Abstract: A medical instrument including a tubular extension within which and to which two movable end effectors, such as jaw members, are rotatably attached by a pivot. The proximal end of each end effector is pivotally attached to and butts against a drive surface of its respective arm of a dual action drive member also located within the tubular extension. As the dual action drive member is moved proximally or distally within the tubular extension, the distal ends of the end effectors rotate or counter rotate about the pivot in opposition to one another. The dual action drive member paired arms have end surfaces which transfer, to the end effectors, the force required to rotate the end effectors toward one another, thereby reducing the shear force applied to pivot posts on the arms used to open the jaws. The dual action drive member may be used with a variety of different end effector devices including but not limited to medical grippers, hole punches, dissectors, extractors, scissors, and clamps.

Abstract: Robot gripper jaw apparatus is disclosed that is suited for grasping a media cartridge in a robot-controlled media library, or for grasping other objects. The gripper jaw apparatus employs a novel circular cam which reduces the amount of torque required to operate the gripper jaws. This allows use of a relatively small servo motor. The use of a circular cam additionally decreases the overall size and complexity of the gripper apparatus as compared to conventional gripper mechanisms. The gripper apparatus provides for an easily controllable robot gripper jaw mechanism for grasping a media cartridge wherein the force applied by the gripper jaw mechanism does not damage the media cartridge being grasped, due to the use of a flat spring which limits the force applied to the media cartridge. In addition, the gripper apparatus does not require that the gripper drive servo motor be reversed in order to release the media cartridge. Therefore, the gripper jaw servo motor need only rotate in one direction.

Abstract: Gripper jaws (38) for bottles are movable between a gripping and a release position. Passage to the release position is controlled by a slide (42) through the action of a ramp (48) and via tenons (44) connected to the slide (42) and sliding in slots (46). The reverse movement is controlled by the same members through the action of a return spring acting on the slide (42). The transmission of movement effected by the systems comprising tenons (44) and slots (46), is irreversible so that the neck (2) of a bottle held between the jaws (38) cannot be disengaged therefrom: a force (F1) applied to the jaws (38) does not enable the slide to be moved in the direction of opening of the jaws (38). Utilization for producing high-speed machines without increasing the clamping force on the objects (bottles) treated.

Abstract: A pickup device for use with a fabric piece handling system for picking up and placing fabric pieces. The device includes a frame and a pair of opposed jaws moveably attached at one end to the frame. The head portion of each opposed jaw includes a fabric contact surface having an array of fabric engaging teeth for urging a portion of the fabric piece into a bunched condition for pickup and a gripping surface adjacent to the fabric contact surface for engagement with the other opposed jaw for picking up the fabric piece. A fluid operated piston is attached between the frame and the pair of opposed jaws for moving the pair of opposed jaws between a first position wherein the pair of opposed jaws are in an unobstructed open position to allow a piece of cloth to freely pass into a position between the pair of opposed jaws and a second position wherein the pair of opposed jaws are in an operative clamping position with respect to each other to clamp a piece of cloth therebetween.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for a device which is used to pick up and transport objects. The device has a number of fingers which extend from a hollow piston. The adapter has an engaging portion which is inserted into the piston; a stopping piece for preventing the engaging piece from being inserted too far into the piston; and a receiving piece which has a cavity for receiving an object. The receiving piece and stopping piece each have openings which allow the fingers to pass through and grip the object while in the cavity.

Abstract: An assembly head for handling devices for programmed automatic mounting of components on a workpiece, in particular for assembling electronic components on printed circuit boards, comprises a sleeve which slides longitudinally in the central bore of a rotary star mounted in the assembly head, at least one pair of tongs which pivot in the direction of a suction pipette arranged at the lower end of the sleeve and which hold and adjust the components, and an ejection device which is guided in the sleeve and actuated by a transmission mechanism in synchronization with the movement of the sleeve so as to eject a component held by the assembly head and to stop the suction of the suction pipette. The ejection device guided in the sleeve can be actuated by a control element acted on by a tensile load.

