Abstract: A device for withdrawing from a bar pusher and thereafter unloading the crop-ends of metal bars in a bar feeding apparatus for a multi-spindle lathe, the device being suitable also for placing a new bar on the bar pusher, is disclosed; the device of the invention is comprised essentially of a pair of movable jaws which by a turning movement close onto the crop-end of a metal bar and lock the crop-end therebetween; the crop-end is the residual part of the lathe machining of the metal bar; thereafter the jaws accomplish a translation movement to detach the crop-end from a bar pusher which formerly caused the bar forwarding in the feeding apparatus of the lathe; the jaws thereafter open slowly dropping the crop-end in a proper unloading zone; finally the jaws close onto a new metal bar to be machined and, by a further translation movement in the direction opposite to the former one, perform the insertion of the new metal bar end into the bar pusher.

Abstract: A gripper apparatus is provided for use with a robotic device. The apparatus includes a plurality of master jaws pivotally mounted to a housing and radially aligned with respect to one another. Appropriately shaped grippers are mountable on each master jaw. Rotational movement of the master jaws is effected by an actuator piston slidably disposed within the housing. The actuator piston is moved in response to hydraulic or pneumatic fluid selectively directed into the housing.

Abstract: A device for moving gripping jaws into engagement with a workpiece comprising two coaxial fluid cylinders for moving the jaws. A piston fixedly connected with a gripping jaw moves in each of the cylinders. Fluid pressure is applied to opposite sides of the pistons to effect movement of the pistons away and toward each other to thereby move the jaws away and toward each other. A means is provided to insure synchronous movement of the two pistons. The means comprises a rod extending along the axis of the two cylinders. The pistons and the rod have a driving interconnection. The driving interconnection effects rotation of the rod in opposite directions upon movement of the pistons away and toward each other. A bearing assembly located between the two fluid cylinders supports the rod for rotation.

Abstract: A robotic system for handling components such as wire leads is disclosed. The system includes a multi-axis programmable machine, often referred to as a robot, to manipulate a chuck mechanism to acquire components such as a lead wire for example and position this wire in a desired predetermined location. Typical applications include the insertion of wires having a connector pin into a multi-pin connector.

Abstract: A robot arm preferably has at least shoulder, elbow and wrist joints with a lever arm extending between each of the joints. Individually powered modules are buit into each of the lever arms adjacent each joint to control the mutual attitude between the lever arm end and its associated joint. Thus, each of the lever arms between the shoulder and elbow and between the elbow and the wrist, respectively, has two of the modules. Each individual module is operated to adjust the attitude of the lever arm relative to the adjacent joint. Or stated another way, two of the module means are operated to adjust the attitude between two adjacent lever arms.

Abstract: A robot hand adapted to be secured to the extremity of a robot arm or a robot wrist of an industrial robot has a finger operating unit provided with a fluid pressure operated piston reciprocating in a cylinder body and a piston rod integral with the piston and having a finger mount, and at least two finger units detachably attached to the finger operating unit. Each finger unit has a fixed finger member and a movable finger member.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically mounting an electronic circuit element on a printed circuit board which is capable of dealing with an electronic circuit element having two lead wires of the large interval, that having two lead wires of the small interval, and that having three lead wires. The apparatus includes a mechanism for holding and transferring an electronic circuit element to a printed circuit board which comprises a fixed pawl formed with a central recess and a pair of side steps, and a pair of movable pawls openable with respect to the fixed pawl wherein the movable pawls are adapted to be in cooperation with the fixed pawl to securely interpose lead wires of an electronic circuit element positioned in the central recess and one of the side steps between one of the movable pawls and the fixed pawl.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning mechanism (10, FIG. 1) includes a movable arm (12) having a plurality of joints (14). A pair of grippers (26 and 28) are movable toward and away from a semiconductor wafer boat (44). The grippers are held in position by a stop member (70, FIG. 4) when they engage the boat (44) and locked in an open position by prongs (86). A solenoid (30) is actuated to allow the grippers to move between their open and closed positions. Flexible bellows (22 and 94) and tubing (24) surround moving parts (e.g., 14, 62, 64, 66, 80) of the mechanism (10) to prevent contamination of the semiconductor wafers (52).

