Abstract: A gripper assembly for recovering a layout (22) from a sheet material (12) is presented. It comprises a vacuum gripper (26) with a gripper body (32) on which an array of air flow openings (34a, 34b) is arranged. Air flow openings (34a) associated with one or more blanks (20) of the layout (22) are selectively open and air flow openings (34b) associated to waste (28) of the sheet material (12) are selectively closed. Additionally, an apparatus for recovering a layout (22) from a sheet material (12) comprising such a gripper assembly is described. Furthermore, a method for separating a layout (22) from waste (28) of a sheet material (12) is explained.

Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein relates, to an item manipulation system that can include a control system and an end effector. The end effector can include a tube defining a channel between a first end and a second end. The tube can include, a flexible suction cup that can be disposed within the channel of the tube. In some examples, the flexible suction cup can engage a surface of the item based on suction force generated through the flexible suction cup. The end effector also includes a linear actuator that can be mechanically coupled to the flexible suction cup. The end effector can be configured to: extend, the flexible suction cup towards the second end of the channel to position at least a portion of the flexible suction cup outside the tube and retract, the flexible suction cup within the channel to position the flexible suction cup within the tube.

Abstract: A waste sorting robot gripper comprises a suction cup engageable with the surface of a waste object. The suction cup has an air hole for evacuating air from the suction cup. A suction tube is coupled to the suction cup. The suction tube comprises a longitudinal axis. A first air inlet is in fluid communication with the air hole at one end of the suction tube and an air outlet at the other end of the suction tube. A path of the air flow between the air inlet and the air outlet is substantially along the longitudinal axis. The suction tube comprises a second air inlet in fluid communication with an air source, the second air inlet being between the first air inlet and the air outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of a payload attachment system secure a payload to a wing or fuselage of the drone 102 (or another type of aircraft) using one or more vacuum mounting modules, wherein each vacuum mounting module comprises at least one vacuum pump controllably coupled to a microcontroller, a vacuum cup fluidly coupled to the at least one vacuum pump, and a transceiver that receives an instruction corresponding to one of a vacuum cup actuation signal or a vacuum cup release signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a housing including a first opening and a second opening. The first opening forms a suction connection with a transportable component. The apparatus includes a valve connected with the second opening a channel defined within the housing. The channel extends between the first opening and the second opening. The apparatus includes a vacuum maintaining mechanism disposed within the channel, and the vacuum maintaining mechanism holds a partial vacuum within the channel.

Abstract: A programmable motion robotic system is disclosed that includes a plurality of arm sections that are joined one to another at a plurality of joints to form an articulated arm, and a hose coupling an end effector of the programmable motion robotic system to a vacuum source. The hose is attached to at least one arm section of the articulated arm by a pass-through coupling that permits the hose to pass freely through the coupling as the plurality of arm sections are moved about the plurality of joints.

Abstract: An ejector unit for detaching an electronic element from an adhesive carrier has an ejector housing with a supporting deck, a light source disposed therein and an ejector lens. The ejector lens has a protruding face. The ejector lens is disposed and oriented with an optical axis extending between the light source and an opening in the supporting deck, and the protruding face of the lens directed towards the opening. The ejector lens is movable relative to the supporting deck along the optical axis to project the protruding face through the opening against the electronic element for lifting the electronic element.

Abstract: Embodiments of an active object mounting system secure an object of interest to a surface of a secured-to object using one or more vacuum mounting modules, wherein each vacuum mounting module comprises at least one vacuum pump controllably coupled to a microcontroller, a vacuum cup fluidly coupled to the at least one vacuum pump, and a transceiver that receives an instruction corresponding to one of a vacuum cup actuation signal or a vacuum cup release signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for robotic picking assemblies configured to grasp multiple items. In one embodiment, an example system may include a picking assembly coupled to a vacuum system, the picking assembly having a first suction cup assembly with a first suction cup and a first sensor, and a second suction cup assembly with a second suction cup and a second sensor. The example system may include a controller configured to cause the picking assembly to grasp a plurality of items, where the plurality of items includes a first item and a second item. The controller may be further configured to cause the picking assembly to move from a first position to a second position, and cause the picking assembly to release the first item at a first time and the second item at a second time.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vacuum portion being configured for generating a vacuum force for sucking debris. A tube extends a distance from the vacuum portion. The tube is configured for extending the vacuum force for the distance and for carrying the debris sucked by the vacuum force to the vacuum portion for storage therein. An organ engagement portion is joinable to a distal end of the tube. The organ engagement portion is configured for engaging an organ of a user for removal of the debris from a soft tissue of the organ with the vacuum force and without a use of a liquid.

