Abstract: The inventive apparatus for remotely handling bar-like components which define a longitudinal direction includes a gripper mechanism for gripping the component including first and second gripper members longitudinally fixedly spaced from each other and oriented parallel to each other in planes transverse to the longitudinal direction. Each gripper member includes a jaw having at least one V-groove with opposing surfaces intersecting at a base and extending radially relative to the longitudinal direction for receiving the component in an open end between the opposing surfaces. The V-grooves on the jaw plate of the first and second gripper members are aligned in the longitudinal direction to support the component in the first and second gripper members.

Abstract: Hypoallergenic jewelry and a method of making the same is achieved by providing vapor deposition of unsubstituted and substituted linear homopolymers and copolymers of poly(p-xylylene) on the jewelry having a thickness in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 25 microns. A new use of preventing allergic reactions when jewelry is worn is achieved by providing the jewelry with a poly(p-xylylene) polymer coating which provides a hypoallergenic surface on the jewelry.