The invention relates to a packaging device (1) for fitting out an external package (3) with a dividing element (2) and for filling a suchlike divided external package (3) with articles (4), as well as to a method for fitting out an external package (3) within a packaging device (1) with a dividing element (2) for the formation of individual divisions for articles (4) to be disposed in the external package (3). The packaging device (1) comprises a first supply module (70) for external packages (3) that are open on one side, a second supply module (60) for expanded and/or unfolded dividing elements (2), a placement device (6) for placing the expanded and/or unfolded dividing element (2) into the external package (3), at least one holding means (9) for holding and/or stabilizing the expanded and/or unfolded dividing element (2) inside the external package (3) prior to the articles (3) being placed therein, and an article feed module (11) for placing the articles (4) into an external package (3) that is divided by the dividing element (2).

A food product handling device includes a movable loading head having a plurality of coupling rails, a vacuum system operatively associated with the loading head, a plurality of suction devices carried by the loading head and configured to pick up and transport a food product, a plurality of mounting blocks slidably coupled to each other by the coupling rails, and an actuating device operatively associated with the mounting blocks for sliding each of the mounting blocks between a first position and a second position. Each of the suction devices is selectively coupled to the vacuum system. At least one of the suction devices coupled to each of the mounting blocks. The actuating device includes an actuating cylinder configured to displace the mounting blocks between the first position and a second position.

A food product handling device includes a movable loading head having a plurality of coupling rails, a vacuum system operatively associated with the loading head, a plurality of suction devices carried by the loading head and configured to pick up and transport a food product, a plurality of mounting blocks slidably coupled to each other by the coupling rails, and an actuating device operatively associated with the mounting blocks for sliding each of the mounting blocks between a first position and a second position. Each of the suction devices is selectively coupled to the vacuum system. At least one of the suction devices coupled to each of the mounting blocks. The actuating device includes an actuating cylinder configured to displace the mounting blocks between the first position and a second position.

An end effector assembly including an elongate arm plate and one or more manifold cradle assemblies movable along the elongate arm plate. The one or more manifold cradle assemblies are repositionable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second spaced-apart configuration, and at least one engagement member is provided with each manifold cradle assembly that can be oriented in either a picking orientation or a placing orientation.

An end effector assembly including an elongate arm plate and one or more manifold cradle assemblies movable along the elongate arm plate. The one or more manifold cradle assemblies are repositionable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second spaced-apart configuration, and at least one engagement member is provided with each manifold cradle assembly that can be oriented in either a picking orientation or a placing orientation.

A positioning device (1) for grasping and modifying the position, within a support structure (2) that includes, a set of products (3) for an industrial line that chain-handles these products (3), a device including, for at least one product (3) to move in the support structure (2), a maneuvering unit (4) including a movable block (5) interacting with the at least one product (3), and an actuator (6) defining the position of the block (5). This at least one maneuvering unit (4) also includes a pair of adjustment stops (7) between which the block (5) shuttles, under the action of the actuator (6), in such a way as to move the at least one product (3). A gripping device, a positioning process, and a transfer process are also described.

A positioning device (1) for grasping and modifying the position, within a support structure (2) that includes, a set of products (3) for an industrial line that chain-handles these products (3), a device including, for at least one product (3) to move in the support structure (2), a maneuvering unit (4) including a movable block (5) interacting with the at least one product (3), and an actuator (6) defining the position of the block (5). This at least one maneuvering unit (4) also includes a pair of adjustment stops (7) between which the block (5) shuttles, under the action of the actuator (6), in such a way as to move the at least one product (3). A gripping device, a positioning process, and a transfer process are also described.

An end effector for the packaging industry comprises has a frame, a bridge on top of the frame, a rack and pinion assembly, actuation rods, carrier assemblies, and vacuum ports. The rack and pinion assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a robot's rotatable shaft, and to the actuation rods. The actuation rods are fixedly connected to one or more of the carrier assemblies. As the robot's shaft rotates, the rack and pinion assembly is actuated, which actuates the actuation rods, which causes the carrier assemblies fixedly connected to the actuation rods to move longitudinally along the frame. Each carrier assembly includes a carrier block and at least one pick-up member. Each carrier block has at least one arm with a grabber to cooperate with an adjacent arm with grabbers of an adjacent carrier block(s) of the same subgroup.

An end effector for the packaging industry comprises has a frame, a bridge on top of the frame, a rack and pinion assembly, actuation rods, carrier assemblies, and vacuum ports. The rack and pinion assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a robot's rotatable shaft, and to the actuation rods. The actuation rods are fixedly connected to one or more of the carrier assemblies. As the robot's shaft rotates, the rack and pinion assembly is actuated, which actuates the actuation rods, which causes the carrier assemblies fixedly connected to the actuation rods to move longitudinally along the frame. Each carrier assembly includes a carrier block and at least one pick-up member. Each carrier block has at least one arm with a grabber to cooperate with an adjacent arm with grabbers of an adjacent carrier block(s) of the same subgroup.

A food product handling device is provided. The food product handling device can include a movable loading head having a plurality of rails and a vacuum system operatively associated with the head. In addition, a plurality of suction devices carried by the head and configured to pick up and transport a food product as the head is moved can be provided. A plurality of mounting blocks can be slidably coupled to the rails where at least one suction device is coupled to each mounting block. An actuating device can be operatively associated with the mounting blocks such that each mounting block is configured to slide between a first position and a second position.