Abstract: The invention relates to a vertebral implant placed after a laminectomy and fixed by transfacet screws arranged in a translaminar direction. The invention also relates to a placement instrument and to a method for the placement of an implant.

Abstract: A frame apparatus for holding a flexible lance positioning mechanism adjacent to and spaced from a heat exchanger tube sheet includes an upper guide rail, a lower guide rail, a positioner rail supported from one of the upper and lower guide rails and guided by the other of the upper and lower guide rails, and a rail clamp assembly fastened to a portion of a tube sheet. This rail clamp assembly has a flat plate member fastened to the tube sheet, a base plate spaced from the flat plate by one or more threaded shafts, and one or more clamp fingers rotatably fastened to the base plate. Each clamp fingers is operable to rotate toward the base plate when the base plate is drawn against the flat plate or beam member by rotating the threaded shaft, thus drawing the rail securely to the flat plate of the clamp assembly.

Abstract: An improved ratcheting clamp is a clamp with an improved design for clamping and holding work pieces to be joined together at 90 degrees or other angles such as in welding or carpentry operations, by handling the clamp with one hand and allowing the free hand to handle the work pieces instead of requiring two hands to operate the clamp. The clamp uses a cam and torsion spring to keep constant pressure of one work piece against the other work piece.

Abstract: A gripping device for gripping a sheet-material stack has at least two gripping elements for gripping a sheet-material stack disposed between the gripping elements, which gripping elements can be moved toward each other in order to grip the sheet-material stack. At least one of the gripping fingers of one of the gripping elements is tiltable from its starting position, in which it is oriented substantially parallel to the stack surface, into a tilted position, in which it is inclined toward the stack surface. With the gripping device any types of sheet-material stacks can be reliably and trouble-free removed from a container and held against gravity through grip-clamping.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises frame plates, lever arms, a linkage assembly, bridge arms, upper pad assemblies, and lower pad assemblies. The lever arms are operative to pivot relative to the frame plates. The linkage assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame plates and to the lever arms. The bridge arms are pivotally coupled to the lever arms. The upper pad assemblies are pivotally coupled to the bridge arms. Lastly, the lower pad assemblies are pivotally coupled to the frame plates. Pivoting the lever arms in a first direction translates the upper pad assemblies towards the lower pad assemblies, and pivoting the lever arms in a second direction translates the upper pad assemblies away from the lower pad assemblies. Actuation of the linkage assembly is operative to cause the lever arms to pivot.

Abstract: A removal system is configured to remove plywood from ground. The removal system includes a gripping assembly that is configured to fit around the plywood. A pressure assembly is attached to the gripping assembly and configured to apply pressure onto the plywood in order to trap the plywood between the pressure assembly and the gripping assembly. A tether is attached to the pressure assembly and configured to provide an upward force on the gripping assembly and a lateral force on the plywood in order to remove the plywood from the ground.

Abstract: A drum lifter for lifting and moving empty and full chimed and unchimed drums. The lifter includes a cross member with grippers at each end. The grippers include a cam block with a cam rotatably mounted in the cam block.

Abstract: A lifting clamp for a workpiece such as plate material, comprising a bearing part and a clamping arm which is rotatably connected to the bearing part above said bearing part and at one end is provided with a clamping face for the purpose of clamping a part of the workpiece between the bearing part and the clamping face, and at the other end of the clamping arm is provided with a lifting eye, the bearing part comprising at least one magnet.

Abstract: A hoist clamp device for clamping an object. The device includes a frame, a first clamping part, movably connected to the frame and provided with a first gripping surface, a second clamping part, coupled to the frame, provided with a second gripping surface, and arranged with respect to the first clamping part so as to clamp the object between the second gripping surface and the first gripping surface, in which the first clamping part is movable with respect to the second clamping part in order to clamp the object by moving the first clamping part from a free position into a clamping position, and in which the second clamping part is furthermore provided with a gripping part, provided with the second gripping surface, which gripping part is designed to allow a displacement with respect to the frame as long as a clamping force of the first clamping part on the second clamping part is below a minimum value.

