Abstract: A mechanical device for grasping an object includes a lower arm defining a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, an inner profile, and at least one track disposed along a portion of the lower arm between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. An upper arm is pivotally connected to the lower arm, the upper arm defining a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an inner profile. An actuator is pivotally connected to the proximal end portion of the upper arm, the actuator including at least one protrusion slidably disposed within the track of the lower arm.

Abstract: An article clip for article folding machines includes a body which includes opposite body front and rear ends and a body intermediate portion which extends therebetween. The body front end includes a front body pivot and the body intermediate portion includes an intermediate body pivot. The clip further includes a base jaw located at the front end and a clamping jaw located opposite the base jaw at the body front end, connected to the body via the front body pivot. The clip further includes a clamping recess formed in the body front end. The clip further includes an elongated driver configured to transfer forces from the body rear end to the clamping jaw. The driver is connected to the clamping jaw via a front floating pivot which is not connected to the body, and is connected to the intermediate body pivot via a pulling mechanism.

Abstract: A shoe lifter with a clamp comprises a rear handle cover, a front handle cover and a clamp head. One end of the front handle cover is hinged to the rear handle cover. A connecting rod is disposed on the rear handle cover. A push-and-pull rod is hinged to one end of the connecting rod, and a rope is connected to the other end of the connecting rod. A movable clamp piece is hinged to the clamp head and has an arc clamp edge and a connecting end. The clamp head is provided with a fixed clamp piece which is exactly opposite to the arc clamp edge. The shoe lifter is additionally provided with the clamp head to clamp shoes, so that users do not need to take shoes directly by hand, and sanitary protection is improved.

Abstract: A lifting clamp for an object comprises a plurality of plates stacked and connected together to form seat for a portion of the object, a lifting portion for connecting to a crane or other machine, a pivot leg pivotally connected to the stacked plates for opening the seat, and a lock for selectively locking the pivot leg in a clamped position whereby it grips the object.

Abstract: A gripping device for gripping a workpiece. The gripping device includes at least one gripping element configured for contacting the workpiece, at least one articulating finger jaw, and a mounting block connecting the shaft of the at least one gripping element to the at least one articulating finger jaw. The mounting block includes an articulation stop having a first stopping surface and a second stopping surface. The gripping device further includes a stopping member connected to the shaft. The stopping member is configured for contacting one of the first stopping surface and the second stopping surface to limit a rotation of the shaft relative to the mounting block. The stopping member is in the form of one of a pin and a fastener.

Abstract: A clamping device for lifting and transferring objects can employ slanting interfaces to convert a pulling action on the clamping device to a clamping action on the object. A pulling element in the form of a triangle can be disposed between a jaw and a jaw support of the clamping device. When the pulling element is pulled up, the base of the triangle shape pulling element can exert a force on the jaw against the jaw support, for securing a gripping action on the object.

Abstract: A remote adapter for use with a lineman's hot stick that enables the lineman to mount a wide variety of power tools onto the far end of the hot stick for tasks involving high voltage equipment. The remote adapter allows the power tool to be actuated by pulling on an insulating pull-rope. The remote adapter includes a body for supporting the power tool, the body including: at least one slot for receiving at least one strap configured to strap the power tool to the body, at least one pivot hole for receiving a pivot pin, and a splined universal connector for attachment to a hot stick. The remote adapter also includes a lever arm that is pivotable with respect to the body. The lever arm includes a hole for receiving a trigger pin which actuates the power tool trigger when the insulating rope attached to an attachment feature is pulled.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and supporting a pile is provided. The apparatus includes a support structure coupled to the pile and a lifting device coupled to the support structure. Gripping plates of a lift head engage and lift the pile during extension of the lifting device. During retraction of the lifting device, gripping plates of a gravity vice engage the pile to support the pile in the lifted position. The extension and retraction of the lifting device is alternately repeated to lift the pile in steps to a desired height.

Abstract: Articulation joints for use in connection with a surgical instrument that has a portion that must be passed through a trocar or similar structure and then articulated relative to another portion of the instrument received within the trocar. Various embodiments of the articulation joint include at least one flexible driven member to articulate the surgical implement relative to the handle assembly of the instrument.

