Patent ID: 8560121

Claim:
A gripper having a flexible gripping hood that includes a base and a plurality of channels, wherein the base is formed about a first central orifice and has a predetermined circumference surrounded by a flexible lip that extends around the circumference of the base and extends downwardly to a circumferential rim, the plurality of channels passing radially outwardly from the first central orifice and down the lip to a predetermined distance from the rim, the lip and rim being adaptable to conform to a work-piece when a pressure differential between the hood and the work-piece is created; wherein a lip base is mounted to the base of the hood and has a second central orifice; and wherein a vacuum line passes through the first and second central orifices; the gripper further comprising a plurality of channel fingers each having a proximal and a distal end, each finger being affixed to the gripping hood by mounting in a respective one of the channels; whereby upon application, a vacuum force is initially applied through the first orifice, causing portions of the work-piece to move toward the first orifice, after which the vacuum force is directed along the fingers, thereby enabling suction gripping at a plurality of points proximate the rim of the gripping hood and causing the hood to deform about, and conform to, a surface of a work-piece.