Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for gripping, holding and releasing objects (30) that can be penetrated. The apparatus includes at least two needles (1, 2) with a central axis in the longitudinal direction of the needle placed at a distance from each other. At least one drive unit is connected to the needles (1, 2) for driving these between an extended and a retracted position. At least one of the central axes of the needles forms a part of a circle when this needle is in an extended position. Furthermore it is described a method to grip, hold and release objects (30) that can be penetrated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tool for engaging, capturing and depositing food items, said tool including: a bracket arranged to couple the tool to a device for imparting controlled movement to the tool, preferably a programmable robot arm; a plurality of penetration pins arranged to facilitate the capture of food items by impalement; a penetration pin support member attached to said bracket and to which are anchored said pins, said pins being arranged such as to extend away from said support member; an ejection member for interacting with said support member, having apertures through which said pins project, means for imparting relative movement between the support member and the ejection member; wherein penetration and capture of said food items is effected by movement of the tool via said device; and wherein deposition of said food items is effected by said relative movement of the support member and the ejection member thereby to push said food items off the end of said pins.

Abstract: Novelty themed stick holders for food items include an elongate holder having an external surface and opposing top and bottom portions defining an elongate receiving cavity therebetween. The cavity is configured and sized to receive a stick therein. In some embodiments, the holder tapers inwardly from a top portion to a bottom portion and defines a handle portion of a miniature baseball bat. Other themes and shapes are also described.

Abstract: A hand-held fish handling device includes a shaft having one pointed end, useful in entering the mouth of a fish and then retrieving a swallowed hook from the stomach of a fish. The other end of the shaft has a multi-purpose tool fastened thereon; the tool is able to be used as a pithing device, as an external hook remover, and as a gaff. A hand grip enclosing the center of the shaft may be brightly colored and of high buoyancy to aid in retrieving a dropped device. One version of the device employs a wooden shaft and the attached multi-purpose tool is made of a bent metal rod, sharpened at both ends.

Abstract: A solid seasoning product in the form of a stick, rod, thread, band or ribbon from 20 mils to 250 mils thick and having a geometry as a shaped mass that enables the product to be inserted into food comprising meat or poultry prior to heating to prepare the food. The product is composed of a binder matrix holding a seasoning or mixture of seasonings. The binder disintegrates during heating of the food to release the seasoning.

Abstract: A hand held rotatable campfire rotisserie. The device features the ability to rotate the tined end from the handle end internally. The length of the overall device allows the user to roast items placed over a heat source at a comfortable distance from the heat source. The rotisserie action allows the food items to cook evenly.

Abstract: A cooking skewer assembly comprising an elongate shaft (15) having a free end and an opposite end and a handle assembly (30) slidable along the shaft (15) from the free end to the opposite end. The handle assembly (30) comprising a grip (35) portion and a food pusher (55), the grip (35) portion being formed of an open heat dissipating wire construction.

Abstract: A barbecue skewer with a protector/extractor for extracting food from the skewer and preventing injuries and contamination of the skewer. The protector/guard is a generally cylindrical member which is slidably mounted on a shank of the skewer and is selectively movable for a position of covering relationship with a pointed end portion of the shank of the skewer to a position of uncovering relationship with the pointed end portion of the shank of the skewer. In a first embodiment, the protector/extractor is retained in the positions of covering and uncovering relationship by the attraction of a permanent magnet and ferromagnetic members. In a second embodiment the protector/extractor is retained in the positions of covering and uncovering relationship with a leaf spring mounted on the protector/retractor.

Abstract: A fruit skewer having an elongated central shaft for receiving and securing fruit, food or non-food items thereon for display or cooking. The portion of the shaft upon which the fruit or other item is to be situated has a cross-sectional area designed to prevent the object through which the skewer is inserted from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the skewer. In the preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area is in a cross (“+”) shape, although other shapes are anticipated, including a “Y” shape as well as a star shape having five or more fins (e.g., “*”). In this embodiment, the end of the skewer is tapered or beveled to allow for the easy insertion of the skewer into the fruit or other object, and the fins are chamfered. At least one projection is provided along the length of the skewer, the projection being provided so as to prevent the item through which the skewer is being inserted from sliding too far down the length of the skewer.

