The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 09, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 09, 2000
Kurt Schmalz, Dornstetten, DE;
Wolfgang Schmalz, Dornstetten, DE;
Thomas Eisele, Fluorn-Winzeln, DE;
J. Schmalz GmbH, Glatten, DE;
Abstract
Vacuum manipulation apparatus includes a lifting hose coupled to a vacuum-generating unit. The lifting hose incorporates a suction gripping device having a suction end adapted for placement against an object to be grasped and lifted. The device includes a flow opening plate adapted to be opened for preventing an abrupt rise of the gripping device upon unintentional release of the grasped object against gravitational forces. In a non-grasping mode, a retractable, spring-loaded push rod extends from the suction end of the device. The push rod retracts whenever the suction gripping device engages a grasped object. A blocking arm attached to the push rod engages the flow opening plate to hold the plate normally closed during the grasping mode. When suction is broken between the grasped object and the suction end of the gripping device, the push rod extends from the device, however, opening the flow opening plate to admit airflow.