Patent Publication Number: US-2023141787-A1

Title: Auto-Release Vacuum Device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application, Ser. No. 60/698,031, filed Jul. 11, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference In its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to material handling systems and, more particularly, to vacuum devices for vacuum cup assemblies of material handling systems that art engaged with the objects and substantially sealed thereto via operation of a vacuum source or pneumatic device connected to the vacuum devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known to provide a material handling system that includes vacuum cups or the like that are adapted to be moved into engagement with an object, such as a substantially flat object or panel or the like, and to lift and move the object to a desired location. Such vacuum cups or suction cups may be moved into engagement with the object, and a vacuum source may be actuated to create a vacuum between the object and the cup such that the object is retained to the cup as it is transported to the targeted area. An example of such a vacuum cup is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,668, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     The vacuum generated at the cup may be provided by a venturi nozzle; whereby pressurized air is supplied or provided to a venturi nozzle at the cup and the air forced through the venturi nozzle creates a vacuum at the cup to seal the cup to the object surface. The venturi nozzle has an inlet port connected to the air supply and an exit port through which the air is blown. The internal cavity defined by the vacuum cup and object is in fluid communication with the venturi nozzle so that air is drawn out of the cavity as the air is blown through the venturi nozzle. When the air supply is deactivated, the vacuum within the cup cavity may dissipate through the port that connects the vacuum cup cavity to the venturi nozzle and through the exit port. Thus, there may be a delay between when the air supply is deactivated and when the vacuum dissipates a sufficient amount to readily release the vacuum cup from the object. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an automatic release vacuum device or venturi device, such as for a vacuum cup assembly of a material handling system that is operable to move one or more vacuum cups into engagement with an object and to pick up and move the object to a targeted or desired location. The material handling system may move the vacuum cup into engagement with the object, and may create a vacuum or partial vacuum at a cup cavity, such as via a vacuum source or an air supply or other pneumatic device or the like, to substantially seal the vacuum cup to the object. The vacuum device includes a venting element at a venting port to substantially vent the vacuum or partial vacuum at the vacuum cup to atmosphere when the vacuum source or pneumatic device is deactivated. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, an automatic release vacuum device or venturi device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a movable sealing element. The vacuum device body is adapted to connect to a pressurized air-supply, and includes a vacuum passageway and a vacuum generating device, such as a venturi nozzle or device at or in fluid communication with the vacuum passageway. The pressurized air supply is activatable to supply pressurized air at the vacuum generating device to generate at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway. The movable sealing element is movable between a sealing position, where the movable sealing element substantially seals the vacuum passageway, and a venting position, where the movable sealing element substantially vents the vacuum passageway. The vacuum device is configured to divert a portion of the pressurized air to the movable sealing element to urge the movable sealing element toward the scaling position when the pressurized air supply is activated. The movable sealing element is urged toward the venting position when the pressurized air supply is deactivated to substantially vent the vacuum passageway to atmosphere when the pressurized air supply is deactivated. 
     The vacuum device body includes a diverting passageway that diverts the portion of the pressurized air to a substantially enclosed cavity at the movable sealing element to urge the movable sealing element toward the sealing position. The automatic release vacuum device includes a biasing element that functions to urge the movable sealing element toward the venting position. The diverting passageway diverts the portion of the pressurized air to the movable sealing element to at least partially overcome a biasing force of the biasing element to urge the movable sealing element toward the sealing position when the pressurized air supply is activated. 
     In one form, the movable sealing element may comprise a flexible membrane element that flexes to engage and disengage a venting port of the vacuum device. In another form, the movable sealing element may-comprise a piston element that moves along a passageway of the vacuum device body between the sealing and venting positions. 
     The automatic release vacuum device is suitable for and may be configured for use with a vacuum cup assembly of the material handling system, with a vacuum cup of the assembly being configured to engage an object and being movable to move the object when engaged therewith. The vacuum cup is configured to substantially seal against the object when the movable sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a vacuum cup assembly of a material handling system, with the vacuum cup assembly being engagable with an object and movable to move the object, includes a vacuum device, a vacuum cup and a noise reducing device. The vacuum device is adapted to connect to a pressurized air supply and has a vacuum passageway and a venturi nozzle positioned within the vacuum device. The vacuum cup is attached to the vacuum device and is configured to engage an object. The pressurized air supply is activatable to force pressurized air through the venturi nozzle to generate the at least partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway and at the vacuum cup when the vacuum cup is engaged with an object. The pressurized air flows through the venturi nozzle and draws air from the vacuum passageway and into the venturi nozzle via at least one vacuum port of the venturi nozzle. The noise reducing device is located at a discharge of the venturi nozzle and comprises a housing defining a chamber with a conical-shaped diverter element. The housing has a plurality of radially spaced exit openings, whereby air discharged at the venturi nozzle is diverted by the conical-shaped diverter element and flows out through the exit openings of the housing. The vacuum cup is configured to substantially seal against the object when the venturi device generates at least partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway. 
