A vacuum unit having at least one vacuum generator extending along a main axis and comprising a base body, further having a silencer housing containing a silencer. An ejector unit extends in the base body and an ejector axis is oriented parallel to the main axis and a suction zone of the ejector unit communicates via a vacuum channel with a vacuum tapping opening, and an air exhaust channel of the ejector unit extends through the silencer housing and has a deflected course through 90 degrees in the silencer housing and opens out to the environment with an air exhaust opening. The vacuum tapping opening is formed on an end face of the silencer housing facing away from the base body in the main direction and wherein the air exhaust opening is also formed on the silencer housing with an orientation perpendicular to the main axis.

A radiolucent circumduction joint that has one, two, or three degrees of axis move movement about a central point that is able to mirror human joint movement.

A robot for order fulfillment includes a mobility assembly, an arm, a pneumatically actuatable tool, and a coupler having a mating end in selective communication with the pneumatically actuatable tool. The mating end of the coupler being configured to access a pneumatic supply from an external pneumatic source such that the robot need not include a large compressor.

A method of operating a robot including a vacuum port for engaging an item, e.g. a wafer, is disclosed. The method includes operating, by a computer system, the robot in a first state, detecting using a vacuum sensor, a transition of a vacuum parameter from a first vacuum parameter zone to a second parameter zone in a plurality of vacuum parameter zones. Based on detecting the transition of the vacuum parameter from the first vacuum parameter zone to the second vacuum parameter zone, the operating state of the robot is altered from the first state to a second state. Also disclosed is an item transfer robot as part of an item transfer system.

A robotic end-tool including a divider restraining mechanism that utilizes a movable foot structure to restrain divider inserts during the automated extraction of objects from a box using a robot mechanism. The end-tool includes a frame connected to the robotic mechanism and an object gripping device (e.g., a suction cup) connected to the frame. The foot structure is connected to one end of a guide rod that is restricted to move in an axial direction by a linear bearing that is attached to the frame. Before each automated extraction the robot mechanism manipulates the frame to position the object gripping device mechanism over a targeted object. During each extraction operation the foot structure applies and maintains a restraining force on the divider insert while object gripping device is manipulated by the robot mechanism to secure and then extract the selected object out of its associated storage compartment.

Pickup of a component and pickup of a nozzle are appropriately performed while preventing an increase in size of a device. A component mounting device for picking up a nozzle configured to pick up a component through a negative pressure, at a holding section of a head through a negative pressure, includes: a nozzle flow path configured to supply a negative pressure generated by an operation of a vacuum pump to the nozzle; a positive pressure flow path configured to supply a positive pressure; an ejector configured to generate a negative pressure using the positive pressure of the positive pressure flow path; and a holding section flow path configured to supply the negative pressure generated by an operation of the ejector to the holding section.

An object pick-up, transfer and placement apparatus which does not employ a source of negative pressure. A flexible bellow defines a collapsible interior chamber and a top through-bore in communication with atmospheric or greater pressure via a valve. The bellow collapses when contacting an object, and the valve is closed, preventing air from entering the interior chamber. When the apparatus is used to lift the object, the bellow expands, causing reduced pressure in the interior chamber, securing the object to the apparatus. To release the object, the valve is opened, allowing entry of air to the interior chamber, and release of the object. This invention prevents contamination on egg shell surfaces to become air-born and cross-contaminate the entire egg pack, equipment surfaces, floors and other facility surfaces which in turn creates a hazardous working environment.

A system including a programmable motion device and an end effector for grasping objects to be moved by the programmable motion device is disclosed. The system includes a vacuum source that provides a high flow vacuum such that an object may be grasped at an end effector opening while permitting a substantial flow of air through the opening, and a dead-head limitation system for limiting any effects of dead-heading on the vacuum source in the event that a flow of air to the vacuum source is interrupted.

Laying die includes an attaching element having an inlet port for receiving positively pressurized gas; and a carrier body made from an elastically deformable material and attached on a lower side of the attaching element. The carrier body includes passages enabling a gas flow between the attaching element and the lower side of the carrier body opposed to the attaching element. The attaching element houses a flow path arranged to receive pressurized gas from the inlet port and a longitudinal pathway extending from the lower side of the attaching element towards an upper side of the attaching element. The flow path discharges into the longitudinal pathway at a junction section, which is arranged such that pressurized gas discharging into the longitudinal pathway creates a negative pressure and comprises a curved deflection surface curved towards the upper side of the attaching element.

A vacuum lifter apparatus for lifting sheet material articles, comprises an upper chassis joined to a substantially planar lower suction plate and an airflow suction system for conveying vacuum air pressure to the suction plate. The suction plate comprises a plurality of suction plate modules, each comprising a housing with a substantially hollow interior and each of the housings being located laterally adjacent at least one other of the housings. Each of the housings comprises a lower plate, an upper plate and at least one side plate, each housing being affixed to the laterally adjacent housing along a seam between adjoining pairs of side plates. The upper plates each comprise at least one opening and the lower plates are each perforated with a plurality of orifices through which, in use, air is drawn along airflow paths through the interior and out of the opening by the airflow suction system.