Abstract: A holding device includes a support frame; multiple pairs of holding fixtures mounted on the support frame; a holding fixture pulley attached to one holding fixture of each one pair of holding fixtures; at least one frame pulley attached to the support frame; a drive rope bridging between the holding fixture pulley and the frame pulley and having one end pulled in one direction and the other end fixed to the support frame; and a drive source that pulls the drive rope. With this configuration, when the drive rope is pulled by the drive source, holding fixtures constituting each one pair of holding fixtures are linked to move symmetrically to each other in a direction that holds an object to be held, each one pair of holding fixtures move independently of other pairs of holding fixtures, and the holding fixtures of each one pair of holding fixtures are movable toward and away from each other on a straight line or on two parallel straight lines on a plane of the support frame.

Abstract: A device for clamping onto an end of a wheel casting rim and transporting the wheel casting includes a pair of movable arms mounted upon an end of a robot arm. A pair of brackets are mounted upon the ends of each arm. A roller is mounted upon each end of each bracket. The rollers engage a flange formed upon the end or the wheel rim casting. The arms are contracted toward one another to clamp the wheel casting between the rollers.

Abstract: A retainer arm assembly (30) for use in a container unloading assembly (10) for unloading containers (C) of various sizes. Pivot posts (34) are attached to opposite sides (20) of a fixture (18) into which containers to be unloaded are set. The fixture is movable to invert the container and dump its contents. Retaining arms (32) are mounted on each pivot post and moved by the pivot posts to a position above an open end of the container. The retaining arms now retain container in the fixture as the contents of the container are dumped. A mechanism (54) is activated to rotate each post from a first position to a second position, after the container is placed in the fixture, for the retaining arms to be located above the container. Other of the retaining arms mounted on each pivot post may contact the container as the pivot posts are rotated.

Abstract: A gripper apparatus for grasping an object such as a specimen holder. The gripper apparatus comprises two arms. In one embodiment the arms are pivotable, and in a second embodiment, each arm includes a pivotable member. The arms are moveably coupled to each other and are structured to grasp the object therebetween.

Abstract: A modular gripper assembly having body with a yoke structure (44) defined at one end thereof and an actuator at an opposite end for reciprocally driving a piston assembly (58) within the yoke structure (44). A pair of opposable jaw members (49) having through-slots (48) formed therein are provided within the yoke structure (44) and coupled to the piston assembly (58) by a cam pin (47) so that at least one of the opposable jaw members (49) pivots when the piston assembly (58) moves withing the yoke structure (44). The jaw members (49) are removable and interchangeable.

Abstract: A positional displacement absorbing structure for absorbing the positional displacement of an article 21 clamped by a pair of robot arms 22, 22 is provided. The pair of the robot arms include recesses 32, 33 on their faces 31, 31 opposed to the article. The article 21 includes projections 25, 26 on its side faces 24, 24 opposed to the pair of the robot arms 22, 22. The projections 25, 26 are adapted to be respectively engaged in the recesses 32, 33. Each of the projections 25, 26 is formed with a pair of inclined faces 27, 27, 28, 28 with which circumferential edges 34, 35 of the recesses 32, 33 are adapted to slidably contact.

Abstract: An impact assembly for use with a piston-driven actuated parts gripper of the type configured to grip a workpiece, and having first and second jaw members. The impact assembly has a rigid base member coupled to the first of the jaw members. A resilient member is also provided. The resilient member is bonded to the base member and is configured to grip the workpiece and dampen impact forces created by contact between the resilient member and the workpiece.

Abstract: Generally, an end effector assembly for a substrate transfer robot is provided. In one embodiment, an end effector assembly for a substrate transfer robot includes an end effector having a plurality of metallic pads disposed thereon. A polymer pad is disposed on each metallic pad wherein a ratio of an exposed portion of an upper surface of the metallic pad to a top surface of the polymer pad is at least about 3.5 to 1. In another embodiment, an end effector assembly for a substrate transfer robot includes an end effector having a plurality of polymer pads disposed thereon. Each polymer pad includes a fluoropolymer coating disposed on at least a top surface of the polymer pad. The metallic pad and/or the coating allows the polymer pad to be at least temporarily utilized in applications above its normal operating temperature.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated gripper employed in automated workpiece handling systems. The gripper clampingly grips and transfers workpieces from one station to another. A pair of jaw members are positioned in the gripper device which has a pressure-actuated mechanism, a base plate and removable side plate members. A pair of axially offset cam pin members attached to the end of a piston rod and actuated by the pressure-actuated mechanism is used to open and close the gripper jaw members. Pivot pins or shafts pivotably connect the jaw members to the side plate members.

