Vacuum control apparatus
US5277468A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04F5/52
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum control apparatus is positioned remote from the vacuum operated work holding devices themselves, thereby allowing for a remote control system over a plurality of vacuum operated work holding devices. The apparatus also provides the ability to increase the vacuum flow rate available to the vacuum operated work holding devices within the system by increasing the number of vacuum generating venturis engaged in the system. The apparatus includes a venturi manifold and a plurality of venturi nozzles in fluid communication with the manifold. A venturi control valve controls the flow of pressurized air into the manifold and venturi nozzles. The system is fluidly connected to vacuum operated work holding devices by various passages and ports in the manifold. The manifold, venturi valve and venturi nozzles are stackable in two different ways. When the manifolds are stacked in the same orientation with respect to one another, the central vacuum passages communicate with one another to provide the ability to increase vacuum flow rate and thereby to decrease system response time. When the manifolds are stacked in a rotated orientation with respect to one another, the central passages …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.