Abstract: A loading chuck (25) suspended by a cable (C) for grasping a spool (S), including strand material (M) disposed thereon between the flanges (14, 15) thereof, in a container, transporting the spool to a position proximate a creel and orienting the spool for positioning on a creel spindle, includes a plurality of substantially parallel arms (50), shoes (60) carried by the arms, gripping elements (61; 80, 80') on the shoes for engaging the spool, a lifting link (20) adapted for attachment to the cable, a linkage (26) interposed between the lifting link and the arms and maintaining the arms substantially parallel through the extent of travel thereof to bring the gripping elements into and out of engagement with the spool, and a pivot (55) mounting the shoes relative to the arms for selectively rotationally orienting the spool.

Abstract: A bar puller is provided having adjustable jaws comprising fingers made of a resilient material. The fingers extend forward from a housing adapted to be mounted at a tool station of a computer numerically controlled lathe having a turret. Front and side guiding surfaces are provided on the ends of the fingers to cause the jaws to deflect outwardly and grip a bar when forcibly engaged therewith. The lathe chuck releases the bar allowing the bar puller to withdraw the end of the bar a desired distance out of the chuck. The chuck is closed while the turret continues moving away from the chuck causing the bar to be withdrawn from between the jaws of the bar puller, readying the machine for its next cycle.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a robotic mechanism is disclosed which is capable of grasping cylindrical workpieces having a varying diameter off center and holding it with six degrees of freedom. The end effector has a plurality of sets of fingers, each set having three fingers which radially approach and retract from the workpiece with a spacing of 120 degrees between the movement direction of the fingers. The movement of each of the fingers in a set are coplanar, and the planar movement of each set of fingers are parallel with each other. Each finger is actuated by its own hydraulic cylinder which causes it to independently engage the workpiece. The cylinders are hydraulically operated by a hydraulic system having a pressurizing pump for flowing fluid from a tank through a bidirectional valve to a series of pilot operated check valves and then to the cylinders. The setting of the bidirectional valve determines whether the fingers grasp the workpiece or release it.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a container from a first container position to a second container position in which the container is spaced from the first position and in a different orientation, the apparatus including a drive member that is rotatable about a first axis between a first drive member position and a second drive member position, the first axis being spaced from the first container position, and a gripper for gripping the container, the gripper being rotatably mounted on the drive member about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis and rotates with the drive member, the gripper being rotatable between a first gripper position and a second gripper position, a container engaged by the gripper being in the first container position when the drive member and gripper are in their respective first positions and in the second container position when the drive member and gripper are in their respective second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a workpiece comprising workpiece clamping means for clamping, releasing and rotating the workpiece, clamp reversing means operable from outside for moving the workpiece clamping means between a clamping position and a releasing position, workpiece holders which reciprocally move between a workpiece receiving position and a workpiece discharging position, and external actuating means at the workpiece receiving position and the workpiece discharging position, for actuating the clamp reversing means.

Abstract: A tool for gripping a remotely located article includes an elongated tubular housing, a tool actuating assembly connected to one end of the housing, and a jaw support member connected to the other end of the housing. A first jaw member having a gripping surface is supported on the jaw support member by a first pair of arms, and a second jaw member having a gripping surface is supported on the jaw support member by a second pair of arms so that the gripping surfaces of the jaw members are disposed in parallel, confronting relation. The two pairs of arms are slidingly and pivotably connected to the jaw support member so that the gripping surfaces of the jaw members may be moved between a first, open position and a second, closed position for gripping an article. When moving between the first and second positions the gripping surfaces move in parallel relation to one another. The tool actuating assembly includes an over-center toggle mechanism so that the jaws are held locked when in the gripping position.

Abstract: Gripping device (1) comprising two blades (9) adapted to be moved downwards and upwards by a jack (6) and each guided by two guides (14, 15), one being an outer guide and the other an inner guide, and each blade having an outer boss (12) which brings the blades (9) close to one another at the end of the downward movement in order to pinch the block which is to be gripped and transferred.Application: particularly for potting or planting out seedlings in blocks of friable material, for example compost.

