Abstract: A portable hand tool, for holding an elongate needle cap so that a syringe needle can safely be inserted into the cap, has a lever structure comprising a pair of juxtaposed, mating, pivotally connected levers. The levers at their front ends have marginal edges defining a cap receiving opening parallel to the axis of pivot. The structure provides a wall functioning as a base for the opening and a spring normally biases the front ends of the levers to a closed cap gripping position. The levers are operated by squeezing their rear ends to achieve a cap receiving and releasing position.

Abstract: This invention deals with a portable lifter of the kind designed to fit around the balled earth and root system or bagged earth and root system of a shrub or a tree. The device of the instant invention is fabricated from light-weight metal such as aluminum or very light steel. It is believed by the inventor herein that this device is most useful in tree and shrub nurserys to allow the transportation of such trees and shrubs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved can draining implement including two handles pivotably attached together. One handle has a can supporting plate which faces a plunger on the other handle. The plunger has an angled face designed to cause liquid being drained from the can to flow to one side. Furthermore, the plunger has embedded therein a magnet designed to hold the lid of the can after draining has been accomplished.

Abstract: A guide bar for use by workers involved in the manipulation of a hose which carries a high density material to a predetermined site. The bar is preferably used in the building trades by a work gang involved in the delivery of concrete. The guide bar includes a clamp for attachment to the hose, the bar itself which includes handle grasping means and a flexible connection between the clamp and the bar.

Abstract: This invention relates to extremely inexpensive coupled chopsticks comprising a pair of sticks mechanically coupled to one another by a curled wire spring that is secured to the chopsticks in a novel way. The coupling of two sticks by a novel wire spring of the present invention is compatible with the conventional disposable chopsticks comprising two sticks partially attached to one another at one extremity thereof which are to be split into two separate sticks at the time of use as well as with the traditional chopsticks comprising two separate sticks.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a lifting handle (10) for lifting and carrying cylindrical, metal, pressurized gas containers (C) comprises a circular metal band (11) with a pair of diametrically opposite cut-outs (12,13) therein, and a pivot mount (14) secured to the band in spanning relationship to each cut-out. A right cylindrical wedging member (20) is pivotally supported on each pivot mount by a pin (22) carried by the pivot mount. The pin extends through a pivot bore (25) offset to one side of the axis of the cylindrical wedging member, whereby rotation of the wedging member about the pivot results in a swinging motion of the wedging member toward and away from the adjacent container. A hand grip or handle (21) is fixed to the wedging member for rotating it about the pivot pin, whereby the wedging member may be brought into and out of engagement with the container to lift and carry the container in a vertical, upright position.

Abstract: Disc handling device is configured to pick up, retain and release discs for compact disc players, and the like. The disc handling device has a body from which depend two flexible arms sized to grasp and release the edges of the disc. The body has a central plunger for centering the handling device and for releasing the retention fingers in the compact disc storage box. A first actuator on the body moves the arms to grasp position, and a second actuator moves the arms to a release position.

Abstract: An apparatus (23) is constructed having a pair of side gripping members (32, 34) which are pivotally coupled by hinges to an intermediate gripping member (36). These gripping members (32, 34, 36) have a l/d (length-to-diameter) ratio of approximately 5:1 to distribute compressive forces over a relatively large area. Inner gripping regions (46, 48, 50) of the members (32, 34, 36) are configured having frictional surfaces (46, 48, 50) which frictionally grip a tubular structure, such as a bi-stem (12). A latch (51) having catches (56) is positioned on one of side gripping members (34), and a catch (62) is positioned on the opposite side member (32) for engaging the catches (56), latching the apparatus (23) closed around the bi-stem (12). Handles (68, 70) are centrally affixed to an exterior region of side members (32, 34) and allow the apparatus (23) to be readily closed around the bi-stem (12) and also allow manipulation of the bi-stem (12).

