Abstract: A gripping tool includes a bracket for connecting the gripping tool to a crane. The gripping tool further includes a main body connected to the bracket and a plurality of jaw members pivotally arranged on the main body. The plurality of jaw members are controlled by a plurality of actuators and are arranged to cooperatively grip and hold goods to be lifted or manipulated. A supplementary jaw member is displaceably connected to a first jaw member of the plurality of jaw members. The supplementary jaw member is displaced from a position where a gripping surface of the supplementary jaw member rests against a gripping surface of an outer surface of the first jaw member to a position where the gripping surface of the supplementary jaw member is separated by a distance from the gripping surface of the first jaw member.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in one aspect, to a cooking utensil including a functional member configured to engage a food item and a handle member extending from the functional member for gripping the utensil and for moving the functional member. The functional member includes a blade having a pair of opposite surfaces meeting at a pair of opposite lateral edges, one of the lateral edges being sharpened to form a cutting edge and the other one of the lateral edges including prongs and at least one of the planar surfaces having one or more recesses that do not pass entirely through the blade. In a preferred form, the one or more recesses include one or more concave depressions in the at least one of the planar surfaces.

Abstract: A gripper for pulling arrows, which are composed of an arrow head and an arrow shaft. The gripper comprises a handle, a gripper head and at least three hinges, wherein the handle and the gripper head comprise two first legs extending in an elongated manner, which are connected to one another via the first hinge, which has a first rotation axis aligned transversely to the elongated extension of the legs, so that two counteracting levers are provided by means of the first hinge as a first support. Two lever arm sections act as force arm sections, thus being assigned to the handle, and two lever arm sections act as load arm sections, thus being assigned to the gripper head. On each of the two lever arm sections that are assigned to the gripper head, a gripper jaw is pivoted in the interior of the gripper head.

Abstract: The manual lifting device has a first and second arms, pivotally connected to each other, each having a downward projection from a distal end thereof, extending generally vertically when in use. A handle is mounted on one of the arms, extending generally over the center of gravity of the device. Positioning the device so that the downward projections loosely contact edges of an object to be lifted, and then lifting the handle, causes the arms to pivot downwardly relative to each other, thereby causing the downward projections to rotate inwardly to grasp the object. Alternatively, there is a central handle, and the two arms pivot downwardly from opposite ends of the handle.

Abstract: Kitchen tongs have two arms, each having a hinge end with a handle portion and a grasping end. A spring at pivotally joined hinge ends biases the grasping ends away from each other in open position. A support member on each arm intermediate the handle portion and the grasping end is located such that the weight between the hinge end and the support member is greater than the weight between the grasping end and the support member. The support members extend from the arms sufficiently to cause the grasping ends to be elevated above a horizontal planar support surface when the hinge ends and the support members are resting on the support surface so that the tongs may rest upon a planar support surface without contaminating the support surface or the grasping ends. A sliding element moves between two magnets for locking and unlocking tongs with one hand.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, robotic attacher comprises a supplemental arm comprising a fixed portion and a gripping portion. The fixed portion comprises a pivot assembly and a rotating assembly. The pivot assembly pivots the gripping portion between maximum-left, maximum-right, and centered positions. The rotating assembly rotates the gripping portion between upright and upside down positions. The gripping portion comprises a gripper comprising claw arms operable to open and close.

Abstract: Disclosed is a humanoid robot capable of improving power transmission efficiency of a wire and movement displacement of a wrist joint by modifying the structure of the wrist joint serving as a passage for wires. The humanoid robot includes a robot hand including a power transmission device for transferring gripping force to finger members. The power transmission device includes connection members connecting an actuator to finger joints and guide members for guiding the connection members. The guide members include a first guide member coupled to a robot arm and a second guide member coupled to a hand body. The connection members are alternately wound around the first and second guide members. The gripping force is enhanced whereby a length of the connection members provided between the first and second guide members is constantly maintained even if the second guide member is shifted from the first guide member.

Abstract: A robot hand converts the longitudinal extending and retracting motion of an actuating rod of a linear actuator into opening and closing motion of left and right first links via a link mechanism. The link mechanism includes left and right middle links composed of coil springs. When the left and right first links come in contact with an object to be gripped, the middle links elastically deform and expand, and the force gripping the object gradually increases due to the elastic deformation of the middle links. It is possible to prevent a large gripping force from acting suddenly on the object and to prevent the object from being deformed, damaged, or otherwise suffering harmful effects.