Abstract: A grapple with a mounting bracket for attachment to the outer boom of an excavator having a hydraulic cylinder with a top jaw mounted for pivotal movement on the mounting bracket. A bottom jaw is attached to the mounting bracket for opening and closing cooperation with the top jaw. Linkages are connected, respectively, to the top and bottom jaws and to the hydraulic cylinder for unison powered movement of the top and bottom jaws into an open position, and for unison powered movement of the top and bottom jaws into a closed position by operation of only the single hydraulic cylinder through the linkage. The top jaw and the bottom jaw are coaxially mounted on the mounting bracket. The linkages include a top linkage bar connected by one end to the top jaw and a bottom linkage bar connected by one end to the bottom jaw. The other end of both top and bottom linkage bars are attached to the hydraulic cylinder through a hydraulic cylinder linkage bar.

Abstract: This is a multi-purpose apparatus capable of digging, scooping up materials, loading and transporting such to a selected site for unloading with automatic loading and unloading features. It comprises two elongated pieces, curved toward each other at lower portions, and pivoted together near their mid-sections with a pivot pin. The ends of their lower portions have teeth that mesh with each other, when closed. A rod-like member with a knob at its upper end is fixed to the pivot pin. In addition, a shorter tubular slide, with a cylindrical prism at one end and a grooved portion at its bottom end, rides up and down the rod-like member. The tubular slide has provision for either an individual or a robot arm to grasp it and manipulate the apparatus for scratching and digging into the material. This provision also enables one to lift and automatically load the loosened materials.

Abstract: An instrument according to the present invention comprises a casing, an exposed working head with an associated movable element, an actuating link slidably mounted relative to the casing for moving the element and an actuator mechanism with a control portion for sliding the actuating link. The actuating link is biased slidably in a first direction relative to the casing which urges the jaws, blades, etc. to a closed position. Upon radially depressing the control portion, the actuator mechanism causes the actuating link to move against the spring bias slidably in a direction opposite to the first direction. Structure is provided to selectively lock the jaws on the working head in an open position. Successive depressions of the control portion of the actuator mechanism alternatingly lock the jaws open and closed. Because the jaws are urged to a closed position, the user does not have to maintain constant closing pressure during use yet the user has the ability to easily lock the jaws in an open position.

Abstract: The gripping device has two gripping arms which are directly connected to one another in a pivotable manner about a common axis. A stop member is positioned in front of the pivot axis. Both gripping arms are pivotally connected to a piston rod of a piston-cylinder unit via toggle levers. The piston rod is displaceable relative to the pivot axis so that the gripping arms can be extended in a single displacement movement and pivoted into their gripping position.

Abstract: A piston-operated robotic gripper system has gripper means including a piston mounted within a cylinder for movement between a first position and a second position, with the piston operatively linked to move grasping means between a first retracted position and a second extended position corresponding to the first and second piston positions, respectively. Conduit means are connected to first and second sides of the piston to introduce pressurized fluid into the cylinder on the first side of the piston to cause the piston and grasping means to move to their first positions and to introduce pressurized fluid into the cylinder on the second side of the piston while exhausting the fluid from the cylinder on the first side of the piston to cause the piston and grasping means to move to their second positions.

Abstract: A grasping device for handling equipment has clamping fingers (4) which are movable relative to one another and an actuating device (5) for the clamping fingers which consists of piston-in-cylinder units (9, 17) which are coaxially arranged one behind the other and coupled in force transmitting manner. These piston-in-cylinder units are energized in the same sense by the pressure medium. This space saving construction makes it possible to achieve high clamping forces for a given pressure of the pressure medium while maintaining compact external dimensions of the grasping device.

