Packaging apparatus and method
US6523874B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2203/044
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a packaging apparatus for gripping, lifting, and then moving a plurality of individual products from a first location to a second location. The apparatus includes first and second plates and a plurality of individual grippers that are each selectively actuated to grip a single product and to release the product at a preselected time. Each gripper includes a plurality of slots extending upwardly from the base of each gripper, thereby providing a plurality of gripper fingers. Each gripper extends through an appropriately configured hole in the second plate into a fixed engagement with the first plate. The second plate is movably mounted to the first plate such that it can be moved relatively thereto. The holes in the second plate are sized to engage the gripper fingers when moved apart from the first plate. As the plates continue to move apart, the continuing camming engagement between the second plate and the gripper will cause the gripper fingers to be moved inwardly into a gripping engagement with the products.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.