Abstract: An apparatus of an automated object manipulation system includes a support base; a finger assembly mechanically coupled to the support base; a first drive unit operable to rotate the finger assembly about a first axis; a second drive unit operable to rotate the finger assembly about a second axis; a third drive unit operable to rotate the finger assembly about a third axis, and a processor capable of conducting a profile assessment; determining a manipulation program in response to the profile assessment; and controlling the finger assembly in response to the manipulation program where the finger assembly has a support bracket with a set of parallel jaws and the support bracket is mechanically coupled to the first drive unit, a linking bracket mechanically coupled to the second drive unit and a circular frame mechanically coupled to the finger assembly and the third drive unit.

Abstract: The joint mechanism includes a first link, a second link, a third link, a shaft supported on the second link to be rotatable about an axis thereof, and movable in an axis direction thereof, a first worm and a second worm mounted on the shaft, a first worm wheel in mesh with the first worm to pivotally move the first link with respect to the second link, and a second worm wheel in mesh with the second worm to pivotally move the third link with respect to the second link. The first link and the third link are pivotally moved in opposite directions to each other by rotating the shaft, and pivotally moved in identical directions to each other by moving the shaft in the axis direction.

Abstract: A robot hand includes: a drive source; a baseboard; a housing that is capable of advancing and retreating on the baseboard by means of the drive source; a pair of hands that are provided to grasp an object and held by the housing; an operation body that is provided to be capable of being pushed by the object and is held by the housing; and a close mechanism that changes a state of the hands from a non-grasping state where the hands release the object into a grasping state where the hands grasp the object, in response to pushing of the operation body, and that is held by the housing.

Abstract: An improved severe duty grapple for attachment onto the end of a dipper stick of a backhoe has an arcuate-shaped upper jaw with an inner end and a backside. The upper jaw is pivotally attached near its inner end on its backside to the end of a dipper stick and a double action actuator or cylinder for operative pivotal movement of the upper jaw relative to the dipper stick. An arcuate-shaped lower jaw is provided with an inner end and a backside. The lower jaw is attached near its inner end on its backside to the dipper stick by a linkage for operative pivotal movement of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. A hollow tubular pivot is attached to the inner end of one of the jaws with open opposing ends. Two lug plates are mounted on the inner end of the other jaw each with an eyelet. The eyelets are alignable with the open ends of the tubular pivot. A pivot pin is passed through the tubular pivot and eyelets and secured thereat.

Abstract: A multi-fingered underactuated mechanical grasping system driven by a single actuator, yet can grasp objects spanning a wide range of size, shape, and mass. A member for moving a link relative to a base acts in parallel to a direction of compliance of a joint between the link and the base. The joint has a plurality of degrees of freedom. The number of members for moving links in the grasping system is less than the number of degrees of freedom in the grasping system.

Abstract: The pinching fingers implement of the present invention provides independent grasping claws that can be independently opened or closed, and also independently rolled forward and backward, to provide for the secure and versatile grasping, manipulation and transport of irregular items. An attachment bracket may extend between two pairs of pinching fingers to allow connection of a secondary implement between the pinching fingers. The attachment bracket and the secondary implements may be structured such that the secondary implement may be attached without tools by rotating the pinching fingers forward, scooping up the implement, rotating the fingers backwards and securing the secondary implement with rotatable stands.

Abstract: A clamping element for attaching a gripper onto a clamping tongue as well as a gripper with this kind of clamping element is provided. The clamping element has a longitudinal carrier the width of which substantially corresponds to the width of the clamping tongue and at least two mutually distanced clamping regions. At least one fastening element for the detachable fastening of the clamping elements to the clamping tongue (42, 44) is provided. The clamping element provides an improved force division as well as a secure support on the clamping tongue.

Abstract: The medicament dispensing machine enables to use vials having various sizes and shapes without changing a part in the machine or without performing a special operation. The medicament dispensing machine contains a discharging unit that receives a vial filled with a medicament from a medicament filling means and discharges out of a vial discharging window. The discharging unit contains a vial gripping means having a pair of gripping arms that grip a vial, a body of gripping means having the vial gripping means, a moving means that moves the vial gripping means from the medicament filling means to the vial discharging window, and an orientation changing mechanism that changes the orientation of the body of gripping means. With a coordination of the movement of the body of gripping means toward the vial discharging window, the orientation changing mechanism makes the gripping arms orient to the vial discharging window.

