Patent ID: 7934759

Claim:
In a packaging system for handling palletized product arranged in multiple layers of product cases, a pallet de-layering system comprising: a gripper mechanism configured to clamp a layer of the multiple layers by applying a clamping force to one or more product cases of the layer such that the layer can be removed from an adjacent layer of product cases to a different location, the layer including a void between adjacent product cases; and a void filling member carried by the gripper mechanism, the void filling member being sized and located to be positioned within the void to limit movement of the adjacent product cases into the void during a clamping operation; wherein multiple, spaced-apart void filling members are carried by the gripper mechanism, each void filling member moveable by an associated actuator between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the gripper mechanism; at least one sensor for indicating a void location and a controller for controlling each actuator in response to output of the sensor.