Abstract: The present invention discloses a snowboard carrier for an automobile roof. One end of an upper clamping plate is hinged with one end of a lower clamping plate; a fixing frame is mounted on the lower clamping plate; the fixing frame includes a clamping jaw base and two clamping jaws arranged oppositely, and is rotatably mounted on the clamping jaw base through a hinge piece; and a clamping jaw adjusting mechanism is arranged between the lower clamping plate and the clamping jaw base, and can adjust an opening distance between the two clamping jaws. By adoption of the technical solution of the present invention, luggage rack aluminum rods of different sizes can be adapted by adjusting the opening distance between the two clamping jaws, and a sleigh can be taken by sliding out a sliding board.

Abstract: Arrangements of a gripper finger and a clamp for use in an automated parallel gripper are provided. The arrangements will include first and second gripper fingers that are moveable in a direction of translation (y), whereby the clamp is connected to the gripper finger at an underside thereof, so as to be rotational about a vertical axis of rotation. The clamp has a front face with a contact surface for engagement with a lateral edge of an item to be gripped and has a default orientation in which the front face is parallel to a lateral direction (x) that is perpendicular to the direction of translation (y) and to the vertical rotation axis. The arrangements are additionally provided with a self-alignment feature which includes first and second biasing mechanisms arranged at either side of the rotation axis in lateral direction (x).

Abstract: A rigid-flexible coupling gripper, includes: a support unit; a rigid gripper unit and a flexible gripper unit connected to the support unit, wherein the rigid gripper unit and the flexible gripper unit are connected in parallel; the rigid gripper unit includes a sector gear connected to the support unit and a rigid gripper connected to the sector gear and capable of moving driven by the sector gear; a motor drive unit connected to the rigid gripper unit and including a motor and a partial gear including a toothed portion and a non-toothed portion, wherein the motor is connected to the partial gear for driving the partial gear to rotate; the sector gear is configured for being meshed with the toothed portion of the partial gear; and a pneumatic drive unit connected to the flexible gripper unit for driving the flexible gripper unit into a bending deformation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an innovative retrieval device designed for the efficient recovery of items from deep wells, plumbing pipes, and similar structures. The device features a body with a plurality of arms attached to its distal end, each arm equipped with specialized gripping features to securely capture and retrieve items. A control cable is connected to the arms, facilitating their movement from an open to a closed position for item capture. The inclusion of a camera device within the body aids in precise item location, while a resilient connecting device allows for adjustment to the retrieval depth through an additional cable at any desired depth. Enhanced functionality is introduced through optional features such as a body tube for length extension, skids for improved navigation within pipes, and different cable configurations for optimized arm closure.

Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to a device for transporting objects. The device has a guide track and at least one movement device having a main body and a bracket for holding an object. The bracket is connected to the main body pivotably about a pivot axis, and the pivot axis is oriented at an angle to a vertical axis of the at least one movement device. A pivoting device is arranged separately from the at least one movement device and is designed to cause the bracket to pivot about the pivot axis. The device makes it possible for different handling devices with differing requirements on an orientation of the object to be able to be run with just one movement device without it being necessary, in the meantime, to hand the object over from the movement device.

Abstract: A modular end effector with a base with at least one connection element, a manipulator, in particular interchangeable with the connection element connected is disclosed. The position of the connection element and/or the position of the manipulator within the connection element can be changed so that the manipulator can be used in different positions relative to a base to create a versatile modular end effector.

Abstract: Described is a system for connecting a lifting device to a load to be lifted. The system includes a first connector member and a second connector member. The first connector member includes at least one pin. The second connector member includes an indexer mechanism defining a track that includes at least one track opening. At least a portion of the second connector is receivable in at least a portion of the first connector. At least a portion of the at least one pin is receivable in the track via the at least one track opening. The first connector member is reversibly coupleable to the second connector member via the pin and the indexer mechanism in response to a first series of longitudinal movements of the first or second connector members.

