Robotic unscrambler and method

摘要

A robotic unscrambler apparatus is provided that ensures articles that are delivered in an initial orientation are transported in a conveyable orientation for further treatment at one or more stations in a production line. The apparatus includes a conveyance apparatus and at least one picker. An uprighting device is provided with a series of guides. The picker removes articles from the conveyance apparatus, and places the articles onto one of the guides. The uprighting device moves the guides between article placement positions and article conveyance positions. Each guide may include a contoured article support surface that facilitates centering of an article placed thereon.

主权项

1. A robotic unscrambler for rearranging a plurality of incoming articles into a stable conveyable orientation, said unscrambler comprising:
(a) a first conveyance apparatus traveling in a first direction of travel such that said conveyance apparatus transports said incoming articles within an operating region of at least one picker; (b) an uprighting device adjacent said first conveyance apparatus, said uprighting device comprising a plurality of guides pivotably disposed along a second conveyance apparatus traveling in a direction of travel, wherein said picker is configured to remove said articles from said first conveyance apparatus and place said articles onto article support surfaces of said guides of said uprighting device, and said guides pivot upward and transversely to the direction of travel of the second conveyance apparatus to upright said articles and place the articles into a stable conveyable orientation.