Abstract: An apparatus includes a suction cup, a fitting, and a filter. The suction cup defines an interior cavity with a first opening and a second opening. The fitting is coupled to the suction cup. The fitting includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the fitting defines a chamber. The second portion of the fitting is positioned within the interior cavity and is coupled to the first portion of the fitting to secure the first portion of the fitting to the suction cup. The filter is positioned within the chamber such that the suction cup and the fitting define a passage from the second opening, through the interior cavity, and through the chamber and the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bellows and a lip. The bellows defines an interior cavity. The lip is coupled to the bellows such that the lip is concentric with the bellows. The lip extends away from the bellows in a radial direction and in a vertical direction such that the lip forms a cup shape. The bellows and the lip define a passage from the lip through the interior cavity. The lip includes a rib on an outer surface of the lip such that the rib extends along the outer surface of the lip and away from the bellows in the radial direction and in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods to grasp objects using vacuum-actuated end of arm tools may include extending pistons and suction cups. For example, responsive to application of negative pressure, a piston may move from a retracted position to an extended position. In addition, responsive to grasping an object by a suction cup, the piston may remain in the extended position due to continued generation of pressure differentials that apply forces to the piston toward the extended position. Alternatively, a piston may be biased toward an extended position due to a spring force, and may remain in the extended position responsive to grasping an object. In the extended position of the piston, an object may be grasped with an amount of passive compliance to external forces that may be applied to the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods to grasp objects using vacuum-actuated end of arm tools may include moving pistons, pinching or stabilizing arms, and suction cups. For example, responsive to application of negative pressure and responsive to grasping an object by a suction cup, a piston may move between a retracted position and an extended position. The movement of the piston may cause corresponding movement of one or more pinching or stabilizing arms around the object to pinch and/or stabilize the object grasped by the suction cup.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for dynamically adjustable suction cups. In one embodiment, an example device may include a backplate, a gear coupled to the backplate and configured to move from a first position to a second position, a first suction cup segment having a first cavity, and a second suction cup segment disposed adjacent to the first suction cup segment, where a first portion of the second suction cup segment is disposed in the first cavity. Movement of the mechanical actuator from the first position to the second position may cause the first portion of the second suction cup segment to slide out of the first cavity, such that a surface area of a suction cup formed by the first suction cup segment and the second suction cup segment increases.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool includes concentric rings of suction cup assemblies. Each suction cup assembly can be independently extended and retracted. Sensors on each suction cup assembly indicate its fully extended position such that displacement from the fully extended position upon contacting an item is indicated by the corresponding sensor.