robot with vacuum pump

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIC_enUS221US221&q=suction+pumps

On Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:37:24 -0000, dmehling@keenebroadband.com


For very light weight stuff, keyboard vacuums like below might
work to supply a light vacuum pull. Dustbusters would be the next
stepup in size, then moving up in size, shop vacuums can supply
the high volume service. Small motors can be controlled via
transistors. Larger motors can be controlled with a combination
of transistors and relays.

Thanks for the advice.  I should've been more specific in describing
what I need.  I am not simply building a robot, but a page turning
machine, and I need a vacuum pump that is able to lift up individual
pages in order to turn them.  I am not sure what vacuum would be too
powerful or not powerful enough.  I have included links to two
different vacuums that might do the job.  Could you tell me which one
would be the best?

http://www.metrovacworld.com/Shopping/product.asp?catalog_name=metrovac&product_id=Shuttle

http://www.metrovacworld.com/Shopping/product.asp?catalog_name=metrovac&product_id=DataVacPC

I will throw out a bunch of ideas...

I know this sort of paper handling device is used in the commercial
printing industry. I came across something like that as I was
searching for a vacuum source for another project. Here is a link I
just Googled that has all sorts of sucker feet for paper handling.
http://www.printersparts-nc.com/sucker%20feet.htm   You might call a
commercial printer to see if they can direct you to a source of pre-
made paper handling equipment.

But, perhaps you are looking for something more home made.

A computer vacuum cleaner may be too noisy.

You have a fairly smooth surface to attach to, and may not need much
air flow or vacuum pressure. I wonder if you can use something like a
small CPU cooler fan, and attach the fan directly on the manipulator
arm.

I wonder if a diaphragm pump, like used in a fish tank air line would
be possible to adapt. Obviously it is designed to blow air, but I
wonder if you can somehow adapt a connection to the suction side.

For a quiet do-it-yourself fan with more air flow, I recall the
centrifugal fan in a toy musical organ I had as a kid (pre-
electronics).  It had a small fan motor, typical for a small desk
fan.  The fan was attached to a plastic disk about 6" diameter.  On
the disk were perhaps 8 ridges, about 1/4" high.  This disk spun just
above a 2" diameter hole in the bottom of the organ, and sucked the
air into the chamber.  Then when keys were pressed, the air would blow
out through the pipes.

Actually, you may be able to adapt one of the bonnet-type hair
dryers.  This is the kind that has a 2" diameter clear hose to attach
the blower to a vinyl bonnet.  It is very quiet.  Of course, you need
to take it apart and mount the fan so that you can get suction.

Joe Dunfee

It doesn't look like it should be all that difficult but
making a page turning machine that can be sold at a reasonable price
just isn't that easy.

A few suggestions that I hope will be worthwhile...

If you want to use small suction you will likely need to play
around with different pumps and see what works best.

You probably need to be able to control the amount of suction
so that the machine can handle a range of paper qualities.

Consider using something like a syringe to generate the
suction.

There is a wide range of silicones that can be used as
suction cups. You may need to cast your own. Check out
moldmaking supply houses.

Rodney Brooks, the MIT guy, has a very creative approach
when trying to solve problems.

Do a survey of what's available. Then try something different
or opposite.

DOC



On Jul 5, 1:08 pm, dmehl...@keenebroadband.com wrote:

On Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:08:33 -0000, dmehling@keenebroadband.com


You might search the group via google groups for similar page
turning request. Seems I remember previous post needing page
turners for the handicaped, and for scanning book pages. As for
the vacuum source and strength, you need to do some experimenting
to see just what you need for the particulars of your project.
I'd go to walmart and get some of those clear little suction cup
hangers and some aquarium tubing. Attach the tubing thru the
suction cups, then gently suck on the other end of the tubing to
see just how much air flow is needed to lightly grip the page
with the suction cup and move the page around as desired. Some
real world testing should give you a better idea of what you are
going to need, then start spending the $$$. If the required air
pressure is low, you might make a quiet air flow source by
placing half a dozen computer fans in series and get the required
air flow and pressure quietly.