Abstract: A grip device for moving a front floor of a vehicle includes a front clamping member and a rear clamping member. The front claming member can clamp a flange portion around a suspension mounting hole of the front floor according to an angle of the flange portion. The rear clamping member can claim a member flange portion of the front floor according to the change of clamping position. The device can be applied to various vehicle models.

Abstract: A grapple apparatus for handling cotton modules includes a frame comprising first and second portions. The second portion is selectively movable relative to the first portion between an opened position and a closed position. The frame defines a module-holding space when the second portion of the frame is in its closed position. At least one powered roller device is connected to the frame and is selectively active to rotate an associated cotton module located in the module-holding space relative to said frame about a module axis of rotation. A method for handling cotton modules includes positioning a frame adjacent a cotton module and moving a second portion of the frame relative to a first portion of the frame from an opened position to a closed position to define a module-holding space in which the cotton module is received and retained.

Abstract: A machine includes a chassis and a boom assembly. The boom assembly is movable relative to the chassis. The machine further includes a grapple assembly suspended from the boom assembly. The grapple assembly comprises a grapple head fluidly connected to a first hydraulic circuit for actuating the grapple head to a grasping configuration, and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to a second hydraulic circuit for rotating the grapple head. The second hydraulic circuit includes a bypass valve. The bypass valve has a first position configured to block a fluid flow between a first port of the hydraulic motor and a second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve also has a second position configured to allow a fluid flow between the first port of the hydraulic motor and the second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve allows the grapple head to rotate freely when the grapple head is in a grasping configuration.

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: A removable device which slides over the top edge of a sheet to be picked up and carried, and which clamps the sheet when the handle is lifted, forming a single secure handle temporarily attached to the sheet for carrying without marring the sheet, at a handle height suitable to enable most workers to lift the sheet using mainly leg muscles in an efficient, safe and ergonomically sound manner

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: A grapple attachment is equipped with driven rollers for selectively turning a wrapped round module about its axis so as to position it for having the wrapping slit at the bottom side of the module. When the module is properly located for having the wrapping slit, a powered cutting blade is caused to move into engagement with the wrapping and slit it across the length of the module. An interlock is provided for preventing operation of the grapple cylinders and driven roller motors unless the cutting blade assembly is located in a standby position wherein it is removed from a zone normally occupied by the round module when the latter is supported by the fixed and moveable grapple sections of the grapple attachment.

Abstract: A gripper 1 comprising a support 5, 6 for attachment to a robotic arm, outer gripping plates 2, 3 mounted for movement on the support, drive means 13, 14, 15 for independently moving the outer plates 2 and 3 with respect to an intermediate gripping plate 4 mounted for pivotal movement towards and away from the outer plates 2, 3, the arrangement allowing for separate articles or groups of articles to be gripped between each of the outer plates 2, 3 and the intermediate plate 4 to increase the capacity of the gripper 1.

Abstract: An end effector for use on a robotic arm includes a clamping assembly for clamping a workpiece, and a tool such as a drill for performing an operation on the clamped workpiece. The clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the robotic arm and self adjusts its position relative to the workpiece before a clamping operation is performed. Linear actuators independently control the movements of the clamping members. The actuators are operated by a controller, based in part on position information produced by sensors that sense the position of the clamping members.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: A holding structure, such as a manipulator, includes a plurality fingers. At least one of the fingers is movable such that an object can be held or released by a closing or opening motion of the movable finger. At least one contact surface of the fingers, which is capable of being brought into contact with the object, is formed by an elastic member, and at least one elastic member is adapted to reversibly change its elasticity under the control of an external supply of energy to the elastic member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for handling devices, such as reticles, in a semiconductor manufacturing environment. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a body, a plurality of spaced-apart grippers and a plurality of magnets for producing a magnetic force to secure a semiconducting substrate or reticle between the spaced-apart grippers. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes providing a pick comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart grippers and generating a magnetic force to grasp a semiconducting substrate or a reticle between the grippers.