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: A vacuum chamber for a gripper including at least one fastener plate and at least one pneumatic accessory fastened in a perforation in the fastener plate. The pneumatic accessory is held in the perforation by an elastically deformable tubular interface including an external groove in which the periphery of the perforation is received so as to provide sealing between the plate and the interface, the interface defining a channel extending between a first end of the interface extending inside the chamber and a second end extending outside the chamber, at least a portion of the pneumatic accessory being inserted in the channel of the interface.

Abstract: A suction device includes an adapter having in the interior thereof a supply passage to which a negative pressure fluid is supplied, a bellows connected to a distal end of the adapter, and a pad member disposed at a distal end of the bellows and to which a workpiece is attracted under suction. In addition, the suction device attracts the workpiece under suction by a negative pressure fluid which is supplied to the pad member through the supply passage and the bellows. An attachment which is capable of being tilted with respect to the axis of the bellows is provided in the interior of the bellows. In the attachment, a main body portion thereof is disposed in facing relation to a suction surface of a skirt, and a shaft portion is inserted into the supply passage at a time that the workpiece is attracted under suction.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for use with an end effector. Included may be at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing. The end effector may include at least two clamp arms for placing a gripped element in relation to application of a vacuum to the gripped element; a vacuum cup having a mouth capable of sealing to the gripped element to provide a vacuum chamber; a vacuum ejector pin extending into the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of ports substantially at a tip thereof proximate to the gripped element, wherein the vacuum is applied by the plurality of ports; and an ejector pin actuator that is capable of moving the vacuum ejector pin toward the gripped element until the sealing of the mouth is broken and the gripped element is ejected from the vacuum cup.

Abstract: A system including a programmable motion device and an end effector for grasping objects to be moved by the programmable motion device is disclosed. The system includes a vacuum source that provides a high flow vacuum such that an object may be grasped at an end effector opening while permitting a substantial flow of air through the opening, and a dead-head limitation system for limiting any effects of dead-heading on the vacuum source in the event that a flow of air to the vacuum source is interrupted.

Abstract: An electronically-releasable suction cup assembly is designed to releasably secure an object to a surface. The suction cup assembly includes a suction cup secured to the object. The suction cup has a cavity and is configured to be releasably secured to the surface. The suction cup assembly further includes a gas generating cell coupled to the suction cup. The gas generating cell is configured to selectively eject fluid into the cavity of the suction cup to release the suction cup from the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device for a tube lifter having a lifting tube that has a tube interior and can be shortened by applying a vacuum to the tube interior, and having a suction grip device arranged on one end of the tube lifter, which suction grip device can be supplied with a vacuum through the tube interior, the operating device having a suction port for fluid communication with the suction grip device, a lifting tube port for fluid communication with the tube interior of the lifting tube, and a valve for controlling the fluid communications.

Abstract: A transfer head for transferring micro element includes a cavity; a plurality of vacuum paths connected with the cavity respectively with valves configured at the connection between the cavity and the vacuum paths and used for opening/closing; a plurality of suction nozzles connected with the vacuum paths, wherein the suction nozzles hold or release the micro element via vacuum pressure; vacuum pressure is transmitted by each vacuum path; a switching component for controlling valve to open/close each vacuum path, so as to control the suction nozzles to hold or release required micro element via vacuum pressure. Further, the switching component includes a CMOS memory circuit and an address electrode array connected to the CMOS memory circuit to realize micro-switch array. The transfer head can selectively transfer a plurality of micro elements at one time.

Abstract: A method for operating a vacuum handling apparatus, in particular for a human-machine-collaboration system, a vacuum gripper can be connected to a primary vacuum system to generate a vacuum, the method includes the following steps applying the vacuum gripper to a workpiece and building up a vacuum in the vacuum gripper by means of the primary vacuum system; holding the workpiece during its handling by means of the vacuum prevailing in the vacuum gripper, and monitoring at least one state variable during the handling; and generating an auxiliary vacuum in the vacuum gripper by a self-sufficient, secondary auxiliary vacuum system if the monitored state variable deviates from a target state.

