Abstract: There is discussed a method of picking and placing bulbs, in which bulbs are supplied on a supply surface of a bulbs supply system; the bulbs being identified and picked from the supply surface with a pick-and-place head; wherein picked bulbs are transferred from the pick-and-place head, shoot-first and roots-last to a transfer-receptacle comprising at least one bulb-receptor, wherein the bulb-receptor temporarily clutches said bulb.

Abstract: A flag holder for vehicles including a rack assembly and a clamp assembly is disclosed. These assemblies in conjunction with one another provide a simple solution to retrofitting a flag holder to various pickup truck bed sizes. The rack assembly includes multiple pole sleeves linked together through horizontal segments that run parallel to the truck bed edge the rack assembly is mounted on. The clamp assembly includes a gripping member and a securing member that can tighten and loosen the present invention from the truck bed via a knob. The horizontal segments as well as the pole sleeves include an attachment portion for bumpers to be mounted to. The bumpers help level the rack assembly as well as protect the present invention and vehicle from damage while the vehicle is in motion. Also disclosed is a light assembly that is capable of illuminating face plates from the interior or exterior.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for shape controlled gripping of a workpiece. A layer jamming structure includes a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity. A shape conforming tool includes at least one part configured to move to apply a force to the layer jamming structure. The shape conforming tool, by operation of the part, conforms the layer jamming structure to the workpiece. The pressure system, with operation of the pump, changes a pressure in the internal cavity to impart rigidity to the layer jamming structure.

Abstract: A molding mold includes a shell mold provided with a plurality of vacuum suction holes and a backup mold for backing up the shell mold, a back surface of the shell mold and a front surface of the backup mold having the same shape and being fitted to each other. A ventilation groove is formed on the front surface of the backup mold or the back surface of the shell mold, leaving a receiving surface for receiving a mating surface, a plurality of striped grooves and ridges between the striped grooves are formed on the back surface of the shell mold or the front surface of the backup mold, the striped grooves having a feed pitch of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm and a processing depth of 0.01 mm to 0.4 mm, and the vacuum suction holes and the ventilation groove communicate with each other through the striped grooves.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to pledget stimulation/recording electrode assemblies that are particularly useful for automatic periodic stimulation. Embodiments are compatible with nerve monitoring systems to provide continuous stimulation of a nerve during surgery. Disclosed embodiments include an electrode assembly having one or more electrodes rotatably supported by and positioned within a pledget substrate. The flexible pledget substrate conforms and fixates to bioelectric tissue to secure the electrode assembly in position, wrapped around the target tissue. In some embodiments, the pledget substrate includes two bodies, each including at least one electrode, the two bodies being selectively separable so that the bodies can be repositioned with respect to one another. The electrode assembly further includes a lead wire assembly including at least one insulating jacket positioned around a wire core.

Abstract: This application relates to an aircraft static port testing device in which a static leech may fixed to the static port of an aircraft. The static leech may be held in place by a suction cup surrounding the static port and the static port may be connected to an aircraft air data testing unit through a static port fitting. Vacuum may be created in the suction cup through a vacuum syringe or a vacuum pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a switchable plate, such that a common vacuum tool may be adapted with different plates. A switchable plate may form the entirety of the vacuum tool's material contacting surface or a switchable plate may form a portion of the material contacting surface. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force.

Abstract: A securable plate for infants having a sidewall projecting a length of a perimeter edge engages removably with a support surface using a suction cup. An opening in the sidewall provides a passage to lift the edge of the suction cup to disengage the suctioned engagement of the suction cup by lifting the edge of the suction cup or a release flap extending from it.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises a mat body characterized by a front side, a back side and a thickness; a plurality of anchors, each anchor comprising an anchor block having an aperture characterized by an aperture diameter, a suction cup having a sealing surface and an outer surface, and a stem that is coaxial with the suction cup and connects the suction cup to the anchor block. Each anchor may be disposed through the thickness, such that its anchor block is on the front side and its suction cup extends from the back side. The system may further comprise an elongated tether that is removably coupleable to one of the plurality of anchors, and the elongated tether may comprise an anchor end having a generally spherical anchor terminus characterized by an anchor diameter that is greater than the aperture diameter.