Abstract: A sanitary pick-up device comprises an elongated body having first and second opposite ends and a midsection therebetween. A fixed bail and a movable bail are carried near the first opposite end of the body and a handgrip is carried near the second opposite end of the body. An actuator is provided between near the handgrip and the movable bail for moving the movable bail to and from the fixed bail. The device has a storage container mounted on the body midsection for receiving a supply of bags, and an attachment mechanism associated with the supply of bags for releasably retaining the supply of bags in the storage compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf disc retriever attached to an elongating handle having a substantially U-shaped rigid frame with space between adjacent upper and lower legs of the U-shaped frame to allow the passage of the rimmed edge of a golf disc into the confines thereof and to be captured, by its rimmed edge, with a movable upward acting, spring actuated rigid plate member attached to the lower leg by a integral hinge, so as to retrieve golf discs from relatively inaccessible places which include water hazards, tree hazards and the like.

Abstract: Gravity-actuated device for retrieving various types of objects from various ground surfaces. The device has a single retrieval arm pivotably mounted on a slender frame. Gripping elements on the end of the retrieval arm allow the operator to grip a variety of objects, including soft flexible objects, such as a glove, rigid slender objects, such as an arrow, or objects having a loop or strap, such as a thermos bottle. The device is suspended from above to retrieve the object and collapses to a slender compact configuration when not in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of conveying flat, flexible products, in particular printed products, and to an apparatus for implementing the method. According to the invention, the products are conveyed by means of a conveying device which comprises grippers which are moved along a movement path, grip at least one product in the region of one edge, can be controlled individually to open and close and have at least two gripper jaws, to a transfer region. There, they are deposited, at least partly overlapping one another, on a conveyor belt which is arranged substantially horizontally, runs in the conveying direction and belongs to a belt conveyor, and are conveyed away by the latter. In the transfer region, the movement path is curved and approaches the conveyor belt in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an end effector that utilizes a gripping mechanism to grip a peripheral edge of the wafer and secure the wafer to the end effector. In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism includes a pair of gripper arms that pivot between a wafer-loading position and a wafer-engaging position. In another embodiment, an active plunger moves linearly between the wafer-loading and wafer-engaging positions. Both the gripper arms and the plunger device are driven by a motor assembly. A force feedback system monitors the force the gripping mechanism exerts on the wafer and, based on the amount of force, controls the operation of the motor assembly to dynamically adjust the position of the gripping mechanism.

Abstract: A tool is provided for minimizing operator bending while lifting an elongated circular object, such as pipe. With one hand, the operator manipulates a slidable pin while grasping the tool handle. The slidable pin allows pivotable second grapple to move outward from the tool for positioning about the object, and, once the object encounters a trigger, to return the pivotable grapple toward the tool and secure the grapple in a position across from the first grapple, the first and second grapples being shaped to closely receive the object and hold the object between the grapples. A biasing element forces the slidable pin toward the pivotable grapple, the grapple being configured to receive the pin and be held in a position opposite the first grapple.

Abstract: A tweezer-type hand-held device for installing and removing an electric part on and from a substrate. The device is provided with a pair of legs biased to close such that the part is held between the legs by the biasing force when the part is installed on the substrate. In an embodiment, one of the legs may be biased in two directions, i.e. in a direction to open and in another direction to close, and a switching member is disclosed to switch the biasing direction. The biasing member may include a spring commonly used for the biasing in the two directions. Manipulation portions are provided for open or close the legs against the force of the biasing member.

Abstract: A carrier for tool holders of a machine tool has at least one movable jaw which can be pivoted about a pivot axis that runs transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of said tool holders. Said movable jaw can be pivoted between an expanded position and a closed position in which it grasps in a form-fitting manner a tool holder which is inserted into said carrier.

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 pipe clamping apparatus comprises a housing defining a pipe aperture with an open bottom. A jaw is pivotally attached inside the housing. When the jaw is in the open position, an upper portion of the jaw extends into the pipe aperture. In operation the top of the pipe contacts the upper portion of the jaw moving the upper portion of the jaw upward and moving a lower portion of the jaw laterally toward the housing to the closed position where the housing and the jaw are in close proximity to the pipe, and the bottom end of the left side portion is located under the pipe. When the jaw is in the closed position, a blocking member can be moved to a locked position to prevent the jaw from moving back toward the open position, and a lock indicator visibly indicates that the jaw is locked closed.

Abstract: The present invention involves a spark plug boot removal tool having a handle portion, an extension portion, and a grasping portion. The handle portion includes a spring-loaded trigger. The grasping portion includes a fixed grasping member and a rotatable grasping member. The extension portion includes an elongated flexible shaft enclosing a control rod that is attached to a triangular block. When the grasping portion is positioned over a spark plug boot, the trigger is compressed, causing the control rod to pull the block, causing the rotatable grasping member to join with the fixed grasping member to clamp around the spark plug boot. Both grasping members have an angular bend that allows the user to position the elongated flexible shaft outside of the engine compartment when exerting a force on the handle portion to remove the spark plug boot, thus minimizing the risk of injury.

