Patent ID: 6367855
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: B25J,B65G,B66C,B66F

Abstract:
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.