Transfer device for holding an object using a gas flow

Abstract

Disclosed is a transfer device for holding an object. The transfer device comprises: i) a housing having a housing surface; ii) at least one inlet conduit having an inlet for introducing a gas into the at least one inlet conduit; iii) a plurality of sets of outlet conduits, each set of outlet conduits being in fluid communication with the at least one inlet conduit and having a plurality of outlets for directing the gas out of the outlet conduits. In particular, the respective outlets of the sets of outlet conduits are arranged in a direction along the housing surface and away from a centre region relative to the respective sets of outlet conduits, so that a laminar gas flow that is flows along the housing surface generates a pressure differential which creates a force towards the centre region to hold the object against the housing surface. A gang picker is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.