Abstract: An automated container management system including at least one robotic device, a container inverting apparatus, a conveyor system, a container stack, and a storage and retrieval system transfer vehicle. The first and second robotic devices each having a container cooperation head. The container cooperation head has pneumatically driven magnetic lift assemblies for stacking and unstacking multiple containers as a single unit between the conveyor system and the container stack. The container storage and retrieval system transfer vehicle services the container stack. An inverting apparatus inverts the multiple containers before stacking and after unstacking to facilitate storage of the multiple containers in an inverted position.

Abstract: In a hand-held magnetic device for retrieving metallic coins, the device of the present invention comprises; a magnet holding portion fixedly and integrally attached to a handle portion wherein the magnet holding portion is generally disk-shaped and adapted with a hollow magnet holding portion in its underside, a planar upper surface having a slightly raised edge around its perimeter whereby an advertising label may be affixed to said planar surface, a perforation through the end of the handle distal to the magnet holding portion is provided to allow the suspension of the device by means of a wall hook or a neck-string or the like, a removable belt clip adapted to releasably attach to a rectangular opening through the handle having a pair of resilient tabs which come closer together when inserted through the rectangular opening of the handle until such a time that the tabs traverse the opposite edge of the opening, the tabs then separate from each other to be releasably locked in a firm position, then the use

Abstract: A metal-debris magnetic scavenging tool useable inside a buried, horizontal metallic pipeline through an access opening which has been cut into the upper wall portion of the pipeline overhead where the resulting debris has collected. A raiseable/lowerable and rotatable array of magnets, surface exposed, and operating moveably as a unit, agitate and collect debris principally within an area-footprint which allows for clearance lifting and removal of collected debris through the access opening.

Abstract: A magnetic tool for manipulated conveyance over a surface for magnetic collection of ferrous articles has a three-sided channel which cooperates with an opposing plate to form a magnet housing for one or more magnets. The magnetically conductive channel is configured to direct magnet flux downward to optimize the attraction efficiency of the tool. Magnetic flux is further optimized by use of two magnets in the channel housing of opposite polarity. The channel also serves as the primary structural element of the tool for attachment of conveyance and manipulation means.

Abstract: The invention known as the “Frisbee golf disc retriever and more ” is a fold-up type of extension rod being comprised of several tubular sections having slip-joint type connections which are pulled together by an elastic type of cord being laced through the center of all the tubular sections and being anchored in a partially tensioned state at each end piece section of tubing by means of a knot or any feasible type of cord end device, a handle, a double ended coupler device which also houses a tie strap device, and a nail-head type hook device for retrieving Frisbee golf discs and the like. Other readily attachable tools include a J-hook device, a net device, a magnetic pick-up device, a feather duster device, an ornament hanger device.

Abstract: A self-packaged magnetic tool assembly has protective components which also serve as retail packaging, to facilitate retail sales without the need for any extraneous or temporary packaging. The magnetic tool assembly has a permanently charged elongated rectangular-shaped magnet encased by two ferrous metal side plates along a length of the magnet, and a single non-magnetic stainless steel plate connecting the two side plates. The ferrous metal side plates act as the north and south poles of the magnet assembly. The magnet and metal plates are encased in a protective cover on all but the primary attracting surfaces of the magnet and the side plates, thereby reducing unwanted magnetic attraction to other surfaces of the tool. Two removable rectangular plastic spacers are inserted over the primary attracting surfaces of the magnet and the side plates. The spacers serve as packaging elements which protect the primary attracting surface, and which can be selectively removed during use of the tool.

Abstract: A deep cavity probing tool comprised of a rod that provides for manual grasping and a powerful magnet attached to an extremity of the rod. The exterior periphery of the powerful magnet is ensconced in a mount constructed of a nonferrous material such that its magnetic force is focused linearly at the powerful magnet. A sleeve of steel construction is movably fitted lengthwise over the outer diameter of the mount and the length of the sleeve exceeds that of the mount, thereby concealing the end at an appropriate depth within the internal section of the sleeve. An attraction ring shoulder is disposed along the inner circumference at the lengthwise rear end of the sleeve to form a constrictive aperture of a smaller diameter to provide for the longitudinal attraction of the powerful magnet in the mount.

Abstract: A magnetic pick-up tool, which preferably features a magnet retained on its non-exposed sides within a ferrous-containing carrier. The ferrous-containing carrier redirects the magnetic forces issuing from the magnet toward the exposed surface area, significantly increasing a magnet's strength without the need for increasing magnet size. In one embodiment, the pick-up tool features a threaded carrier, mated to a sleeve member in a manner allowing the sleeve member to be adjustably positioned relative to the magnet and carrier by rotation of the sleeve member in the desired direction.

