Abstract: A device for attaching a lifting cable to a load. Lifting forces are imparted through a pair of inclined surfaces of the device which surfaces engage like surfaces on the load being lifted. A main member houses positionable member which has one of the inclined surfaces thereon and may be rotated for insertion below an inclined surface on the load. The main member has the remaining lifting inclined surface thereon. A locking member is slidably mounted on a main member of the device and gravitates into a position whereat the positionable member is prevented from movement. The lifting cable passes through openings in the movable, locking and main members of the device. A bolt equipped clevis may be coupled to said members.

Abstract: A tire loader has a support defining an upright axis and at least three like abutments angularly equispaced about and radially equispaced from the axis on the support. A plate pivotal about the axis on the support within the abutments carries at least three respective inner pivots angularly equispaced about and radially equispaced from the axis on the plate. At least three respective arms each have radially inner ends pivoted on the respective pivots and outer ends. Each arm bears angularly on the respective abutment. At least three respective bead-engaging shoes are pivoted on the outer ends of the respective arms. An actuator operatively connected between the support and the plate can rotate the plate about the axis on the support and thereby pivot the arms about the inner pivots and move the shoes radially. The abutments are rollers having respective roller axes parallel to the support axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for two clusters of control rods movable vertically in one and the same fuel array of the core of a nuclear reactor.The first cluster, used for running the reactor, is connected to a first actuating rod (2), the movements of which are effected by a mechanism (27, 28, 29, 30, 34). This rod (2) carries hooking fingers (41), the operation of which is effected by a device (45) mounted slidingly on the end of the rod (2). The device (45) causes the closing of the fingers by means of a spring (46), or on the contrary their opening by overstroke movement towards the top of the rod (2). The second cluster remaining fully inserted into the assembly during a part of the operating cycle of the reactor is connected to a second actuating rod (3).

Abstract: A stopping device in a spare wheel holding apparatus in which a spare wheel can be held to a support member by one stationary stopper and one movable stopper. The stationary stopper is mounted on one end of the support member and has a stopping surface in the shape of an inverted "L" adapted to hold the edge of a hole on a disk wheel of the spare wheel. The movable stopper is pivotably mounted on the other end of the support member and is held in an upright position by a spring. The upper part of the movable stopper, which extends above the support member, has a stopping surface in the shape of an inverted "L" adapted to hold the edge of a hole in the disk wheel and can tilt in the opposite direction from the stopping surface. Also, in a second embodiment, both of the stopping surfaces are movable.

Abstract: A device for grasping and transporting objects exhibiting at least one pair of flexible pads for grasping an object, said pads mounted facing one another on a common support which is movable relative to the object to be grasped. The pads are inflatable toward one another in such a manner as to maintain an interval between themselves in their non-inflated state slightly greater than the distance separating the two opposing faces of the object or of a relief part of the object, and to clamp the faces of the object between themselves when inflated.

Abstract: An improved tire loading apparatus for a tire vulcanizing machine is disclosed which includes a plurality of tire clamping shoes arranged radially relative to the center thereof, the tire clamping shoes being adapted to move outwardly or inwardly in the radial direction, wherein an annular centering ring is provided for restricting radial movement of the tire clamping shoes.

Abstract: A device for removing liquid filter bags from a filter housing. The device includes retractable arms which engage the upper part of the bag and allow for easy removal by a simple pulling on the device.

Abstract: A green tire carcass holding means having a plurality of lip members which are adapted to engage the bead portion of the green tire carcass in order to hold the carcass in a vertical orientation with a minimum of distortion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripper apparatus on a ring spinning or ring twisting machine for gripping empty and/or wound bobbin tubes using pegs mounted on a support beam extending along the machine and inserted into the interior space of the bobbin tubes, the bobbin tubes being gripped by pressing each bobbin tube and the peg inserted into it against each other. The pressing generally is effected using compressed air. According to the invention at each peg a cylindrical extension made of elastically bendable material is provided, which extension extends from the front end of the peg towards the tip thereof.This arrangement yields the advantage that in case of faulty positioning of bobbins, tubes a head-on collision of the peg front end on the upper bobbin tube rim, with accordingly grave consequences, such as e.g. damage to the support beam or blowout of the compressed air, no longer can occur.

