Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
294183000 | UTILIZING FLUID PRESSURE (E.G., VACUUM, ETC.) | 83 |
20120032461 | Suction gripper for food - The invention provides a suction gripper, the drive means of which consists of a compressed-air source and which is disposed, respectively, that a connectable drive means can consist of a compressed-air source. The suction gripper according to the invention has a central channel in a casing which preferably is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the casing. The central channel has a first opening opened up by a convex surface around the central channel. The central channel adjacent to the convex surface has its smallest cross-section and from this broadens towards the second opening opposite the first opening. | 02-09-2012 |
20120126558 | GRIPPER FOR GRASPING AN OPHTHALMIC LENS IMMERSED IN A LIQUID - A gripper for grasping an ophthalmic lens immersed in a liquid, for example a contact lens or soft contact lens, the gripper including a housing having an opening arranged at the distal end of the housing, the opening being in communication with an interior space defined by the housing and being sized to allow the ophthalmic lens to pass therethrough; a supply channel to generate suction in the interior space of the housing to allow the ophthalmic lens together with an amount of the liquid in which the ophthalmic lens is immersed to be sucked through the opening into the interior space of the housing; and a supply channel for generating overpressure in the interior space of the housing so as to allow the ophthalmic lens together with the amount of liquid to be released from the interior space through the opening at the distal end of the housing. | 05-24-2012 |
20120205928 | Gripper Assembly for Mechanical Device - A gripper assembly for a mechanical device includes an elongate arm in engagement with robotic translation and rotation means. The elongate arm has a platform with at least one elongate member having a bearing bore defined at a free extent thereof. Each bearing bore accommodates insertion of a bearing shaft upon which a gripping mechanism, such as a suction cup assembly, is rotatably supported. The suction cup assembly includes a pivoting arm having a pivoting bore in engagement with a free extent of a linkage element that establishes pivotable movement between the pivoting arm and an actuator means. The gripper assembly has a center of mass substantially aligned with a vertical rotation axis between an initial article picking orientation, wherein the suction cup assembly engages an article in a random orientation, and a successive article rotation orientation, wherein the suction cup assembly rotates a picked article around a horizontal axis for placement in an article placement position. | 08-16-2012 |
20120256433 | SUCTION APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH EJECTOR - A retaining stud is inserted from a bottom portion of a suction pad that constitutes part of an ejector equipped suction apparatus, and an end of the retaining stud is inserted into an adapter plate. Further, a small diameter portion of a lock plate engages with a lock plate groove, which is exposed externally on the retaining stud, whereby the retaining stud and the lock plate are connected together integrally. In addition, an ejector is fixed using a side wall portion of the adapter plate. A mounting bracket is attached to the adapter plate while covering the lock plate, and a transfer means such as a robot arm or the like is fixed to the mounting bracket using a bolt. | 10-11-2012 |
20120280526 | RECONFIGURABLE TOOL MODULE FOR AN END-EFFECTOR EMPLOYED WITH A ROBOTIC ARM - A reconfigurable tool module for an end-effector includes an adjustable-height housing attached to a swing arm. The adjustable-height housing includes a valve spool and a flow path terminating at a workpiece interface tool. The valve spool is configured to interrupt the flow path when the adjustable-height housing is in a first position. The valve spool is configured to open the flow path when the adjustable-height housing moves away from the first position. | 11-08-2012 |
20120313388 | TRANSFER DEVICE, AND WORKPIECE MOUNTING DEVICE - A non-contact holding device ( | 12-13-2012 |
20120313389 | PICK AND PLACE HANDLER WITH A FLOATING LOCK DEVICE - A semiconductor handler subassembly is provided. The semiconductor handler subassembly includes an adjustment apparatus with a floating lock that is configured to adjust and lock in place to a desired position, and a tip attached to the floating lock and configured to engage a part. | 12-13-2012 |
20120319416 | Apparatus and Method For Gripping and Releasing Objects - Improved devices and methods for gripping, supporting and releasing objects, which may be used with robotic arms, manipulators or vehicles, to hold, move or rotate objects in automated manufacturing, packaging, assembling and construction applications. The device comprises a body, an adapter flange for mounting an object gripper with an intake, a vacuum supply port, an airflow passageway configured to couple the intake to the vacuum supply port to define a substantially contiguous vacuum path, and an actuating system to open and close a breach in the substantially contiguous vacuum path. Admitting suction via the vacuum supply port while the breach is closed and the intake is in contact with the object produces a pressure gradient force having sufficient magnitude to support the object's weight in a gravitational field. Operating the actuating system to open the breach releases the object and preferably propels it away from the device. | 12-20-2012 |
20130026775 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REPOSITIONING OF A FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE - A material handling system includes a body including a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member define a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member. The body is in flow communication with a first gas source to provide pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent to the body. The body has channels disposed within a central region of the body in flow communication with a second gas source. The channels are arranged to controllably disengage the object from the body. | 01-31-2013 |
