Patent ID: 6345818
Filing Date: 2002-02-12
Classification: B21D,B25J,B65H

Abstract:
A robotic manipulator having a gripping tool assembly for separating an uppermost sheet of material from a stack of material, said assembly comprising;a lift arm, a frame fixedly mounted to said lift arm, at least one separating device movably mounted to said frame for grasping and lifting a peripheral portion of the uppermost sheet of material to create an initial separation of the uppermost sheet of material from the stack of material, and at least one stationary suction lifter fixedly secured to said frame for grasping and lifting the remaining portions of the uppermost sheet of material after said initial separation of the uppermost sheet of material, said assembly characterized by first and second air hoses mounted to said frame with said first air hose positioned above said second air hose whereby said first air hose provides pressurized air toward the periphery of the uppermost sheet of material to assist in said initial separation of the uppermost sheet of material and said second air hose provides pressurized air below the uppermost sheet of material after said initial separation of the uppermost sheet of material.