Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device for picking up and transporting a product. An elastic belt that is provided on the gripping device lies against a surface section of the product when the product is picked up by the gripping device. The elastic belt can thereby be pressed against the surface section of the product by at least one spring element in order to hold the product securely in the gripping device during transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for handling objects, comprising at least one inflatable air chamber and a retaining unit for objects, which is attached to the air chamber, to a robot or manipulator, characterized by at least one device for handling objects, and to a method for handling objects using the aforementioned device, characterized by the steps of: moving the device with the side thereof comprising the retaining unit to the object to be handled in a first position; establishing an adhesive connection between the retaining unit and the object to be handled, thus retaining the object; moving the device to a desired second position, and releasing the object from the retaining unit by inflating the at least one air chamber.

Abstract: A device for moving containers or other objects relative to a surface such as a pallet includes a frame and a pin matrix movably attached to the frame. The pin matrix includes an array of pins and is housed in a plate having apertures for receiving the pins. The device further includes a pair of tracks that movably support the pin matrix. A method for moving containers or other objects relative to a surface includes the steps of moving the pin matrix over the objects, lowering the pin matrix, securing the objects within the pin matrix, moving the pin matrix and the objects relative to the surface, and raising the pin matrix.

Abstract: A hand according to an embodiment includes a pair of supporting units, a pair of capturing claws, an opening-and-closing mechanism, and a reciprocating mechanism. The pair of capturing claws are supported on the inner surfaces of the pair of respective supporting units and capture a part. The opening-and-closing mechanism opens and closes the pair of supporting units along a reciprocating axis intersecting with longitudinal directions of the supporting units. The reciprocating mechanism causes the pair of capturing claws to rotate about the reciprocating axis to change the direction of each tip of the capturing claws.

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: Systems, apparatus and methods for transporting substrates between system components of an electronic device manufacturing system are provided. The systems and apparatus include an electrostatic end effector having a base, an electrode pair on the base, and spacer members for spacing the substrate from the electrode pairs to provide a gap between the electrode pair and the substrate. Methods of the invention as well as numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a tool for handling storage media in carriers, the tool comprising: a tool body; a first jaw to engage a first side of the storage media in carrier; a second jaw to engage a second opposed side of the storage media in carrier; wherein at least the second jaw is pivotally mounted on the main body so as to be movable between a first position in which the jaw is positioned so as to enable a disk drive in carrier to be freely moved into an engagement position with the tool and a second position in which the jaw engages the disk drive carrier so as to releasably lock the disk drive in carrier to the tool.

Abstract: A gripper includes a support and a plurality of gripping arms fixed on the support. One of the plurality of gripping arms includes a base and a carbon nanotube film structure to define a conductive circuit. The conductive circuit receives current to heat the base and the carbon nanotube film structure to actuate the gripper for gripping an object.

Abstract: A medical device includes (a) a capsule including a lumen extending therethrough, a proximal end of the capsule including at least one window extending therethrough; (b) a bushing including a channel extending therethrough, a distal end including at least one arm extending distally therefrom such that a corresponding one of the arms is releasably engagable with a corresponding one of the windows; and (c) a core member including a locking portion and at least one engaging element. The locking portion is sized and shaped to be received within the channel of the bushing to apply a pressure to the arm such that the arm engages the windows. The engaging element extends laterally outward from a portion of the core member such that the engaging element engages a corresponding one of the arms to deform the arms radially inward and out of engagement with the windows.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a work machine, in particular to an excavator, having a boom, an extension element and a piece of working equipment, wherein the extension element is attached to a pivotal connection axle of the boom via a first gimbal mounting and bears the piece of working equipment, wherein the piece of working equipment is attached to a pivotal connection axle of the extension element via a second gimbal mounting.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for engaging an article. The apparatus has a longitudinal centerline, a disengaged configuration and an activated configuration. The apparatus further includes a base portion, first and second engaging arm portions joined to the base portion, first and second moveable portion operatively associated with the first and second engaging arm portions, respectively, and one or more engaging arm bands extending between the first and second moveable portions and the first and second arm portions, wherein at least one of the arm bands bends away from the longitudinal centerline of the engaging arm when the apparatus is changed from the disengaged configuration to the activated configuration.

