An apparatus for transferring a container from a first station to a second station of a container forming line includes a frame, a slide mounted to the frame, and a robotic arm mounted to the slide and movable along the slide between the first station and the second station. The robotic arm includes an end effector operable to remove the container from the first station. The frame is removably coupleable to at least one of the first station and the second station such that the apparatus is transportable to a different container forming line.

An apparatus for transferring a container from a first station to a second station of a container forming line includes a frame, a slide mounted to the frame, and a robotic arm mounted to the slide and movable along the slide between the first station and the second station. The robotic arm includes an end effector operable to remove the container from the first station. The frame is removably coupleable to at least one of the first station and the second station such that the apparatus is transportable to a different container forming line.

A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a storage bin system for receiving at a first end thereof, a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, a retrieval conveyance system at a second end of the storage bin system that is generally opposite the first end of the storage bin system, where the retrieval conveyance system is in communication with the plurality of storage bins, a programmable motion device in communication with the retrieval conveyance system for receiving the storage bins from the plurality of storage bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and a destination bin system for receiving the selected object from the end effector of the programmable motion device at first end of the destination bin system, and the destination bin system provides access to the plurality of destination bins at a second end thereof that is generally opposite the first end of the destination bin system.

A storage, retrieval and processing system for processing objects is disclosed. The storage, retrieval and processing system includes a storage bin system for receiving at a first end thereof, a plurality of storage bins providing storage of a plurality of objects, a retrieval conveyance system at a second end of the storage bin system that is generally opposite the first end of the storage bin system, where the retrieval conveyance system is in communication with the plurality of storage bins, a programmable motion device in communication with the retrieval conveyance system for receiving the storage bins from the plurality of storage bins, where the programmable motion device includes an end effector for grasping and moving a selected object out of a selected storage bin, and a destination bin system for receiving the selected object from the end effector of the programmable motion device at first end of the destination bin system, and the destination bin system provides access to the plurality of destination bins at a second end thereof that is generally opposite the first end of the destination bin system.

The invention relates to a palletizing apparatus for setting down article layers on a transport aid, the palletizing apparatus including a lifting apparatus which is configured in the form of a column and has at least three sides and at least three separate guide devices, wherein one of the at least three guide devices is arranged on each side, and wherein at least one carriage is guided on each of the three guide devices so as to be movable in a vertical direction (Z). Here, the at least three sides are oriented parallel to the vertical direction (Z) and in an inclined manner with respect to one another, wherein at least two of the angles (A1, A2, A3) between the three sides are angles other than 90°. The invention also relates to a method for operating a palletizing apparatus for setting down an article layer on a transport aid.

A product unpacking system includes a work surface at a first height and a product unloading position at a second height. An adjustable cutter is positioned adjacent to the work surface and configured to cut a plurality of sides of each case. A case movement device, such as a robot or manual mover, is configured to retrieve a case from a group of cases and move the case to the cutter to cut a plurality of sides of the case. The case movement device may then move the cut case to an unload position over a product container to allow products within the case to drop into the product container. A system of conveyors may be used to convey empty product containers toward the work surface and to convey filled product containers away from the work surface. The system may be automated to receive recipe information for each case to be unloaded and modify parameters of the system based on the case.

A product unpacking system includes a work surface at a first height and a product unloading position at a second height. An adjustable cutter is positioned adjacent to the work surface and configured to cut a plurality of sides of each case. A case movement device, such as a robot or manual mover, is configured to retrieve a case from a group of cases and move the case to the cutter to cut a plurality of sides of the case. The case movement device may then move the cut case to an unload position over a product container to allow products within the case to drop into the product container. A system of conveyors may be used to convey empty product containers toward the work surface and to convey filled product containers away from the work surface. The system may be automated to receive recipe information for each case to be unloaded and modify parameters of the system based on the case.

A turnout for use with two transport sections includes a turnout arm rotatably supported with respect to a first axis of rotation, guided in a linearly movably in the direction of the first axis, and movable between two end positions. The turnout arm has a deflection surface configured such that, when the turnout arm is in a first end position, a transported item can be transferred between the first and second transport sections via the deflection surface, and the turnout arm is located beneath the transport level in a second end position such that the transported item is movable along the first transport section beyond the turnout. The turnout arm is connected for driving, via a transmission, to a single electric motor such that it is movable back and forth between the first and second end positions solely by being driven by the electric motor in two degrees of freedom.

An apparatus for handling bottles, including a first and a second conveyor belt with directions of advancement incident with each other, and a deflector device for connecting the first and the second conveyor belts.

An apparatus for handling bottles, including a first and a second conveyor belt with directions of advancement incident with each other, and a deflector device for connecting the first and the second conveyor belts.