Abstract: This hand is provided with two clamping jaws (1,2) movable toward or respectively apart from each other, each of which is mounted in each case to a hinge quadrangle (3, 4). At each clamping jaw (1, 2) there is supported a gripping plate (8, 9) tiltable around an axis (5, 6) vertical to the jaw axis. The two hinge quadrangles (3, 4) can be rotatably supported jointly by an axis running parallel to the hinge axes of the hinge quadrangles (3, 4), however, also the two hinge quadrangles can be jointly tiltable around one axis, which runs vertical to the hinge axes (FIG. 3).

Abstract: An industrial robot gripping device for gripping workpieces which have opposite contoured faces comprise gripping jaws which are contained by a parallel linkage which have faces which engage on the respective faces of the workpiece from opposite sides and are of a mere image configuration so that the engagement is complete. The parallel linkages include a coupler link at one end of the linkage which carries the respective clamping jaw and a flap interconnecting two parallel crank arms at their opposite end parts and also connecting two guide rod members which are pivoted at spaced locations to the housing so that they may move parallel to each other. The outer crank arms of each linkage include an extending portion which terminates in a bearing pin which is engaged in a curved slot which is defined symmetrically on each side of the housing.

Abstract: Gripping device (1), primarily intended for handling objects of circular cross-section such as shafts, round metal plates or rings with the aid of industrial robots. It comprises three parallel shafts (10a, b, c) with gripping arms with gripping members (11a, b, c). The shafts (10a, b, c) are rotatably journalled in a plane supporting member (2, 3). A drive motor (16) drives one shaft (10a). The other shafts (10b, 10c) are connected together with the driven shaft (10a) by means of gear wheels (14a, b, c), one on the driven shaft (10a) and one on either of the other two shafts (10b, 10c), and two racks (20a, 20b) in mesh with the gear wheel (14a) on the driven shaft (10a) and one of the gear wheels (14b, 14c) on the other shafts (10b, 10c).

Abstract: A widely applicable object grasping system for driving mechanical fingers, wherein a motion converting means for converting the rotary motion of a constant speed motor into linear motion and producing variable-speed motion so as to cause the mechanical fingers to approach an object at a higher speed and to grasp the object at a lower speed with increased moment.

Abstract: A tong 200 for use in lifting articles such as aluminum or steel ingots and the like comprising an elongated leg member 210, a pivot member 212 fixedly attached to and depending from leg 210, said pivot member having an upper portion and a lower portion 220, an upper link 214 pivotally attached to and projecting outwardly of said upper portion of said pivot member, a lower link 218 pivotally attached to and projecting outwardly of said lower portion of said pivot member, a tong bit 224 having an upper portion 225 disposed outwardly of said pivot member and a lower portion 261, said upper portion of said tong bit being pivotally attached to upper link 214, said lower portion of said tong bit being pivotally attached to lower link 218, said lower portion of said tong bit extending under said pivot member and having an innermost end 246 projecting inwardly of said pivot member, and means 230 for resiliently restraining said tong bit against pivot member 212.

Abstract: A mounting and actuating apparatus for the tongs of a grapple wherein a pair of pulleys carrying the tongs are interconnected by cable means extending between the pulleys in generally figure eight configuration, one embodiment teaching driving one pulley by a fluid pressure cylinder positioned between the pulleys and utilizing axially offset cable links, the other embodiment including a multiplying linkage between the two tongs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose mechanical hand mainly for industrial applications and able to grip pieces of various shapes and dimensions. The mechanical hand according to the invention is constituted by at least three fingers, each finger being provided with articulated phalanges and a gripping element, the fingers being controlled by a system which enables the degree of tightening and the grip to be controlled by a force threshold method on the basis of the signal representing the force exerted by the individual finger.