Abstract: A plate lifting clamp may include a body with a slot sized to receive the plate. A contact member may be positioned at a first side of the slot, and a cam may be attached to the body and positioned at the slot across from the contact member. The cam may include a contact section that extends along a first peripheral edge that faces towards the contact member and contacts against the plate when the cam is in a first rotational position. The cam may also include a second peripheral edge that includes teeth that each includes a first face and a second face. A pawl may be pivotally attached to the body to contact the teeth on the cam. The teeth and the pawl may be configured to control rotation of the cam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoist clamp device for clamping an object, preferably plate material, to a clamping portion, comprising a frame, a first clamping part, movably connected to the frame and provided with a first gripping surface, a second clamping part, coupled to the frame, provided with a second gripping surface, and arranged with respect to the first clamping part so as to clamp the clamping portion of the object between the second gripping surface and the first gripping surface, in which the first clamping part is movable with respect to the second clamping part in order to clamp the clamping portion of the object by moving the first clamping part from a free position into a clamping position, and in which the second clamping part is furthermore provided with a gripping part, provided with the second gripping surface, which gripping part is designed to allow a displacement with respect to the frame as long as a clamping force of the first clamping part on the second clamping part is below a minimu

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the improved hanging transportation of an article having an uneven weight distribution that permits the article to hang in a balanced manner. The apparatus is attached to an overhead trolley and includes attachment plates rotatably secured to the overhead trolley and a plurality of chain assemblies. Each of the attachment plates define several chain mounting holes, with each of the chain mounting holes being formed at a predefined, individual radial spacing from a center mounting hole. By attaching the chain assembly to selected ones of the plurality of chain mounting holes, an effective chain length can be varied. The chain assemblies support the article, and adjusting the effective chain lengths permit the article to hang in a balanced manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripper for a robotic arm which is specially designed for fresh food products. The invention also relates to a method, a device and a system which arranges food products fully automatically onto a conveyor, e.g. in-feed conveyor to an IQF freezer, or into a tray or a box. The gripper unit comprises penetration mechanism for penetrating into the articles that are to be picked up, thereby providing an engagement between the gripper unit and the articles while rearranging the positions of the articles, whereby the position of the penetration mechanism into the articles is operated in such a way that one end of the articles becomes at least partially freely hanging.

Abstract: A plate lifting clamp may include a body with a slot sized to receive the plate. A contact member may be positioned at a first side of the slot, and a cam may be attached to the body and positioned at the slot across from the contact member. The cam may include a contact section that extends along a first peripheral edge that faces towards the contact member and contacts against the plate when the cam is in a first rotational position. The cam may also include a second peripheral edge that includes teeth that each includes a first face and a second face. A pawl may be pivotally attached to the body to contact the teeth on the cam. The teeth and the pawl may be configured to control rotation of the cam.

Abstract: Cable supported hook apparatus provides a U-shaped upward facing opening for transporting a truss. A cam pivotably mounted opposite the opening has a serrated edge opposite a handle. A slot in the opening permits a spring to urge the cam from a released orientation to an engaged orientation with the serrated edge extending through the slot. In the released orientation, a knob retractable spring driven pin extension can extend through a hole in the cam and secure it in place. In use, the handle is first used to rotate the cam to the released and secured orientation. After engagement with the truss, the extension is retracted by the knob which permits the cam to engage the truss. After transportation a release cable rotates the cam to the released and secured orientation to free the truss.

Abstract: A hook comprises a pair of hook bodies, a pair of hook portions, a movable pressing portion, an operating portion and a link unit. The hook bodies are formed of two plates disposed apart from each other, respectively. The hook portions are integrally fixed to lower ends of the hook bodies, respectively. The movable pressing portion is rotatably supported between the hook portions. The operating portion is subject to a tension load of a hoist. The link unit has one end rotatably connected to the movable pressing portion and another end rotatably connected to the operating portion. When the operating portion is pulled upward, the movable pressing portion presses a wire harness, which is hooked to the hook portion, against the hook portion.