20130038077 | Suction gripper assembly - A suction gripper arrangement includes several suction gripper arms arranged in a row, which, at their lower ends, each have a suction gripper head with an abutment surface for abutting an article to be sucked onto the suction gripper head. The abutment surfaces of the suction gripper heads of the suction gripper arms neighboring each other are arranged in different planes. Moreover, the invention relates to a suction gripper arrangement in which at least one of the suction gripper arms is connected to an actuator via a lever, wherein both between the lever and the suction gripper arm, and also between the lever and the actuator, respectively, a pivot joint is formed, and wherein the lever is composed of at least to lever parts. | 02-14-2013 |
20130088029 | HANDLING DEVICE FOR SUBSTRATES USING COMPRESSED AIR - Embodiments of the invention generally include a handling device that uses compressed air to grip and move substrates between different operating positions or work stations in a production line. The handling device comprises a gripping extremity shaped so as to define a hollow seating region in which a sub-atmospheric pressure is achieved, to cause an adjacently positioned substrate to be urged towards a reception element disposed near the hollow seating region. In some embodiments, the gripping extremity is shaped in a wing shaped profile, or substantially curvilinear, so as to make the air flow, which flows through the discharge apertures formed between the substrate, reception element and the gripping extremity, to be laminar. | 04-11-2013 |
20130134727 | COMPONENT ENGAGEMENT APPARATUS FOR USE IN AUTOMATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING SAME - A component engagement apparatus for use in automated systems is provided. The engagement apparatus includes a main body and at least one retaining member coupled to the main body. The retaining member is configured to couple a component to the engagement apparatus such that the component is retained within the component engagement apparatus in a first predefined position. A plurality of alignment members are coupled to the main body such that each of the alignment members are positioned a predefined distance from the retaining members. The alignment members are each configured to align the component within the engagement apparatus when the component moves, via gravity, from the first predefined position to a second predefined position. | 05-30-2013 |
20130154292 | Mechanical Gripper for Manipulation of Micro-Sized Objects - An apparatus for the micromanipulation of micro-sized objects includes a micromanipulation device in the form of a hollow frame having a base, resiliently deflectable arms projecting from the base and defining a gap for receiving a micro-sized object, and a saddle connected to the tips of the arms between the base and the tips. A force generating device applies a force to the saddle to deflect the tips inwards to close the gap about the micro-sized object. A fixture is provided for supporting the micromanipulation device and force generating device. The force generating device can be a micrometer. The micromanipulation device is configured for production using micro-fabrication techniques. The micromanipulation device may include a piercing element for piercing an object positioned between the arms of the device, and may further include a notch aligned with the piercing element for retaining the object. | 06-20-2013 |
20130187399 | Vacuum pump to pick up articles - A system for picking up and holding articles using a vacuum pump. Articles such as beads, stones, etc. are picked up and held using a hand piece. The hand piece is coupled to a vacuum pump via tubing. The hand piece has a release hole to control a vacuum. The hand piece further has an interchangeable tip which contacts the article to be picked-up. The interchangeable tip allow for various sized tips to be utilized. | 07-25-2013 |
20140054911 | Traffic Barrier Lifter - 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. | 02-27-2014 |
20140361565 | ELONGATED MEMBER CHUCKING APPARATUS AND ELONGATED MEMBER CHUCKING METHOD - The present invention is provided with a case, in which an inner bottom surface is formed, and a chuck tool in which a lower surface is formed. The inner bottom surface is a concave surface. The lower surface is a concave surface. An elongated member chucking apparatus changes an orientation of an elongated member inside the case to a predetermined orientation with respect to the chuck tool by sandwiching the elongated member between the inner bottom surface and the lower surface. The elongated member is held by the chuck tool in the predetermined orientation. | 12-11-2014 |
20150008688 | SUCTION STRUCTURE, ROBOT HAND AND ROBOT - A suction structure includes a pad and a fixing base. The pad includes a contact portion which has a seal wall and makes contact with a target object to be sucked, a major surface portion which is surrounded by the contact portion and defines an inner space in conjunction with the seal member as the contact portion makes contact with the target object, and a thin portion formed in the major surface portion. The fixing base includes a suction hole configured to bring the inner space into communication with a vacuum source and supporting the pad. | 01-08-2015 |
20150008689 | SUCTION STRUCTURE, ROBOT HAND AND ROBOT - A suction structure includes a pad and a fixing base. The pad includes a contact portion which makes contact with a target object to be sucked and which has a seal wall, and a major surface portion which is surrounded by the contact portion and which defines an inner space in conjunction with the seal wall as the contact portion makes contact with the target object. The fixing base includes a support portion configured to support the pad at a position offset from the center of the major surface portion of the pad, and a suction hole configured to bring the inner space into communication with a vacuum source. | 01-08-2015 |