Abstract: A suction pad includes: a pad main body which is hollow; an intake hole provided in the pad main body, the intake hole being for supplying a gas to an inside of the pad main body; a negative pressure generating hole provided in a bottom wall section on a side facing a suction object in the pad main body, the negative pressure generating hole being for generating a negative pressure between the bottom wall section and the suction object by jetting the gas flowing in from the intake hole; a negative pressure breaking hole provided in the bottom wall section, the negative pressure breaking hole being for breaking the negative pressure; a lid section that blocks the negative pressure breaking hole; and a drive section that, when releasing suction of the suction object, moves the lid section in such a manner that the negative pressure breaking hole opens.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging apparatus for securing a plurality of vacuum skin packaging (VSP) products is provided and includes a receiving plate, a plurality of cavity walls, and a plurality of vacuum channels. The plurality of cavity walls extending downward from a planar bottom surface of the receiving plate and provide a plurality of cavities there within. The plurality of cavity walls includes an upper cavity wall encircling an upper cavity of the plurality of cavities, and a lower cavity wall encircling a lower cavity that is positioned adjacent to the upper cavity and recessed with respect to the upper cavity walls. The plurality of vacuum channels extend through the receiving plate and into the plurality of cavities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum gripper unit. The unit has a first mounting container and a second mounting container of cylindrical shapes formed in an H-type when seen from the outside, including a main body for providing a common vacuum chamber. A vacuum pump is inserted into the first mounting container, while the vacuum pump or a release valve is selectively mounted in the second mounting container. In addition, a front insertion hole of each of the first mounting container and the second mounting container is provided with a finishing material which supports each of the release valve and the vacuum pump that are mounted to thereby prevent the valve and pump from being separated. It is preferable that the finishing material of at least the first mounting container is a silencer.

Abstract: The multi-element pneumatic gripper equipped with a pump which enables attaching the products by a suction cup, is characterized by the fact that the gripper of a multi-element pneumatic telescopic actuator which ends on one side with a sucker with a weight and a steel ball inside the weight and on the other side is connected to the supply system, whereas an electromechanical uptake is located at the base of the first element of the pneumatic telescopic actuator, wherein in the first embodiment the supply system consists of a vacuum/pressure pump, suction and discharge lines, a valve which supplies air to the system, a three-way valve and a pressure sensor, and wherein in the second embodiment the supply system consists of a vacuum/pressure pump, a suction line, a valve which supplies air to the system and a pressure sensor.

Abstract: An example gripper may include: a base; two or more fingers attached to the base, with each finger being movable towards, and away from, one or more others of the fingers; and one or more ports at the base or at one or more of the fingers to provide suction through a vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up one or more semiconductor devices includes a body having an air chamber that communicates with surroundings outside of the body and at least a first supply line through which compressed air is supplied into the air chamber, a pickup cylinder penetrating through the body and movably installed in the body, a suction pad being provided at an end portion of the pickup cylinder, and a power transformer secured to the pickup cylinder and transforming an air pressure of the air chamber to a driving force for driving the pickup cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for an end effector. Embodiments may include at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing. The end effector may include at least two clamp arms for placing a gripped element; a vacuum cup having a mouth capable of sealing to the gripped element to provide a vacuum chamber to the gripped element; a vacuum ejector pin extending into the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of ports substantially at a tip thereof proximate to the gripped element, wherein the vacuum is applied by the plurality of ports; and an ejector pin actuator that is capable of moving the vacuum ejector pin toward the gripped element through the vacuum chamber in the y-axis until the sealing of the mouth is broken and the gripped element is ejected.

Abstract: The multi-element pneumatic gripper equipped with a pump which enables attaching the products by a suction cup, is characterized by the fact that the gripper of a 4-element pneumatic telescopic actuator which ends on one side with a sucker with a weight and a steel ball inside the weight and on the other side is connected to the supply system, whereas an electromechanical uptake is located at the base of the first element of the pneumatic telescopic actuator, wherein in the first embodiment the supply system consists of a vacuum/pressure pump, suction and discharge lines, a valve which supplies air to the system, a three-way valve and a pressure sensor, and wherein in the second embodiment the supply system consists of a vacuum/pressure pump, a suction line, a valve which supplies air to the system and a pressure sensor.