Abstract: A storage battery carrier for safely installing and removing storage batteries from cramped confined spaces includes a coupler for rotatably coupling a pair of elongated members together, each elongated member having a substantially flat thin roughened clasping member affixed thereto for clasping the sides of storage batteries of varying widths. Both elongated members have one or more holes therein and the coupler includes a bolt that passes through the holes in the first and second elongated members. The holes are positioned with respect to the very thin flat clasping members so that by selectively passing the bolt through particular holes in the first and second elongated members, the clasping members will be positioned very close to the sides of batteries having a particular width enabling the carrier to safely install and remove batteries from cramped spaces. A simple single strap affixed to the elongated members actuates battery lifting.

Abstract: A multi-function trash picking device includes a foldable rod, a detachable head portion and a handle. The foldable rod includes two elongate rod arms which are connected through a pivot. The two rod arms are folded and unfolded through the pivot. One rod arm has one end connected to the head portion, and the other rod arm has one end connected to the handle. The handle includes a trigger thereon. The head portion includes a clamp and a metallic slide member adapted to open or close the clamp. Two sides of the clamp are respectively provided with two plastic rings adapted to fasten a trash bag. The multi-function trash picking device of the present invention can pick up the excrement of pets or trash easily.

Abstract: A gripper unit for transport systems for supporting and transporting articles. A gripper unit that includes a gripper head with at least two gripper arms which can be opened and closed against each other. The top of the article to be gripped and to be transported is supported in the opening formed between the gripper arms. A shifting unit is supported in a flexible manner via a fastener directly supported at the transport system. Furthermore, the gripper unit is provided with a device for interchangeable support, adjustment and spatial determination of the gripper head in a first transport direction at the gripper unit. The device provides for the vertical movement of the gripper head contrary to the gripper unit and/or contrary to the transport system, which are arranged between the gripper head and the shifting unit or between the gripper head and the transport system.

Abstract: A mechanical gripper adapted for grasping a plurality of differing objects, and comprising a plurality of fingers, wherein each finger includes at least one variable impedance member comprising an active material element, the element, when activated and deactivated, undergoes a reversible change in impedance, and the change in impedance enables the gripper to be advantageously reconfigured, and/or locked in a reconfigured state.

Abstract: A method and device for manipulating an object is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a gripping device configured to grasp the object includes a housing, a jamming material inside the housing, a first actuator to actuate the jamming material, a first pressure activation device disposed on a first outer portion of the housing and configured to exert a constricting force on the first outer portion of the housing, and a second actuator to actuate the first pressure activation device. After the end effector is pressed against the object, the second actuator actuates the first pressure activation device to exert an inward force on the first outer portion of the housing and the first actuator actuates the jamming material to grasp the object.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus that stacks chip assemblies each having a plurality of chips disposed continuously with circuit patterns and electrodes, includes: a plurality of stages each allowed to move arbitrarily, on which the chip assemblies are placed; a storage unit that stores an estimated extent of change in a position of an electrode at each chip, expected to occur as heat is applied to the chip assemblies placed on the plurality of stages during a stacking process; and a control unit that sets positions of the plurality of stages to be assumed relative to each other during the stacking process based upon the estimated extent of change in the position of the electrode at each chip provided from the storage unit and position information indicating positions of individual chips formed at the chip assemblies and controls at least one of the plurality of stages.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a tong assembly for handling glass articles such as bottles, jars, and the like during the manufacture of same, utilizes replaceable matched pairs of components that vertically seat and are captured on features on the pair of tongs. The components may be in an interlocking, gravity restrained engagement and that may be replaced by lifting the components out of their interlocking engagement, removing them and replacing same by lowering the replacement components into the interlocking engagement whereby the replacement components are then captured and constrained by pairs of engagement surfaces. Lowering may be by lowering the entirety of the insert or lowering a portion such as the component is rotated into seating engagement. The components may be inserts held in place with the resiliency of spring clips that are themselves retained on the inserts also by the spring clips resiliency.