Abstract: The disclosed is a non-slip container with hidden suction cup. In one aspect, a container includes a storage space, a suction cup, solid core, suction mechanism and a release tab. The solid core is placed directly above the suction cup in the storage space. The suction mechanism is positioned in a sectional gap of the container under the solid core. The suction mechanism enables the container to adhere with a surface on which the container is affixed. The release tab of the suction mechanism is accessible from the strategically placed area of the container. The release tab is positioned under the solid core and fully vertically flushes with the container. The release tab is encompassed in the sectional gap under the container. The release tab enables a user to detach the container from the surface when the release tab is lifted upward from the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer head for a micro LED, the transfer head gripping a micro LED and transferring the micro LED to a display substrate. In particular, the present invention relates to a transfer head for a micro LED, the transfer head gripping a micro LED in a state where a grip surface of the transfer head and an upper surface of the micro LED are not in contact with each other when transferring the micro LED. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent positional error which may occur when transferring the micro LED and prevent damage of the micro LED.

Abstract: An aircraft static test adapter assembly comprising a static test head for performing testing at an aircraft static port on an aircraft body. The static test head is biased, and optionally supported by a biasing member extending in use from the static test head to the ground. A biasing mechanism provides a biasing force to the biasing member which is transferred by the biasing member to the static test head such that it is held in place. Abstract not intended to be limiting.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises a mat body characterized by a front side, a back side and a thickness; a plurality of anchors, each anchor comprising an anchor block having an aperture characterized by an aperture diameter, a suction cup having a sealing surface and an outer surface, and a stem that is coaxial with the suction cup and connects the suction cup to the anchor block. Each anchor may be disposed through the thickness, such that its anchor block is on the front side and its suction cup extends from the back side. The system may further comprise an elongated tether that is removably coupleable to one of the plurality of anchors, and the elongated tether may comprise an anchor end having a generally spherical anchor terminus characterized by an anchor diameter that is greater than the aperture diameter.

Abstract: A beverage retaining system for an off-road vehicle. The beverage retaining system includes a cup holder tray that has a cup receiving portion with a bottom wall, and at least one magnetic element located subjacent to the bottom wall of the cup receiving portion. The magnetic element is configured to provide a magnetic retention force. The beverage retaining system also includes a beverage container that has a bottom end and at least one retaining element located on the bottom end. The beverage container is configured to be moveable between a secured position in which the at least one retaining element substantially engages with the magnetic retention force of the at least one magnetic element and an unsecured position in which the at least one retaining element substantially disengages with the magnetic retention force of the at least one magnetic element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device mounted on the surface of a vehicle for securing one or more items to the vehicle. The device includes an upper housing made of relatively hard material and a bottom part made of flexible, relatively soft material having a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom part is capable of shifting its configuration between a disengaged configuration, wherein the bottom surface of the bottom part is essentially planar, and an engaged configuration, wherein the bottom surface of the bottom part is concave. An upper housing includes an actuator means for actuating the bottom part to shift the configuration of the bottom part between the disengaged and the engaged configurations. The actuator means keeps the bottom part in the engaged configuration until being disengaged. The upper housing includes one or more holes for securing one or more items to the vehicle.

Abstract: An ejector for vaporized fuel gas recirculation devices is provided. The ejector for vaporized fuel gas recirculation devices reduces the number of elements equipped in a vehicle and an ejector mounting angle is adjusted to be suitable for a layout environment of the vehicle. Accordingly, a mounting cavity of the vehicle is more efficiently designed. When an intake pressure of an intake manifold is reduced a base component is moved in a direction toward a first nozzle component, and a region of the base component except an aperture closes the first nozzle component.

Abstract: A vacuum generator driven by compressed air flow and arranged to supply vacuum to a vacuum gripper, wherein a vacuum flow connection is associated with the vacuum generator and arranged to be brought in flow connection with the vacuum gripper in order to supply vacuum to the vacuum gripper in result of the compressed air flow, wherein the flow connection in addition comprises a second connection arranged to supply a compressed air flow to the vacuum gripper, and wherein the flow connection comprises a valve which is actuated by a spring force in a lower position and to open the connection to the vacuum gripper and arranged to close the connection in result of an air pressure from a compressed air flow in the second connection in a higher position.