Abstract: A first work tool arm is rotatably attached to a frame or reference structure, a second work tool arm rotatably attached to the first work tool arm, and a work tool attached to an end of the second work tool arm. An actuator and a spring are each rotatably attached to the second work tool arm and configured such that separate movement of the first work tool arm relative to the frame or reference structure and movement of the second work tool arm and work tool relative to the first work tool arm are achieved with actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A gear arrangement including two drive units (210, 220, 310, 320, 410), and two translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352), to each of which a rotationally movable function unit (141, 142) of a distally arranged two-part end effector (140) can be coupled. The first drive unit (210, 310, 410) has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (311, 411) or a thrust element (210) for opening or closing the end effector (140) by rotation of at least one function unit (141, 142). The second drive unit (220, 320), with which the translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352) are movable in opposite directions, has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (224, 320, 421) for simultaneous and unidirectional pivoting of the function units (141, 142) of the end effector (140). A surgical instrument includes the gear arrangement (200, 300, 400) in the handle (180).

Abstract: Provided is a lock checking tool for a luggage compartment door that, when checking and correcting an incomplete locked state of the luggage compartment door, makes it possible to work without taking an unnatural posture, and is made to be easy to carry and not obstruct other work. The a lock checking tool is for a luggage compartment door in which a main body is formed into a telescopic structure by a plurality of tube materials of different diameters, a grip section is provided to the tube material on the outermost side of the main body, a pressure contact part is provided at a tip end section of the tube material on the innermost side, and the length of the main body can be fixed by a fixing means.

Abstract: A workpiece holding mechanism includes a first and second support having a first and second surface part, third support having a third surface part located closer to second than first surface part and located at a height corresponding to first surface part's lower end, fourth support having a fourth surface part located closer to first than second surface part and located at a height corresponding to second surface's part lower end, a fifth support having a fifth surface part located, at first surface part one end in first direction, closer to second than first surface part and located above third surface part, and a sixth support having a sixth surface part, at second surface part's end portion, closer to the first than second surface part and located above fourth surface part. At least one third and fourth face part includes one face or plurality of faces extending in first direction.

Abstract: A cellphone attachment cord apparatus for preventing cellphone drops includes a suspension clip configured to attach to an article of clothing or a clothing accessory. An elastic coil has a proximal end coupled to the suspension clip and a distal end. A buckle is coupled to the elastic coil and comprises a male mating member coupled to the distal end of the elastic coil and a female mating member. The male mating member and the female mating member are selectively engageable. A tether is coupled to the female mating member of the buckle. A mounting card is coupled to the tether. An adhesive layer is disposed on an inner face of the mounting card and is configured to be coupled to a cellphone case.

Abstract: An assistive cane and reach extension combination device for improved stability and reach includes a shaft. A handle that is coupled to and extends from of the shaft is configured to be grasped in a hand of a user, positioning the shaft to transfer a load from the handle to a surface upon which the user is positioned. A bar that is hingedly coupled to the shaft proximate to the handle is selectively positionable in a stowed configuration, wherein the bar is substantially parallel to the shaft, and a deployed configuration, wherein the bar is selectively positionable transversely to the shaft. In the deployed configuration the bar and the shaft are configured to insert an article. An actuator that is coupled to the shaft is operationally coupled to the bar so that the actuator is positioned to selectively motivate the bar toward the shaft to grasp the article.

Abstract: The disclosure herein include a magnetic tool for attaching to and moving a ferromagnetic workpiece that may include: a chassis having a magnetic face; a base rotatably coupled to the chassis; and a handle rotatably coupled to the base.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for attaching loads to various kinds of flanged seams, the assembly comprising a generally U-shaped clamp body, at least one clamping hammer disposed interior of the clamp body, the clamping hammer is secured to the clamp body along the longitudinal axis of the clamp body, at least one adjustment screw extending through the clamp body and adapted to selectively impinge against the clamping hammer and cause it to pivot about its axis or otherwise move inwardly within the clamp body, the adjustment screw extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamping hammer, at least one locking screw adapted to selectively impinge against the clamping hammer to prevent pivoting of the same may be optionally provided whereby a standing seam received within the clamp body may be tightly grasped between the clamp body and the clamping hammer under action of the adjustment screw.