Abstract: Provided is a machine tool hand including a body portion that is mounted so as to be attachable to and detachable from a spindle of a machine tool, and that is provided with a flow path connected to a coolant-liquid supply path formed in the spindle; and two or more hand members that are attached to the body portion such that at least one of the hand members is pivotable about a prescribed axis, and that are capable of gripping an object therebetween by being closed. The flow path is provided with discharge ports via which a coolant liquid supplied from the coolant-liquid supply path is discharged toward surfaces of the hand members that are exposed to an outside, and a pressure of the coolant liquid causes an opening operation or a closing operation of the hand members.

Abstract: A handling unit comprises: a collet integrally having a reference part, a plurality of elastic deformation parts connected to the tip side of the reference part, finger parts respectively connected to the tip sides of the elastic deformation parts, and a driven part that receives a driving force; a housing having a cylinder structure formed on the base end side or the outer circumferential side of the collet and provided with a fluid supply port and having a collet locking part that locks the collet at a locking position; and an operation body having a driving part that imparts a driving force to the driven part, a pressure reception part that receives the pressure of a fluid supplied from the fluid supply port, and a cylinder slide contact part that makes slide contact with the internal surface of the cylinder structure.

Abstract: An operation tool as a gripping device includes a first arm and a second arm that move in directions opposite to each other, and a third arm for engaging with a workpiece. The operation tool includes a gear and a gear moving cylinder for causing the gear to move to a first position, a second position, and a third position between the first position and the second position. The first arm and the second arm move when the gear is disposed at the first position. The third arm moves when the gear is disposed at the second position. The gear is separated from all of the arms when the gear is disposed at the third position.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a housing that supports a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes coaxially aligned outer and inner shaft members. The inner shaft member is movable within the outer shaft member. An end effector includes a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end of the outer shaft. At least one of the jaw members is pivotably coupled to the outer shaft and is movable between open and clamping configurations for grasping tissue. The inner shaft contacts a proximal end of the moveable jaw member to maintain the movable jaw member in the open configuration and is slidable against the movable jaw member to move the moveable jaw member between the open configuration and clamping configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lifting device and related methods. The lifting device features a housing with at least two arms that each have engagement cams. The lifting device is placed over a tubular object and then the arms are pulled upwards until the engagement cams are in contact with the tubular object. Once in contact with the tubular object, the force from the arms creates a secure hold between the engagement cams and the object, whereby a user can lift the object and move it from one point to another safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure. A link assembly includes two or more links that are operably coupled to each other and the drive structure. The two or more links are operably coupled to respective ones of the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A pivotal tubular pet scoop having a handle connecting to an arm block, a trigger attached to the extension rod, a trigger rod attached to the trigger and moving when the trigger is actuated, the trigger rod passing through the arm block and connecting to a lower arm block, a set of outer springs connected to the arm block and a set of outer springs connected to the lower arm block, both springs connecting to a tubular scoop, the tubular scoop pivotably attached at a connection point to the outer and inner springs and being made of a left jaw and a right jaw, the jaws connected by at least one hinge, such that when the trigger is actuated and the lower arm block is raised relative to the lower arm block, the inner springs are tightened relative to the outer springs thereby causing the left and right jaws to close.

Abstract: A hand tool for placing a single insulation plate at one time atop an insulation board or a vapor barrier or membrane on a flat or low slope roof. The hand tool has a flexible member that carries a releasable connector having a grip strength that releasably retains one insulation plate. The flexible member flexes between a neutral first position and a flexed second position. When the flexible member is flexed towards the second position, the releasable connector releases the insulation plate to place the insulation plate in a desired location atop the insulation board or vapor barrier on the flat or low slope roof.

Abstract: A gripper includes fingers, which are configured to interact with an object. A first mount supports a first finger. A second mount supports a second finger. A support plate supports these mounts. A cam plate is configured to interact with the first mount and the second mount to provide a first arrangement and a second arrangement. When the first and second mounts are in the first arrangement, the gripper is provided with a first distance between the first finger and the second finger when the gripper is in an open position to receive and/or release the object. When the first and second mounts are in the second arrangement, the gripper is provided with a second distance between the first finger and the second finger when the gripper is in the open position. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An active clamping device for holding a container in a container treatment device, for example for holding a beverage container by a neck section, includes two clamping arms and a pre-tensioning element. Each clamping arm has a holding section for holding the container that is to be held, and a control section for interacting with a control cam to actively displace each holding section. The pre-tensioning element pre-tensions the holding sections in a predetermined position. The clamping arms and the pre-tensioning element are formed as a single piece. A clamping arm and a container treatment device are also provided.