20150008690 | SUCTION STRUCTURE, ROBOT HAND AND ROBOT - A suction structure includes a fixing base, a pad, and a support body. The fixing base includes an annular wall portion. The pad includes a contact portion which makes contact with a target object to be sucked. The support body is installed on an inner circumferential surface of the annular wall portion, and the support body is configured to elastically support an outer circumferential surface of the pad at a lateral side of the pad. Further, the pad and the support body define an inner space, and the fixing base includes a suction hole which brings the inner space into communication with a vacuum source. | 01-08-2015 |
20150108779 | SUCTION GRIPPER APPARATUS - A suction gripper apparatus with a suction head, which is mounted with at least one elastic mounting member on a working head of an actuation device, the suction head having an elastic suction cup which possesses a suction body and a suction lip forming an open edge portion of the suction body and running in a suction plane, wherein the suction head possesses a retaining plate connected to the suction cup and surrounding it like a ring and having a flat contact surface running in a contact plane parallel to the suction plane. | 04-23-2015 |
20150321359 | PICKER ASSEMBLY - A picker assembly includes a picker, a driving member coupled to the picker, the driving member adjusting a position of the picker, a pair of first fixing members on a lower surface of the driving member, the pair of first fixing members being adjacent to a portion at which the driving member and the picker are connected, and a pair of second fixing members on the picker, the pair of second fixing members being coupled to respective first fixing members through latching and fixing. | 11-12-2015 |
20160136821 | Vacuum Cup Assembly - A vacuum cup assembly that generates a local vacuum using a prime mover that may be an electrical motor or a solenoid. The vacuum cup may have one or more ports to remove and vent air between the cup and the atmosphere. The prime mover drives a piston or a flexible membrane, which may be a diaphragm, through one or more reciprocating cycles to generate the local vacuum. The vacuum cup assembly may be used to form a temporary attachment to a work piece, the act on the work piece, such as by moving the work piece, and then release the work piece from the vacuum cup assembly. The vacuum cup assembly disclosed herein is self-contained inasmuch as the assembly may have a power source, such as a battery, located on a housing. This makes its operation quiet and effective. | 05-19-2016 |
20160176056 | Pick and Place Nozzle Adaptor | 06-23-2016 |
20160250757 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING VIBRATION TO RELEASE PARTS HELD BY A ROBOTIC GRIPPER | 09-01-2016 |
20180021959 | SUCTION NOZZLE | 01-25-2018 |
20190143537 | GRIPPER, IN PARTICULAR PNEUMATICALLY OPERATED GRIPPER IN THE FORM OF A VACUUM GRIPPER OR GRIPPING TONGS | 05-16-2019 |
294185000 | Including diverse art structure (e.g., heater, light, sensor, vibrator, control, filter, etc.) | 20 |
20120181804 | VACUUM GRIPPER FOR PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN UNIT LOADS - A vacuum gripper is provided for picking up and setting down unit loads by layer, comprising a surface having suction openings, connected to a vacuum supply, and device for temporarily connecting the suction openings. The vacuum gripper comprises at least two air channels, connecting suction openings. Each air channel is connected by a valve to a central, linear vacuum supply channel connected to the vacuum supply. The valve comprises at least one tappet, whose movement makes possible controlling opening and closing the valve. The tappets are arranged in a straight row, and are automatically moved in a position where the valve is closed. The tappets are functionally connected to a mechanical actuating device, extending along the row, comprising mechanically movable control elements for sequential actuation. The control elements automatically restore the tappets to a position where the valve is closed, making possible closing the related valves sequentially. | 07-19-2012 |
20120235434 | VACUUM PICKUP ASSEMBLIES FOR PICKING UP ARTICLES AND MINIMIZING CONTAMINATION THEREOF - Vacuum pickup assemblies for picking up articles and minimizing contamination of the articles are described. One such vacuum pick up assembly includes an end effector configured to contact the article, the end effector coupled to a vacuum section and a purge section, the vacuum section including a vacuum filter pneumatically coupled to the end effector, and a vacuum source pneumatically coupled to the first filter and, in a pick up mode, configured to generate vacuum pressure at the end effector at a preselected vacuum pressure to pick up and retain the article, the purge section including a purge filter pneumatically coupled to the end effector, and a purge source pneumatically coupled to the second filter and, in a release mode, configured to expel a purge gas at the end effector at a preselected purge pressure to release the article. | 09-20-2012 |
20130127192 | Hybrid Pickup Tool - Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and apparatus for a multi-aperture vacuum tool that is comprised of a distributed vacuum tool that has a number of apertures distributed across an area for manipulating material portion, such as textile, mesh, cloth, and foam. The multi-aperture vacuum tool is also comprised of a refined vacuum tool. The refined vacuum tool generally has a couple of apertures that allow the refined vacuum tool to manipulate smaller portions of material than that which are handled by the distributed vacuum tool. Further, it is contemplated that an affixing tool, such as an ultrasonic welder, is also incorporated with exemplary aspects of the multi-aperture vacuum tool. | 05-23-2013 |
20130249228 | VACUUM NOZZLE DEVICE FOR SUCKING AND MOVING AN OPTOELECTRICAL ELEMENT - A vacuum nozzle device for picking up and moving a light emitting diode comprises a tube having a lower end for contacting the light emitting diode and an image sensor located in the vacuum nozzle device. A negative pressure can be generated at the lower end of the tube when the vacuum nozzle device is in operation. The image sensor detects alignment keys on a light generating chip of the LED to precisely move the vacuum nozzle device to a desired position on the light emitting diode. | 09-26-2013 |