Abstract: A forceps is described which is self-locking and is used for raising slabs. It is of the type which has two jaws in hard steel which are reciprocally hinged so that they may be closed or opened with automatic locking when they come in contact with the product to be moved. The forceps is characterized by the fact that it is composed of three elements, precisely a fixed body (2), a cam (3) and a movable carriage which holds the cam, and in which the fixed jaw comes in contact in a gripping manner with the pushing force generated by the counterposed cam thus achieving in this manner the closure of the product being raised.

Abstract: A medical technical compression implant (1) for the surgical repair of damage to the spine, especially in the cervical region, includes two clamp jaws (3, 4), which are directed toward each other, are hook-shaped, are connected by a threaded spindle (2), and can be compressed while reducing the distance (B) between them. A wrench profile (9) for attaching a rotating tool in an interlocking manner is arranged at the threaded spindle (2) between two threaded sections (7, 8) with right-hand threads and left-hand threads, respectively. Both the clamp jaws (3, 4) have threaded nuts (5, 6), which are pivotably mounted from bodies, with diametrical threaded bores for screwing on the threaded sections (7, 8). The threaded nuts are mounted in cylindrical transverse bores of the clamp jaws (3, 4). The bore walls (21) are provided with diametrical openings (22, 23) for passing through the threaded sections (7, 8) of the threaded spindle (2).

Abstract: A sheet puller designed to move sheet metal stock having a rotatable offset cam with teeth which interacts with a pressure plate which holds the sheet to be moved, the teeth on the cam being designed to engage the sheet when the puller is moved in one direction and disengage the sheet when the puller is moved in the opposite direction, the sheet being received between a guide support top and a guide support base.

Abstract: A screw-type clamp for gripping structural members such as steel sheets has a generally U-shaped clamp body with projecting portions forming therebetween a material receiving slot. A screw is threadedly received through a portion of the body and has mounted thereon a material gripping element. A material gripping member is also mounted to the body portion opposing the screw, such that structural members may be securely gripped by the gripping surfaces by advancing the screw. The clamp has a freely rotatable coupling member for connection of a shackle. The coupling member includes a rotatable post protruding from the clamp body and having an axis of rotation extending through the material receiving slot, perpendicular to the screw. A lubrication passage insures free rotatability of the rotatable post during a lifting operation. The coupling member provides a rotational degree of freedom allowing, for example, a pair of clamps attached to opposite edges of a structural member to be used to effect a 360.degree.

Abstract: A lifting clamp includes a clamp body defining a chamber for receiving articles, first and second opposing and facing jaws coupled to the clamp body, and a drive mechanism, coupling the second jaw to the clamp body for moving the second jaw along a path relative to the first jaw within the chamber to engage the articles between the jaws. The drive mechanism has a spindle with first and second spindle parts. The first spindle part is rotatably mounted in the clamp body. The second spindle part supports the second jaw and is guided for longitudinal movement in the first spindle part. The first spindle part drives the second spindle part to move the second jaw.

Abstract: A clamp of the type comprising a body which, equipped with a gripper has a clevis-shaped part consisting, on the one hand, of a fixed jaw and, on the other hand, of a mobile jaw in the shape of a pivoting cam subjected to the action of a spring, the mobile jaw being releasable from its open position by a trigger pivotably mounted on the body and protruding inside the clevis. This clamp comprises a locking hook for locking the mobile jaw in the open position, independently of the trigger and actuatable by the latter during its pivoting motion in a direction of disengagement of the opening of the clevis, under the pressure of a sheet or the like.

Abstract: The plate lifting clamp of the present invention includes linkage disposed on the clamp with one end of the linkage connected to the lifting shackle and the other end of the linkage connected to a cam rotatably mounted on the clamp. A spring on the linkage causes the cam to rotate against the work piece gripping the work piece between the cam and a swivel pad mounted on the clamp. A further force is applied to the rotation of the cam as the work piece is lifted on the lifting shackle by the hoist. An operating handle is rotatably disposed on the clamp whereby when rotated to the open position, will cause the cam to rotate away from the work piece and open the clamp. A spring biased locking mechanism is provided on the clamp to lock the operating handle into the open position.

