Device for supporting and handling loads by means of vacuum operated suction pads

In a lifting and/or transporting apparatus for lifting and controllably supporting a load by vacuum, said apparatus being of the type including a device supporting at least one suction pad adapted to sealingly contact a load to be lifted, means for connecting a source of vacuum to said suction pad to cause said suction pad to grip the load, means for lifting said device, and means mounted on said device for selectively releasing the vacuum in said suction pad and thereby releasing the load, the improvement wherein said device comprises:

• means for measuring the vacuum in said suction pad;
• means, operable in response to measurement by said measuring means, for controlling the operation of said lifting means;
• a body connected to said lifting means and mounted to extend into said device for vertical movement relative thereto;
• biasing means operable for urging said device in a first direction relative to said body into a first position in abutment therewith;
• whereby, in the absence of a load and upon operation of said lifting means, said biasing means urges said device into said first position, and upon the presence of a load and operation of said lifting means, said device moves by the weight of the load in a second direction opposite to said first direction and away from abutment with said body;
• and
• said body including means for, upon said device being moved in said second direction, interrupting operation of said releasing means and thereby for preventing a lifted load from being released inadvertently, said interrupting means being inoperable when said device is in said first position in abutment with said body.