Abstract: The invention comprises a two, three or four short pin engagement system for engaging a wafer carrier for transporting semiconductor wafers by means of a three axis robotic transportation system for the purpose of processing semiconductor wafers in a factory. The multiple pin assembly allows a large reduction in travel distance with respect to prior art long rod engagement supports.

Abstract: A handle attachment structure primarily designed for use for the gripping of opposite sides, but at least one side wall, of a cardboard or like penetrable material box of the type intended to carry computer paper or like material and including two leaves at least one of which is provided with supporting teeth on its inwardly facing surface thereof for the penetrating engagement of the side wall of the box. A handle means is movably attached to the leaves and is selectively positionable into and out of a coplanar position with the wall being gripped, the latter coplanar position defining a lifting position of the handle relative to the box and leaves.

Abstract: A hand-held, pincer-like device for providing a secure grip upon a fish comprises substantially identical rigid panels which are hingedly connected to one another to permit facile opening and secure closing, and which have friction-enhancing interior surfaces thereon.

Abstract: A salt block carrier includes a handle with a pair of pivotally mounted arms movably secured to the handle. The arms each have an end designed to fit and hold the salt block with blunt gripping knobs.

Abstract: A tool for lifting and carrying an automotive battery and the like consists of a pair of identical sheet metal stampings in the form of L-shaped levers, pivotally joined for scissor-like action and interconnected by a carrying strap. The levers are generally planar and include a plurality of gripping teeth in a convexly curved configuration at the inner confronting faces of the L-shaped ends to provide variable spacing of the opposed operative teeth. The strap is a semi-rigid plastic and biases the levers to a partly closed position.

Abstract: Optical record disc handling apparatus for avoiding contamination of optical disc surfaces. A U-shaped handle supports on a first extending leg a centering post approximately midway between an inside edge of the supporting leg and the optical disc center. A remaining extending leg supports a pivotal gripping member which may be operated by the index finger. The pivotal gripping member is pivotal between a disc grasping position and disc releasing position. The centering post is advantageously spring loaded in the axial direction to permit a slight downward force to be applied to a centering hub in the disc storage package. The device is capable of being manufactured by standard injection molding techniques which are simple and economical.

Abstract: A conduit carrying device for use by construction workers and the like for manually grasping and carrying an elongated element such as pipes and other conduit members comprising a substantially U-shaped support frame member having a pair of spaced apart leg members defining a space therebetween, a closure member slidably mounted within guide channels at the respective free end of each leg member for controlling access to the spaced defined therebetween, the closure members being slidably positionable between an open position allowing access to the space between the leg members for admitting a conduit member therebetween and a closed position restricting access thereto for holding and retaining a conduit member therewithin, the closure members being angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the leg members such that when the leg members are in a substantially vertical position gravity will urge each closure member towards its closed position, and a pair of handle assemblies pivotally attached

Abstract: A pair of tongs for grasping food which is otherwise difficult to pick up, such as spaghetti, other pasta products, broccoli, beans, and eggs. The tongs have a ladle bowl at the end of one stem and a spoon at the end of the other stem. The ladle bowl and spoon have perforated major surfaces for draining purposes. The ladle bowl has an imperforate lower side wall and an upper side wall in the form of a number of spaced-apart fingers which extend upward from the lower side wall. When the tongs are closed, the spoon enters into the ladle bowl below the level of the fingers, to securely retain the food between the lower portion of the ladle bowl and the spoon.

Abstract: A disc transfer device for the manipulation of hard discs without damage to the recording surfaces thereof. The device is manually operated and consists of a U-shaped handle adapted for fitting over a disc storage spindle. The handle includes two grippers made of a rigid and smooth yet soft material which will not damage the disc surfaces. One gripper is fixedly attached to one end of the handle, and the other gripper is attached to a pivotable arm affixed to the other end of the handle. A lever attached to the movable arm allows for moving the arm outwards to enable a disc to fit between the grippers. A spring biases the arm in the normally closed position.