Abstract: A soft retaining gripper for gripping a surface while stresses are exerted in a longitudinal direction parallel to the surface between the gripper and the surface, comprises a jaw and an inflatable flexible bladder carried by the jaw, the bladder being in use inflated to grip the surface. To prevent creep of the gripper in use, a wall is associated with the bladder and extends between the bladder and the surface, the wall being made of a composite anisotropic material comprising elongate elements which are oriented to extend in the longitudinal direction and are practically inextensible and a flexible synthetic resin in which the elongate elements are embedded, the elongate elements being anchored to the jaw at at least that end in the direction of which creep might otherwise occur.

Abstract: A clamp assembly (12) is disclosed for controllably gripping an article (10). Automated material handling devices generally require sensor and control devices to adapt the device to variously sized and shaped articles. Also, the application of excess contact force between the clamping device and article may damage vulnerable surfaces and features of the article being handled. The present invention solves the above problem by providing a clamp assembly (12) having opposed, pressurizable gripping members (64,66). The gripping members (64,66) each have a compliant, article-contacting surface (67,68) which form about the article (10) upon pressurization of the gripping members (64,66). The invention is of particular benefit in handling a wide range of differently sized stepped-diameter shafts.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatus (11) for lifting, maneuvering and transferring a roll of material to an independently supported shaft (93). The apparatus is adapted for suspension from an overhead crane and comprises an elongated frame (12) the lower end of which is pivotally connected to a torque assembly (14) that includes a center probe (15). The center probe includes a plurality of radially expanding teeth (49) that engage the inner surface of the roll core and retain it on the center probe (15). An actuator (13) of the extensible-retractable type is pivotally connected between the upper end of the elongated frame (12) and one end of the torque arm assembly (14). Extension and retraction of the actuator (13) causes the torque arm assembly (14) and center probe (15) to move between substantially vertical and horizontal positions. The extreme end of the center probe includes a coupler (61) that releasably interlocks with a coupler (94) secured to the end of the machine shaft (93).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for lowering rectangular cored liners into a flue passage. The lowering apparatus includes a hydraulically actuated cross support cylinder releasably clamped between two opposite walls of the liner core. The cylinder ends have external, axially disposed rods each supporting a transverse pressure pad member. A piston, slidable in the cylinder, is actuated to extend one rod causing the pressure pad members to engage the opposite core walls and clamp the cross support cylinder in the liner core. The apparatus further includes a paired coextensive holding cable and flexible supply hose with one end of the cable connected by a stirrup-like sling arrangement to the pressure pad members. Uniformly spaced closed loops are formed in the cable at defined intervals for indicating to the user the arrival of the liner at a course depth and for temporarily securing the cable to a support.

Abstract: The gripping device consists of a holder in the form of an elastically deformable annular member mounted above the hole of a support plate at a single point of its lateral surface. The holder is provided with clamping means consisting of a flexible compressed-air tube also carried by the support plate at a point which is diametrically opposite to the point of attachment of the annular member. A guiding member in the form of an inverted funnel is attached to the support plate beneath the hole of the plate.

Abstract: A coupling which is readily attachable to a plate, panel or like structure ncludes a rotatable shaft for thrusting a bearing element through a circular hole in the structure when the bearing element and the hole are in concentric relationship. Thereafter, the shaft is rotated by less than a complete revolution to bring the bearing element and the hole into a selected eccentric relationship, and also to activate a locking mechanism to maintain the eccentric relationship. When the bearing element and hole are in the eccentric relationship, a bearing surface of the bearing element abutts the structure to impose substantial force thereupon.

Abstract: A device for lifting a cover plate, the cover plate having a hole therein with opposed beveled surfaces, preferably at the center of gravity of the plate, which device includes a lifting element having an eye extended above laterally expanded, beveled portions, the beveled portions being slightly shallower than the thickness of the plate and of dimensions adapted to correspond in size and angle with the beveled surfaces of the plate.

Abstract: An industrial battery cell lifting apparatus which includes an outer framework to which are attached, and adjustably spaced from each other, two endplate members. Inflatable bags are attached to the insides of the endplate members and the bags are connected by tubing through a control valve to a fluid source suitable to inflate the bags. Suitable lift members, such as eye bolts, are connected to the endplate members so that cables may be attached thereto for lifting the entire framework and endplate members. The battery cell to be lifted is positioned between the inflatable bags and is held securely in that position by inflating the bags. To release the battery cell, the bags are deflated. The bags may also be covered with a protective covering.

