[FTC]: Using Vacuum instead of Pneumatics?

[pilum40]

I just viewed a 'How it's Made' about using a 12v vacuum pump, a latex balloon, some coffee grounds, and a showerhead to make a vacuum based gripper. I read in the rules that pneumatics were not allowed for FTC but nothing about vacuum operated systems to pick up the vortex ball. We are kicking around the idea of building a scissors styled extender with a vacuum system built in to hold the ball as it is extended. I like to keep things simple and robust and am thinking this is about as simple as it gets. Has anyone used a vacuum system before? What results did you have? Is this idea too far 'out there"/ Any pearls would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Steve Miller
Coach 10756
FTC Purple Vipers