Abstract: A manipulator gripper includes a plurality of serially pivoted cylindrical finger members 3, each having an axially parallel but eccentrically disposed bore hole 14 slidably accommodating a piston 5. Upon the application of fluid pressure each piston acts upon the rear surface 15 of a finger member immediately in front to pivot the latter about a bearing bolt 11. A frictional coating 13 may be provided on the working surfaces of the finger members to implement firm workpiece gripping, and a pneumatic sensor line 12 may be disposed below such coating to detect workpiece engagement. Springs 8 provide a restoring force after fluid pressure is relieved.

Abstract: A loader for a machine tool comprising horizontal track means, shuttle means mounted on the track means for relative horizontal displacement, support means including rigidly secured top, front and back walls, the front and back walls each including a pair of horizontally spaced bores, a pair of shafts selectively sized for insertion into the bores, and means for releasably securing the shafts to the front and back walls to define the bottom wall of the support means, gripper assembly means including first and second gear means each having a central bore for matingly receiving one of the shafts, first and second gripper arm means each having a bore for matingly receiving one of the shafts, means for rigidly securing the first and second gear means to the first and second gripper arm means, respectively, hydraulic cylinder means having a housing including coaxial boss means extending outwardly from the front and back walls thereof and having a selectively advanceable rod means, the first gripper arm means furth

Abstract: Means for lifting and rotating a package ninety degrees in lifted position, in a height limiting environment, rather than a scissor type tong environment.

Abstract: An elongated base is provided including a pair of opposite side opposing abutment surfaces disposed in a plane extending therebetween transversely of the base. A pair of elongated longitudinal side-by-side levers are disposed between the abutment surfaces and include opposite end portions projecting from opposite sides of the aforementioned plane. A first pair of end portions define opposing jaw faces for clamping an auto body portion therebetween and anchor structure is carried by the base for applying a pulling force thereon in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end portions project. Wedge structure is shiftably supported from the base between the second end portions of the levers and operable to selectively wedge the second end portions apart and thereby cause the levers to fulcrum on the abutment surfaces to swing the first pair of end portions toward each other.

Abstract: In a machine system for continuous formation of molecularly oriented plastic bottles by blowing heat-conditioned parisons comprising a plurality of parison-forming stations, i.e., sixteen (16); a plurality of blowing stations, but fewer in number than the number of parison-forming stations, i.e., four (4); and a storage area between the parison-forming and parison-blowing stations, improvements are described primarily in the storage area and in the mechanisms for transferring hot parisons from the parison-forming station to the storage area and from the storage area, sequentially in multiples, to the blowing station.

Abstract: A pipe gripping head especially suitable for use with pipe handling apparatus in earth drilling operations. The pipe gripping head includes a pair of jaws operably pivotable between an open and a closed locked position which does not rely on pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to maintain the jaws in the closed position.

Abstract: A manipulator mechanism for handling small electronic components consists of a number of pairs of fingers, each pair being movable independently and being capable of being used for electrically testing the component. The mechanism can position the component accurately above its required location on a printed circuit board and movable push rods are used to insert the electrical leads of the component into their required positions.

Abstract: An improvement in rail threading devices having at least four rollers mounted on two rectangular plates. Each rectangular plate is fastened by a stud to a framing member which allows movement of the rectangular plate relative to the framing member. The framing members are mechanically attached together so that the rollers will straddle a section of rail and grip the rail from the underside of the rails' upper section when the device is lifted by a crane. The mechanical attachment of the framing members is such that the device can be used to lift a rail which is on the ground and further allow the rollers to be separated when the tension on an attached crane cable is relaxed thereby providing for ease in removal or attachment of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus for the handling of drill collar and pipe stands and comprised of a hydraulically mechanized "Derrickman" and "Derrick Floor Hand" and associated fingerboard lock bars and all of which are adapted to remote control in the placement of the stands in a derrick, both in alignment with the rotary table and fully placed within the racking fingers, the stand handling mechanism being characterized by articulated arms extensible by actuator apparatus housed entirely within the confines thereof for compactness.

