Patent ID: 6705827
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A01C,B25J

Abstract:
A robotic apparatus for handling particles, comprising:a robotic assembly configured to move in three-dimensional space; and a particle manipulator carried by the robotic assembly, the particle manipulator being positionable by the robotic assembly at selected locations in the three-dimensional space, the particle manipulator comprising a probe having an end surface defining a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is dimensioned smaller than a particle; the probe being fluidly connectable to a vacuum source, wherein application of a vacuum from the vacuum source to the probe is effective to cause the end surface of the probe to pick up particles whenever the end surface of the probe is positioned at a selected first location proximate to the particles, and wherein release of the vacuum from the probe causes the end surface of the probe to release the particles at a selected second location, wherein the second location is the same as or different from the first location.