Abstract: Improved devices and methods for gripping, supporting and releasing objects, which may be used with robotic arms, manipulators or vehicles, to hold, move or rotate objects in automated manufacturing, packaging, assembling and construction applications. The device comprises a body, an adapter flange for mounting an object gripper with an intake, a vacuum supply port, an airflow passageway configured to couple the intake to the vacuum supply port to define a substantially contiguous vacuum path, and an actuating system to open and close a breach in the substantially contiguous vacuum path. Admitting suction via the vacuum supply port while the breach is closed and the intake is in contact with the object produces a pressure gradient force having sufficient magnitude to support the object's weight in a gravitational field. Operating the actuating system to open the breach releases the object and preferably propels it away from the device.