Vacuum-actuated transfer device and assembly apparatus

Claim 2

A vacuum-actuated device for transferring articles comprising, a relatively movable piston and cylinder, the cylinder having a sealed chamber at one side of the piston and another chamber at the other side of the piston having a portion which defines porting open to the atmosphere, said piston having a smaller effective area exposed to said one chamber than to said other chamber, passageway means adapted to place both of said chambers in communication with a vacuum source, said porting being pneumatically closable responsive to engagement of said portion with an article with which said device is adapted to be used.

Claim 3

The device defined in claim 1 wherein said porting is open in a direction axial of the cylinder.

Claim 4

The device defined in claim 2 wherein said porting is at an end of said cylinder.

Claim 5

The device defined in claim 3 wherein said cylinder is substantially entirely open at said end to provide said porting.

Claim 6

The device defined in claim 4 wherein said end of aid cylinder is provided with an annular seal positioned for engagement with said article.

Claim 7

The device defined in claim 1 wherein a piston rod extends from said one side of said piston to the exterior of said cylinder and provides said one side with said smaller effective area.

Claim 8

The device defined in claim 6 wherein portions of said piston and piston rod define said passageway means.

Claim 9

The device defined in claim 7 wherein said passageway means comprises a passageway which extends longitudinally through said piston rod and piston and opens into said other chamber, said passageway having a branch which opens into said sealed chamber.

Claim 10

The device defined in claim 1 wherein said porting comprises a single opening defined by an open end of said cylinder, means providing a sealing surface around said opening for engagement with said article, a piston rod extending from said one side of said piston to the exterior of said sealed chamber and providing said one side with said smaller effective area, said passageway means comprising a passageway which extends longitudinally through said piston rod and piston, said passageway having one end adapted for connection to a source of vacuum and another end which opens into said other chamber, Said passageway having a branch which opens into said sealed chamber.

Claim 11

The device defined in claim 9 wherein said other end of said passageway has an effective area smaller than that of said one end and said branch.

Claim 12

The device defined in claim 1 wherein a piston rod extends from said one side of said piston and has a portion which projects exteriorly of said sealed chamber, said piston rod portion being mounted on a support, said cylinder being movable relative to said piston rod and support, said piston rod providing said one side of said piston with said smaller effective area, and in combination therewith feed means operable to present a said article at a location aligned with said cylinder portion which defines said porting, said portion being advanceable into engagement with said article responsive to introduction of vacuum into said sealed chamber and being retractable with said article responsive to closing of said porting upon engagement of said cylinder portion with said article.

Claim 13

The combination defined in claim 11 and including in addition a receptacle adapted to receive a said article, said support being movable to transport said piston rod between said location and a position adjacent said receptacle, said device being effective to deposit an article carried thereby on said receptacle responsive to release of vacuum in said cylinder.

Claim 14

The combination defined in claim 12 wherein the direction of movement of said support between said location and position and the direction of movement of said cylinder relative to said piston are substantially parallel.

Claim 15

The combination defined in claim 12 wherein said receptacle comprises a workpiece to which a said article is to be applied, said support carrying tool means, said tool means being operable to secure to said workpiece a said article deposited thereon by said device.