Abstract: A lift truck assembly for impaling, lifting, and transporting large bales of hay. The assembly has a frame that is adapted for attachment to a standardized Industrial Truck Association (ITA) carriage. The assembly frame has several forwardly projecting spikes for impaling and carrying the bale of hay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a picking-up device and assembly for making a part made of a reinforced plastics material in a mold. The picking-up device includes at least one presser having a shaped front face and first needles mounted to have end portions that project beyond the front face in one position and retract so as to be set back from the front face in a second position. The picking-up device may have a base mounted to move relative to the picking-up device. A production line may be formed from use of two picking-up devices.

Abstract: A skewer for anchoring at least two pieces of foods having a base member and a stem member that has a penetrating tip and a stabilizing member.

Abstract: A cable leader includes an elongated cylindrical body with a pointed leading end and a hollow tubular end. The tubular end cavity includes an axially tapered inner wall. In one embodiment, the inner wall includes a plurality of axially spaced circumferential bites of progressively decreasing diameter to engage and grip the end of a cable pushed into the tubular end. In another embodiment, the inner wall includes internal threads of progressively decreasing diameter for threading onto the end of a cable.

Abstract: Marshmallow-toasting utensils that include a handle and a wire assembly with at least one wire segment extending from the handle. In some embodiments, the Wire assembly includes deflectable wire segments with end regions that are biased to a spread-apart configuration. During use, the end regions are urged together and a marshmallow is impaled upon the ends. As the inside of the marshmallow melts, the end regions return toward the unbiased configuration. In some embodiments, the utensil is a collapsible utensil where the wire assembly is selectively positionable between at least extended and collapsed configurations. In some embodiments, the wire segments are adapted to pivot between the stowed and extended configurations. In some embodiments, the wire segments are selectable removable from the handle. In some embodiments, the wire segments are selectively extendable from and/or stored within the handle. In some embodiments, the handle includes at least one internal compartment.

Abstract: A hand held utensil adapted to hold a fruit or vegetable, for example, a potato for peeling. The device has a first elongated member, a second elongated member, a slender slightly tapered rod-like projection, and a mechanism for rotating the projection to control rotation of the fruit or vegetable when peeling same. The first elongated member has a first end and a first connecting portion. The second elongated member has an upper end, a lower end and a hand held portion between the upper and lower ends. The upper end is attached to the connecting portion and substantially perpendicular to the first elongated member. The slender slightly tapered rod-like projection axially extends forwardly of the first end. The projection terminates in a point adapted to penetrate a vegetable or fruit.

Abstract: A hand held utensil adapted to hold a fruit or vegetable, for example, a potato for peeling, the device having a flange retaining the hand in a safe position and having an extension there beyond securely holding the fruit or vegetable in position for peeling.

Abstract: A thermal insulation sheet is maneuvered into position, especially in closely confined corners in an attic, by a tool having a prong which is inserted into the sheet, and a pusher surface which contacts the sheet to limit the depth of insertion of the prong, and which guides the sheet while an installer pushes the pusher surface against the sheet while maintaining the prong in the sheet.

Abstract: A mechanical litter stick is provided with a mechanism for cycling an operative pick through a given back-and-forth stroke both for stripping litter off a spike end as well as affording better manipulation of articles of litter as by plucking.

Abstract: A material handling device, primarily intended for moving material such as firewood, having an elongated handle with a shaft mounted on the handle and with a point removable mounted in the shaft, the handle, the shaft and the point all being concentrically aligned with one another, the point including a lip to retain the point in the material which can be released by tossing the material or moving the handle over the lip.