     The housing of the noise reducing device may include an outer end and a sidewall that cooperate to define the chamber. The conical-shaped diverter element protrudes from the outer end and toward the venturi nozzle. The sidewall may function to attach the noise reducing device to the vacuum device. The housing of the noise reducing device includes a curved transition region between the conical-shaped diverter element and the outer end. The housing includes a curved transition region between the outer end and the sidewall. The exit openings are formed through the sidewall and generally at the outer end of the housing. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vacuum cup assembly for a material handling system includes a vacuum cup, a vacuum device and a sealing device or element. The vacuum cup assembly is engagable with an object and movable to move the object. The vacuum cup has a perimeter seal for engaging and substantially sealing at an object surface. The vacuum device is attached to the vacuum cup and is configured to draw air out of a cavity defined by the perimeter seal and the object surface when the vacuum cup is engaged with the object surface. The vacuum device comprises a unitary body and houses a venturi nozzle and defines a vacuum passageway that is in fluid communication with a vacuum port of the venturi nozzle. An inlet of the venturi nozzle is connectable to a pressurized air supply, which is activatable to force air through the venturi nozzle to generate at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway. The vacuum passageway extends through the body and between the vacuum cup and a venting passageway or port of the body. The body defines a diverting passageway that diverts air from the inlet of the venturi nozzle to the sealing element. The diverting passageway diverts air to the sealing element to urge the sealing element toward engagement with the venting port or otherwise toward a sealing position that substantially seals or closes the venting port or passageway. The sealing element is thus movable to substantially close or seal the vacuum passageway when the pressurized air supply is activated and when air flows through the diverting port to the sealing element. The sealing element is movable to disengage from or open the venting port or passageway to substantially vent the vacuum passageway to atmosphere when the vacuum source is deactivated. 
     Therefore, the present invention provides an automatic release vacuum device or venturi device, such as for a vacuum cup assembly of a material handling system that moves the vacuum cup assembly into engagement with an object. A vacuum or partial vacuum generated by the vacuum device may be readily applied to the vacuum cup of the vacuum cup assembly to substantially seal the vacuum cup to the object. When the vacuum source or pressurized air supply or other pneumatic device is reduced or deactivated, the vacuum or partial vacuum within the vacuum cup is readily and rapidly vented to atmosphere via a sealing/venting element of the vacuum device. The sealing/venting element functions to substantially seal or close the vacuum passageway when the vacuum source is activated, and is readily and automatically disengaged or moved to open or vent the vacuum passageway when the vacuum source is deactivated. The sealing/venting element (such as a membrane or piston or the like) of the vacuum device may be engaged against the vacuum device body or other sealing element in response to the vacuum generated within the vacuum device body and in response to pressurized air provided at the sealing/venting element, such that the pressure differential at the sealing/venting element causes the sealing/venting element to substantially seal or close the vacuum passageway. When the vacuum is deactivated, the sealing/venting element may be disengaged from the venting port or other sealing element or may otherwise open or vent the vacuum passageway, such as in response to a biasing element or spring, as the vacuum is at least partially reduced and/or as the pressurized air from the diverting passageway is reduced or eliminated. The vacuum at the vacuum cup assembly thus may be automatically and readily vented to atmosphere to release the vacuum cup from the object at the desired or targeted destination or location. The vacuum passageway, diverting passageway and sealing/venting element are positioned or formed within the body of the vacuum device so as to provide an integral vacuum device or auto-release venturi device for the vacuum cup assembly. 
     These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a side elevation of a vacuum cup assembly with a vacuum device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded perspective view of a vacuum device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a sectional view of the vacuum device of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view of another vacuum device in accordance with the present invention, with a piston that is movable to seal or vent the vacuum passageway; 
         FIG.  5    is a sectional view of the vacuum device of  FIG.  4   , shown with the piston in a sealing orientation; 
         FIG.  6    is another sectional view of the vacuum device of  FIG.  4   , shown with the piston in a venting orientation; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a venturi silencer useful with a venturi vacuum device; 
         FIG.  8    is an end elevation of the venturi silencer of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a side elevation of the venturi silencer of  FIGS.  7  and  8   ; and 