Abstract: An improved pipe guiding apparatus for vertically aligning pipe section joints in a derrick having a worktable and an elevator for vertically suspending at least one pipe section above the worktable. The apparatus is comprised of a rotary axle for horizontal attachment in the derrick, a frame attached to the rotary axle, a power cylinder for rotating the rotary axle, a pair of guide jaws pivotally attached to the forward end of the frame, a cylinder for moving the guide jaws between open and closed positions attached thereto and control for remotely operating the power cylinder for rotating the axle and the cylinder for moving the guide jaws so that that frame can be selectively moved to a position whereby the guide jaws are adjacent a vertically suspended pipe section and the guide jaws thereafter closed on the pipe section.

Abstract: A method of placing an article onto a surface in close proximity to an adjacent previously-placed article, comprises gripping the article between a pair of jaws, tilting it away from the previously-placed article about an axis parallel to the surface and thereafter releasing it by opening the jaws, the tilt being sufficient to bring the lowered side of the gripped article close to the surface, with the elevated jaw remaining sufficiently high to clear the previously-placed article as it opens.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing protective members from the threaded ends of pipe joints. A rotating head assembly is attached for longitudinal movement respective to a main frame having a motor mounted therewithin. The head includes a plurality of protector gripping jaws which are radially spaced from one another and aligned such that movement of the head assembly towards and away from the main frame causes the jaws to releasably grip the pipe protector. The rotating head assembly includes spaced parallel arms connected to cause the jaws to maintain the same relative position as the jaws are moved apart from one another to accommodate different diameter pipe. The apparatus can also be used to engage and remove pipe couplings as well as other threaded members. A second embodiment of the invention includes a cleaning head assembly mounted to the main frame which cleans the threads of both the box end and pin end of the pipe.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00584 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 9, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 9, 1979 PCT Filed PCT Pub No. WO 81/00396 Pub Date Feb. 19, 1981A compact grapple head (10) for use in apparatus such as a logging vehicle (11). The grapple head has a reduced overall height and utilizes four pivot connections (17,26,27 and 31) in controlling the tongs (13 and 18) thereof. The arrangement of the pivot connections relative to the tongs, an extensible device (22) and an interconnecting (28) provides an improved load-handling capability both as to maximum and minimum loads. Each of the extensible device (22) and link (28) is connected between the tongs with one of the pivotal connections (26) connecting both of the extensible device (22) and link (28) to one of the tongs (13) and a second pivotal connection (27) connecting both the extensible device and the other of the tongs (18) to the frame (12).

Abstract: This device for transporting and jettisoning ringless loads, notably under aircraft, comprises at least one pair of gripping arms operable about two substantially perpendicular axes. Each gripping arm is associated with a separate universal joint structure, the two structures being assembled by a cross member. A structure is provided for locking the gripping arms in their retracted position.

Abstract: An arcuate-shaped upper jaw is pivotally attached near its inner end to the outer end of the stick member extending from the boom assembly of a backhoe, and an arcuate-shaped lower jaw is pivotally connected to the inner end of the upper jaw, the lower jaw further being pivotally connected by means of a rod or a hydraulic cylinder to the underside of the stick member. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder disposed on the stick member causes movement of the upper jaw, which thereby effects movement of the lower jaw, such that the jaws can be moved together for clamping or apart for a raking operation by the lower jaw.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for use in a header wherein transfer fingers are mounted in a horizontally movable finger head in a manner such that each finger can be deflected, as needed, to engage a workpiece, e.g., at the cut-off station, whether or not it has been accurately positioned, the workpiece being then automatically placed in the proper position for transferring accurately to the next station.

Abstract: A gripping tool, particularly intended to be fitted on the jib of a crane. The tool comprises a support member and gripping jaws arranged to pivot towards and away from one another relative to said support member. By means of connecting rods 25 the gripping jaws are removably secured in pairs to the ends of two tubular shafts and are arranged to pivot jointly in opposite directions about coaxial shaft journals on the support member. Each gripping jaw is provided with a laterally directed hub sleeve having a non-round cross-sectional shape. The hub sleeves are arranged for insertion into the ends of the tubular shafts.

