Abstract: A fork assembly can include multiple forks configured to surround a load. Multiple attachments can be made on the forks to couple to straps for support a load. The fork assembly can further include multiple fork extensions having end attachments to couple to straps for pulling on the load. Alternatively, the fork assembly can include multiple fork lifters having blades rotatable between a non-lift position and a lift position. The fork extensions can also have blades rotatable between a non-pullable position and a pullable position. The blade rotation can be performed by a remote rotate mechanism by an operator operating the fork assembly.

Abstract: The hand apparatus includes: a grasper that grasps a work; a grasper driving portion that causes the grasper to operate at a first position at which the grasper grasps the work, a second position at which the grasper is open widest, and a third position between the first position and the second position; a hand mechanism portion having a pair of hand portions that holds both ends in a width direction of the work grasped by the grasper and capable of varying an opening position of the pair of hand portions; an operating portion provided so as to be interlocked with an operation of the grasper and being connectable to the hand mechanism portion; and an actuator that causes the grasper to advance and retract, wherein when the grasper is at the second position, the hand mechanism portion is connected to the operating portion to vary the opening position of the pair of hand portions by being interlocked with the advancing and retracting movement of the grasper according to the actuator, and when the grasper is at

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a holding mechanism includes a first holding part, a second holding part, a first guide, a second guide, a third guide, a fourth guide, and a driving mechanism. The second holding part faces the first holding part in a first direction. The first guide is connected to the first holding part and capable of moving the first holding part in the first direction. The second guide is connected to the second holding part and capable of moving the second holding part in the first direction. The third guide is capable of moving the first guide in the first direction. The fourth guide is capable of moving the second guide in the first direction, and aligned with the third guide in the first direction. The drive mechanism changes a distance between the first holding part and the second holding part.

Abstract: A gripper head and method for use to pick up and securely hold an electrical component. Gripper arms move between a gripper jaw first position in which the gripper arms are spaced from the electrical component and a gripper jaw second position in which the gripper arms engage the electrical component to prevent the electrical component from moving in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the gripper head. A securing plate moves between a securing plate first position in which the securing plate is spaced from the electrical component and a securing plate second position in which the securing plate and the securing projection engage the electrical component to prevent the electrical component from moving in a direction in line with the longitudinal axis of the gripper head and rotationally about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to providing a system for improved wear protection for the lift plates of industrial lift trucks. More particularly this invention relates to providing a system for providing increased wear protection on replaceable lift-blade attachments for industrial forklifts and similar load-lifting trucks.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a magnet gripper system, comprising: a gripper base comprising a magnetically attractive face; at least two slide plate retaining systems; and two or more slide plates wherein at least one of the slide plates is movably cooperated with each of the at least two slide plate retaining systems such that the slide plates are configured to move between a retracted position with the slide plates retracted relative to the face of the gripper base and an extended position with the slide plates extended relative to the face of the gripper base with an end of each of the slide plates being positioned further from the face of the gripper base when in the extended position than when the slide plates are in the retracted position.

Abstract: A load-handling clamp mountable on a lift truck has one or more hydraulic clamping cylinders of the type having two or more sequentially extensible stages capable of applying either load-weight-responsive variable hydraulic load-clamping force or, alternatively, load-size-responsive variable hydraulic load-clamping force, without risking the clamp's dropping of a clamped load. The length of the hydraulic clamping cylinder(s) may in some applications extend generally forwardly from a supporting lift truck, and in other applications extend generally laterally from a supporting lift truck.

Abstract: A load handler is capable of loading and unloading tall unitary resilient loads such as large construction tires or other tall compressible loads such as bales normally considered incompatible for shipment in standard closed-top containers, to enable such compatibility economically. The load handler has a pair of vertically spaced load clamping arms, the upper arm being capable of rotating such a resilient load selectively onto or off of the lower arm while the load is compressed between the load clamping arms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.