Abstract: A rock bucket attachment for securement with a skid steer unit or tractor front loader, the attachment incorporating a bucket for use in combination with a grapple, the bucket having side walls, back walls, and a bottom wall, at least one pair of grapples interconnecting by lever arms to the side walls of the bucket, said at least one pair of grapples having a pair of side arms pivotally connected with the front of the lever arms, and hydraulic cylinders interconnecting between the back of the side arms and the back end of the side walls, or the frame structure interconnecting between the two, such that when the hydraulic cylinders are actuated, they initially pivot the lever arms forwardly to their fullest extent to arrange the grapples and its rake over a debris pile, and then further actuation of the hydraulic cylinders pivoting the side arms relative to the lever arms to pivot the rake of each grapple downwardly to urge any debris onto the bucket as the rake comes into proximity with the front of the buck

Abstract: An adjustable length boathook includes a user-actuable hook at its distal end for securely grasping lines and the like. By enabling firm control of the line, the claimed embodiments facilitate specific maneuvers such as hooking a line around a cleat. The boathook uses first and second tubes telescopingly engaged for slidable movement along a common central axis, with third and fourth tubes disposed coaxially and internally thereto, the telescoping engagement providing length adjustability. Cam-lock devices are disposed between the first and second tubes, and between the third and fourth tubes, and lock their respective tubes to one another at a desired length. A handle is slidably disposed at a proximal end of the first tube to actuate the third tube in the axial direction relative to the first tube. A user-actuatable hook at the distal end of the second tube is actuated by the fourth tube.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a Bernoulli-based wafer pre-aligner. The pre-aligner may be capable of accommodating semiconductor wafers of varying sizes, and may include: a wafer support; a bearing arm capable of interfacing with at least one robotic element, and at least partially bearing the wafer support at one end thereof; and a plurality of Bernoulli pads on the wafer support for providing an interface between the wafer support and a one of the semiconductor wafers, wherein the interface comprises a gap there between.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing surgical access to a body cavity of a living animal through an access port inserted in a wall of the body cavity is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collapsible volume having an opening for sealingly receiving a surgical apparatus. The apparatus also includes an access coupler disposed at a distal end of the collapsible volume, the access coupler being operably configured to sealingly couple to an opening in the access port placing the collapsible volume in fluid communication with the body cavity. The collapsible volume is operably configured to collapse to permit the surgical apparatus to be inserted through the access coupler into the body cavity.

Abstract: A tubular transfer system comprising a boom structure having a first frame telescopically coupled to a second frame. A first actuator is configured to extend and retract the first frame relative to the second frame. A clamp mechanism is coupled to the first frame and configured to grip and lift a tubular. A second actuator is configured to raise and lower the clamp mechanism relative to the first frame.

Abstract: A pickup and alignment mechanism for logs is disclosed along with a method of using the mechanism. The pickup and alignment mechanism includes a frame, a connector and a plurality of L-shaped tines secured to the frame. The plurality of L-shaped tines is grouped into pairs. The pickup and alignment mechanism also includes a pair of side tines. The pickup and alignment mechanism is designed to be removably mounted to a motorized vehicle. All of the L-shaped tines can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated to remove from between one to six logs from a stacked pile of logs. The one to six logs are then raised above ground level and are aligned relative to one another so that they can be easily cut into smaller piece of firewood by a person with a chain saw.

Abstract: A curtain changing apparatus and method of use thereof includes a curtain retrieval arm engageable with a curtain track to allow the transfer of a curtain between the curtain track and the curtain retrieval arm. A removable insert is adapted to bridge the full or partial cutout section of the curtain track for normal use of the track, and an insert retrieval tool is adapted to enable removal and replacement of the insert from ground level.