         FIG.  10    is a sectional view of the venturi silencer taken along the line X-X in  FIG.  8   . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a vacuum cup assembly  10  includes a vacuum cup  12  and an integral automatic release vacuum assembly or venturi assembly or vacuum device  14  operable to create a vacuum or partial vacuum within the vacuum cup  12  when the vacuum cup is engaged with a surface of an object  16  ( FIG.  1   ). The vacuum cup assembly  10  is mountable to a support assembly of a material handling system, which is operable to move the support and vacuum cup assembly (or multiple vacuum cup assemblies or suction cups) into engagement with an object, where the vacuum cup may engage and seal to the object for picking up and moving the object. The material handling system includes a vacuum source or pressurized air supply or pneumatic device for providing or creating a vacuum or partial vacuum at the vacuum cup assembly  10  to substantially vacuum seal the vacuum cup  12  to the object  16 . The vacuum device  14  includes a sealing and venting device or assembly or element  18  that is openable to atmosphere in response to deactivation of the vacuum source or air supply or pneumatic device to substantially vent the vacuum from the vacuum cup when the vacuum source or air supply or pneumatic device is deactivated, as discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum source comprises a venturi device or nozzle that is connected to or in fluid communication with a pressurized air supply, such that when the pressurized air supply is activated, pressurized air flows through the venturi device to generate a vacuum in the vacuum device and vacuum cup, as also discussed below. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , vacuum device  14  includes a vacuum device body or body portion  20  that is preferably unitarily formed and that includes or defines vacuum and venting passageways and ports as described below. For example, the body  20  may be cast or molded or otherwise formed of a metallic material, such as aluminum or the like, or a polymeric material, such as engineering plastic or the like, and may have the passageways bored or drilled through the unitary body to define and connect the appropriate passageways, as discussed below. The vacuum device  14  may be connected to a support arm (not shown) or the like of the material handling device, and may be connected to any type of support arm, without affecting the scope of the present invention. The vacuum cup assembly and material handling system of the present invention may utilize aspects described in U.S. patent applications, Ser. No. 11/034,046, filed Jan. 12, 2005 by Attee et al. for VACUUM CUP (Attorney Docket CP101 P-313A); and/or Ser. No. 10/931,637, filed Sep. 1, 2004 by Kniss for ADJUSTABLE MOUNT FOR VACUUM CUP (Attorney Docket CPI01 P-314), which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , body  20  includes or defines a vacuum generating passageway  22  therethrough. Vacuum generating passageway  22  defines an outlet or exit port  23  and an inlet or entry port  24  at opposite ends of the passageway  22  and body  20 . A vacuum generating device  28  is positioned at or in or partially in vacuum generating passageway  22  and is connectable to a vacuum source or air supply tube or pipe  29  ( FIG.  1   ) at inlet port  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, vacuum generating device  28  comprises a venturi nozzle that is positioned along passageway  22  with an outlet end  28   a  at outlet port  23  and an inlet or entry end  28   b  at or near inlet port  24 . A vacuum passageway  26  connects to and is in fluid communication with vacuum generating passageway  22  and vacuum cup  12  at one end and sealing and venting device  18  at the other end, as discussed below. Vacuum passageway  26  terminates at a vacuum cup connection port  27  for connecting body  20  to vacuum cup  12 . 
     Venturi nozzle  28  includes a nozzle body or body portion  32  and a passageway  34  extending longitudinally along the nozzle body  32 . The nozzle body  32  includes at least one vacuum port  36  to provide fluid communication through nozzle body  32  to passageway  34 . When venturi nozzle  28  is positioned within passageway  22  of body  20 , vacuum port or ports  36  is/are positioned generally at and in fluid communication with vacuum passageway  26  of body  20 . As is known in the vacuum cup and venturi nozzle art, the passageway  34  of venturi nozzle  28  comprises a narrowing and widening passageway to increase the air flow rate through the venturi nozzle  28  when the air supply or source is activated, whereby air flow through the venturi nozzle  28  draws air through vacuum ports  36  and from vacuum passageway  26  to create a vacuum or partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway  26  when the vacuum passageway is not vented, as discussed below. A silencing element or diffusing element  30  end retaining ring  31  may be positioned at outlet end  28   a  of nozzle  28 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  2  and  3   , vacuum passageway  26  of body  20  extends upwardly or outwardly from passageway  22  and venturi nozzle  28 , with sealing and venting device  18  positioned at an outer end of passageway  26  and at an upper end or outer or venting portion  40  of body  20 . Sealing and venting device  18  functions to selectively substantially close and seal vacuum passageway  26  when the air supply is activated and to open or vent vacuum passageway  26  to release or vent the vacuum within the vacuum cup when the vacuum source or air supply is deactivated, as discussed in detail below. As can be seen with reference to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , venting portion  40  of body  20  includes a recessed or venting surface  42  within an outer raised ring or cylindrical extension or ring or wall  44  that substantially surrounds venting surface  42 . The outer ring  44  includes a stepped or intermediate surface  46  that is within outer ring  44  and spaced from venting surface  42 . An inner raised ring or cylindrical extension or venting port  48  extends or protrudes outwardly from venting surface  42  and defines an outer end of the vacuum passageway  26 . 