20130264836 | Semiconductor Die Collet and Method - A system comprises a collet is configured for holding a die surface against the bearing surface and for simultaneously pushing outward on the center region of the die so held. | 10-10-2013 |
20130285402 | Unpacking Device for Glass Substrate - The present invention provides an unpacking device for glass substrate and which includes a bracket and a plurality of sucking heads mourned thereon, and a plurality of altitude. The sucking heads are used to pickup a working target, and the altitude sensors are arranged between the bracket and the sucking heads. The unpacking device of the present invention can readily reduce the breakage of the glass substrates and also protect the sucking heads from being damaged. | 10-31-2013 |
20140197652 | END EFFECTOR MODULE - An end effector module includes a palm base and robotic fingers extended from the palm base. Each robotic finger is composed of four joint shafts pivotally coupled with one another, and one of the four joint shafts, namely a start joint shaft, has a driving mechanism for driving a corresponding robotic finger to rotate, and each joint shaft has a driving mechanism to drive a next corresponding joint shaft to turn pivotally and bend with respect to other corresponding joint shafts, so that each robotic finger is module with four degrees of freedom for fine-tuning the position of a suction device installed at an end joint shaft, and the suction device can move along the normal direction of a suction point selected on the surface of a clamped object to achieve the effect of clamping and sucking an object securely without the risk of being loosened easily. | 07-17-2014 |
20140252787 | Venturi Assisted Gripper - A gripper system which utilizes two different suction systems is disclosed. This gripper system utilizes one suction system to pick up an item, while using the second suction system to hold the item. In some embodiments, a Venturi device based suction system is used as the first suction system to pick up the item, as this type of system is proficient at picking up items without requiring initial contact to create a seal. In some embodiments, a vacuum based system is used as the second suction system, as this type of system is able to hold items cost effectively. | 09-11-2014 |
20140353995 | SUCTION NOZZLE AND ABNORMALITY DETECTION DEVICE THEREFOR - An abnormality detection device including an air flow path that is opened and closed by a vertical movement of a nozzle piston in a nozzle holder of a suction nozzle, an air supply path that supplies air to the air flow path, and a flow sensor that detects an amount of air flow in the air supply path. The amount of air flow in the air flow path of the nozzle holder is monitored and based on an output signal from the flow sensor a defect the vertical movement of the nozzle piston is detected. | 12-04-2014 |
20150061309 | DEVICE FOR LIFTING AND POSITIONING AN OBJECT - A device for lifting and positioning an object includes first means for generating a low pressure by a whirlwind for suctioning the object. The first means are arranged inside a housing having a suction opening. The housing has at least one friction element which at least partly covers the suction opening. | 03-05-2015 |
20150061310 | SUCTION DEVICE - A suction device to lift workpieces includes a sucking plate, a vacuum suction pipe, and a number of guide boards. The sucking plate includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and a number of side walls. A ventilated cavity is surrounded by the bottom wall, the top wall, and the side walls. A number of uniformly-distributed sucking holes are defined in the bottom wall, in communication with the ventilated cavity. A connecting hole is defined in the top wall and is in communication with the ventilated cavity. The vacuum suction pipe draws air from the ventilated cavity. The guide boards are connected to the edges of the bottom wall and create spaces to maneuver the workspace into correct alignment as it approaches the bottom wall. The two guide boards open out from the top wall. | 03-05-2015 |
20150076849 | END HANDLER - An end handler and method for processing a device are presented. The end handler includes a mating portion for mating with a tool and a support portion for supporting a film frame on a support surface. The support portion includes a support base section, extension sections extending from the support base section, and vacuum ports on the support surface for facilitating mating of the film frame on the support surface. Each of the vacuum port includes at least one reservoir having at least one vacuum opening in fluid communication with at least one vacuum source. The vacuum ports being configured to principally maintain a slimmest profile with strongest suction force possible. | 03-19-2015 |
20150137545 | SUCTION DEVICE - A suction device includes a suction head, a fixing assembly, a rotating assembly, and a sliding assembly. The rotating assembly includes a shaft defining a spiral sliding slot. The suction head is attached to an end of the shaft. The sliding assembly is slidable and attached to the fixing assembly and includes a guiding post. An end of the guiding post is slidable and received in the spiral sliding slot. The sliding assembly is able to slide relative to the fixing assembly to slide the guiding post along the spiral sliding slot, thereby urging the shaft together with the suction head to rotate. | 05-21-2015 |
20150314456 | FILM SUCTION MECHANISM - A film suction mechanism is provided which can prevent a film-like member from warping or sagging for reliable suction, handing over, or the like of the film-like member. A film suction mechanism of the present invention is a film suction mechanism for processing or transferring a flexible film-like member. The film suction mechanism includes a suction unit having a function of attaching the film-like member thereto by suction and an air nozzle having a function of blowing pressurized air onto a first surface of the film-like member. The suction unit includes a plurality of suction pads. The suction unit is capable of attaching a second surface of the film-like member thereto by suction while the pressurized air is blown onto the first surface of the film-like member. | 11-05-2015 |
