US 6,367,855 B1 · Vacuum manipulation apparatus

Abstract

Vacuum manipulation apparatus includes a lifting hose coupled to a vacuum-generating unit. The lifting hose incorporates a suction gripping device having a suction end adapted for placement against an object to be grasped and lifted. The device includes a flow opening plate adapted to be opened for preventing an abrupt rise of the gripping device upon unintentional release of the grasped object against gravitational forces. In a non-grasping mode, a retractable, spring-loaded push rod extends from the suction end of the device. The push rod retracts whenever the suction gripping device engages a grasped object. A blocking arm attached to the push rod engages the flow opening plate to hold the plate normally closed during the grasping mode. When suction is broken between the grasped object and the suction end of the gripping device, the push rod extends from the device, however, opening the flow opening plate to admit airflow.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A vacuum manipulation apparatus, comprising:

a lifting hose adapted to be connected to a vacuum-generating unit,
a suction gripping device having a suction end adaptable for placement against an object to be manipulated, wherein said device is adapted to grasp said object,
said gripping device comprising a flow opening plate adapted to be opened for preventing an abrupt rise of the suction gripping device upon an unintentional release of the grasped object, said apparatus further including
a push rod extending from said suction end of the suction gripping device in a non-grasping state, and being retracted within the suction gripping device by said grasped object while said object is being grasped,
a closing arrangement for opening or closing said plate to provide air flow into the interior of the suction gripping device and the lifting hose,
wherein the push rod interacts with said closing arrangement in such a way that when the push rod extends from said suction end of said suction gripping device upon release of a grasped object, the closing arrangement opens said plate and admits said air flow.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vacuum manipulation apparatus

Life of this patent

Vacuum manipulation apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10