The Gillette Company

Mark Knight Robinson

A method is provided for forming one or more gripper heads to be used with a gripping apparatus. The method includes obtaining 3D data based on a geometry of a component. The method also includes forming one gripper head comprising 3D printing the gripper head based on the obtained 3D data. The forming step includes forming one or more openings in the gripper head and forming a nest of the gripper head to locate and releasably hold the component based on suction being applied through the one or more openings.

Method for forming gripper heads used to transport components

A kit is provided for a gripping apparatus. The gripping apparatus includes a body defining a chamber and an exhaust at a first end of the body. The gripping apparatus also includes an air conveyor positioned within the chamber. The air conveyor is configured to generate an air flow through an inlet and out through the exhaust. The kit includes a plurality of gripper heads each configured to be attached to a second end of the body opposite to the first end. Each gripper head defines a respective interchangeable nest that is different among the plurality of gripper heads. Each gripper head is configured to locate and releasably hold one of a plurality of components based on the air flow generated within the chamber and discharged through the exhaust.

Kit for a gripper head apparatus for transporting components

A method is provided for transporting components using a gripping apparatus. The gripping apparatus includes a body defining a chamber and includes an exhaust at a first end of the body. The gripping apparatus also includes an air conveyor positioned within the chamber. The method includes attaching a gripper head to a second end of the body opposite to the first end. The gripper head defines one or more openings and a nest. The method further includes generating an air flow through an inlet of the air conveyor and out through the exhaust. The method further includes applying suction via the one or more openings in the gripper head to locate and releasably hold one of the components with the gripper head at the first location based on the generating step. The method further includes transporting the component from the first location to a second location.

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Fresham, United Kingdom

Mark Knight Robinson