Abstract: A handle attachable to the end panel of a wafer carrier having a pair of opposing clamp jaws interconnected by an elongate articulated frame which includes a mechanism for producing movement of the jaws toward or away from each other, a grip bar for grasping the handle and retaining rods for traversing the open side of the carrier and to retain wafers within the carrier.

Abstract: A hand-held and hand-operated gripping device for extracting live rockets from rocket launch tubes is disclosed. The device has the ability to engage and grip an extraction bar extending across the exhaust end of a rocket motor and extract the rocket from the launch tube by a straight pulling action along the axis of the rocket. Jaws of the rocket extracting device are pivotally held on a frame member and are resiliently biased open. The jaws are closed by movement of a separate elongated finger grip bar toward a parallel bar of the frame member while the finger grip bar is in engagement with convergent cam faces of the pivoted jaws. The finger grip bar is captively held in free-floating relationship to the jaws and frame member.

Abstract: A pair of self adjusting tongs for household use, particularly for grasping food, wherein the jaws are independently rotatable within a limited angular range about corresponding pivot axes, with each jaw being spring-loaded by an arcuate spring extension of the jaw, the end of the spring extension constituting a loop which surrounds and slides along the corresponding stem of the tongs.

Abstract: A battery carrier for lifting and carrying electrical storage batteries with the battery carrier having a pair of members for encircling portions of the battery case and a pair of pivotable handles connected thereto that can be squeezed together so that as the operator lifts the battery upward the squeezing force on the members forces the members into frictional contact with the vertical edges of the battery to permit the operator to lift and carry the battery.

Abstract: Fireplace tongs comprising a pair of levers connected to one another between their respective ends by means of a first pivot in the manner of scissors, this first pivot defining on one side thereof operating arms and on the other side thereof extensions of the operating arms. One of the extensions constitutes a first jaw for the tongs while a second jaw, similar to the first jaw, is pivotally mounted at one of its ends to the end of the other extension away from the first pivot. A connecting link is provided of which the ends are pivotally mounted on the jaws respectively on one side and on the other side of the first and of the second pivot and adjacent thereto, whereby closing in of the arms causes tightening of the jaws and, alternatively, spreading apart of the operating arms causes loosening of the jaws.

Abstract: A tool for lifting and carrying a piece of wood such as a log includes a rigid rod one end of which is curved downwardly with pointed elements thereon and the other end of the rod is curved upwardly to define a handle. A gripping member is loosely suspended from a central portion of the rod and is provided with a pair of diverging legs the ends of which are each provided with a point. The pointed ends on the rod and the gripping member readily penetrate into a piece of wood thereby exerting a gripping action on a piece of wood positioned between the pointed teeth on the end of the rod and the teeth on the gripping member when a lifting force is exerted upon the handle.

Abstract: A generally trough-like elongated element is formed of quartz glass, open at the top, in which the side walls (2) which, preferably, have inclined portions (4) merging with the bottom wall (1) of the trough, are formed with through-slits (3), and the bottom wall is formed with slots (5) cut therein, leaving, however, the end portions solid and uncut; the end portions are formed with positioning or alignment notches (6) extending in a direction transverse to the bottom wall which, preferably, is formed with a recess or notch for engagement with a transport apparatus. The side walls preferably have holes extending, in longitudinal alignment, through the solid end portions to permit passage of the tines of a handling fork (8) therethrough. The slits (3) and the slots (5) provide for three-point suspension of disk or plate-like semiconductor substrates for handling and introduction, for example, into a treatment or diffusion furnace or tube.

Abstract: A pliers for handling disks and other flat and thin objects. The pliers are substantially comprised of jaws (4) provided with claws (5), biased against each other by an adjustable tension spring (3), arranged between the arms (1). The jaws (4) are made into a single part, of flexible material, and folded in two portions to form a hinge (6) acting as a penetration limiter, distinct from that (2) of the arms (1). The claws (5) are fixed on the jaws (4) by a turned down edge (10) thicker than the protuberance (12) located at the junction of the arms (1) with the jaws (4). The ends of the claws (5) are tapered and offset so as to facilitate the insertion of the jaws (4) between the object and the handling of the object with the pliers.