Abstract: Embodiments of a heavy compressor valve removal tool to remove and lift heavy compressor valves and associated methods are provided. An embodiment of a heavy-compressor valve removal tool can include one or more valve interfacing surfaces to position along, interface with, and abuttingly contact a plurality of outer surfaces when positioned around a perimeter of a compressor valve. The tool also can include one or more reinforcing arms connected to the one or more valve interfacing surfaces to reinforce the one or more valve interfacing surfaces when lifting the heavy compressor valve and one or more tool lifting arms connected to the one or more reinforcing arms to lift the heavy compressor valve from a designated position when the tool is positioned around a perimeter of the heavy compressor valve.

Abstract: An apparatus whereby laundry items are fed automatically to a mangle. This is achieved in that splaying clamps are movable by a linear motor, wherein slides are assigned to a primary part of the linear motor or form the primary parts of the linear motor and a rail is assigned to a secondary part of the linear motor or forms the secondary part. Laundry items are fed in industrial laundry facilities to a mangle in an outspread state. This is performed by machine using apparatuses for feeding laundry items. Each laundry item attached to splaying clamps is deposited with an outspread front edge arranged to the front onto a feeding conveyor, which feeds the laundry item in the outspread state to the mangle. Here, the splaying can mean that the laundry item either is not completely outspread or that the laundry item is tensioned such that it is damaged irreversibly.

Abstract: A system and method for an adapter device. The adapter device can be used to couple to a pole for positioning or extraction. The adapter body has a first end coupled to a guiding edge and a second end coupled to a gripping edge. A securing device couples the adapter coupler to the adapter body via at least one coupler guide. The adapter coupler exits the coupler guide and forms a closed loop. When pulled, the closed loop tightens around and grips the pole.

Abstract: A gripper includes a first finger part and a second finger part. The first finger part has a first finger main body part having an opening, and a first fingertip part for contacting a target object to be gripped. The second finger part has a second finger main body part and a second fingertip part for contacting the target object. The first fingertip part and the second fingertip part pinch the target object by moving closer to each other. Further, the second finger part enters the inside of the opening, so that the first finger main body part and the second finger main body part grasp the target object.

Abstract: A basketball training device for mounting on a basketball hoop. The basketball training device includes a blocking body that is dimensioned so as to block shot attempts that are at an undesirable shooting angle or will result in an undesirable bank angle. The basketball training device may be a part of a kit which includes a placement apparatus that can be used to grab and place the basketball training device onto the rim of a basketball hoop.

Abstract: A rock bucket attachment for securement with a skid steer unit or tractor front loader, the attachment incorporating a bucket for use in combination with a grapple, the bucket having side walls, back walls, and a bottom wall, the grapple interconnecting by lever arms to the side walls of the bucket, the grapple having a pair of side arms pivotally connected with the front of the lever arms, and hydraulic cylinders interconnecting between the back of the side arms and the back end of the side walls, or the frame structure interconnecting between the two, such that when the hydraulic cylinders are actuated, they initially pivot the lever arms forwardly to their fullest extent to arrange the grapple and its rake over a debris pile, and then further actuation of the hydraulic cylinders pivoting the side arms relative to the lever arms to pivot the rake of the grapple downwardly to urge any debris into the bucket as the rake comes into proximity with the front of the bucket, to retain any raked debris therein.

Abstract: A combination cane and reaching device within the cane body having a longitudinal axis and terminating in a pair of grabber ends which are concealed by a stopper at a distal end of the cane. The grabber ends are exposed when the rubber bottom of the cane is removed. The grabber ends are actuated when the cane handle at the proximal end is gripped and squeezed. The combination cane and reaching device is capable of being collapsed by folding the cane body back upon itself. This feature allows the cane to be stored in an unobtrusive manner. The combination cane and reaching device also contains a flashlight in the handle.

Abstract: A skate drive and tubular clamping system for a catwalk. The system includes first and second actuators configured to move a skate and a clamp. The system includes a biasing device coupled to the skate and configured to bias the clamp between and open and clamped position based on a tension force between forces applied by the first and second actuators and a clamping threshold force. The first and second actuators may be flexibly coupled to the skate drive and tubular clamping system, such as by cables, and remotely mounted on a trough of the catwalk.

Abstract: A lightweight, stable walking cane that contains an integrated grasper tool to extend a user's reach to pick up objects. The cane contains two configurations, a closed walking cane configuration for stability and balance, and an unlocked configuration with an open grasper tool for grasping objects.