Abstract: A modular magnetic tool system utilizes one or more magnet modules and attachable components to enable selective assembly of a wide variety of magnetic tools. Channels of the magnet modules are connectable in series and in parallel, either by integral connectors or attachable components which can be selectively attached to the magnet modules singularly, in series, or in parallel to form different types of magnetic tools with different functions for different applications.

Abstract: A magnetic grapple is disclosed. The magnetic grapple is comprised of a body with a magnetic portion, at least a pair of tines having magnetic portions and a magnetic transfer coupler in communication with the body and the tines. The magnetic grapple is capable of generating at least one magnetic field between the tines and the body for attracting ferrous material into the grapple.

Abstract: A sweeper magnet for attracting magnetic debris from a pick-up surface includes a base assembly and a magnet having a first surface supported by the base assembly and a second surface. A cover extends over the magnet second surface and includes a projection having a projection height extending away from the magnet. The projection automatically creates a space distance of at least the projection height between the pick-up surface and at least a portion of the cover to provide clearance for attracting the magnetic debris.

Abstract: A screwdriver comprises a handle, a hollow outer sleeve, at least an inner pipe, and a bit. The rear end of the outer sleeve connects to the handle. The inner pipe is inserted in the interior of the outer sleeve via the front opening of the outer sleeve. A magnetic chuck is disposed at the front end of the inner pipe. The magnetic chuck is inserted in the rear portion of the bit.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight and small removable device enhances the operation and utility of a tape measure when measuring metallic or nonmetallic structures. The device comprises a flat base, a small, powerful rare earth magnet secured to one side of the base, and a spring clip that extends from a bottom edge of the base and up its other side and includes a curved surface normally contacting the base to provide a pocket having an entrance slot for insertion of the zero hook. The zero hook is clamped between the base and the spring clip when inserted through the entry slot into the pocket. The small powerful magnet enables use with metallic surfaces behind wallboard, and above, below and beside the zero hook. A plurality of friction enhancing tangs extend from the spring clip in a direction opposite the magnet for gripping nonmetallic surfaces. The device can also be used to retrieve remote metal tools and other objects.

Abstract: A magnetic gripping device having a magnetic assembly in turn having an outer magnetic core, and an inner magnetic core mounted inside the outer magnetic core so as to rotate, about a given axis of rotation, between a first operating position, in which the inner magnetic core prevents the outer magnetic core from attaching magnetically to the surface of a generic part of ferromagnetic material, and a second operating position, in which the inner magnetic core allows the outer magnetic core to attach magnetically to the surface of the part; the gripping device also having a torque-control actuating device, which, on command, rotates the inner magnetic core in such a manner as to set it selectively to the first or second operating position, while controlling the value of the twisting torque employed in doing so.

Abstract: A sweeper magnet for attracting magnetic debris from a pick-up surface includes a base assembly and a magnet having a first surface supported by the base assembly and a second surface. A cover extends over the magnet second surface and includes a projection having a projection height extending away from the magnet.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining acceptable magnetization between a magnetic clamp and a mold patent for a quick mold change system on an injection molding machine includes secondary sensing coils magnetically coupled with a switchable magnet in the clamp effecting a voltage output in accordance with magnetic flux conditions between the magnets and the mold and providing a control signal based on changes in said flux condition for controlling activity of said workpiece in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A magnetic lifting machine according to the present invention is to prevent an antioxidant film on the surface of neodymium magnets from exfoliation, by having the neodymium magnets not be in direct contact with a pair of polarity plates of the machine but via anti-exfoliation plates made of non-magnetic material. The anti-exfoliation plates are fitted to both sides of a rotor containing the neodymium magnets therein between the polarity plates, and each of the anti-exfoliation plates may include a plurality of holes for oil storage radially therethrough.

Abstract: A magnetic sweeper includes an elongated mounting frame, a pair of rotating wheels, and a universal caster. The frame includes a barrier wall disposed behind a guide wall so as to define an axial hole therebetween, and a bottom plate. At least one magnetically attracting wheel is disposed in the axial hole, and is sleeved fixedly on a rotating shaft. The rotating wheels are rotatable relative to the frame to rotate the magnetically attracting wheel within the axial hole so as to magnetically attract metal objects onto the guide wall of the frame. Thereafter, the objects move from the guide wall to the barrier wall, and drop from the barrier wall to the bottom plate.