Abstract: A garbage pickup tool includes a handle having a threaded tubular neck and a circular groove, a C-shaped retainer ring fitted within the circular groove, a tubular shaft having an end inserted into the handle, a cable having two ends provided with two nipples, a trigger mounted within the handle, a collar threadedly engaged with the threaded tubular neck, a stationary jaw fixedly mounted on another end of the tubular shaft and having an intermediate portion formed with a recess, an end of said movable jaw being fitted within the recess, a movable jaw having an end fitted within the recess, a top of the movable jaw being formed with a second groove in which is fitted a head having a groove, a needle rod extending from an end of the head and being able to be kept at two different positions by a spring, and a link having an end pivotally connected with the movable jaw and another end pivotally connected with a slider which is sleeved over the needle rod, whereby various kinds of garbage can be easily picked up t

Abstract: A garbage pickup tool includes a handle having a threaded tubular neck and a circular groove, a C-shaped retainer ring fitted within the circular groove, a tubular shaft having an end inserted into the handle, a cable having two ends provided with two nipples, a trigger mounted within the handle, a collar threadedly engaged with the threaded tubular neck, a stationary jaw fixedly mounted on another end of the tubular shaft and having an intermediate portion formed with a recess, an end of the movable jaw being fitted within the recess, a movable jaw having an end fitted within the recess, a top of the movable jaw being formed with a second groove in which is fitted a head having a groove, a needle rod extending from an end of the head and being able to be kept at two different positions by a spring, and a link having an end pivotally connected with the movable jaw and another end pivotally connected with a slider which is sleeved over the needle rod, whereby various kinds of garbage can be easily picked up th

Abstract: A tool for removing tile spacers includes a barrel having a bushing on its distal end portion, and a tile-spacer-engaging member disposed partially within a bore in the barrel. The tile-spacer-engaging member is disposed within the bore moveably for linear movement along the central axis of the barrel between a withdrawn position of the tile-spacer-engaging member in which a pick-shaped distal end portion does not extend out of the distal end of the bore and a deployed position of the tile-spacer-engaging member in which the pick-shaped distal end portion does extend out of the distal end of the bore. Components are provided for spring biasing the tile-spacer-engaging member in the withdrawn position. First and second handle members are attached to respective ones of the barrel and the tile-spacer-engaging member.

Abstract: The invention of the “Assist Stick” an elongated stick with two ends, with a nail or spike with a hook at its lower end, and a grip to hold and control the stick at its upper end; as a “hand tool”, used to pick up trash has its most unique feature “the method in which it is constructed,” embedding the head of the nail or spike into the wood, then sealing it with acrylic or rubber cement; and the fact that it has “a hook” welded to the spike at the lower end of the elongated stick allowing it to serve a dual function, i.e. pulling debris from small trees of shrubbery. And the method in which it is constructed lends to its strength and durability. In the past, similar trash sticks were normally made by individuals at home, the nail was driven into the stick with a hammer, then the head of the nail would be cut or filed off causing it to be weak in application and the nail would often fall out of the stick when used.

Abstract: A wire pulling tool for threading a wire through a wall or partition includes an elongate shank having a threaded end adapted to engage the end of a wire such as a cable or other type of electrical wire and a tapered end having a head ending in a point. The tool is especially adapted for structures having inner and outer walls. Once the wire is engaged the tool is pushed through a hole in the wall to the other side. The wire may then be pulled through the wall by pulling on the tool.

Abstract: An article piercing end effector for an industrial robot. The end effector includes a mounting bracket designed to be coupled to the arm of a robot. Positioned on the bracket is an actuator that is coupled to and controls the movement of a first plate. The first plate is supported by two guide rods coupled to the actuator. The first plate includes a plurality of pairs of opposed forks removably mounted to its underside of the first plate. Positioned below the first plate is a second plate with a plurality of holes generally aligned with the tips of each of the pair of opposed forks. The second plate is fixedly attached to the mounting bracket by standoff rods. When the first plate is moved by the actuator toward the second plate, the forks extending from the first plate travel through the holes in the second plate, which holes are chamfered for easy operation. The tips of the forks thus move towards each other to pierce items of interest, such as baked goods positioned below the second plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting debris from a machined or threaded cavity. The apparatus may include an extraction member formed at least in part as a coil region and a control region, the coiled region being controlled by the control region while in a cavity. The control region may have a releasable handle attached to it and that handle may contain a cavity for storing one or more extraction members of different size. The extraction member is preferably formed of a continuous wire and has a specially formed extraction tip.

