Patent ID: 6309289
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: B23Q,B24B,B25B

Abstract:
A materials handling apparatus for positioning objects on a substantially horizontal flat surface comprising, in combination with said horizontal flat surface; at least one flotation pad comprising a seal skirt and a floatation pad disk, said floatation pad having a substantially planar lower surface and supporting at least a portion of the weight of said object;said seal skirt comprising, a recessed area defined by a downwardly extending annular flange, a fluid port, a bottom surface on said downwardly extending annular flange, sealing means attached to said bottom surface selectively sealingly engaged with said flat horizontal surface;said floatation pad disk sealingly engaged in said seal skirt recessed area, said floatation pad disk comprising a body portion having a thickness commensurate with said annular flange such that the floatation pad disk lower surface may be selectively spaced relative to said horizontal surface, a plurality of fluid jets extending through said body portion and selectively communicating a pressurized fluid source and a vacuum source between said fluid port and said floatation pad disk lower surface;said pressurized fluid forming a thin fluid film layer between said floatation pad lower surface and said horizontal flat surface; andsaid vacuum removing said thin fluid film layer and engaging said sealing means with said flat horizontal surface defining a vacuum chamber therein and lockingly engaging said floatation pad to said flat horizontal surface.