Abstract: The invention relates to grill tongs, comprising two rods, which are movably connected and which can be pivoted relative to each other and which each have a gripping surface for an item to be grilled at the end of the rods near the grill and which are equipped with a handle at the end of the rods far from the grill, which handle is used as a contact surface for the fingers of a user, wherein a heat shield is arranged on the rod in the area of the handle, which heat shield is fastened to the side of the rod inside the tongs and from there curves around the side of the handle facing outward and is at a distance to the handle.

Abstract: This invention is a firm bodied, clamshell-like device which is adapted to be easily opened to allow a user to conveniently grasp a door handle. Preferably, the clamshell has a hinge, or an easily repeatably foldable section, at or near its proximal end. Extending distally from the hinge section are generally planar both top and bottom plates. The plates may be relatively flat or curved. An easily operated lock/unlock latch may be located in the hinge. Alternately, a latch may be provided on the distal end of either the top or bottom plates, or along a side of either or both.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for engaging objects, such as heat exchangers of varying sizes. The device includes at least one gripper provided with at least a first and a second gripper arm, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other gripper arm for enclosing an object therebetween; and a driving mechanism connected to at least one of the first and second gripper arms for closing or opening the gripper as needed, wherein at least one of the first and second gripper arms includes a first and a second gripper arm part that are pivotally coupled together, and an adjusting mechanism provided between the first and second gripper arm parts, the adjusting mechanism being arranged for adjusting the angle between the gripper arm parts in dependence on the diameter of the object to be engaged prior to engaging the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product gripper for picking up a product, having two shovels (22) and a driving means (26) for moving the shovels (22) between a first position, in which the shovels (22) can be placed onto a support for the product to be picked up, on opposite sides of the product to be picked up, and a second position, in which the shovels (22) are located at least partially under the product to be picked up. The product gripper is furthermore provided with means (32) for shortening the product.

Abstract: A gripper for petroleum pipes, the gripper including a housing and two gripper arms. The gripper arms are provided, at end portions, with gripping surfaces and are pivotable, at opposite end portions, around respective first axes. Each of the gripper arms is connected to the housing by respective first pivotal links, each of the first pivotal links being pivotably connected to the respective gripper arm around a second axis which is between the gripping surface and the first axis. Each of the first pivotal links is pivotably connected to the housing around a third axis, and each of the gripper arms is connected to the housing by a respective second pivotal link around the first axis. Each of the second pivotal links is pivotably connected to the housing on respective fourth axis fixed relative to the housing, the two first pivotal links being independently pivotable.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tongs having a body in which an operation rod is inserted into a hollow hole thereof and a handle fitted to one side of the body while being penetrably formed, at one side thereof, with a slot, includes a vertical flange provided at one side end of the operation rod so as to radially extend, a fixed lever which is penetrably formed, at a central region thereof, with a through hole, the fixed lever being integrally constituted, at one side thereof, with the handle while protruding outward at the other side thereof, and an operation lever which is hinged-fixed, at an intermediate portion thereof, to the fixed lever, the operation lever including an upper operation lever provided, at one side thereof, outward of the handle and a lower operation lever provided, at the other side thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gripper for a manipulator robot comprising two members articulated at a first end, each member comprising a jaw support (8?) at a second end, and a jaw (10?) that will come into contact with an object, the jaw (10?) being approximately plane, a force sensor (26?) arranged between at least one jaw support (8?) and a jaw (10?) so as to apply a force during displacement of the jaw (10?), and a deformable parallelogram connection (14?) connecting the jaw (10?) to the jaw support (8?), the sensor (26?) being oriented such that a sensitive axis of the sensor is orthogonal to the plane of the jaw (10?).

Abstract: A gripper for manipulating containers includes a support on which a cam mechanism is pivotally mounted. The gripper has a first jaw operated by the cam mechanism and a second jaw controlled by the first jaw. The first jaw has an actuator which interacts with a receiving mechanism on the second jaw for opening or closing the gripper. The actuator is pivotally associated with the first jaw so that, when force is applied by the receiving mechanism due to rotation of the second jaw relative to the first jaw, the actuator can rotate relative to the first jaw to allow the gripper to open.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot hand and a humanoid robot having the same. The robot hand includes a plurality of finger members and a base member to which one end of the finger members is rotatably coupled, respectively. The finger members are rotated through pneumatic pressure so that intervals between adjacent finger members are changed. If the finger members are not used, the intervals between the finger members are widened so that the finger members are prevented from being damaged when the finger members collide with walls or objects.

