{"publication_id":"OT-2026-000000003","uuid":"01a0a4be-8de9-7908-add0-1c0116e5ab73","title":"Layer Transfer Head with Independent Clamp Retraction","abstract":"This disclosure describes a layer transfer head designed to handle full layers of unstable packages, such as cartons or bags. The head incorporates independently retractable side clamps with compliant clamp faces and a layer height sensing mechanism. This configuration prevents layer collapse during transfer and release by ensuring even pressure application and a controlled, sequenced release of the outermost packages. The system addresses the common problem of load instability when rigid or unevenly releasing clamp heads are used, particularly with non-uniform or stacked products.","language":"en","published_at":"2026-09-15T11:05:46.732467Z","canonical_url":"https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003","status":"PUBLIC","supersedes":null,"keywords":["palletizing","layer transfer","clamp mechanism","material handling","automated stacking","load stability","compliant clamping","proximity sensing","sequenced release","package handling"],"extent":{"words":2355,"paragraphs":23,"figures":2},"hashes":{"canonical_text_sha256":"4a6fc3b3b3c0c85981e724a2f41007a253330b28a84ec402ef5e80c6ff6d57c4","html_sha256":"b20a81fdc5c340eef1d6f6eb616e0f706b6d1712cebcd0caa41ad0f5c7690171","pdf_sha256":"d85ad7ec513e8980fb2e780cbdc9a365c4edb612f38a4893071ea9e268d94c2c","markdown_sha256":"12081d96b5f9c2c6a0f86f12befb74c60c27c386a1e37f344da2b4581483bd9e","manifest_sha256":"c5c5790bf452a6accb408a6df11a2e13b228e03879189d417c2ca4a5c424efb3"},"links":{"html":"https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003","text":"https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003/publication.txt","markdown":"https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003/publication.md","pdf":"https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003/publication.pdf","manifest":"https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003/manifest.json","signature":"https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003/manifest.sig","integrity":"https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003/integrity"},"categories":[{"category_id":"CAT-000000014","path":"material-handling/pallet-handling/layer-handling","name":"Layer Handling","primary":true},{"category_id":"CAT-000000170","path":"lifting-positioning-manipulation/manipulators-and-balancers/end-of-arm-handling","name":"End of Arm Handling","primary":false},{"category_id":"CAT-000000001","path":"material-handling","name":"Material Handling","primary":false},{"category_id":"CAT-000000011","path":"material-handling/pallet-handling","name":"Pallet Handling","primary":false}]}