Abstract: An automatic locking mechanism can include one or more annular elements having teeth facing each other or facing away from each other. The automatic locking mechanism can include a rod disposed between the annular elements. The rod can have one or more pins configured to interface with the teeth of the annular elements. The pins and the teeth are also configured to rotate the rod when the annular elements move relative to the rod. The rotation of the rod can toggle a hook end of the rod in a hook receptacle, which can change states of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A component transfer device includes a detector configured to detect a rotation angle of a driving motor that moves a pair of gripping sections, or a position of the gripping sections, and a motor control section configured to perform position feedback control of the driving motor based on a detection signal of the detector and a position command signal from the transfer control device. A transfer control device is provided with a torque monitoring section configured to monitor a value of a command torque applied to the driving motor from the motor control section, and a gripping state determining section configured to determine that there was a change in a gripping state of the component when, with the pair of gripping sections in a state gripping the component, the command torque monitored by the torque monitoring section drops to a value smaller than a first threshold value.

Abstract: A pipe grabber is readily installed onto a pipe handler used to elevate large and heavy sections of pipe to and from a drilling platform. The pipe grabber has a pair of upper link arms pivotal about an upper cylinder pin, a pair of lower link arms pivotal about a lower cylinder pin, a pair of link pins coupling individual ones of the pair of upper link arms to individual ones of the pair of lower link arms, and a hydraulic cylinder affixed between the upper and lower cylinder pins. The pipe grabber captures a pipe within the pipe supporting trough when the cylinder is extended, and the upper link arms are configured to retract within a pipe grabber housing beneath the pipe supporting trough when the cylinder is retracted. A pair of hooks protrude from a housing side wall to suspend the pipe grabber from a pipe handler.

Abstract: Finger assemblies at the end of a robotic arm end effector includes talon that are retractable. Retraction may be accomplished by a vertical or horizontal barrel cam, a paddle and spin assembly, and/or a resilient plate.

Abstract: A clamping device, embodiments of which are well suited to securing the tail of a fish, is provided. The device includes one or more clamp arms with actuation bars fixed thereto for causing the clamp arms to pivot when the actuation bars are pushed against an object to be clamped. A locking mechanism locks the clamp arms into the clamped position.

Abstract: An apparatus for unsheathing and resheathing a needle device. The apparatus has a housing, a cam member that is movable in an axial direction relative to the housing, a ratchet member that is rotatable relative to the housing and movable in the axial direction between a first position and a second position upon movement of the cam member, and a clamp having at least two jaw members, configured to receive at least a portion of a needle sheath. In the first position of the ratchet member, the jaw members are in an open configuration for receipt or release of the needle sheath, and in the second position of the ratchet member, the ratchet member and/or the cam member holds the jaw members in a gripping position for gripping the needle sheath.

Abstract: A jaw pivoting about an axis for clamping the shell, a lower end of the jaw receives the shell to allow closure. The notch intended to interfere with a catch of a cam to retain the jaw in the closed position. The cam is rigidly connected to a pivoting lever which allows the catch to be moved from the path of the notch to allow the jaw to open. The lever is to be pivotally activated through the force of an external component. The device includes a first and second spring each acting on the lever in an opposing manner, the second spring being stiffer than the first spring. The effect of the first spring is to lift the lever. The second spring counters the action of the first spring in order to delay the lifting of the lever and the catch when removing the component.

Abstract: A method for controlling the fill volume of a grapple, such as a bulk-material crane grapple which includes at least one hoist-and-closure unit, may include adjusting the fill volume of the grapple is during the grapple closure process by adjusting/controlling the grapple hoist height. The grapple hoist speed and/or grapple hoist height may be the controlling parameter for the adjustment of the fill volume of the grapple.

Abstract: Clamp (9) for gripping a hollow body (2), which includes a clamp body (12), a pair of jaws (13) mounted articulated relative to the clamp body (12) around respective axes (A1, A2) of rotation that are parallel, and a magnetic return device (17) of the jaws (13), including a pair of magnets (18, 19) in magnetic opposition, with magnetic axes that are parallel to the axes of rotation of the jaws (13), able to draw, by opening or by closing, the clamp (9), thus having two stable positions, open and closed, in which the magnets (18, 19) are off-axis.

