Abstract:
An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises vacuum cup assemblies to grip the top surfaces of the packages, clamp fingers to clamp the edges of the packages, and optionally a pusher assembly to release the packages from the clamp fingers. In addition, a method of loading packages into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided. A gripper may be provided to place divider sheets between packages in the cases.
Abstract:
An endless conveyor for receiving, conveying in a conveying direction and delivering rotation-symmetrical products. The conveyor is provided with at least a single endless transport element, as well as with a number of transverse elements extending perpendicularly to the conveying direction. At least a single hourglass-shaped roller is provided on each transverse element, wherein the rollers form a corresponding at least single row and wherein between each two successive rollers in a row there is a conveying position for a product. The conveyor includes a lay-on portion and a successive downstream portion which are situated in different planes, the angle between these planes being greater than 180° as measured from above.
Abstract:
An egg transfer apparatus is configured to distribute eggs substantially evenly with reduced breakage on a moving conveyor. The egg transfer apparatus includes a conveyor having opposite first and second ends, a pair of elongated members that extend along the direction of travel of the conveyor between the conveyor first and second ends, and a plurality of spaced-apart, diverging guides positioned downstream from the elongated members. Each elongated member includes opposite first and second end portions. The first end portions of the elongated members are in generally parallel, spaced-apart relationship, and the second end portions have an arcuate configuration and converge to define an opening therebetween through which eggs on the conveyor are conveyed. The diverging guides are positioned downstream from the opening and cause the eggs passing through the opening to be generally evenly distributed at the conveyor second end.
Abstract:
An improved carrier system is described for rows of eggs. The system includes elongated open carriers with covers of movable rods permitting the covers to be automatically opened and closed. The carriers are mounted on spaced chains for movement through egg processing stations as, for example, hot water cooking chambers. Means are provided along the chain paths for opening and closing the carrier covers at appropriate positions in the process. The covers are closed when carriers move into the heated cooking water and are opened as the carriers emerge from the water toward an egg discharge station. Pivotal mountings of the carriers on the chains permit them to be dumped by dumping members provided along the chain paths at the egg discharge station.
Abstract:
An improved quick acting vacuum control system is described which provides for the rapid application and release of a vacuum force to a vacuum tool or lifter or other device. A two-way valve is coupled between an air pump and a vacuum device which one valve position coupling the air pump input directly to the vacuum device with the pump output vented to the atmosphere. In the other valve position, the air pump connections are reversed with the pressure outlet being coupled directly to the tool while the pump input is coupled to the atmosphere. The arrangement provides for one filter or muffler serving two air lines.