Abstract: In order to transport a flat material to be treated (21) in an installation for the chemical and/or electrochemical treatment of said material, within which the material to be treated (21) is transported within a plane of transport in a direction of transport (5), holding means (22, 25) are attached to said material to be treated (21). The holding means (22, 25) hold the material to be treated (21) at at least two points on an edge region of said material, which edge region is directed along the direction of transport (5) when said material to be treated (21) is being transported. The holding means (22, 25) are coupled in a detachable manner to a transporting device (41) which moves said holding means (22, 25) in the direction of transport in order to transport the material to be treated (21).

Abstract: The apparatus serves for blow molding containers. Preforms of a thermoplastic material are heated in the region of a heating zone and subsequently transferred to a blow molding device. The blow molding device is provided with at least one blow molding station for transforming the preforms into the containers. Provided for handling the preforms is a gripper-like transporting element (41) with two gripper arms (45, 46), which are arranged pivotably in relation to a gripper carrier (42). Each of the gripper arms can be pivoted by means of at least one lever and is coupled with a central element (49). The central element is arranged at least partly between the gripper arms. Each of the gripper arms is resiliently clamped with respect to the central element by at least one spring (56, 57).

Abstract: A robot hand converts the longitudinal extending and retracting motion of an actuating rod of a linear actuator into opening and closing motion of left and right first links via a link mechanism. The link mechanism includes left and right middle links composed of coil springs. When the left and right first links come in contact with an object to be gripped, the middle links elastically deform and expand, and the force gripping the object gradually increases due to the elastic deformation of the middle links. It is possible to prevent a large gripping force from acting suddenly on the object and to prevent the object from being deformed, damaged, or otherwise suffering harmful effects.

Abstract: For use to enhance operations in a mechanized doughmaking facility, disclosed is a dough ball lifter comprised of a pair of opposing surrounds, having cutaways to minimize contact between the surrounds and the dough ball, and which lifter preferably is attachable to a robotic arm to move the surrounds from open to closed positions, so that the dough ball can be lifted and placed.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping and lifting objects such as construction castings has a T-shaped frame comprising elongate horizontal and vertical frame members. The vertical frame member is slidably received in one end of a hollow sleeve member which is connected to its upper end to a lifting means such as a loop or hook. A pair of articulated pivot arms are each connected at one end to the hollow sleeve member and at the other end to the horizontal frame member, with a joint being provided between the ends of each pivot arm. Carried at the ends of the horizontal frame member are a plurality of contact members which are adapted to contact and grip the sidewall of a construction casting. In use, the apparatus is placed over a construction casting with the horizontal frame member resting on the upper surface and with the contact elements in position facing the side wall of the casting.

Abstract: A tubing grab assembly to retain and lift tubing, pipes, tubulars or other cylindrical objects. The assembly includes a pair of opposed jaws and a housing having a cavity. A least one of the opposed jaws has a shaft therethrough to permit rotation of the jaw with respect to the housing between a closed position and an open position. A jaw spring forces the movable jaw toward the closed position. A retractable spring trigger mechanism locks the pair of opposed jaws in the closed position.

Abstract: A gripping device arranged for gripping an article 44, such as a food article, in particular a piece of meat, said gripping device 1 comprising at least two gripping parts 5, 7 pivotally suspended with respect to each other. At least one of the gripping parts 5, 7 is pivotally suspended and comprises a gripping arm 4, 6 and a gripping clamp 12, 14, wherein the gripping arm 4, 6 is adapted for carrying the gripping clamp 12, 14. The gripping device 1 further comprises a flexible belt-shaped material 20, which extends at least between lower parts of the at least two gripping parts.

Abstract: A force sensor is disposed on a base portion, a finger base on which a pair of fingers are opposed to each other is disposed on a measuring unit of the force sensor, a finger driving mechanism base is disposed on the base portion so as to not contact the force sensor, the finger base or the fingers, and finger driving mechanisms are disposed on the finger driving mechanism base so finger opening and closing driving force vectorsface each other within a plane on which the pair of the opposed fingers are moved to open or close so as to cancel each other, such that the fingers are driven so the resultant force is virtually zero. An actuator, is installed at a place other than the base portion, the force sensor, the finger base, or the fingers and the finger driving mechanism base, and drives the finger driving mechanism.