Abstract: In the case of a machine tool having at least one tool changer for exchanging the tools of the machine tool, the tool changer comprises a gripper (13) provided with at least one movable jaw for form-locking engagement of the tools. The gripper (13) is further equipped with an actuating member (24), which is arranged for axial displacement in the longitudinal direction (30) and which, depending on its axial position, acts to open the at least one jaw for the purpose of inserting or removing the tools, or to close it for form-locking engagement of the tools. The actuating member (24) can be displaced into a first axial end position, by moving the gripper (13) asgainst a stationary stop (31) of the machine tool, for opening the at least one jaw, and can further be transferred, by closing means, into a second axial end position for closing the at least one jaw, as the gripper (13) is moved away from the stop (31).

Abstract: An immersion type automatic ultrasonic testing apparatus for detecting flaws of balls comprising a tank for containing a liquid medium of transmitting ultrasonic wave, a ball rotating device for rotating a ball to be tested, an ultrasonic flaw detection device for detecting flaws in the ball while swiveling a probe around the ball rotated by the ball rotating device or rotating the ball spirally by the ball rotating device with or without swiveling the probe, and a ball feeding and removing device for feeding the ball to the position of the ball rotating device and removing the tested ball from the ball rotating device to a predetermined position. The ball feeding device comprises a holding device having an air cylinder and a tip with a pair of holder claws and a pair of side support claws for holding the ball.

Abstract: To relocate cutlings (22) contained in plant boxes (20), an endless transport element (2) with grippers (9) is used, which grip on a pick-up position (23) the plants (22) at their stems and transport these to an unload position comprising a direction changing wheel (4). To pull out the plants (22) as far as possible in the direction of growing and particularly vertically, every gripper (9) is rotatably journalled on a carrier (8) provided on a transport element (2). The distance between the gripper bearing (17) in the area of the pick-up position (23) and the shaft of the direction changing wheel (4) is substantially smaller than the radius of said direction changing wheel. Hence the plants (22) gripped by the gripper (9) are pulled out in essentially the grind direction thereof.

Abstract: A tool exchanger for programmed machine tools includes a device for the conveyance of selected tools between a tool room and a main spindle of the machine tool and with two grip devices moving along a prescribed rotation angle and arranged in a carrier support mounted to the conveyance device and able to rotate between an alternate position and at least one standby position. In order to achieve faster exchange operations of the tools in a horizontal and vertical machining spindle, the drives to open and close both tool grips are activated at the same time. The support mounted includes a locking device which blocks the tool grip to standby position in its closed condition.

Abstract: A device for positioning objects within a sealed vacuum chamber (112) comprises a stationay housing (114), which is sealingly attached to the vacuum chamber (112). Located within the housing (114) is a tubular body (158) capable of rotating and translating within the stationary housing (114) through the interaction of an outer magnet (116), which slides and rotates on the surface of the stationary housing, and an inner magnet (118), which is attached to the tubular body (158). A shaft (198) is located inside the tubular body, but cannot be shifted axially with respect to this body. The front end of shaft (198) extends into the vacuum chamber (112) and may carry a specimen or any other object to be treated or tested in the vacuum chamber. The shaft (198) is driven from an external drive mechanism (124). Rotation of the shaft can be converted into opening and closing movements of the jaws (218 and 220).

Abstract: Lifting and Gripping Apparatus for massive workpieces such as pipes comprises a stationary member and two moveable members, pivoted thereto at points higher than the springline of the workpiece and displaced from one another so as to operate in separate paths. Latching members operate in separate paths between an open position in which there is disengagement with the workpiece and a closed position in which there is engagement with the workpiece for purposes of lifting. Lifting force produces motion of the moveable members through associated cam members such that there is engagement with the workpiece.

