Abstract: A quick connect refill friction stir spot welding tool includes a clamp having a first radially-projecting mounting tab configured for engaging a first mounting slot in a refill friction stir spot welding weld head. A friction sleeve is located coaxially within the clamp and has a second radially-projecting mounting tab configured for engaging a second mounting slot in the refill friction stir spot welding weld head. The second radially-projecting mounting tab is located higher along an axis of the tool than the first radially-projecting mounting tab, and radially inward thereof. A friction pin is located coaxially within the clamp and friction sleeve. The clamp and friction sleeve are attachable to and detachable from the refill friction stir spot welding weld head by rotations through less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: A tool changing system that includes a tool mount adapter and a tool holder. The tool mount adapter is configured to be attached to a tool and selectively engage and disengage a tool bit. The tool provides movement to the engaged tool bit to perform work on a workpiece. The tool holder is positioned in proximity to hold the tool bit when the tool bit is not engaged by the tool. The tool holder can also selectively engage and disengage the tool bit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to remove biopsy specimens from a bone and/or associated bone marrow using a powered driver and an intraosseous (IO) needle set. The powered driver may rotate the IO needle set at an optimum speed to obtain a biopsy sample of bone and/or bone marrow. Apparatus and methods may also be provided for aspiration of bone marrow and/or stem cell transplant procedures. The apparatus may include a powered driver, a coupler assembly, a containment bag or sterile sleeve and various IO needles and IO needle sets with associated hubs and/or hub assemblies. Each IO needle set may include a cannula or catheter and an associated trocar stylet with respective tips operable to penetrate a bone and/or bone marrow with minimum trauma to a patient. Each hub assembly may be used to releasably dispose a respective stylet within an associated generally hollow cannula. Some coupler assemblies and/or hub assemblies may also be used with manual drivers.

Abstract: A quick-change die assembly for a necker machine includes an outer die mounting, an outer die, an outer die quick-release coupling, an inner die mounting, an inner die assembly, and an inner die quick-release coupling. The outer die is coupled to the outer die mounting by the outer die quick-release coupling. The inner die assembly is coupled to the inner die mounting by the inner die quick-release coupling.

Abstract: A blade clamp for use with a power tool having a reciprocating spindle. The blade clamp comprises a cover threaded to the spindle for relative axial movement thereto in response to rotation of the cover relative to the spindle, an ejector pin positioned within the spindle, and a spring coupling the cover and the spindle. The spring biases the cover toward a first rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with a locked configuration of the blade clamp. The cover is rotatable against the bias of the spring toward a second rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with an unlocked configuration of the blade clamp. In the unlocked configuration, the ejector pin maintains the cover in the second rotational position. In response to insertion of a blade into the spindle, the blade clamp is automatically adjustable from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

Abstract: A power tool, such as a rotary hammer or hammer drill, includes a first housing that contains a motor and a drive mechanism for linearly reciprocally driving a tool accessory, and a second housing that includes a handle, a first portion and a second portion. At least one elastic element connects the first and second housings such that the handle is biased away from the first housing. A first set of sliding contact surfaces is defined on or connected to the first housing and the first portion of the second housing. A second set of sliding contact surfaces is defined on or connected to the first housing and the second portion of the second housing. The first and second sets of sliding contact surfaces are located on opposite sides of the motor such that the rotational axis of the motor intersects the first and second sets of sliding contact surfaces.

Abstract: A tool bit holder for connecting a rotary tool to a rotary tool driver. The tool bit holder including a body having a driver end configured to connect to a rotary tool driver and a tool end, a tool retainer bore, and a tool retainer movably received within the tool retainer bore and movable between an engaged position and a retracted position. The tool bit holder further includes an actuator sleeve, a sleeve spring for urging the actuator sleeve towards a first position, a plunger, and a plunger spring urging the plunger towards a loading position. A tool bit received in a tool receiving cavity pushes the plunger to a loaded position, and in the loading position the plunger extends over the tool retainer bore to engage the tool retainer and urge the tool retainer towards the retracted position.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism designed to removably attach a reamer to the distal end of a spindle or shaft is disclosed. The coupling comprises a collar having an annular sidewall that defines a collar throughbore, the collar annular sidewall comprising a plurality of spaced part first slots that at least partially extend through the sidewall and a shank disposed within the collar throughbore. The shank is constructed with a shank annular sidewall in which a plurality of spaced apart second slots at least partially extend therethrough. A bias member that provides a bias force in a distal direction that acts on the collar is incorporated within the mechanism. The collar is capable of sliding in an axial direction such that the first and second slots become aligned to secure the cross bar of a reamer therein.