Abstract: An end effector for a robot is used to unpack flattened stackable items from a container using a fixed sized vacuum plenum and simple adjustable gripping elements. The gripping elements comprise a pair of adjustable, smooth blades. In addition, the end effector includes mechanisms for retaining and transporting the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a gripper comprising a motor 12 for driving a connecting nut 126 that is translated, a gripping finger 103 having at least two sides of substantial V shape and a shared portion 103g for joining one ends of the two sides, and provided with the other ends of the sides, a base member 110 with a notch 110c for engaging the other end portion of the gripping member 103, a holder member 145 having a groove 145e for engaging the base member 110 detachably and the hollow portions 145m and 145h that are penetrated, and a magnetic member 128 composed of a permanent magnet inserted into the hollow portions 145m and 145h of the holder member 145, with one end connected to the connecting nut 126, and the other end magnetically connected to the shared portion 103g of the gripping finger 103.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated magnetic workpiece holder comprising a housing having a contact surface for contacting a workpiece to be held, and a magnet assembly translationally disposed in the housing, the magnet assembly comprising a plurality of permanent magnets arranged so that adjacent magnets are of opposite polarities. The housing is adapted for fluid communication with a pneumatic supply. The magnet assembly is biased towards an operative position, according to which the magnet assembly is sufficiently near the contact surface to exert on a workpiece an attractive force sufficient for holding the workpiece in contact with the workpiece holder, and is translationally positionable by pneumatic pressure towards an inoperative position, according to which the magnet assembly is sufficiently distant from the contact surface so as to be unable to exert on the workpiece an attractive force sufficient for holding the workpiece in contact with the workpiece holder.

Abstract: One embodiment of a picking tool for an automated library of disk drives has an electromagnet, a tapered hole, and a ventilation system. The ventilation system has a box fan with an impeller for moving air through ducting located within the picking tool. The ducting includes a vents located adjacent to one surface of the picking tool. The picking tool is designed to work in conjunction with a disk drive carrier having a front bezel equipped with a tapered guide pin that is complementary to the tapered hole, and vent ports. The guide pin provides alignment between the carrier and the picking tool. The automated disk drive library has a rack with drawers for containing the carriers. The picking tool is mounted to a robotic arm for selectively engaging and interfacing with the carriers. After the picking tool aligns with a desired carrier, the picking tool moves toward the carrier to insert the guide pin into the tapered hole.

Abstract: An amusement system that includes a miniature toy skateboard and the mechanism for engaging and lifting the miniature toy skateboard. The miniature toy skateboard is less than six inches long and is referred to as a finger board in the toy industry. The finger board is manufactured to have a top surface that is either magnetic or attracted to a magnet. The mechanism for engaging and lifting the finger board is a magnet that is held within an external object, such as a ring or a toy figure. A manually adjustable spacer is positioned in front of the magnet. To engage the finger board with the external object, the length of the spacer is minimized and the finger board is brought into close proximity with the magnet. The magnetic field created by the magnet attracts the finger board and holds the finger board against the external object. To detach the finger board, the length of the spacer is increased. This moves the external object out beyond the effective range of the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: A device (20) for the retrieval of a ferromagnetic object (22) from a remote area is provided. The device (20) contains a retractable tape measure (24) and a magnetic gripping head (26). The tape measure (24) has a blade (30) with a first end (64), an opposing second end (66), a longitudinal axis (68) extending between the first and second ends (64,66), and a zero hook (32) coupled to the first end (64). The gripping head (26) has a housing with a gripping opening (40) in a face (42) thereof and a coupling opening (62) in another face (70) thereof. The gripping head (26) also has a magnet (38) within the housing (34). The housing (34) and magnet (38) are configured so that a portion of the magnet (38) protrudes through the gripping opening (40) to effect magnetic engagement with the ferromagnetic object (22) during retrieval.

Abstract: A magnetic gripping device having a magnetic assembly in turn having an outer magnetic core, and an inner magnetic core mounted inside the outer magnetic core so as to rotate, about a given axis of rotation, between a first operating position, in which the inner magnetic core prevents the outer magnetic core from attaching magnetically to the surface of a generic part of ferromagnetic material, and a second operating position, in which the inner magnetic core allows the outer magnetic core to attach magnetically to the surface of the part; the gripping device also having a torque-control actuating device, which, on command, rotates the inner magnetic core in such a manner as to set it selectively to the first or second operating position, while controlling the value of the twisting torque employed in doing so.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight and small removable device enhances the operation and utility of a tape measure when measuring metallic or nonmetallic structures. The device comprises a flat base, a small, powerful rare earth magnet secured to one side of the base, and a spring clip that extends from a bottom edge of the base and up its other side and includes a curved surface normally contacting the base to provide a pocket having an entrance slot for insertion of the zero hook. The zero hook is clamped between the base and the spring clip when inserted through the entry slot into the pocket. The small powerful magnet enables use with metallic surfaces behind wallboard, and above, below and beside the zero hook. A plurality of friction enhancing tangs extend from the spring clip in a direction opposite the magnet for gripping nonmetallic surfaces. The device can also be used to retrieve remote metal tools and other objects.