Abstract: An anchoring device having directional release and attachment capability includes a lower base member and an upper movable member. The movable member is wholly or partially nested within the base member and movable relative thereto. The movable member includes a gripping region not covered by the base member for intentional manipulation and lifting of the movable member. A seal member is configured to engage an external reference surface and form a substantially airtight seal therewith that defines a controlled pressure zone between the seal member and the reference surface. A communication port can be opened and closed via actuation of the movable member to selectively vent or isolate the controlled pressure zone. A protective member covers one or more areas of the movable member not covered by the base member and not part of the gripping region in order to prevent unwanted venting of the communication port.

Abstract: A carrier plate assembly has a carrier plate and multiple gaskets. The carrier plate has a first end, a second end, and a carrier surface between the first end and the second end. The carrier surface forms multiple accommodating recesses. The gaskets are accommodated in the accommodating recesses. The gaskets prevent the wafer from sliding. Besides, with top surfaces of the gaskets aligning with the carrier surface and an edge of each gasket connected to an edge of an opening of the accommodating recess, the accommodating recess is filled by the gasket, and thus the gasket is securely accommodated in the accommodating recess and may not deform upward.

Abstract: A wall climbing toy includes a frame body, a drive shaft, a plurality of spring-loaded release valves, a cam shaft, a drive unit, a left gear train, a shaft extension, a plurality of primary crank arms, a plurality of connecting rods, a plurality of suction cups, and a plurality of air tube units. When each of the spring-loaded release valves is displaced from a seal position to an open position, an air seal formed between a corresponding one of the suction cups and a flat surface is broken. When the drive shaft is driven concurrently with the cam shaft to rotate, the air seals formed between the suction cups and the flat surface are broken alternately so as to permit the connecting rods to be alternately pulled away from a flat surface.

Abstract: A music instrument mountable device. The music instrument mountable device includes a vibration sensing device configured to detect a note being played on a music instrument. The music instrument mountable device also includes an attachment. The attachment includes a magnet configured to releasably secure the vibration sensing device to the music instrument. The attachment also includes a ferromagnetic attachment configured to attach to the music instrument. The magnet and the ferromagnetic attachment are configured to magnetically connect the vibration sensing mountable device to the music instrument.

Abstract: A stringed instrument mountable device. The stringed instrument mountable device includes a vibration sensing device configured to detect a note being played on a stringed instrument. The stringed instrument mountable device also includes an attachment configured to attach the vibration sensing device to the stringed instrument.

Abstract: A suction device includes an elastic base and a release structure connected operably to the elastic base. The elastic base has a peripheral portion for to hermetically contacting a contact surface and defining a vacuum chamber therebetween when a predetermined external force is applied on the elastic base, thereby mounting the elastic base on the contact surface. The release structure has a projection protruding outwardly and partially from the elastic base when an applied force on the elastic base is greater than the predetermined external force and retracting inwardly within the elastic base so as to be disposed in the vacuum chamber when the elastic base is mounted on the contact surface such that a distance between a protruding end of the projection and the contact surface is greater than zero.

Abstract: A suction apparatus and a glass-wiping device with the suction apparatus. The glass-wiping device sucks onto the surface of a glass via the suction apparatus. The suction apparatus comprises a suction cup unit (1). The suction cup unit (1) comprises an inner suction cup (11) and an outer suction cup (12). The inner suction cup (11) is arranged on the inside of the outer suction cup (12), where a chamber on the inside of the inner suction cup (11) forms an inner negative pressure chamber (13) via vacuum suction, and where a chamber between the inner and outer suction cups (11 and 12) forms an outer negative pressure chamber (14) via vacuum suction. The glass-wiping device sucks onto the surface of the glass via the inner negative pressure chamber (13) and/or the outer negative pressure chamber (14).

Abstract: A vacuum suction device of the present invention comprises: a cover which is rotatably mounted on the upper portion so as to couple to a flat surface by means of vacuum suction; an suction plate, which is coupled to the lower portion of the cover, for vacuum suction to the flat surface; and a height adjustment member, which is arranged between the cover and the suction plate, for moving the suction plate back and forth according to the rotation of the cover; wherein a plurality of fixing pieces are formed on the upper surface of the inside of the cover, a plurality of elastic stoppers are coupled to the inside of the height adjustment member, so as to be movable by sliding when each of the fixing pieces is in contact, and for fixing the cover by each of the fixing pieces being hooked to the end portion of the cover so as to prevent reverse rotation.

