Tool for Use in Robotic Case Erecting
AssigneeR.A. Pearson Company
InventorsMichael J. Johnson, David John Nelson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure describes techniques for erecting cases, and particularly example structures and example methods for use in a case erecting system using a robotic arm. A tool for use in robotic case erecting may be used in conjunction with a robotic arm. Use of the tool assists in keeping a case level as the case moves along a conveyor, where a plow closes the major flaps and a tape head tapes edges of the flaps together, thereby sealing the bottom of the case. The tool also assists in regulating the gap between the major flaps, so that the gap and/or any overlap of the flaps is minimized. Accordingly, the tool assists the robotic arm to close the case in a more precise manner.
Claims20
A system for erecting cases, comprising:
- a tool, to grasp a flap of a case to be opened;
- a robotic arm, to grasp a side the case, and to open the case by movement of the robotic arm;
- and
- a plow to fold flaps of the case after the case is opened, wherein the folding of the flaps of the case is responsive to movement of the robotic arm pushing the case against the plow, and wherein the tool slides on a track responsive to movement of the case.
A system for erecting cases, comprising:
- a tool, having at least one suction cup to grasp a case to be opened and an actuator to adjust a location of the suction cups;
- and
- a robotic arm, to grasp a side the case, and to move the case by movement of the robotic arm;
- wherein spacing between flaps of the case to be sealed together is controlled at least in part by movement of the actuator, the location of the at least one suction cup, and a position of the robotic arm.
A system for erecting cases, comprising:
- a tool, having at least one suction cup to grasp a case and an actuator to adjust a location of the suction cups;
- and
- a robotic arm, to grasp the case, and to move the case;
- wherein spacing between flaps of the case to be sealed together is controlled at least in part by movement of the tool along a track.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.