Abstract: A self-tightening clamp adapted on closure to suspend a sheet of glass where the clamp includes a stirrup and levers pivotally mounted on the ends of the stirrup with a sheet engaging stud at the end of each lever positioned above the pivot point of the lever. An arm is pivotally mounted at one end to the end of each lever and at its other end is pivotally connected to a suspension link. Guides are associated with the stirrup and the suspension link to assure that the stirrup will move vertically with respect to the suspension link during opening and closing of the clamp. Stops are associated with the stirrup to limit pivotal movement of the levers towards each other and to limit movement of the studs towards each other whereby when the clamp is fully closed, the studs are spaced apart slightly less than the width of the sheet with which they are to engage so as to embed slightly into the sheet.

Abstract: A device for picking up and placing articles on a moving conveyor or assembly line, comprising a conveyor including a support adapted to be moved in a first conveyor shaft, an article station adjacent the conveyor, an article handling device support assembly adjacent the conveyor, an arrangement mounting the article handling device support assembly for movement along an article handling path, and a reciprocating drive connected to the conveyor and to the article handling support assembly to move the article handling support assembly in timed relationship to the conveyor.

Abstract: An improved post puller includes a U-shaped grapple and a pivot mount providing both a generally vertical pivot position for connection of the grapple to a draw bar and a base for mounting an operating handle thereto. One alternate embodiment provides adjustability. Further, the handle and pivot axis are specifically disposed in varying alternate positions for first rotating the grapple to grasp a post and then to permit rotation about another axis for post pulling. Another alternate embodiment includes a double grapple and actuating apparatus for opening and closing it about a post.

Abstract: A device for use in gripping a flanged structural member comprises a pair of gripping members pivotally connected together about a first axis for movement towards and away from one another, a screw threaded connection operable to urge the gripping members together to clamp a flanged member therebetween, and each of the gripping members being provided with a jaw having a recess to receive a flange of the flanged structural member, each jaw being pivotable about an axis parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A device is disclosed, carried by a first vehicle such as an orbiting space shuttle, having a plurality of contact members for engaging and holding an annular ring on a second vehicle such as an orbiting payload. The contact members are connected to manipulator arms which are mounted at a fulcrum point and which are moved by an iris-type mechanism. Movement of the manipulator arms causes the contact members to grasp or release the annular ring. Bumper devices are provided to axially align the annular ring and draw the contact members into engagement therewith.

Abstract: In lifting gear for filled sacks, a device for engaging a gathered and flattened end of the sack adjacent the mouth thereof comprises two pairs of tongs. A first clamping bar is disposed at the free end of one limb of each pair of tongs and a second clamping bar, parallel to the first, is secured to two links which are pivoted to the free ends of the other limbs. The gathered and flattened end of the sack is introduced between the clamping bars as the open tongs are lowered, whereupon the links are revolved and the tongs are closed so that the end of the sack is slung about the clamping bars.

Abstract: A lifting device for use in association with concrete forming structures is provided. The lifting device has a pair of jaws, mounted on an axle, with a lifting lug associated with one of the jaws and a handle associated with the other of the jaws so that the other jaw may be hingedly moved relative to the first jaw. A spring loaded locking pin is provided to lock the second jaw in either an open or closed position, relative to the first position. The locking pin and the handle are each operable from above the lifting device. The inner ends of each of the hook-like jaws are rounded so as to specifically match the root configuration between the web and top flange of an upper chord of a truss, or other component of a concrete forming structure intended to be lifted using the lifting device of the present invention.

Abstract: Improvements in large bale handlers and loaders which are tractor mounted and include (1) a frame pivotably mounted on a tractor; (2) lifting device operative to elevate the frame in pivotable movement around its connection to the tractor and also lower it; and (3) a grasping element operative to open and close to seize and release the bale.

Abstract: A lifting clamp for articles such as steel plates has a movable arcuate gripping jaw, a pivotally mounted arcuate cam jaw, an enlarged recessed opening to receive the article to be lifted, a shackle, a linkage connecting the shackle to the gripping jaw and a locking mechanism engageable with the linkage to lock the gripping jaw in either open or closed position. The locking mechanism has a handle located outside of the clamp body, an integral connection between the handle and an interior portion of the locking mechanism and an auxiliary spring biased locking pin for holding the locking mechanism in the closed position.

