Patent ID: 7144009
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for transmitting a workpiece, comprising: a support frame; a support frame driving unit for moving the support frame towards and away from a workpiece; a plurality of air pipes rotatably connected to the support frame along a direction perpendicular to a transmitting direction of the workpiece, where each air pipe defines an air passage; an air flow forming unit configured to generate air flow in each air passage; a plurality of rollers coupled to each of the air pipes and configured to rotate with the air pipes; and a roller driving unit configured to rotate the rollers, wherein a plurality of suction cups are provided at an outer perimeter of each of the rollers and a plurality of air exhaust passages each extending from an inner surface of each suction cup to a respective air passage in each of the rollers, such that air within a closed space formed between each suction cup and the workpiece is exhausted to a respective air passage by a difference in a pressure between each closed space and said respective air passage.