Patent ID: 8201589

Claim:
An automatic release vacuum device for a material handling system, the automatic release vacuum device comprising: a one-piece body adapted to connect to a pressurized air supply, the one-piece body including a vacuum passageway and a venting element the vacuum passageway operable to vent to atmosphere through the venting element; a vacuum generating device housed in the one-piece body; a piston element disposed in the one-piece body, the piston element including an outer radial boundary, the piston element has a sealing position wherein the piston element outer radial boundary closes the venting element closing off the vacuum passageway to atmosphere and a venting position wherein the vacuum passageway is open to atmosphere; and when the pressurized air supply is activated to supply pressurized air to the vacuum generating device the piston element is moved into the sealing position and at least a partial vacuum is generated in the vacuum passageway.