Abstract: A prosthetic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. The morcellator has a metallic cutting ring mounted on a visually transparent hollow cylinder, which in combination with a visually transparent outer morcellator tube enables a surgeon to visualize the inside of the morcellator shaft for detection of loose tissue fragments in the device. A tenaculum used with the morcellation device has a spacer for preventing contact with the blade. The cutting tube can oscillate, rather than rotate, along the longitudinal axis of the cutting tube. The morcellator utilizes an extendable tissue guide on the outer tube of the morcellator shaft for preventing the tissue from rotating along the longitudinal axis of the morcellator tube. This allows the tissue to be continuously rotated into the morcellator device for continuous peel. The tissue guide can also be fully retracted to allow for coring of the bulk tissue.

Abstract: Devices for dipping or dunking snacks into beverages include elements for holding a snack in place for dipping or dunking and a structure for allowing the user to keep his hands out of the beverage while immersing the snack. One embodiment includes a handle, a tray and a pivoting holding arm which slides up and down the handle and pivots into place to hold the snack.

Abstract: A lightweight, stable walking cane that contains an integrated grasper tool to extend a user's reach to pick up objects. The cane contains two configurations, a locked walking cane configuration for stability and balance, and an unlocked configuration with an open grasper tool for grasping objects.

Abstract: A zipper pulling device for allowing a user to more easily zip up a dress or other similar garment. The zipper pulling device includes a rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the rod is telescopic such that it can be extended or retracted to a desired length. The first end comprises a magnet thereon that can be used to engage a metal zipper. The second end of the rod includes a hook thereon, wherein the user can alternately use the hook to engage the zipper. In this way, the user can grasp an end of the rod and pull the rod upward so that the hook or magnet temporarily engaged with the zipper pulls along the teeth of the zipper, allowing a user to more easily zip up a dress.

Abstract: Hemming finishing pliers press and thereby bring a folded portion of a panel into close contact with an inner surface side of the panel facing the folded portion, by a clamping action of first and second holding arms. A pressure receiving plate for supporting an outer surface of the panel is provided in a tip end portion of the first holding arm. A pressing claw for pressing the folded portion against the panel supported by the plate is provided in a tip end portion of the second holding arm. A pressure receiving surface of the plate facing the outer surface of the panel is set wider than a pressing surface of the claw facing the folded portion. A supporting wall for supporting a flexed part of the folded portion is formed in the plate. Accordingly, the pliers enable efficient hemming finishing without requiring a skill.

Abstract: A component mounter mounting head holding device for detachably holding a mounting head to a head holding section of a component mounter, including: a pin to be engaged provided on a connection section for a head holding section of the mounting head; an engaging member provided on the head holding section that moves between an engagement position for holding the mounting head in which the engaging member is engaged with the pin and a release position in which the engaging member is separated from the pin; and an air cylinder provided on the head holding section that is a power source for moving the engaging member between the engagement position and the release position. When attaching/detaching the mounting head to/from the head holding section, the head holding section is rotated to a position in which the engaging member can pass by the side of the pin.

Abstract: An adapter for a dielectric hot stick, the hot stick having a hook, the hook being movable along an axis of travel that includes a retracted position where the hook is within an axial passage in the hot stick, and an extended position where the hook is extended past a work end of the hot stick, the adapter comprising: a frame with a hot stick seat shaped to be mounted on the work end of the hot stick, the frame defining a lever passage positioned to at least partially align with the axial passage in use; and a lever assembly pivotally connected to the frame, the lever assembly having a first end with a connector for the hook and being at least partially within the lever passage, and the lever assembly having a second end defining or connected to a tool part to move the tool part relative to the frame to carry out a function when the hook moves along the axis of travel.

Abstract: An elongated gripping device for grasping objects, and particularly useful for moving and adjusting logs used to build a fire. The elongated gripping device includes an elongated outer shaft having an extension shaft on an end thereof. The extension shaft includes one or more prongs on an end thereof, disposed transversely to the extension shaft. The elongated gripping device further includes an elongated inner shaft extending through the outer shaft, and having a handle at a first end thereof. The inner shaft further includes one or more prongs on the second end thereof that are arranged transversely to the inner shaft. The prongs on the inner shaft and on the extension shaft oppose one another so as to form a claw-like structure that can be used to grasp objects of various shapes and sizes by rotating the handle to actuate the prongs.

