COUPLERS THAT COUPLE ROTATING ROBOTIC ARMS AND ROTATING VACUUM-ASSISTED ARM END TOOLS

Abstract

A coupler for connecting a vacuum source to a rotating tool attached to the end of a rotating robotic arm for moving at least one object includes a first portion coupled to both the rotating tool and the rotating robotic arm. The first portion and the rotating tool are configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the end of the robotic arm. The first portion includes a first conduit passing through it and communicating with the vacuum source. The coupler further includes a second portion that does not rotate during the rotation of the rotating robotic arm and the rotating tool. The coupler further includes a second conduit configured to couple to a first end of a flexible tube, the second end of which is connected to the vacuum source. The second conduit does not rotate during the rotation of the rotating robotic arm and the rotating tool.