Abstract: The gripping mechanism is a gripping mechanism for gripping a cuvette T, the gripping mechanism comprising: a sandwiching section 50 for holding the cuvette T in a laterally sandwiching manner; a pressing section 60 for pressing downward an upper end surface of the cuvette T held in a sandwiching manner by the sandwiching section 50, wherein the pressing section 60 is arranged such that, with the cuvette T being held in a sandwiching manner by the sandwiching section 50, a central axis of the cuvette T along a vertical direction coincides mutually with a central axis of the pressing section 60 in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Method and deployment device for a downhole tool. The device includes a body; a door rotatably attached to the body and configured to have an open position for allowing at least a portion of a fishing neck of the downhole tool to contact the body and a close position that secure the at least a portion of the fishing neck inside the deployment device; a bend restrictor attached to the body and configured to receive a logging cable of the downhole tool; and a locking mechanism for securing the door in the close position.

Abstract: A gripping device for tubular elements includes two gripping arms arranged opposite to each other which together forming an opening having a diameter, transfer elements, at least one piston rod connected to the two gripping arms via the transfer elements, at least one cylinder in which the at least one piston rod is configured to run, a stop device connected to the at least one piston rod, and an adjustment system configured to limit an axial movement of the stop device and thereby the diameter of the opening. The stop device is configured to cooperate with the adjustment system.

Abstract: A robot hand includes a first bit, a second bit, a first holding member, and a second holding member. The second bit holds a microtube between the first bit and the second bit. The first holding member is disposed on the first bit. The second holding member is disposed on the second bit. The second holding member holds a vessel between the first holding member and the second holding member.

Abstract: There is a method and a device for lifting and lowering respectively a load, the load having a lifting loop attached to the load. The device comprising: a first member having means for attachment to a lifting device and means for attachment to the lifting loop of the load; a second member having means on the second member for automatically guiding the lifting loop to define a path for coupling and uncoupling of the lifting loop to and from the first member; a securing mechanism on the first member which automatically secures the lifting loop to the first member when the lifting loop engages the first member; and a release mechanism for releasing the securing mechanism to release the lifting loop from the first member.

Abstract: A wirelessly-controlled automatic releaser including a housing, rechargeable batteries, wireless controls, an electromagnetic mechanism, and a release mechanism. The housing is provided with a cylindrical configuration having a upper cavity and a coaxial lower cavity. The wireless controller includes a remote control, a control switch, antennas, and a wireless control module. The electromagnetic mechanism includes an electromagnet and an iron core. The release mechanism includes a release pin, a movable sleeve and a release sleeve sequentially suited to one another from inside to outside.

Abstract: A latching apparatus for sequentially latching and unlatching two objects is provided. The latching apparatus includes a cylinder attached to the first object and including a first opening, and a second opening laterally disposed to the first opening, a spring loaded piston including a circumferential wall disposed in the first opening, a shank axially extending from the piston and defining a transverse latch pin at an end thereof, and a spring loaded plunger disposed within the second opening. The wall defines a contiguous cam-groove thereon. The cam-groove includes alternating upper and lower nodal points with straight and inclined segments therebetween. The plunger slidably engages the cam-groove to co-operatively execute one or more of a translation, and a rotation of the shank such that the latch pin rotatably extends or retracts into or out of the slotted opening on the locking plate of the second object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking arrangement having a first wall defining a first surface and a second wall defining a second surface, with the first and second surfaces abutting each other; a mechanism for locking the first wall against the second wall; and a movable member. The first wall and the second wall are configured to define an enclosed channel for accommodating the movable member such that the movable member is slidable within the channel, and wherein the locking arrangement may assume one of two configurations, in that in one of the two configurations said walls are prevented from moving relative to each other by the movable member and in the other configuration said walls and hence the arms extended therefrom are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gripping and lifting heavy and cumbersome objects is disclosed. A slotted safety latch lever assembly permits the pivoting action of an upper tube relative to a main tube, facilitating the gripping and releasing action of arm assemblies at either end of the main tube. The length of the main tube is adjustable, permitting the main tube to shorten or lengthen as needed for gripping the object. The upper tube has a lifting device connector selectively positioned longitudinally relative to the upper tube for achieving correct balance point for lifting.