Abstract: A movable spindle tool machine, such as a printed circuit board line drilling machine includes a base and a spindle mounted to the base. A magazine is mounted proximate the spindle for storing a supply of tools. A pitch independent tool changer is moveably mounted relative to the base for transferring tools from the magazine for insertion into the spindle. A tool locator is mounted in line with the spindle. The tool changer is operable to initially transfer a tool from the magazine to the tool locator to align the tool with the spindle and thereafter transfer the tool to the spindle for insertion into the spindle. The spindle is mounted to a nested outrigger guide. A positioning system can move two or more spindles simultaneously. A bit detector in a pressure foot button uses fiber optics to detect broken bits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wafer clamping mechanism responsive to fluid pressure to retain wafers on a surface with minimal clamping force. The clamping mechanism houses simple operative elements within a housing proximate the wafer and can utilize existing fluid pressure sources to energize the clamping mechanism. In a first embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes a piston and cylinder to urge a clamping arm against the wafer in response to fluid pressure. In a second embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes a bellows arrangement for urging the clamping finger against the wafer in response to a fluid pressure source. In a third embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes a bladder arrangement wherein a bladder is expanded using fluid pressure to urge the clamping arm against the wafer in response to a fluid pressure source.

Abstract: An overhead clamp-type gripping device for gripping a load from above, includes a carrier frame which is movable in a vertical direction and has support elements positioned on both sides of a center plane and extending downwards from the carrier frame for movement relative to one another. The support elements have longitudinal guides which define an upwardly open angle with respect to the center plane. Received in the longitudinal guides of the support elements is a gripper unit which includes gripping elements for laterally contacting a load.

Abstract: An edge-gripping wafer handling apparatus for holding and transporting wafers in a clean room environment is implemented by mounting gripping fingers on a paddle arm adapted to be controlled by a robot. At the free end of the paddle arm, a plurality of fixed fingers is mounted. Each of these fixed fingers includes a notch for gripping the edge of a wafer. A moving finger is mounted close to the fixed end of the paddle arm. The moving finger can be smoothly moved to engage the edge of the wafer and cause the opposite edge of the wafer to engage the fixed fingers. The movement of the moving finger is caused by a bellows flexing a hinge connected to the finger. The flexing hinge is formed as a parallelogram of two stable ends and two flexing arms. The movement of the hinge is smooth and causes no particulate matter to be generated due to rubbing or other friction generating mechanism.

Abstract: An essentially C-shaped tool holder (10), preferably having a long inner edge, which holder at its free shank ends can carry a tool such as a riveting, glueing or welding unit. The holder (10) comprises a truss or frame work which includes an outer and an inner C-shaped frame (11, 23) and a plurality of slewing brackets (27-32) connected to the C-shaped frames. The frames (11, 23) and the slewing brackets (27-32) are arranged to form a number of connected triangular sections, defined by connection points 18-22, 37) which are designed as intersections or joints. The outer C-shaped frame (11) is arranged to support only thrust forces; the inner frame (23) is arranged to support thrust and tensile forces, and the slewing brackets (27-32) are arranged substantially to support tensile forces.

Abstract: A workpiece support and an apparatus including such a workpiece support are set forth. The workpiece support includes a set of grooved members for supporting a series of workpieces. The workpieces may be similarly shaped, e.g. circular or rectangular, and similarly sized, each having a front face and a back face. An outer perimeter of each workpiece may be beveled at both faces, beveled at one face, unbeveled, convex, or concave. Each grooved member has a series of similar grooves. Being adapted to receive such a workpiece, each groove has a bearing wall and a wedging wall shaped and oriented so that a line normal to the wedging wall intersects but is not normal to the bearing wall. For many applications, two grooved members are employed, which are parallel to one another, spaced from one another, and oriented so that the grooves of the grooved members are generally aligned.

Abstract: A holding wrench includes a body having a first arm plate having a first end and a second end, and a second arm plate having a first end pivoted on the mediate portion of the first arm plate. A first holding assembly includes two first holding members each having a first end secured on the second end of the first arm plate and the second arm plate respectively, and a second end defining a snap recess. A second holding assembly includes two second holding members each having a threaded post selectively screwed into the first arm plate and the second arm plate respectively, thereby selectively securing the two second holding members to the first arm plate and the second arm plate respectively. The threaded post has a first end provided with an enlarged head, and a second end formed with an insertion stub.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated gripper employed in automated workpiece handling systems. The gripper clampingly grips and transfers workpieces from one station to another. A pair of jaw members are positioned in the gripper device which has a pressure-actuated mechanism, a base plate and removable side plate members. A pair of axially offset cam pin members attached to the end of a piston rod and actuated by the pressure-actuated mechanism is used to open and close the gripper jaw members. Pivot pins or shafts pivotably connect the jaw members to the side plate members.

