Abstract: Provided is a female latch member and a pick-and-place system. The female latch member, in at least one aspect, includes a top enclosed aperture having a central axis and an inside surface. The female latch member, according to this aspect, further includes one or more prong receiving holes located along a top thereof of the top enclosed aperture, the one or more prong receiving holes configured to receive one or more prongs of a receiver therein to prevent two pins of a related hook member from unintentionally rotating through first and second channels and allowing the female latch member and the related hook member from decoupling from one another.

Abstract: Provided is a latch member. The latch member, in one aspect, includes an upper portion and a lower portion extending from one or more surfaces and defining a central axis, the lower portion including first and second lower portions circumferentially spaced from one another and axially spaced from the upper portion to form first and second channels, the first and second lower portions having respective first and second leading peaks opposite the first and second channels, the first leading peak axially offset from the second leading peak, wherein the first and second channels are configured to each receive one of two pins of a related hook member and cause the latch member to rotate relative to the hook member, wherein the latch and hook member are configured to alternate between latched and unlatched configurations as the latch member reciprocates substantially along the central axis relative to the hook member.

Abstract: Provided is a hook, a latch, and a pick-and-place system. The hook, in one aspect, includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end, as well as two or more pins coupled proximate the first end of the elongated member. The hook, according to this aspect, further includes one or more elongated lugs positioned substantially parallel with the elongated member between the two or more pins and the second end.

Abstract: Provided is a latch member. The latch member, in one aspect, includes an upper portion and a lower portion extending from one or more surfaces and defining a central axis, the lower portion including first and second lower portions circumferentially spaced from one another and axially spaced from the upper portion to form first and second channels, the first and second lower portions having respective first and second leading peaks opposite the first and second channels, the first leading peak axially offset from the second leading peak, wherein the first and second channels are configured to each receive one of two pins of a related hook member and cause the latch member to rotate relative to the hook member, wherein the latch and hook member are configured to alternate between latched and unlatched configurations as the latch member reciprocates substantially along the central axis relative to the hook member.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus, in one instance, includes suspension means configured to hold a package that is to be delivered or picked up, a locking mechanism in the suspension means configured to securely hold the package onto the suspension means, and a package delivery mechanism configured to control a movement of the suspension means for delivering the package on a delivery area at a delivery destination, or for picking up the package. The locking mechanism is gravity activated to hold and release the package from the suspension means, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to hold the package locked to the suspension means when a force exerted on the locking mechanism exceeds a first value due to a weight of the package, and rotate to release the package from the suspension means when the force exerted on the locking mechanism drops below a second value due to the package weight.

Abstract: A female latch member comprising a main body having an aperture with a central axis and an inside surface. The female latch member further includes a first upper portion and second, third and fourth lower portions extending radially from said inside surface that cooperate to form first, second and third channels, each of said first, second and third channels having in order a first vertical upper limit, a second vertical lower limit, and a third vertical upper limit, said first, second and third channels configured to receive three related pins of a male hook member and cause said female latch member to rotate relative to said male hook member. The female latch member further includes a floating bearing assembly attached to the main body, the floating bearing configured to allow for rotation and at least one of parallel, angular or axial movement of the main body.

Abstract: A female latch member comprising a main body having an aperture with a central axis and an inside surface. The female latch member further includes a first upper portion and second, third and fourth lower portions extending radially from said inside surface that cooperate to form first, second and third channels, each of said first, second and third channels having in order a first vertical upper limit, a second vertical lower limit, and a third vertical upper limit, said first, second and third channels configured to receive three related pins of a male hook member and cause said female latch member to rotate relative to said male hook member. The female latch member further includes a floating bearing assembly attached to the main body, the floating bearing configured to allow for rotation and at least one of parallel, angular or axial movement of the main body.

Abstract: A female latch member comprising an aperture having a central axis and an inside surface, and first and second portions extending radially from said inside surface. The first and second portions cooperate to form a channel, wherein the channel is configured to receive a pin of a male latch member and cause the female latch member to rotate relative to the male latch member, while the female latch member and the male latch member alternate between latched and unlatched configurations as the female latch member reciprocates along the central axis relative to the male latch member. The female latch member and the male latch member temporarily engage one another when latched.

Abstract: A female latch member comprising an aperture having a central axis and an inside surface, and first and second portions extending radially from said inside surface. The first and second portions cooperate to form a channel, wherein the channel is configured to receive a pin of a male latch member and cause the female latch member to rotate relative to the male latch member, while the female latch member and the male latch member alternate between latched and unlatched configurations as the female latch member reciprocates along the central axis relative to the male latch member. The female latch member and the male latch member temporarily engage one another when latched.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a base having a tray, a first member and a second member. A first and second top arm are coupled near the proximal end of the base. At least one bottom finger is coupled to the distal end of the first member and at least one top finger is coupled to the distal end of the first top arm. At least a first lifting arm is located between the first member and the first top arm, said lifting arm comprising a cam for engaging the first top arm. Rotation of an adjustment member positioned near the proximal end of the first member engages at least one lifting arm. As the lifting arm moves towards the distal end of the first member, the cam engages and lifts the first top arm, displacing the first top finger to a separation distance from the bottom finger.