Patent ID: 8684434
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: B25J

Abstract:
1. An end effector for mounting to a robotic arm for engaging and transporting a work product, comprising a plurality of bellows supported by said end effector, each said bellows including a side wall defining an interior space, an open end for engaging a work product, and a mounting end opposite to said open end for communication with a vacuum plenum, a valve positioned in said interior space of each of said bellows, said valve including a valve housing with a bottom wall facing said open end of said bellows, a side wall connected to said bottom wall, and a top wall for connection to said mounting end of said bellows, said bottom wall, side wall and top wall defining a valve chamber, said side wall of said valve housing defining at least one valve opening, and at least one valve element positioned in said valve chamber for registration with said at least one valve opening for blocking movement of air from said interior space of said bellows into said valve chamber.