20150352726 | AREA VACUUM GRIPPER - The invention relates to an surface area vacuum gripper ( | 12-10-2015 |
20160052144 | CONFORMABLE DRY ADHESIVE HOLDING DEVICE - A gripping device is described and includes a holder including a base and a conformable jamming element that has a conformable releasable surface-adhesive element secured onto its surface. | 02-25-2016 |
20160059425 | FLOW BLOCKING VALVE, A VACUUM LIFTING DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING A VACUUM LIFTING DEVICE - Disclosed is a flow blocking valve, a vacuum lifting device have such valve, a vacuum lifting arrangements, and methods for operating the same, the valve including a valve housing part forming a flow duct between a flow inlet arranged at an inlet end of the duct and a flow outlet arranged at an outlet end of the duct, where a seat is arranged at the flow outlet, the valve further including a displaceable valve blocking device arranged to move inside the flow duct, where said blocking device is arranged to block the flow through said valve when being forced against said seat, the valve also including obstruction means being displaceable in a direction substantially transverse in relation to a longitudinal direction of the flow duct, where the obstruction means is arranged to controllably obstruct the passage of the displaceable valve blocking device without completely disabling flow through the flow duct. | 03-03-2016 |
20160096277 | PART HOLDING HEAD ASSEMBLY FOR CHIP MOUNTING DEVICE - There is provided a part holding head assembly of a part mounting device including: a rotary head; a spindle configured to rotate in a first direction T with respect to a central axis of the spindle and configured to move in a second direction Z substantially parallel with an extending direction of the central axis of the spindle; a nozzle provided at a first end of the spindle; a raising part configured to move the spindle to in the second direction Z; and a contact detecting sensor configured to sense the nozzle contacting a part or the part held by the nozzle contacting a substrate and configured to generate a contact sensing signal according to the sensing. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096278 | PAD-SEPARABLE SUCTION CUP - Disclosed herein is a suction cup used in a vacuum system. The suction cup includes a hollow body, a skirt-shaped pad disposed under the body, and a ring-shaped clamp removably provided in the suction cup to couple the body with the pad. A concave āCā-shaped outer surface of the clamp compresses a contact portion of the body with the pad in opposite directions upwards and downwards while surrounding the contact portion, thus coupling the body with the pad. | 04-07-2016 |
20160204018 | CONVEYING APPARATUS | 07-14-2016 |
294186000 | Including a suction activation or deactivation device (e.g., switch, etc.) | 4 |
20130082474 | End Effector with Internal Valve | 04-04-2013 |
20130241225 | VACUUM PICKUP DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PICKUP - The present invention further provides a vacuum pickup device for manufacturing process of a flat panel and which comprises a detecting unit and a first vacuum circuit and a second vacuum circuit independent from each other. The first vacuum circuit is interconnected with a first nozzle, a first vacuum tube and a first vacuum reservoir in serial. The second vacuum circuit is interconnected with a second nozzle, a second vacuum tube and a second vacuum reservoir in serial. A joint sucking area is defined by the first and second nozzles jointly, and the detecting unit is used to monitor an operation status of the first and second vacuum circuits. Wherein either one of the first and second vacuum circuits is detected as a normal operational status, then the sucking process will remain in operation; and wherein when either the first vacuum circuit or the second vacuum circuit is detected as an abnormal status, the sucking process is halted. The present invention further provides a method for performing the vacuum pickup device. | 09-19-2013 |
20130277999 | VENTURI ASSISTED GRIPPER - A gripper system which utilizes two different suction systems is disclosed. This gripper system utilizes one suction system to pick up an item, while using the second suction system to hold the item. In some embodiments, a Venturi device based suction system is used as the first suction system to pick up the item, as this type of system is proficient at picking up items without requiring initial contact to create a seal. In some embodiments, a vacuum based system is used as the second suction system, as this type of system is able to hold items cost effectively. | 10-24-2013 |
20150360371 | AREA VACUUM GRIPPER - The invention relates to a surface area vacuum gripper ( | 12-17-2015 |
294188000 | Having a plurality of suction ports or apertures | 25 |
20110278870 | NON-CONTACT TRANSPORT APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a non-contact transport apparatus. The non-contact transport apparatus includes a housing, and a plate which is fitted into a circular recess formed at a central portion in a lower surface of the housing. The housing is formed into a shape corresponding to the shape of a workpiece to be transported, for example, into an octagonal shape. In the plate, a plurality of nozzles are arranged radially at equal angular intervals. The nozzles include first nozzle grooves and second nozzle grooves having cross sectional areas that are determined in proportion to distances between a principal side of the housing and the nozzle and between an oblique side of the housing and the nozzle for making the flow rates of the pressure fluid through the first nozzle groove and the second nozzle groove different. | 11-17-2011 |
20110309647 | Vacuum Wafer Carriers for Strengthening Thin Wafers - An apparatus for supporting a wafer includes a base, and a gas-penetration layer. The gas-penetration layer and a portion of the base directly underlying the gas-penetration layer form a gas passage therebetween. The gas passage is configured to be sealed by the wafer placed directly over the gas-penetration layer. The apparatus further includes a valve connected to the gas passage. | 12-22-2011 |
