Patent ID: 8231157

Claim:
A non-contact manipulating device comprising: a fluid distribution member including: (a) a first fluid port, disposed along a central axis of the fluid distribution member, that dispenses a first flow of fluid and creates a Bernoulli effect to attract an article to be manipulated by the manipulating device while maintaining a gap between the article and the fluid distribution member; (b) a first fluid supply line in communication with the first fluid port to supply a first supply of fluid to the first fluid port; (c) a second fluid port that dispenses a second flow of fluid and assists in maintaining the gap; and (d) a second fluid supply line in communication with the second fluid port to supply a second supply of fluid to the second fluid port; and a pressure control apparatus including: (a) a second pressure regulator in the second fluid supply line to control a pressure of the second supply of fluid to the second fluid port; and (b) a controller that selectively controls the second pressure regulator to control the second flow of fluid through the second fluid port to help maintain the gap.