Abstract: A latch system 34 for the nacelle cowling 24 of a gas turbine engine 10 is disclosed. The latch system includes a coupling 36 which may be remotely operated by means of a cable 44. In one embodiment, a support structure 14, the coupling, the cable and a linkage system 48 for applying tension to the cable extends circumferentially about the interior of the cowling to provide constricting force on the cowling to increase the structural rigidity of the cowling. In another embodiment, the coupling has jaws 58 and 60 which are movable from a locked to an unlocked position as a result of the relative movement between the jaws and a housing 50. A linkage system is provided for tensioning the cable which in the locked position uses the tension in the cable to resist operative forces which might seek to open the latching system.

Abstract: A fluid driven piston and cylinder includes a pair of wide opening jaws for gripping relatively thick workpieces. The jaws are mounted on a head which is linearly displaceable by a piston rod powered by the piston and cylinder. An actuating plate on the head actuates closure of the jaws when the head reaches its maximum outward position of displacement. The actuating plate displaces a U-shaped yoke reciprocably mounted on the head. The jaws are pivotally mounted on the head and are squeezed into gripping relationship to a workpiece by rollers mounted on the extremities of the yoke.

Abstract: A self-locking and unlocking elevator for use with drill pipe is disclosed which, in a specific embodiment, includes a pair of jaws, each shaped to support a length of pipe; and central and upper linkage assemblies, for opening and closing the jaws about a section of drill pipe. The invention also includes a ratchet mechanism for locking the jaws open to receive or release a length of pipe, or to allow changing the clamping surfaces to accommodate different sizes of pipe; and for unlocking the jaws to allow closure over and clamping of a length of pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for holding an electronic component prior to its placement on a circuit substrate. The component sucked by a sucker is first centered in one direction by closing movements of a first pair of opposed positioning members toward the component, and then centered in another direction normal to the above one direction by closing movements of a second pair of opposed positioning members which occur only after the first pair of positioning members are opened. The first pair of positioning members are provided on an assembly holding the sucker, and the second pair of positioning members are provided on the sucker holder assembly or separately from the sucker holder assembly. In the latter instance, the assembly holding the sucker and the first pair of positioning members are adapted to be movable relative to the separately provided second pair for alignment of the sucker with the separate second pair.

Abstract: A self locking and unlocking elevator for use with drill pipe is disclosed which, in a specific embodiment, includes a cam body which defines two symmetrically positioned cam surfaces. Each of these cam surfaces serves to support the upper end of a respective jaw, the lower end of which is shaped to clamp and hold the box end of a length of drill pipe. A collar is disposed around the jaws and is mechanically interlocked with the jaws such that both the collar and the jaws are suspended from the cam body. A plate is positioned below the collar above the box end of a clamped length of drill pipe and is secured to the cam body so as to move between a lower position in which the collar and jaws hang from the cam body, and an upper position in which the jaws are supported via the collar and the plate by the box end of the clamped drill pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring articles, such as pails, from a first station to a second station so that the articles may be loaded at the second station in a preselected spaced-saving array includes a transfer carriage operable for selective shifting along a path between the first and second stations and a gripping device utilizing clamps mounted on the transfer carriage operable for selectively gripping and releasing the articles. An orienting device is operatively associated with the gripping device and is operable for selectively imparting rotation thereto so that the articles may be loaded in a nested array.

Abstract: A miniature electrical probe is provided with a pair of rotatable elongate tip electrodes for gripping a wire or component lead. In one embodiment, a sliding collar provides an operating mechanism for opening and closing the tips, and in a second embodiment, a lever provides an operating mechanism.

Abstract: A carriage assembly for transporting two eggs in side-by-side relationship from one station to another such as from a weighing station in an egg grader to a packing station. A pair of oppositely disposed egg engaging members are pivotally mounted on fixed shafts positioned in a platform. The engaging members are curved to engage the egg upon closing of the members, the closing movement being controlled by means of a cam in engagement with the upper horizontal portion of each engaging member. Each of the cams in engagement with the horizontal portion of the engaging members, is mounted on a shaft disposed perpendicular to that of the fixed shafts. A spring member is mounted on the fixed shaft and urges the egg engaging member toward the open position. An actuating bar is fixed to and extends from the mounting shaft in order to rotate the cams into and out of engagement with the horizontally disposed upper portion of the egg engaging members thereby controlling their closing and opening movement.