20120043776 | AREAL GRIPPER - An areal gripper for targeted picking-up, handling and putting down of objects. The areal gripper includes a foil element and air-tight frame. The foil element includes an elastically deformable, air-permeably perforated first layer, with a first outer surface and first inner surface, and an elastically deformable, air-impermeable second layer with a second outer surface and a second inner surface, wherein the first and the second inner surface facing each other, are connected to one another and spaced from one another through individually arranged, elastically deformable spacers formed between the first and second inner surface. The air-tight frame laterally surrounds the foil element, which is connected to the circumferential edges of the first and the second layer in a circumferentially air-tight manner, wherein the foil element or the frame includes at least one connection for a pressure supply, by means of which in the intermediate spaces an underpressure can be created. | 02-23-2012 |
20120119530 | HOLDING DEVICE TO BE MOUNTED ON A CARRIER AND THE USE OF SUCH A DEVICE - A holding device for lifting and/or moving an article including at least one substantially planar outer surface is designed for mounting on an implement carrier, which includes a carrier part. The holding device can be mounted on, and released from, the implement carrier. At least one holding unit can come into contact with the article and can grip the article by surface contact between the at least one holding unit and one outer surface of the article to be lifted and/or moved. The carrier part includes at least one backstop against which the article can rest when the article is to be released from the at least one holding unit while the at least one holding unit is movably mounted to the carrier part. The holding device also includes at least one actuator for moving the at least one holding unit relative to the at least one backstop. | 05-17-2012 |
20130009415 | SUBSTRATE LOADER AND UNLOADER HAVING AN AIR BEARING SUPPORT - A substrate separation chuck adapted to separate a substrate from an adhering surface. The substrate separation chuck has a support adapted to support the adhering surface. An air bearing surface is adapted to support the substrate, the air bearing surface axially moveable relative to the support. The air bearing surface has a first position adjacent the substrate with the substrate coupled to the adhering surface. The air bearing surface is moveable from the first position to a second position separating the substrate from the adhering surface without contact between the substrate and the air bearing surface. | 01-10-2013 |
20130082475 | VACUUM SUCTION APPARATUS - A vacuum suction apparatus is equipped with a body having a supply port, and a pad provided on a lower portion of the body to which a workpiece can be attracted under suction. The pad is constituted from a base plate accommodated in a space of the body, a flexible intermediate plate provided on a lower portion of the base plate, and a suction sheet body disposed on a lower portion of the intermediate plate and having a sheet that attracts the workpiece under suction. In addition, the base plate, the intermediate plate and the suction sheet body are stacked along an axial direction of the body. The rigidity of the base plate is highest, whereas the rigidities of the intermediate plate and the suction sheet body are lower in this order, and the flexibilities thereof are greater in this order from the base plate. | 04-04-2013 |
20130106126 | End Effector with Internal Valve | 05-02-2013 |
20130127193 | Manufacturing Vacuum Tool - Aspects relate to systems and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a vacuum distributor, one or more vacuum apertures, a vacuum distribution cavity, and a plate. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force. Aspects of the present invention have a plurality of vacuum distributors coupled as a unified vacuum tool, which provides control over generated vacuum forces. Further, aspects of the present invention vary a size, shape, offset, and/or pitch of one or more apertures extending through the vacuum tool plate. Further yet, aspects of the present invention contemplate selective activation/deactivation of one or more vacuum generators. | 05-23-2013 |
20130127194 | SWITCHABLE PLATE MANUFACTURING VACUUM TOOL - Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a switchable plate, such that a common vacuum tool may be adapted with different plates. A switchable plate may form the entirety of the vacuum tool's material contacting surface or a switchable plate may form a portion of the material contacting surface. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force. | 05-23-2013 |
20130140838 | MOBILE VACUUM CARRIERS FOR THIN WAFER PROCESSING - This disclosure presents mobile vacuum carriers that may be used to support thin substrates that would otherwise be too brittle to transport and process. This disclosure relates to the processing of thin semiconductor substrates and has particular applicability to the fields of photovoltaic solar cells, semiconductor microelectronic integrated circuits, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), optoelectronic devices (such as light-emitting diodes, lasers, photo detectors), data storage devices, etc. | 06-06-2013 |
20140062112 | DEVICE FOR VACUUM GRIPPING - Disclosed is a device for vacuum gripping that may be used in a vacuum transfer system. The vacuum gripping device includes a supply passage extending from the lower end of the sidewall of a gripper body having a discharge passage therein to a suction hole provided below the lower end of the discharge passage. Further, an air guide is mounted to the lower end of the gripper body. The air guide is designed to move compressed air only upward from the lower part of the discharge passage by providing a rounded structure (R) in the supply passage. Thus, the vacuum gripping device of this invention can prevent even a small amount of compressed air from undesirably flowing to a suction pad part placed in a lower part of the vacuum gripping device, so the gripping device can quickly and efficiently vacuum-hold an object. | 03-06-2014 |