Abstract: A loader for tire machinery such as tire presses is disclosed, which loader is supported from a vertically and horizontally movable frame and which includes a vertical shaft or sleeve journaled with respect to the frame with a horizontal plate secured for rotation therewith. Loader shoes are mounted on the frame for radial movement and respective links interconnect the plate and each loader shoe, each link extending at a common angle with respect to a radius from the center of rotation of the plate, and rotation of the plate in one direction will reduce the angle accordingly moving the shoes radially outwardly and rotation of the plate in the opposite direction will increase the angle moving the shoes radially inwardly. Each link is adjustable in length and the extent of rotation of the plate in one or both directions is limited by adjustable stops. The loader shoes remain parallel throughout their movement and are supported for radial movement by self-aligning slider blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end effector device for a robot or teleoperated type space vehicle which includes an inflatable balloon member carried on the end of a tubular member which has a hollow center or conduit through which a suitable pressurized fluid is supplied. The device may be inserted into a variety of shaped openings or truss-type structures for handling in space.

Abstract: An improved gripper member for airbag setters formed by a pair of perforated plate members depending from an air manifold and separated at the top, then preferably converging and secured together at the bottom. A sheet of air impervious flexible material is attached at the bottom between an attachment strip and a corresponding surface of one of the plates, then wraps up over the attachment strip and is secured along the upper edge to form an airbag on one side of the perforated plate members. A second sheet of air impervious flexible material is similarly fastened to the other side of the perforated plate.

Abstract: A pick-up device for products having round portions which can be gripped frictionally, ranging from heavy metal products having bores or round holes to thin-walled drinking glasses having round peripheries, has a cylindrical part which can be positioned radially opposite to the round portion, either by insertion or encirclement, and having a circumferential groove radially facing the portion. A cylindrical elastic elastomer ring is positioned loosely in the groove and has axially extending lip seals slidably engaging the groove's sides. Fluid pressure introduced to the groove behind the ring causes the ring to elastically deform towards and frictionally grip the round portion of the product to be picked up, and by the resiliency of the ring, to release the portion when the pressure is terminated.

Abstract: A tool for exchanging and transporting irradiation capsules of a nuclear reactor using water, which capsules contain samples experiencing, during the operation of the reactor, comparable irradiation to that experienced by the reactor vessel, between the vessel and the swimming pool and between several positions along the heat shield surrounding the core thereof, said tool comprises tongs comprising pivotable fingers pivotable between an inoperative position and an operative position for engaging a capsule, mounted in the region of the lower end of a vertical operating tube and controlled by first coaxial cam means mounted at the end of a vertical operating rod which is coaxial with the operating tube, said rod having a handle at its upper part and being movable vertically between a position in which said fingers are in the inoperative position and a position in which said fingers are in their operative position, means for exerting a downward thrust on a capsule by said operating tube comprising a double-actin

Abstract: A case packer and/or case unloader apparatus especially but not exclusively designed for packing small bottles in an orderly pattern into a shipping carton, or conversely, removing a case load of such bottles from a carton has a horizontally reciprocable carriage from which is suspended a vertically movable lifting frame. This frame carries spaced pairs of bars movable lengthwise relative to each other. Each bar has a spaced series of depending container engaging fingers with the fingers on one bar having lateral projections thereon extending in a direction opposed to lateral projections on the fingers of the other bar. By sliding the two bars of the pair in opposite directions, the fingers will approach or recede from each other. With the fingers of each pair close together, the frame may be lowered to enter a pair of fingers into the neck of each bottle of a prearranged group. By then moving the bars in opposite directions, the projections on the fingers engage the interior of the bottles.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling bobbins and particularly for transferring bobbins from one location to another. The apparatus includes a cart having parallel linkages pivotally mounted thereon and connected to a fluid-operated ram. A bobbin-engaging unit is carried at the ends of the linkages and engages the bobbin internally. After engagement, the linkages are manipulated to transfer the bobbin to another location with the weight of the bobbin and mechanism being offset by the fluid-operated cylinder. The cart is designed to be attached to a portable bobbin buggy so that both can then be pushed as a unit to move the buggy to a desired location from which the bobbins are transferred to a creel or rack, for example.