Abstract: A gripper arrangement for a lifting or hoisting apparatus serves to transport workpieces having a journal or plug-like end. This gripper arrangement or gripper contains a housing in which two slides are essentially symmetrically arranged and radially displaceably guided with respect to a primary or main axis. At each of the slides there is supported a respective clamping or chucking jaw by means of a related guide device which is connected with the related clamping jaw by means of a radial inner hinge joint and with the related slide by means of a radial outer hinge joint which is arranged further towards the outside in axial direction than the radial inner hinge joint. Within the housing there is rotatably mounted a control body member which is operatively coupled with a drive motor. At the control body member there are formed control cams which, during rotation of the control body member, displace the slides.

Abstract: A diskette picker for gripping a magnetic data storage disk and retracting it from a disk storage housing and releasing the disk for loading onto a disk drive. The picker also returning the disk to the disk storage housing after the disk has been used. The picker automatically grips an edge of the disk when removing the disk from the storage housing and automatically releases the disk while loading the disk on a disk drive.

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: A device is presented for carrying ski equipment such as a pair of skis and a pair of ski poles. The device has a pair of clamping members which clamp around a pair of skis to hold them in a back-to-back orientation while being carried. A linear cam mechanism is included in the device to enable the user to open and close the clamping members with one hand. A further device is provided for carrying a pair of ski poles, this device being attachable to the lower portion of the clamping device. When not in use, this ski pole carrier is attached to one of the ski poles and folded so as not to interfere with the normal usage of the pole. The carrying device is also capable of being secured by a standard cable locking device so as to prevent unauthorized removal of either the skis or the ski poles.

Abstract: A pair of elongated clamp levers are provided and interconnected intermediate their opposite ends for substantially coplanar relative oscillation of the levers to inversely swing corresponding pairs of ends of the levers toward and away from each other. One pair of lever ends defines opposing jaw ends between which a sheet metal marginal portion may be clamped and a wedge assembly is moveably connected between the other pair of ends of the levers and includes operating structure moveable lengthwise of the levers and to which one end of an elongated pull member may be anchored.

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: Disclosed is a manipulatable implement for clamping upon an object or for picking up and holding food. The implement comprises a cylinder halved by a common division running through its center axis at a constant slope for its entire length with such division therethrough being at a rotation of 180 degrees and following the contour of a double helix. Appropriate applied manipulative sliding pressure cams open and closes the two halves to allow their distal ends to clamp upon an object, or to pick up and hold food. A modification has the two halves hinged together in their upper region by a rubber band engaged with a peripheral recess.

Abstract: A radial infeed thread roll attachment comprising a pair of jaw elements each having a thread roll mounted at one end and a roller secured on the other end, a housing, pivotally mounting the jaw elements in opposed relation thereon, a cam assembly mounted on the housing and having an inner portion having a wedge-shaped cam element at one end and a threaded member at the other end and an outer portion, a spring for forcefully maintaining the rollers in engagement with the cam element for preventing the rotation of the inner portion when the outer portion is rotated whereby rotation of the outer portion will result in the axial displacement of the inner portion relative to the outer portion, the outer portion having an outer axially fixed element and an inner axially displaceable element threadedly related to the inner portion threaded member, the outer element having an axially extending keyway and the inner element having an axially extending key, a hydraulic cylinder with an air-on-oil hydraulic booster or o

Abstract: A pallet puller for effecting engagement with a cargo pallet for sliding the same over a vehicle bed or like surface. In one form there are two pivotally mounted arms having cross pieces on their inner end. The cross pieces have lateral protrusions that fit beneath the stringer in the pallet so as to retain the pallet puller in place under virtually all conditions. There is mechanism for controllably pivoting the two arms between an open position and a closed position. In another form there is a single elongate arm with a cross piece on the end. The cross piece has lateral protrusions that fit beneath the pallet stringer to retain the pallet puller in place.

Abstract: A pick and place mechanism is provided for selecting a part from a pick-up location, transporting the same to a place location, and placing it in a precise position at the place location. A part is engaged by a pair of gripping fingers which depend from a casing mounted for movement between the pick and place locations. The fingers are connected to a cam mounted for reciprocation in the casing to alternately extend and retract the fingers. The fingers cooperate with an actuating mechanism carried by the casing to engage and disengage the part in response to movement of the cam. The cam is normally biased upwardly and is actuated by a follower which is guided in a slot in the casing, and an air cylinder drives the follower and hence the casing between the pick and place locations.