Abstract: A rotatable multi-cup suction device includes at least two suction cup assemblies coupled to each other through a rotatable connection assembly and each including a cup body that is in direct contact with an adhered surface of an object. The cup bodies are each provided with a cap positioned thereon to define a cavity with the cup body. Each of the cup bodies includes a coupling screw rod and each of the caps includes a mounting hole formed in a central portion thereof to receive the coupling screw rod to extend therethrough. Each of the caps is provided, on a top thereof, with a rotary knob that is threadingly coupled to the coupling screw rod and is provided with an air evacuation hole that is connectable to an air evacuation device. Each of the coupling screw rod has a distal end extending beyond an end face of the rotary knob.

Abstract: A molded bottle for liquids is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the bottle includes a hollow body portion adapted to store liquids therein, with an opening on a top of the body portion to access an interior of the bottle. In addition, the bottle includes a sidewall that extends outward around a bottom periphery of the body portion, where the bottle is supported by an edge of the sidewall when the bottle is placed on a planar surface. The sidewall is configured to flex when the bottle is pressed down onto the planar surface to form a vacuum between the body portion and the planar surface to prevent the bottle from moving.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing defining first, second, third, and fourth passages. The first passage channels relatively-high pressure fluid and the second passage channels relatively-low pressure fluid into the valve. The third passage connects to the second passage and releases fluid from the valve. The fourth passage connects to the first passage and the second passage and releases fluid from the valve. The valve assembly also includes a first check-valve that permits fluid flow from the second passage to the third passage and a second check-valve that permits fluid flow from the second passage to the fourth passage. The valve assembly additionally includes a nozzle that controls velocity of the relatively-high pressure fluid entering the fourth passage from the first passage. The relatively-low pressure fluid is pulled from the second passage into the fourth passage on the outer periphery of the nozzle by the relatively-high pressure fluid.

Abstract: A self-anchoring, low profile container anchor with directional release and attachment capability comprises a lower base member, an upper movable member adapted for attachment to a container, and a seal member on the base member. The seal member is configured to engage an external reference surface and form a substantially airtight seal therewith that defines a periphery of a controlled pressure zone. A sealing valve disposed on a valve seat is operably connected to the movable member for lifting off the valve seat and vent the controlled pressure zone when the movable member is raised a first predetermined distance. However, the movable member can tilt a second predetermined tilting distance without the sealing valve lifting off the valve seat, thus providing tilt resistance.

Abstract: A holder for sustaining a handheld electronic device is provided. The holder includes a sucker and a positioning device. The sucker has a central and peripheral portion. The positioning device, which is disposed on a side of the sucker, comprises a housing, a ball, a clamping assembly and a rod. The housing is disposed on the sucker and has a receiving space for the ball and the clamping assembly. The rod has a first end connecting to the central portion of the sucker and a second end extending towards the receiving space. When the rod is led to position the sucker onto an object, the clamping assembly is adapted to restrict the ball simultaneously.

Abstract: Vessel including a unitary or two-part vessel base having an intermediate wall portion, upper and lower wall portions on opposite sides of the intermediate wall portion, and upper and lower seal rims adjacent the respective upper and lower wall portions. The upper and intermediate wall portions define an upper chamber space including at least one upper chamber. The lower and intermediate wall portions define a lower chamber space including at least one lower chamber. The seal rims include edges configured to provide suction when pressed against a flat surface, preferably when these rims are wet. Lids engage with upper and lower lid-receiving portions, respectively, defined by the vessel base to selectively close the upper or lower chamber space. The two-part vessel base has a mating structure to facilitate selective attachment and separation.

Abstract: A method for increasing a dynamic range of an image by using an electronic shutter of a camera, the method including initiating exposure of an image sensor by moving a mechanical front curtain included in the camera; moving an electronic front curtain with respect to at least one pixel of the image sensor according to a control pulse signal of the electronic shutter; and blocking the exposure of the image sensor by moving a mechanical rear curtain included in the camera.

Abstract: A suction cup for a tool driven by vacuum is presented, the suction cup in a first or upper end arranged to be brought into fluid flow communication with a vacuum source and in its opposite end arranged to be brought tightly into contact with the surface of an object to be handled. The suction cup is in its lower end arranged to be coupled to a sealing ring having a sealing surface arranged between an outer periphery and a through-opening defined by an inner periphery, and the sealing ring in the region of its inner periphery having a lip arranged to engage with the suction cup, to which purpose the suction cup in its lower end has a circumferentially running groove) in which the peripheral region and the lip of the sealing ring is insertable under form fitting engagement and in a radially overlapping relation between the groove and the lip in the region (r) of engagement.