Abstract: A manually-operated trash harvester system includes a trash retrieval assembly that consists of a rod with a spike on one end and a handle for a user's hand and an arm strap for the user's forearm at the other end and a movable tubular scraper mounted slidably over the rod and the spike. The scraper includes a flange for forcing impaled trash off the spike. The system also includes a trash collection assembly consisting of a trash bag frame mounted on wheels and includes four upstanding posts secured at the lower end thereof and movable to accommodate bags of various sizes in the interior space defined by the posts. A strap connects the bag frame to the user via a belt-like fastener to allow for hands-free movement of the collection assembly.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the lifting and handling of a fowl or body of meat, comprising an elongated upper shaft having a proximal end with a handle, an elongated lower shaft spaced from and below the upper shaft for insertion into the fowl or body of meat, and a shaft for connecting the upper and lower shafts, the lower shaft having a distal end portion which includes a meat contact located below the handle for contacting an internal portion of the fowl or body of meat approximately at or distally beyond its center of gravity. The meat contact can be or include a fixation point for fixing the meat contact to the fowl or body of meat to prevent movement of the same off of the meat contact during lifting and handling.

Abstract: A device for retrieving litter items from the ground. The litter retrieval device eliminates the need for bending over to lift the litter items and includes a spike that could be used to pierce the item to be lifted. Because spikes can be dangerous if exposed all the time, the spike of the litter retrieval device of the present invention is retractable. In addition, because litter pickup is often best accomplished in the early morning hours before the heat of the day makes working outside undesirable, the litter retrieval device includes an illumination mechanism to provide illumination to the pointed tip area of the spike to allow the user to positively identify the litter item before it is pierced with the spike.

Abstract: A packing cotton removal tool for removing packing cotton from a container such as a medicine or vitamin bottle. The packing cotton removal tool includes a shaft with opposite proximal and distal ends. The shaft has a hook at the distal end of the shaft. A finger tab is coupled to proximal end of the shaft such that the distal end of the shaft outwardly extends away from the tab.

Abstract: The invention provides wafer handling apparatus for use with a wafer handling mechanism of the type that supports and transports wafers through and during semiconductor processes. Typically, the wafer has a first surface for semiconductor processing and a second surface having a surface finish with microfeatures therein. The invention utilizes at least three prongs extending from the mechanism and arranged to support the wafer. A stylus tip--preferably made from diamond--resides at a distal end of each prong. Each tip has a point that is smaller than at least some of the microfeatures of the second surface of the wafer such that the interaction of the tips with the microfeatures resists lateral movement of the wafer relative to the tips when the wafer rests on the tips by the force of gravity. This interaction is sufficient to move the wafer without substantial contribution from the coefficient of friction between the tips and the wafer.

Abstract: Corresponding ends of long, narrow legs are joined together for resilient spring like movement toward and away from each other. The swinging ends of the legs have inward extending flanges with flat bottom portions and teeth projecting downward beyond the botttoms. The legs can be inserted into a tissue box and pressed gently against the top tissue of the box, whereupon the legs are brought together so that the flanges and their teeth pinch or grasp the top tissue of a stack, for withdrawing the top tissue when the legs are removed from the box.

Abstract: A lifting tool for roasted meat, having a main handle with a longitudinal handle axis, a first handle end and a second handle end. A pair of tines are spaced apart, each having a tine base end and a tine tip end and being formed with a substantially continuous curve which is concave when viewed from the second handle end. A pair of cross members connect the first handle end to the tine base ends. Preferably, an auxiliary handle is provided, having a gripping region and being affixed such that the curve of the tines is concave when viewed from the gripping region. The auxiliary handle preferably has an auxiliary handle base section which extends upwards from the cross members and an auxiliary handle set-back section which connects the auxiliary handle base section to the gripping region and which extends towards the second handle end. The lifting tool preferably has a stabilizing prong having a longitudinal prong axis which is parallel to the handle axis, and a prong tip which is pointed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device with a protected grasping member for separating a flexible porous membrane from a stack of flexible porous membranes. The device includes a housing with a bore extending from one end of the housing and terminating at a cavity located at the mid portion of the housing; a stem reciprocatingly disposed in the bore and extending into the cavity; and a grasping member attached to an end portion of the stem for engaging the membrane.

Abstract: A server for picking up and discharging strand shaped material, like spaghetti. The invention has the object to provide a server for the easy bringing over of strand shaped material, like spaghetti, from a pot, pan or the like holder into another holder and/or on dishes. Therefore the server according to the invention is characterized by a screw-shaped food engaging portion.