Abstract: A plate handling apparatus grips a group of vertically oriented stacks of plates that are being transported serially, lifts them out of the pockets they are being transported in, reduces the separation between them, moves them to a remote location and deposits them for further processing. In addition, the apparatus picks up the stacks in two groups that are 180.degree. opposed from one another with the stacks in one group being interposed with the stacks in the other group. The stacks of plates are engaged by gripping heads that employ paired cam elements carrying gripping fingers. The cam elements have two separate cam faces that permits them to be positively opened and closed by linear movement of a cam follower that fits between the cam elements and engages the cam faces. The set of cam faces used to open the fingers has a steeper ramp angle than the set used to close the fingers. Accordingly, the fingers are opened quicker than they are closed and a greater pressure is exerted upon closing.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for acquiring, transferring and releasing an object such as a prewound spool of film (10), in which a rotatable frame (410-426) is provided with a slidably mounted block (434) which pivotably supports a pair of gripping fingers (464,466) for holding the object and rotatable cam plate (456) which includes cam slots (448,484,486) operatively associated with followers (454,476,478) on the frame and fingers; so that, upon application of a force (488-510) to the cam plate, the block initially translates away from the frame to a position where the fingers close to grip the object, after which rotation of the frame permits transfer of the object to another location where a reverse force is applied to the cam plate to release the object and translate the block back to its starting position.

Abstract: A workpiece engaging apparatus includes a drive having a linearly reciprocal drive member. Two workpiece engaging members are arranged in opposed, inverted relationship with respect to each other and pivotally connected at one end to the drive. Each workpiece engaging member includes a workpiece engaging surface and at least one cam. In one embodiment, the cams in each of the first and second workpiece engaging members are identically constructed, but are disposed in opposed, inverted relationship with respect to the cams in the opposed one of the first and second workpiece engaging members. Cam follower members mounted on the linear drive member engage the cams during reciprocal movement of the drive member to pivot the workpiece engaging surfaces of the first and second workpiece engaging means between open and closed workpiece engaging positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auxiliary conveyance apparatus for conveying a body to be conveyed very easily in case of emergency including intermediate parts of a pair of arm members, each having a gripping portion and an operating lever on both the ends, respectively, being turnably pivoted, and the arm members being urged by elastic member so that the gripping portions are brought close to each other. An operating member is slidably attached to the operating levers, and the pair of the operating levers are opened and closed according to the distance from the gripping portions, and cooperatively with this closing and opening of the operating levers, the gripping force in the gripping portions is controlled.

Abstract: A gripper for grasping articles in an automatic or semi-automatic handling system includes spring-loaded jaws. No fasteners such as screws, pins, or the like are required to hold the jaws to the gripper assembly. The jaws are moved by way of motor-driven cams. During a grip mode, the cams do not contact the jaws, and the grip is achieved by way of the springs acting against rollers contacting the outside of the jaws. A worm on the motor shaft compresses a spring to buffer the deceleration of the motor. The spring applies a moment to worm gears which mate with the worm on the motor shaft. The gear shaft of each worm gear is operatively coupled to a respective camshaft. In this manner, the cams are locked.

Abstract: An improved tong-type clamp is described which includes a cam pivotally attached to one of the clamping members. The cam is detachable so that the cam can be removed. Then the clamp can be opened to any desired extent (e.g., to allow the clamping jaw to be extended around an enlarged portion of an object to be clamped), after which the cam can be attached to the clamping member again.

Abstract: The pincers comprise a gripping head (1) and a control device (2). The control device (2) contains a direct-current electric motor (12-13) which is supplied, through a control circuit (38), from a current-feed source (39). In addition, it comprises a commutable system of permanent magnets. The rotor (12) of the motor is integrally locked to an axle (11) which is capable of actuating the gripping head (1), which is installed in the body of the control device (2), and which is displaceable axially between two positions. The stator (13) is installed in such a way as to be free to revolve between two limiting angular positions and is integrally locked to a first part (27-28) of the commutable system of permanent magnets, which is integrally locked to a support (15) of the axle (11). The second part (29-30) is integrally locked to the body of the control device (2). These two parts are attracted to each other when the stator (13) is occupying its first angular position.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism (20) for holding and transporting parts such as wire (16) and terminals (18) to connector blocks (12) where transport paths require precision and limited space includes a scissors-like clamp (42,52) confined in a housing (24-28) with such clamp driven to move and close by toggle/cam (60,38) in a single sided movement by a single driving mechanism such as a pneumatic cylinder (22), and to open upon the reverse stroke by a spring (66) all defined by a single reciprocating stroke of the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A system for handling workpieces comprises a carrier frame and a gripper device secured to the carrier frame and actuatable to grip a respective workpiece. The gripper device comprises a housing including a cylindrical housing member and a bearer head adjoining one end of the cylindrical housing member and carrying a gripper, and an operating device for the gripper arranged in the housing member. The handling system further comprises a bearing for the cylindrical housing member, which has a surface configuration designed to enable the housing member to fit the bearing and to be held thereby, and a coupling device cooperating with the bearing head and holding the bearing head non-rotatably with respect to the bearing.