Abstract: A compound toggle robotic gripper mechanism employs a pair of spaced, opposed gripping jaws, each pivotally mounted to a base and interconnected to an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly, by a compound toggle mechanism. The compound toggle mechanism preferably includes a first toggle interconnecting the actuator and second and third toggles. The second and third toggles interconnect the actuator through the first toggle to each of the spaced, opposed gripping jaws respectively so that extension of the actuator rod urges the first, second and third toggles from their released positions simultaneously into a locking position as the gripping jaws are moved into gripping engagement of a workpiece or tool.

Abstract: Gripping apparatus for restraining the gun barrel on an armored vehicle comprises a pair of gripping jaws pivotally supported within a housing and connected by a first pair of toggle links to a movable carriage within the housing such that the jaws are opened and closed upon movement of the carriage, a pair of locking members slidably carried on the carriage and adapted to enter apertures in the sides of the housing to lock the carriage at a predetermined location at which the jaws are closed and the toggle links of the first pair are in substantially a straight line relationship, and a second pair of toggle links connected to the locking member and to an actuator rod so as to enable the toggle links of the second pair to assume an over-center position upon the locking members being received in the apertures for positively locking the carriage in the predetermined location.

Abstract: A tool loading device which enables a wireline tool to be presented vertically to a vertical lubricator comprises two sections--a centralizing hub which is connectable to the upper end of a tool entry system and a latch arm section which carries the tool.The centralizing hub has an entry in its upper surface and a projection and/or recess on its lower surface.The latch arm section comprises (a) a tube for carrying the tool, (b) latch arm pivot hub slidably mounted on the tube, (c) latch arms pivoted at one end of the latch arm pivot hub and bearing a lug at the other end adapted for engagement with the projection and/or recess on the centralizing hub, (d) latch arm engagement rams pivotably mounted at one end to the latch arm pivot hub and at the other to a pivot point on the latch arm, and (e) vertical alignment rams connecting the latch arm pivot hub to the centralizing hub.

Abstract: The present invention provides an end of arm tooling device (EOAT) for a robotic arm. The present invention may be adjusted to modify the gripping force exerted by the EOAT without a change of force by the actuator. The present invention also provides an EOAT which can be adjusted to handle workpieces of various dimensions and shapes.

Abstract: Gripper, whose tongs are formed by two oscillating jaws, is distinguished by the fact that, on the one hand, these jaws are solid in rotation with two shafts rotating in bearings carried by a frame solid with the rod of a jack and, on the other hand, the rotation of this shaft is caused by the angular movement of a maneuvering part connecting each shaft to a stationary part.

Abstract: A robot gripper jaw assembly includes a support plate having front and rear faces. Jaw mounts extend from the front face and cooperating jaws are pivotally mounted to the jaw mounts for gripping work. The support plate has an opening therein generally centrally disposed relative to the jaw mounts and a cylinder and piston assembly is secured to the support plate rear face in alignment with the opening. The piston of the cylinder and piston assembly extends through the opening and is engagable with the jaws so that forward and rearward movement of the piston causes cooperative pivoting of the jaws for closing and opening the jaws for gripping and releasing work. The support plate and the cylinder and piston assembly have a central rotational axis and the robot includes an assembly for simultaneously rotating the support plate and the cylinder and piston assembly on the rotational axis.

Abstract: A gripper device which includes a piston and cylinder assembly wherein the piston rod extends through one end of the cylinder, and which cylinder end is defined with a concave slot. Connected to the end of the piston rod is a gripper formed as a resilient member defining a pair of opposed finger portions and an interconnecting flexible web portion. The flexible web portion extends transversely of the outer concave slot. The arrangement is such that the actuation of the piston draws flexible web portion toward the concave slot surface of the cylinder causing the finger portions to flex between a gripping and non-gripping position; and whereby the gripper maintains a spring bias on the piston.