Abstract: A load bar is movably supported from overhead support equipment and has grabbing hooks thereon which are adaptable to support loads having a wide variety of shapes and/or sizes.

Abstract: A pincers-type gripper for seizing bottles includes an operating rod provided with a pin extending transversely to the rod and each end of which is loosely fitted in an aperture provided in each jaw, each aperture including two internal cam surfaces contacting the ends of the pin to allow the jaws to be moved towards or from one another when the operating rod is actuated.

Abstract: A support carriage of a manipulator carries an outrigger arm on which is mounted a grab assembly. Upper and lower jaws pivotal on the assembly about respective superposed upper and lower parallel axes can be moved by an actuator head engaging both of these jaws from an open position in which the jaws are pivoted apart from each other to a closed position in which the jaws are pivoted together. The lower jaw is moved at first into the closed position and locked therein before the upper jaw is moved all the way down into the closed position.

Abstract: A grapnel is disclosed which comprises a plurality of arms pivotably mounted on a substantially rod shaped body. The arms have at their free ends catching points forming an angle with the arms and near the foot of the catching points auxiliary catching claws extend substantially in the direction of the arms. A piston and cam-shaped portions of the grapnel arms co-operate to urge the arms into an outwardly extending position upon a traction on the grapnel rope.

Abstract: A self-releasing choker has ferrule holding jaws in a casing movable between a ferrule accepting station, a load carrying station, and a ferrule releasing station located intermediate the other two stations. Locking means holds the jaws closed while in the load carrying station and releasing means permits the jaws to open only while they are moving past the ferrule releasing station in the direction of the ferrule accepting station. Dampening means provides a time delay to keep the jaws from moving all of the way to the ferrule releasing station when the load is only momentarily taken off the ferrule.

Abstract: An automatic tool exchanging apparatus of a machine tool comprises a machine body, a tool storage magazine, a spindle attached to the machine body, a tool conveying mechanism and a tool exchanging mechanism which are located between the tool storage magazine and the spindle for exchanging a tool in the magazine with a tool in the spindle, and a drive unit for driving the tool exchanging and tool conveying mechanisms. The tool conveying mechanism comprises a guide bar horizontally arranged between a predetermined position of the tool storage magazine and an intermediate tool pot of the tool exchanging mechanism, a tool carriage movably supported by the guide bar, a tool carriage reciprocating mechanism, a tool conveying arm member rotatably supported by the tool carriage and provided with clamp arms to clamp a tool, a tool conveying arm member rotating mechanism, and a tool conveying arm member reciprocating mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring and manipulating a plurality of containers in a sequence is disclosed including a mechanical manipulator arm 10 having a gripping device B which automatically picks up a container at a fixed pickup position P and transfers it to a processing station.At a processing station X, the container is loaded with silicon wafers and thereafter returned by the arm to the fixed position P at the pickup and return station Y. A plurality of the containers may be processed in sequence from the fixed pickup position by providing a movable carriage 58 upon which container pedestal platforms 54 and 56 are supported, at least one of which is an elevator platform. The platforms include abutments 54c and 56c for properly positioning the containers for accurate pickup by the manipulator arm.

Abstract: Each of both clamping jaws of a product gripper are formed by a holder portion and an extension portion formed of one-piece with the related holder portion. Both of the holder portions are held in their closed position by means of a closure spring. The clamping jaws are conjointly pivotable about a shaft which simultaneously serves as the pivot shaft for the hinge connection between both of the clamping jaws. If the product gripper is rocked into a product receiving position, then the extension portion of one clamping jaw is located at one side of a stop in contact therewith. For opening the gripper there is exerted an opening force upon the extension portion of the other clamping jaw, so that the related holder portion is raised from the other holder portion against the force of the closure spring. For releasing the seized product the clamping jaws are rocked in clockwise direction into their product release position where the extension portion of the other clamping jaw bears against the stop.