Abstract: An accumulator arm for use with a harvesting apparatus having support means with grapple means and cutter means on the support means consists of first and second portions which are pivotally interconnected and are normally biased to an end-to-end relation. The biasing means consists of a flexible member entrained over a sleeve forming part of the pivotal connection with first and second spring means interposed between opposite ends of the flexible member and the respective portions of the arm.

Abstract: A load skidding vehicle including a vehicle frame and front and rear wheels on the frame. A grapple mechanism is mounted on the frame and includes a grapple outside of the periphery of the frame for partially lifting a load to be skidded across the ground. A force applying member is carried by the frame for applying a force having a substantial downward component to a load grasped by the grapple at a point spaced from the point of engagement of the load with the grapple and remote from the frame to thereby provide a reactive force tending to equalize the weight distribution on the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: Three gripping arms are held either in work or storage position, and in storage position the sharp points of the arms are protected from injuring personnel. A line is attached to an eye on the lower end of a stem, the upper end of the stem being threaded. A spreader having three radial slots is fixed a set distance below the upper end of the stem. The upper ends of gripping arms, which are pointed at their lower ends, fit into the slots and are pivoted to the spreader. A hollow nut threaded on the stem has a cam surface which cooperates with cam surfaces on the upper ends of the arms to hold the arms either in outwardly-spread work position or collapsed storage position.

Abstract: A trailer attachment for a tree harvester is disclosed herein. The trailer attachment consists of a main frame having a grapple frame supported thereon through a support frame and the support frame is rotated about a vertical axis on the main frame while the grapple frame is supported for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis on the support frame. First and second biasing means are interposed respectively between the main frame and support frame and the support frame and grapple frame so that the grapple frame is returned to a predetermined position wherein an upper support surface extends generally horizontally and the horizontal pivot axis extends generally parallel to the main axle for the trailer.

Abstract: A paper roll-handling clamp for lift trucks of the pivoted arm type capable of clamping a paper roll and shifting the position of the roll relative to the lift truck between a position of equal extension, wherein the forward ends of the clamp arms extend a substantially equal distance forwardly of the lift truck, and a position of unequal extension wherein the forward end of one clamp arm extends a greater distance forwardly than the forward end of the other clamp arm. The shifting movement of the clamp arms in unison occurs about a first transverse pivot axis, while the pivoting of the clamp arms with respect to one another to perform the clamping function occurs about a second transverse pivot axis located a spaced distance away from the first pivot axis and movable with respect thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle has a tree shear mechanism mounted thereto, which is raisable and lowerable relative to the vehicle. The tree shear mechanism may also be tilted about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle so that with the vehicle on ground of one level and slope, and the tree to be sheared on another ground level and slope, the tree shear mechanism can be properly positioned for appropriate shearing of the tree.

Abstract: A suspended material handling unit has a simplified, compact and economical thrust and limited rotational bearing means between relatively fixed and limited rotational components of the unit. Both lifting and down pressure reaction forces are transmitted through the double-acting thrust bearing in such a way that screws which connect a thrust bearing cap to the limited rotational component are relieved of the comparatively heavy down pressure reaction forces. The rotational bearing means immediately below the double-acting thrust bearing spans a substantial axial distance in the telescoped components and provides lateral stability in the unit.

Abstract: A lifting grab is designed to enter restricted areas close to the circumferential diameter of a cylindrical object resting on its bottom such as a pipe or torpedo and to engage a position grasping the object on its circumferential outer surface below its horizontal diameter for lifting the object upwardly. The grab has pivoted hook and clamp members closely surrounding the outer circumference of the object about an arc greater than half the circumferential span, with the clamp member terminating in a lifting shackle. Provision is made for locking the clamp in grasping position and to lift the grab along its center of gravity in both opened mounting and closed grasp positions. The cylindrical object is grasped by pivoted swivel pad members mating with the cylindrical surface and mounted near the lower ends of the clamp and hook members.

