Gripping device

A process for gripping a product comprising positioning a device having:

• first and second matable jaw members;
• a cylinder adapted to reciprocate vertically;
• means connecting the first jaw member to the cylinder such that, in operation, the cylinder and connecting means urge the first jaw member to open and close the jaws;
• means for maintaining the second jaw member in a fixed position relative to the cylinder;
• and
• means for activating and deactivating the cylinder for closing and opening the jaws above a fixed table provided with at least one transverse groove;
• transporting a product on the fixed table to locate it beneath the jaw members with its upstream or downstream edge overlying the transverse groove;
• advancing the cylinder downwardly with the jaws in the open position to enable the lower end of the second jaw member to contact the product at its upstream or downstream end above the groove causing the product to tilt in the groove;
• activating the cylinder to close the jaws to grip the tilted product at its upper end;
• retracting the cylinder upwardly with the closed jaws gripping the product;
• and
• deactivating the cylinder to open the jaws to release the product from the jaws.