Abstract: An inexpensive and compact robot hand and a robot having the robot hand, wherein the robot hand is configured to rotate a cylindrical object gripped by the robot hand and does not negatively affect a cable, etc., connected to the robot hand. N number of fingers are moved by a first drive part so that a circumcircle of a N-sided polygon constituted by the fingers is arranged in a concentric pattern about the center axis of the object. Each first roller is rotatable about an axis parallel to the center axis of the object, and is configured to contact the inner peripheral portion of the object by movement of the finger relative to a hand base. By rotationally driving at least one first roller while a radially outward force is applied to the object, the object may be rotated relative to the hand base.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, A chucking apparatus includes an arm that is configured to hold a test tube, an opening/closing mechanism that opens/closes the arm, a motor that drives the opening/closing mechanism, and a supplying unit configured to supply electric power to the motor at two different supply voltages.

Abstract: A compact and portable hydraulic apparatus for extracting and installing a tight fitting vehicle component may include a main hydraulic cylinder having an open proximal end, a cover attached to the open proximal end of the main hydraulic cylinder, a grip holder attached to the main hydraulic cylinder, a plurality of grip members affixed to the grip holder and spaced from the main hydraulic cylinder, and an actuating member statically mated to the main hydraulic cylinder. In this manner, the actuating member is capable of being engaged with an existing shaft of an existing pulley. Advantageously, the actuating member is axially reciprocated through the open proximal end of the main hydraulic cylinder, relative to a stationary position of the grip holder and the grip member respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping or clamping device for gripping or clamping objects, comprising at least one actuator that can be driven by a drive, at least one jaw, and a transmission provided between the actuator and the jaw, wherein the force produced by the drive is transmitted to the object at least by means of a force transmission element provided on or formed by the transmission and/or the clamping means, wherein the force transmission element has a force conducting section, wherein a clamping element that permits an elastic flexibility in the force transmission direction is provided between the force conducting section and the force transmission element.

Abstract: A self-centering clamp having three jaws, for the industrial automation field is provided and is adapted to equip robotic arms. One of the jaws is controlled by a cursor directly activated by the clamp actuator, which can be electric, pneumatic, oleopneumatic, etc. The other two jaws are controlled by corresponding transfer levers kinematically coupled to the cursor. The levers rotate in a lying plane parallel to the handling plane of the jaws and the cursor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automated vertical placement of a small rod at a predetermined location, where the apparatus includes a parallel pneumatic gripper having a driver mechanism and a double-v shaped interlocking jaw assembly configured to receive, secure, and release a small rod in a substantially vertical position in response to corresponding signals generated by the driver mechanism. The present invention also provides a robotic system for automated gross retrieval and precise placement of a small rod. The present invention further provides a process for automated gross retrieval of at least one small rod and subsequent precise and substantially vertical placement thereof into a platform at a predetermined location and at a predetermined depth.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a pair of hand units, a gripping mechanism that grips and releases an object by changing an interval between a pair of hands, a servomotor for a gripping action that drives the gripping mechanism, at least one spline shaft that supports the pair of hands so that the hands are able to move, a servomotor for an extending and contracting action that rotates the spline shaft, and an extension and contraction mechanism that is extended and contracted by rotation of the spline shaft so that the hands move to a gripping position or a releasing position.

Abstract: A gripping or clamping device for gripping or clamping objects has at least one actuator that can be driven by a drive, at least one jaw, and a transmission provided between the actuator and the jaw, wherein the force produced by the drive is transmitted to the object at least by means of a force transmission element provided on or formed by the transmission and/or the clamping means, wherein the force transmission element has a force conducting section. A clamping element that permits an elastic flexibility in the force transmission direction is provided between the force conducting section and the force transmission element.

Abstract: An overhead lift apparatus defines a frame having tracked lateral clamp arms defining three rotatable and spreadable wheels on opposing ends of the frame activated by a hydraulic spreading and retracting apparatus, the lateral clamp arms clamp onto an inner surface of an upper portion of a welded ring lifting the ring for transfer from one location to another without deformation of the ring, including additional outriggers with additional wheels to expand the diameter size for larger rings, and larger cylindrical vessels.

Abstract: A gripper for gripping a workpiece includes a jaw assembly having an actuator with a housing and an elongate member axially slidably movable within the housing. A force-multiplying mechanism is interconnected between the elongate member and the housing. The force-multiplying mechanism is configured to add a mechanical force to the jaw assembly and thereby increase a gripping force on the workpiece during operation of the gripper.