Abstract: A hanger for suspending hollow articles such as hose is described, having a pair of resilient legs including retention portions at the sides of the legs for frictionally engaging the inner wall of the article, a bracing portion for limiting movement of the legs, and a hanger portion configured to permit mounting the hanger on a support.

Abstract: An apparatus employed with elements for transferring articles, such as open mouth containers like glass jars, is actuable to frictionally grip the interior surface of a container during handling. The apparatus includes a cup which forms a cylinder. A post member is mounted in the cylinder and depends downwardly to a point outside the interior of the cup. A piston is slidably mounted within the cup. A flexible element, such as four circumferentially spaced straps, is secured at one end to the piston and at the other end to the post member at a point outside the cup. A duct connects the cup to a controllable source of air pressure. An urging element, such as a coil spring disposed between the post means and the piston, normally urges the piston to the top of the cup. Upon application of air pressure to the cup, the piston is driven downwardly, and the straps flex radially outwardly so as to frictionally grip the interior surface of a container.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatus adapted for attachment to an overhead crane which lifts and maneuvers material wound on rolls, coils, reels and spools. The apparatus comprises an elongated housing which is suspended in a generally vertical position at its upper end from the overhead crane. An elongated probe assembly constructed for insertion into one end of the roll core is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends to the lower end of the housing so that it is capable of swinging between vertical and horizontal positions. The probe itself includes means for expanding its effective diameter upon entry into the core, thus permitting it to be securely retained within the core and to lift the core from this single internal region of contact. The opposite end of the probe assembly is pivotally connected to the rod end of an hydraulic actuator which is pivotally mounted to the elongated housing.

Abstract: A well anchor for use in a cased well having anchor members of bowed springs and a vertically reciprocable rod actuator movable from the surface to set the anchor.

Abstract: A coupling includes an outer cup-shaped member which acts as a support for other portions of the coupling and which itself is revolvably supported on a conveyor that moves the coupling between workpiece loading and unloading stations. The outer cup-shaped member acts as a shield against ambient conditions which may include heating, coating or other processing means. One embodiment of the invention has a plurality of fingers mounted to move radially inward of the coupling to grasp the workpiece, which fingers are mounted to form a part of the outer shield or wall at the time that they are grasping a workpiece. Another embodiment of the invention involves an internal chuck sort of coupling using an expandable resilient member which can be an elastomeric ring to expand outwardly into a grasping relationship with a hollow portion of the workpiece. The coupling and conveyor are suited for use in handling soft or easily marked materials such as plastic, soft metals and the like.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for industrial robots is disclosed. The arrangement is unexpensive to manufacture and it enables the robot to grasp and handle objects without scratching or in any other respect destroying them. The part of the arrangement which comes into contact with the object is easily exchangeable, whereby the robot quickly may be adapted to handle objects of almost any shape. If desired the position, in which the objects are to be delivered, may be defined with close tolerances, whereas the position, from which the objects are collected may be defined with moderate tolerances.

Abstract: A lifting tool for lifting water meter covers including a hook member contoured and sized to go through the hole in the water meter cover and a telescoping sleeve member around the shank of the hook member, adapted to move up and down relative to the hook member, and including a spacing member for forcing the hook at the end of the hook member to engage the bottom of the water meter cover to facilitate lifting of the cover.

Abstract: A center lifting device for lifting and transferring rolls of material, such as paper rolls and the like, having two parts, one inside the other, which can be moved over a limited distance in relation to each other and fitted partly into the hollow in the roll of material, whereby the upper end of the inner part can be attached to a lifting device. The lower end of the outer part has a gripping member thereon, which expands and contracts under the effect of relative movement of the parts, for attaching the center lifting device to the hollow in the roll of material. The upper end of the outer part has a bolt device for preventing the inner part from rising in relation to the outer part.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided having particular use in conjunction with setting of longitudinally extendable piling units for anchoring an offshore platform for subsequent use in drilling, production, completion and workover of a subterranean well. The apparatus is designed to be selectively movable within the base of the piling, thereafter the unit is manipulated to urge a plurality of circumferentially extending segmented units to expandably engage within the piling base and, preferably, be locked therewithin, such that the piling may be positionably engaged along longitudinally extending legs of the platform. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides an inflatable element which expands the segments for engagement with the bore of the piling. Alternatively, a modified apparatus utilizes a unit which is inserted within the base of the piling by means of a wire line or related apparatus.