Abstract: A saw guide can include pivotally connected arcuate sections having a plurality of slots formed therein to receive and guide saw blades as they cut a workpiece, such as a pipe or tube. The slots are of varying width so that the saw guide can be used with different saws. For example, the saw guide can include a first slot sized to receive and guide the blade of a reciprocating saw, and a relatively narrower second slot, sized to receive the blade of a portable band saw. The saw guide can include a locking mechanism to securely hold the saw guide on the workpiece, and a stopping mechanism for preventing the saw blade from cutting into the saw guide.

Abstract: A robotic gripper includes a gripper palm, a first pair of adjacent fingers extending from the palm, each finger in the first pair of fingers including a first link coupled to a second link by a rotatable joint, and a second pair of adjacent fingers extending from the palm, each finger in the second pair of fingers including a first link coupled to a second link by a rotatable joint. A web member is attached to the first pair of adjacent fingers, the web member having a web portion having a gripping face, the web portion disposed between a first one of the first pair of adjacent fingers and a second one of the second pair of adjacent fingers.

Abstract: A walking stick with a trigger mechanism system includes a walking stick with a trigger mechanism assembly including a walking stick having a handle including a trigger mechanism; a shaft having a length and including a grabber able to be manipulated between open and closed positions; a grabber manipulator; and a magnet. The walking stick with a trigger mechanism system includes the walking stick with a trigger mechanism assembly. The walking stick with a trigger mechanism system is structured and arranged to permit a user to retrieve at least one item items from a surface without unduly bending and stretching.

Abstract: A versatile walking cane that has an adjustable length and a jaw-grip. The walking cane includes a trigger that can be actuated to mechanically operate the jaw-grip from an open to a closed position. In the closed position, the jaw-grip is retracted into the interior of the cane and does not obstruct the use of the cane for walking. The cane includes an interface for receiving additional tools and an illumination source.

Abstract: A device for lifting a post out of the ground, including a part for engaging the post and an elongate body having a handle for applying a lever action to the part in order to lift the post from the ground, wherein the part is coupled to a stand and the stand is moveable relative to the body from a stowed condition to a deployed condition whereat the body is pivotally supported above the ground for rotation about the stand in order to effect the lever action.

Abstract: The device comprises two gripping arms movable to and from a resting position and a gripping position in which they are spread apart from one another and in contact with an inside face of the side wall of the cooking vessel; a fix-mounted gripping member designed for being in contact with an outside face of the side wall of the cooking vessel; and displacement means designed for being manually guided to and from an open position and a closed position and for effecting a spreading of the movable arms while switching from the open position to the closed position. Said device further comprises anti-return means separate from the displacement means and designed for being moved from a resting position to a clamping position in which they are inserted between the two arms and prevent the two arms from coming together.

Abstract: A gripping device for gripping a sheet-material stack has at least two gripping elements for gripping a sheet-material stack disposed between the gripping elements, which gripping elements can be moved toward each other in order to grip the sheet-material stack. At least one of the gripping fingers of one of the gripping elements is tiltable from its starting position, in which it is oriented substantially parallel to the stack surface, into a tilted position, in which it is inclined toward the stack surface. With the gripping device any types of sheet-material stacks can be reliably and trouble-free removed from a container and held against gravity through grip-clamping.

Abstract: An improved cane with an internal grasping apparatus including an actuator on the cane handle and a plurality of clamps that extends from the foot or base of the cane. A cord system within the casing of the cane connects the actuator to the clamps so that when the actuator is in use, the clamps close or open to either grasp or release objects, depending on the amount of pressure applied to the actuator. Applying pressure to the actuator extends a plurality of clamps from the distal end of the cane that can be used to assist with grasping of objects. Releasing pressure to the actuator on the cane handle will retract the clamps back into the distal end of the cane to where the clamps are hidden.