Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Utilizing fluid pressure – Venturi effect
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-15
2001-02-27
Kramer, Dean J. (Department: 3652)
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Utilizing fluid pressure
Venturi effect
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193291
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vacuum cup apparatus utilized to lift and manipulate a workpiece, and in particular, a vacuum cup apparatus which utilizes vacuum to retain and handle flat workpieces, such as sheet metal pieces and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various designs of vacuum cups have been utilized to retain and secure a workpiece by applying negative air pressure or vacuum between the vacuum cup and the workpiece. Typically, the vacuum cup is secured to a manipulator or transfer boom which moves the vacuum cup thereby imparting motion to a vacuum cup engaged workpiece. The use of the vacuum cup allows the workpiece to be picked up and transferred while avoiding the use of any type of mechanical components directly contacting the workpiece. Such mechanical components can impose harmful forces on the workpiece thereby resulting in flawing or damaging the workpiece and surfaces thereof.
When the workpiece consists of thin sheet metal, certain vacuum cup designs may impart too much vacuum on the sheet metal workpiece thereby causing a phenomenon called “tin cupping”. Tin cupping occurs when a portion of the sheet metal workpiece deforms or “bubbles up” from the force of the vacuum created by the vacuum cup. Such tin cupping may create flaws or deformations in the surface of the sheet metal which are undesirable.
In addition, such sheet metal workpieces may collect oils and residues on the surface of the sheet metal which are typical of the machining and industrial environments in which they are created. Such oils and residues can create a hydroplaning effect between the vacuum cup and the workpiece thereby affecting the retention of the workpiece by the vacuum cup.
Thus, it is desirable to produce a vacuum cup apparatus that avoids the tin cupping phenomena associated with most sheet metal workpieces. In addition, it is also desirable to create a vacuum cup apparatus that displaces any oils or residues which may be found on the sheet metal workpiece and that may affect the retention of the sheet metal workpiece by the vacuum cup apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a vacuum cup apparatus having a flexible member with a front side that is engagable with a workpiece and a back side that is connectable to a manipulator. A passageway is provided between the front side and the back side of the flexible member and is communicable with a vacuum source which provides vacuum to the front side of the flexible member. A recessed pocket formed in the front side of the flexible member provides a lip which defines an opening into the recess pocket. The lip is engagable with the workpiece for maintaining atmospheric pressure within the recessed pocket when the vacuum cup apparatus is engaged with the workpiece.
The front side of the flexible member has a substantially flat surface with an outer perimeter portion that extends outwardly from and integrally with the flat surface. The flat surface has a plurality of grooves and slots formed therein for directing away any oils and residues which may be found between the surface of the workpiece and the flat surface of the flexible member. The back side of the flexible member may provide a plurality of integral ribs for providing additional structural support to the flexible member.
The back side of the flexible member provides a recess for receiving a rigid coupling member and for providing a sealed engagement between the rigid coupling member and the flexible member. The coupling member provides a plurality of apertures which are in communication with the passageway that extends between the front side and the back side of the flexible member. The plurality of apertures in the coupling member are in communication with a central aperture in the coupling member to create a path in communication with the passageway. The central aperture is engagable with a manipulator and communicable with a vacuum source.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1251258 (1917-12-01), Magill
patent: 2523157 (1950-09-01), Somma
patent: 3195941 (1965-07-01), Morey
patent: 3602543 (1971-08-01), Sjodin
patent: 1473119 (1967-03-01), None
patent: 2547289 (1984-12-01), None
patent: 53-142756 (1978-12-01), None
ISI Norgren Inc.
Kramer Dean J.
Young & Basile P.C.
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