Abstract: A flexible vacuum gripper device and method of gripping. The device includes a housing, an inflatable gripper element defining an internal chamber and being radially or circumferentially expandable, the inflatable gripper element having a front end which is adapted to grip an object and a rear end coupled to the housing, a vacuum source communicating with the internal chamber of the inflatable gripper element, and a pressure source communicating with the inflatable gripper, wherein the vacuum gripper device is adapted to grip the object using vacuum formed in the internal chamber and wherein the inflatable gripper element is adapted to be inflated using the pressure source.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the aligning of ceramic carrier substrates on base substrates. The apparatus is a gripper having angled faces lined with soft metallic pads embedded with diamonds that engage in a vertical direction with microfeatures in the ceramic carrier of a semiconductor, providing a secure grip throughout alignment and bonding to a base substrate and providing a gentle release upon disengagement. The gripper is typically detachably affixed to a micromanipulator to provide controlled motion and is spring mounted to provide self adjustment to variations in ceramic carrier substrate thickness and angle.

Abstract: A device for gathering of logging waste in particular, by whose means logging waste is gathered from the ground by means of a dragging movement. The device that is substituted for a device that gathers waste by means of a grasping movement includes an arm (2) that has been connected with the arm of a crane (1) by the intermediate of an articulated joint (3), which arm (2) is pivoted by means of a power unit (4) around the articulated joint (3) against a backup plate (5) so as to incline the grab into a dragging position. The arms (6b) of the grab may also be provided with an arm (7), which, when it has been pivoted to the side (7a), prevents penetration of the grab arms (6b) below the ground surface and which, when they have been pivoted downwards (7b), permit compacting by means of the grab by means of a grab opening movement.

Abstract: Cross-lock tweezers for holding a pearl in a mounting during permanent setting of the pearl in the mounting. The tweezers have a pair of elongated, resilient arms that are secured together at one end, extend along their respective lengths, adjacent to each other, cross over each other, and end in a pair of gripping jaws. One of the gripping jaws is cup-shaped, and includes a contoured inner face, which conforms to a pearl held therein to firmly hold the pearl against a mounting held against the other gripping jaw.

Abstract: A transport assembly that supports a substrate and controllably moves the substrate within a semiconductor processing system in a manner that reduces the likelihood of the substrate being damaged. The assembly includes a spatula having an uneven upper surface that contacts the substrate. The spatula upper surface includes a plurality of protrusions that form peaks and a plurality of valleys between the peaks. Each of the peaks contacts the lower surface of the substrate so as to distribute the pressure exerted by the spatula on the substrate. A network of channels is created between the lower surface of the substrate and the valleys of the spatula that enables gas to readily flow therethrough. The channels extend to openings along the sides of the spatula to communicate the channels with neighboring space. Entrapped pockets of heated gas are inhibited from forming underneath the substrate, and the substrate can be easily lifted off of the spatula.

Abstract: A barrier lifter apparatus comprising a scissors structure having L-shaped clamping elements, a pair of L-shaped tongs, a bar connecting each of the tongs, a pair of linking elements, rods connecting the pair of tongs and the linking elements, and an apertured plate on the rod between linking elements for hoisting. The apparatus can be either semi-automatic with a latched handle or automatic with a ratcheting-cam action device.

Abstract: Jaw tips and jaw tip assemblies having concave and convex gripper tips are provided for use on parts grippers.

Abstract: A set of angled gripperjaw tips. Each jaw tip has a gripping surface that is complimentarily angled to the other jaw tip. The gripping surfaces become substantially coplanar when closed together.

Abstract: A conveyance arm device for conveying wafers. The conveyance arm device comprises a conducting seat, at least a tweezer, and at least a conducting path. The conducting seat controls and drives the conveying operation of the tweezer. The tweezer comprises a first end and a second end, and a first surface and a second surface between the first and the second ends. The first end of the tweezer is connected to the conducting seat. The conducting film is adhered to the second surface of the tweezer.

Abstract: A system for facilitating wafer transfer comprises a susceptor unit consisting of an inner susceptor section which rests within an outer susceptor section. A vertically movable and rotatable support spider located beneath the susceptor unit can rotate into positions to engage either the inner or the outer susceptor sections. When the inner section is engaged, the support spider lifts the inner section vertically out of the outer section. When the outer section is engaged, the support spider raises and lowers the entire susceptor unit. A robotic arm end effector engaging only the lower surface of the outer edge of the wafer permits hot wafer pick-up and unloading by the inner susceptor section. Several end effectors are disclosed that minimize non-uniform thermal effect on the substrate.