Abstract: Devices having the capability to both locate and retrieve objects are disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to devices having a probe comprising an ultrasound detector for locating and a grasper for retrieving objects from a medium. The present disclosure further relates to devices having a probe comprising an electromagnetic detector for locating and a grasper for retrieving metallic objects from a medium. Devices of the present disclosure are specifically adapted for use as medical devices for locating and retrieving a foreign body in a subject in need.

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 method is described for producing a micro-gripper, which comprises a base body and a gripping body connected integrally to the base body, which projects beyond the base body and provides a receptacle slot on a free end area in such a way that a micrometer-scale or sub-micrometer-scale object may be clamped in the receptacle slot for gripping and holding, as well as a micro-gripper according to the species.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for use with a media cartridge includes a gripper support and first and second gripper members supported by the gripper support. The gripper members are moveable asymmetrically with respect to the gripper support for gripping the media cartridge.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a flexible gripping device. The flexible gripping device includes a plurality of pneumatic actuator rings and a grasper element disposed within the plurality of pneumatic actuator rings. The grasper element is adapted to move back and forth within the actuator rings.

Abstract: A robotic gripping apparatus includes one or more constraining plates each having a plurality of holes formed therethrough and a plurality of elongate members. The elongate members are independently movable relative to one another. Each elongate member extends through a respective hole or set of aligning holes in the constraining plate(s). A distal end portion of one or more of the elongate members is capable of exerting a force for drawing an object against the distal end portion to thereby hold or grip the object.

Abstract: An internal pipe gripping tool includes a tool body adapted for insertion into a pipe. A gripper is disposed adjacent and movably coupled to the tool body. The gripper has an engaged position and a released position relative to the tool body. A lever has a first end node, a second end node, and an intermediate node between the first and second end nodes. The first end node is coupled to the tool body, and the intermediate node is coupled to the gripper. A force applied to the second end node results in another force at the intermediate node that shifts the gripper from the engaged position to the released position.

Abstract: A position detection device includes: a light source adapted to form a light intensity distribution of a detection light beam; a first detector adapted to receive a reflected light beam of the detection light beam reflected by an object in a detection area where the light intensity distribution is formed; a transmissive member disposed between the detection area and the light source, and between the detection area and the first detector, and having a first surface directed toward the detection area and a second surface directed toward the light source; a second detector adapted to receive a light beam reflected by the second surface out of the detection light beam; a position detector adapted to detect the object based on the detection result in the first detector; and a light blocking member disposed between the second detector and the detection area, and adapted to block the reflected light beam.

Abstract: An aerodynamically controlled grapple assembly includes a frame member secured to an associated load line and a streamlined body mounted to the frame member. The streamlined body includes a main lifting surface extending away from the body in a first direction and a vertical stabilizer extending away from the body in a second direction. A pair of grapple arms are movably connected to the frame member.

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 gripping utensil kit comprising a set of gripping utensils, where the set of gripping utensils includes at least one clamp to manipulate a piece of material; and a case to contain the set of gripping utensils, wherein the case enables a user to transport and store the set of gripping utensils so the set of gripping utensils are readily available for the user. The gripping utensil kit may include a forceps, a blunt tip clamp and a serrated tip clamp.

Abstract: A gripping device, for gripping underwater pipelines at the laying stage, has jaws that are pressed onto a pipeline extending along an axis-substantially parallel to a laying direction, and have respective friction pads that are brought cyclically into contact with the outer face of the pipeline; and auxiliary gripping tools, which have panels for covering respective friction pads, and are selectively connectable to the jaws to increase grip between the jaws and the pipeline.

Abstract: Featured is a gripper for a tailgate; such a gripper includes a rotation pad at each regulation surface of a locator and a clamper of each clamping unit, where a swivel ball is mounted on the rotation pad. Each clamping unit is movable in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction by a movement unit of a frame so as to be adaptable to angle differences of each regulation surface of the tailgate. Such a tailgate gripper further includes a frame having a tool mounting portion to mount a tool changer of a robot in a lower portion of a rear surface thereof.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus includes a palm and a plurality of fingers having joints to grip a tool with the palm and the plurality of fingers. A palm side contact surface is provided on the palm and brought into contact with a tool side contact surface of the tool, and holes are provided in the palm side contact surface into which projections provided on the tool side contact surface of the tool can be inserted. Engagement of the projections in the holes determines a position of the tool in a tangential direction of the palm side contact surface and a position of the tool in a rotational direction around a normal line of the palm side contact surface which is a rotary shaft center.