Abstract: A vacuum anchor for securing a fall protection system to a surface has a gas inlet to receive pressurised gas from a gas container and generates a vacuum to secure the anchor to a surface. An attachment enables a fall protection system to be connected to the anchor, the attachment being rotatably mounted to the anchor. A container mounting device is provided for mounting the gas container to the anchor in connection with the gas inlet, the container mounting means being rotatable with the rotatable. Alternatively or additionally, the gas inlet is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the attachment means.

Abstract: A dual vacuum mount type support device includes a support arm, two vacuum mount assemblies pivotally connected to the two distal ends of the support arm for securing to the flat surface of a support wall and the flat surface of an object to be supported on the support wall, and two pivot locks for locking the vacuum mount assemblies to the support arm in the respective adjusted position.

Abstract: A plate holder can include: a skirt having a top member and one or more side walls forming a cavity therebetween when the one or more side walls are resting on a substrate with the top member oriented away from the substrate; a base coupled with the skirt and located within the cavity, the base having one or more top suction device receptacles and one or more bottom suction device receptacles; one or more top suction devices coupled with the one or more top suction device receptacles such that the top suction device is oriented away from the substrate; and one or more bottom suction devices coupled with the one or more top suction device receptacles such that the bottom suction device is oriented toward the substrate.

Abstract: A device for supporting an object on a surface has a body including a first portion attachable to a surface so as to attach the body to the surface and a second part having a receptacle for receiving the object, and an element for simultaneously activating the first portion and the second portion so as to simultaneously attach the first portion of the body to the surface and to fix the object in the receptacle.

Abstract: Provided is a suction cup including a cover, a shell, a suction mouth and an operating mechanism. The cover forms an opening. The shell is fixedly mounted on the cover. The suction mouth is fixedly mounted below the cover. The operating mechanism is pivotally mounted to the shell and includes a pivot body. The pivot body disposes a hand lever. An axle sleeve is fixedly mounted to the pivot body and disposes a pulling portion. The axle sleeve passes through a through hole of the suction mouth, and the pulling portion is against an upper inner surface of the through hole. By rotating the hand lever, the operating mechanism can upwardly pull the handle to raise the center of the suction mouth for rarefying air and making the suction cup be stably fixed on a plane. The suction cup has a simple structure and is convenient to be used.

Abstract: A self-anchoring beverage container with directional release and attachment capability has a flexible nonporous base member adapted to seal to a reference surface and create a controlled pressure zone. A receptacle assembly is mounted to the base member and includes a beverage holding chamber. A communication channel in the receptacle assembly extends from the controlled pressure zone to an area of ambient pressure. A pressure control device on the receptacle assembly is adapted to alternately close the communication channel to seal the controlled pressure zone and open the communication channel to vent the controlled pressure zone to ambient pressure. The receptacle assembly further includes a grasping portion arranged to be grasped by a user. The pressure control device is operatively connected to the grasping portion for actuation to the open position when a user grasps the grasping portion during normal lifting of the beverage container from the reference surface.

Abstract: A self-anchoring beverage container with directional release and attachment capability has a flexible nonporous base member adapted to seal to a reference surface and create a controlled pressure zone. A receptacle assembly is mounted to the base member and includes a beverage holding chamber. A communication channel in the receptacle assembly extends from the controlled pressure zone to an area of ambient pressure. A pressure control device on the receptacle assembly is adapted to alternately close the communication channel to seal the controlled pressure zone and open the communication channel to vent the controlled pressure zone to ambient pressure. The receptacle assembly further includes a grasping portion arranged to be grasped by a user. The pressure control device is operatively connected to the grasping portion for actuation to the open position when a user grasps the grasping portion during normal lifting of the beverage container from the reference surface.

Abstract: A novel suction cup mounting apparatus having a novel compact axial suction cup installation and release mechanism and method for assembling such a suction cup apparatus. The suction cup device includes a suction cup portion of a plunger assembly fit within a concave drive base and coupled thereto by a rigid drive pin. An optional rotational drive member or “handle” structured to operate on an external surface of the drive base may be provided for manipulating the drive pin relative to the suction cup and drive base. The suction cup device is intended to secure some device—a “utilization device”—to a surface. Therefore, according to another aspect of the suction cup device, a utilization mounting surface is projected above the drive base.