Abstract: A refuse collecting tool for the sanitary collection of animal excrement or other refuse which is preferably not handled directly. The device includes a tubular handle having a gripping portion attached to its upper end and a scoop, elliptical in cross-section, attached to its lower end. The scoop is divided into opposing jaws which are hinged together along their top edges and constantly urged to a closed condition by coil springs attached to their end walls. A rod extending through the tubular handle is provided on its top end with a lever which extends radially through slots in the tubular handle that are located beneath the gripping portion, and on its other end with a flat rectangular plate sized to fit within the center region of the closed scoop. Upward pressure on the lever forces the opposing jaws of the scoop open as the rectangular plate is forced upwardly into the decreasing diameter of the top of the scoop.

Abstract: A tool for precisely positioning a workpiece upon a related component part that includes a housing having reciprocally mounted therein a piston and an associated piston. Connected to and mounted for relative movement therewith is a nozzle which is arranged to attach to a workpiece when a negative pressure is imparted to the nozzle. Circumferentially spaced about the housing are at least two pairs of complementary fingers that are sequentially actuated to effect the sequential positioning of the workpiece held on the end of the nozzle along a first and second axis relative to the nozzle. The arrangement is such that the precise positioning of the workpiece on the end of the nozzle is effected in translating the workpiece from its pick-up position to its deposit position where the workpiece is precisely positioned upon its receiving component part.

Abstract: A hygienic swab-type device usable for cleansing or as a medical applicator is provided by compact tongs with a cover which functions as a scabbard or housing when the tongs are not in use and in use as a handle extension for the tongs. The tongs are pivotally connected and have clamping end portions for clamping and holding a replaceable or disposable hygienic swab for cleansing or treating of the body such as rectal and vaginal areas. The cover is made of a rigid material and has a pocket formed therein into which the operating ends of the tongs are insertable longitudinally in use effectively holding the tongs in a closed position and extending longitudinally therefrom. The cover accordingly provides a longitudinal handle extension for the tongs inserted into the pocket and ease of manipulation for access to the body areas to be cleansed or treated with the hygienic swab.

Abstract: A gripper assembly contains within its cylindrical tubular housing a piston and a rotatably supported finger assembly having a push rod and gripper fingers. The push rod is pressed rotatably against the piston through a thrust bearing by a spring. As the piston pushes the push rod against the biasing force of the spring, the motion of the push rod causes the gripper fingers to close. Position of the object to be gripped can be detected through a fiber optic light guide passing through the piston and the push rod.

Abstract: A grasping tool for extracting the remaining portion of a broken torsion bar from a tracked vehicle has been devised. The tool (20) comprises at least one gripping jaw (24A) pivotedly mounted to a support shaft. The jaw (24A) is positioned opposite from an extension of the support shaft or alternatively a second gripping jaw, thereby defining a space therebetween. The movement of the engaging member (44) along a length of the support shaft into abutment against one end of the jaw (24A) causes an opposing end of the jaw to be urged toward the opposing extension or second gripping jaw and to retainingly engage an object positioned in the aforesaid space. The tool may have extension members and is constructed to be easily dismantled.

Abstract: An endoscopic biopsy forceps device incorporating a novel and unique camming arrangement for selectively opening and closing the biopsy cutting jaws of the biopsy forceps which will render the entire device of a simpler construction and reliable in operation, while concurrently making it considerably less expensive to produce.

Abstract: A gripping tool for a device for the remote-controlled removal of samples in housings with heads from a container includes a mast having a first coupling part. A second coupling part is opposite and associated with the first coupling part. A guide bar elastically bears on the second coupling part in a telescoping manner with pivots disposed on the guide bar. At least two catches of a two-armed lever are disposed on the pivots and have guide grooves formed therein. A bushing surrounding the guide bar has guide pins each engaging a respective one of the guide grooves. At least one remotely controlled linear drive moves the bushing in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bushing for surrounding the head of the sample housing with the catches like tongs.