Abstract: A power operated gripper in which both the gripping and releasing movements of the gripping elements are made under power. The gripper comprises a thrust member which is extended and retracted in a linear motion by the power means, gripper arms which swing in an arc to grip and release a workpiece, a cam and roller structure to convert the linear motion of the thrust member to arcuate movement of the gripper arms and adjusting screws which engage the walls of a V-shaped groove in the thrust member to control the extent of its movement in each direction. The parts are constructed and arranged to permit adjustment of the gripper while it is operating so that precise control of the gripping and releasing motion of the gripper arms may be attained under actual operating conditions.

Abstract: A spin drying apparatus for drying semiconductor wafers wherein the wafers are contacted only at the edge thereof by a plurality of radially extending arms and wherein means is provided for preventing the generation of turbulent air flow by the fan-like effect of the rotation of the arms during the spin drying step and the recontamination of already cleaned and dried wafer surfaces by contaminants stirred up by the operation of the spin drying apparatus itself.

Abstract: Gripping apparatus includes a supporting body having a pair of spaced generally parallel jaws independently mounted thereon for movement toward and away from each other. An actuating device is reciprocably mounted in the supporting body and between the jaws and is operably connected to the end portions of the jaws to move them toward and away from each other upon reciprocal movement of the actuating device. The body is in the form of a cylinder and a fluid operated, doubleacting piston is reciprocably received therein and connected to the actuating device for the reciprocation thereof. The jaws extend longitudinally of the cylinder on diametrically opposite sides thereof and the actuating device extends axially of the piston.

Abstract: In combination with an actuating unit including a cylinder, a head and a reciprocal piston rod and a gripper head having a body terminating in a mount flange, a pivotal gripper assembly and a reciprocal rod end in the body connected to the gripper assembly. A quick disconnect device comprises an apertured protrusion block mounted upon the cylinder head including a pair of opposed undercut assembly slots. An apertured quick disconnect body of U-shape is secured upon the mount flange and upon its interior has a pair of opposed stop ledges. The disconnect body is projected into the assembly slots with the protrusion block nested upon the stop ledges. The actuating unit and gripper head are aligned with the piston rod axially connected to the rod end. A detent pin is removably projected through corresponding aligned transverse bores in the disconnect body and protrusion block.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for use on robotic type devices for performing repetitive operations on machine parts that require pick-up and/or transport of such parts. The gripper assembly comprises a housing having a fluid actuated piston and a connected cam operating on a pair of slide bars to effect laterally displacement thereof so that fingers connected to the opposed ends of the slide bars close onto or grip a part to be grasped thereby. A sensor and target therefore is provided to sense the presence of absence of a part between the fingers.

Abstract: A robot hand comprises first and second parallel main shafts fixed to a pair of parallel support plates. First and second finger member-driving mechanisms are respectively provided on the first and second main shafts to face each other. The finger member-driving mechanism includes first and second bevel gears separately set and rotatably supported on the main shaft, an auxiliary shaft rotatably supported on the main shaft, and a third bevel gear supported on the auxiliary shaft to be rotated about an axis perpendicularly intersecting the main shaft and meshed with both first and second bevel gears. Finger members are fixed to the third bevel gears, so that the finger members may be rotated around the main shaft and auxiliary shaft by rotating the first and second bevel gears.

Abstract: A robotic gripper is described having opposed fingers which are positively opened and closed through the use of a bushing, powered for a limited stroke up and down by fluid pressure, wherein the bushing is carried within a recess closely conforming thereto in the fingers, and an overlapping or over-gripping action of the fingers is provided by reason of slightly tapering opposed engaging surfaces carried by the grippers.

Abstract: An industrial robot hand having swing fingers (18a and 18b) for gripping a work pivotally mounted on a hand base member (10) which is attached to the free end of a wrist unit, said swing fingers being members formed of a sheet metal through a pressing process in a U-shaped cross-section, and said swing fingers having a U-shaped cross-section and a hydraulic actuator (24) linked together with chain pin links (32a and 32b).

