A vacuum operated object lifting system is disclosed that can use air pressure differentials to anchor the lifting system to the floor or other structure. The vacuum lifting system includes a main structure having a space defined in the bottom thereof and a lifting arm system extending from the main structure for grasping and moving a load. The vacuum lifting system includes a vacuum pumping system including an air pump and a conduit system extending from the air pump to the space in the bottom of the main structure. Use of the air pump to draw air out of the conduit system creates pressure differential between ambient air pressure and air pressure in the space of the main structure to anchor the vacuum lifting system to the ground. The vacuum pumping system may also grasp the load by suction.

A system and method for moving objects such as drill, pipe with vacuum power. A vacuum beam (14) is mounted on a boom. A vacuum pad (12) is pivotally attached to the vacuum beam (14). A power device (18) is operatively connected to a vacuum pump (16) with a drive belt (32) for creating vacuum pressure. Vacuum pressure from the vacuum pad (12) is used to grasp and release the object, e.g., the drill pipe.

The disclosure relates to a vacuum lifting arrangement comprising a vacuum pump, a valve arrangement, a support structure, and a flexible lifting tube comprising a suction foot. The vacuum pump is connected to the valve arrangement and to the flexible lifting tube. The valve arrangement is arranged to extend and retract the flexible lifting tube. The valve arrangement is arranged separate from the suction foot, between the vacuum pump and the suction foot. The disclosure also relates to a method of providing a vacuum lifting arrangement.

Aspects described herein include an end effector capable of prehending items using impactive and astrictive forces. The end effector includes an interface system having a deformable mounting plate and a pliable body member attached to the mounting plate. The end effector further includes a linkage system between a plurality of actuators and the interface system. The linkage system connects to lateral portions of the mounting plate.

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of suction equipment, in particular to an integrated vacuum suction pad comprising an adsorption part and a vacuum device; the vacuum device is fixedly arranged on one side of the adsorption part, and comprises a vacuum pump, a control valve and a relay; the vacuum pump is used for pumping out air between the adsorption part and an object to be adsorbed, and the control valve is used for controlling the adsorption part to be communicated with atmosphere or the vacuum pump; and the relay is used for powering on the vacuum pump and the control valve. According to the present disclosure, the pads are integrated with the devices, such as the vacuum pump, and each pad is capable of doing adsorption and release actions independently.

The disclosure relates to a vacuum lifting arrangement comprising a vacuum pump, a valve arrangement, a support structure, and a flexible lifting tube comprising a suction foot. The vacuum pump is connected to the valve arrangement and to the flexible lifting tube. The valve arrangement is arranged to extend and retract the flexible lifting tube. The valve arrangement is arranged separate from the suction foot, between the vacuum pump and the suction foot. The disclosure also relates to a method of providing a vacuum lifting arrangement.

Aspects described herein include an end effector that includes a pliable body member defining an inner recess and having a sealing surface at a distal end. The sealing surface forms a seal with items and defines a first suction area. The end effector also includes an inflatable bladder that expands into the inner recess. When the bladder is in an inflated state, the bladder defines a second suction area smaller than the first suction area. The end effector also includes a vacuum port in fluid communication with the inner recess.

A suction device includes an adapter having in the interior thereof a supply passage to which a negative pressure fluid is supplied, a bellows connected to a distal end of the adapter, and a pad member disposed at a distal end of the bellows and to which a workpiece is attracted under suction. In addition, the suction device attracts the workpiece under suction by a negative pressure fluid which is supplied to the pad member through the supply passage and the bellows. An attachment which is capable of being tilted with respect to the axis of the bellows is provided in the interior of the bellows. In the attachment, a main body portion thereof is disposed in facing relation to a suction surface of a skirt, and a shaft portion is inserted into the supply passage at a time that the workpiece is attracted under suction.

A vacuum operated object lifting system is disclosed that can use air pressure differentials to anchor the lifting system to the floor or other structure. The vacuum lifting system includes a main structure having a space defined in the bottom thereof and a lifting arm system extending from the main structure for grasping and moving a load. The vacuum lifting system includes a vacuum pumping system including an air pump and a conduit system extending from the air pump to the space in the bottom of the main structure. Use of the air pump to draw air out of the conduit system creates pressure differential between ambient air pressure and air pressure in the space of the main structure to anchor the vacuum lifting system to the ground. The vacuum pumping system may also grasp the load by suction.

Aspects described herein include an end effector capable of prehending items using impactive and astrictive forces. The end effector includes an interface system having a deformable mounting plate and a pliable body member attached to the mounting plate. The end effector further includes a linkage system between a plurality of actuators and the interface system. The linkage system connects to lateral portions of the mounting plate.