     Body  20  of vacuum device  14  also includes or defines a diverting port or passageway  50  that connects and provides fluid communication between the inlet port  24  of the nozzle passageway  22  to an upper or outer surface or end  44   a  of the outer ring  44  at venting portion  40  of body  20 . Body  20  also includes or defines a venting passageway or port  52  that is open to atmosphere at one end  52   a  and that is open at its other end  52   b  at venting surface  42  of venting portion  40  of body  20 . The sealing and venting device or assembly  18  functions to selectively connect or provide fluid communication between venting port  52  and vacuum passageway  26  to vent the vacuum cup to atmosphere when the vacuum source or air supply is deactivated, as discussed below. 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , sealing and venting device  18  includes a first sealing element  54 , such as a sealing cap or diaphragm, and an outer cap or cover  56 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the sealing element  54  comprises a flexible membrane element or diaphragm. However, the sealing element may comprise other movable means for engaging another sealing element to seal the passageway when the pressurized air supply is activated and to disengage from the other sealing element to vent the passageway when the pressurized air supply is deactivated, such as a movable piston sealing element, as discussed below with respect to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , or other movable element while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Diaphragm  54  comprises a generally flat disc or flexible or movable sealing clement or diaphragm element  54   a  and a generally cylindrical wall  54   b  surrounding diaphragm element  54   a  and extending upwardly therefrom when diaphragm  54  is positioned at venting portion  40  of body  20  as shown in  FIG.  3   . Diaphragm element  54   a  is a thin flexible membrane that may flex toward and away from the venting port or inner extension or second sealing element  48  during operation of the vacuum cup assembly, as discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  2  and  3   , cylindrical wall  54   b  of diaphragm  54  is attached to or positioned at the lip or step or ledge  46  of outer wall or ring  44  of body  20 . 
     Cover  56  comprises a generally flat disc portion  56   a  and a generally cylindrical wall portion  56   b  surrounding disc portion  56   a  and extending downwardly therefrom when cover  56  is positioned at venting portion  40  of body  20  as shown in  FIG.  3   . Disc portion  56   a  of cover  56  may include a recessed portion or recess  56   c  at its inner surface. In the illustrated embodiment, wall portion  56   b  of cover  56  is attached to or positioned at and around the outer wall or ring  44  to substantially encase the outer end of the outer wall or ring  44  and diaphragm  54  within the cover  56  and between cover  56  and body  20 . Cover  56  may be secured to diaphragm  54  so that the diaphragm and cover assembly are mounted to body  20  together, or cover  56  and diaphragm  54  may comprise separate components that are mounted separately to the respective portions of body  20 , without affecting the scope of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , disc portion  56   a  of cover  56  may rest on or engage the outer ends of cylindrical wall  54   b  of diaphragm  54 , While cylindrical wall  56   b  of cover overlaps or encompasses or receives outer cylindrical wall or extension  44  of upper or outer body portion  40 . When cover  56  is positioned over diaphragm  54 , the recess  56   c  provides a passageway for fluid communication or air flow between the diverting passageway  50  at the outer end  44   a  of the outer cylindrical extension  44  and the area between the cap or cover  56  and the diaphragm element  54   a . When the movable sealing element or diaphragm element  54   a  is disengaged from the second sealing element or venting port  48 , vacuum passageway  26  is vented to atmosphere via venting passageway  52  to vent the vacuum cup  12  to atmosphere to release the vacuum cup from the object, as discussed below. 
     Sealing and venting device  18  further includes a biasing element or member or spring  58 , which is positioned generally around venting port  48  of body portion  40  and between venting surfaces  42  and diaphragm element  54   a . Biasing element  58  functions to bias or urge the first or movable sealing element or diaphragm element  54   a  away from engagement with second sealing element or venting port  48 , such that air may flow between vacuum passageway  26  and venting passageway  52  when diaphragm element  54   a  is disengaged from venting port  48 , as discussed below. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   , vacuum cup  12  of vacuum cup assembly  10  is attached to vacuum cup connection port  27  of body  20  and is, in the illustrated embodiment, positioned generally opposite from sealing and venting device  18  and venting portion  40 . Vacuum cup,  12  includes a body portion  60  and a perimeter seal portion  62 . Vacuum cup  12  includes an opening for receiving vacuum cup connection port  27  of body  20 . When vacuum cup  12  receives vacuum port  27 , vacuum passageway  26  provides fluid communication between venturi nozzle  28  and a cavity  64  defined by the body portion  60  and perimeter seal  62  of vacuum cup  12  and the surface of the object  16  that is engaged with an engaging end  62   a  of the perimeter seal  62 . Vacuum cup  12  may be integrally or unitarily molded from an elastomeric material or may be otherwise formed or molded, without affecting the scope of the present invention. Although shown as a vacuum cup having a bellows style or accordion style perimeter seal, it is envisioned that the vacuum cup may have other seal portions (such as a tapered perimeter seal portion or the like, and/or such as a seal portion of the types described in U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 11/034,046, filed Jan. 12, 2005 by Attee et al. for VACUUM CUP (Attorney Docket CP101 P-313A), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference), and/or other types of vacuum cups may be implemented with the material handling device, without affecting the scope of the present invention. 
     Vacuum cup  12  may be attached to or adhered to or molded to or fastened to or otherwise secured to vacuum port  27  of body  20  of vacuum device  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, vacuum port  27  is received in or positioned at or at least partially through the opening at the body portion  60  of vacuum cup  12 . Vacuum passageway  26  allows air to flow from cavity  64  and through vacuum passageway  26  to draw air out of cavity  64  to create a vacuum or partial vacuum within cavity  64  when the air supply is activated. 