Abstract: The device permits of grasping, centering automatically and aligning the longitudinal axis of a long body in particular of a pen body according to the working axis (B) or corresponding to the following operation carried out on a machine tool which is preferably automatic. It comprises a toggle lifting mechanism (6, 7, 8, 9) provided with grasping jaws (8', 9') for the long body, jaws made angled by which grasping the long body they determine the movement of translation until they bring the longitudinal axis (A) of the grasped body into the exact position of centering and alignment with the working axis (B) or corresponding to the following operation. A piston operated pneumatically or in another manner permits moving the lever mechanism closing it on the long body opposing a spring (12).

Abstract: A takeout tong head includes a support bracket having an upper portion adapted to be attached to a takeout arm and a lower portion having at least one cylinder housing. A cylinder and tong assembly is associated with each cylinder housing and includes a mounting flange removably attached to the cylinder housing, a cylinder extending into said cylinder housing, a piston member in said cylinder, a scissors tong assembly extending downwardly from said flange, a piston rod extending from the piston to the scissors tong assembly, and a spring contained between said flange and said piston member.

Abstract: A digger for digging out substantially vertically-sided holes e.g. for gravestone monument foundations, is in the form of an attachment adapted to be connected on the dipper stick of a backhoe machine. The attachment has a downwardly-depending digger frame pivoted at its upper end to an attachment frame which is connected to the free end of the dipper stick. A vertically extending operating shaft extends upwardly relative to the digger frame and is connected through a pair of lower linkages to the sections of a clam shell bucket mounted on the lower end of the digger frame. The upper end of the operating shaft connects through a connecting link and a rocking lever to the piston of the dipper stick piston and cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: A robotic gripper is illustrated having improved operator mechanism facilitating the use of multiple fingers or jaws for picking up objects of various shapes including round objects. The operator mechanism includes a fluid-operated plunger having transverse grooves each forming, together with an opposite groove in each of the respective fingers, a seat for the bearings.

Abstract: A disk clamping mechanism for disk recording and reproducing devices of the type in which when a disk cartridge with a disk enclosed therein is inserted into the device the disk clamping mechanism is actuated to clamp the raised groove guard formed around the rim of the disk so that when the cartridge is pulled out of the device the disk remains therein. The clamping mechanism includes a pair of clamping fingers with projections adapted for engagement with the groove guard when the forces pulling out the cartridge are transmitted to the disk. A linkage or a mechanism comprising a wedge and tapered surfaces is operatively connected to the clamping fingers in such a way that when a pulling force is exerted on the disk and the clamping fingers, the linkage or mechanism causes the clamping arms or fingers to move further toward each other, thus exerting a stronger clamping force on the disk.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pincers-type gripper for bottles, comprising a set of hinged jaws the opening and closing of which are ensured by an operating rod and a pin associated transversely with the rod and loosely inserted or capable of free play in an aperture provided in each jaw and having two internal surfaces contacting the pin, the rod being internally provided with a spring constantly urging the pin to a position in which it bears on one of the internal surfaces of the aperture of the jaws to ensure their positive closing whatever be the extent of the wear or of the plays of the members constituting the gripper.

Abstract: An article carrier is provided for blow molding equipment which permits relatively simple exchange of the article gripping chuck portion of the carrier. The carrier includes a carrier body, a spindle rotatably supported by the body, an article gripping chuck removeably attached to the spindle and seals between the chuck and the spindle and between the chuck and a preform retained thereby. The chuck is provided with article gripping levers preferably rotatably supported by ball and socket joints. The levers have preform grasping projections at one end and first and second ball ends at the other end. The first ball end mates with the chuck body socket and the second ball end is engaged by a lever actuating ring slidably mounted on the outside of the chuck body.

Abstract: The pickup and insert tool is used during the automated assembly of small motors and other products that require tie bolts, screws, and similar fasteners. Different length tie bolts are handled without adjusting the tool. The fastener is picked up from a holder and held between a pair of spring loaded jaws. The motion to insert the tie bolt is provided by a movable rod which also accommodates the different lengths of the bolts.