Abstract: A gripper system having a pair of jaws operable in a first plane and having a central closure axis; each jaw including a finger member and finger tip member disposed on its distal end; and a gripper drive assembly for moving the jaws toward and away from each other; each finger member having a shaped inner contour for accommodating an object to be gripped; each finger tip member including an inner surface which generally aligns with the shaped inner contour for gripping a range of larger objects and an outer surface which generally aligns with the gripper central closure axis upon closure for gripping a range of smaller objects. Alternatively, each finger tip member may include a forcep element extending transversely to said plane.

Abstract: The joint mechanism includes a first link, a second link, a third link, a shaft supported on the second link to be rotatable about an axis thereof, and movable in an axis direction thereof, a first worm and a second worm mounted on the shaft, a first worm wheel in mesh with the first worm to pivotally move the first link with respect to the second link, and a second worm wheel in mesh with the second worm to pivotally move the third link with respect to the second link. The first link and the third link are pivotally moved in opposite directions to each other by rotating the shaft, and pivotally moved in identical directions to each other by moving the shaft in the axis direction.

Abstract: An improved, sanitary utensil mounting system for a self-serving food area that has at least one overhanging, transparent protective panel that prevents respiratory and direct contact contamination of the food by customers. The system includes an anchor plate is at least one magnet that is magnetically attracted to an outside base located on the outside surface of the panel directly opposite the anchor plate. Attached the anchor plate is an elastic cord. Attached to the lower end of the cord is a dishwasher safe dual ring connector that selectively attaches to a slide lock hook formed on the distal end of the utensil's handle. The slide lock hook includes an upper portion that allows the utensil to slide freely over the dual ring connector.

Abstract: Biomass may become an important source of combustible fuel in the future. For biomass, such as switchgrass, to be economically viable as a fuel, the processes required to take the plant material from a green, growing plant in the field to an energy dense package must be efficient. A bale destacker may be used to disassemble stacks of bales of biomass after the bales have been brought from the field and before the bales are used for fuel. The bale destacker disassembles a stack of bales with no manual labor. A conveyor is used to move bales, first in stacks, then in pairs to and from the bale destacker.

Abstract: A wire gripping assembly is provided with a pair of lever arms that are each movable between a gripping position and a release position. Each lever arm includes a plurality of engagement teeth that interact with drive teeth formed on a moving rack member. The rack member is coupled to a piston movable within an open interior of a drive cylinder. Pressurized air is supplied to either side of the piston to move the piston and rack member. The movement of the piston and the rack member within the drive cylinder results in pivoting movement of the first and second lever arms between the gripping position and the release position.

Abstract: For use to enhance operations in a mechanized doughmaking facility, a dough ball lifter is comprised of a pair of opposing surrounds, having cutaways to minimize contact between the surrounds and the dough ball, and which lifter preferably is attachable to a robotic arm to move the surrounds from open to closed positions, so that the dough ball can be lifted and placed.

Abstract: For use to enhance operations in a mechanized doughmaking facility, a dough ball lifter is comprised of a pair of opposing surrounds, having cutaways to minimize contact between the surrounds and the dough ball, and which lifter preferably is attachable to a robotic arm to move the surrounds from open to closed positions, so that the dough ball can be lifted and placed.

Abstract: A multi-fingered robot hand has a minimum required number of joints in finger mechanisms and is capable of stably grasping a variety of articles. The multi-fingered robot hand includes: a first palm portion provided with three finger mechanisms each connected by a root joint; a second palm portion provided with one finger mechanism connected by a root joint; and a palm joint connecting the first palm portion and the second palm portion. The palm joint permits a variation in the connection angle of the second palm portion to the first palm portion. The palm joint, bending joints, bending joints of the root joints and the root joint have rotation axes parallel to each other, and the finger mechanisms bend while turning around the rotation axes.

Abstract: A robotic finger that includes multiple phalanges, each phalange configured to be compliantly actuated. The robotic finger also includes compliant touch sensors that, in combination with the compliant actuation, provides the robotic finger with two levels of compliance. The two levels of compliance enable the robotic finger to gently conform to and manipulate objects.

