| 摘要 |
A vacuum lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting large, heavy objects, wherein the lifting surface of the object deviates somewhat from a planar configuration as in the case of manufacturing deficiencies or where the object is of a flexible nature. A frame has opposed surfaces with a generally peripheral deformable closed-cell resilient gasket partially secured to one surface of the frame along the inner peripheral portions of the gasket in an endless arrangement which defines an open chamber with the frame. A source of reduced atmospheric pressure such as a vacuum pump, selectively communicates with the chamber through a valve, such that positioning the gasket member against the object and drawing a vacuum in the chamber thus creates an atmospheric grip between the frame and the object whereby the object may be lifted by lifting the frame. If the lifting surface is inaccurate, or when the object flexes and assumes a curbed configuration, the partial attachment of the gasket thus permits the gasket to decompress and to flex in accordance with the curvature of the object, thereby maintaining the vacuum within the chamber.
|