Abstract: Jaw tips and jaw tip assemblies for fluid pressure actuated grippers which allow for the gripping, sensing and transferring of a variety of workpieces. Mating concave and convex gripper tips are provided which eliminate or reduce the formation of particulate which flake or peel off a gripper workpiece. Gripper tips having angled workpiece gripping surfaces are provided which allow the gripping of non-flat or non-planar workpieces. Gripper tip assemblies are provided which include sensors which can be used to detect the present or absence of a workpiece. Gripper tip extender assemblies are provided which extend the forward and sideways reach of gripper jaws. Padded gripper tips are provided with gripping surfaces having surface channels formed therein which surface channels direct fluids away from the gripping surfaces.

Abstract: A segmented gripper is provided, having two arms (2;3) which are operated for closing and opening movement in an operational plane. The arms are flexible in the way of a finger; i.e. the geometry is variable to adapt to the external shape of the article to be gripped. This is accomplished by providing a structure for the arms, wherein an outer row of pivotally connected links (6) is interconnected with an inner row of pivotally connected links (7), the interconnecting elements (8) being pivotally attached to the link connecting points of each row of links. The lengths of the interconnecting elements are successively decreasing towards the free end of each arm, so that the arm displays a claw-like configuration. The arms are pivotally attached on a support, so that when an actuating force is applied tangentially to the outer row of links, the arms are operated for a closing motion.

Abstract: A disc gripping tool for gripping the outside edge of a disc to prevent blemishes to the surface of the disc. The disc gripping tool includes a pair of elongate arms. Each of the first elongate arms comprises an elongate rod. The elongate rod has a distal portion, a middle portion and proximal portion. The proximal portion comprises a handle. The distal portion extends out of a plane of the middle portion and is orientated generally perpendicular to the middle portion. A first of the elongate arms is substantially a mirror image of a second of the elongate arms. A pivoting structure pivotally couples the first elongate arm to the second elongate arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for retrieving and depositing a load, in particular to and from racks, includes a pair of elongated guides in parallel relationship and a grabbing device having at least two grippers movably guided in the elongated guides for traveling in a horizontal plane in an operating direction from a ready position into an operative position in which the grippers are positioned on both sides of the load substantially parallel to the sides of the load. Each of the grippers has at least one plate-shaped gripping area, with the gripping area of one gripper confronting the gripping area of the other gripper, and with the gripping areas of the grippers extending parallel to one another. Operatively connected to the elongated guides is a force-applying unit for moving the guides in synchronism relative to one another to thereby urge the grippers against the sides of the load.

Abstract: A modular gripper assembly having body with a yoke structure (44) defined at one end thereof and an actuator at an opposite end for reciprocally driving a piston assembly (58) within the yoke structure (44). A pair of opposable jaw members (49) having through-slots (48) formed therein are provided within the yoke structure (44) and coupled to the piston assembly (58) by a cam pin (47) so that at least one of the opposable jaw members (49) pivots when the piston assembly (58) moves withing the yoke structure (44). The jaw members (49) are removable and interchangeable.

Abstract: Each of side grippers that function as a film gripper includes upper and lower openable clampers. These clampers are designed to hold an edge portion of a film, and are opened after film packaging is completed. At least one film contact member, out of two film contact members that are attached individually to the upper and lower clampers, is formed of a cowhide, a material having a property such that a frictional force between the contact member and the film increases to and stays at a certain level as the humidity around the film rises. With use of the film contact member made of the hide, the film gripping force can be restrained from decreasing and the film-releasability can be improved despite the increase of the humidity.

Abstract: In a robot hand of an automatic handling robot for holding and carrying a semiconductor wafer or the like, the robot hand 10 itself is made of a porous material, for example, porous ceramic, and the surface portion thereof other than portions corresponding to a wafer suction portion 13 and a suction air intake 14 is coated with a film which does not permit the passage of air, for example, fluorocarbon resin or the like. Air can pass through the porous portion.

Abstract: This apparatus is a tongs-like, load-lifting device for automatically loading and unloading objects and liquids, comprising two elongated numbers pivoted at a selected distance from the apparatus' top with a main pivot pin. Its lower portions are essentially vertical, and may have perforations, to hold in place either a retrieved object or liquids, when pivoted, hemispheric buckets are included. Two hammerheads, mounted at ends of horizontal bars, located on apparatus' upper portions, are provided with magnets to either attract or repel each other. One head may have an electromagnet and the other a permanent magnet, or both heads may have electromagnets. The bottoms of apparatus' lower portions have pivoted extensions to help support the load. The two extensions are held up by either springs or stretchable bands, so their ends would not injure a person. The extensions are pushed down by the person or the object entering the apparatus.