Abstract: A gem holder is provided which includes a handle and a gem holding wire array attached to one end of the handle. Two wire loops which each have two substantially parallel wire sections are provided for resiliently holding a gem to facilitate examining the gem. In the first embodiment both loops are rigidly attached to the handle to receive a gem girdle between the loops. In a second embodiment one of the loops is rigidly attached to the handle and the other of the loops is slidably attached to the handle to accommodate various sized gems.

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 device for grasping, holding, manipulating and transporting phonograph record discs comprises curved vertically pivotable jaws closable by means of thumb and finger pressure applied to tapered actuator buttons slidably mounted in a tapered transverse channel formed by rear extensions of the jaws.

Abstract: A removable fixing device for use with an article having a slot, comprising twisting means, for example in FIG. 1 a handle portion 2, and two outwardly projecting and outwardly open clips 7a and 7b. In use, the clips 7a and 7b are aligned with and between adjacent edges of a slot formed in the article and the handle portion 2 is twisted so as to cause the clips 7a and 7b to grip opposed edge portions of the slot.

Abstract: Gripping means to provide hand support for a person stepping over a wall, such as the side wall of a bathtub, comprising a rigid corner plate fitting over and extending down the outer edge of the wall, to the top of which plate is secured a hollow member closed at its front end and extending transversely across the wall rim to support handle means extending upwardly from the hollow member. A slidable member is provided within the hollow member, said slidable member having axially extending female threading to receive a threaded element. Such an element is provided to enter through an orifice in the closed front end of the hollow member, and is capped at its outer end with a torquing knob. The distal end of the slidable member carries a downwardly projecting clamping member having pivotable plate means in facing engagement with the inside of the wall to enable the wall to be clamped between such plate means and the rigid plate, thereby to provide firm support for the upwardly extending handle means.

Abstract: A liquid-expressing tong-like implement for removing liquid from a can of food product containing solid food product immersed in liquid formed as a pair of scissor-like elongated arms pivoted together and having a finger loop formation at handle-forming rear end portions thereof and front end portions at the ends opposite said finger loop formations providing loop-shaped jaw formations. One of the jaw formation loops has a generally straight rod-like front leg portion extending transversely of its associated elongated arm, and a flat platen member sized to fit into an opened food product can to exert pressing forces onto the solid food product is pivotally coupled to the rod-like leg portion for pivotal movement about that transversely arranged leg portion. The other of the jaw formation loops defines a flat portion to engage the bottom of the opened can.

Abstract: Improvements in sheet gripping and handling devices; devices for gripping the vertical end edges of heavy, rigid sheet materials to facilitate and permit carrying thereof supported by the devices; handle devices engageable with the vertical end edges of heavy, rigid sheet material like sheet rock, enabling two men to comfortably and safely carry one or more sheets between them.

Abstract: A mop bucket connector comprising a clip of inverted U-shape the arms of which may be inserted downwardly respectively into a pair of wheeled mop buckets to assemble them into a unitary relationship, a spacer fixed to the clip and adapted to be disposed between the buckets, the clip arms being resiliently biased to urge the buckets against the spacer, and a handle connected to the spacer by means of which the bucket assembly may be propelled in the manner of a cart.

Abstract: A chopsticks assembly includes pivoted chopsticks, spring urged to spread apart position, and otherwise retainable in nested collapsed position.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is disclosed for removing embedded ticks. The apparatus includes a pair of locking tongs which are especially designed for grasping an embedded tick at the skin line. Thereafter, the grasped tick is removed by means of a rotary or twisting movement. The disclosure is also concerned with a novel method whereby embedded ticks may be removed safely and intact. The method preferably employs the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: A carrier for releasably receiving, retaining, carrying and hanging a pair of roller skates includes a C-shaped handle having upper and lower leg portions which overlie each other and which extend substantially in a common plane. The upper leg portion is of sufficient size relative to the size of one's hand to effectively distribute the load of a pair of roller skates across the width of one's hand. The lower leg portion is provided with an opening through which a shaft extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to at least a part of the lower leg portion. Opposite end regions of the shaft project from opposite sides of the opening. Two separate pairs of hook-shaped arm members are carried on opposite end regions of the shaft. Each pair includes arm members located on opposite sides of the C-shaped handle for engaging a rear axle of a skate.