     During operation of vacuum cup assembly  10 , pressurized air is supplied at inlet port  24  (such as via a hose or tube  29  or the like) and flows through venturi nozzle  28  and out exit port  23  of body  20 . As the air flows through venturi nozzle  28 , air is drawn through vacuum ports  36  from vacuum passageway  26  and into passageway  34  of nozzle  28  and out the exit port  23 . When the pressurized air flows through the venturi nozzle  28 , a portion of the pressurized air that eaters the nozzle at inlet port  24  is diverted through diverting passageway  50  and into recess or cavity  56   c  between cover  56  and first sealing element or diaphragm  54  to pressurize the cover and diaphragm assembly, and thereby functions to exert a downward pressure against movable or flexible diaphragm element  54   a  to urge the diaphragm element  54   a  downward and against the urging of biasing element  58  and into sealing engagement with second sealing element or venting port  48  of venting portion  40  to substantially seal diaphragm element  54   a  against venting port  48 . Also, as the air is drawn from vacuum passageway  26  by the venturi nozzle, the diaphragm element  54   a  or first sealing element is pulled downward against biasing element  58  and toward engagement with the outer end of second sealing element or venting port  48  to substantially seal or close vacuum passageway  26 . The diverting passageway  50  and cover  56  thus provide pressurized air above diaphragm  54  or at the opposite side of diaphragm  54  from the vacuum passageway  26 , in order to assist in moving or urging diaphragm element  54   a  to a sealing position and against venting port  48  at venting portion  40  of body  20  when the vacuum source or air supply is activated. Because pressurized air is provided above or outside of diaphragm  54  while a partial vacuum is provided below or at the inner side of diaphragm  54 , the increased pressure differential at the diaphragm element causes the diaphragm element  54   a  to flex into engagement with the venting port to substantially close or seal the vacuum passageway at the venting port. Also, as air is drawn through vacuum port  36  of nozzle  28  from vacuum passageway  26 , a vacuum or partial vacuum is created within the cavity  64  defined by the vacuum cup  12  and the object surface to which the vacuum cup is engaged. 
     When the air supply or vacuum source is substantially reduced or deactivated, pressurized air is no longer forced or blown to and through the venturi nozzle and thus does not flow through diverting passageway  50  to urge diaphragm element  54   a  downward or toward the second sealing element. The vacuum or partial vacuum within vacuum passageways  26  and cavity  64  thus may dissipate via venting through ports  36  and exit port  28   a  of venturi nozzle  28 . When the diverted pressurized air is no longer present at the first sealing element, the biasing element or member or spring may urge the first sealing element away from the second sealing element and to a venting position so that the vacuum passageway is vented to atmosphere. Thus, when the pressurized air supply is deactivated or reduced, biasing element  58  urges diaphragm element  54   a  outward and away from venting port  48  so that vacuum passageway  26  is vented to atmosphere via air flow through venting passageway  52  and around the venting port  48  and into vacuum passageway  26 . The vacuum passageway  26  is formed within body at a sufficient diameter to provide clearance around the venturi nozzle  28  so that the vacuum within cavity  64  of vacuum cup  12  is quickly vented to atmosphere via air flow through the venting passageway  52  and vacuum passageway  26 . The vacuum or partial vacuum within the vacuum cup thus is quickly released or vented after the vacuum source or air supply is deactivated, and does not have the delay in venting that typically occur as the vacuum or partial vacuum slowly dissipates through the ports of the venturi nozzle of known vacuum cups. The vacuum cup assembly of the present invention thus may be readily removed from the object when the air supply is deactivated. 
     Although shown and described as being a movable or flexible diaphragm element, the first or movable sealing element of the vacuum cup assembly may comprise other sealing means or devices or members or elements, without affecting the scope of the present invention. For example, and with reference to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , a sealing and venting device or assembly or element  118  of a vacuum device  114  of a vacuum cup assembly  110  may comprise a first sealing element or movable sealing element  154 , such as a piston element, that is movable along a venting passageway or upper or outer passageway portion  126   a  at or in fluid communication with the vacuum passageway  126  of the body  120  of vacuum device  114  of the vacuum cup assembly  110  to selectively seal and vent the vacuum device and vacuum cup assembly. For example, piston element  154  may engage a second sealing element or portion or seal or ring  155  (such as an elastomeric or rubber sealing ring or the like) positioned at the passageway portion  126   a  and at or outward from an upper end of the vacuum passageway  126 , in order to substantially seal the passageway  126   a  so that vacuum is generated in the passageway  126  by the venturi device  128 . The piston element  354  may move along the passageway portion  126   a  to engage the sealing ring  155  to substantially seal or close the vacuum passageway (as shown in  FIG.  5   ) when the pressurized air supply is activated to generate the vacuum, and may move away from the sealing ring  155  to vent the vacuum passageway to atmosphere (as shown in  FIG.  6   ) when the pressurized air supply is deactivated or reduced. 