Abstract: A forceps which includes two halves with each half having an elongate body portion with a handle member on one end portion and a distal tip on the other end portion. Spaced hinge parts are carried on the body portion of one half and engage inset recesses formed in the body portion of the other half so that manipulation of the handles will open and close the distal tips relative to each other without changing the exterior size of the combined body portions of the two halves. The two halves are readily separable for sterilization.

Abstract: A carrier for articles, such as eggs, provided with two hook-shaped gripper portions, the "free" ends of which have openings for receiving an article having its longitudinal axis oriented substantially horizontally, and the other facing ends are so pivotally mounted around shafts mounted in a frame that the "free" gripper ends can be moved towards and from each other, which shafts at minimum interspace between the "free" gripper ends always lie in or inwardly of the plane of the opening of the "free" end in question.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the removal of castings from chill moulds. The device comprises a body provided with controllable gripping means for the chill mould and controlling gripping means for the casting and ramming means provided to create blows against the chill mould in order to loosen the same from the casting. The body is provided to be suspended by hoisting means.

Abstract: A multi-shell grab bucket apparatus comprises a distributor head having a plurality of engine cylinder chambers rigidly fixed with respect to the distributor head and being disposed in a common horizontal plane and extending radially outwardly from and angularly spaced about the distributory head center axis. Engine pistons are mounted for sliding reciprocatory movement within respective ones of the engine cylinder chamber and define therewith double-acting reciprocating engines. A set of fluid supply passages located internally of the distributor head are connectable to an external source of fluid pressure medium for supplying the medium to opposite ends of the engine cylinder chambers to effect reciprocation of the engine pistons to thereby actuate scoops connected to respective ones of the engine pistons.

Abstract: This installation has an extracting carriage provided with an extracting tongs. The extracting carriage is provided with means for driving the extracting tongs in rotation at the same speed as the mould. Consequently, in the extraction of large diameter cast iron pipes not intended to be annealed there is no risk of the pipes becoming oval.

Abstract: The invention relates to an hydraulic octopus grab having a distributor head to which are pivoted in star formation grab blades and corresponding hydraulic operating cylinders. The distributor head is suspended at the bottom of a shaft which is positively rotatable by hydraulic means within a rotary head having a suspension eye mounted thereto at its upper end for suspending the grab.

Abstract: A head for grasping and guiding a length of pipe, such as marine riser pipe. The head has a base, a body pivoted to the base, and a pair of latch arms pivoted to the body for grasping and releasing the pipe. Power actuated means are provided for pivoting the body on its pivot. Power actuated means are provided for pivoting the latch arms between open and closed positions. The power operated means may embody features that adapt the head to the requirements of grasping and guiding a length of riser pipe suspended from hoisting equipment by a cable and being drawn into a derrick.

Abstract: A device for slipping a tube on the mandrel of a bending machine includes a support upon which a pair of slides are slidably mounted for movement in a direction parallel to the axis of the mandrel. A double arm lever is pivotally mounted to each slide, about axes parallel to the axis of the mandrel and a cylinder is mounted between the first ends of the levers. Gripping jaws are removably mounted to holders rotatably connected to the other ends of the levers, the gripping jaws being adapted to clamp a tube to be bent therebetween on opposite sides of the mandrel. A further cylinder is provided for moving the slides in a direction parallel to the axis of the mandrel.

Abstract: A mobile harvester which is capable of severing trees at their base, one at a time, and gathering trees, one at a time, while the previously accumulated trees are rigidly held together. The harvester has tree gathering means located vertically above a shear blade mechanism and this gathering means includes two pairs of power operated arms which are pivotally mounted so that each pair of arms can be individually and selectively swung between an open, tree receiving position and a closed, tree holding position. One of the pairs of arms holds the accumulated trees while the other pairs of arms gathers subsequently severed trees, one at a time, and brings them into the bundle of previously accumulated trees.