Patent ID: 7841633
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: B65B,B65G

Abstract:
1. An article-handling device, comprising: a) a vacuum source providing a vacuum pressure; b) a stationary support shaft having a central axis; c) a first vacuum manifold rotatably mounted on said support shaft and comprising one or more tubular suction shafts; d) a second vacuum manifold rotatably affixed to said first vacuum manifold and comprising one or more tubular suction shafts; e) a stationary control valve mounted on said support shaft and adapted to i) receive and distribute said vacuum pressure independently to said first and second vacuum manifolds, and ii) provide connectivity with atmospheric pressure; f) a monolithic vacuum conduit rotatably mounted on said support shaft and providing separate operational connectivity between i) said first vacuum manifold and said control valve, and ii) said second vacuum manifold and said control valve; g) a means for rotating each of said first and second vacuum manifolds, and said conduit about said support shaft; and wherein at least a first suction shaft of said first vacuum manifold is arranged spatially parallel to a first suction shaft of said second vacuum manifold thereby enabling each to independently attract and hold said article when said first and second vacuum manifolds are operationally connected with said vacuum pressure and release said article when said first and second vacuum manifolds are operationally connected with said atmosphere pressure.