Abstract: A device for lifting metal plate or the like includes a substantially U-shaped housing which contains a toothless eccentric cam and a shackle. The toothless eccentric cam is mounted to the shackle by use of a connecting link and a radius link. The radius link is pivotably mounted to the housing so that when force is exerted on the shackle, a force is then exerted on the radius link which causes the connecting link to rotate the toothless eccentric cam into the throat of the housing.

Abstract: A plate lifting clamp has an eccentric cam with spaced apart rounded teeth having sharp crested edges which are provided with gauge marks extending into each tooth. Excessive wear on the teeth may be visually observed by comparing the worn portion of each tooth to the location of the gauge marks.

Abstract: The hoist clamp has a coupling eye (7) which has a gimbal-type connection by means of the shafts (5,6) to clamp operating crank (14). When a diagonal pull is exerted, the neck (42) of the coupling eye (7) engages against a bracing point (3,4) which is sufficiently high above the shaft (6) to ensure that the lever action provides extra clamping force between the clamps (11,12). When the coupling eye (7) swings about the shaft (5), the coupling eye engages against the upper edges (1,2) of the casing (8), said edges curving outwards, so that additional clamping force is also obtained when the pull exerted is diagonal. Said additional clamping force is only marginally affected by the load (32) held in the load aperture (37).

Abstract: A plate lifting clamp has an eccentric cam with spaced apart teeth having sharp crest edges which are provided with slots extending radially into the teeth. Excessive wear on the teeth may be visually observed by the decreasing depth of the slot or disappearance thereof on any one tooth. The tooth crests may be curved in a plane parallel to an axis of rotation of the cam so that a generally elliptical shaped surface appears on the tooth crest as it is worn away. The length of the wear surface may be measured to determine when cam replacement is desirable.

Abstract: A lifting clamp for articles such as steel plates has a clamp body defining a slot to receive the article to be lifted with opposed jaws mounted on opposite sides of the slot, one jaw being mounted for opening and closing movement relative to the other jaw, a shackle mounted for guided movement in the clamp body and adapted for connection to a lifting force, linkage connecting the shackle to the movable jaw and a shiftable locking mechanism engagable with the assembly of the movable jaw and linkage to lock the jaws in either their open or closed positions. The locking mechanism has associated therewith a spring biased locking pin carried by the clamp body for holding the locking mechanism in the closed jaw position and a handle operable from the clamp body exterior to shift such mechanism, such handle carrying a manually engagable push button disposed to be engagable with the locking pin to release the locking mechanism from the closed jaw position.

Abstract: A non-marring lifting clamp for articles such as metal plates has a pair of opposed jaws mounted on opposite sides of a slot formed in the side plates of the clamp body with one of the jaws being pivotally mounted for opening and closing movements relative to the other jaw, and a lifting shackle being mounted for guided movement in the clamp body. A linkage assembly in the body couples the shackle to the pivotally mounted gripping jaw to urge the gripping jaw toward the other jaw when a lifting force is applied to the shackle. The linkage assembly includes a swing link connected to move the gripping jaw and a control link pivoted to the clamp body with a connecting mechanism coupling the control link both to the shackle and to the swing link.

Abstract: A clamp suitable for a wide variety of uses is provided. The clamp is particularly suitable for selectively either rotating a variety of standard structural workpieces so that they rest on a new base after a lift, or lifting workpieces so that they rest on their original base after a lift. The invention includes a swivel pad having at least two faces and a settable jaw for retaining workpieces. A selection of one face to engage a workpiece will cause it to rest on a new base after a lift, and the selection of another will cause the workpiece to rest on its original base after a lift.

Abstract: A clamping device for handling and lifting metal sheets is disclosed. The device has a body member with a first flanged portion and a second flanged portion mounted adjacent to the first flanged portion. The first and second flanged portions define an opening therebetween for receiving metal sheets therebetween. A cam member includes an adjustable grip portion and an opposite leg portion. The cam member is attached to the first flanged portion so as to permit the adjustable grip portion to rotate in the opening from a first open position to a second closed position. The cam member is biased to a closed position by a helical spring member acting on the opposite leg portion. The spring member is supported on the other end by the body member and coiled about a pivot pin. The cam member is automatically locked in an open position by a lever engaging a pin on the cam member adjacent the adjustable gap portion. One leg of the lever arm extends through the opening between the two flanged portions.

