handles that are ideally shaped for window installations. These vacuum cups, including the LJ45HG, TL6HG, LP6HG and RF36HG, are widely used in the automotive window replacement industry.
But what happens when the windshield gets big? We're talking really big, and really, really heavy... Enter the PT410AC In 1995, a company that specializes in the manufacture of armored vehicles approached Wood's Powr-Grip with a unique problem. The windshields and windows that they put in their vehicles had to be bullet resistant. This meant many layers of glass and polycarbonate material sandwiched together. The finished products would reach thicknesses of 3 to 5 inches [762-127 mm], and consequently, the windows became so massive that two men and a boy could not lift them into place. The company needed something that could be used to hoist the glass into place and hold it there until it could be secured.
A powerful vacuum lifter would be required...something that tilted at the angle of the windshield...something that would not give out under the stress and weight. They asked Wood's Powr-Grip for a solution. 
The engineers at Wood's Powr-Grip set out to create a below-the-hook vacuum lifter that was suited for the task. First on the agenda was the capacity. The vacuum lifter had to be capable of lifting 500 lbs [225 kg]. The vacuum lifter would require four ten-inch [25 cm], concave vacuum pads to accommodate the curvature of the windshield. Additionally, the outside pads would extend further out from the pad frame, to help deal with the curvature as well. Placing spring mounts on the pads would further assist the vacuum lifter to adjust to curved surfaces. Optionally, individual pad shutoffs were available to enable the handling of smaller sized loads. The handles of the vacuum lifter were placed far out to the side of the pad frame, to enable one person on each side of the lifter to steer the bullet resistant glass into place.
The lifter would feature a powered tilt capability and, consequently, an extra long cord for the movable control pendant was employed, so it could reach to either side of the lifter for easy operator access. The lifter was equipped with a reserve vacuum tank for added safety. Because it was to be an AC powered lifter, a twist-lock electrical plug was introduced to prevent accidental power interruption. 
The PT410AC was born! Over the years, many other armored vehicle customers, including the Secret Service, have employed the PT410AC. Truck windshield installers have also found this vacuum lifter to be helpful for higher profile vehicles, like semi-trucks, where the windshield is difficult to reach. Wood's Powr-Grip has kept pace by making available alternative frame dimensions and configurations to dovetail with specific needs. In fact, a recent National Geographic episode of "Inside" described the process of manufacturing an armored vehicle and showed Wood's Powr-Grip's lifters and hand-cups in action. For more information on the PT410AC, visit the Wood's Powr-Grip Dealer nearest you or contact a Wood's Powr-Grip Technical Sales Representative.
David Peters had more than 30 years experience in sales and marketing. He was the marketing associate for Wood's Powr-Grip Co., Inc., responsible for interactive marketing, tracking, market research and new product introduction.