Abstract: A handle member has a handle. A grapple device is affixed to the handle for grappling an inside surface of a container. The grapple device comprises elastic wire having hook ends. The handle has a leg to which the elastic wire is affixed. When the leg is pushed through cardboard of a box the wire is flattened to the leg, and after the leg has penetrated the cardboard, the wire extends from the leg due to its elasticity. When the handle is pulled, the hooks catch the inside surface of the cardboard.

Abstract: A lifting device for handling earth moving vehicle tire rim assemblies, which may weigh several thousand pounds, requiring machinery for lifting and maneuvering such assemblies for removal from an earth moving vehicle and replacement onto such a vehicle. The assembly can be suspended from the end of a lifting crane to lift and properly maneuver the weight involved and provides a standard which can be attached to the rim assembly exteriorly of the tire thereon and is so shaped and proportioned for proper maneuvering of the assembly relative to an earth moving vehicle for removal and attachment of the assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for gripping the interior of a tubular object to pull it out of a body in which it has become stuck includes an expandable rubber tube having a plurality of metal cables lodged in the exterior of the rubber tube so as to protrude slightly therefrom, means for inflating the tube and means for pulling the tube longitudinally of the tubular object.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a plurality of molding inserts into respective mold cavities of a multi-cavity mold, simultaneously, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an insert-holding arrangement for removably holding a plurality of generally annular inserts in spaced apart relation corresponding to the relative spacing of a plurality of cavities of a multi-cavity mold, the insert-holding arrangement including resilient-like projection members for frictionally securing respective ones of the annular inserts from the interior of the latter. The apparatus furthermore includes an insert-stripping arrangement operatively associated with the projection members and the inserts for stripping the latter simultaneously from their associated projection members to effect the simultaneous insertion of the inserts into respective mold cavities of the multi-cavity mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling a large object, i.e., for example, an annular core on which a tire carcass is to be formed, includes an annular wall positionable about the annular core, and a diaphragm associated with the inner surface of the wall and defining with the wall a chamber into which pressurized fluid may be directed. Such introduction of pressurized fluid expands the diaphragm so that such diaphragm comes into contact with and grips the core. The core may then be moved and or turned over by manipulation of the wall.

Abstract: A single-piece hanger is disclosed. The hanger comprises a single piece of resilient metal formed in an generally "J" shape and defining opposing legs, joined at a closed end of the J by a bend from which the opposing legs extend at angles from one-another. Retaining teeth adjacent the closed end are defined on the opposing legs. Handles for gripping the hanger are also on each opposing leg. The opposing handles are gripped to compress the legs together. After the legs are compressed the closed end and the retaining teeth are placed within a work piece such as tubing or piping. The handles are released permitting the resilient hanger to return the legs from a closed position toward an open position; resiliently carrying the retaining teeth into gripping contact with the work piece. Means are provided for maintaining the closed end intact against distorting forces applied through compressing the opposing legs.

Abstract: A holder for supporting a hollow article includes a base, a plurality of resilient fingers extending outwardly from the base, and restraining means for maintaining proper alignment of the fingers. The resilient characteristic and the design of the fingers permits the loading and stable seating of a hollow article presented in misalignment to the holder, and the holder is especially useful for supporting can shells which, because of the nature of the operations to be performed thereon, often cannot be externally supported.

Abstract: A sleeve pulling device that includes a pair of telescoping members, each of which has a boss at an outer end thereof. The bosses are received and fit snugly in opposed openings in the sleeve. A handle is attached to one of the telescoping members.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for releasably supporting and transporting rigid open-mouthed containers by engaging the interior surface of the container mouth with an inflatable elongated elastomeric diaphragm, means being provided for inflating and deflating the diaphragm. The apparatus is particularly useful in suspending and conveying heated glass bottles through various processing stages wherein various coatings are applied to the outer surfaces of the bottles.