20140175818 | PICK UP MECHANISM - A pick up mechanism includes a pick up rod, a pick up head, and a resisting assembly. The pick up head is assembled to an end of the pick up rod. The resisting assembly includes a guiding seat, a resisting member, a pair of guiding rods, and a pair of elastic members. The guiding seat is fixedly sleeved on the pick up rod, the resisting member slidably shields the pick up head. The pair of guiding rods is fixed on the guiding seat, and blocks the resisting member. The pair of elastic members is resisted between the guiding seat and the resisting member, wherein the pick up head is exposed or shielded by moving the resisting member relative to the pick up rod. | 06-26-2014 |
20140183889 | SUCTION DEVICE - A device for vacuum-lifting workpieces includes a driving assembly, a rotating table, a plurality of suction assemblies mounted on the rotating table spaced from each other, and a vacuum pump. Each suction assembly includes a suction cup. An airflow guiding part is configured to align each suction cup with a vacuum when the suction cup is positioned above a picking station. The driving assembly makes the suction cups communicate with the airflow guiding part in succession. Each suction assembly is capable of picking a different type of workpiece, therefore the suction device can take the place of a plurality of individual manipulators. | 07-03-2014 |
20140346795 | GRIPPER FOR A CONTACT LENS AND PROCESS FOR TRANSPORTING A CONTACT LENS - A gripper ( | 11-27-2014 |
20140375072 | GRIPPER DEVICE HAVING HOLDING POINTS - The present invention relates to a gripper device which has multiple holding points. The gripper device according to the present invention comprises: a frame comprising a rotating shaft which is arranged in parallel; a holding means fixed by a bracket to one holding point on the rotating shaft; and a driving means which rotates the rotating shaft and the holding means. The gripper device effectively responds to holding points which vary depending on the type of article held so that the articles can be stably held. | 12-25-2014 |
20150015013 | VACUUM GRIPPER - A vacuum gripper for gripping a work-piece includes a flat or curved gripper plate having at least one suction port. A work-piece suction throttling zone is formed around the suction port. The gripper plate has at least one recess provided at a side facing the work-piece and arranged beyond the work-piece suction throttling zone ( | 01-15-2015 |
20150028612 | VENTILATED VACUUM COMMUTATION STRUCTURES - Ventilated vacuum structures such as pucks and rings are disclosed for carrying portions of disposable products during manufacturing. Air flow enters vacuum commutation ports on an article carrying structure from vents nearby, the vents receiving air from a side, a top or an underside of the article carrying structure. | 01-29-2015 |
20150130201 | END EFFECTOR - An end effector for the packaging industry comprises has a frame, a bridge on top of the frame, a rack and pinion assembly, actuation rods, carrier assemblies, and vacuum ports. The rack and pinion assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a robot's rotatable shaft, and to the actuation rods. The actuation rods are fixedly connected to one or more of the carrier assemblies. As the robot's shaft rotates, the rack and pinion assembly is actuated, which actuates the actuation rods, which causes the carrier assemblies fixedly connected to the actuation rods to move longitudinally along the frame. Each carrier assembly includes a carrier block and at least one pick-up member. Each carrier block has at least one arm with a grabber to cooperate with an adjacent arm with grabbers of an adjacent carrier block(s) of the same subgroup. | 05-14-2015 |
20150328779 | SUCTION CUP - A suction cup includes a body with a central axis, a first end having an opening, and a second end adapted to be connected to a vacuum source, thereby drawing a vacuum through the opening. A lip is provided on the body, which defines a periphery around the opening. An obstruction element with an exterior surface extends across at last part of the opening. The obstruction element defines a plurality of holes therethrough and presents an exterior surface that is substantially flush with the lip. The obstruction element discourages distortion of a fabric drawn to the suction cup, when the vacuum is applied by the vacuum source, to a degree that exceeds a predetermined, acceptable threshold. | 11-19-2015 |
20160016318 | SUCTION DEVICE - The suction device ( | 01-21-2016 |
20160049326 | TRANSFER UNIT - A transfer unit transferring a wafer from or to a cassette is provided. The transfer unit includes a holding portion holding the wafer under suction and a driving portion moving the holding portion. The holding portion includes a body, a plurality of suction openings formed on the upper surface of the body so as to be spaced from each other, a vacuum transmitting passage connected to a vacuum source for transmitting a vacuum from the vacuum source to the suction openings, and a plurality of suction pads provided at the suction openings, each suction pad being formed of an elastic material. The suction openings are spaced from each other in the radial direction of the wafer, and the suction pads are selectively provided at any desired ones of the suction openings. | 02-18-2016 |
20160067867 | AREA VACUUM GRIPPER - The invention relates to a surface area vacuum gripper for sucking and handling workpieces, comprising a housing, in which a negative pressure chamber is provided that can be subjected to negative pressure and wherein the housing comprises on the suction side, facing the workpiece, suction openings having a suction cross-section, wherein a flexible lining is associated to this suction side, which is applied to the workpiece. According to the invention, a film is interposed between the suction side of the housing and the flexible lining, the film comprising flow openings which are locally corresponding to the suction openings, wherein the flow resistance of the suction openings is adjustable via the flow cross-section of the flow openings of the film. | 03-10-2016 |