Abstract: Hoist clamp for clampingly gripping plate-shaped pieces, comprising a smooth eccentric clamping segment constituting part of a spring operated toggle lever system and co-operating with a smooth counter clamping segment which is part of a wedge, a locking mechanism comprising a rotatable circular disc of which the circumferential face acts upon the one lever of the toggle lever system, a segment of this disc having been removed to allow stretching of the toggle lever system, such that the blocking of the wedge is first released before the unlocking of the toggle lever, and said disc being further engaged by a chain guided past a guide roller and engaging at its other end the wedge against the action of a wedge spring.

Abstract: A screw-type lifting clamp comprising a generally U-shaped clamp body having a pair of spaced, opposed projections defining a generally vertically downwardly facing material receiving slot, a lifting shackle attached to said clamp body, a screw threadedly received through a first such body projection and being threadedly movable toward and away from the second body projection, a jaw pivotally mounted to the second body projection for pivotable movement about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the screw axis, and resilient means urging the jaw to a horizontal position. The pivotable jaw includes vertically spaced teeth defining a gripping surface which is convex in a vertical plane and has a radius of curvature greater than the horizontal distance between the jaw pivotal axis and the jaw gripping surface when that jaw is horizontal.

Abstract: A lifting clamp for articles such as steel plates has a movable arcuate gripping jaw, a pivotally mounted arcuate cam jaw, an enlarged recessed opening to receive the article to be lifted, a shackle, a linkage connecting the shackle to the gripping jaw and a locking mechanism engageable with the linkage to lock the gripping jaw in either open or closed position. The locking mechanism has a handle located outside of the clamp body, an integral connection between the handle and an interior portion of the locking mechanism and an auxiliary spring biased locking pin for holding the locking mechanism in the closed position.

Abstract: A locking type of lifting clamp for lifting steel plates is disclosed in which there is provided the usual clamp body with a pivoted gripping cam pivotally mounted to extend across a slot into and out of engagement with a steel plate to be lifted. This cam is operated by a connecting link pivoted at one end to the cam and at the other end to a radius link which is itself pivoted to the clamp body. Pivoted to one end of the radius link is the lifting link which connects the same with the lifting shackles of a crane or the like. An operating lever is also pivoted to the clamp body and connected to the radius link by means of a combination link - spring pivoted at one end to the operating lever and at the other end to the radius link. The combination link - spring comprises a two part member made from spring steel bent into a generally double "Z" shape and in which the two parts are identical and nested together.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for gripping and lifting large-sized T-shaped structural members (to be referred to as the "T structural member" for brevity in this specification) each consisting of a face plate and a web plate. The T structural member gripping and lifting device comprises a beam adapted to be suspended from a crane or the like, a plurality of trolleys movably mounted on the beam and remotely controlled so as to adjust the spacing therebetween, a gripping unit suspended from each trolley and remotely controllable so as to grip or release the face plate of a T structural member, and a remote control unit for controlling the trolleys and the gripping units whereby the T structural member may be automatically gripped, lifted and released. Handling efficiency may be considerably increased to such an extent hitherto unattainable by any conventional devices, and the safeguarded operations may be ensured.

Abstract: There is provided a clamp which is well suited for use as a lifting clamp for lifting and moving materials of assembly in a shipyard, etc. and as a pulling jig in welding and other operations. The clamp comprises a clamp body including a shackle for engagement with a pulling device and a slot for receiving an article, and a pair of jaws provided on the leg portions of the clamp body on the opposite sides of the slot to grip the article in the slot, one of said jaws consisting of a screw rod and the other jaw consisting of a swivel jaw with a spherical surface, whereby when the article clamped in the slot by the pair of jaws tends to slide in any direction with respect to the clamp body, the article is more positively gripped by the pair of jaws.