Abstract: A grabber assembly includes a carriage, an adapter assembly, and a grabber arm. The adapter assembly is coupled to the carriage and includes a pin, a first member, a second member, and a sleeve. The first member is configured to receive a first end of the pin and removably fixedly couple with the first end of the pin. The second member is configured to receive a second end of the pin and removably fixedly couple with the second end of the pin. The sleeve extends co-cylindrically with the pin. The grabber arm includes a bushing. The bushing is fixedly coupled with the grabber arm and is pivotally coupled to the pin. The sleeve is positioned within a central bore of the bushing, between the bushing and the pin.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are provided that utilize an end effector biased to a closed position when an actuator of the device is biased in an uncompressed configuration. End effectors according to the present disclosure can include first and second jaws that can be moved from the biased closed position to an open position by compressing the actuator from the uncompressed configuration and towards a compressed configuration. Various force assemblies and related components are provided that allow the device to achieve two end effector actuation profiles: (1) moving from a closed position and to an open position; and (2) moving from a closed position, to an open position, and back to the closed position. Various structures and methods for operating such devices during a surgical procedure are also provided.

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 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 bottom block assembly for an overhead crane includes a main bottom block, an outer frame carried by the main bottom block and rotatable relative to the main bottom block about a vertical axis of rotation, and a pair of paddles carried by the outer frame and downwardly extending from the outer frame on opposed sides of the main bottom block. Upper ends of the paddles are pivotably secured to the outer frame about horizontal axes so that lower ends of the paddles pivot toward and away from each other. The paddles are pivotable between a closed position wherein each of the paddles is substantially vertical and an open position wherein the lower end of each of the paddles is outwardly pivoted away from a vertical central axis. Each of the paddles has a keyhole-shaped closed-section opening near its lower end.

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: A retractile grab device, suitable for extracting and recovering submerged concrete blocks which form part of the protective structure at harbours and marine docks. The device of the present invention operates with a crane or similar mechanical driving apparatus that supports it and from which the operating tasks are performed, and is capable of executing a prehensile movement between its claw elements, whereby it takes firm hold of a submerged block and raises and deposits it any chosen place.

Abstract: A retractile grab device, suitable for extracting and recovering submerged concrete blocks which form part of the protective structure at harbours and marine docks. The device of the present invention operates with a crane or similar mechanical driving means that supports it and from which the operating tasks are performed, and is capable of executing a prehensile movement between its claw elements, whereby it takes firm hold of a submerged block and raises and deposits it any chosen place.

Abstract: A new lifting tongs device for lifting heavy sections of cylindrical pipe. The inventive device includes a first arm member pivotally coupled to a second arm member. A first gripping member having an arcuate pipe gripping surface is coupled to the lower end portion of the first arm member. Similarly, a second gripping member having an arcuate pipe gripping surface facing the arcuate pipe gripping surface of the first gripping member is coupled to the lower end portion of the second arm member. A first flexible member is attached to the upper end portions of the arm members to force the first gripping member arcuate pipe gripping surface towards the second gripping member arcuate pipe gripping surface to grip a cylindrical object disposed between them.

Abstract: A lock box (10) connected to a lifting device (12) having a plurality of claw-like appendages (14) radially thereabout that is suspended on the ends of chains (16) of a chain lift (18) extending from a crane (20). The lock box (10) is for shortening and lengthening the chains (16) of the chain lift (18) as needed to maintain balance and tension, by locking into place and then unlocking in a cycle during the lifting and releasing process of the claw-like appendages (14) of the lifting device (12) with a large object (22).

Abstract: The grapple comprises left and right frame members hinged together at a main hinge, and left and right arms hinged together at the main hinge and having outer portions cooperating with a supporting cable. The grapple has left and right fingers to grasp a load, each finger being hinged to a respective frame member and connected to a respective arm. The grapple also includes a latching mechanism which cooperates with the fingers and arms to partially control angular relationship between the finger and the respective arm for actuation of the grapple. The latching mechanism is remotely controllable by an operator to release the load, and then requires re-setting to enable the grapple to grasp a subsequent load. The grapple is supported by a single cable extending from the arms to a helicopter and, prior to grasping a load, is positioned on the ground to straddle the load.

Abstract: A single line grab system including a grab suspended by a single line from a carrier. A head assembly is connected to the grab from above the grab and is vertically movable with respect thereto. A first end of the line is anchored and second end of the line is selectively extensible and retractable. A retarder system selectively engages a portion of the line. In one embodiment of the grab system the retarder is mounted on the head assembly and the first end of the line is anchored to the carrier. In an alternate embodiment of the grab system the retarder is mounted on the carrier and the first end of the line is anchored to the head assembly. A method for operating a grab system essentially involves two variables: first, the line may be selectively withdrawn or fed and, second, the retarder may be selectively disabled or applied to a portion of the line. Using these two variables, the grab or bucket may be selectively opened or closed and selectively raised or lowered.