Abstract: The bale handler attachment (10) has a frame (26) with a base member (26), an upper member (30) parallel to the base member and a pair of connecting members (32 and 34). A pair of connector assemblies (118 and 120) are connected to the frame (26). A plurality of parallel straight tines (36) are connected to the base member (28). A right shaft (42) and a left shaft (54) are pivotally attached to the frame (26) for pivotal movement about parallel axies that are perpendicular to the axies of the straight tines (36). Arcuate tines (74 and 78) are attached to the right and left shafts (42 and 54) and are pivoted into and out of engagement with bales by a hydraulic cylinder (82). A tiebar (72) connects the upper ends of the shafts (42 and 54) and are pivoted into and out of engagement with bales by a hydraulic cylinder (82). A tie bar (72) connects the upper ends of the shaft.

Abstract: A mounting system and method includes a mounting device for handling an object during treatment or preparation and for mounting the object to a display member for displaying the object. The mounting system and method is particularly suited for use by a taxidermist to handle and mount a fish or other animal prepared by the taxidermist. The mounting device includes a mounting plug adapted to be received in a recessed region in the display member. One or more object engaging members extend from the mounting plug to engage and secure the object. A mounting rod extends from a second end of the mounting plug and includes a gripping region, for easy gripping and handling by a user. The mounting method includes inserting the mounting rod through an aperture in the display member so that the mounting plug is received into the recessed region in the display member. A fastener is then engaged with a fastener engaging region on the mounting rod to secure the mounting device to the display member.

Abstract: An agricultural agitator used for disturbing matter such as compost includes a rod, a handle mounted on a top end of the rod, a first flat section formed at a middle portion thereof and a second flat section formed at a bottom end thereof. The second flat section is perpendicular to the first flat section and has a sharp tip at the bottom thereof. Two pairs of blades are respectively and pivotedly mounted on opposite sides of each of the first and second flat sections. Each blade resembles a tongue with a broad flat first end and a second end formed as two upright lugs.

Abstract: A food skewering tool is used to insert a skewer into a food item, such as an apple. The tool includes a barrel having an axial bore for receiving and guiding the skewer, and a striker element which applies force to the skewer to drive it into the food item. The striker element may include a detent that receives the skewer and prevents slippage when the skewer is being driven. The length of the barrel and the length of the skewer combine to establish the depth that the skewer will penetrate into the food item.

Abstract: A veneer hoisting apparatus in which even a top veneer of piled veneers is inclined, a piercing unit is adapted to the inclination to pierce and hoist the veneer by piercing members. The veneer hoisting apparatus comprises: a piercing unit with a sharp piercing member; an elevating member for vertically moving the piercing unit fixed thereto; a device for supporting the elevating member, the supporting device having an angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting an angle between the piercing unit and the top veneer when the piercing member contacts the top veneer; and a controller for controlling motion of the elevating member.

Abstract: A veneer hoisting apparatus in which at the hoisting of a veneer by a piercing body, the decrease in sustaining force applied to the veneer by the piercing body is prevented, and it rarely happens that the veneer drops down from the piercing body. With the construction of the piercing body 7 and a sustaining member 9, when the veneer is hoisted through the piercing body 7, although the central portion side of the veneer 5 in the direction of its fiber is hung down about the root of the piercing body 7 which pierces the veneer as a fulcrum, and the end side thereof is curved upward, no fulcrum occurs at a position apart from the root of the piercing body in the direction of the fiber of the veneer.

Abstract: A litter gathering device consisting of an improved mechanism for retrieval and discharge of litter which uses a plurality of spikes mounted on a rubber plate allowing them to flex. The litter gathering device has a handle attached on top of an elongated hollow tubular member with a flange attached at the bottom. The flange has a threaded shaft where attached is a hard rubber plate containing a plurality of spikes. The invention has a discharge mechanism which involves a slidable shaft inside the elongated hollow tubular member. Attached at the lower end is a discharge plate containing a plurality of holes matching the plurality of spikes. Attached transversely through the slidable shaft is a smaller shaft with ends allowed to protrude through slots in the elongated hollow tubular member. Flanges are attached on both ends of the smaller shaft which are latchable into a wire handle of bucket.