Abstract: A hand-guided stroke-type saw includes a stroke rod and a saw-blade receiver that is supported by the stroke rod. The stroke rod defines a stroke axis extending axially through the stroke rod. The saw-blade receiver is configured to receive a saw blade and defines a saw-blade receiver axis that extends axially through the saw-blade receiver and is substantially parallel to the stroke axis such that the saw-blade receiver is offset radially from the stroke axis in a first direction opposite to a direction of advance.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing an electrical interface between a male plug (1002) and a female receptacle (100, 500, 1000, 1600). The methods comprise: receiving a conductive pin (402, 800, 1006, 1602) of the male plug in a socket opening (112, 900, 1012, 1612) of the female receptacle; providing (a) first spring loaded floating contact points (460) between an elongate body (422) of the conductive pin and an electrical contact (106A-106B) of the female receptacle and (b) at least one second spring loaded floating contact point (462) between a tip (420) of the conductive pin and the electrical contact (110) of the female receptacle, when the conductive pin is fully inserted into the female receptacle; and maintaining at least two of the spring loaded floating contact points when the pin moves within the socket opening as a result of an external force applied to the male plug or female receptacle.

Abstract: A fastener delivery apparatus includes a nose assembly to releasably hold a fastener. The nose assembly includes a plurality of balls or rollers and associated biasing members to provide a biasing force which biases the balls or rollers such that they engage with the fastener. Each biasing member exerts force in a first direction and an associated ball or roller moves in a second direction which is different from the first direction. A force transfer surface is provided between the ball or roller and the biasing member, the force transfer surface acting to convert at least a component of the force exerted by the biasing member in the first direction into force exerted on the balls or rollers in the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing a fastener from a component, the fastener comprising an end portion exposed from the component, the end portion having a threaded section, the method comprising the following steps; providing a cap with a threaded opening, screwing the threaded opening of the cap onto the threaded section of the exposed end portion of the fastener, and securing a percussive tool to the cap, such that repeated impacts from the percussive tool are directed onto the exposed end portion of the fastener. The present invention also provides a cap for use in removing a fastener from a component, the cap comprising a threaded opening for screwing onto a threaded section of an exposed end portion of the fastener, and an attachment portion for securing a percussive tool to the cap.

Abstract: An electric screwdriver is disclosed. The screwdriver has a spindle, a locking body, a radial stop, a strap, and a spring. The spindle defines a receiving area and an oblong hole which is open into the receiving area in a radial direction. The locking body is disposed in the oblong hole, where the locking body is protrudable into the receiving area. The radial stop is engageable with the locking body where, when the radial stop engages with the locking body, the locking body protrudes into the receiving area. A first end of the strap engages behind the locking body on a drive end. The spring is disposed between a second end of the strap and the radial stop.

Abstract: A screw driving device is provided which can counter-sink a screw at angles off of normal from a workpiece. The device includes a shank held in contact with a screw bit to drive the tip when a plurality of balls are held in contact between a screw bit head and a sleeve surrounding the shank and to disengage the shank from the bit when the screw is at a desired counter-sunk depth. The disengagement of the shank from the screw bit is provided by permitting the plurality of balls to slide out of contact between the rotating shank and bit to thus disengage the shank from the screw bit.

Abstract: A drill head locking apparatus and a drill head are provided. The locking apparatus includes a protruding platform having a through hole, a bearing on the inner wall of a small cylinder on the protruding platform, a locking sleeve fitted on the protruding platform, and a protrusion arranged on the upper part of the inner wall of the locking sleeve. The lower part of the inner wall of the locking sleeve is a conical face. A spring is arranged between the bottom face of the conical face and an upper bottom face of the protruding platform. A press plate is connected with a screw thread on the outer wall of the top part of the small cylinder on the protruding platform and presses down on the protrusion. A conical hole is arranged on the wall of the small cylinder and communicates with the through hole of the protruding platform.