Abstract: A gripper for tools of a machine tool is provided with a hand with at least one moveable jaw arranged thereon for form-locking engagement of the tools.In order to enable the tools to be automatically gripped in form-locking engagement, without any supply of auxiliary energy, the hand is provided with an actuating element that can be moved by means of a stationary stop provided on the machine tool to move the jaw into a spread-apart position for introducing the tool, and into a closed position for gripping the tool in a form-locking manner.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripper arm for use in conjunction with a robotic arm for gripping a tool wherein the tool is retained in the gripper arm until a positive action signal and lack of pressure from the tool are simultaneously provided. The tool cannot be discharged from the gripper arm under other conditions including power loss to the robotic device.

Abstract: A pallet puller apparatus has a pair of jaws which are pivotally connected in a scissors-like fashion, with one of the jaws moving between a pair of body sections of the second jaw. On the first end of each jaw is a clamp portion having a plurality of teeth extending a predetermined distance beyond the interior wall of the jaw. The teeth grasp the pallet when the first ends of the jaws are moved toward each other. On the second end of each jaw is a force applicator which includes a mounting pin for the second end of a jaw in an arcuate slot built into the body portion of the force applicator. The second jaw has a pair of body sections through which the pin in the slot passes. When the force applicator is pulled, the second end of the second jaw travels in the slot, causing the jaws to come together. The more force that is used to pull on the force applicator, the stronger the jaws grip the pallet.

Abstract: A tool clamping mechanism (12) is provided for a tool engaging arm having a frame or chassis (18) which is moved along a path of travel toward a tool (47). The mechanism includes a tool contact member or tongue (60) and preferably includes a pair of spaced apart fingers (40) positioned to engage a groove formed in the tool (47). The tongue (60) is mounted for movement along the path of travel with the frame, such as by means of bar (62) joined to the fingers, a pin (67) supported by the bar and projecting through a slot in the tongue (60), and a rod (72) attached to the tongue which extends into the frame (18) along a bore (75). Such mounting arrangement enables the frame (18) to continue to move toward the tool (47) after the tongue (60) has contacted the tool, thereby achieving relative motion between the frame (18) and tongue (60).

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking and stripping coins from a coin roll includes a pair of elements each having a channel adapted for receiving a portion of the coin roll and support members supporting the pair of elements in a first orientation adjoining one another with channels aligned for simultaneously receiving an elongated roll of wrapped coins. The support members further permit translational movement of the elements relative to one another to a second orientation with channels transversely displaced to break the coin roll simultaneously received in the pair of channels. Each of the elements is provided with a pair of reciprocable arms for gripping the portion of the roll in the channel. Stripper members are passed through the channel and arms of each of the elements and are tiered to first remove coins from the gripped wrappers and then remove the wrapper from the element.

Abstract: An electronic component insertion machine includes an insertion head having a pair of finger assemblies which grip a component prior to insertion. Each finger assembly has an actuating lever secured to a pivot shaft and a finger holder releasably clamped to the pivot shaft. The actuating levers have surfaces which are maintained in engagement throughout their displacement so that rotation of one effects a conjoint rotation of the other and are displaced to advanced positions. The finger holders are then unclamped, oriented to their desired orientations relative to their actuating levers and then clamped in position.

Abstract: A gripping mechanism for gripping a retraction cone attached to a workpiece includes an outer shroud formed of an outer tubular part and an outer funnel-shaped part; a gripping device which is axially movable within the outer shroud, the gripping device including a tubular sleeve which has wings axially movable with axial slots in the outer tubular part and a plurality of finger elements with hook-shaped ends attached to the wings; an operating device which includes an independently rotatable sleeve threadingly engaged in the tubular sleeve and an inner funnel which is attached to the outer funnel-shaped part and which includes control slots for the finger elements; and a motor for rotating the rotatable sleeve so as to either axially move the tubular sleeve within the outer shroud such that the finger elements move towards the retraction cone for gripping the retraction cone or, after having gripped the retraction cone, in an opposite direction to position the retraction cone within the inner funnel.