Abstract: A corn skewer comprises a grip, a blocking ring disposed at the proximal end of the grip, and a hollow insert extending forward from the blocking ring. The hollow insert has a tapered end. A plurality of positioning ribs abut the hollow insert to reinforce the hollow insert. The corn skewers is made in one piece by injection molding. Two corn skewers can position a corncob via two ends of the corncob. The hollow insert is inserted in the corncob until the end of the corncob is blocked by the blocking ring.

Abstract: The apparatus for removing the waste layer arising in cutting porous concrete blocks comprises a beam (1) which extends above the porous concrete block in its longitudinal direction and can be raised and lowered, and at least two horizontal support frames (2, 2') mounted thereon and movable in height, which are arranged in pairs opposite one another to the two sides of a vertical central plane (M) of the beam (1) and beneath the same. A plurality of spikes (5, 5') which can be stuck into the waste layer are provided on the underside of each support frame (2, 2') and are aligned with their points facing down at an angle. All spikes (5) of the first support frame (2) of each frame pair (P) are parallel to one another and inclined at an acute angle (.mu.) to the longitudinal central plane (M) and all spikes (5') of the opposite second support frame (2') are parallel to one another and inclined at an opposite acute angle (.mu.l) to the longitudinal central plane (M).

Abstract: A hand held utensil adapted to hold a vegetable such as a potato for peeling, the device having a flange retaining the hand in a safe position and having an extension therebeyond securely holding the vegetable in position for peeling.

Abstract: A pine cone retrieving tool having an array of three flexible, elongated tines extending downwardly from a flat support plate on the lower end of an elongated handle with the tines arranged in a downwardly converging array in which the separations between adjacent sides of the lower ends of each of the respective pairs of adjacent tines are unequal distances correlative to straddling dimensions of pine cone varieties.

Abstract: This invention is a combination pickup device and tine cleaner having an elongated sleeve with an actuating shaft mounted therein. A tine head is mounted on one end of the sleeve and a handle on the other end. A plurality of tines outwardly project from the tine head on the opposite side from the sleeve. A cleaning plate, with openings in axial alignment with the tines, is mounted on the end of the actuating shaft adjacent the tine head. An actuating knob is mounted on the opposite end of the shaft so that as debris is picked up by the tines, the plate will be pushed up adjacent to the tine head causing the actuating knob to move out of the sleeve adjacent the handle. By pushing on the knob, the shaft can be forced back into the sleeve adjacent the handle which will cause the cleaning plate to move down the tines to clean the same. A height adjustable handle provided in a modification. Also, a pin to lock the device with the tips of the tines covered by the cleaning plate is provided.

Abstract: A potato baking device comprising a self-supporting base and lid, wherein the base and lid define a cooking chamber for baking potatoes. A heating plate is provided inside the cooking chamber for conducting heat throughout the cooking chamber. A plurality of detachable heat conductive skewers are provided on which potatoes are mounted and placed into the cooking chamber such that the skewers are in contact with the heating plate. To facilitate mounting the potatoes onto the skewers, a mounting block is provided. A temperature sensing unit is also provided to determine the internal temperature of the potato and indicate when cooking is completed.

Abstract: An emergency aid is provided along with a recovery method incorporating same for use by a person who has fallen through the surface of a frozen body of water. The aid includes a pair of support elements that each have a hand grip. Each support element includes at least one tooth for limiting lateral movement of the element relative to the ice surface. The support elements are releasably connected together along a common axis. In first and second embodiments of the invention, a bore is defined in at least one of the hand grips for receiving a corresponding portion of the other hand grip. In a third embodiment of the invention a collar surrounds both hand grips. The recovery method comprises the steps of accessing the emergency aid, disconnecting the support elements, thrusting the teeth of the support elements into the ice surface, and pulling upon the hand grips to move oneself onto the ice surface.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus particularly suitable for transferring lay-out patterns to a molding die press comprises a central drive unit, a plurality of outstretched wing units operatively connected to the central drive unit, and a plurality of gripping talons supported by the wing units wherein the gripping talons are operative in unison by interconnection with the wing unit and central drive unit.