Robotic packaging device and method
AssigneeSMART MOTION ROBOTICS, Inc.
InventorsScott C. Gilmore, Jason M. Ernst
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims5
A method of packing a case comprising:
- connecting an end of arm tool comprising a vacuum cup assembly and a plurality of clamp fingers to a robotic arm;
- controlling the robotic arm to place the end of arm tool over a package so that the vacuum cup assembly makes contact with the top surface of the package and each clamp finger is adjacent an edge of the package;
- generating a vacuum so that the vacuum cup assembly grips the top surface of the package;
- retracting the clamp fingers to clamp at least two edges of the package;
- controlling the robotic arm to lift the package and carry the package to a case;
- moving the robotic arm into the case to place the package in the case;
- releasing the package from the vacuum cup assembly and the clamp fingers;
- and
- moving the robotic arm out of the case.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.