{
  "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.",
  "canonical_url": "https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003",
  "categories": [
    "material-handling/pallet-handling/layer-handling",
    "lifting-positioning-manipulation/manipulators-and-balancers/end-of-arm-handling"
  ],
  "extent": {
    "figures": 2,
    "paragraphs": 23,
    "words": 2355
  },
  "figures": [
    {
      "caption": "This diagram illustrates the primary functional blocks of the layer transfer head.",
      "derivative": {
        "file": "figures/fig-001.png",
        "media_type": "image/png",
        "sha256": "34da6f3e990259bd1aaec512dae01335e37b216e2cc40d753e591c9d27f1f537"
      },
      "file": "figures/fig-001.svg",
      "number": "FIG-001",
      "sha256": "a10b4f3e43b17647c34736d8eae305906e7841cf05e992960e908cc098d3ed97"
    },
    {
      "caption": "This drawing shows a cross-section of the side clamp assembly with its compliant face.",
      "derivative": {
        "file": "figures/fig-002.png",
        "media_type": "image/png",
        "sha256": "c0c758168b6b049cfd6b4400099b8356747dd55f320da65d93e3abae1954ca56"
      },
      "file": "figures/fig-002.svg",
      "number": "FIG-002",
      "sha256": "fdb18e4315f0eb04fdfb070f5c5a87e893385220dd7215c90168019f36d24fec"
    }
  ],
  "files": [
    {
      "bytes": 26908,
      "media_type": "text/html; charset=utf-8",
      "name": "index.html",
      "sha256": "b20a81fdc5c340eef1d6f6eb616e0f706b6d1712cebcd0caa41ad0f5c7690171"
    },
    {
      "bytes": 16201,
      "media_type": "text/markdown; charset=utf-8",
      "name": "publication.md",
      "sha256": "12081d96b5f9c2c6a0f86f12befb74c60c27c386a1e37f344da2b4581483bd9e"
    },
    {
      "bytes": 68619,
      "media_type": "application/pdf",
      "name": "publication.pdf",
      "sha256": "d85ad7ec513e8980fb2e780cbdc9a365c4edb612f38a4893071ea9e268d94c2c"
    },
    {
      "bytes": 16144,
      "media_type": "text/plain; charset=utf-8",
      "name": "publication.txt",
      "sha256": "4a6fc3b3b3c0c85981e724a2f41007a253330b28a84ec402ef5e80c6ff6d57c4"
    }
  ],
  "integrity": {
    "hash_algorithm": "sha256",
    "keys_url": "https://opentechnical.org/integrity/keys",
    "record_url": "https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000003/integrity",
    "signature_algorithm": "Ed25519",
    "signature_file": "manifest.sig",
    "verify_url": "https://opentechnical.org/integrity/verify"
  },
  "keywords": [
    "palletizing",
    "layer transfer",
    "clamp mechanism",
    "material handling",
    "automated stacking",
    "load stability",
    "compliant clamping",
    "proximity sensing",
    "sequenced release",
    "package handling"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "license": {
    "name": "Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"
  },
  "publication_id": "OT-2026-000000003",
  "published_at": "2026-09-15T11:05:46.732467Z",
  "publisher": "Nebula Innovations Limited",
  "schema": "opentechnical-publication-manifest/1.0",
  "supersedes": null,
  "title": "Layer Transfer Head with Independent Clamp Retraction",
  "uuid": "01a0a4be-8de9-7908-add0-1c0116e5ab73"
}