Abstract: An elevator grip or rotary slip grip system, comprising a cage spacer adaptably mountable to an upper surface of an elevator or slip body, a dog cage having a plurality of openings, a plurality of locking dogs adaptably mountable to a plurality of seats in the elevator or slip body, wherein each of the plurality of locking dogs has a front surface to engage an object and wherein the front surface of each of the plurality of locking dogs is disposed through each of the plurality of openings in the dog cage is disclosed. A method of using the elevator grip or rotary slip grip system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is a system for connecting a lifting device to a load to be lifted. The system includes a first connector member and a second connector member. The first connector member includes at least one pin. The second connector member includes an indexer mechanism defining a track that includes at least one track opening. At least a portion of the second connector is receivable in at least a portion of the first connector. At least a portion of the at least one pin is receivable in the track via the at least one track opening. The first connector member is reversibly coupleable to the second connector member via the pin and the indexer mechanism in response to a first series of longitudinal movements of the first or second connector members.

Abstract: An ejector unit for detaching an electronic element from an adhesive carrier has an ejector housing with a supporting deck, a light source disposed therein and an ejector lens. The ejector lens has a protruding face. The ejector lens is disposed and oriented with an optical axis extending between the light source and an opening in the supporting deck, and the protruding face of the lens directed towards the opening. The ejector lens is movable relative to the supporting deck along the optical axis to project the protruding face through the opening against the electronic element for lifting the electronic element.

Abstract: A sports ball carrier is configured to fit inside a storage bag with ball rackets. The carrier may store sports balls in a substantially planar array that is one sports ball thick, and the width of the carrier may taper along its length generally simulating a racket form factor. A sports ball entry port may be provided for ball collection in a manner similar to a conventional ball hopper.

Abstract: A thumb structure includes a proximal phalanx, a distal phalanx rotatably connected to one end of the proximal phalanx, a fixing member connected to the proximal phalanx through a first ball joint, a linking member having opposite ends that are connected to the distal phalanx and the fixing member through a second ball joint and a third ball joint, a first actuating assembly to drive the proximal phalanx to swing in a direction of a first degree of freedom, and a second actuating assembly to drive the proximal phalanx to swing in a direction of a second degree of freedom.

Abstract: A multipurpose handle and workpiece attachment tool (10, 12, 14) has a handle (16) and a workpiece (18). The handle has a grip portion (20) at a first end and a first attachment portion (22) at a second end. The workpiece has a second attachment portion (24) adapted to engage the first attachment portion of the handle. The first attachment portion has a sleeve (26) with an opening (30) which can receive the second attachment portion. The sleeve has a clip-lock aperture (32) and a cam-lock aperture (34), and there is a cam clamping lever (28) pivotally connected to the sleeve. The cam clamping lever has an eccentric cam surface (36) which can be moved into and out of the cam-lock aperture by operating the cam clamping lever.

Abstract: A fishing tool is provided for use in association with the performance of fishing and other similar activities, and more particularly, to a rod-mountable fishing tool exhibiting an integrated aesthetic appearance wherein aesthetic shapes and features also can serve multiple functions associated with tasks typically performed while fishing, such as cutting of lines, nipping of knots, tying of knots, storage of hooks and lines, and other tasks.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for conducting immunoassay test. The apparatus includes a groove unit having a groove along a vertical direction configured to hold a rod-shaped portion of a probe along the vertical direction, and a push pin configured to move along a horizontal direction, the push pin being capable of residing at a first position and a second position. A tip of the push pin is capable of pressing the rod-shaped portion of the probe against the groove when the push pin resides at the first position. The distance between the tip of the push pin and the groove is larger than a diameter of the rod-shaped portion of the probe when the push pin resides at the second position.

Abstract: A mechanical finger for a mechanical hand, has: a proximal phalanx pivotably mountable to a support of the mechanical hand to pivot relative to the support about a finger pivot axis; a distal phalanx pivotably connected to the proximal phalanx via a first living hinge to pivot relative to the proximal phalanx about a first pivot axis; and a skeleton member pivotably connected at one end to the distal phalanx via a second living hinge to pivot relative to the distal phalanx about a second pivot axis offset from the first pivot axis and at another end operatively connected to an actuator of the mechanical hand to be selectively movable by the actuator to pivot the distal phalanx relative to the proximal phalanx and to pivot the distal phalanx relative to the support when the finger is in use.

Abstract: A connector (70) for mechanically connecting a device (2) to a robot (20), wherein the connector (70) comprises a first portion (74) configured to be attached to the robot (20) and a second portion (76) configured to be attached to a device (2) configured to be connected to the robot (20). The first portion (74) and the second portion (76) are detachably attached to each other by a first connection portion (1) constituting a rotational system comprising a pivot (116) about which the first portion (74) can rotate with respect to the second portion (76) and a second connection portion (1?) constituting a mechanical locking structure that prevents the first portion (74) and the second portion (76) from being detached from each other.