Abstract: A gripping device including a main body, a first elongate actuator, a second elongate actuator, a first jaw, a second jaw, a first pin, a second pin, a pair of pulleys, and a cable. The elongate actuators are both disposed in respective actuator bores within the main body and translate opposingly to each other. The jaws are both driven by a respective elongate actuator. The pins both include respective pin bodies defining a channel and are configured to drive their respective jaw by a respective elongate actuator and are disposed through transverse holes formed in the respective elongate actuator and a respective pin slot formed in the main body. The pulleys are attached to the main body. The cable forms a closed loop around the pulleys through the channels and is affixed to the first channel to inhibit relative movement between the first channel and the cable.

Abstract: A system for pushing and pulling rod strings through the ground or an underground pipe. The apparatus has a downhole tool attached to the distal end of the rod string. The push/pull machine has a stationary frame that is placed against the ground to provide a reaction surface. The stationary frame has an opening for the rod string to pass through. A rod gripping assembly is supported on the machine frame and moveable relative to the stationary frame. The rod gripping assembly has a slip bowl, jaws, a thrust member and an actuator. The actuator powers movement of the jaws into the slop bowl to cause a powered gripping of the rod string by the machine. With the rod string gripped a cylinder assembly is activated to push the rod gripping assembly toward the stationary frame thereby pushing the rod string into the ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automated vertical placement of a small rod at a predetermined location, where the apparatus includes a parallel pneumatic gripper having a driver mechanism and a double-v shaped interlocking jaw assembly configured to receive, secure, and release a small rod in a substantially vertical position in response to corresponding signals generated by the driver mechanism. The present invention also provides a robotic system for automated gross retrieval and precise placement of a small rod. The present invention further provides a process for automated gross retrieval of at least one small rod and subsequent precise and substantially vertical placement thereof into a platform at a predetermined location and at a predetermined depth.

Abstract: A tray engine includes a vertical drive column, a rotation mechanism for rotating the vertical drive column, and an end effector attached to the vertical drive column. The end effector includes an end effector base attached to the vertical drive column. The end effector further includes a slide attached to the end effector base to support a tray, when present. The slide enables the tray to slide along a length of the end effector base. The tray engine includes a drive mechanism attached to the end effector base for moving along the length of the end effector base to enable the tray, when present, to slide linearly along the length and load or unload the tray to or from the slide.

Abstract: A crane grab head (100) comprising a pair of jaws (102;104), a power source for moving the jaws, and a connector (116) for connecting the grab head (100) to a crane, wherein each jaw (102;104) comprises at least one tooth (110) for engaging with an object. Each jaw (102;104) is driven by a respective hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder (108a;108b)which is slideable linearly to move the jaws (102;104) between open and closed positions. The width of the grab measured between the extremities of the jaws (102;104) in the closed position is more than 1500 mm. The separation between a horizontal plane passing through the top of the uppermost cylinder (108a;108b) when the head (100) is held freely in normal use and a parallel plane passing through the lowermost edge of the lowermost tooth (110) is less than 250 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modularly-structured gripping mechanism for robots, machines, and handling devices, which comprises at least one movable gripping finger that sits directly or indirectly on a finger module and works counter to a stationary or movable finger. The finger module consists of a slide unit that comprises a housing and a slide made from an aluminum section which is hollow all the way through and has multiple bore holes. The housing consists of a frame and multiple rods which extend parallel to one another, between the end faces, and prestress all parts of the housing. The rods simultaneously function as guide rods for the slides. A very stable gripping mechanism for heavy loads is produced by form-fittingly mounting any number of finger modules on a flange case. The finger modules can have their own drive or can share one drive. A tractive means, such as a chain, synchronizes or produces the movement of the slides of the finger modules.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism includes a mounting member, three sealing assemblies, three clamping assemblies, and six adjusting valves. The mounting member defines a receiving hole axially and three mounting holes radially, the three mounting holes communicate with the receiving hole. Each sealing assembly includes a top seal and a bottom seal sealing opposite ends of corresponding mounting hole. Each clamping assembly includes a holding member and a piston, a first end of the holding member extends through the axial hole and is received in the receiving hole, the piston is fixed to the holding member and divides the mounting hole into a first chamber and a second chamber. The six adjusting valves respectively communicate with the first chambers and the second chambers of the three mounting holes.