Abstract: A jig is provided for use in supporting objects from which fingerprints are to be removed or lifted, the operative mechanism comprising a plurality of pivoted arms which can be made to expand or contract to engage a bottle, glass or the like from the inside or the outside, this movement being effected by means of rotating a junction collar to which the arms are pivoted at their inside end about a central shaft, advancing the collar toward or away from a guide disk. A stand is provided into which the shaft is inserted and in which it may be rotated about its longitudinal axis or removed, and a second shaft having a frustoconical stopper on the end may be used in the stand alternatively to the more complicated, expanding-arm structure described above.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring objects from one position to another position in another turntable. A slide is mounted to be slidable on a guide on the turntable. The slide comprises a slot which extends transversely of the guide and in which a drive member is accommodated which is connected to one end of a first arm, the other end of which is pivotably connected to a second arm which is journalled in the turntable by way of a shaft and which is coupled to a drive. Around this shaft a wheel is rigidly arranged. This wheel is coupled to a further wheel, the center of which is formed by the pivot of the first and the second arm. This further wheel is rigidly connected to the first arm. The arrangement is such that, when the shaft is driven, the drive member follows an elliptical path. On the slide there is provided a gripping member for gripping and releasing the objects to be transferred.

Abstract: A lifting tong link arm-to-tong arm toggle lock comprised of a rack and pinion sub-assembly member operably interposed to work angularly across one of the two symmetrical pivotally assembled scissor-acting upper link arm-to-lower tong arm junctures of a simple tong grab toggle structure, wherein the pinion wheel thereof is further provided with a ratchet wheel axially affixed thereto whereby the cooperatively activated release or engagement of a solenoid operated pawl with the ratchet tooth structure thereof respectively enables either opening of the tong for a grappling load engagement thereby or locking of the extended load suspending lifting tong structure when a load is grappled for movement thus providing a positive mechanical capability to prevent either an accidental or unintentional operator release of the load upon a load support surface after grapple displaced transport of a load from one location to another intermediate of and prior to accomplishing a final placement positioning deposit thereof.

Abstract: In a system for producing frozen confections without molds, a transfer conveyor is provided for picking up the confections from a freezer conveyor and dropping them on a wrapper conveyor which transfer conveyor includes a large number of carriages pivotally mounted in series to an endless chain. Each carriage has a pair of scissorable arms and tongs detachably mounted to the arms for engaging a confection. The arms are opened by a wedge mounted on a push rod, and a pneumatic cylinder is used at the drop zone to rapidly extend the push rod and thereby quickly open the tongs so that the confection will fall through a predetermined trajectory. The retracted position of the wedge and rod, and thus the closed position of the tongs, is controlled by a stop assembly that is slidably mounted on the carriage.

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: A lightweight, mechanical handling apparatus including a self-contained, motorized base module, a self-contained torso module, and arm modules mounted in left and right hand orientation upon the torso module. Each arm module is provided with six reversible electric motors for performing six functions. The shoulder and wrist portions of the arms are capable of 180.degree. rotation and the upper arm, lower arm and hand portions of the arm are interconnected for pivotal movement relative to each other.

Abstract: Gripping apparatus includes a supporting body having a pair of spaced generally parallel levers independently mounted thereon for pivotal movement toward and away from each other, the respective pivot axes being spaced and parallel. Two elongated cam bars are slidably mounted on the body in parallel juxtaposition with the levers, respectively. The bars are disposed between the pivot axes, respectively, and the body with the axes being opposite the midportions of the bars. Opposed cam devices are provided between the opposite ends of the bars and the respective levers for pivoting the latter oppositely toward and away from each other in response to reciprocal movement of the bars. Means are provided for reciprocating the bars in unison. The body is in the form of a cylinder and the reciprocating means a piston reciprocably received therein. The levers and bars extend longitudinally of the cylinder on diametrically opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A filter system comprising a tank and a cage assembly releasably mounted therein. The cage assembly comprises a tube plate and a plurality of filter tubes projecting upwardly therefrom. A plurality of replaceable cartridges are telescoped over each of the tubes. Below the tubes is a plenum chamber for receiving filtered fluid. The entire cage assembly is removable from the filter tank by providing lifting trunnions on the cage assembly and by providing a yoke assembly for lifting the cage assembly out by the trunnions. The yoke assembly will automatically grasp the trunnions when it is inserted in the filter tank. A safety mechanism is provided for securing the yoke assembly on the trunnions.When the cage assembly is lifted out of the filter tank, a mechanism is provided for automatically tilting the cage assembly to dump the filter cartridges from the cage assembly. The cage assembly is then secured on a pallet which can be moved to another location for reloading clean filter cartridges on the filter tubes.