Abstract: A forging manipulator has two pairs of workpiece gripping arms which operate in respective mutually perpendicular planes. Each pair of arms is operable by a respective independent actuating mechanism, so that the respective pairs of arms can accommodate workpiece dimensions. The two actuating mechanisms comprise:a common bore in the gripper carrier of the manipulator, defining two co-axial fluid pressure cylinder disposed end to end,a respective annular piston in each of these cylinders,a respective hollow piston rod extending from each piston towards the gripper arms, one of these piston rods extending within the other piston rod, anda respective wedge at the forward end of each piston rod, for operating the corresponding pair of gripper arms on movement of the piston rod. The wedges slope in opposite directions, and the pistons move simultaneously in opposite directions.

Abstract: An arrangement for the transport of workpieces in a multi-stage deformation press in which the workpieces are to be seized by gripping tongs and are to be transferred in the deformation stages. The gripping tong consists essentially of a base body which is displaced in the direction of a deflection movement by way of a coupling rod. The base body carries a pivot support in which the gripping arms are rotatably supported in pivot joints. The areas of the gripping arms remote from the workpiece are pivotally connected at the base body by way of a coupling member. Within the area of the pivotal connection, the gripping arms carry rollers which are placed from the outside against curved regions of a cam plate by way of a compression spring between the base body and the pivot support. One cam region is on the shape of a circular arc about the pivot bearing so that a larger closing and opening movement is imposed on the gripping arms.

Abstract: A planting finger assembly having paired planting fingers is disclosed for use with a planter of the type wherein plants are removed from a nursery tray, preferably by the stem, and transported to a secondary growing location preferably in a field for harvest. Each planting finger assembly has a pair of planting finger shafts mounted in parallel. The finger shafts each terminate in radially extending wedged shaped gripping fingers for holding and releasing the plant. The two fingers on each plant finger assembly rotate on the finger shafts towards and away from one another responsive to oppositely disposed spiral cams and a joined pair of cam followers. Opposite rotation of the fingers moves the fingers from an opened position for receiving or discharging a plant to a closed position for gripping and transporting the plant.

Abstract: Improved lifting tongs are provided which are particularly suitable for use in lifting heavy sections of cylindrical pipe. The lifting tongs are comprised of first and second opposing jaws and first and second mounting plates which are respectively rigidly joined to the first and second jaws. The mounting plates are arranged in mutually overlapping parallel disposition in spaced separation from each other. First and Second crank or cam levers are interposed in the gap between the mounting plates, and are rotatably secured relative thereto. The crank levers have cam lobes which act against corresponding cam surfaces on the jaws to force the jaws together with about a 4 to 1 mechanical advantage when the tongs are lifted.

Abstract: A self-tightening clamp is described in which two clamping members are pivotally attached to each other intermediate their ends and include arms terminating in clamping jaws. An elongated pull bar having first and second ends is pivotally attached to one of the arms of the clamp. When the first end of the pull bar is pulled in an outward direction the second end of the pull bar is biased against one of the handles of the clamp to force the clamping jaws towards each other. The clamp may also include a cam on one of the arms for locking the jaws in a closed position. The clamp can be secured to a workpiece and pulled in any desired direction.

Abstract: A preform transfer mechanism for transferring preforms from an oven to a mold station includes a support frame, a slide block mounted on the support frame and an elongated transfer bar fixed to the slide block. At least two sets of jaw assemblies are positioned on the transfer bar. A jaw actuating rod engages the jaw assemblies to open and close them. An overtravel plunger carried by the rod permits independent closing of each jaw assembly to accommodate different diameter preforms. A set of preform locators or baskets are mounted on the support frame for receipt of heated preforms from the oven.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and procedure for processing tubular or cylindrical stock, particularly short lengths thereof, into precision formed end products includes a chute, preferably formed of a pair of parallel wall surfaces mounting opposed guide plates at least a portion of which are adjustable. The orientation of the chute and its cross section are made such that in the delivery thereof the longitudinal axis of the stock is maintained substantially parallel to the position in which such axis must be set for the working thereof. A transfer device cycled to and from the delivery end of the chute successively receives elements of the stock discharged therefrom and carries them to a work station without change of their orientation. Upon reaching said working station, said transfer device first holds the stock loosely against a complementary abutment surface, essentially in the attitude required for the working thereof.