Abstract: A grab for a toy crane is provided with two two-armed levers having a common axis of rotation. Portions of the levers overlap each other at the axis of rotation about which the levers are mutually hinged at at least two places. Each lever has a first arm and a second arm which are mutually contiguous solely on one side of a central plane of the grab perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A single large round bale handling apparatus includes an elongated generally upright support frame having a main portion and an upper end portion extending in an angular relationship relative to the main portion, an upper cross beam pivotally mounted to the upper end portion of the support frame and extending in transverse relation thereto, and a pair of lift arms pivotally mounted to and supported below the upper cross beam. Elongated bale impaling prongs are mounted in generally facing relation to one another to lower ends of the lift arms. The lift arms are pivotally coupled together at their upper ends. Elongated springs mounted between the lift arms and the opposite ends of the upper cross beams apply biasing forces to the lift arms to normally pivotally move the lift arms toward an outer bale releasing position.

Abstract: A log yarder including a support vehicle; a horizontally rotatable framework mounted on the vehicle; one or more booms mounted on the framework; an elongated heeling rack mounted on the most terminal boom; a slack kicker for skidding logs to the yarder; and a grapple for loading or placement of the logs so skidded. The combination of slack kicker and grapple enables a single operator to skid a fallen log to the grapple for loading the log for hauling or for deck placement. The slack kicker includes a cable which is threaded through one end of the heeling rack which may be used to skid the logs into a substantially aligned position with the grapple for convenient and efficient loading.

Abstract: A single line grapple is provided comprising an upper and lower block operatively connected to a plurality of arms and tines whereby drawing the blocks together closes the tines. The blocks are drawn together by a cable reeved between an upper sheave assembly connected to the upper block and a lower sheave assembly which engages the lower block by interlocking mechanical components. When it is desirable to open the tines, the lower block assembly is disengaged from the lower block. An automatic disengagement feature is provided whereby lowering the grapple to the ground provides enough clearance between the interlocking components for the disengagement feature to operate.

Abstract: A curb lifting device including a frame adapted to be positioned over the top of a curb. The frame includes a fixed jaw as well as a movable jaw, the movable jaw being supported at the bottom of a pivotally mounted support. The first and second supports are provided with lever pairs which are upwardly pivotably movable at a center connection by means of a longitudinally extending shaft to which actuation means normally in the form of an upwardly movable cable is attached. The frame is initially positioned in its open position over the curb and thereafter upward force exerted upon the lever pairs centrally thereof so as to force the second support and its jaw into grasping contact with the opposite side of the curb.

Abstract: A grab comprising a pair of buckets interconnected by way of arms capable of pivoting movement relative to each other, and the free ends of which are provided with sheaves for guiding operating or closing ropes by which the buckets can be opened and closed. The rear edges of the buckets are secured by way of ropes or the like to a cross-beam, to which the hoist ropes are connected. According to the invention, the arms are provided at some distance from their free ends with arcuate bridge members or elevations, directed to one another, which roll one over the other as the grab buckets are opened and closed.

Abstract: A commodity retrieval and storage apparatus which includes shelves for storing a plurality of like configured commodities. A movable carriage is vertically and horizontally displaceable along the shelves and carries apparatus for engagement with the commodity selected, apparatus for transferring the selected commodity to the carriage and apparatus for securely holding the selected commodity to the carriage. After transfer of the commodity to the carriage, the carriage may be moved to a commodity processing area.

Abstract: A grapple skidder vehicle has a grapple assembly rotatably and pivotally mounted with respect to an outer boom point end portion of a boom extending from the vehicle. The grapple assembly is supported from a cylindrical rotator shaft which is mounted for rotation in a bushed bearing which extends integrally upwardly from a base plate which forms a part of the boom point portion of the boom. The vertical thrust of the weight and load on the grapple assembly is transmitted through the rotator shaft to a rotator shaft operator arm concentric with and encircling the bushed bearing and to a relatively soft wear plate situated between the base plate and a bottom disc-shape base portion of the rotator shaft operator arm. The grapple assembly is pivoted with respect to the boom by a linear hydraulic motor pivotally connected between an outer end portion of the rotator shaft operator arm and the boom.

Abstract: A material handling system particularly suited for lifting and transporting felled timber with a helicopter. An instrument, such as a grapple, is provided for handling and holding the material. A main winch and a main cable, windable on the winch, are provided for transporting the material within the instrument while suspended from a main point. An auxiliary winch and auxiliary cable windable on the auxiliary winch are provided for suspending the instrument from an auxiliary point. The material can be handled by the instrument below the auxiliary point and then transported while suspended from the main point. When applied to a helicopter, the main point is located under the helicopter in vertical alignment with the center of gravity of the helicopter and the auxiliary point is located under the helicopter adjacent the pilot's seat.

Abstract: A system suspended from a helicopter is utilized for unrestricted launching f cylindrical bodies and recovering these bodies while they are floating in a horizontal position. The system comprises a cage having a pair of axially separated U-shaped clamps with panels extending from the open portion of the clamps. Pivotable wedgs protrude to the inside of each clamp, allowing a cylindrical body to slip into the cage and be captured. In addition an electrical circuit is connected to bomb shackles in the system for providing the launch capability.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a novel self-aligning swivel apparatus which is adapted for attaching a grapple to a manipulating means such as a log loader boom or yarding carriage. The swivel comprises upper and lower portions interconnected by pivot means to provide rotatable freedom therebetween. The upper portion is interconnected to the grapple manipulating means and the grapple is operatively connected to the lower portion in radial spaced relation from the axis of the pivot means. The pivot axis of the swivel is inclined toward the self-aligned position of the grapple with respect to the manipulating means. This position is defined as that which attains when the pivotal axis intersects a substantially vertical axis passing through the center of gravity of the grapple.