Abstract: A suction device includes a sucking disc disposed under an upright sleeve, a connecting seat disposed in the sleeve and connected to the sucking disc, and an elongate operating block mounted slidably on the sleeve. The operating block is formed with a cam surface biased to contact a follower portion of the connecting seat. When the operating block is moved relative to the sleeve from a non-sucking position, where the follower portion engages a second positioning portion of the operating block, to a sucking position, where the follower portion engages a first positioning portion of the operating block, the cam surface pushes the connecting seat to move away from a supporting surface, thereby forming a vacant space between the sucking disc and the supporting surface.

Abstract: A suction device that may be configured and conformed to a multitude of different types of kitchenware, small appliances, and other devices. The suction device comprises a base, a handle, a pivot, a plate, and a suction pad. The suction pad is connected to the plate. Two bridge-like structures with sloped undersides extend from the plate. The handle extends from the underside of one of the bridge-like structures, through the pivot, to the underside of the second bridge-like structure, and out through an elongated slot in the base. The handle is in sliding contact with the sloped undersides of the bridge-like structures.

Abstract: A flange for supporting arcuate components comprising at least one arcuate rail, each arcuate rail having an inner radius, a first taper location, a first taper region, a second taper location, a second taper region, wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the first taper region is tapered and wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the second taper region is tapered.

Abstract: Generally, a liquid holding device with a releasable suction base is a mug or other container operable to hold a substance or device with an integral means for creating a secure suction force with a surface. More specifically, a component of the liquid holding device is not only operable to create a suction force, but the application of the suction force provides a means for stabilizing the device. Advantageously, once the liquid holding device is adhered to a surface via the suction mechanism component, the risk of accidental tipping of the device is greatly reduced. Further, an aspect of the present invention is a mechanism for the convenient creation and release of the stabilizing suction force. In some embodiments, the suction creation and release mechanism can be operated with a single hand.

Abstract: A roller press includes a housing to which upper and lower rollers are coupled. A crank handle is coupled to at least one of the upper and lower rollers. Rotation of the crank handle causes rotation of the rollers. Two doors that provide die support surfaces are coupled to the housing and are moveable between a closed position and an open position. A suction member is coupled to the bottom of the housing. The suction member is actuated by movement of the doors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose vacuum suction apparatus which can be easily attached to or detached from a smooth and hard object surface and which can substantially increase suction force. The multi-purpose vacuum suction apparatus includes an elastic member for returning one or more operating members to the original positions thereof, and a vacuum suction plate unit having a multi-purpose connector, wherein an ornamental member for use in various ornamentation or advertisement can be fitted into or assembled with the top end of the multi-purpose connector.

Abstract: A suction cup device having a compact axial suction cup installation and release mechanism including a suction cup within a concave housing, and a rotational drive member structured to operate on an external surface of the housing. A drive shaft is coupled to the suction cup and extends through an aperture in the housing, projecting above a drive surface axially aligned with the concave surface formed in the housing. The drive shaft extends through an aperture in the rotational drive member and includes an inclined drive surface that interacts with a fixed drive surface to pull a flexible portion of the suction cup into the housing when the rotational drive member is rotated relative to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vacuum cup assembly includes a housing having a vacuum generator formed therein, and a compliant sealing member coupled to the housing. The vacuum generator is coupleable to a source of pressurized fluid and is adapted to generate a reduced pressure region. The sealing member forms an enclosable region in fluid communication with the reduced pressure region. In another embodiment, a method of performing a manufacturing operation includes installing a coordinating pin into an indexing hole, the coordinating pin including a quantum of indexing information. The quantum of indexing information is sensed, and a manufacturing operation is performed based at least partially on the quantum of indexing information.

Abstract: A suction cup removably attached to a housing lifts and moves an object. A venturi removably attached to the housing provides a vacuum effect to secure the suction cup to the object. The venturi includes a pair of opposing ears. When the venturi is inserted into a venturi hole of the housing, the ears compress a pin. When the venturi is rotated to an attached position, the ears do not contact the pin, and a spring biases the pin outwardly to secure the venturi to the housing. The pin is coupled to a button on the housing that can be slid to move the pin inwardly to allow rotation and removal of venturi.