Abstract: A waste catching device includes an elongated rod having a first end and a second end. A handle is coupled to the first end the elongated rod. The handle includes a lever. A head is coupled to the second end of the elongated rod 18. The head includes a claw having a first pivoting arm and a second pivoting arm. A spring biases distal ends of the first pivoting arm and the second pivoting arm together. Bands couple the lever to proximal ends of the first pivoting arm and the second pivoting arm. The claw includes an open position and a closed position. The open position includes the lever actuated to pull the first pivoting arm and the second pivoting arm away from one another, and a closed position includes the lever released.

Abstract: An electromechanical robotic arm is provided having a distal end with a tool engaging member configured to mate with an electromechanical tool and a trocar holding member configured to mate with a trocar. The trocar holding member can have at least one engagement mechanism configured to engage and orient a trocar to mate the trocar to the trocar holding member in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A device for transferring a hub ground chain tray. An upper slider and a lower slider parallel to each other are arranged at the head end, a cylinder mounting plate is arranged below the upper and lower sliders, a cylinder is arranged below the cylinder mounting plate, a slider is arranged at the end of a piston rod of the cylinder, the left and right sides of the slider are provided with rotating pins, the two ends of the rotating pins can be installed in the strip through holes respectively in a sliding manner, and the two rotating pins are connected with the tail of the clamping jaw; the head of the clamping jaw is provided with jaw fingers, the jaw fingers are provided with the clamping blocks, and a transferrable tray device is arranged between the clamping blocks.

Abstract: A shaker head including bilateral eccentric weights connected to a single motor by a chain system that maintains the relative positioning and angular velocity of the eccentric weights without variance or slippage, where the relative position of the eccentric weights may be adjusted during non-operation to accommodate application of the shaker to head various tasks. The bilateral weights may be arranged in substantially symmetrical positions with respect to the midline of the shake head to improve balance of the shaker head. The shaker head may also include a third shaker head at third position to reduce undesired and inefficient shaking patterns in the shaker head during operations. The shaker head may be adaptable to various vehicles and machinery, such as trucks and tractors. The shaker head is operable to engage the trunk or limbs of a tree for purposes of harvesting fruit from the tree.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an innovative, cost-efficient driving mechanism for the prosthetic hand industry that makes the use of only one motor to individually control each digit on a prosthetic hand separately. The use of the novel magnetic actuation system, locking mechanism, and spline nut and shaft configuration coupled with the single motor greatly reduces the weight, size and power usage of the prosthetic, increases functionality, minimizes noise, increases and speeds and forces, and orients the parts of the device in a manner that creates an aesthetically appealing design.

Abstract: A surgical assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a housing, a first arm extending outside the housing and a linkage assembly housed by the housing and connected to the first arm. Movement of the linkage assembly inside the housing is linked to movement of the first arm outside of the housing.

Abstract: An electrocautery instrument for endoscopic therapy includes an operation handle and a rotatable positioning means. The operation handle includes a cylindrical member, a fastening element, and a fixing protruding element. The fastening element and the fixing protruding element are disposed on the cylindrical member which further has a first inner hole. The rotatable positioning means encloses the cylindrical member and includes a rotatable element, a second inner hole, a clasping member, and securing units. The clasping member is disposed on a side wall of the second inner hole and engages with the fastening element. The rotatable element is provided for rotating the rotatable positioning means, so that the fixing protruding element can be positioned on any corresponding securing unit. Therefore, an electrocautery rod can be connectedly moved with the operation handle, thereby reducing components of the electrocautery instrument, and thus the cost is reduced greatly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: An animal part holder has first and second gripper plates between which an animal part can be slid. A mechanism coupled to the gripper plates for yieldably biasing the gripper plates toward one another so that the gripper plates engage and grip an animal part disposed between the gripper plates. In addition, the mechanism is configured to cause the gripper plates to tighten their grip on the animal part in response to a pulling force tending to pull the animal part out of the grip of the holder. A method of gripping the bone of an animal part includes disposing the bone between gripper plates and applying a biasing force to the gripper plates to cause the gripper plates to bear against the bone with a force. The method may further include applying a force to the gripper plates greater than the biasing force in response to a pulling force applied to the animal part to cause the gripper plates to grip the bone tighter.