Abstract: Self-aligning and engaging concrete cylinder and mold lifting tool including a plurality of arms pivotally connected to a rod. The rod travels thru a tube and is connected to a handle. The plurality of arms are also pivotally connected to the tube. The plurality of arms are actuated in unison, synchronously, simultaneously, or otherwise to move together radially by lifting the handle up and down. Thus when the handle is drawn upward, the plurality of arms close around the circumference of the concrete cylinder mold. The circumference of the concrete cylinder mold can be any diameter ranging between the fully extension diametrical position of the plurality of arms and the fully retracted diametrical position of the plurality of arms. A demolded concrete cylinder gripper attachment can be removable attached to the lifting lugs to securely engage the demolded concrete cylinder for lifting and moving the demolded concrete cylinder.

Abstract: A tool to enable removal of a wind turbine blade, wherein the weight of the blade itself secures the blade without need for additional fixation. The tool includes an articulated structure, composed of an upper part and a lower part articulated to each other; a cradle-shaped support attached to the lower part of the structure and configured to house a blade, the cradle-shaped support having two portions being moveable to each other; a hooking element which allows the tool to be suspended from a first crane; and springs fixed to the structure for exerting an aperture force on the structure, which allows automatic aperture of the structure in the absence of blades in the interior of the cradle.

Abstract: A vertical bore coil lifter for lifting coils of steel with reduced risk of the coil telescoping includes a pair of inside legs dimensioned to fit inside the bore of the coil with remote legs to support inner wraps of the bottom of the coil. Opposed outer legs traverse the outside of the coil and terminate in outer legs that oppose the inner legs. The outer legs supporting outer wraps of the coil and prevent telescoping of the coil while it is being lifted. The lifter may be selectively brought from an open configuration, in which the feet are drawn apart to release or receive a coil to a closed configuration in which the opposed feet are drawn together to cooperate in supporting the underside of the coil. In one embodiment an automatic latching and unlatching mechanism is provided to alternate between the release and closed configurations without need for operator intervention.

Abstract: A gripping device includes a spring member provided between a gripping member body and a shaft so that driving of a gripping driving cylinder causes a driving force to be transmitted from the gripping driving cylinder to the body while the shaft and the body are held in a predetermined positional relationship; so that the body is allowed to retreat with respect to the shaft by elastically deforming the spring member by an opposing force received from a processing object that contacts the body as a result of rotating the body; and so that contact pressure of the body with respect to the processing object is increased by an elastic force of the spring member as the body retreats.

Abstract: A system for displacing a floating object comprising a jaw assembly and at least one latch assembly. The jaw assembly supports the latch assembly such that, when the latch assembly is in a latched configuration, the latch assembly maintains the jaw assembly in an open configuration and, when the jaw assembly is in the open configuration, the at least one jaw assembly defines a jaw gap through which the floating object may pass. The latch assembly is adapted to engage the floating object when the floating object has passed through the jaw gap such that the latch assembly is placed from the latched position into the unlatched position to allow the jaw assembly to move from the open configuration into the closed configuration. The jaw assembly is adapted to engage the floating object when in the closed configuration.

Abstract: Object transfer device comprising a frame (3,20,63,58), at least one gripper (6,22,22a,62,57a,57b) having a gripper body (7,25,45) and means of guiding the gripper body with respect to the frame; the gripper being equipped with one or more jaws (8,28a,28b,46) mobile with respect to the gripper body (7,25,45). The gripper comprises a magnetic element (12,32,44,52,56) capable, when it is subjected to a magnetic field greater than an efficiency threshold, of exerting a force on at least one mobile jaw. The frame comprises a control device (24,49,50) of the gripper capable of creating a magnetic field greater than the efficiency threshold in at least one zone (14,15) of the frame dedicated to the operation of the gripper. Said gripper body guide means is designed so that the magnetic element of the gripper is driven in translation along a movement path (13,33) passing through the operation zone (14,15) of the gripper defined by the control device (24,49,50).

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 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. The apparatus is then lifted, for example by a backhoe or loader, which causes the sleeve member to slide upwardly along the vertical frame member.

Abstract: A grapple, designed to grab, ferry, and dump loads of loose material such as mulch, comprising left and right frame members and finger assemblies with specially adapted curved fingers. Load arms connect the grapple to a supporting means, typically a helicopter, and also serve as anchors for finger cables and connecting arms cooperating with the finger assemblies to open and close the grapple. The method of grabbing prominently features using the shape of the fingers and the weight of the grapple and load to penetrate into and under the load. A latching mechanism cooperating with the connecting arms ensures stable ferrying until the remote operator, generally the helicopter pilot, activates an electrical control switch to release the latch and dump the load.

Abstract: A method for identifying the location, orientation and shape of an object that a robot hand touches that includes using a particle filter. The method includes defining an appropriate motion model and a measurement model. The motion model characterizes the motion of the robot hand as it moves relative to the object. The measurement model estimates the likelihood of an observation of contact position, velocity and tactile sensor information given hand-object states. The measurement model is approximated analytically based on a geometric model or based on a corpus of training data. In either case, the measurement model distribution is encoded as a Gaussian or using radial basis functions.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The device contains a set of clamps which securely attach to a plurality of different-sized containers and allow them to be quickly lifted and relocated by an operator. A toggle device may also be used to hold the clamps in the open position for added security and efficiency. A hoisting device with a translating mechanism provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced.

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 grasping apparatus includes a base unit, left and right parallel links, and a driving unit that is housed in the base unit and drives the first link of the right parallel link and the first link of the left parallel link in the open/close direction. Each of the left and right parallel links has a first link attached pivotably in an open/close direction about a base shaft of the base unit, a second link attached pivotably in the open/close direction about an auxiliary shaft located on an outer side in the open/close direction, a finger unit supported pivotably at an end of the first link and an end of the second link, and a claw projecting toward the inner side in the open/close direction and disposed along an end face of the grasping surface of the finger unit of each of the left and right parallel links.

Abstract: An optical detection device includes: a translucent unit that has elasticity; a light source unit that emits detection light toward the translucent unit; a light sensitive unit that is directed toward the translucent unit and has light sensitivity; and a detection unit that detects a target object based on the intensity of light received by the light sensitive unit.

Abstract: Pipe lifting tongs are utilized for lifting cylindrical sections of pipe, where the pipe sections may have different diameters but the jaw assemblies of the lifting tongs do not need to be changed out. The lifting tongs comprise first and second jaw members, where each jaw member may match the other. The jaw members comprise interiorally facing arcuate gripping members. The jaw members are pivotally connected together with a central fastener. Each jaw member comprises a mounting member rigidly joined to its respective gripping member. The mounting member may comprise a pair of parallel plate members, where a spaced defined between the parallel plate members. Each plate member comprises a plurality of apertures, including both circular and slotted apertures. When the first and second opposing jaw members are pivotally connected together, the parallel plate members may be sandwiched together, such that many of the apertures in the parallel plate members are aligned.

Abstract: Automatic hooking device with a block locking mechanism having a automatic hooking means, operated only by the ascending movement of the block that is opportunely guided, hooking means including at least hook clamping means that act on projections and/or the head of block for the hooking of block and, locking means consisting of an automatic locking device in a steadily closed position of the hooking means, actuated by the same ascending movement of block and consisting of a mechanism suitable for assuming and permanently maintaining the clamped closing position of hook clamping means; and release means capable of releasing locking means following a power-assisted or manual command.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot, a robot hand, and a method of controlling the robot hand, in which the robot hand rapidly and correctly approaches an object to be gripped and safely grips the object regardless of the shape and material of the object. The method of controlling a robot hand, which has a palm, and a plurality of fingers, each having a plurality of segments, connected to the palm, includes causing the palm to approach an object using at least one first distance sensor installed on the palm; causing the plurality of fingers to approach the object using at least one second distance sensor installed on the plurality of fingers; and causing the palm and the plurality of fingers to come into contact the object to grip the object.

Abstract: A pallet clamping device is mounted between forks of a material handling vehicle. The device clamps to a stringer of a pallet using a pair of horizontally moveable jaws. The jaws are resiliently forced toward one another for clamping a stringer so that a clamped pallet will not move off the forks. The jaws are mounted for pivoting and sliding motion relative to mounting pins which, together with links coupling the jaws to a base of the device, tighten jaw closure if a pallet moves away from the forks. The pivoting and sliding motion of the jaws helps align the jaws with pallets not perfectly aligned with the vehicle. Depression of a foot pedal moves the jaws from a closed position to a latched open position for receiving a pallet stringer. The jaws can also be moved to an unlatched open position for receiving a greater width center stringer. Upon release of the operating device from the unlatched open position, the jaws move toward their closed position.

Abstract: A lifter including tongs; an electric motor having a stator, a rotor, and one or more windings and a shaft operatively coupled with the first tongs for actuating the first tongs to an open position for receiving a load and actuating the first tongs to a closed position for engaging the load; and a vector drive controller electrically coupled to the electric motor for controlling the operation of the electric motor. A method of handling a load with a motorized lifter including at least one set of tongs and an electric motor coupled to the tongs, the method including moving the tongs of the motorized lifter to a home position by operation of the electric motor, wherein the electric motor is controlled by a vector drive controller; moving the tongs out of the home position; placing the tongs over the load; and positioning the tongs against the load by operation of the vector drive controlled electric motor so as to frictionally engage the load with the tongs.

Abstract: A mechanical lifting mechanism for lifting bodies and/or objects for transport. The lifting mechanism has a pair of spaced vertical arms and a horizontal arm connecting the vertical arms and arranged in an inverted U. The vertical arms are adjustable in length in accordance with the size of the object to be lifted and carry lifting means at the free ends thereof. The lifting mechanism includes a pair of cross arms connected at one end in common at a supporting arm arranged between the vertical arms. The cross arms each have an end pivotably connected to an individual vertical arm for moving the vertical arms outwardly of their vertical positions. The supporting arm extends through the horizontal arm and includes a swivel for coupling to a source for imparting vertical movements to the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A device for grasping a load structure while it is being lifted, moved or lowered, comprising first, second and third legs, each extending radially outwardly from a vertical axis and adapted to pivotally engage a pivot member. The first, second and third legs are each adapted to pivot between an engaged position and a released position, and an urging member urges the legs toward the engaged position.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting articles. The lifting apparatus may lack mechanization, may be used in conjunction with hoist means, and may operate on, among other things, the principles of leverage, gravity, and friction. The apparatus may include a frame disposable on an article to be lifted and at least two fulcrums distributed generally symmetrically about the frame. At least two lifting arms may be pivotally mounted to a corresponding fulcrum. A central exertion member includes a top surface having one sloped portion for each lifting arm. Upon application of upward force to the exertion member, the exertion member applies force to the upper ends of the lifting arms. The lifting arms then rotate around the corresponding fulcrum to contact the article for lifting.

Abstract: A tool handling device for a machine tool with a support construction movable along at least two coordinate axes by means of a motor and a gripper arrangement mounted to the support construction. The grippers have two gripper claws pivotable against each other as well as a locking mechanism for fixing the gripper claws in their closed posture. Each gripper has opposed openings for a lateral insertion and extraction of a tool post. Operating elements are provided for pivoting the two gripper claws during the insertion and extraction of a tool post through one of the two openings.

Abstract: A suspended lifting apparatus for grasping and releasing unwieldy objects. As the apparatus is raised, a hinged mechanism causes the weight of the object being lifted to draw extendable lever arms of the apparatus inward, thereby gripping the object. An articulating scooping mechanism at the bottom of the lever arms helps to grip or cradle the object as it is lifted, ensuring that it maintains a firm grip on the object. An offset mechanism is used to move the lever arms into an open position and hold them in that position before lifting, until the apparatus is in the proper position.

Abstract: A mechanical grasping device for retrieving dropped objects includes a pair of opposing claws and an extension element. The extension element may be either rigid or flexible, and is typically a rope or cord. A trigger plate is positioned between the two claws, and is spring loaded to transmit tension to the claws when the device is in the open position. A pair of protruding tabs at the end of the arms of the trigger plate are received in locking holes in the claws in an open position. When the triggering mechanism is released, the spring tension urges the claws together so that interlocking fingers on the ends of the claws mesh together in a closed position. The object to be retrieved is secured in the grasping device, and the user pulls the object to him using the extension element.

Abstract: A device for use in lifting an air conditioning compressor from an air conditioning unit for servicing or replacement of the compressor. The lifting device is also useful for setting a replacement compressor back into place in an air conditioning unit. It simplifies the task of lifting the compressor by allowing the lifting to be performed at a height that reduces risk of bodily injury and thereby allows the task to be more easily performed. The device is usable by either a single person or by two people if the weight of the particular compressor calls for two people.