Abstract: A ceramic support apparatus for supporting and holding a ceramic article in a kiln while the ceramic article is being fired has first and second bowed ceramic members pivotally mounted on a ceramic rod with their respective concavities in non-facing orientation. Each bowed ceramic member has an upper hooked end for hooking over the edge of a support flange in the kiln and a lower hooked end for hooking under a support lip of the ceramic article whereby the article may be hung from the support flange in the kiln. The lower hooked end may have one or more cusps extending upwardly for contacting the support lip of the ceramic article. A pair of hooked members may also be provided to be rotated into a position under the support lip and thereafter attached over each end of the ceramic rod to be held thereby. The ceramic article is thereby supported at four different locations about the circumference of the support lip.

Abstract: A hand operated pick-up tool for selectively engaging a quantity or stack of cards, particularly for removal thereof from a filing drawer, or the like, and comprising a first L-shaped gripper member, a second L-shaped gripper member slidably and pivotally secured to the first gripper member and cooperating therewith for engaging the exposed opposite faces of the selected stack of cards, wedging apparatus cooperating between the two gripper members for securely clamping the engaged cards therebetween, and a handle member provided for one of the gripper members for facilitating manipulation of the tool.

Abstract: A wheeled platform provides a storage space for logs below an elevated track supported on standards rising from the platform. A trolley device movable along the track supports an easily adjustable log gripping and release device which is utilized to place logs in a fireplace or in the fire box of a stove or furnace. The user of the crane need not place the logs by hand, thus avoiding the possibility of being burned.

Abstract: The instrument for removing exchangeable blades from surgical scalpes consists of two arms /1 and 2/ connected with each other and forming approximately the shape of the letter "U" or "V". The end of the arm /1/ is provided with two protrusions /3 and 4/ and with the catch disposed at a distance therefrom /5/, the end of the arm /2/ being provided with two similar protrusions /6 and 7/. The protrusions /3 and 4, and 6 and 7/ of both arms /1 and 2/ are displaced against each other by such a distance that under the influence of the arms /1 and 2/ by means of the protrusions /3, 4, 6, 7/ onto the blade /11/ mounted on the scalped /10/ it follows a bending of the dull-edged end of the blade /11/ above the upper plane of the lock /9/ of the scalpel /10/, and catching against the catch /5/. The blade /11/ bent in this way acts onto the instrument with a tangential force and gets put out from the lock /9/ of the scalpel /10/.

Abstract: A gripper member comprises an openable and closable pair of handles interconnected by a hinge member. Each handle defines, adjacent its hinge member, an arcuate recess positioned to face the corresponding recess of the other handle and defining gripping projections therein. A wall member is positioned longitudinally on each handle to cross each arcuate recess, both wall members being positioned at the same side of their respective recesses. Accordingly, a plastic tube may be surrounded and gripped in the arcuate recesses of the handles for rotational retention thereof as a connector member is inserted into or withdrawn from the tube. At the same time, the wall members pinch the tube into closed, sealed relation with the handles in closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for lifting a component such as a building block and comprises a support having a contiguous lower abutment surface, a plurality of engaging members extending beneath the support and adapted to be entered into a recess in the component, at least one of the members being movable and a handle means movable with respect to the support and operatively connected with the movable engaging member, so that on lifting the handle the engaging members engage the adjacent wall of the recess with a force proportional to the weight of the component.

Abstract: A dual-purpose, convertible household utensil assembly which in one mode operates as two separate implements for mixing a salad, and in the other mode acts as tongs in which the two implements are hinged together and function as a grasping device for serving portions of the mixed salad. The assembly is constituted by two implements such as a fork and a spatula, both having like shanks whose end sections define channel-like sockets, and a removable U-shaped yoke having a pair of legs which are receivable in these sockets to join the implements together and a resilient cross-piece which interconnects the legs to form a hinge.