Abstract: The invention is a magnetic lifting device having a lever-operated cam and roller combination, which facilitates removal of the magnetic lifting device from a workpiece, wherein the cam-mounted roller is free to rotate, eliminating the potential for marring the service of the workpiece when the cam is operated.

Abstract: A device (20) for the retrieval of a ferromagnetic object (22) from a remote area is provided. The device (20) contains a retractable tape measure (24) and a magnetic gripping head (26). The tape measure (24) has a blade (30) with a first end (64), an opposing second end (66), a longitudinal axis (68) extending between the first and second ends (64,66), and a zero hook (32) coupled to the first end (64). The gripping head (26) has a housing with a gripping opening (40) in a face (42) thereof and a coupling opening (62) in another face (70) thereof. The gripping head (26) also has a magnet (38) within the housing (34). The housing (34) and magnet (38) are configured so that a portion of the magnet (38) protrudes through the gripping opening (40) to effect magnetic engagement with the ferromagnetic object (22) during retrieval.

Abstract: Disclosed is a workpiece conveyor and delivery device for a vacuum processing plant. Workpieces are delivered from one device to another, both devices being located opposite each other and moving in relation to each other. A controllable magnet arrangement is provided on one of the devices. A moveable armature element acts as a holding device for the workpiece on one of the two devices which move in relation to each other, namely the device provided with the magnet arrangement. Magnet arrangement is driven to activate the holding device which can be deactivated for delivery of workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means for separating magnetic particles from a composition. The means comprises an elongated protective cover (1) that comprises a recess (2) extending from the upper end towards the lower end thereof, the recess comprising a movable magnetic rod (4), the proportion of the length of the rod to its thickness being at least about 2:1. The invention can be used in different applications especially in the fields of biotechnology, biochemistry, and biomedicine. Collecting particles by using the means is easy and fast.

Abstract: A grapple provides a body and a tine. The tine has first and second ends and a plurality of arms located at the first end. The arms are separated by a pair of outer slots and at least one inner slot. The inner slot extends further into the tine relative to the pair of outer slots.

Abstract: A magnetic sweeper includes a mounting frame with left and right side walls, a rotating shaft with ends journalled in the left and right side walls, and a cylindrical body rotated with and surrounding the rotating shaft. A plurality of permanent magnets are disposed in a circumferential wall of the cylindrical body and define uppermost and lowermost magnetic linear limits. A guiding member, formed from a non-magnetic material, is secured to the left and right side walls, and includes a major wall with leading and tailing ends that are respectively spaced non-equidistantly from the uppermost and lowermost magnetic linear limits. A collecting member is disposed downstream of and below the uppermost magnetic linear limit for receiving magnetic metal objects captured by means of the permanent magnets. A mounting axle is disposed on the mounting frame and is spaced apart from the rotating shaft for mounting of a wheel member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic pin (8, 22) for concentrating particles, containing (a) a grip adapter (2, 14), (b) a connecting pin (4, 16) with dents (3, 15), (c) at least one magnet (7, 20) and (d) a sheath (5, 18).

Abstract: Provided is a fully adjustable pick-and-place tool for an automated robotic device or the like which is capable of picking and placing various kinds of parts. The tool includes a plate and a magnet movably attached to the plate to pick-and-place parts having all sorts of configurations. A part manipulator including a suction cup or gripper mechanism or the like may be coupled to the magnet to pick-and-place the part. In one aspect of the present invention, the part manipulator is adjustably positionable with respect to the plate without having to move the magnet to a different location on the plate thereby further enhancing the ability of the tool to pick-and-place parts of different types having various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool, includes a magnet holder having a cylindrical wall having a rear portion and a front portion, the wall defining a space for holding a magnet, the wall decreasing in thickness from the rear portion toward the front portion, and a magnet disposed in the space, wherein the magnet holder concentrates flux from the magnet at the front portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a semiconductor wafer in both a theta axis and a z-axis is provided. The apparatus is able to maintain maximum process and wafer throughput while minimizing the footprint of the processing machine by utilizing the concept of “vertical integration” to maximize the use of process slots and minimize the machine foot print. The wafer lift apparatus includes a bipolar electrostatic pick-up for engaging the article at an off-center position near an edge thereof. The electrostatic pick-up is positioned near one end of a transfer arm, the other end of the transfer arm being connected to a drive means for rotating the transfer arm and electrostatic pick-up in the theta axis, or vertically moving the transfer arm and electrostatic pick-up in the z-axis. The electrostatic pick-up is preferably connected to a power source by inductive coupling.

