Method and system for repositioning of a flexible substrate
First Claim
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1. A material handling system, comprising:
- a body comprising a first member and a second member, the first member and second member defining a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member;
the body in flow communication with a first gas source to provide a first pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent the body;
at least one channel disposed in a central region of the body, the at least one channel in flow communication with a second gas source, the channel arranged to controllably disengage the object with a second pressurized gas flow from the second gas source;
wherein the second pressurized gas flow from the second gas source applies a downward force against the object in at least the central region, the downward force, in combination with gravity, being greater than an adhering force of the object with the body;
wherein the lifting force lifts the object towards the central region of the body wherein contact between the object and the body occurs on a periphery of the central region, the central region defined by at least one protrusion defining the periphery of the central region; and
wherein the at least one protrusion extends outwardly from the central region of the body to form a most distal portion of the body.
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Abstract
A material handling system includes a body including a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member define a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member. The body is in flow communication with a first gas source to provide pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent to the body. The body has channels disposed within a central region of the body in flow communication with a second gas source. The channels are arranged to controllably disengage the object from the body.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A material handling system, comprising:
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a body comprising a first member and a second member, the first member and second member defining a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member;
the body in flow communication with a first gas source to provide a first pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent the body;at least one channel disposed in a central region of the body, the at least one channel in flow communication with a second gas source, the channel arranged to controllably disengage the object with a second pressurized gas flow from the second gas source; wherein the second pressurized gas flow from the second gas source applies a downward force against the object in at least the central region, the downward force, in combination with gravity, being greater than an adhering force of the object with the body; wherein the lifting force lifts the object towards the central region of the body wherein contact between the object and the body occurs on a periphery of the central region, the central region defined by at least one protrusion defining the periphery of the central region; and wherein the at least one protrusion extends outwardly from the central region of the body to form a most distal portion of the body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method, comprising:
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providing a body attachable to a robotic arm; connecting the body to a first gas source; introducing gas from the first gas source through a Bernoulli flow passage in the body; creating a differential pressure to lift an object into contact with a periphery of a central region of the body; connecting a second gas source to a plurality of channels; introducing gas from the second gas source into the plurality of channels; directing a flow through the channels to the central region of the body; applying a substantially downward force to the object; and disengaging the object from contact with the periphery of the central region of the body; wherein the periphery of the central region is defined by at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the central region of the body to form a most distal portion of the body.
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16. An article, comprising:
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a body attachable to a robotic arm, the body comprising a first member and a second member, the first member and second member defining a hollow cavity within the body, and a gap disposed between the first member and the second member;
the body in flow communication with a first gas source to provide a first pressurized gas flow through the gap to generate a lifting force on an object placed adjacent the body;a central region of the body; at least one protrusion defining a periphery of the central region, the at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the central region of the body to form a most distal portion of the body on which contact occurs between the object and the body; and at least one channel disposed in the central region of the body, the at least one channel in flow communication with a second gas source, the channel arranged to controllably disengage the object with a second pressurized gas flow from the second gas source; wherein the second pressurized gas flow from the second gas source applies a downward force against the object in at least the central region, the downward force, in combination with gravity, being greater than an adhering force of the object with the body. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification