Abstract: A portable spinal decompression device includes a top (thoracic) adjustable belt and bottom (lumbar) adjustable belt with a plurality of traction devices attached at set anchor points for applying traction forces to a body to facilitate spinal disc decompression and alleviate pain of users with spinal disorders. The portable device that fits various shapes and body sizes can be operated by a user without additional assistance and can be used while the individual is in numerous positions during his or her daily routine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cookware handling in varied environments including that in robotic systems, production lines, automated cooking and ingredient collection systems, washing and sanitizing manual or automated systems. The method involves use of electromagnetic force to generate friction that translate into gripping force for the cookware or likewise. The electromagnetic force may be generated by degaussing electromagnets.

Abstract: A self-locking slider for a skewer. The self-locking slider has an engaged end and an opposing push end. The self-locking slider has spaced apart first and second plates to engage an engaged end of the skewer biasedly in a locked engagement, yet the first and second plates are movable to an unlocked engagement. The first plate defines a locking aperture at the engaged end for slidably receiving the skewer in a longitudinal direction and, separately, in a latitudinal direction between a locking end and an unlocking end of the locking aperture. The second plate at the engaged end and the push end provide aligned skewer passageways, respectively, for slidably receiving the skewer in the longitudinal direction. The first and second plates are movable toward each other to the unlocked engagement enabling the self-locking slider to slide along a length of a skewer by way of the skewer passageways.

Abstract: System and methods for manipulating and sorting of objects being moved along a conveyor are disclosed, whereby control of the object is achieved through the application of one or more of vacuum, impaling, or mechanical grasping. One embodiment is directed to a robotic arm and vision detection system operable for detecting a target object to be grasped from a stream of objects being moved on a conveyor, and moving a suction head into position over the target object that has been detected on the conveyor, the suction head having a flexible cup section disposed at a distal end thereof, the vacuum item pick-up system/method using high subsonic air flow (e.g., on the order of 60 scfm or more) through a suction cup having a flow opening area large enough that an airflow of 60 scfm does not result in an airspeed exceeding Mach 0.2 under standard conditions of temperature and pressure, and further having a flow opening area whose ratio to cup opening area falls between 0.36 and 1.

Abstract: Pickup stick assemblies suitable for picking up objects and discharging the retrieved objects into a trash or other receptacle may include an assembly housing having a proximal housing end and a distal housing end. A spring retaining member may be disposed between the proximal housing end and the distal housing end. An assembly shaft may be slidably disposed in the assembly housing. The assembly shaft may have a proximal assembly shaft end protruding beyond the proximal housing end of the assembly housing and a distal assembly shaft end opposite the proximal assembly shaft end. The assembly shaft may be deployable in an extended shaft position in which the distal assembly shaft end protrudes beyond the distal housing end of the assembly housing and a retracted shaft position in which the distal assembly shaft end is recessed with respect to the distal housing end of the assembly housing. A shaft retention spring may be provided in the assembly housing.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods for processing and grading food articles including x-raying the food articles a first time and taking a 3D image of the food articles.

Abstract: A handheld gardening tool includes a power source, a spike projection device adapted to roughen soil for the application of grass seeds or to ease pulling weeds, and a support arm connecting the power source to the spike projection device. The spike projection device comprises a housing supporting a plurality of spikes mounted within the housing for controlled extension from and retraction within the housing for engagement with soil.

Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing a press molding by molding a molding material comprising reinforced fibers and a thermoplastic resin by a cold press method. The method of manufacturing a press molding comprising reinforced fibers and a thermoplastic resin, includes the steps of: holding the molding material heated at a temperature not lower than the softening temperature with a plurality of grippers installed on a carrier; carrying the molding material between the upper mold and the lower mold of a mold for molding; pushing the molding material with pushers to preform it at a predetermined preforming rate; and press molding the preformed molding by closing the upper mold and the lower mold and applying pressure.

Abstract: A sod harvester stacking head can include a base that couples to a stacking head supporting mechanism of a sod harvester and a frame that couples to the base via crankshaft assemblies that are configured to allow the frame to rotate through 360 degrees during each stacking operation. Accordingly, a motor that controls the rotation of the crankshaft assemblies can be driven a single time during each stacking operation thereby enhancing the efficiency of the sod harvester. The crankshaft assemblies can also be configured so that the crankshafts are in a vertical orientation while the stacking head travels in a lateral direction such that the load is centered on the rotational axis of the stacking head. A stacking conveyor could similarly be configured with a base and a frame that are coupled via crankshaft assemblies to thereby allow the stacking conveyor to be lifted using 360 degrees of rotation.

Abstract: A food separation utensil. The food separation utensil includes an elongated member having a working end and a handle end. The working end has a base. The base includes two distinct groups of blades attached to a lower surface thereof. Both groups of blades are designed to separate and otherwise manipulate food products, such as ground meats and vegetables, in order to promote even cooking.

Abstract: Cooking of marshmallows and other food items uses simultaneous, multi-axial rotation for uniform browning over heat and open flame. The apparatus includes an elongate, hollow tube having proximal and distal ends, and a rod having proximal and distal ends disposed within the elongate hollow tube. A device coupled to the proximal end of the rod rotates the rod about a first axis of rotation. A first gear is attached to the distal end of the elongate hollow tube, and a second gear, coupled to the distal end of the rod, meshes with the first gear, causing the second gear to rotate about a second axis of rotation that is different from the first axis of rotation. A food item holder is attached to the second gear, such that when the rod rotates about the first axis of rotation, the food item holder simultaneously rotates about the first and second axes.

Abstract: A mixing tool with an integrated stripping element for removing material residue from its embodied mixing element.

Abstract: A handheld collector device adapted to retrieve small objects, the device having an elongated handle, a head mounted to the handle, a plurality of tine sets retained by the head and an ejection mechanism to eject the objects. Each tine set has a plurality of individual tines projecting outwardly in spaced relation. The tines are relatively rigid members possessing a degree of flexibility such that when the ends of the tines are pressed onto objects to be collected, the tines flex sufficiently to pass over and capture the objects. The device is modular in construction such that the tine sets can be removed and replaced in order to adapt the device to provide optimum results for varying sizes and types of objects.

Abstract: A spearing system includes a pitch fork that has a handle and a plurality of tines. The handle may be manipulated. Each of the tines may puncture an object. Thus, the object may be retrieved from a support surface without requiring a user to bend over. A release is slidably coupled to the pitch fork and the release may be manipulated. The release is positioned adjacent to the tines. The release is positionable in a retracted position such that the release allows the tines to puncture the object. The release is positionable in a deployed position such that the release may release the object from the tines.

Abstract: A sandwich making accessory, where embodiments of the inventive device aligns the edges of a bottom and top food material used for making a sandwich while maintaining constant user determined pressure on the sandwiched food materials between the top and bottom food materials is provided. The constant and evenly distributed pressure applied by embodiments of the sandwich making accessory provides for an even distribution of the fill materials within the top and bottom food materials without the fill materials spilling out over the edges. The enclosing materials that bound the sandwich interior fill may include slices of bread, cake, waffles, graham crackers, cookies, biscuits, and other consumable products. The inventive accessory allows for easier pick up and when closed evenly distributes the pressure over the whole surface of the top and bottom enclosing crackers which lessens the chance of cracker breakage.

Abstract: The hand extension with universal clamp extends the reach of a hand tool. It features a universal clamp to work with virtually any tool. It reduces the need to bend over or work on hands and knees. Further, it decreases the strain and injury often caused by crouching or hunching to work. The device protects clothing from being stained by dirty floors.

Abstract: An engagement head for engaging a porous substrate includes at least two pin sets, each pin set including a plurality of pins arranged in a plurality of parallel pin rows at a predetermined pin angle, wherein pins of immediately neighboring pin rows are arranged such that pin angles for the pins in a pin row are inversely symmetrical to pin angles for the pins in a neighboring pin row. The pins of a pin row move collectively in the same direction when a pin set is extended, which direction is determined by the pin angle of the pin row, whereby neighboring pin rows move in opposite longitudinal directions from one another when the pin set is extended. The pin sets may be extended and retracted in unison by a single actuation source.

Abstract: A sod roll picker including a pair of right facing spear bar assemblies and a pair of left facing spear bar assemblies. Each of the right and left facing spear bar assemblies includes a spear bar, a plurality of spears secured to the spear bar, and a guide roller disposed on each end of the spear bar assembly. The picker also includes a base frame having a pair of sidewalls connected by a pair of end walls. Each end wall includes a pair of right guide paths configured to receive the guide rollers of the right facing spear bar assemblies and a pair of left guide paths configured to receive the guide rollers of the left facing spear bar assemblies. The picker also includes a right spear bar linkage interconnecting the right facing spear bar assemblies and a left spear bar linkage interconnecting the left facing spear bar assemblies.

Abstract: An end effector that includes: a flexible container which contains a filler, wherein the filler is switchable between a flowable or deformable state and a rigid or dimensionally stable state, and one or more working elements for gripping, temperature regulation and/or compaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for positive retention of wood connects to and retains wood for transport and handling, the apparatus comprising a drive handle connected to a support member, the support member connected a main shank, and the main shank adapted to positively penetrate wood through one or more of impact and rotation, wherein the main shank forms a connection to the wood after such positive penetration is achieved.

Abstract: A garnish pick for food and/or beverages is disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the garnish pick includes a plurality of appendages that form skewering shafts for skewering garnishes. In at least some embodiments, at least one appendage of the garnish pick forms a hook for securing the garnish pick to a food or beverage container. In at least some embodiments, the garnish pick and its associated appendages may be shaped to simulate the appearance of organisms or portions thereof. As one example, the garnish pick may simulate the appearance of a branch of a tree or an antler of an animal.

Abstract: Embodiments teaching appliance base constructions which increase stability, using both static and dynamic base extending elements. Methods to enhance coloring of the fried foods. Food support structures which utilize two-hand manipulation to increase safety and control. Removable handle construction, which decreases storage space. Peripheral feet on appliance base, to increase safety and stability. Various means for securing unitary food items, including fowl, during cooking. Structures which help prevent accidental deep fryer oil overflow onto supporting surfaces. Lid constructions, which keep a lid in place to protect the user, even while loading oversized, vertically extending foods. Food drainage opening assist device, to help drain fowl cavities after deep frying. Collapsible food support devices, used for cooking, serving, carving, and other purposes. Movable partitions within a food support, to compartmentalize, contain, cap, and space apart foods being cooked.

Abstract: A sod roll picker including a pair of right facing spear bar assemblies and a pair of left facing spear bar assemblies. Each of the right and left facing spear bar assemblies includes a spear bar, a plurality of spears secured to the spear bar, and a guide roller disposed on each end of the spear bar assembly. The picker also includes a base frame having a pair of sidewalls connected by a pair of end walls. Each end wall includes a pair of right guide paths configured to receive the guide rollers of the right facing spear bar assemblies and a pair of left guide paths configured to receive the guide rollers of the left facing spear bar assemblies. The picker also includes a right spear bar linkage interconnecting the right facing spear bar assemblies and a left spear bar linkage interconnecting the left facing spear bar assemblies.

Abstract: A flexible food skewer system for providing versatile cooking upon a grill. The flexible food skewer system includes an elongated flexible member, a loop extending from an end and formed in part from the flexible member, and a piercing element extending from an opposite end of the flexible member are provided. In use, the user is able to manipulate the shape of the flexible member about other food items on the grill while allowing the loop and piercing implement to be exterior of the grill if desired. A second piercing implement may be provided instead of the loop. In further alternative embodiments of the invention, two or more flexible skewer systems may be intertwined to provide greater and reinforced food carrying capacity. Various alternative structures are provided to enable secured, releasable interlocking of the intertwined skewer systems.

Abstract: A pin-type gripper adapted for holding and transferring a target made of soft material. The pin-type gripper includes: a cylinder unit; a pair of slide blocks which are obliquely disposed at the left and right sides of the end of a piston rod and extend in a skirt shape; and links which transmit the piston motion to the slide blocks. A pin which pegs a target is installed on an end of each slide block. One cylinder unit controls two slide members at the same time. Thus, the pin-type gripper is superior in structure, control, and economic performance to a typical gripper that requires two cylinders and a complicated design.

Abstract: The multi-pronged spear-fishing spear tip includes a collar for mounting the multi-pronged spear-fishing spear tip onto a spear shaft. An elongate center tine extends axially from the collar and includes a spear point for piercing fish or prey. A plurality of diverging tines with piercing tips surround the center tine, the diverging tines immobilizing the fish or prey pierced by the center tine. Each diverging tine extends from the collar at a diverging angle from the axis of the collar. The length of the center tine is longer than the length of the diverging tines to accommodate most sizes of fish or prey. This construction provides the functionality of a single-point spear and a paralyzer spear in a single unit.

Abstract: A garnish pick for food and/or beverages is disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the garnish pick includes a plurality of appendages that form skewering shafts for skewering garnishes. In at least some embodiments, at least one appendage of the garnish pick forms a hook for securing the garnish pick to a food or beverage container. In at least some embodiments, the garnish pick and its associated appendages may be shaped to simulate the appearance of organisms or portions thereof. As one example, the garnish pick may simulate the appearance of a branch of a tree or an antler of an animal.

Abstract: A log lifting facilitating assembly for includes a first member having a first end and a second end. A spike is attached to the first member adjacent to the first end and is orthogonal to the first member. The spike extends in a first direction relative to the first member. A second member is attached to the second end of the first member and extends in the first direction from the first member further than the spike. A strike plate is attached to the first member. The strike plate is positioned on the first member opposite of the spike. The spike is configured to be driven into an end of a log to facilitate moving of the log.

Abstract: A propelled lance provides a wounding non-lethal anti-insurgent action when stepped on by piercing an enemy insurgent's foot with a lance penetrator. The lance penetrator lodges in the foot and further penetration is impeded by a stop plate. The lance penetrator may insert an RFID or other identifiable device or other payload into the insurgent. The lance penetrator provides anti-personnel, anti-vehicle and anti-robot action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pin-type gripper adapted for holding and transferring a target made of soft material. The pin-type gripper includes: a cylinder unit; a pair of slide blocks which are obliquely disposed at the left and right sides of the end of a piston rod and extend in a skirt shape; and links which transmit the piston motion to the slide blocks. A pin which pegs a target is installed on an end of each slide block. According to the present invention, one cylinder unit controls two slide members at the same time. Thus, the pin-type gripper is superior in structure, control, and economic performance to a typical gripper that requires two cylinders and a complicated design.

Abstract: A garnish pick for food and/or beverages is disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the garnish pick includes a plurality of appendages that form skewering shafts for skewering garnishes. In at least some embodiments, at least one appendage of the garnish pick forms a hook for securing the garnish pick to a food or beverage container. In at least some embodiments, the garnish pick and its associated appendages may be shaped to simulate the appearance of organisms or portions thereof. As one example, the garnish pick may simulate the appearance of a branch of a tree or an antler of an animal.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a decorative toothpick device designed primarily for use with chocolate-covered strawberries, cupcakes, cake pops, pastries, or other food articles. The decorative toothpick device comprises a toothpick comprising a first end and a second end, and a decorative molded topper secured to the first end of the toothpick. The second end of the toothpick is then inserted into a confection. The decorative toothpick device would then act as a decorative top piece, as well as a handle with which to eat the strawberry, the cupcake, the cake pop, or the cookie, etc. The decorative toothpick device can come in a ready-to-use package, or be prepared by hand by a user. Furthermore, the decorative molded toppers can be decorated in a variety of designs and themes, depending on the occasion. For example, any kind of additional additive can be used to decorate the decorative molded toppers.

Abstract: A system comprising a handle having a gripping end and a working end. The system also comprising a filter engagement tool. The filter engagement tool is coupled to the handle. The filter engagement tool has a filter engagement means.

Abstract: The device is for holding an edible food product such as a vegetable or piece of fruit in readiness for the preparation thereof. The device may be used for peeling or cutting vegetables or fruit in a safe manner. The device includes a body that is meant to be grasped by a user of the device and a set of prongs that are supported by the body and extend from a distal end of the body. The set of prongs preferably includes at least three prongs that are disposed in a parallel array and that are for piercing engagement with the edible product. An actuator rod assembly is supported by the body and includes a proximal end cap and a distal pusher piece that is meant to engage the edible product for dis-engagement thereof from the set of prongs. A biasing spring is disposed in the body for urging the actuator rod assembly in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A cotton module handling implement has a plurality of elongated tapered rods attached to a frame. Each rod extends perpendicular to the front face of the frame and is positioned horizontally and vertically so as to distribute the weight of the cotton module evenly across each rod and throughout the cotton module itself. The number and width of the rods allow for penetration of the cotton module without substantially disturbing the seed cotton integrity. Mounting brackets for either a three-point hitch or a front-end loader extend from the rear face of the frame.

Abstract: A flexible food skewer system for providing versatile cooking upon a grill. The flexible food skewer system includes an elongated flexible member, a loop extending from an end and formed in part from the flexible member, and a piercing element extending from an opposite end of the flexible member are provided. In use, the user is able to manipulate the shape of the flexible member about other food items on the grill while allowing the loop and piercing implement to be exterior of the grill if desired. A second piercing implement may be provided instead of the loop. In further alternative embodiments of the invention, two or more flexible skewer systems may be intertwined to provide greater and reinforced food carrying capacity, Various alternative structures are provided to enable secured, releasable interlocking of the intertwined skewer systems.

Abstract: A hand held device is disclosed which may be manipulated with a single hand of the user to engage, transport and release a piece of sod. Curved sod penetration members are pivotally displaced to enter and to leave the piece of sod from opposing directions. This pivotal displacement of the curved penetration portions of the sod penetration members act to minimize any disturbance to the piece of sod which might damage the piece of sod. A dual handle arrangement provides of easy use of the device. An upper handle is utilized to place the device and for the device to engage the piece of sod while a lower handle is then utilized to transport the device with the piece of sod attached thereto with a shifting of hand position from the lower handle to the upper handle causing release of the piece of sod from the device.

Abstract: A collapsible food holding system for holding and supporting food during preparation, cleaning or cooking. The collapsible food holding system has an inner frame assembly, and an outer frame assembly pivotably connected to the inner frame assembly via a hinge. The inner frame assembly has an enclosed configuration, and the outer frame assembly has a substantially U-shaped configuration with a tool end located at each free end thereof. The inner and outer frame assemblies each have a hinge pivotably engagable with each other. The tool ends are adapted to retain a food item on the outer frame assembly or between the inner and outer frame assemblies. The outer frame assembly is sized to receive the inner frame assembly in its interior when the inner frame assembly is pivoted about the hinge.

Abstract: A gripper includes a housing defining an interior area and having a work surface, the work surface defining an opening to the interior area. The gripper includes a pair of outer stationary plates in the interior area that are fixed to the housing, each having a plurality of linear first hooks extending away from the work surface. The first hooks are angled parallel to one another and toward a housing first end. An inner plate is positioned in the interior area between the outer plates and includes linear second hooks extending away from the work surface. The second hooks are angled parallel to one another and opposite the first hooks. The inner plate is movable between a grip configuration and a release configuration. An actuator causes the inner plate to selectively move toward a housing second end to the grip configuration and toward the first end to the release configuration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic needle gripper that comprises two due slides (33) on board a gripper body (10) each carrying at least one pair of needle grippers (36). The needles on a slide are facing towards the needles on the other slide, each sloping and converging towards a frontal plane (16) of the gripper body. The slides can me moved simultaneously in opposite directions, by means of a pneumatic control piston (19), between an inactive position, in which the needles are retracted compared with the frontal plane and at a distance from each other, and an active position in which they protrude from the frontal plane to penetrate into a material to be picked up and moved.

Abstract: A mango fruit holder consists of a sharpened pair of tines extending from a grip handle. A pommel is located in the handle at the end opposite the tines, with a pair of tangs extending from and forming part of the tines through the handle into abutment with the pommel. Impact blows directed against the pommel are thereby efficiently transmitted through the tangs to the sharpened tines, assisting the penetration of the hardened mango seed by the tines. By temporarily anchoring the tines within the mango seed a user is able to use the handle to hold the mango while peeling and removing the edible mango flesh.

Abstract: A flexible skewer system for providing versatile cooking upon a grill. The flexible skewer system includes an elongated flexible member, a loop extending from an end of the flexible member and a piercing implement extending from an opposite end of the flexible member. The flexible member is preferably comprised of a stainless steel cable. In use, the user is able to manipulate the shape of the flexible member about other food items on the grill while allowing the loop and piercing implement to be exterior of the grill. Alternatively, a second piercing implement may be utilized instead of a loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fruit grip assembly comprising a rod with a handle on each end. A first handle is permanently attached to a rod and a second handle is removably attached to the opposite end of the rod, allowing for a piece of fruit to be impaled by the rod, such that it is between the first and second handles. A method for consuming a piece of fruit is also provided for using the fruit grip assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: A garnish pick for food and/or beverages is disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the garnish pick includes a plurality of appendages that form skewering shafts for skewering garnishes. In at least some embodiments, at least one appendage of the garnish pick forms a hook for securing the garnish pick to a food or beverage container. In at least some embodiments, the garnish pick and its associated appendages may be shaped to simulate the appearance of organisms or portions thereof. As one example, the garnish pick may simulate the appearance of a branch of a tree or an antler of an animal.

Abstract: There is provided a suction gripper. An exemplary suction gripper comprises at least one needle adapted to grip an object. Also provided is a method of gripping an object. An exemplary method of gripping an object comprises gripping the object with a suction gripper comprising at least one needle adapted to grip the object to a suction gripper body.

Abstract: A gripper includes a housing defining an interior area and having a work surface, the work surface defining an opening to the interior area. The gripper includes a pair of outer stationary plates in the interior area that are fixed to the housing, each having a plurality of linear first hooks extending away from the work surface. The first hooks are angled parallel to one another and toward a housing first end. An inner plate is positioned in the interior area between the outer plates and includes linear second hooks extending away from the work surface. The second hooks are angled parallel to one another and opposite the first hooks. The inner plate is movable between a grip configuration and a release configuration. An actuator causes the inner plate to selectively move toward a housing second end to the grip configuration and toward the first end to the release configuration.

Abstract: A pooper-scooper device for hands-free, no bending, scoop-up, temporary storage, release, and disposal of pet droppings having longer inner handle with attached to the ground end an ejector plate with a pattern of apertures incised throughout. Inner handle is received into shorter outer hollow handle part having a plate with skewers attached in the same pattern to its ground end. Longer inner handle extends from the ground end of the outer handle or from the top end providing for movement of its ejector plate over the length of the skewers to clean the skewers of the waste skewed. A hands-free detachable holding receptacle is an optional part and offers the use of disposable bags for collecting the waste.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic needle gripper that comprises two due slides (33) on board a gripper body (10) each carrying at least one pair of needle grippers (36). The needles on a slide are facing towards the needles on the other slide, each sloping and converging towards a frontal plane (16) of the gripper body. The slides can me moved simultaneously in opposite directions, by means of a pneumatic control piston (19), between an inactive position, in which the needles are retracted compared with the frontal plane and at a distance from each other, and an active position in which they protrude from the frontal plane to penetrate into a material to be picked up and moved.

Abstract: A manually operable weed remover consists of a cluster of pivotable and rotatable spikes attached to a handle. When positioned over the center of a weed and downward pressure is applied, either by pushing on a bar handle or stepping on a foot rest, a bottom flange is forced up by the ground surface as the spikes are forced into the ground around the weed. The spikes are directed through apertures in the moveable flange and movement of the flange causes the spikes to close around the root of the weed. The insertion motion of the spikes further causes the spike mounting device to rotate relative to the handle and the weed. Thus, as the spikes are being inserted into the ground, the spikes rotate thereby separating the weed root from the adjacent ground. The weed may then be pulled from the ground by upward pressure on the tool.

Abstract: A bale mover is disclosed which includes a frame having a hitch mounted thereon which may be attached to the three-point hitch of the tractor or to the front end of a front-end loader mounted on the tractor. The frame includes a transversely extending tool bar or main frame member having first and second upstanding posts secured to the outer ends thereof. A pair of tooth supports are vertically slidably mounted on the first and second posts respectively with chains being attached thereto which limit the downward movement of the teeth supports but which permit the tooth supports to float upwardly on the posts as required. The bale mover permits a pair of bales to be loaded, transported and unloaded without the necessity of pushing one of the bales along the ground during the loading or unloading process of the other bale thereby preventing damage to the wrap net material on the bales.