Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are presented herein useful to provide a mobile air blower cart for an air supply or blower for use in treating patients, such as those with limited mobility. In one approach, a mobile air blower unit has a mobile air blower cart and an air supply or blower. Further, the blower cart includes a stand with a plurality of legs having casters therewith, a top basket with a center platform and wire sides for holding an air blower disposed on the center platform of the basket, and a retaining hook to retain a hose attached to the air blower. In some approaches, the cart includes a side basket sized for retaining therapy mattresses and a bracket around which the blower cord may be wound when not in use.

Abstract: A transfer system for spent fuel canisters includes a carrier, a shielded bell trolley movable along the carrier and carrying a shielded bell, and a canister trolley movable along the carrier and carrying a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the spent fuel canister into and out of the shielded bell. The canister trolley can move along the carrier independent of the shielded bell trolley and the shielded bell trolley can move along the carrier independent of the canister trolley. The shielded bell trolley and the canister trolley can be selectively interlocked for selected transfer operations.

Abstract: A method for handling wind turbine sub-assemblies includes coupling a connecting device to a connector of a hoisting device at a first connection interface of the connecting device; coupling a first wind turbine sub-assembly to the connecting device at a second connection interface of the connecting device; moving the first wind turbine sub-assembly with the hoisting device; coupling a second wind turbine sub-assembly different than the first wind turbine sub-assembly to the connection device at a third connection interface of the connecting device; and moving the second wind turbine sub-assembly with the hoisting device. An apparatus for handling wind turbine sub-assemblies is also disclosed.

Abstract: A restraint device having a tubular body with a handle at one end and a telescopic extension rod at the other end which allows the overall length of the body to be selectively adjusted. A cuff is attached to a tether at the end of the rod in a non-deployed position. The tether can be released so a law enforcement officer can loosely control a detainee. Electrical circuitry in the body is connected to electrodes on the lower end of the handle and on the cuff so a disabling charge can be delivered. The device is also useful to civilians as a protective device when jogging, walking, bicycling or the like.

Abstract: A system for distributing the weight of a column section during lifting by a crane is provided. The system can include a roundness ring disposed about an outer circumference of the column section, the roundness ring configured to provide support to the column section such that the column section maintains a substantially cylindrical shape during movement of the column section; a plurality of shims configured to be wedged between the roundness ring and the outer circumference of the column section to improve the fit between the roundness ring and the column section; and a plurality of lifting lugs, wherein the lifting lug is configured to receive a lifting force from the crane and transfer this lifting force to the roundness ring.

Abstract: A slip for supporting a member, such as a pipe. The slip comprises one or more rolling elements, such as roller, for gripping the member. The rolling elements may contact each other. The slip may be formed from a plurality of pivotally connected segments. The rolling elements may be arranged to roll along ramps, arranged to urge the members into contact with a member to be gripped.

Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical rings upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.

Abstract: A clamp and hoisting device serves the dual purpose of preventing a sleeve over a tubular or column like structure from sliding in an axial direction and also provides a connection point for a hoisting device. The device includes first and second arms composed of a plurality of arcuate links. Each arm is connected to an upper connector block and a lower connector block. The two arms are positioned over the tubular and the two lower connector blocks are secured to each other thereby forming a clamp. The upper connector block includes a connection point for attachment to a hoisting mechanism so that the clamp also serves as an attachment point for a hoisting mechanism.

Abstract: A robot hand with a connection part that undergoes stretching deformation according to object shape. The robot hand includes a variable connection device that provides a contact face that enables pressing and contacting a moving target and has a connection part in contact with the moving target enables stretching deformation; a connection length controller that interfaces with a drive part to stretch and deform the connection part so that the connection part undergoes conversion between a closed-loop state wherein it is continuous with the surface of the moving target or divided into a plurality of sections to be pressed and contacted, and an open-loop state wherein it detaches from the moving target; and a shape retention device that retains the shape of the variable connection device consistently in a closed-loop state wherein the variable connection device is pressed and contacted with the moving target at a set pressure.

Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical rings upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.

Abstract: A tool for lifting an elongate cylindrical tank for use in metal fabrication is provided. The tool includes a loop or material for looping around the elongate cylindrical tank and a cam block having a handle extending therefrom. The cam block carries the loop of material at an off-centered portion of the cam block. Rotation of the handle imparts rotation to the cam block to thereby reduce the slack defined between the loop and the cylindrical tank until the loop is in engagement with the cylindrical tank.

Abstract: Methods for gripping an oilfield tubular include engaging a band with a ring member to form a load ring. The band has an arcuate component with a gap separating first and second ends, an interior surface, and an inclined exterior surface. The ring member has an interior surface with a groove therein. The inclined exterior surface of the band is associated with the groove of the interior surface to form the load ring. The load ring can be engaged with an oilfield tubular, and a force can be applied such that the groove of the ring member engages the inclined exterior surface of the band for securing the load ring to the oilfield tubular.

Abstract: A device for transporting segments of wood comprising an annular binding made of a material that is biodegradable and combustible such that the binding can thus be burnt in a fireplace after it has been used. The binding includes two binding rings and spacers, the rings and the spacers being assembled together by having co-operating shapes. Wedges are used to hold the segments of wood in position, without having to use a clamping band.

Abstract: The fastenings of the wire ropes for loading containers are subjected to huge stresses, making it necessary to use screwed-in robust grips. The systems currently installed in these cranes for fixing ropes are fixed, screwed-in grips. A much more versatile and flexible system is presented that is based on a wedge mechanism which allows automatic and instant actuation (remotely controlled). The assembly includes the sliding clamps, the actuation of these clamps, necessary additional guides and tightening device for tightening the ropes. This solution allows: Performing the rope changing operation with the jib hoisted, thus allowing the maneuvers of vessels and the operation of contiguous cranes. Reducing the rope replacement times. Using the anchoring element (clamps)+tightening device as a mechanism for tightening the length of the ends. Possible misalignments of the spreader can be corrected instantly.

Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical rings upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a frame, a counterweight connected to the frame, a load attachment member connected to the frame, a movable pick point mounted on the frame, and a pick point position adjuster for moving the pick point to balance a load supported by the load attachment member.

Abstract: An article gripping device includes a device body, a first ring fixed to the device body, a plurality of gripping members, a second ring, a driving mechanism and a plurality of linking mechanisms. The plurality of gripping members are arranged in a circumferential direction on an inner periphery side of the first ring with the gripping members capable of moving in a radial direction of the first ring. Corresponding end portions of each of the adjacent gripping members of the gripping members engage with each other. The second ring is capable of turning in the circumferential direction with respect to the first ring. The driving mechanism turns the second ring in the circumferential direction and is mounted to the first ring. The plurality of linking mechanisms move the gripping members in a radial direction of the first ring in association with the turning of the second ring.

Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given external diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch, accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical ring upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.

Abstract: A cylindrical ring sized to slide over the box end of an oilfield tubular having a given external diameter, has a shoulder at one its ends and a sidewall along its length. The sidewall has a circumferential groove about its interior surface housing a band which can be made tight against the exterior surface of the oilfield tubular by a latch, accessible through a slot in the sidewall, and which becomes even tighter if the tubular attempts to escape from the band. In a first orientation, the cylindrical ring is used as a load ring. By turning the cylindrical ring upside down, the cylindrical ring is used as a thread protector for the pin end of the tubular.

Abstract: A test core clamp comprising a first longitudinally split tube comprising a split portion having opposing ends and attached to a base, and a tightening device for moving the opposing ends towards each other. The tightening device comprises two brackets one affixed to each of the opposing ends and both having apertures therein. One of the bracket apertures is threaded to engage one end of a clamping bolt inserted through and rotating freely within the other bracket aperture such that rotation of the clamping bolt causes the opposing ends to close or open. According to a preferred embodiment, an insert comprising a second longitudinally split tube having a plurality of fins extending radially from its outer surface is slideably located inside of the first split tube with the fins frictionally engaging the inner surface of the first split tube such that closing and opening of the first split tube results in opening and closing of the second split tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article gripping device capable of gripping an article to be gripped always in a state of a nearly complete round. Both end portions in the circumferential direction of a gripping member are constructed so that the end portions of the adjacent gripping members engage with each other. Therefore, the outer periphery of a tire to be gripped can be gripped without a gap, and hence the quality of completed tire can be improved. Also, there are provided a second ring capable of turning in the circumferential direction with respect to the first ring, a driving mechanism for turning the second ring in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of link mechanisms for moving the gripping members in the radial direction of a first ring in association with the turning of the second ring.

Abstract: An automated container loader for mounting to the side of a vehicle adapted for collecting the contents of curbside residential waste containers. The vehicle has a vehicle body longitudinally attached to the vehicle chassis. The automated container loader is attached to the vehicle chassis by a slide and positioned adjacent the side of the vehicle body. The container loader is equipped with a lift arm having a gripping element having a gripper housing having an opposing pair of gripping jaws. The gripping jaws are pivotally attached to the gripper housing on opposite sides to their respective arms, thereby creating a cross-pivoting arrangement. The distance between the free ends of the gripping jaws is thereby reduced when in the open position. The cross-pivoting arrangement further allows the container loader to have a thin overall width, accomplished through use of a non-folding single-section gripping jaw.

Abstract: A gripper device for loosening, tightening or gripping objects. The gripper device has a support structure with a fixed, object contact surface, that preferably has a high friction surface. One end of a pivot arm is pivotally attached to the support structure. The pivot arm has a free end. A cinch strap with two ends is provided. On end of the cinch strap is attached to the free end of the pivot arm and another end of the cinch strap is fixed to the structure. By moving a jar or other cylindrical object into turning contact with the cinch strap, that object will be captured and held in place.

Abstract: A gripper device for loosening, tightening or gripping objects. The gripper device has a support structure with a fixed, object contact surface, that preferably has a high friction surface. One end of a pivot arm is pivotally attached to the support structure. The pivot arm has a free end. A cinch strap with two ends is provided. On end of the cinch strap is attached to the free end of the pivot arm and another end of the cinch strap is fixed to the structure. By moving a jar or other cylindrical object into turning contact with the cinch strap, that object will be captured and held in place.

Abstract: An automated container loader for mounting to the side of a vehicle adapted for collecting the contents of curbside residential waste containers. The vehicle has a vehicle body longitudinally attached to the vehicle chassis. The automated container loader is attached to the vehicle chassis by means of a slide and positioned adjacent the side of the vehicle body. The container loader is equipped with a lift arm having a gripping element comprising a gripper housing having an opposing pair of gripping jaws. The gripping jaws are pivotally attached to the gripper housing on opposite sides to their respective arms, thereby creating a cross-pivoting arrangement. The distance between the free ends of the gripping jaws is thereby reduced when in the open position. The cross-pivoting arrangement further allows the container loader to have a thin overall width, accomplished through use of a non-folding single-section gripping jaw.

Abstract: A lifting device which has a flexible belt adapted to circumvent and grip a load to be lifted. One or more elongate flexible lifting straps is in spaced relationship around the belt. One end of the or each strap is securable on the belt anywhere along the belt's length. The other end of the or each strap has a lift attachment.