     The rigid or substantially rigid and movable piston element may provide a robust sealing element and may substantially seal the vacuum passageway when engaged with the sealing ring. The vacuum device  114  and vacuum cup assembly  110  may be otherwise substantially similar to the vacuum device  14  and vacuum cup assembly  10  discussed above, such that a detailed discussion of the vacuum devices and vacuum cup assemblies will not be repeated herein. The similar or common components or elements of the vacuum devices and vacuum cup assemblies are shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6    (except the vacuum cup is not shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   ) with the same reference numbers as used in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , but with 100 added to each of the reference numbers. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  4 - 6   , piston element  154  comprises a generally cylindrically shaped element that is movable along a generally cylindrical-shaped passageway portion  126   a  at or near vacuum passageway  126  (although other cross sectional shapes may be implemented without affecting the scope of the present invention). A lower or engaging end  154   a  of piston element  154  may be rounded or curved so as to be partially received in and substantially uniformly engage sealing ring  155  when piston element  154  is urged against the sealing ring  155  (as shown in  FIG.  5   ) when the air supply is activated to generate the vacuum or partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway. More particularly, when the air supply is activated (such as a pressurized air supply or pneumatic device  129  that supplies pressurized air to the vacuum device, such as via an air hose or line  129   a ), the diverting passageway  150  (formed through the body  120  between an inlet port  124  and an upper or outer end of the venting passageway or passageway portion  126   a ) diverts some of the pressurized input air to the upper or outer area or cavity  126   b  ( FIG.  5   ) of passageway portion  126   a  (between an outer end  154   b  of piston element  154  and a cap or cover  156  of vacuum cup assembly  110 ) and thus at the upper or outer end  154   b  of piston element  154  (and at the opposite side of the piston element from the sealing ring and venting port). The diverted portion of the pressurized input air thus provides a downward pressure against the piston element to assist in urging the piston element toward engagement with sealing ring  155 . Thus, when moved to a sealing position, the piston element  154  may substantially seal against the sealing ring  155  to substantially seal and separate or isolate the vacuum passageway from atmosphere. The cap or cover  156  is secured to body  120 , and preferably substantially sealed to the body  120 , at the outer end of venting passageway  126   a , such as via a sealing element  157 , such as an O-ring or the like. 
     Piston element  154  also desirably includes a sliding seal or ring  166  circumferentially around the piston element to seal the piston element within the passageway portion  126   a  and to enhance sliding or movement of the piston element  154  along the passageway portion. As can be seen in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , sliding seal  166  is received in a groove  154   c  formed circumferentially around piston element  154  and between the curved sealing surface  154   a  and the outer end  154   b  of piston element  154 . Sliding seal  166  limits air leakage past piston element  154  within passageway  126   a , while allowing substantially unrestricted and smooth movement of piston element within the passageway. 
     Vacuum cup assembly  110  includes a biasing-element or urging element or spring  158  that functions to bias or urge piston element  154  outward and away from sealing ring  155  and toward a venting position. In the illustrated embodiment, biasing element or spring  158  is partially received within a passageway or recess  154   d  formed longitudinally partially along piston element  154  and protrudes therefrom to engage the venturi nozzle body  128   c  or to engage a stop element or plate portion (not shown) at or near the lower or inner end of the passageway portion  126   a  and/or upper or outer end of the vacuum passageway  126 . Similar to the vacuum cup assembly  10  described above, the biasing force of the biasing element or spring  158  of vacuum cup assembly  110  may be overcome (and the spring or biasing element thus may be compressed) by the force exerted by the diverted portion of the pressurized inlet air at the upper or outer end  154   b  of piston element  154 , and/or by the force exerted by the vacuum or partial vacuum generated within the vacuum passageway. 
     When the vacuum source or pressurized air supply is reduced or deactivated (and the diverted air is reduced or eliminated so that it no longer exerts sufficient pressure or force at the outer end  154   b  of piston element  154  to overcome the spring force or biasing force), the biasing force may overcome the vacuum pressure within the vacuum passageway and may move the piston element outward to disengage the piston element from the sealing ring. When the piston element is moved away from the sealing ring so that the curved engaging surface  154   a  is remote or spaced from sealing ring  155 , the vacuum passageway is vented (and thus the vacuum or partial vacuum within the vacuum passageway and vacuum cup is vented and thus dissipated). 
     As can be seen in  FIGS.  4  and  6   , the body  120  may include passageways or channels or apertures or ports  168  that provide fluid communication or air flow between passageway  126   a  and the air or atmosphere surrounding the vacuum cup assembly. The passageways  168  are located above or outward from the sealing ring  155 , and at the opposite side of sealing ring from the venturi device, such that air does not flow through the passageways  168  to vent the vacuum passageway  126   a  when piston element  154  is substantially sealed against sealing ring  155 . Thus, when the piston element  154  is moved away from or disengaged from sealing ring  155 , the vacuum passageway is readily vented to atmosphere, such as via air flow through and along channels or grooves or passageways  168  formed or established along the piston passageway portion  126   a  and outside of or above the sealing ring  155 . The piston element  154  and sealing ring  155  thus function to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated so that the venturi device may generate a vacuum or partial vacuum within the vacuum passageway (when the vacuum cup is engaged with an object), and the piston element may move away from the sealing ring to vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated or reduced (to assist in releasing the vacuum cup from the object). 