Abstract: Tool for lifting and carrying auto batteries having a scissor-like configuration with an adjustable pivotable connection. Gripping plates positionable in a substantially parallel spaced-apart configuration frictionally grip the side walls of the auto battery. The gripping plates are maintainable in the substantially parallel spaced-apart configuration during adjustment of the pivotable connection allowing good frictional grip as the gripping plates are brought into frictional contact with the side walls of the battery.

Abstract: A split resilient ring has a pair of converging implement socketing sleeves anchored thereto and adapted to receive various implements whose work-engaging terminals may extend substantially outwardly of one or both corresponding ends of the socketing sleeves. The work-engaging implement terminals can be biased apart or together by the holder for a variety of useful operations. In lieu of the split resilient ring, a wedge fulcrum member may engage converging or diverging implements biased by elastic elements.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for gripping an elongated transport or diffusion boat having a concave surface extending from end to end which is grooved repeatedly in one direction to support each of a plurality of disc like semiconductor wafers peripherally in vertical side-by-side relationship. Each end of the boats is provided with a pair of horizontally aligned spaced apart notches. The tool for gripping the boat consists of a pair of spaced apart parallel arm members each of which carries a pair of linearly aligned finger sections adapted for removable insertion into the notches. Means are provided to move the arm members laterally toward each other thereby to insert the fingers simultaneously into all of the notches to grip the boat.

Abstract: Disposable manual finger shielding bilateral shovel tongs for sanitary removal and disposal of obnoxious matter such as animal excrement or litter, in the form of a self interlocking unitary firm structural planar member of locally linearly foldable and stiffly bendable resilient disposable material, e.g. biodegradable paperboard, having reinforcing interfolded and interlocked coplanar panels generally providing a substantially rectangular, flat, two dimensional composite shape and finger insertion shielding external glove-like pockets, and which upon bending upon itself with the pockets on the resultant exterior constitutes a pair of generally inherently resilient and self-reinforcing manual shielding bilateral shovel tongs of structural and mechanical integrity and stability for the stated purpose; and a unitary precursor blank for making the same.

Abstract: First and second opposite side pairs of laterally spaced upstanding tong arms defining open sided recesses opening toward each other are provided. The tong arms include upper and lower ends and structure is provided pivotally connecting the upper base ends of the tong arms together for relative swinging of the lower ends of the tong arms toward and away from each other. A downwardly opening generally C-shaped spring handle including remote handle ends is provided and structure pivotally attaches each handle end to a corresponding pair of laterally spaced tong arms intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof for angular displacement of the handle ends relative to the arms about parallel horizontal axes disposed at generally right angles relative to the directions in which the tong arms open, the C-shaped spring handle being disposed in a plane generally paralleling the planes in which the tong arms swing relative to each other.

Abstract: Fireplace tongs comprising a tubular stationary member including a handle located at one end, and a telescoping member having one end slidably received within the stationary member. The stationary and telescoping members include downwardly depending claw-like arcuate tines for gripping a log therebetween. An elongated handle is pivotally attached to one end of the upper side of the telescoping member and terminates at its opposite end in a handle. The telescoping member is shiftable between an open and a closed position for accepting and firmly holding a log.

Abstract: A gripper member comprises an openable and closable pair of handles interconnected by a hinge member. Each handle defines, adjacent its hinge member, an arcuate recess positioned to face the corresponding recess of the other handle and defining gripping projections therein. A wall member is positioned longitudinally on each handle to cross each arcuate recess, both wall members being positioned at the same side of their respective recesses. Accordingly, a plastic tube may be surrounded and gripped in the arcuate recesses of the handles for rotational retention thereof as a connector member is inserted into or withdrawn from the tube. At the same time, the wall members pinch the tube into closed, sealed relation with the handles in closed position.