Abstract: A clamp (1) is described for manipulators including a body (2) provided with two coplanar seats (21, 22) for housing the respective jaws (G1, G2). The jaws (G1, G2) are translatable in parallel in the respective seats (21, 22) alternately in the two ways, between a retracted position and an extended position, with average- or long-stroke. The clamp further includes an electrical motor (M) for activating the jaws and an electronic unit (CPU) for controlling the electric motor, inside the body (2) of the clamp (1). A transmission assembly is operatively interposed between the electric motor and the jaws, and includes in its turn two pushing screws (V1, V2) and respective translation assemblies (GT1, GT2). The rotation given by the electric motor (M) to the counter rotating pushing screws (V1, V2) causes the translation in opposite directions of the translation assemblies (GT1, GT2), which trail the jaws (G1, G2).

Abstract: A pin-type gripper adapted for holding and transferring a target made of soft material. The pin-type gripper includes: a cylinder unit; a pair of slide blocks which are obliquely disposed at the left and right sides of the end of a piston rod and extend in a skirt shape; and links which transmit the piston motion to the slide blocks. A pin which pegs a target is installed on an end of each slide block. One cylinder unit controls two slide members at the same time. Thus, the pin-type gripper is superior in structure, control, and economic performance to a typical gripper that requires two cylinders and a complicated design.

Abstract: A clamping device comprising: a distal end side stationary blocks which are provided on a side of a distal end of a workpiece retaining base, and in which stationary tilt faces tilting downwardly to a central direction of the workpiece are formed; a proximal end side stationary blocks which are provided on a side of a proximal end of the workpiece retaining base, and in which upward stationary tilt faces tilting downward toward the central direction of the workpiece are formed and a movable block which is arranged at a position proximal to the proximal end side stationary blocks, and is capable of advancing to or retracting from a side of the distal end side stationary blocks with the workpiece being held between the blocks, and in which a downward movable tilt face tilting upwardly toward the central direction of the workpiece is formed.

Abstract: A gripping device including a main body, a first elongate actuator, a second elongate actuator, a first jaw, a second jaw, a first pin, a second pin, a pair of pulleys, and a cable. The elongate actuators are both disposed in respective actuator bores within the main body and translate opposingly to each other. The jaws are both driven by a respective elongate actuator. The pins both include respective pin bodies defining a channel and are configured to drive their respective jaw by a respective elongate actuator and are disposed through transverse holes formed in the respective elongate actuator and a respective pin slot formed in the main body. The pulleys are attached to the main body. The cable forms a closed loop around the pulleys through the channels and is affixed to the first channel to inhibit relative movement between the first channel and the cable.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism includes a mounting member, three sealing assemblies, three clamping assemblies, and six adjusting valves. The mounting member defines a receiving hole axially and three mounting holes radially, the three mounting holes communicate with the receiving hole. Each sealing assembly includes a top seal and a bottom seal sealing opposite ends of corresponding mounting hole. Each clamping assembly includes a holding member and a piston, a first end of the holding member extends through the axial hole and is received in the receiving hole, the piston is fixed to the holding member and divides the mounting hole into a first chamber and a second chamber. The six adjusting valves respectively communicate with the first chambers and the second chambers of the three mounting holes.

Abstract: The grasping apparatus includes a grasping portion for grasping a workpiece. This grasping portion has i) pawl portions having squeezing portions that squeeze the workpiece, and ii) contact portions, each of which has an inner bag made of elastic material, and a granular substance that is filled in the inner bag. The contact portions are attached to portions of the squeezing portions that contact the workpiece, and harden the granular substance while keeping it in an appropriate shape by increasing a volume ratio of the granular substance to an inner volume of the inner bags. Retaining portions that have concavo-convex shapes are formed on the attaching surfaces that are portions of the squeezing portions that the contact portions attach to.

Abstract: A clamping device includes a driving mechanism and a pair of clamping mechanisms. Each clamping mechanism includes a clipping member, an installing plate, a positioning member, a resisting plate, and an elastic member. The clipping members are movably connected to the driving mechanism. A protrusion protrudes from the clipping member, and includes a first inclined surface. The installing plate defines an opening. The protrusion passes through the opening. The positioning member is inserted into the installing plate and fixed with the clipping member. The resisting plate is movably mounted on the installing plate. An abutting portion protrudes from the resisting plate, and passes through the opening. The abutting portion comprises a second inclined surface resisting the first inclined surface, the elastic member is sandwiched between the installing plate and the resisting plate, for providing a resetting force to the resisting plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insertion of wire-ends into connector housings includes a wire gripper with two wire-end gripping jaws. The wire gripper has a slider apparatus with a guide element and a slider coupled to the first gripping jaw wherein the first gripping jaw and the slider are borne displaceably relative to the second gripping jaw along the guide element. A pressured actuator acts through a movement converter on the wire gripper to initiate a coarse movement of the first gripping jaw relative to the second gripping jaw and rotating movement of a motor is converted by the movement converter into a fine movement of the first gripping jaw relative to the second gripping jaw.