     Although shown and described as having a movable sealing element, such as a piston element or a diaphragm element, that engages a second sealing element, such as a sealing ring or a venting port, that is located remote from the venturi nozzle along the vacuum and venting passageways, it is envisioned that the movable sealing element may be located elsewhere in or at the vacuum device or body where the sealing device selective seals and vents the vacuum passageway in response to the pressurized air supply being activated and deactivated. For example, the movable sealing element may be movably or flexibly located at or generally around the vacuum port  136  of the venturi device  128 . The second sealing device thus may comprise the venturi nozzle body itself and/or the portion of the body at or adjacent to the venturi nozzle body, and the movable sealing element may seal against the venturi device and/or body portion to seal the venting passageway when the pressurized air supply is activated, and may disengage from the venturi device to vent the vacuum passageway when the pressurized air supply is deactivated. Optionally, the movable sealing element, such as a piston element, may include a flexible or compressible or conformable seal (such as an elastomeric or rubber seal) at an engaging surface, and the piston element may move to engage the flexible seal with a sealing surface along the passageway, such as at an end of the vacuum passageway or at the venturi nozzle or elsewhere within the vacuum device, without affecting the scope of the present invention. Other configurations of a movable sealing element and the diverted air supply and biasing element (preferably all of which are within or integral with the body of the vacuum device) may be implemented while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The movable sealing element thus functions to selectively seal and vent the vacuum passageway of the body. The venting port or ports may be located anywhere along the venting passageway so as to be exposed or in fluid communication with the vacuum passageway when the sealing element is in the venting position. It is envisioned that, if the movable sealing element is not substantially sealed against the walls of the venting passageway as it moves therealong (such as if a movable piston element includes longitudinal passageways along its outer circumferential region), the venting port may be located further along the venting passageway, and may be located at the cap or cover, without affecting the scope of the present invention. Thus, the venting port or ports may be located at various locations, as long as the venting passageway and venting ports are selectively sealed or isolated from the vacuum passageway by the sealing element when the sealing element is moved to the sealing position, and are selectively opened or in fluid communication with the vacuum passageway when the sealing element is moved to the venting position. 
     Optionally, and as shown in  FIGS.  4 - 10   , the vacuum cup assembly may include a venturi silencer device or noise reducing device  210  which may be located at a discharge end  128   a  of venturi device or nozzle  128  to reduce the noise generated by the venturi device during operation of the air supply and vacuum cup assembly. The silencer  210  includes a casing or housing  212  that is mounted or attached to the body  120  of the vacuum device and that defines a cavity or chamber  214  at the discharge end of the venturi device. The housing includes a conical shaped air diverter  216  protruding from an outer end portion  212   a  of housing  212  and generally toward the discharge end of the venturi device, and includes a plurality of outlet holes or discharge holes  218  radially spaced around the housing  212 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the housing  212  has an outer end portion  212   a  and a cylindrical wall or portion  212   b . Cylindrical wall or portion  212   b  cooperates with the outer end portion  212   a  of housing  212  to define the cavity  214  through which air flows from the discharge end of the venturi device and out through the holes  218 . The conical diverter  216  protrudes from the end portion  212   a  and toward the discharge end of the venturi device when the silencer is attached to the body  120 . The housing  212  preferably has generally smooth transition curves or radii of curvature at the transition regions or junction  212   c  between the outer end portion  212   a  and the cylindrical wall or portion  212   b , and preferably has generally smooth transition curves or radii of curvature at the transition regions or junction  212   d  between the conical divert  216  and the outer end portion  212   a . The smooth radii of curvatures at the transition regions  212   c ,  212   d  provide a substantially smooth transition for the air flow as the air flows along the conical diverter  216  and as the air is diverted radially outward toward and through the smaller, radially spaced apart discharge holes  218 . Thus, the silencer device  210  reduces turbulence in the air flow to reduce the noise generated by the flow of air out of the venturi device. 
     Cylindrical wall or portion  212   b  also functions to attach the silencer device  210  to the body of the vacuum device. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  4 - 6   , cylindrical portion  212   b  of housing  212  is formed to receive a narrowed portion  120   a  of the body  120  at the discharge end  128   a  of the venturi device  128 . The housing  212  of silencer  210  may be press fit over the narrowed end portion  120   a , or may be otherwise attached or secured to the body  120  of the vacuum cup assembly and generally at or near the discharge end of the venturi device or nozzle. 