Abstract: Embodiments of steerable catheters are disclosed. The catheters may include a plurality of generally arcuate-shaped struts connected at proximal and distal ends of a handle. The handle is connected to a tubular portion at a distal end of the handle. The tubular portion includes a resilient component positioned near a distal tip of the tubular portion. The catheter includes a pull wire fixed to a point at or near the distal tip of the tubular portion. Upon manual compression of the handle, the struts are squeezed together, lengthening the handle, and extending the pull wire proximally. The proximal extension of the pull wire can cause the distal tip of the catheter to deflect. The catheter can be rotated greater than 360° around a longitudinal axis. The compressible handle can allow a user of the catheter tactile feedback and control over navigation of the catheter.

Abstract: A gripper for electrical or optical lines (24, 24?) such as wires, cables, line bundles, optical fibers has two gripper jaws (22, 22?) movable relative to a counterbearing as well as relative to one another. Twisting heads (4) for twisting apparatuses for the lines (24, 24?) are equipped with such grippers. The gripper and the twisting head (4) and the twisting apparatus are provided with a drive arrangement including at least one adjustable-force drive (17) that acts via a link chain (15, 19, 19?, 20, 20?) on gripper jaw (22, 22?). The link chain (15, 19, 19?, 20, 20?) in this case has a section (19, 19?) movable parallel to the drive (17), but in the opposite direction of movement.

Abstract: Devices and methods for handling workpieces, in particular workpieces in the form of processing products of a metal sheet processing operation, are described. The devices include one or more retention members that are movably supported by a retention member bearing and a transverse guide device. If the transverse guide device is moved relative to the retention member along a lifting axis out of a non-operative lifting position into an operative lifting position or out of an operative lifting position into a non-operative lifting position on a fixed retention member bearing, the retention member is thereby moved from a non-operative position into an operative position or out of an operative position into a non-operative position. In the operative position, the retention member can engage behind an edge of a workpiece, but cannot do so in the non-operative position.

Abstract: This invention provides hand operated portable adjustable length devices for grasping and manipulation of objects as well as methods of their use.

Abstract: A gripper for grasping and conveying objects while retaining the objects, and to a corresponding conveyor system and an operating method. The gripper has a gripper body and first and second gripper jaws. The gripper jaws each include at least one respective clamping region, can assume an open state and a closed state relative to each other, and can exert a clamping force on each other or on the object to be grasped. At least one of the gripper jaws includes a jaw body that is elastically deformable and is supported on the gripper body such that the body assumes a defined spatial position (resting position) when force is not applied to a control element and deforms and is deflected from the resting position when force is applied to the control element.

Abstract: A gripping-and-holding device for gripping and holding containers has a support body, pivotable spring-loaded gripper arms on the support body, three securing elements, two of which are on the gripper arms, and a traction spring that exerts a force towards a center defined between its first and second spring ends. The first two securing elements secure the traction spring. Meanwhile, a first end of the third securing element engages the traction spring outside its spring ends. Its second end is arranged on the support body.

Abstract: A device for crimping an collapsible device and loading the collapsible device into a delivery system, includes a crimping tool configured to radially crimp at least a portion of the collapsible device, a loading tool configured to load at least a portion of the collapsible device into a delivery system, and a housing that houses at least one of the crimping tool and loading tool, wherein the device is configured to crimp and load the collapsible device without requiring manual repositioning of the collapsible device. Methods of crimping an collapsible device and loading the collapsible device into a delivery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripper for raising and lowering loads and having the following configuration:—it comprises a coupling part and a connecting part,—the connecting part is guided on the coupling part for movement along a movement axis between a first end position and a second end position, wherein those ends of the aforementioned parts which are oriented away from one another are further apart from one another in the first end position than in the second end position,—at least two catch elements are present on the coupling part and can be moved between a gripping position, in which they use a rear-engagement surface to engage behind a mating element of the load, and a release position, in which they release the mating element,—the connecting part is connected to the at least two catch elements via at least one gear mechanism.