Abstract: A gripping member for a work tool is provided such that in one embodiment, the gripping (or cutting) member includes a top and bottom surface, and a first gripping edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and a overbite block located proximate to the first gripping edge.

Abstract: A body jewelry applicator includes a gripping member adapted to receive and retain the backing of a piece of body jewelry within a hole or opening. The gripping member may be made of a foam and have one or more holes in the ends thereof for receiving the backing. The body jewelry applicator may also include a body or handle to which the gripping member is secured. A release rod may be slidably positioned within the body and movable between a first position and a second position, movement of the release rod from the first position to the second position causing the release rod to engage and expel the backing from the gripping member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tool, a kit, and associated method for transferring a membranous tissue composed of cells derived from a living body. The tool can include a first sheet-like supporting member disposed on one side of the membranous tissue in a wet state, and a second sheet-like supporting member disposed on the other side of the membranous tissue in a wet state. The first supporting member and the second supporting member can be configured to entirely hold the membranous tissue, such that a frictional force between the first supporting member and the membranous tissue is larger than a frictional force between the second supporting member and the membranous tissue.

Abstract: Mantle lifting device (10) has a body (26) configured to selectively engage and disengage an opening (24) of a mantle (12) by rotation in respective opposite directions about a central axis (28) of the body (26). The body (26) is provided with a lifting point (30) which is configured to couple with a lifting device such as a crane (not shown). The body (26) is in the general form of a plug having an upper surface (34) and an opposite surface (36) and tapered circumferential surfaces (38 and 40). The surface (40) is provided with indicia (43) commencing at a distance d on the surface (40) below the edge (42). This is used to indicate safe or unsafe lifting conditions. The indicia (43) being visible when the device (10) is engaged with the mantle (12) is an indication that the mantle (12) is worn to the extent that it may not be safe to lift the mantle (12) by way of the device (10), or at least not without additional safety precautions being taken.

Abstract: An apparatus holds a plurality of hollow cylindrical members and pushes off the hollow cylindrical members. The apparatus includes a holder shaft for holding the hollow cylindrical members in tandem thereon, a gripper member projecting outwardly from a side wall surface of the holder shaft and engaging an inner wall surface of a foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members, a cam disposed in the holder shaft for displacing the gripper member, a pusher cylinder for pressing an end face of a rearmost one of the hollow cylindrical members and moving all the hollow cylindrical members forward, to release the foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members from the holder shaft and position a next one of the hollow cylindrical members as a new foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members, and a turning cylinder for turning the holder shaft.

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 tool and process for handling a pliant comestible are disclosed. The tool includes a tool body including a recessed mold and a plurality of cavities. The tool body is configured to position the pliant comestible and retain the pliant comestible within the recessed mold.

Abstract: A grip assembly, particularly for suitcases and trunks, constituted substantially by two mutually articulated half-shells which are adapted to form an internal containment compartment. The grip assembly comprises at least one grip hand which can be actuated on command, according to predefined paths, for the removable gripping and transport of selectively one among a plurality of containment trays for the half-shells. The gripping occurs at a perimetric portion having a predefined shape that is common to all of the trays. Each tray comprises at least one seat having variable dimensions at its central portion for accommodating half-shells of various formats.