Abstract: An internal adapter for use in torque-limiting handles for interchangeable orthopedic tools contains a slidable collar component, house component, retaining ring, spring, driver component, cover and cam which engages a torque-limiting mechanism. A plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure an orthopedic tool in the adapter, while a configuration of chamfered surfaces centrally stabilize the tool. A plurality of guiding chamfers located in a driver component rotationally secures the orthopedic tool.

Abstract: A holder for a bit is disclosed. The bit may include a first locking element. The holder may include a housing; a base assembly including a first hole; a second locking element partially disposed within the first hole and configured to move between a locking position in which the second locking element engages the first locking element to prevent removal of the bit, and an unlocking position in which the second locking element is spaced from the first locking element allowing the bit to be removed; and a follower assembly contained within the housing and configured to move relative to the housing and base assembly between a first position in which the follower assembly supports the second locking element in the locking position, and a second position in which the follower assembly allows the second locking element to move from the locking position to the unlocking position.

Abstract: A connecting rod assembly is capable of pushing the work head outward to allow more of the part of the work head to be exposed out of the connecting rod assembly, making it easier for the user to pull out the work head, thus solving the problem that it is difficult to pull the work head out of the conventional connecting rod structure since the conventional connecting rod structure doesn't have any function or devices to move the work head outwards.

Abstract: A mechanical connector designed to connect an orthopedic tool to a handle or motor. The connector includes a locking ball and spring-load sleeve mechanism that compresses a ball into an annular groove of the tool drive shaft, locking the shaft in the connector. The tool drive shaft is released from the connector by applying a force to the housing in a proximal direction. A portion of the housing removes the locking ball from the groove of the tool drive shaft, unlocking the shaft from the connector as the housing travels in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A tool holding system for a rotary power tool is configured to clamp around a working tool when the working tool is inserted in the tool holding system. The tool holding system includes a sleeve having a frustroconical inner surface portion, a collet having frustoconical outer surface portion complementary to the inner surface portion, a spring mount operably connected to a motor for rotation by the motor, and a spring. The spring includes a first end portion operably connected to the collet to bias the collet toward a first position whereat the outer surface portion engages the inner surface portion, and a second end portion rotationally fixed with respect to the spring mount.

Abstract: A bit retention device includes a shaft having a sidewall defining a hexagonal cavity extending from a first end thereof and a ball groove extending through the sidewall and communicating with the hexagonal cavity. A ball is disposed in the ball groove and a ball spring engages the ball and biases the ball toward the first end. An actuator sleeve surrounding the shaft includes an internal ramp engaging the ball. A spring biased plunger assembly is disposed in the bore for biasing a bit received in the bore in a direction toward the insertion end.

Abstract: A tool arrangement and chuck apparatus for quick change of a range of tools; particularly, a quick change chuck adapted to engage various diameter drill bits, tools and tool holders. The tools are rotatable in a chuck or adaptor and have at one end a centering shaft portion having a constant diameter for multiple tool end diameters and shapes, a drive shoulder portion and a lock portion. The chucks have a tool centering arrangement for accommodating the constant diameter centering shaft. The chucks are also described as having tool bit release mechanism operable to disengage the tool from a retention mechanism when a force is applied inwards of the body of the chuck by the user to allow the tool bit to be removed longitudinally from the chuck but also arrange to allow the tool bit to be inserted longitudinally into the chuck without requiring any other user operation.

Abstract: An internal adapter for use in handles for interchangeable orthopedic tools contains a collar assembly, house assembly, retaining ring, spring and driver assembly. A plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure an orthopedic tool in the adapter, while a configuration of chamfered surfaces centrally stabilize the tool. A plurality of guiding chamfers located in a shaft driver assembly rotationally secures the orthopedic tool.

Abstract: A hand tool with bit release device includes a connecting shaft, a block, a positioning bead and a cover. When the user wants to insert a tool bit into the connecting shaft, the user pushes the tool bit into the connecting shaft directly and the positioning bead engages with the tool bit firmly. When the user wants to release the tool bit from the connecting shaft, the user moves the cover axially relative to the connecting shaft and the positioning bead disengages with the tool bit so that the tool bit is released from the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A bit retention device includes a shaft having a sidewall defining a hexagonal cavity extending from a first end thereof and a ball groove extending through the sidewall and communicating with the hexagonal cavity. A ball is disposed in the ball groove and a ball spring engages the ball and biases the ball toward the first end. An actuator sleeve surrounding the shaft includes an internal ramp engaging the ball. The internal ramp includes a shallow ramp portion having a first angle of inclination with respect to a center axis and a steep ramp portion having a second angle of inclination with respect to said center axis of said shaft that is greater than the first angle of inclination. A spring biased plunger assembly is disposed in the bore for biasing a bit received in the bore in a direction toward the insertion end.

