (22) which is open towards the bottom, a guide (14, 16, 18, 20) at all four sides of the stack receiving space, and a stack support (24, 26) on which the stack lies flat and substantially with its full length and/or width. It has the special feature that the stack support (24, 26) is arranged in the region of the lower end of the guide (14, 16, 18, 20) and is movable into and out of and into the stack receiving space (22) by a horizontal movement. This type of grasper ensures good guidance of the stack and a compact design suitable for a stack grasper attached to the arm of a robot.

Abstract: An interlinked production system is provided with a plurality of processing stations, at least three buffers being provided for decoupling the processing steps in the different processing stations. The flow of parts through the individual stations and the buffers is provided by at least one portal or several portals, upon which a plurality of portal grippers can be driven. The portal grippers are configured for transferring the parts to be processed between the processing stations and the buffers and for loading and unloading of parts. The buffers are configured to receive part carriers and each comprises at least two stack positions. A transfer device is provided for transferring part carriers between the stack positions within the buffers. In this manner, a very flexible interlinked production system is achieved, which can be adjusted to operate in one-piece-flow or also for an optimal productivity with optimized buffer capacities.

Abstract: Each pack has a pair of opposite edges and a pair of locating pins, and is also provided with pairs of holes separated by a distance equal to that between the pins to enable the packs to be stacked in offset manner, with the pins inserted inside the holes of the underlying pack. The loading and unloading device has a loading station and an unloading station located on either side of the worktable; and a transfer device movable between the stations and a fixture on the worktable for clamping the pack for machining. An unpinning mechanism for unpinning the pack has punches which are activated to remove the pins from the pack before the pack is deposited at the unloading station.