Abstract: A device for gripping and handling elongated cylindrical bodies, such as pipes or sections of piping (T)1 includes a supporting structure (2) with gripping members mounted on the supporting structure (2) designed to hold the pipe in at least two gripping points along the longitudinal axis of the pipe, the gripping members including at least one fixed portion (5) and at least one movable gripping element hinged to the fixed portion and subject to the action of elements for bringing it from a closed position wherein the device holds the pipe (T) into an open position wherein the device releases the pipe (T), elements being provided on at least the fixed portion (5) or the movable gripping element that enable the rotation of the pipe (T) while the movable gripping element is in the closed position.

Abstract: A multi-fingered robotic hand comprises a base, a rotation member rotatably connected to an end of the base, a driving means, and a plurality of digits. The driving means is configured for driving the rotation member to rotate. Each digit comprises a proximal phalanx, a middle phalanx and a first transmission member. The proximal phalanx is connected to the rotation member. The middle phalanx is rotatably connected to the proximal phalanx. The first transmission member includes two ends respectively attached to the proximal phalanx and the middle phalanx, wherein the first transmission member is configured for transmitting rotation of the proximal phalanx to the middle phalanx.

Abstract: A gripper includes a connecting member and two clamping assemblies fixed on the connecting member. Each clamping assembly includes a main body and two positioning shafts. The main body defines two pivot holes, in which the positioning shafts are slidably received. Each of the positioning shafts includes a shaft sleeve, a positioning pin, a driving pin, and a plurality of balls. The positioning pin and the driving pin are received in the shaft sleeve, and the driving pin resists the positioning pin. The shaft sleeve defines a plurality of receiving holes for receiving the balls. An inner wall in the pivot hole defines a restricting groove. The driving pin is capable of driving the balls partially into the restricting groove, and driving the positioning pin partially out of the shaft sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for segregating electronic components that engages and stops each of a plurality of electronic packages passing down a singulation tube is disclosed. In addition, the segregating apparatus is cable of segregating the electronic packages even though some of them had been linked together during the sealing process. The segregating apparatus includes a first swing arm to clip a electronic component, a second swing arm to clip another electronic component, and a third swing arm to depart the two electronic components, where all of components of the segregating apparatus are driven by a single driving force, reducing the size of the apparatus and the time needed for the segregating process.

Abstract: A handling for components having a similar shape, particularly motor vehicle body parts, wherein a gripper on an arm of a robot can grip the component and its similarly-shaped other components with one and the same clamp device without re-tooling, is equipped with two gripper chucks on each clamp device. However, only one gripper chuck can be steered into the grab positions in each case, while the other gripper chuck is then located in the parking position outside a grab area on the component.

Abstract: A rod handling device includes a pivot rod, first clamp assembly pivotingly coupled to the pivot rod, a second clamp assembly pivotingly coupled to the pivot rod, and at least one locking assembly configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. While in the locked position the locking assembly prevents rotation between the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly. The rod handling device also includes a biasing member coupled to the pivot rod, the biasing member being configured to urge the locking assembly toward the locked position.

Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus which utilizes a pair of top and bottom clamp fingers to grasp the back end of a fleeing vehicle. The clamp fingers are opened and closed through the use of a pneumatic cylinder and rod. The grasping apparatus is connected to the front bumper of a motor vehicle. When not in use, the clamp fingers of the grasping apparatus are maintained in a closed position. When a fleeing vehicle is to be stopped, the chase vehicle operator would cause the pneumatic cylinder of the grasping apparatus to be pressurized so that the clamp fingers are in an open position. Once the impact or proximity triggers of the grasping apparatus come into contact with the fleeing vehicle, the clamp fingers instantly close upon the fleeing vehicle's rear bumper or trunk. By applying the chase vehicle's brakes, the fleeing vehicle will be sufficiently slowed or stopped.

Abstract: A robotic hand with finger assemblies to better simulate human hand form factors and gestures. For each finger assembly, the robotic hand includes a finger drive assembly that is operable to selectively apply tension to four elongated and flexible tension elements (e.g., steel cable). Each of the finger assemblies includes a set of links or link members that are actuated or moved by the selective tensioning/movement of the tension elements by the drive assembly. The links are interconnected with pivotal joints such that they have three degrees-of-freedom, and the finger assembly includes a set of pulleys that are supported on the links and that are arranged to provide support and to guide the tension elements through the finger assembly. The tension elements preferably extend only partially about any one of the pulleys, whereby the finger assembly utilizes “n+1” actuation with non-helical wrapping of the tension elements.