Abstract: An electrical gripper has a housing and a solenoid plunger. A pair of jaws are movably mounted with the housing. The jaws are movable towards and away from each other. The jaws are coupled with the solenoid plunger to provide movement to the jaws. A first mechanism is associated with the solenoid plunger to lock the solenoid plunger in a first position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger. A second mechanism is associated with the solenoid plunger to lock the solenoid plunger in a second position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger. Thus, the jaws are actively locked in an open or close position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger.

Abstract: Fingers for holding a target project from shift members, and shift in accordance with the movement of the shift members shifted in predetermined axial directions by a shift mechanism to hold the target. Sliding members for shifting the shift members in the predetermined axial directions project from the shift members, and guide the shift members by sliding. According to this structure, a robot hand becomes smaller in size by decreasing the clearances between the fingers (moving the shift members closer to each other). Thus, the robot hand can hold a small target object within a small work space even though the robot hand conducts a parallel shift of the fingers.

Abstract: A self-centering clamp having three jaws, for the industrial automation field and particularly adapted to equip robotic arms, is described. One of the jaws is controlled by a cursor directly activated by the clamp actuator, that can be electric, pneumatic, oleopneumatic, etc. The other two jaws are controlled by corresponding transfer levers kinematically coupled to the cursor. Unlike the conventional arrangements, the levers rotate in a lying plane parallel to the handling plane of the jaws and the cursor. Therefore, the clamp is not very bulky in height and has low weight.

Abstract: A gripper apparatus for removing and replacing objects such as containers or vials in an array of containers has a gripper head which extends downward from a support arm, a planetary gear assembly mounted in the gripper head including at least three planet gears, and at least one gripping grip extending downward from each planet gear and projecting beyond a lower end of the gripper head. A drive motor drives the planetary gear assembly to rotate the planet gears in opposite directions, moving the grips inward and outward along predetermined paths to grip and carry an object and release the object when in a desired location.

Abstract: A gripper claw has replaceable gripper fingers and two gripper jaws each with a first jaw flange. The jaws are fastened to respective jaw flanges and are movable on linear guides, toward and away from one another. Each jaw has a holding mandrel, with holding cone. Each finger is reversibly insertable into one gripper jaw and has a finger base with depression complementary to a respective cone. The cone has a length that is at least one-third of its largest diameter, and its smallest diameter is at most 90% of the largest cone diameter. The jaws and the bases form a holding mechanism which holds the fingers in a stop position on a respective gripper jaw and they form a stabilizing mechanism that, with the holding cone, prevent tilting of the fingers.

Abstract: A robot claw includes a base seat, more than one elastic assemblies, and at least two first clamping assemblies. The base seat includes a first fastening surface and a second fastening surface opposite to the first fastening surface. Each first clamping assembly includes a sliding unit fastened to the first fastening surface of the base seat and a clamping member fastened to the sliding unit. The sliding unit includes a guide rail. Two elastic assemblies are loaded at two opposite ends of each guide rail; when each of the clamping member slides to one end thereof, one elastic assembly elastically resists with an air cylinder to drive the air cylinder with the clamping member to slide towards the other end of the guide rail of the sliding unit.

Abstract: A product gripper for picking up a product is provided. The gripper may include two shovels and a cylinder for moving the shovels between a first position, in which the shovels can be placed onto a support for the product to be picked up, on opposite sides of the product to be picked up, and a second position, in which the shovels may be located at least partially under the product to be picked up. The product gripper may further have a holder for fixing the product to be picked up while the shovels are moved thereunder. The holder may include a belt disposed on the underside thereof, facing the product to be picked up, and a mechanism for arching the belt outwards in the direction of the product to be picked up.