Abstract: A system and method directed for a tumbler insert which secures a tumbler from the inside without contacting any exterior surfaces, the insert having a plurality of flexible members or claws that may be bent or contracted when pressed into the tumbler, which creates sufficient tension to secure the holder within the vessel.

Abstract: A robot configured to use a gripper to grasp one or more tools is disclosed. In various embodiments, the robot comprises a robotic arm having a gripper disposed at a free moving end of the robotic arm, and a set of two or more tools configured to grasped or otherwise engaged by the gripper. Each tool in the set of two or more tools may be disposed in a corresponding tool holder, optionally attached to the robot or situated near the robot. The robot is configured to use the gripper to retrieve a selected tool from its tool holder to perform a task; use the tool to perform the task; and return the tool to its tool holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a change-over coupling, change-over device and checking or processing system, comprising: a clamping element for bracing with a corresponding clamping element on the change-over adapter, at least one electrical and/or optical plug connection element for connecting to at least one corresponding electrical and/or optical plug connection element on the change-over adapter, and a fluid coupling element for connecting to a corresponding fluid coupling element on the change-over adapter. In at least one example, the fluid coupling element protrudes further in the direction of the connection with the change-over adapter than the electrical and/or optical plug connection element.

Abstract: A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses multiple conformable balls mounted within a pattern of holes in a two part back plate. The multiple conformable balls are pressed into an object, which in turn, is pressed against a datum surface that represents desired spacing away from print heads. Vacuum is applied to the multiple conformable balls which grip the object. The multiple conformable balls are filled with particulates that cause the multiple conformable balls to become rigid when the vacuum is applied. This contributes to keeping the object from moving when it is being moved past a print head.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for the post-treatment of dry adhesive microstructures. The microstructures may be post-treated to comprise mushroom-like flaps at their tips to interface with the contact surface. In some aspects, a change in material composition of the microstructures in a dry adhesive may affect mechanical properties to enhance or diminish overall adhesive performance. For example, conductive additives can be added to the material to improve adhesive performance. In other aspects, microstructures comprising conductive material may allow for preload engagement sensing systems to be integrated into the microstructures.

Abstract: A contact lens tool kit for placement of a contact lens on an eye is provided. The tool kit may include a contact lens tool. The contact lens tool may include an outer edge for selectively engaging a contact lens. The tool kit may also include a lens housing for containing a contact lens, the lens housing selectively engageable with the tool. Engagement of the tool and the lens housing permits reception of the contact lens by the contact lens tool and disengagement of the two permits removal of the contact lens by the tool. The lens housing may include a removable seal for draining solution through an aperture of the contact lens tool or lens housing.

Abstract: A pizza peel features a blade, a support bracket, a hinge, a nut and a handle. The support bracket is connected to the blade. The hinge is pivotally connected to the support bracket via a pin. The nut is assembled to the hinge outer threads. The handle is screwed in the hinge inner threads. The handle may be pivoted between a storage position and a deployed position and may be locked in the selected position by clockwise rotation of the nut. When the handle is in the stored position, the pizza peel may be easily stored.

Abstract: The invention provides an end effector, comprising a mounting portion and an execution portion, and the execution portion including at least a package placement platform configured to movably coupled to the mounting portion. With the help of the package placement platform, the end effector of the invention can receive the packages of different types or different sizes or different material so as to sort and transport all kinds of packages.

Abstract: A pivoting shovel assembly for reducing the effort required to lift and empty a shovel includes a tool. The tool includes a shaft. A first handle is attached to and extends upwardly away from the shaft. A head is attached to and extends downwardly away from the shaft opposite the first handle. A pole has an upper end and a lower end with a foot attached to the lower end. A coupler is attached to and extends between the pole and the shaft such that the pole and the shaft are pivotable with respect to each other. The coupler allows pivoting wherein upper halves of the pole and the shaft are positionable in a first position orientated parallel to each other and in a second position wherein the first handle is pivoted rearwardly with respect to the upper end.

Abstract: A slim and long multifunctional gripping mechanism has a bending- and torsion-resistant structure, on which several finger, suction, magnetic head and other mechanisms for a multitude of tasks are arranged. The gripper arm is composed in sandwich configuration of several cages placed on top of each other, like a multi-stage tower. The individual cages consist of two plates in parallel in lightweight construction, with their mutual distance being ensured by several rods, spokes, wires, ropes and strings. Most of the drives are contained within the first cage after the flange. From that position, all mechanisms participating in the action of the gripper are driven by rods, shafts, ropes, chains or belts traversing the cages. Further cages are used to attach and accommodate the components of finger mechanisms. Movable cages are used as drives for finger, suction or magnetic head mechanisms. Several finger mechanisms perform a different task each.