Abstract: A harsh environment robot end effector includes an end effector frame connectable to a material handling robot, one or more pickup arms rotatingly coupled to the frame, and pickup arm airbag actuator air bags for opening and closing the pickup arms. One or more positioning palms may be provided, which are rotatingly coupled to the end effector frame and provided with actuator air bags for opening and closing. One or more adjustable pushdowns having airbags attached to their heads are provided to grip a load between the pushdown and pickup arm. A mechanical synchronizer may be provided to couple the pickup arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a design and microfabrication method for microgrippers that are capable of grasping micro and nano objects of a large range of sizes and two-axis force sensing capabilities. Gripping motion is produced by one or more electrothermal actuators. Integrated force sensors along x and y directions enable the measurement of gripping forces as well as the forces applied at the end of microgripper arms along the normal direction, both with a resolution down to nanoNewton. The microfabrication method enables monolithic integration of the actuators and the force sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripper device for transporting a rack (3) for microscope slides (4), in particular in systems for preparing tissue samples for histological examinations, the gripper device having a gripping mechanism including a pair of gripping arms (2), whose ends are configured as gripping sections (7) for gripping the rack. In order to provide a gripper device which can be used in a versatile manner in automated stainers and coverslippers and contributes to reducing the cost of manufacture, it is proposed that the gripping sections (7) be provided with first profiles (17) for gripping the rack (3) in a vertical position and second profiles (18) for gripping the rack (3) in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A length adjustable remote manipulation device includes a body member including a first body with an empty space formed inside and a second body installed movably along the first body while inserted inside the first body such that the length thereof is adjustable, an manipulation member installed at an end of the first body and including a handle with a movable member supported elastically by spring, a motion-copying member installed at an end of the second body and including pincers, and a first cable for having the pincers operated according to movement of the movable member by connecting the movable member and the pincers.

Abstract: A gripper includes a connecting member and two clamping assemblies fixed on the connecting member. Each clamping assembly includes a main body and two positioning shafts. The main body defines two pivot holes, in which the positioning shafts are slidably received. Each of the positioning shafts includes a shaft sleeve, a positioning pin, a driving pin, and a plurality of balls. The positioning pin and the driving pin are received in the shaft sleeve, and the driving pin resists the positioning pin. The shaft sleeve defines a plurality of receiving holes for receiving the balls. An inner wall in the pivot hole defines a restricting groove. The driving pin is capable of driving the balls partially into the restricting groove, and driving the positioning pin partially out of the shaft sleeve.

Abstract: A gripper device is provided for picking up and releasing an article. The device includes a support (15, 16) and a pair of grippers (10, 11) pivotally mounted on the support for movement of their distal ends towards and away from each other. A belt (1) is belt arranged to extend across the gap defined between the distal ends of the grippers when they are spaced apart so that the belt is able to extend over the article to be picked up and to extend around the article when the grippers have been moved towards each other to pick up the article.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for operating, such as methods for dispersing and clustering, robotic devices (i.e., “robots”) that employ adaptive behavior relative to neighboring robots and external (e.g., environmental) conditions. Each robot is capable of receiving, processing, and acting on one or more multi-device primitive commands that describe a task the robot will perform in response to other robots and the external conditions. The commands facilitate a distributed command and control structure, relieving a central apparatus or operator from the need to monitor the progress of each robot. This virtually eliminates the corresponding constraint on the maximum number of robots that can be deployed to perform a task (e.g., data collection, mapping, searching, dispersion, and retrieval). By increasing the number of robots, the efficiency in completing the task is also increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing carpet including: a base; a hoist engaged with the base; a resilient line with first and second ends, wherein the first end is engaged with the hoist; a carpet gripping means removably engaged with the second end of the resilient line; and at least one friction surface engaged with a bottom of the base for holding the base in position. Further, a method for removing carpet comprising: the apparatus for removing carpet; moving the apparatus into position; engaging carpet to be removed with the carpet gripping means; and utilizing the hoist and resilient line to pull the carpet gripping means in order to remove the carpet.

Abstract: A product gripper for the taking up of a product has two vane blades; a driving means to move the vane blades between a first position, in which the vane blades can be placed onto a support for the product to be taken up at oppositely disposed sides of the product to be taken up, and a second position, in which the vane blades are located at least partly beneath the product to be taken up; and a downholder for the fixing of the product to be taken up while the vane blades are moved beneath it, with the downholder being arranged above a vane blade plane defined by the vane blades.

Abstract: Featured is a door gripper for a vehicle including a frame, upper clamping units and a lower clamping unit. The lower clamping unit including a rotary pad with a swivel ball in restricted surfaces of a clamper and a locator of a lower clamping unit to deal with an angle difference of restricted cross sections of the door. The lower clamping unit and upper clamping units being configured and arranged so as to be movable in the up-down direction and the width direction along a guide rail of the frame in order to deal with differences in height and width of the restricted cross section.