Patents by Inventor Wallace S. Elmer

Wallace S. Elmer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Vacuum-type gripping apparatus
    Patent number: 5421685
    Abstract: A vacuum-type gripping apparatus includes a frame which is movable between a retracted position, in which the frame is remote from an item stored in a storage bin, and an extended position, in which the frame is proximate to an item stored in the storage bin. The apparatus includes a vacuum-type gripping mechanism which grips the item to be extracted from the storage bin prior to and during the extraction operation. The vacuum-type gripping mechanism employs a redundant vacuum source which improves the operating reliability of the apparatus. A lifting mechanism, which is adapted to engage a bottom surface of the item to be extracted, cooperates with the vacuum-type gripping mechanism during the extraction operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Stanley-Vidmar, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace S. Elmer, Richard V. Rigling