Abstract: Described herein is an end effector for picking up and placing an object on a rigid tool. The end effector comprises a plate and an internal seal attached to the plate. The internal seal comprises an internal permeable layer and an internal impermeable film. The end effector further comprises at least one vacuum port extending through the plate and open to the internal permeable layer. Additionally, the end effector may comprise an external seal attached to the plate. The external seal comprises an external permeable layer and an external impermeable film.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for securely gripping objects or panels having cross sections, including heavy objects such as granite slabs to be used as counter tops, or lighter objects such as doors or windows, in order to facilitate lifting, moving, transporting, installing and/or storage thereof. A pair of jaws are provided between a rotatable turnbuckle and ratchet assembly which opens or closes the jaws around an object. The ratchet may be used to impart fine rotation to the turnbuckle in one direction to apply pressure to the jaws to firmly engage an object. Reversing the ratchet and rotating the turnbuckle in an opposite direction allows the object to be released. A handle on the ratchet facilitates lifting and moving the object gripped between the jaws.

Abstract: An inanimate magnetically attractable object retrieval apparatus configured to retrieve small, inanimate, magnetically attractable objects from confining spaces with magnetic forces. The apparatus comprises a head comprising magnetic material permanently attached to a first end region of a flexible body that has a tail with a width and a length. The length is able to be reversibly bent in a 180 degree arc with a diameter of 1 inch only in a plane perpendicular to a plane containing the width and the length of the tail and unable to be reversibly bent in a 180 degree arc with a diameter of 1 inch in a plane parallel to the plane containing the width and the length of the tail.

Abstract: An end effector includes a palm and a plurality of fingers capable of moving in a direction intersecting an extending direction of each of fingers as well as approaching each other and grasping and object being grasped. At least one of the plurality of fingers includes a proximity sensor unit provided at a tip portion in the extending direction, the proximity sensor unit being placed capable of detecting approach and separation of the proximity sensor unit with respect to an object in the extending direction and capable of detecting approach and separation of the object with respect to the proximity sensor unit in the extending direction. The proximity sensor unit includes a frame shaped detection region that covers an edge of the tip portion when viewed from the extending direction.

Abstract: A workpiece supply-and-discharge device includes a fixed portion, and a swivel portion that swivels on a bed. The fixed portion is provided with a plurality of fixed rails having an arc shape and separated from each other. Movable rails enter or exit from gaps left between the fixed rails as reciprocating actuators operate. Workpiece gripping portions configured to grip a workpiece are provided with sliders. When the workpiece gripping portions carry the workpieces while swiveling integrally with the swivel portion, the sliders transfer from the movable rails to the fixed rails or from the fixed rails to the movable rails.

Abstract: A foldable elongate grabber tool includes a proximal section and a distal section that are foldable relative to each other between a folded position and an extended position. An actuation member is attached to the proximal section and actuates a cable coupled to engagement elements disposed at the distal section. A hinge mechanism connects the proximal and distal sections. The hinge mechanism automatically locks the proximal and distal sections relative to each other when they reach the extended position. The proximal and distal sections are biased to open automatically from the folded position to the extended position. A hinge pin is biased toward a locked position, and is blocked from moving to the locked position until the proximal and distal sections reach the extended position.

Abstract: A gripping device has at least one tendon associated with a gripping arm and guided in a freely slidable manner along a first and second arm portion thereof through a succession of guiding elements. The guiding elements associated with a first proximal arm portion of the arms are carried by an inner yielding panel so that when the inner yielding panel on the inner side of the first proximal arm portion engages against an item or component to be gripped, the guiding elements of the tendon carried by the inner yielding panel cause a tensioning of the tendon, which results in an articulation and/or inflection movement of a second distal arm portion with respect to the first proximal arm portion.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus clamps around the sides of a gang box to facilitate lifting and transporting the gang box. The lifting apparatus has a pair of lifting brackets a set of mounting points and a lateral clamp. The mounting points are support protrusions that extend from the lifting brackets to facilitate affixing the lifting apparatus to the bang box. The lateral clamp is connected in between the brackets and provides the force required to clamp the lifting apparatus around the gang box. Thus preventing the lifting brackets from becoming dislodged from the gang box.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bellows and a lip. The bellows defines an interior cavity. The lip is coupled to the bellows such that the lip is concentric with the bellows. The lip extends away from the bellows in a radial direction and in a vertical direction such that the lip forms a cup shape. The bellows and the lip define a passage from the lip through the interior cavity. The lip includes a rib on an outer surface of the lip such that the rib extends along the outer surface of the lip and away from the bellows in the radial direction and in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A tool for holding an article, the tool incorporating a first tube having proximal and distal ends; a cylindrical member received within the first tube, the cylindrical member having proximal and distal ends; a first pair of jaws, wherein one of the jaws among the first pair of jaws is fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the distal end of the first tube, and wherein the other jaw among the first pair of jaws is fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the distal end of the cylindrical member; and a second pair of jaws, wherein a first jaw among the second pair of jaws is fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the distal end of the first tube, and wherein the other jaw among the second pair of jaws is fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the distal end of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a housing including a first opening and a second opening. The first opening forms a suction connection with a transportable component. The apparatus includes a valve connected with the second opening a channel defined within the housing. The channel extends between the first opening and the second opening. The apparatus includes a vacuum maintaining mechanism disposed within the channel, and the vacuum maintaining mechanism holds a partial vacuum within the channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods to grasp objects using vacuum-actuated end of arm tools may include extending pistons and suction cups. For example, responsive to application of negative pressure, a piston may move from a retracted position to an extended position. In addition, responsive to grasping an object by a suction cup, the piston may remain in the extended position due to continued generation of pressure differentials that apply forces to the piston toward the extended position. Alternatively, a piston may be biased toward an extended position due to a spring force, and may remain in the extended position responsive to grasping an object. In the extended position of the piston, an object may be grasped with an amount of passive compliance to external forces that may be applied to the object.