Abstract: The high-negative-pressure composite hard suction cup has a main member made of a hard, composite material tightly joined to a highly flexible washer made of soft plastic along a bottom side. The main member is configured with a vacuuming mechanism to another side. The vacuuming mechanism includes a piston chamber, one-way valve, piston assembly, and spring. A vacuum alarming assembly is configured on the piston assembly. When a degree of vacuum between the hard suction cup and an object attached is less than satisfactory, an audio or visual alarm is issued and an alert marking is revealed to notify a user to take appropriate action so that the hard suction cup remains reliably attached to the object.

Abstract: Provided are end effectors and methods of using such end effectors for handling various composite structures. An end effector includes a support structure bendable relative the principal axis of the end effector. The support structure is disposed within a cavity partially formed by an engaging portion of the end effector. The engaging portion is formed from a flexible material and includes multiple openings in fluid communication with the cavity. When the engaging portion contacts a composite structure and when the pressure inside the cavity is reduced below the ambient level, the composite structure is forced against the engaging portion due to this pressure differential. The flexibility of the support structure and of the engaging portion allows the end effector to conform to the shape of the composite structure. At the same time, the support structure maintains the shape of the cavity in the directions normal to the principal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using a plurality of dual acting cylinders to acquire articles with vacuum cups is disclosed. A robot arm comprises a manipulator movable with the robot arm with the plurality of dual acting cylinders attached to the manipulator. The robot arm is configured to passively conform to a plurality of irregular articles by extending dual acting cylinders from manipulator and moving the manipulator distally with the robot arm to conform to the plurality of irregular articles. The movement causes each dual acting cylinder to passively and proximally retract from the contact of the vacuum cup with a respective irregular article and passively conform the vacuum cups and dual acting cylinders to the plurality of irregular articles. Each vacuum cup can adhere to and can manipulate acquired articles with vacuum.

Abstract: A modular vacuum gripper having a first plate, a second plate provided with at least one downstream orifice, framework members, assembly device for assembling the first plate, the second plate and the framework members, at least one upstream orifice situated on one of the walls of the vacuum gripper, sealing device, vacuum generation device adapted to suck out the air contained inside the vacuum gripper via the upstream orifice, and at least one deformable element extending over the second plate so as to form a sealed contact surface with the part when the air contained inside the vacuum gripper is sucked out.

Abstract: Valve with a valve housing which has a vacuum supply side and a suction side, with a flexible dividing wall which delimits a control space in the valve housing. A valve body which is arranged on the flexible dividing wall and can be moved between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve body has a sealing portion which, in the closed position, bears against a sealing seat in order to seal the vacuum supply side with respect to the suction side. The volume of the control space is reduced with deformation of the flexible dividing wall and the valve body is moved from the open position into the closed position. The valve body has a suction side passage, and the sealing portion and the sealing seat are arranged in such a way that, in the closed position, the flow connection through the suction side passage is sealingly closed.

Abstract: A releasable adaptor is carried on the end of the pick-and-place vacuum nozzle which diffuses and restricts the air flow access of the nozzle to the top surface of an apertured fastener such as a nut while covering the fastener hole. The adaptor allows a standard nozzle to develop sufficient suction to lift the nut/adaptor combination and transport it to its desired target location such as a circuit board. There, the nut is released from the adaptor, which is then lifted by the nozzle and transported back to the supply location. This functionality is achieved by a unique adaptor air valve which the PNP equipment operates both mechanically and through its controlled application of negative air pressure applied to the adaptor by the nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum lamination machine suitable for all generations is disclosed. The vacuum lamination machine includes a stage on which a transfer device, a positioning device, an adhesive application device, a turn-over device, and at least one vacuum lamination device are arranged. The stage has a size that is sufficiently large for all sizes of substrate. The transfer device includes a fork that is adjustable for spacing distance to suit for substrate sizes. The turn-over device includes sufficiently densely arranged vacuum suction pins to suit for substrate sizes. The positioning device includes a size identification system that identifies a rough location of a substrate on the stage and a mark position identification system that carries out precise alignment of the substrate.