Abstract: A tool bit holder includes a sleeve, a hub, and a locking mechanism. The sleeve is moveably mounted on an outer periphery of the hub and includes a first notch, a second notch, and an abutting section. The abutting section is disposed between the first and second notches. The locking mechanism is disposed in a cavity defined in the outer periphery of the hub and is retained therein by the sleeve. Also, the locking mechanism includes a control member, a resilient member, and a detent. The control member is moveably disposed in the cavity and is biased by the resilient member. The detent is carried by the control member.

Abstract: A connection connecting two tool parts includes a first tool part and a receptacle for receiving a second tool part. A clamping device clamps the tool parts together in a joined state. The connecting point further includes a retaining device that is independent of the clamping device and holds the tool parts together in the joined state.

Abstract: A tool holder for a hand-guided drilling device, in particular for a rotary hammer, includes a receiving sleeve that is designed as a single piece in particular and that is drivable in a rotating manner for a shank part of an insertion tool. The recess is open at both end faces and limited therebetween by an inner circumferential surface of the receiving sleeve. The inner circumferential surface (62) of the receiving sleeve (34) includes at least six flat circumferential surface sections (62n through 62u; 84, 86) in the circumferential direction, with adjacent circumferential surface sections (62n, 62o; 62p, 62q; 62r 62s; 62t, 62u) forming an angle of 120 degrees.

Abstract: A tool bit holder includes a sleeve, a hub, and a locking mechanism. The sleeve is moveably mounted on an outer periphery of the hub and includes a first notch, a second notch, and an abutting section. The abutting section is disposed between the first and second notches. The locking mechanism is disposed in a cavity defined in the outer periphery of the hub and is retained therein by the sleeve. Also, the locking mechanism includes a control member, a resilient member, and a detent. The control member is moveably disposed in the cavity and is biased by the resilient member. The detent is carried by the control member.

Abstract: A screwdriver bit holder structure, whose holder body has a polygon hole, and inside the polygon hole set an inner spring and a sliding tube. The holder body is clipped by a c-clamp, ahead of which are symmetric front balls and holes, and behind which are symmetric middle and back balls and holes. A fixing cap is capped on the holder body. In the back of inner hole of the fixing cap sets a limiting ring, and in the front sets a front recess and a back recess that is designed, by sliding the cap forward and backward along the holder body, to push front balls to fit into the fitting concaves of the bits so as to fix them tightly with the holder body or loose front balls from fitting concaves to release the bits.

Abstract: A quick connecting device structure comprises a shaft body defined by a proper-length external ring guiding section with two restricting surfaces for the abutment of front and rear movement rings to clamp a spring element there-between. The shaft body also includes a storing socket with an external assembly portion at one end, and an extensible bore drilled at the other end for the accommodation of a steel ball. A cylindrical sleeve has an end defined by an internal stepwise abutment ringed surface and a coupling cavity, and the other end having first and second annular insert grooves. A stop collar fitted to the coupling cavity provides another abutment ringed surface. The two abutment ringed surfaces can bi-directionally press at the front or rear movement ring with the spring element respectively, forming a two-way pressing-and-bouncing operation. Thus, a driver shank can be easily slid in/out for quick installment or replacement thereof.

Abstract: A fast screwdriver connecting apparatus includes an elongated rod body, a first resilient unit, a second resilient unit, a movable inner tube and a hollow tube an inner portion of the elongated rod body has a plugging trough. A ring is extended from the plugging trough to form an arc ring slot, and a wedging groove with an opening to engage a wedging ring. A connecting element receives a steel ball, and the second resilient unit and the hollow tube are coupled to the connecting element. A circular slot of the hollow tube is aligned with the retracting hole, and a wedging slot is formed where the movable inner tube is aligned with inner wall of the elongated rod. Different sizes of screwdriver blades can be replaced from the elongated rod body to push against the resilient units, and the steel ball rolls into the wedging slot.

