Abstract: Embodiments of a vacuum material handler or lifting device and system of this disclosure provide a modular design that allows a power pack to be mounted directly to the pad or remotely mounted on host equipment to minimize lift weight. The pad, which includes an integral, pad reservoir, may be arranged, to accept a rotator or a tilting mechanism for position when used on mobile equipment. The power pack is independent of the pad and can be transferred to multiple pads, thereby permitting a single power pack to service the different pads. The control mechanism may reside on the pad to further facilitate modularity. Safety checks used for remote operation may be used to minimize the risk of danger in the event of remote vacuum hose or vacuum failure.

Abstract: A material lifter comprising a vacuum pump, a frame containing the vacuum pump, an arm located on each of two opposing sides of the frame, each arm including an upper end pivotally connected to the frame, a cylinder located on each of the two opposing sides of the frame including an end connected to the frame and an end connected to a respective arm, a vacuum pad located on each of the two opposing sides of the frame and removably connected to a respective arm, the vacuum pads being moveable along the arm to a first location and a first orientation and a second different location and a second different orientation, wherein as the cylinders extend and retract the arms pivot toward and away from one another between a first position and a second different position and the vacuum pads remain in a same orientation during the pivot.

Abstract: A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

Abstract: A material lifter comprising a vacuum pump, a frame containing the vacuum pump, an arm located on each of two opposing sides of the frame, each arm including—an upper end—pivotally connected to the frame, a cylinder located on each of the two opposing sides of the frame including an end connected to the frame and an end connected to a respective arm, a vacuum pad located on each of the two opposing sides of the frame—and removably connected to a respective arm, the vacuum pads being moveable along the arm to a first location and a first orientation and a second different location and a second different orientation, wherein as the cylinders extend and retract the arms pivot toward and away from one another between a first position and a second different position and the vacuum pads remain in a same orientation during the pivot.

Abstract: A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

Abstract: A system and method for moving directional drill pipe with vacuum power. The system is used with a vacuum beam mounted on a boom. It has a vacuum pad that is pivotally attached at one end by a hinge to the vacuum beam. The other end of the vacuum pad is attached to the vacuum beam via an actuatable cylinder. Operation of the cylinder causes the vacuum pad to rotate about the hinge and change the angle of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam. Lateral movement of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam is provided by one or more pinned connections located adjacent to the hinge. Vacuum pressure from the vacuum pad is used to grasp and release drill pipe.

Abstract: A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a vacuum material handler providing secure communication between the wireless remote control and the receiver of a controller on the vacuum material handler. The method providing a haptic confirmation of a valid command. The method also providing a battery life extending sleep mode when left inactive for a predetermined length of time. The method further including a pendant remote in communication with the wireless remote control. The pendant remote being operable to command the vacuum material handler.

Abstract: A traffic barrier lifter mountable on a boom and having a gearbox with a first and a second rotating axis; a pair of opposing arms directly mounted to the first and second rotating axis and a rotator capable of rotating the lifter relative to the boom, wherein the gearbox is capable of moving the pair of opposing arms from an open position to a closed position such that the arms can clamp onto a traffic barrier. The rotator being capable of rotating the arms and traffic barrier relative to the boom.

Abstract: A system and method for moving directional drill pipe with vacuum power. The system is used with a vacuum beam mounted on a boom. It has a vacuum pad that is pivotally attached at one end by a hinge to the vacuum beam. The other end of the vacuum pad is attached to the vacuum beam via an actuatable cylinder. Operation of the cylinder causes the vacuum pad to rotate about the hinge and change the angle of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam. Lateral movement of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam is provided by one or more pinned connections located adjacent to the hinge. Vacuum pressure from the vacuum pad is used to grasp and release drill pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the operation of a vacuum material handler providing secure communication between the wireless remote control and the receiver of a controller on the vacuum material handler. The system providing a haptic confirmation of a valid command. The system also providing a battery life extending sleep mode when left inactive for a predetermined length of time. The system further including a pendant remote in communication with the wireless remote control. The pendant remote being operable to command the vacuum material handler.

Abstract: A traffic barrier lifter mountable on a boom and having a gearbox with a first and a second rotating axis; a pair of opposing arms directly mounted to the first and second rotating axis and a rotator capable of rotating the lifter relative to the boom, wherein the gearbox is capable of moving the pair of opposing arms from an open position to a closed position such that the arms can clamp onto a traffic barrier. The rotator being capable of rotating the arms and traffic barrier relative to the boom.

Abstract: A system and method for moving directional drill pipe with vacuum power. The system is used with a vacuum beam mounted on a boom. It has a vacuum pad that is pivotally attached at one end by a hinge to the vacuum beam. The other end of the vacuum pad is attached to the vacuum beam via a hydraulic cylinder. Operation of the hydraulic cylinder causes the vacuum pad to rotate about the hinge and change the angle of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam. Lateral movement of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam is provided by one or more pinned connections located adjacent to the hinge. Vacuum pressure from the vacuum pad is used to grasp and release drill pipe.

Abstract: A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

Abstract: A traffic barrier lifter mountable on a boom and having a gearbox with a first and a second rotating axis; a pair of opposing arms directly mounted to the first and second rotating axis and a rotator capable of rotating the lifter relative to the boom, wherein the gearbox is capable of moving the pair of opposing arms from an open position to a closed position such that the arms can clamp onto a traffic barrier. The rotator being capable of rotating the arms and traffic barrier relative to the boom.

Abstract: A traffic barrier lifter having a pair of opposing arms carrying a vacuum pad. An articulating mechanism opens and closes the opposing arms such that the vacuum pads can clamp onto a traffic barrier. Each pad equipped with one or more vacuum reservoirs. These reservoirs are in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The vacuum line running from the reservoir to the vacuum source has a check valve. In the event of a power failure to the vacuum source or failure of the vacuum source itself, the check valve closes to maintain vacuum in the reservoir. The traffic barrier lifter being attachable the boom of an excavator or other appendage of a piece of heavy equipment.