20160075035 | LOADING DEVICE HAVING SUCTION ASSEMBLIES WITH ADJUSTABLE INTERSPACES THEREAMONG - A loading device of a robot includes a frame, a first pneumatic cylinder and a first pulley member mounted on a top face of the frame, a second pneumatic cylinder and a second pulley member mounted on a bottom face of the frame, first and second suction assemblies coupled to the first pneumatic cylinder and the first pulley member, third and fourth suction assemblies coupled to the second pneumatic cylinder and the second pulley member, and a fifth suction assembly secured to a middle of the frame. Interspaces among the first to fifth suction assemblies are adjustable by activating the first and second pneumatic cylinder to extend or retract pistons thereof. | 03-17-2016 |
20160107319 | MANUFACTURING VACUUM TOOL - The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a switchable plate, such that a common vacuum tool may be adapted with different plates. A switchable plate may form the entirety of the vacuum tool's material contacting surface or a switchable plate may form a portion of the material contacting surface. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force. | 04-21-2016 |
20160254176 | Positive Pressure Bernoulli Wand with Coiled Path | 09-01-2016 |
294189000 | Having a resilient seal or resilient sealing | 8 |
20130106127 | GRIPPING AND RELEASING APPARATUS AND METHOD | 05-02-2013 |
20140035304 | Suction Lifting Tool And Sealing Flange For A Suction Lifting Tool - Disclosed is a suction lifting tool for fastening an article on a surface of an object, said suction lifting tool having a bowed suction housing which is closed off towards one side by means of a suction disk, wherein a cavity is formed between the suction housing and the suction disk, and having a tension lever for reducing a spacing between the suction housing and the suction disk to generate a suction effect, wherein a ring-shaped sealing flange is securable on the suction disk, having an inside groove on the sealing flange into which the suction disk is insertable by way of its outside edge, and which has an elastic sealing face for abutment against the surface of the object in order to enable fastening to strongly bowed surfaces in this manner. | 02-06-2014 |
20140353996 | VACUUM-LIFTING DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING AND TESTING OPTICAL CONNECTOR - A vacuum-lifting device includes a holding block and a nozzle. The holding block defines a holding hole and a threaded hole communicating with the holding hole. The nozzle includes a first section that is slidably received in the holding hole and a second section. The second section extends from the first section and has an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the first section. | 12-04-2014 |
20150008691 | SUCTION STRUCTURE, ROBOT HAND AND ROBOT - A suction structure includes a fixing base, a pad, and a support body. The pad includes a contact portion which makes contact with a target object to be sucked. The support body is installed to the fixing base and the support body is configured to elastically support the pad. Further, the pad and the support body define an inner space, and the fixing base includes a suction hole which brings the inner space into communication with a vacuum source. | 01-08-2015 |
20150015014 | SUCTION STRUCTURE, ROBOT HAND AND ROBOT - A suction structure includes a fixing base, a pad fixed to the fixing base and a seal member arranged between the pad and the fixing base. The pad includes a contact portion arranged to make contact with a target object to be sucked, a space surrounded by the contact portion, a suction hole through which the space communicates with a vacuum source via the seal member, and one or more support portions fixing the pad to the fixing base. Each of the support portions is arranged on an axis of tilting movement, and being provided with a twist portion for supporting the contact portion such that the contact portion makes the tilting movement about the axis. | 01-15-2015 |
20150102619 | MOVING FIXTURE AND RELATED MOVING APPARATUS - A moving fixture capable of adjusting suction is disclosed in the present invention. The moving fixture includes a sucking component, a first supporting component, a second supporting component, a resilient component and a handle. A first end of the first supporting component is disposed on the sucking component. The second supporting component is movably disposed on a second end of the first supporting component opposite to the first end, and the second supporting component can move from the second end to the first end relative to the first supporting component. The resilient component is disposed between the first supporting component and the second supporting component. The handle is disposed on an end of the second supporting component opposite to the first supporting component. | 04-16-2015 |
20160031092 | SUCKER - A sucker includes: a main body having a bottom face formed with an annular abutment; a disc body made of a flexible material having a tapered annular wall, the disc body being disposed under the bottom face of the main body, an outer circumference of the annular wall being formed with a freely flexible lip edge positioned below the annular abutment face; an air chamber being formed in the disc body; and an air-sucking passage having a first end in communication with the air chamber of the disc body and a second end passing through the disc body and the main body to communicate with outer side. When the sucker sucks a surface of an object, the top face of the lip edge is in contact with the abutment face and supported thereby. | 02-04-2016 |
20160107320 | FIXTURE - A fixture includes a housing and a gas valve. The housing defines a receiving chamber and a suction hole communicating with the receiving chamber on an end. The gas valve includes a valve body and a piston. The valve body partially resists an inner surface of the receiving chamber to divide the receiving chamber. The valve body defines a first channel, and a first and second through holes respectively communicating with the first channel. The piston is movably received in the first channel, and capable of being pushed to lead the first connecting hole to communicate with the second through hole by gas flowing into the hole, and block a communication between the first connecting hole and the second through hole by gas flowing into the first channel. | 04-21-2016 |