     The cavity or chamber  214 , the conical-shaped diverter  216  and the curved transitional regions  212   c ,  212   d  at the outer end portion  212   a  of the silencer  210  function to reduce turbulence and absorb some of the noise as the airflows from the discharge end  128   a  of the venturi  128  through the cavity  214  and out the discharge openings  218 . The holes  218 , although relatively small, are preferably large enough to allow most debris that may flow through the venturi to pass therethrough, so that the holes limit or substantially preclude obstruction of the air flow through the silencer. Thus, the silencer device of the present invention may achieve reduced noise levels during operation of the air supply and venturi device, while limiting obstruction of the air flow through the silencer device. The present invention thus provides an enhanced silencer over known or conventional types of silencers, which typically include a screen or filter element that is prone to clogging or becoming at least partially obstructed by debris during use. 
     Therefore, the vacuum cup assembly of the present invention may be engaged with an object and a vacuum or partial vacuum may be created or generated within the vacuum cup to substantially seal the vacuum cup to the object surface. The vacuum cup assembly, and the object substantially sealed thereto, may then be moved to a desired location. When at the targeted destination, the vacuum source or air supply may be deactivated to release or vent the vacuum within the assembly so as to readily release the object from the vacuum cup assembly. 
     The vacuum cup assembly of the present invention thus utilizes a single air line or hose or input and provides both vacuum or suction for sealing against and lifting panels or objects and venting for removal or blow off of panels or objects. The pressurized air enters the inlet or input port and passes through the venturi nozzle to create at least a partial vacuum at the vacuum cup and within the vacuum passageway of the body. During operation of the pressurized air supply, a small amount of pressurized input air is diverted to an area or chamber at or above a movable or flexible sealing element, such as a diaphragm or a piston element. The diverted pressurized air pushes or urges the sealing element downward or toward and against another sealing element (such as an outer portion of the body or a sealing ring or the like) to substantially seal or close the vacuum passageway (or otherwise substantially isolate the vacuum passageway from the atmosphere at the vacuum device), allowing the vacuum to be created in the vacuum passageway and at the vacuum cup. Thus, when the diverted input air is providing pressure above or outside of the first or movable sealing element, the sealing element remains substantially sealed within the vacuum passageway, such that there is a vacuum generated at the vacuum passageway at or below or inside of the sealing element (when the vacuum cup is engaged with an object). 
     When the venturi input air is reduced or shut off, the diverted input air at the outer end or side of the sealing element is reduced or eliminated, thereby allowing the biasing element or spring to move or push or urge the movable or flexible sealing element away from the other sealing element or ring or port to disengage the sealing elements and, thus, to vent the vacuum passageway to atmosphere. When the sealing elements are disengaged, the atmospheric pressure can rapidly enter the vacuum passageway and the vacuum cup, thereby relieving substantially all the vacuum within the vacuum cup and vacuum passageway and releasing or assisting in releasing the panel or object from the vacuum cup. Although shown and described as being implemented with a vacuum cup for sealing the vacuum cup relative to an object, the automatic release venturi devices or vacuum device of the present invention may be suitable for use in other material handling applications that may otherwise handle objects or material by generating a vacuum when a pressurized air supply is activated and automatically release or vent the vacuum when the pressurized air supply is deactivated, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Therefore, the auto-release venturi device or vacuum device of the present invention provides a vacuum or partial vacuum that may be readily applied to a vacuum cup to substantially seal the vacuum cup to an object, and that may be readily and automatically vented to atmosphere to release the object from the vacuum cup. The sealing and venting device or assembly or element substantially seals the vacuum passageway when the vacuum source is activated to allow the pneumatic device or pressurized air supply to generate or create a vacuum or partial vacuum at the vacuum cup. The sealing and venting device is readily and automatically disengaged when the pneumatic device is deactivated to substantially vent the vacuum passageway to atmosphere to release the object from the vacuum cup. 
     The movable sealing element or membrane or piston element of the venting device may be engaged against a second sealing element or venting port or body or sealing ring or the like (which may be substantially fixed or non-moving relative to the vacuum device body) in response to the diverted pressurized air provided to the movable sealing element at an opposite side of the sealing element from the vacuum passageway and vacuum device or venturi, such that the pressure differential at the sealing element causes the movable sealing element to substantially seal or close the vacuum passageway. When the pressurized air supply is reduced or deactivated and the diverted pressurized air is thus reduced or eliminated, the movable sealing element may disengage from the second sealing element or body or sealing ring or otherwise move or flex to open or vent the vacuum passageway to atmosphere, such as in response to the biasing element. The vacuum at the vacuum passageway and vacuum cup thus may be readily vented to atmosphere to release the vacuum cup from the object at the desired or targeted destination or location. Preferably, the body of the vacuum device comprises a unitarily formed device, with the vacuum passageway, the venturi passageway, the diverting passageway, and the venting passageway formed or bored at least partially therethrough, and with the sealing elements disposed at or within the body of the vacuum device, such that the vacuum device comprises an integral vacuum device with the sealing element and diverting passageway incorporated or integrated at or in the body of the vacuum device. 
     Changes and modifications to the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law.