Abstract: A fixture includes a housing and a gas valve. The housing defines a receiving chamber and a suction hole communicating with the receiving chamber on an end. The gas valve includes a valve body and a piston. The valve body partially resists an inner surface of the receiving chamber to divide the receiving chamber. The valve body defines a first channel, and a first and second through holes respectively communicating with the first channel. The piston is movably received in the first channel, and capable of being pushed to lead the first connecting hole to communicate with the second through hole by gas flowing into the hole, and block a communication between the first connecting hole and the second through hole by gas flowing into the first channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum lamination machine suitable for all generations and an operation method thereof. The vacuum lamination machine suitable for all generations includes a stage on which a transfer device, a positioning device, an adhesive application device, a turn-over device, and at least one vacuum lamination device are arranged. The stage has a size that is sufficiently large for all sizes of substrate. The transfer device includes a fork that is adjustable for spacing distance to suit for substrate sizes. The turn-over device includes sufficiently densely arranged vacuum suction pins to suit for substrate sizes. The positioning device includes a size identification system that identifies a rough location of a substrate on the stage and a mark position identification system that carries out precise alignment of the substrate. The vacuum lamination machine supports substrate pairs of various sizes and improves flexibility of use.

Abstract: A suction gripper apparatus with a suction head, which is mounted with at least one elastic mounting member on a working head of an actuation device, the suction head having an elastic suction cup which possesses a suction body and a suction lip forming an open edge portion of the suction body and running in a suction plane, wherein the suction head possesses a retaining plate connected to the suction cup and surrounding it like a ring and having a flat contact surface running in a contact plane parallel to the suction plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cup assembly designed to quickly and easily remove and mount a suction pad. The assembly comprises: a pipe-shaped body having a first passage for discharging air; a vacuum cup coupled to a lower end of the body; and a movable holder disposed between the body and the vacuum cup. Here, the vacuum cup includes a ring-shaped fastener, and a suction pad mounted on an outer surface flange of the fastener, wherein the holder resiliently presses and fixes the mounted suction pad against the fastener. Here, the inner space of the suction pad is in communication with the first passage of the body. The pressed and fixed state is negated when the holder is moved upwards, whereupon the suction pad can be easily removed and mounted.

Abstract: An end effector configured to pick up an item may comprise a vacuum port through which a vacuum is selectively drawn, a first vacuum pathway in communication with the vacuum port and defining a first open bore, a pin pathway and a pin disposed within the pin pathway and configured for constrained movement therein. The pin may be further configured to protrude from the end effector body, to contact the item and to move within the pin pathway until the item contacts the first open bore and is retained by the end effector by the force of the vacuum. Turning off the vacuum may cause residual vacuum in the first vacuum pathway to retain the item for a period of time and/or until the pin drops under its own weight within the pin pathway to contact and separate the item from the end effector.

Abstract: An automated vacuum carton lifter has a movable chassis with at least one vacuum cup mounted thereon, oriented so as to provide for gripping the carton or box from one of its vertical sides. A slack cable sensor used to turn on and off a vacuum. Alternatively, an air valve with an associated lever can be used, wherein the valve is depressed when the apparatus engages the carton or box. A vacuum generator is operatively connected to the vacuum cup(s). A device is provided for lifting and lowering the carton or box, the device having a cable slidably mounted to an air cylinder-operated carriage retained by a track; the device being movable to a position at the balance point of the carton or box. An adjustable control handle is provided and is associated with a force transducer that controls the lifting and lowering device. A microprocessor-based controller is operatively connected to a slack cable sensor, the vacuum generator, and the device for lifting and lowering the carton or box.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of suction cups, and more particularly to a rotatable multi-cup suction device. The heavy-load suction cup device includes a cup body that is directly contactable with an adhered surface. The cup body is provided thereon with a cap that defines, together with the cup body, a cavity. The cup body includes a coupling rod. The cap includes a mounting hole formed in a central portion thereof for receiving the coupling rod to extend therethrough. The cup body includes an air evacuation hole that is connectable to and thus communicates with an air evacuation device. The device can notify a user when the suction force gets weakening in order to restore or replenish the suction force and has an improved functionality of self-inspection. Further, the suction cup device has an increased load capacity, an extended life span, and is reusable for numerous times.