Abstract: A gripper assembly includes a movable clamp member which is rotatable relative to a stationary clamp member from a fully open position to any one of a plurality of closed positions to grip an article of a selected size between clamp members. When a releasable clutch or retainer assembly is in an engaged condition, the clutch prevents rotation of the movable clamp member from any one of the closed positions back to the fully open position. An actuator assembly is operable to release the clutch to enable the movable clamp member to rotate back to the fully open position. The clutch includes a coil spring having a plurality of turns which grip surfaces connected with the stationary and movable clamp members when the clutch is in the engaged condition. The actuator assembly operates the clutch from the engaged condition to the release condition by applying a force to the turns of the coil spring urging the turns to flex in a direction tending to increase the diameter of the coil spring.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing irradiated clips from an irradiated fuel assembly comprises a remotely operated tool including hydraulic or pneumatic jaws operable for withdrawing a clip from fuel rods, while supporting the portions of the fuel rods both above and below the clip to avoid damaging the rods during removal of a clip, and further including a support tube held captive in a carriage mechanism for moving the tool into positions for either clip removal, or for ejection of a removed clip from the tool into a clip disposal basket.

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: An electromagnetic gripper assembly formed of a housing having an electromagnetic coil and armature reciprocally mounted thereon. A pair of gripper members are pivotally connected to the armature which is normally spring biased. The respective gripper members have a finger portion and a connected rocker lever portion, the latter having overlapping end portions by which they are pivotally connected to the armature to be actuated thereby as the electromagnetic coil is energized.

Abstract: A bottle sorting system includes a carousel which transports bottles through various stations to classify and separate bottles according to identifying characteristics. At a transfer station, bottles are brought into alignment with gripper mechanisms that are automatically closed to engage the bottles. The bottles are then transported through an inspection staton where they are electrooptically scanned to determine their identifying characteristics. A central processing unit compares the bottle characteristics with stored sets of characteristics to classify each bottle. The locations of each classified bottle is monitored by the central processing unit as the bottles are transported by the carousel. When a particular bottle reaches a location associated with one of a plurality of discharge conveyors, the central processing unit actuates an opening device to open the gripper mechanism and release the bottle onto the conveyor.

Abstract: An elevator for drill pipe which includes at least two jaws for supporting a length of pipe and structure for maintaining the jaws in clamping engagement with the pipe. The structure includes linkage means coupled to the jaws for maintaining the jaws clamped to the pipe when the elevator and pipe are urged apart by gravity due to the weight of the pipe as when the pipe is raised or otherwise supported by the elevator. Additionally or alternatively, the elevator includes a pressure actuator assembly connected to the jaws for applying a positive force against the jaws for maintaining the jaws clamped to the pipe independent of the effect of gravity and, thus, independent of the orientation of the elevator.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging slide fasteners comprises a guide unit disposed on a horizontal longitudinal path downstream of a pair of feed rollers for receiving the slide fasteners therefrom one after another, and a gripping unit disposed in the path downstream of the guide unit for releasably gripping a leading end of the individual slide fastener received in the guide unit. The guide unit includes a stationary upper guide member and a lower guide member pivotally movable to open the bottom side of the guide unit to thereby allow the individual slide fasteners therein to fall and hence become suspended from the gripping unit.

Abstract: A self-releasing coupling includes a casing body (14) to which is attached a cap portion (16) and in which a grasping mechanism (50) is movably positioned. The grasping mechanism includes grapple arms (80) rockably mounted on a piston (52) and held thereon by a snap ring (112). Springs (120, 124) bias the piston forward and aft of the casing body and a cap shoulder (28) and keys (42) move the snap ring forward and aft of grapple arm fulcrums (86) to bias the grapple arms into an element grasping or into an element releasing/receiving configuration. Each grapple arm includes a ramp (142) which engages a chamfer (150) on a casing seating shoulder (40) to increase the grasping force on an element as the pull or tension on that element increases.