Abstract: A manually operated, hand held pick up tool or dropped object retrieving device includes an elongated rigid tube having at one end a jaw assembly which includes two movable jaw pieces and two linkage pieces and at the opposite end a handle assembly. The jaw pieces pivot about a pivot bolt attached to the rigid tube. The movable jaw pieces are caused to approach each other in a symmetrical fashion and come into apposition when a sliding handle piece in the handle assembly is squeezed and brought toward a fixed handle in the handle assembly. A centrally placed connecting rod running longitudinally within the rigid tube couples the sliding handle to the linkage pieces of the jaw assembly. A compression spring positioned around the connecting rod within the rigid tube normally maintains the movable jaw pieces in the open position. A magnet is attached to one of the jaw pieces so as to allow retrieval of magnetic metal objects.

Abstract: An improved fuse removing apparatus including an elongated housing, a pair of complementary jaws extending generally longitudinally outwardly from the housing for engagement with a fuse. The complementary jaws are secured within the housing in longitudinal sliding relationship such that a plate at the end of the housing forces the jaws towards each other when the complementary jaws are urged into the housing. A cap disposed over the plate causes the jaws to rotate during use so as to lockingly engage the plate and thereby firmly grip a fuse without having to manually rotate the housing. All that is necessary to lock the device onto the fuse is to simply push the apparatus onto the exposed part of a fuse. A minimum of manual rotation is all that is required to disengage the jaws from the locking plate, and thereby release the retained fuse.

Abstract: Apparatus for taking newly formed glass containers from a blow mold and transferring the containers to a dead plate wherein the take-out tongs for engaging the containers are mounted on a pair of holders that are pivoted like scissors relative to each other. A piston motor is pneumatically driven in one direction to cause the tongs and holders to close, and a spring, urging the piston in the opposite direction effects the opening of the tongs. When the tongs are open, the connection between the piston rod and the holders is a toggle linkage when the links are in a straight line preventing "winking" movement of the tongs toward closing by the fact of the toggle arrangement. Thus machine air closes the tongs and a fairly light spring force opens them.

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

Abstract: An article gripping apparatus has a housing moved into proximity with a part to be gripped. A clamp finger is pivoted on the housing by an actuator biased by a first "stiff" spring reacting against the housing. In the clamped position, an interference wedge block is biased against the clamp finger by a second, "soft", spring reacting against the actuator to prevent the finger from opening under the influence of an external force. A piston portion of the actuator is contained in a cylinder portion of the wedge block. When pressurized fluid is ported to the cylinder cavity, the wedge block is first retracted from the clamp finger, overcoming the second, "soft", biasing spring. When the wedge block contacts a fixed shoulder in the housing, the actuator piston is then forced away from the shoulder, overcoming the first, "stiff", biasing spring, pivoting the finger to an "open" position.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring articles such as cans from a receiving station to a stacking platform to form a preselected article array on the platform. The apparatus includes a transfer carriage shiftable along a horizontal path between positions overlying the station and the platform, and a subcarriage mounted on the carriage for vertical shifting relative thereto. Mounted on the subcarriage for shifting in a substantially horizontal path extending transversely of the transfer carriage path are a plurality of carriers, each carrying an article-gripping device which includes a powered assembly mounted for limited vertical displacement relative to the subcarriage, and gripping members operatively connected to the assembly for movement, under the control thereof, between gripping and release positions. A sensor associated with at least one of the assemblies is operable to sense relative vertical movement between the assembly and the subcarriage, to signal a desired can loading or unloading operation.

Abstract: An improved fuse removing apparatus including an elongated housing, a pair of complementary jaws extending generally longitudinally outwardly from the housing for engagement with a fuse. The complementary jaws are secured within the housing in longitudinal sliding relationship such that a plate at the end of the housing forces the jaws towards each other when the complementary jaws are urged into the housing. A cap disposed over the plate causes the jaws to rotate during use so as to lockingly engage the plate and thereby firmly grip a fuse without having to manually rotate the housing. All that is necessary to lock the device onto the fuse is to simply push the apparatus onto the exposed part of a fuse. A minimum of manual rotation is all that is required to disengage the jaws from the locking plate, and thereby release the retained fuse.