Abstract: An adjustable carrying device (12) includes a pair of gripping members (14, 16) in a slip joint pivot connection having a handle assembly (36) and gripping plates (20a, 20b) for grasping and handling an object. A pivotally activated/deactivated locking mechanism includes a plurality of evenly spaced teeth (66) within a guide track (54) and a cross member (76) biased between lock and unlock positions by a pair of torsion springs (74a, 74b). A pair of levers (22a, 22b) moved in unison by handle assembly (36) activate and deactivate the locking mechanism. While in unlock position a pair of coil tension springs (84) assist in the single handed adjustment of the gripping plates against the object's opposed surfaces. A subsequent upward pivotal motion of handle assembly (36) activates the locking mechanism, forcing gripping plates (20a, 20b) towards each other, firmly gripping the object prior to its lift.

Abstract: A clamping device or anchor, at least two of which are used to clamp onto separated sections of a conveyor belt, which sections lie to each side of a repair site in the belt, whereby the belt sections can be pulled together by a power mechanism affixed between the clamping devices, whereby belt tension is relieved at the repair site to allow a repair to be made more easily, wherein each clamping device is provided with a stop shoulder which is adapted to engage an outer edge of the belt as the belt is positioned edgewise between a pair of upper and lower jaws of the device, and wherein the belt contacting portions or surfaces of the jaws are spaced inboard of the stop shoulder from about ¼ inch to about 1.0 inch such that the belt outer edges are not clamped and are not subject to tearing forces.

Abstract: A slide gripper assembly is provided having a slide assembly coupled to a gripper assembly. The slide assembly extends and retracts the gripper assembly. A bracket assembly is coupled to the slide and gripper assemblies to move the gripper assembly relative to the slide assembly. The Bracket assembly may comprise an at least partially-spherical head which may be coupled to the gripper assembly to allow movement of the same relative to the slide assembly.

Abstract: A precision soft-touch gripping mechanism has a mounting plate attached to a robot arm. The plate supports a stepper motor. The output shaft of the stepper motor is connected through a spring to an elongated finger that slides in a central longitudinal slot of the plate and supports a first wafer gripping post, while on the end opposite to the first wafer gripping post the mounting plate pivotally supports two L-shaped fingers with a second and third wafer gripping posts on their respective ends. The mounting plate in combination with the first sliding finger and two pivotal fingers forms the end effector of the robot arm which is thin enough for insertion into a wafer-holding slot of a wafer cassette. The end effector is equipped with a mapping sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the preceding wafer, wafer position sensors for determining positions of the wafer with respect to the end effector, and force sensors for controlling the wafer gripping force.

Abstract: A multi-function logging machine is disclosed. The machine uses several simple components in various configurations to perform the functions of lifting, rolling, winching and holding a log, which can vary in size, in the field. The Logging Device replaces several devices that now must all be transported to the logging field with one easily transported unit. A body is provided in two feet. A handle fits through openings in the feet and is prevented from withdrawal and turning until released. A support member is mounted at one end of the body. An arm is mounted to rotate in the body. A claw with teeth is mounted on the arm. A cleat is mounted on the body opposite from the support member frame for preventing backward movement on a rope when the Logging Device is used as a winch.

Abstract: A robotically controlled endoscopic medical instrument that includes an end effector coupled to a wrist. The wrist provides two separate degrees of freedom about the same pivot point. The end effector can be moved and actuated by pins. The pins allow for a compact minimally invasive medical instrument that has a wrist with two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Grip and flip barbeque utensil with a handle housing, a pair of concentrically arranged elongated tubes, a spatula member, a food gripping member, a pivot shaft, a food gripping tip, a yoke portion, gripping ball chain, flipping ball chain, grip trigger and a flip trigger. The gripping member is attached to the yoke portion straddling the end of the inner tube. The gripping ball chain is attached to the pivoting gripping member and extends through the inner tube to the gripping trigger. The gripping member is caused to rotate downward toward the spatula member when the gripping trigger is pulled. When the flipping trigger is pulled, the gripping member and the spatula member are caused to rotate one hundred and eighty degrees thereby creating a flipping action. A preferred embodiment includes a temperature sensor and associated sensing electronics and temperature display located within the handle housing.