Abstract: A gripper (1) for a contact lens (CL) includes a gripper head (10) having a bearing surface (11), the bearing surface (11) having at least one opening (110) through which underpressure can be applied in order to suck the contact lens (CL) against the bearing surface (11) and through which overpressure can be applied in order to release the contact lens (CL) from the bearing surface (11). The gripper further includes a detection opening (111) in the bearing surface (11) through which a separate underpressure can be applied.

Abstract: A pick-and-place vacuum nozzle including a a nozzle body, a vacuum chamber within the nozzle body, a cavity formed in a lower surface of the nozzle body below the vacuum chamber, wherein the cavity is shaped to hold a head gimbal assembly, a back pressure relief hole passing through the nozzle body and connected to the vacuum chamber, the back pressure relief hole communicating with an exterior of the nozzle body, wherein a diameter of the back pressure relief hole is between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. The backpressure relief hole prevents light parts from sticking to the nozzle tip after vacuum is no longer applied.

Abstract: There is provided a component mounting apparatus, which includes: a nozzle which sucks a component; a nozzle supporting member, on which the nozzle is installed, which moves in a vertical direction with respect to an upper surface of a substrate on which the component sucked at the nozzle is mounted; an optical system which captures an image of a leading edge portion of the nozzle where the component is sucked in a component mounting operation, from a side direction, such that an optical axis of the optical system is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a sucking surface of the nozzle; and an analyzer which analyzes the image of the leading edge portion to determine whether a sucking state of the component sucked by the nozzle is normal or abnormal.

Abstract: A bellows 10 is configured for connection to an end effector of a robot and includes a valve 28 supported in the interior space of the bellows. A flow of low pressure air is induced from inside the bellows into a vacuum plenum 24 for retrieving a work product by the open end 16 of the bellows. High pressure air is moved through a conduit 50 into the valve to terminate the flow of low pressure air and terminate the suction applied by the bellows to the work product.

Abstract: A gripper for grasping an ophthalmic lens immersed in a liquid, for example a contact lens or soft contact lens, the gripper including a housing having an opening arranged at the distal end of the housing, the opening being in communication with an interior space defined by the housing and being sized to allow the ophthalmic lens to pass therethrough; a supply channel to generate suction in the interior space of the housing to allow the ophthalmic lens together with an amount of the liquid in which the ophthalmic lens is immersed to be sucked through the opening into the interior space of the housing; and a supply channel for generating overpressure in the interior space of the housing so as to allow the ophthalmic lens together with the amount of liquid to be released from the interior space through the opening at the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: A gripper (1) for a contact lens (CL) includes a gripper head (10) having a bearing surface (11), the bearing surface (11) having at least one opening (110) through which underpressure can be applied in order to suck the contact lens (CL) against the bearing surface (11) and through which overpressure can be applied in order to release the contact lens (CL) from the bearing surface (11). The gripper further includes a detection opening (111) in the bearing surface (11) through which a separate underpressure can be applied.

Abstract: A gripper system which utilizes two different suction systems is disclosed. This gripper system utilizes one suction system to pick up an item, while using the second suction system to hold the item. In some embodiments, a Venturi device based suction system is used as the first suction system to pick up the item, as this type of system is proficient at picking up items without requiring initial contact to create a seal. In some embodiments, a vacuum based system is used as the second suction system, as this type of system is able to hold items cost effectively.

Abstract: A valve 28 is positioned in the upper portion of the interior space of the bellows 10. A flow of low pressure air is induced inside the bellows when the valve elements 40 move away from the air inlet openings 38. When high pressure air is moved into the central portion of the valve housing 30, the valve elements 40 tend to move radially outwardly to block the air passages 38 and 42, thereby terminating the suction applied to the bellows.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum pick-up end effecter to pick and place a component in a manufacturing process. The vacuum pick-up end effecter may comprise: a vacuum path to provide a vacuum flow to pick-up the component; and a pin moveably mounted within the vacuum pick-up end effecter. When the component is picked-up by the vacuum flow, the pin abuts against the component and is moved to a first position and, when the vacuum flow is cut-off to place the component, the pin moves to a second position and pushes against the component to aid in releasing the component.