Abstract: A lifting hook, comprising a linear mid-section; a first curved section extending from the mid-section and ending in a generally flat distal end or toe for inserting into an aperture in a drill casing; and a second curved section extending from the mid-section opposite the first curved section and having a flattened distal end defining an eye or hole.

Abstract: Sling bars, lift systems, and methods of attaching a subject sling to a sling bar are disclosed. A sling bar includes a bar extending in a longitudinal direction, a protrusion extending from an upper part of the bar, a sling attachment portion extending to define a receiving aperture, a terminus of the sling attachment portion facing the protrusion, defining an opening into the receiving aperture, the protrusion defining an undercut portion of the receiving aperture, a retention latch pivotally coupled to the protrusion and defining an engagement face that selectively interfaces with a stop surface at the terminus in a closed position to cover the opening, the retention latch being constrained to pivot to an open position whereby the retention latch ceases to interface with the stop surface at the terminus, and a biasing mechanism coupled to the retention latch to force the retention latch toward the closed position.

Abstract: A crane hook rotation-limiting device includes a mounting base and a plunger extending through a hole formed in the mounting base so as to be movable with respect to the mounting base. A spring first bearing portion is connected to the plunger so as to be movable with the plunger. A spring second bearing portion is positioned opposite the spring first bearing portion so as to be fixed with respect to the plunger during movement of the plunger. A spring member extends between the spring first bearing portion and the spring second bearing portion. A pair of crane hook rotation-limiting devices as described herein may be mounted to a crane hook assembly to control rotation of the crane hook during movement of the hook when the hook supports a sling spreader or a sling spreader and a die (or other item of tooling).

Abstract: A ski carrying apparatus that includes a first strap securable around a set of primary skis and a second strap securable around a first set of secondary skis. The ski carrying apparatus can also include a linkage assembly that connects the first strap to the second strap that permits the second strap to be positioned substantially perpendicular to the first strap when the ski carrying apparatus is in use. Another embodiment of a ski carrying apparatus for supporting sets of secondary skis. The ski carrying apparatus includes a first strap securable around a first set of secondary skis and a second strap securable around a second set of secondary skis. The ski carrying apparatus can also include a handle that can be removably attached to the first or second strap for carrying the two sets of secondary skis.

Abstract: A firewood sling includes a sheet of material with tensioners on opposing edges with a handle at one end. One or more roll straps are secured to the sheet and include fastening portions, at least one of which is adjustable in position. Pockets may be provided on one edge to receive cords engaging cord locks to form the tensioners. The pockets may include fasteners for holding them closed. The sling may include a wear resistant center portion and flexible side portions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a handle sliding structure and a selfie stick using the same, and belongs to the field of selfie sticks. The handle sliding structure comprises a long rod and a handle, wherein the handle is a cavity structure and is slidably arranged on the long rod, and the long rod can slide along the handle to retreat into or stretch out a cavity. When the selfie stick is used, the long rod can stretch out of the handle, and only the tail end of the long rod is connected to the handle, so that the length of the long rod is fully used; and when the selfie rod is not used, the long rod can partially retreat into the handle in the length direction, so that the portability is good.

Abstract: A door opening device comprising a multi-directional head and a telescoping pole is provided. The multi-directional head allows the operator to choose the angle when opening the door and the telescoping pole allows the operator to remain at a distance away from the doorway while operating the doorknob. By allowing an operator to remain around a corner when opening a door, an armed and cornered individual is less able to harm the operator by shooting through the door.

Abstract: An expandable grip apparatus to assist in holding a handheld device includes a base member having a substantially flat contact surface for securing to a surface of the handheld device, a top member that is spaced from the base member, and an expandable center section that connects between the base member and the top member, the expandable center section comprised of a series of integral foldable pleats. The series of integral foldable pleats include adjacently disposed foldable pleats that define a living hinge between the adjacently disposed foldable pleats to enable the expandable center section to selectively nest onto each other. The base member can include an adhesive or a magnet for securing the grip apparatus to the handheld device.