The invention relates to an operating device for a tube lifter having a lifting tube that has a tube interior and can be shortened by applying a vacuum to the tube interior, and having a suction grip device arranged on one end of the tube lifter, which suction grip device can be supplied with a vacuum through the tube interior, the operating device having a suction port for fluid communication with the suction grip device, a lifting tube port for fluid communication with the tube interior of the lifting tube, and a valve for controlling the fluid communications.

An improved vacuum material handler having an onboard drive engine powering a vacuum pump and a hydraulic pump. The vacuum material handler also having a frame with integrated forklift lugs.

A vacuum-assisted panel lifter includes a lifter attachment jib having a proximal end for mounting the vacuum-assisted panel lifter to an arm of a work vehicle and having a distal end that includes a rotator. The lifter includes a lifter frame rotationally mounted to the rotator and a plurality of modular vacuum-assisted lift pad assemblies. Each of the plurality of modular vacuum-assisted lift pad assemblies comprises a suction cup and a double-acting pneumatic actuator to displace the suction cup into engagement with a panel to be lifted. The double-acting pneumatic actuator furthermore creates a vacuum inside the suction cup when the suction cup engages the panel.

In addition to improving security of data communication between a control device and a mobile terminal, to make it possible to easily make the data communication. A working machine of the present invention is provided with a control device that can make wireless communication with a mobile terminal 3 storing a mobile-use ID code and stores a working machine-use ID code, wherein the control device is provided with: ID code checking means 41 adapted to check the mobile-use ID code obtained by ID code obtaining means 40 and the working machine-use ID code with each other; data communication means 42 adapted, in the case where as a result of the checking by the checking means, matching between the ID codes is established, to allow data communication between the mobile terminal 3 and the control device, and in the case where the matching is not established, not to allow the data communication; and ID code registration means adapted to register the working machine-use ID code in the mobile terminal 3 as the mobile-use ID code.

The invention relates to an operating device for a tube lifter having a suction grip device arranged on one end of the lifting tube, the operating device having a suction port for fluid communication with the suction grip device, a lifting tube port for fluid communication with the tube interior of the lifting tube, and a valve means for controlling the fluid communications, the valve means comprising a blocking member, a ventilation valve and a control valve, the valve means being designed such that the control valve is adjustable independently of the position of the blocking member and the valve means being designed such that when the ventilation valve is shifted into the ventilation position the blocking member always closes off the flow path between the tube interior and the suction grip device. The invention also relates to a tube lifter comprising an operating device of this kind.

Provided is a workpiece retention device that retains a frame which includes a workpiece main body and a lip flange and a base flange that are provided to the workpiece main body, wherein: the workpiece retention device comprises a plurality of grippers that are aligned in the lengthwise direction of the frame, and a horizontal movement mechanism and a vertical movement mechanism that move the plurality of grippers; the gripper each include: a lower block, a workpiece support pin that is provided to the lower block and that supports the frame, an upper block that can move toward the base flange of the supported frame, a block movement mechanism that moves the upper block; and a suction mechanism that is provided to the upper block and that suctions the workpiece main body on the base flange side.

A control system and method for a vacuum attachment system has a programmable controller that interprets feedback from vacuum level sensors and battery sensors to responsively provide warnings and limit or alter machine functions to reduce risk exposure. Vacuum levels and vacuum level change over time are used to evaluate conditions such as vacuum generator function, excessive altitude, vacuum system condition and leakage due to incompatibility of attachment device and load. Warnings are engaged if parameters or limits are not met. At designated/calculated thresholds and conditions the device can adjust its utilization of resources to ensure the safest condition. If conditions are detected that indicate a reduced ability to maintain the attachment, the programmable controller may limit functions such as preventing the operator from initiating another attachment.

A portable vacuum lifter system having a power source, drive motor, vacuum pump and reservoir contained in a readily carriable case. The system also has a vacuum pad in fluid communication with the vacuum pump via a vacuum line and a solenoid operated valve. The system is removably mountable on a small host vehicle for use in confined areas.

Embodiments of an active object mounting system secure an object of interest to a surface of a secured-to object using one or more vacuum mounting modules, wherein each vacuum mounting module comprises at least one vacuum pump controllably coupled to a microcontroller, a vacuum cup fluidly coupled to the at least one vacuum pump, and a transceiver that receives an instruction corresponding to one of a vacuum cup actuation signal or a vacuum cup release signal.

A method of controlling operation of a linear actuator, including maintaining the linear actuator in equilibrium when supporting a first load, determining application of a second load on the linear actuator, and selectively actuating the linear actuator in response to application of the second load on the linear actuator.