Abstract: The pick-up device provides an elongated hollow cylindrical body including a handle at one end and a bail arrangement at the other end. The handle includes a trigger mechanism extending through the hollow body and terminating in a crank coupling the pair of bails in the bail assembly, so that one bail is fixed and the other bail is movable with respect to the fixed bail. The body includes a roller upon which a supply of litter bags is placed, and the body includes an elongated slot with finger openings so that a single bag from the supply can be withdrawn from the roll, separated from the roll, and installed on the pair of bails in the bail arrangement. A cable is employed for releasably actuating the bail and mechanism is provided for rotatably mounting the handle and trigger mechanism onto one end of the body so that the handle can be rotated as to expose the aft end of the body permitting a new roll of bags to be installed. Alternately, a bag supply cartridge may be installed through the side of the body.

Abstract: An actuated workpiece clamp is provided. The clamp of this disclosure illustratively has an actuator, a linkage, a cam member, a cam pin, and at least one jaw member.

Abstract: A substrate compiling system includes an actuator, cable and tamper device. The tamper device includes a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly is retracted and extended. The clamp assembly can be used to clamp an edge of each compiled set of substrates and transfer the compiled set to a stacking tray, platform or the like. The clamp assembly may remain in an extended position until all other substrate supporting structures no longer support the substrates and an opposing unclamped edge of the compiled set engages the stacking tray below.

Abstract: A log rocker has a long lever arm with a back cylinder fulcrum at its bottom end. Also attached to the bottom end of the lever arm is a semi-circular, curved, pair of prongs and an upper, semi-circular shaped, pivoting surround arm. The surround arm has a spike at its outer end. The lever arm also has a handle at the top and a foot brace about one-third from the ground. To use the device the logger forces the pair of prongs underneath a log and then locks the log onto the rocker by rotating the upper, surround, pivot arm and driving the spike into the log to secure the device around the log. The lever can then be rotated to allow the logger to raise the log up off the ground and onto the cylindrical fulcrum for cutting.

Abstract: The gripping device for taking hold of receptacles comprises tongs having a first jaw fixed to a rotary platform and a second jaw mounted to pivot relative to the first jaw and provided with a control arm, and a locking member mounted to pivot eccentrically about an axis constrained to move with the rotary platform to act on the control arm of the second jaw, the locking member being provided with a drive member disposed to come to face an opening actuating member and a closing actuating member, which members are carried by a stationary frame element.

Abstract: A device that clamps to the flange ring of a tire. The clamp has a rear section that can be used to attach a lifting chain or other implement to facilitate the removal and lifting of these flanges. The device consists of a pair of jaws mounted on a body. The jaws can pivot to open and close them about a rim flange. A bolt secures the clamp in place and is used to remove it when it is no longer needed. The clamp also has an eye or hook for attaching a chain for lifting or pulling on the flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: A vial gripping mechanism (10) includes a pivotally mounted swing arm (26). A sensor receiving array (44) is mounted to a sensor end (34) on an inward edge (46) of the arm (26). A channel (38) protecting a cable (64) follows an outside edge (42) from the receiving array (44) to a cam end (36). A torsion spring (28) forces the cam end (36) against a cam (30) which is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) adjacent the arm (26). By action of the mechanism (10), the arm (26) is moved relative to the cam (30) such that in a sensing position, the receiving array (44) is directly opposite a sensor transmitting array (74), and in a shielded position, the receiving array (44) is housed within a shield (32). The shield (32) is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) and protects the receiving array (44) while in transit.

Abstract: A linear slide gripper assembly is provided having a linear slide assembly coupled to a gripper assembly. The linear slide assembly has extension and retraction ports in fluid communication with a fluid source to move the gripper assembly between extended and retracted positions. The gripper assembly is in fluid communication with the linear slide assembly to selectively actuate.

