Sanovo Technology Netherlands B.v.

Edwin Lambertus Maria Papen

Dirk Willem Wikkerink

Erik Pieter Van Gaasbeek

Hielke Dijkstra

Jan Hordijk

A gripping device for gripping an egg tray (A) having a dimpled structure includes a gripping unit () that is movable up and down to engage and grip the egg tray (A) and move it. The gripping unit comprises () at least a pair of opposite grip ping members (A,B) which are movable in opposite directions, substantially transverse to the up and down movement of the unit (), from a retracted position to an advanced position to grip a dimple () of the egg tray (A), and from the advanced position to the retracted position to release the dimple. Each gripping member (A,B) of said pair has a separate pressure operated actuator () operatively connected to it. The actuator (), upon pressurization, moves the corresponding gripping member (A,B) from the retracted position to the advanced position.

Gripping device for package with dimples

An egg conveyor assembly is provided herein. The egg conveyor assembly includes a first conveyor extending in a first conveyor direction on a first height level, a second conveyor extending in a second conveyor direction perpendicular to the first height level. A transfer device adapted to transfer eggs from the first to the second conveyor includes an array of egg retainers. The egg retainers include pockets having a receiving opening at an upper end thereof to receive the eggs from above from the first conveyor, and are adapted to release the eggs at a lower end to drop the eggs in egg retainers of the second conveyor. The transfer device is movable in the first conveyor direction and in the second conveyor direction in a plane on a height level between the first height level and second height level.

Egg transfer device

An egg orientation device is provided to position eggs downwards or upwards in egg retainers. The device includes a stationary lane with a support plate. The support plate includes a central zone and two lateral zones. The device also includes a pusher movable along the stationary lane and configured to push an egg over the support plate and around its longitudinal axis. The egg retainer is also movable in the beneath the support plate of the stationary lane in a synchronized manner with the pusher. A drop opening is provided in the support plate. The drop opening enables eggs to fall through such that they are positioned downwards or upwards in the egg retainer positioned beneath the drop opening. The drop opening is either located in the central zone or in the lateral zone.

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Vorden, Netherlands

Edwin Lambertus Maria Papen