Abstract: A lifting device for lifting manhole tops and manhole covers. The lifting device includes a scissor arrangement consisting of two crossed arms. Each arm includes a gripping assembly for grasping a manhole top and a set of hooks for lifting a manhole cover. One of the arms is offset to provide greater gripping ability for the lifting device and to provide a more compact lifting device. Chains are connected to ends of each arm to allow raising of the lifting device. Raising the lifting device by the chains causes the gripping assemblies to come together horizontally and grip the perimeter of the manhole top or, in the case of the manhole cover, the arms come together to set the hooks into slots on the manhole cover. The weight of the object lifted creates a horizontal gripping force to urge the gripping assemblies into lifting contact with the object.

Abstract: A grapple 1 comprises a sleeve 8 moveable along a shaft 12. The sleeve 7 is joined to an upper attachment 6 for receiving the long-line of a crane, and the shaft 12 is joined to a pivot attachment 13. The sleeve 7 and the pivot attachment 13 are joined to jaws 2 and 3 which can move in a scissor-like fashion. Pushing down on the sleeve 7 causes a rider 9, forming part of a catch rod 8, to move into a series of stepped channels in a block 14 associated with the shaft 12. The rider 9 can be positioned in the channels to lock the jaws 2 and 3 open, and can be subsequently removed from the channels to enable the jaws 2 and 3 to close towards one another.

Abstract: Within the scope of the invention is a grapple 1, having a sleeve 8 moveable along a shaft 12. The sleeve 7 is joined to an upper attachment 6 for receiving the long-line of a crane or the like, and the shaft 12 is joined to a pivot attachment 13. 5 The sleeve 7 and the pivot attachment 13 are joined to jaws 2 and 3 which can move in a scissor-like fashion. Pushing down on the sleeve 7 causes a rider 9, forming part of a catch rod 8, to move into a series of stepped channels in a block 14 associated with the shaft 12. The rider 9 can be positioned in the channels to lock the jaws 2 and 3 open, and can be subsequently removed from the channels to enable the jaws 2 and 3 to close towards one another.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect tank lifting brace which lifts a tank from an overhang of it's top lid or cover. The brace includes a crossbar, preferably adjustable, with pivotal end clamps at opposite ends of the crossbar. A pair of clamp pivoting assemblies are provided. Each clamp pivoting assembly pivots a respective one of the pivotal end clamps between an open position and a closed position and biases the pivotal end clamp to an open position for quick connection and disconnection. Pivoting is accomplished using an actuating rod parallel to the crossbar and coupled to the pair of pivoting assemblies. Articulation of the actuating rod effectuates, in unison, pivoting of each pair of pivot arms via the pivoting assemblies to a closed position. The pivoting assemblies generally utilize a push to close and pull to open motions.

Abstract: A pipe lifting apparatus and method utilizes gripper arms (A) having upwardly diverging links (B) pivotally connected to an upwardly extending operator member (C) for receiving a lifting attachment and for moving a stirrup (D) from side to side to lock and unlock stops (E) for fixing the gripper arms and in unlocked position for a next pipe lifting operation. Auxiliary gripping members (F) are provided in opposed relation on each of the gripper arms for adjusting the effective gripping action afforded by the gripping arms to accommodate multiple size pipes.

Abstract: A weighing device includes a tubular housing, a pair of levers pivotally secured the tubular housing and each having a jaw biased to grasp an object to be weighed and a handle for moving the jaws away from each other against a spring. The jaws are movable away from each other to grasp the object when the handles are moved toward each other, such that the handles may actuate the jaws away from each other to grasp the object. Two links have outer ends secured to the levers and inner ends secured together. The spring may bias the links to force the handles away from each other.

Abstract: A disc handling tool includes a housing and first and second arms which are pivotally mounted to the housing in spaced relation to each other. A first gripper is located adjacent a distal end of the first arm. A second gripper is located adjacent a distal end of the second arm. The first and second grippers fit about a peripheral edge of an associated disc with the grippers being tangential to the peripheral edge of the associated disc. A locking member is provided for locking at least one of the first and second arms in one end position in relation to the housing.