Abstract: A concrete block tong assembly which is designed to lift and transport a plurality of concrete blocks. The assembly is provided with three top support members pivotally connected at one end thereof to one end of three bottom support members. A lifting apparatus is operatively connected to the top three support members whereupon upward movement of the top three support members by the lifting mechanism will cause the top support members to pivot with respect to the bottom support members. A front plate is secured to one end of each of the top support members for movement therewith and a back plate is longitudinally adjustably secured to each of the bottom support members adjacent the other end thereof. A solenoid operated locking bolt is selectively movably mounted within each of the top support members and has an actuator rod which is movable between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A hand tool for lifting and positioning a corner protector under the cargo tie-down strap on a flatbed trailer or other cargo transportation vehicle. This tool will enable the corner protector to be quickly and easily applied by the truck driver while standing on the ground, thereby eliminating the need for scaling the side of the loaded flatbed trailer. It will speed up the loading operation and avoid a possible fall to the ground from an elevated height. The tool has a straight tubular handle that can be connected to a telescoping extension pole for reaching the top of tall cargo loads. The working end of the tool has front and back clamping panels hingedly connected by a spring-loaded clamping-jaw means that can clamp a corner protector between the panels. In use, the corner protector is inserted between the front and hack panels of the installation tool, with extension pole attached.

Abstract: An electric plug remover and installer with a long adjustable lever arm that has adjustable pivot arms for bearing against a wall or piece of furniture hiding an electric wall outlet and a bottom clamp for holding electric plugs, which is operated by a top hand grip. Elongated clamp arms with enlarged gripping heads are attachable for larger plugs such as those with transformers.

Abstract: A book clamp for a book binding machine has a first clamp member and a second clamp member. The second clamp member is adapted to the first clamp member and the second clamp member comprises a flexible spring plate which is coupled to the second clamp member.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: In combination with a vehicle, a gripping apparatus comprising connected top, bottom, left, right, and intermediate support members; a brace support wall; a pivot bar positioned horizontally across the apparatus and extending through openings in left, right, and intermediate support members; a jaw housing having first and second lower jaw weld walls, and top, bottom, left and right members; concaved shaped left and right upper jaw members each pivotally attached to the pivot bar; concaved shaped left and right lower jaw members each having upper, lower, left and right side surfaces, with upper and lower surfaces immovably attached to a first lower jaw attachment wall and left and right surfaces immovably attached to the second lower jaw attachment wall; a lower right jaw brace impermanently attached to the pivot bar and immovably attached to the brace support wall; at least one lower left jaw brace impermanently attached to the pivot bar and immovably attached to the brace support wall; a first hydraulic cyli

Abstract: A versatile piece of hydraulically operated equipment for the use of handling and placement of wooden pilings for construction of foundation slabs in rear yards. With minimum access for house additions, able to grab, lift, and carry for placement of pilings for house additions, camps, bulkheads, or any foundation construction. Able to grab, lift, handle, and maneuver pilings of twenty, thirty, or forty feet in length, around trees, houses, under power lines or other obstacles to reach the desired position in any environment to place and shove pilings into specific pre-drilled holes, and drive pilings to desired elevations for construction site. An innovation in the placement of pilings in normally inaccessable areas which cannot be accomplished by present equipment available.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus includes a frame attachable to a front-end loader vehicle. A tine is attached to the frame, and a top clamp arm is pivoted to the frame and extends over the tine. The clamp arm is movable between a closed position where teeth on a forward lower surface extend generally parallel the tine for holding objects on the front portion, and a partially closed position where teeth on the rearward lower surface are located to hold objects on the rear portion of the tine. The rearward lower surface is upwardly angled from the forward lower surface so that the rear teeth do not interfere with holding a primary object on the front teeth even with secondary objects under the rearward lower surface. The clamp arm has a width and defines a space for receiving the tine, thus providing improved clamping ability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gripping containers, each having a circumference, for dumping material in a material collection vehicle including more than one gripping mechanisms, wherein each of the gripping mechanisms can engage a container around at least one-half of the circumference of the container. In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism is attached to a base member and includes an outer gripping member pivotally attached to the base member and an inner gripping member pivotally attached to the base member and an actuating mechanism for moving at least one gripping member toward the other gripping member.

Abstract: A sheet material conveying apparatus has at least one pocket running along a track, the pocket including a base section for receiving sheet material and an upper section including at least one upper gripper for holding an edge of the sheet material. The at least one upper gripper is movable between a gripping position and a non-gripping position, and the upper section is movable with respect to the base section to alter a distance of the at least one upper gripper with respect to the base section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping clamp for receptacles, each comprising a body and a neck having a projecting collar presenting a substantially radial bearing face beside the body, the clamp having first and second jaws, the first jaw being arranged to co-operate with the bearing face of the collar and the second jaw being arranged to co-operate with a zone of the neck that extends in the vicinity of the bearing face on its side facing away from the body, when the clamp is in a closed, gripping position.