Abstract: An improved driving mechanism particularly adapted for use with pick-and-place units wherein a pair of jaws are pivotally supported from a housing and movable towards and away from each other. In this manner objects may be grasped by the jaws or extension thereof and moved from one place to another and then released by reason of the aforementioned relative jaw movement. The jaws cooperatively form a socket in which a generally cylindrical bushing is mounted at opposite ends thereof in a drive member which in turn is adapted to reciprocate back and forth with respect to the housing so as to open and close the jaws. One of the jaws at the upper head portion thereof includes a laterally movable pin which acts to limit the relative movement of the jaws towards and away from each other.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for converting the reciprocal motion of a drive member to pivotal motion of one or more levers includes a tooth member-receiving slot pair operatively connecting the drive member to the levers. The tooth member extends perpendicular to the axis of reciprocation of the drive member and the slot receives the tooth member in driving engagement therewith. Either the tooth member or the slot has a convex cam surface formed thereon and the other member of the pair has a flat cam-engaging surface. Rolling contact is thereby provided between the drive member and the levers when the drive member is actuated for reciprocal movement.

Abstract: Article gripping devices are provided wherein a pair of gripper jaws are pivotally carried on a frame means and a pair of opposed oppositely inclined camming surfaces positioned on a vertical axis on the frame engage a pair of vertically spaced cam follower surfaces formed on the gripper jaws whereby on relative vertical movement of the gripper jaws on the frame by a jaw carrier means, the gripper jaws are moved from bottle engaging to bottle releasing positions and with the position of the gripper jaws being positively controlled at all times.

Abstract: A transport hook for suspending and supporting a sheet metal article from an elevated conveyor chain that includes a base member having a pair of jaw members connected thereto. A spring extends between the jaw members for normally maintaining the latter in an open position and one of the jaw members is formed with a support portion that is adapted to have the article mounted thereon so as to cause the weight of the article to draw the jaw members into clamping engagement with the article against the bias of the spring.

Abstract: A pull clamp is provided for attaching to sheet metal flanges for transmission of pulling forces to the sheet metal, particularly in collision repair operations. The clamp comprises a pair of opposed clamping jaws adapted to be tightened against each other by bolts and have at one end opposite clamping surfaces for engagement with the sheet metal flange, the jaws furthermore enclosing a connecting member for coupling to a pulling means, said member including a conical wedge element for exerting a spreading-apart action of the inner surfaces of the jaws and hence through the bolts increase the clamping force between the clamping surfaces of the jaws in proportion to the pull of the pulling means.

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 gripping apparatus for lifting objects remotely utilizing three pivotally mounted gripping arms driven by integral cam followers located on extremities and roller grasping means located on their opposite extremities. The cam followers are carried in tracks, located in a rotatable can which moves the gripping arms and rollers inwardly or outwardly upon rotation of the cam by a remotely controlled bi-directional electric motor. A positioning cone centers the gripping arms over the load to be gripped thereby preventing an unsymmetrical grip which could cause inadvertant or premature release of the load. A bottom limit switch senses tension in the cables upon which the apparatus is suspended to prevent activation of the gripping fingers unless the apparatus is fully lowered, and an inertia switch senses rotation of the apparatus for preventing excessive torque on the cam by reactive torque of the motor which could cause the entire apparatus to twist.

Abstract: The actuating unit mounts a workpiece gripping and transporting jaw assembly and has an elongated hanger rod supporting a first mount boss. A pneumatic cylinder is arranged below the rod and secured to the boss and has a conventional piston and piston rod projecting from the cylinder. The improvement which comprises an elongated guide rod between the cylinder and hanger rod slidably positioned through the mount boss projecting forwardly thereof and at one end supporting a jaw mount assembly having a longitudinal bore. A stroke adjuster collar is secured upon the other end of the guide rod and adapted to limit forward movement of the jaw mount assembly. A rod adapter is movably positioned through the bore of the jaw mount assembly which includes a first mount flange on the forward end thereof. A jaw assembly includes a body having an annular mounting flange at one end mounted upon the first mount flange and adjustably secured thereto.