Abstract: A gripping device comprising holders which exhibit a two-directional elasticity for picking up products with large dimensional tolerances. The gripping device may comprise two grippers disposed in opposed relationship with one another. At least one of the grippers may be movable towards the other. Each of the grippers may include a holder and a gripping jaw attached to the holder. The holder may be a C-shaped portion that exhibits a two-directional elasticity to allow horizontal as well as a vertical movement of the gripping jaw. At least one of the holders may be coupled to a linear actuator to move the gripper in at least a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic gripper which comprises a gripper body (21,121), at least two pneumatic control pistons (23) operating within at least one chamber (22,122) defined by the gripper body and movable in opposite directions with respect to each other by a driving fluid supplied to the chamber, at least two guide columns (34) associated with each piston and emerging from the ends of at least the chamber, and at least two jaws (37) movable with the pistons between an active position for gripping a work-piece and an inactive position for releasing the work-piece. The guide columns (34) are attached directly in front of and inside the profile of a respective piston (23), and each gripping jaw (37) may be attached directly to the ends of the columns of a relevant control piston.

Abstract: An electric-controlled operator includes, in part, a first group of grippers and a second group of grippers which are coupled to a base. Grippers in the first group of grippers are adapted to cooperatively grip an object and cooperatively release the object. Grippers in the second group of grippers are adapted to cooperatively grip an object and cooperatively release the object. When the first (or the second) group of grippers cooperatively grips an object, the second (or the first) group of grippers is in a state in which the object is released. The first and second groups of grippers are adapted to put in and take out objects from the same surface of the base thus eliminating the need for turning of the base during the operation.

Abstract: A method for grasping an object includes moving a first and second gripping pad (116) respectively to first and second locations in which a first face (117) of the first gripping pad is opposed from a second face (117) of the second gripping pad and spaced apart a distance. Two or more of pins (118) included in each gripping pad are extended from at least the first face in a direction toward the second face. Thereafter, an extension distance for each of the pins is independently determined responsive to a resistance encountered by each of the pins as a result of the extending. As a result of the independently determining step, an object-defined gripping contour is provided as formed by distal ends of the pins.

Abstract: A device for operating gripping or movement tools provided at least with a movable member (16, 17) movable alternatively between a first and a second position distanced between them by a cursor (18) susceptible to controlled alternative linear movements starting from an electric actuator. The device includes a transmission element (27) of the movement connected to the actuator, one towing slide (26) associated with the cursor (18) and susceptible to alternative movements caused by the actuator by the transmission element, and at least an elastic member (28) positioned preloaded between the towing slide (26) and the cursor (18) parallel both to their movement direction and to the movement direction of at least a mobile member.

Abstract: A robot hand moved by a robot to grip an object to be gripped includes a plurality of bar-like placing sections on which the object to be gripped is placed, a plurality of plate-like pressing sections paired with the plurality of placing sections and configured to press side surfaces of the object to be gripped, a space adjusting section configured to move the plurality of pressing sections to bring the pressing sections into contact with a plurality of contact sections, a first strain gauge configured to detect a distance between the placing section and the pressing section and an angle of the pressing section with respect to the placing section, and a second strain gauge configured to detect a distance between the placing section and the pressing section and an angle of the pressing section with respect to the placing section.

Abstract: A gripper for gripping a workpiece includes a jaw assembly having an actuator with a housing and an elongate member axially slidably movable within the housing. A force-multiplying mechanism is interconnected between the elongate member and the housing. The force-multiplying mechanism is configured to add a mechanical force to the jaw assembly and thereby increase a gripping force on the workpiece during operation of the gripper.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and/or method for safely lifting a load along a lift axis are provided, through utilization of an automatic lockout arrangement operatively connected between the point of application of a lifting force and a motorized clamping arrangement for grasping the load.

Abstract: A gripping device includes a spring member provided between a gripping member body and a shaft so that driving of a gripping driving cylinder causes a driving force to be transmitted from the gripping driving cylinder to the body while the shaft and the body are held in a predetermined positional relationship; so that the body is allowed to retreat with respect to the shaft by elastically deforming the spring member by an opposing force received from a processing object that contacts the body as a result of rotating the body; and so that contact pressure of the body with respect to the processing object is increased by an elastic force of the spring member as the body retreats.