End effector for engaging the flexible packaging materials of parcels
US11285605B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2020 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2203/044
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An end effector for engaging flexible packaging materials includes a frame, along with a first and second wheel mounted for rotation with respect to the frame. The first wheel and the second wheel are mounted to the frame relative to each other so that the outer surfaces of the two wheels are positioned opposite of each other. The first wheel and the second wheel can be driven in opposing directions to effectively define a roller intake which can be used to draw the flexible packaging materials of a target parcel between the first wheel and the second wheel. The end effector of the present invention can be combined with a robot to provide an improved system for engaging the flexible packaging materials of a parcel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.