Abstract: The invention comprises a retrieving instrument featuring a snap-lock handle connected to one end of a flexible cable, the other end of which has a releasible gripping head which may be mechanically or electromagnetically operated, there being an actuation control mechanism which locks the jaw in either the gripping mode or the release mode until the control is changed. A viewing system utilizing newly developed fiber optic techniques is preferably incorporated into the structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a refuse retrieval device having an elongated frame with a handle at one end, scoop-supporting arms at the other end and an elongated central section therebetween. Clamshell-like scoops are mounted to the supporting arms. A control rod is carried by the frame and is connected to the scoops for opening and closing the scoops. There is also provided biasing means associated with the control rod and the frame so as to normally urge and maintain the scoops in a closed position. The control rod is mounted for axial movement between the scoop closed and scoop open position. The control rod also includes a handle which is positioned within a frame handle and which can be retracted by the use of one hand so as to open the scoops.

Abstract: An implement for picking up dog feces in an agreeable manner; the device including a long handle which at one end has two pivoted scoop-shaped jaws so to form a mouth therebetween, each jaw having an adhesive pad for holding a cellophone sheet across the mouth and around the jaw lips for receiving the feces without contaminating the implement, and a pull rod through the handle for conveniently spreading the jaws apart.

Abstract: A manually operated portable device for scooping dog feces into a bag by the action of a pair of opposed scoops which depend from a generally rectilinear support member having a barrel and an inner sleeve. A handle is provided at the upper end of the rectilinear member, and the handle is attached to the sleeve. The handle is displaceable away from the barrel and subsequently partially rotatable, so that the pair of scoops are displaced away from each other, and the scoop end of the device is thus opened so that a bag which is mounted upside down on the scoops may receive the dog feces. The bag is held in place because the open half of the bag is turned inside-out over the outer surface of the scoops. Thereafter, the scoops are snapped shut by reverse partial rotation of the handle and subsequent displacement of the handle towards the barrel, because of the urging of a stressed elastic member such as a spring which extends between the handle and an axle at the lower end of the barrel.

Abstract: The invention comprises a retrieving instrument featuring a snap-lock handle connected to one end of a Bowden wire type cable, the other end of which has a gripping head with jaws operated by the core cable to grip an object, the handle being such that once it is closed and the jaws gripped around an object, they automatically lock into the gripping mode until released.

Abstract: A coupling includes an outer cup-shaped member which acts as a support for other portions of the coupling and which itself is revolvably supported on a conveyor that moves the coupling between workpiece loading and unloading stations. The outer cup-shaped member acts as a shield against ambient conditions which may include heating, coating or other processing means. One embodiment of the invention has a plurality of fingers mounted to move radially inward of the coupling to grasp the workpiece, which fingers are mounted to form a part of the outer shield or wall at the time that they are grasping a workpiece. Another embodiment of the invention involves an internal chuck sort of coupling using an expandable elastomeric member which can expand outwardly into a grasping relationship with a hollow portion of the workpiece. The coupling and conveyor are suited for use in handling soft or easily marked materials such as plastic, soft metals and the like.

Abstract: Hydraulically activated, spaced apart, front end loader support arms extend from a tractor. A loader attachment includes a vertically extending frame pivotally attached to the support arms forwardly of the tractor. This vertical frame includes a main horizontal frame support bar pivotally mounted in outer ends of the support arms and a a pair of open vertical guides which extend downwardly from the frame support bar. A horizontal hook support bar extends through the vertical guides and pivotally supports central portions of the two jaw-forming hooks at each end thereof. Upper ends of each of these hooks are pivotally connected to links which are pivotally connected to the frame support bar. A vertical hook support bar lifting strap extends integrally up from the hook support bar and is in sliding relationship with respect to the frame support bar. To load, means is provided to raise the lifting strap with respect to the main frame, thus to cause the jaws to be opened.