摘要 |
The present invention provides a method for the quiet, contactless handling of objects using pickup devices of the Bernoulli type. The method is particularly suitable for the contactless handling of items much larger than an individual pickup, for example the handling of lithographic printing plates. According to the method of the present invention, a flow of fluid is established between the pickup face of the Bernoulli pickup and the surface of the object to be supported. The fluid is made to flow over a laminar flow surface at a velocity sufficient to produce a pressure differential between the flowing fluid and a surrounding fluid medium. Bernoulli lift is maximized by making the laminar flow surface as smooth and protrusionúfree as possible, and by ensuring that the location and extent of the laminar flow surface substantially coincides with the maximal lateral limits of the low-pressure zone between the pickup face and the opposing object surface. As the pickup fluid flows beyond the periphery of the laminar flow surface, it flows over a vibrationúattenuating surface, reducing unwanted vibrations in the object.
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