Abstract: A bit retention device includes a shaft having a sidewall defining a hexagonal cavity extending from a first end thereof and a ball groove extending through the sidewall and communicating with the hexagonal cavity. A ball is disposed in the ball groove and a ball spring engages the ball and biases the ball toward the first end. An actuator sleeve surrounding the shaft includes an internal ramp engaging the ball. The internal ramp includes a shallow ramp portion having a first angle of inclination with respect to a center axis and a steep ramp portion having a second angle of inclination with respect to said center axis of said shaft that is greater than the first angle of inclination. A spring biased plunger assembly is disposed in the bore for biasing a bit received in the bore in a direction toward the insertion end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools with replaceable tips and, more particularly, to arrangements for securing replaceable tips to tip holders. The tool includes a tip including a working end, a connecting end, and a radially extending abutment surface; a tip holder including a mating end for mating with the connecting end and a radially extending supporting surface for abutting against the abutment surface to limit axial movement of the tip relative to the tip holder. The connecting end is non-circular and includes a groove. The tool includes an assembly including the tip and the tip holder arranged such that, upon relative rotation of the tip and the tip holder in a connecting direction, an axial force is exerted on the groove and causes the abutment surface to move toward the supporting surface.

Abstract: A tool holder for a machine tool has a tool holder element in which an insertion tool is insertable and lockable, a locking device for locking the insertion tool in said tool holder element and including a locking element displaceable between a release position and a locking position in which the insertion tool is locked in the tool holder, a blocking element held in the tool holder element and displaceable by the insertion tool, the blocking element inhibiting a motion of the locking element in a locking position, a control element which displaces the blocking element and located on the tool holder, which in a first phase when the control element moves between the release position and the locking position in a control position in which it acts on the blocking element, and in a second phase the control element is in a non-operational position, the control element is configured so that it performs an axial motion in the control position and it performs a radial motion to move it into a non-operational position

Abstract: A rotary tool has an output shaft having an axis of rotation and a distal neck portion which has at least three neck faces that do not intersect the axis of rotation, and a substantially U-shaped spring element having a base portion and two leg portions, wherein the spring element straddles the distal neck portion.

Abstract: A bit holder for a rotary tool is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the bit holder comprises a drive shaft with an elongated bit channel configured to receive a tool bit for the rotary tool. A cavity is provided in a peripheral wall of the drive shaft. The cavity extends in a radial direction from the bit channel to an outer portion of the drive shaft. A moveable lock member is positioned in the cavity of the drive shaft. A collet is positioned in the bit channel apart from the cavity. The collet includes a collapsible end portion configured to clamp down on the tool bit. A collet nut rotatably engages the drive shaft and is moveable between a release position and a lock position. In the lock position the collet nut clamps the collapsible end portion of the collet while also forcing the lock member into the bit cavity.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a power tool system may comprise providing a power base for mounting and powering a functional module comprising an end effecter, the power base configured to mount various functional modules, assembling the power tool system by mounting the functional module to a mounting plate of the power base, and controlling the power tool system using a control disposed in the power base.

Abstract: Connection of a bit with two balls is enabled while high operability of attachment and detachment of the bit is maintained. A pressing ring 23 is held at the advance position together with an operation sleeve 22 by a guide washer 24 forced by a coil spring 25. When the rear end of the bit is inserted into a tool holder 8, the balls 27, 27 that are rolled rearward by the contact of the rear end of the bit are pushed in between the pressing ring 23 and the guide washer 24 in order, and the balls 27, 27 can be retracted from the tool holder 8 in the state where the pressing ring 23 is held at the advance position by the tilt of the guide washer 24.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a bore head, which consists essentially of a body (1) provided with a radial piston (2) for receiving a bore tool (3) which can be tightened in said radial piston (2) with a tightening means (4), where the position of said radial piston (2) can be regulated by means of a micrometric screw (5), and where the radial piston is guided and tightened in the regulation position with a guidance and tightening means, and where, moreover, said body is provided with a balancing device (7) with balancing weights (8 and 9). Bore head characterized in that the means (4) for tightening the bore tool (3) in the radial piston (2) of the body (1) is in the form of a screwing device (10), equipped with a movable center punch (11) which is under tension caused by a spring (12), and in that the means for guidance and tightening in the position of regulation of the radial piston (2) is an indirect tightening means which carries out said guidance and tightening radially.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides screwdriver connectors that each include (a) a body defining (1) a first end defining a first opening and a second opening; (2) a first cavity that opens onto the first end through the first opening; (3) a second cavity, connected to the first cavity by a passage, that opens onto the first end through the second opening; (b) a locking member disposed within the passage; (c) a spring and a tensioning member disposed within the second cavity; and (d) a collar that releasably engages the first end of the body, wherein in operation the spring biases the tensioning member against the collar and against the locking member which engages a bit disposed within the first cavity, thereby immobilizing the bit within the first cavity.