Abstract: A scooper that has a plurality of pivoting scoop jaws that rotate between an open position and a closed position defining a substantially enclosed object-holding scooper chamber that operably cooperates with a skirt overlying the scoop jaws covering a top of the chamber that also which protects scoop jaw pivoting linkages and pivots of the scooper. Such a scooper can be constructed with an elongate frame that can be tubular in which a scoop jaw actuating linkage arrangement is disposed enabling the scooper to be used while standing up. Such a scoop can also be configured to be stored uprightly and is well suited for a wide variety of indoor and outer scooping applications including for fecal matter scooping, trash or refuse pickup, object pickup and the like.

Abstract: An adjustable length device for grasping and manipulation of objects comprising a head region with opposing jaws joined to a handle region via a telescoping tube region. The tube region comprises a toothed rod connected to the jaws and a cable connected at one end to a trigger in the handle region and at the other end via a lever to a toothed rod locking mechanism (TRLM). The lever comprises one or more teeth that can mate with those of the toothed rod. Squeezing the trigger causes the lever in the TRLM to engage with the toothed rod and releasing the trigger causes the lever to disengage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripper device for transporting a rack (3) for microscope slides (4), in particular in systems for preparing tissue samples for histological examinations, the gripper device having a gripping mechanism including a pair of gripping arms (2), whose ends are configured as gripping sections (7) for gripping the rack. In order to provide a gripper device which can be used in a versatile manner in automated stainers and coverslippers and contributes to reducing the cost of manufacture, it is proposed that the gripping sections (7) be provided with first profiles (17) for gripping the rack (3) in a vertical position and second profiles (18) for gripping the rack (3) in a horizontal position.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a robot hand including a frame, a link member moving relative to the frame, a joint unit provided between the frame and the link member, a drive unit supplying power to the joint unit so as to rotate the link member, and a backlash removal unit supplying constant torque to the joint unit, even if a relative position of the link member to the frame is changed as the link member is rotated.

Abstract: A robot system capable of purposely withdrawing a workpiece into a hand, and capable of sequentially and effectively taking out the workpiece, even when workpieces are randomly located. A hand has a base part attached to the front end of a robot arm, at least two fingers pivotally attached to base part, and a roller device arranged at a front end of each finger. The roller device is a rotating belt device having a small motor arranged in the finger, a driving roller driven by the motor via a drive transmitting means, and a driven roller rotated with the driving roller via a belt.

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 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: A gripper mechanism for machines, robots and manipulation devices comprises at least one moving gripping finger, operated by coupling to an operating mechanism by two drive shafts. As a result of operating the gripping finger by two connecting bars, in turn each driven by the drive shafts, it is possible to move the gripping finger through a rotation over 180° through the path or range thereof and hence securely transmit forces and torques without tipping or getting in an unstable position. The drive shafts are divided axially into at least two parts in order to be housed completely in an enclosed and unitary gripper housing, protected from dust and dirt and hermetically sealed. The different parts of the drive shafts are centered on one another and positively connected by means of axial toothing, in the form of pinion gears and pins, and have a carrier support bearing.

Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator operative for moving the at least one gripper jaw. A support is fixed relative to the actuator for supporting the at least one gripper jaw, wherein the support has at least one mount location formed in the support. A stop member is removably affixable to the support at the at least one mount location for limiting movement of the at least one gripper jaw wherein the size of the stop member corresponds to a discrete maximum degree of opening of the at least one gripper jaw.

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 locking mechanism for engaging with a threaded rod, the locking mechanism comprises a locking member defining a locking hole axially and a plurality of mounting grooves arranged along a periphery of the locking member, the mounting grooves communicating with the locking hole, and at least three connection lines of each of the mounting grooves defining a rectangular triangle or an acute triangle; a plurality of threaded assemblies, wherein each of the threaded assemblies is rotatably received in each of the mounting grooves, each of the threaded assemblies is substantially perpendicular to a radial direction of the locking hole, and the threaded assemblies are adapted to engage or release a threaded rod; and a sleeve member slidably sleeved on the locking member, the sleeve member moves along the locking member to drive the threaded assemblies to rotate inwardly, or to rotate outwardly to engages or disengage with the threaded rod.

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.