Singulator
US9359150B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2203/0233
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The problem of singulating products that are provided in a pallet layer is solved by breaking up the pallet layer so that each product can be handled separately by a robot tool and outputted in at least one line according to a predetermined orientation. The singulator includes a layer drop zone that receives a pallet layer of products, a break-up system that separates the products by creating gaps therebetween, yielding separated products, a vision system that determines characteristics and position of each separated product; and a robot equipped with a tool that receives information indicative of the characteristics and position of said each separated product to grip and position each separated product onto an output station within at least one line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.