Abstract: A connector (20) having an assembly (28) adapted to releasably receive an end (33) of a workpiece (22).

Abstract: A surgical, tubular-shafted instrument comprises a shaft, an operating rod mounted for displacement in the shaft, a handle part for actuating the operating rod and a connector that detachably connects the handle part to the shaft. The shaft is secured in an axial direction in an inner sleeve of the handle by a locking member that is displaceable radially in the inner sleeve and dips into a recess of the shaft. The radial outward movement of the locking member is limited by a stop element that is displaced into a position releasing the radial outward movement of the locking member. A holding element fixes the stop element in a release position and can be acted upon by the shaft to release the stop element due to displacement of the shaft in the inner sleeve. The holding element is guided for displacement in the handle part outside the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A device that advances and holds wire as the wire is fed through the device and prevents any movement in the opposite or reverse direction by instantly locking on the wire when movement in the reverse or opposite direction is attempted includes a main barrel having a bore through which the wire passes and one or more inserts disposed at the feed end of the main barrel for maintaining the longitudinal orientation of the wire as the wire exits the main barrel. Disposed within the bore is a one-way wire locking or clutch assembly that includes a tapered chamber and a plurality of radially arranged locking balls mounted on a circular head of a stem wherein the locking balls allow wire to freely travel therethrough in the feed direction but interact with the tapered chamber to lock on the wire for preventing any movement in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A tool coupling device includes a stem having a front channel for receiving ends of tool members, and having a lateral orifice communicating with the channel of the stem for receiving a ball. The tool members each has an aperture formed in one end for receiving the ball. A barrel is rotatably engaged onto the stem, and has a peripheral bulge for selectively forcing the ball into the aperture of the tool member. A spring may bias the peripheral bulge of the barrel to engage with the ball, and to force the ball into the aperture of the tool member and to lock the tool member to the stem.

Abstract: A connector (20) having an assembly (28) adapted to releasably receive an end (33) of a workpiece (22).

Abstract: A holder having a quick-connect mechanism actuated by inserting a single- or double-ended tool bit, the tool bit engaging means to force deflection of retaining means, where the retaining means actuate means for engaging the tool bit, and released by manual operation of the retaining means, whereby the tool bit is pushed out from the holder so that the user can operate the tool bit holder using one hand only.

Abstract: A tool coupling device includes a stem having a front channel for receiving ends of tool members, and having a lateral orifice communicating with the channel of the stem for receiving a ball. The tool members each has an aperture formed in one end for receiving the ball. A barrel is rotatably engaged onto the stem, and has a peripheral bulge for selectively forcing the ball into the aperture of the tool member. A spring may bias the peripheral bulge of the barrel to engage with the ball, and to force the ball into the aperture of the tool member and to lock the tool member to the stem.

Abstract: It is already common in many devices like spanners or pipe wrenches for the pressure between the gripping faces and gripped faces to be related to the torsional load that is applied to turn the gripped object. In these apparatus the grip can be made to relax automatically as the load is removed. The invention relates to improvements in such devices, and to novel designs of mechanical coupling devices that utilise this basic idea. More specifically, the invention firstly proposes a method of improving the performance of an object-gripping tool of the cam-operated gripper-element type, in which method there is applied to the gripper surface a friction-enhancing chemical.

Abstract: The invention provides a gripper that is plugged onto a rotatable shaft with a flat locating groove in which the caps of locating spheres engage, these locating spheres being peripherally distributed in an annular groove of the shaft. As a result, the gripper is held precisely on the shaft and can be replaced without causing significant wear.