Abstract: A magnetic lifting apparatus by using neodymium magnets, incorporating a plurality of polarity plates (10) disposed with a predetermined interval and having non-magnetic medium (11) in the longitudinal center; a plurality of interval members (20) disposed between the polarity plates (10); a top cover (30) covering the interval members (20) and the polarity plates (10), having a hook (31) on the upper side; a plurality of neodymium magnets (40) having S/N polarity in opposite and disposed between the polarity plates (10); a plurality of rotors (50) rotated with the neodymium magnets (40) being inserted therein; a switch handle (60) for switching polarity position of the rotor (50) and the neodymium magnets (40) engaged therewith to switchably generate magnetic attraction. The oxidation prevention means (70) includes a hollow space around the neodymium magnets (40) either vacuum or filled with an oxidation prevention liquid in order to prevent the neodymium magnets (40) from being in contact with oxygen.

Abstract: A magnetic metal object retriever 10 with cover 20 having a magnet 140 for attracting metal objects 250. The magnet 140 is connected to an extendable handle 40 and covered by a cover 20. The magnetic metal object retriever 10 with cover 20 is used to gather metal objects 250 such as nails and screws, which are attracted by the magnetic pull from the magnet 140 and such metal objects 250 collect on the exterior of the cover 20. When the cover 20 is removed from the magnet 140, the metal objects 250 are easily removed and can be reused or disposed of.

Abstract: A driving tool includes a barrel and a handle secured to one end of the barrel for rotating the barrel. The barrel includes an engaging opening formed in the other end for engaging with a tool bit and a fastener. A telescopic pipe is engaged in the bore of the barrel and has one end secured to the handle and has a magnetic member secured to the other end for allowing the magnetic member to be extended outward of the barrel to attract and to fetch the fasteners engaged in a deep hole of an object.

Abstract: A multifunctional pick-up tool comprises: a central shaft disposed in a tubular body; a battery chamber jointed with the tubular body for storing a battery pack; at least a bulb located at the bottom end of the tubular body; a bundle of conductive cords arranged between the bulb and the battery chamber; a multiheaded claw and a resilient member disposed at a lower and an upper end of the central shaft respectively; an upper and a lower end of the resilient member propped against a push button on the central shaft and a pull knob on the tubular body; and a magnet positioned at the bottom end of the tubular body.

Abstract: A lighted magnetic retrieval tool includes a magnet member having a pickup surface and an opening in the pickup surface; and a light member for directing light through the opening whereby light can be directed at objects to be retrieved with the pickup surface.

Abstract: A manual magnetic anchoring device includes a monolithic ferromagnetic block, whereon a housing for stator magnets, a housing for a rotor core, a ferromagnetic crown for short circuiting of the magnetic flux during deactivation of the anchoring device, and at least a first and a second collector pole defining a working surface for anchoring a ferrous part are formed in one single piece.

Abstract: A tool having a handle assembly, a workpiece assembly extending from the handle assembly. The handle assembly is a flashlight mechanism, the front end of which is transparent so that lighting the flashlight will emit light through the transparent front end. The workpiece assembly has a pickup assembly associated therewith and includes a tube assembly extending from the handle assembly with the pickup assembly removably mounted within the tube assembly. The pickup assembly is extendable beyond the front end of the tube assembly and has a pickup mechanism at its front end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means for separating magnetic particles from a composition. The means comprises an elongated protective cover (1) that comprises a recess (2) extending from the upper end towards the lower end thereof, the recess comprising a movable magnetic rod (4), the proportion of the length of the rod to its thickness being at least about 2:1. The invention can be used in different applications especially in the fields of biotechnology, biochemistry, and biomedicine. Collecting particles by using the means is easy and fast.

Abstract: A magnetic carrier includes a housing having an interior ledge. First and second levers are pivotally mounted within the housing such that the ledge limits the angular position of the levers with respect to the housing. First and second permanent magnets are connected with the respective first and second levers for attracting a workpiece. A pneumatic piston actuator is provided on the housing for pivoting the levers with respect to the housing to selectively pivot the magnets into and out of magnetic engagement with the workpiece.

Abstract: A grapple includes a ferrous body with a plurality of tines pivotally connected thereto. A magnetic coil is disposed within the ferrous body. When the magnetic coil is energized, it creates a magnetic field within the area defined by the tines. The tines are also magnetized by the field. Additional magnetic coils may be added to one or more of the tines.