Abstract: A grasping apparatus (10) has multiple fingers (64) joined within slots (56) in the face of a moving piston (50) within a fluid cylinder (20). As the piston (50) moves, cams (62) joined to the fingers (64) are rotated so as to close or open the fingers (64) which are radially mounted. Once actuated the piston (50) is returned to its relaxed position by a spring (70) when fluid pressure is released.

Abstract: A grapple prong comprising an elongate member terminating in a grapple prong and having a connecting formation thereon for connecting the tong head for pivotal movement about a pivotal axis. The tong is provided with a secondary prong thereon which is radially offset from the prong with respect to the pivotal axis. An attachment for converting a conventional grapple prong into a tong having two prongs is also provided.

Abstract: A gripping device which can grip small articles of different shapes without the need to work its chucking surfaces or to use blocks and liners in combination, and which can position articles in parallel to or perpendicular to a reference surface with a single gripping device. A fixed yoke, a movable yoke and an anvil-side yoke are connected to two columns so that all the yokes can pivot relative to the columns and the movable yoke can further slide relative to the columns to form a parallel crank mechanism. The fixed yoke is provided with a threaded shaft for moving the movable yoke. V grooves are formed in opposed surfaces of the movable yoke and the anvil-side yoke. A plurality of cuts are formed at the portion where the V-grooves are formed in parallel to the columns. The cuts define plate members having V-grooved gripping portions meshing with each other.

Abstract: A robotic gripper, the grippers of which engage as positive-fit elements on a magazine wall. The gripper is used to grip magazines for lead frames. This prevents any pressure stress on the magazines. The positive-fit elements furthermore, because of their shape, prevent the lead frames from slipping out of the magazine under high accelerations.

Abstract: A die set used in pipe tongs in the oil and gas industry for gripping pipe while threadably coupling pipe joints, the die having electroless nickel plated, non-interrupted knurled teeth having a special shape which reduces die penetration, thereby reducing wall loss due to die penetration, stress cracking and carbon transfer to oil and gas field tubular pipe and especially to corrosive resistive alloy pipe, thus further reducing pipe corrosion.

Abstract: An electrical plug extraction device 10 including an elongated handle member 20 having a curved lever portion 21 and having a first 30 and a second 40 plug gripping element formed on the opposite ends 22, 23 of the handle member 20. Each plug gripping element 30, 40 has an opening provided with a pair of ridged tooth inserts 31, 41 dimensioned to engage a portion of an electrical cord or plug 100 for the purpose of removing a plug 101 from an electrical socket 200.

Abstract: A system for facilitating wafer transfer comprises a susceptor unit consisting of an inner susceptor section which rests within an outer susceptor section. A vertically movable and rotatable support spider located beneath the susceptor unit can rotate into positions to engage either the inner or the outer susceptor sections. When the inner section is engaged, the support spider lifts the inner section vertically out of the outer section. When the outer section is engaged, the support spider raises and lowers the entire susceptor unit. A fork type robotic arm end effector permits wafer pick up and unloading by the inner susceptor section.

Abstract: A collet end effector comprises two jaws pivotably mounted in a housing for movement between an open and a closed position. A collet sleeve surrounds the jaws and is slidably mounted in the housing for movement along the jaws toward and away from a gripping end of the jaws. Each of the jaws has a cam surface; the collet sleeve has collet bearings for riding along the cam surface. The cam surface has a ramp region configured such that as the collet sleeve moves toward the jaws gripping end while the collet bearings ride along the ramp region, the jaws move toward the jaws closed position. The cam surface also has a dwell region extending from the ramp region toward the jaw gripping end configured such that as the collet sleeve moves toward the jaw gripping end while the collet bearings ride along the dwell region, the jaws are maintained in the jaw closed position.

Abstract: A modular gripper assembly having body with a yoke structure defined at one end thereof and an actuator at an opposite end for reciprocally driving a piston assembly within the yoke structure. A pair of opposable jaw members having through-slots formed therein are provided within the yoke structure and coupled to the piston assembly by a cam pin so that at least one of the opposable jaw members pivots when the piston assembly moves washing the yoke structure. The jaw members are removable and interchangeable.

Abstract: A vacuum chuck having a body portion made of moldable glass or another suitable dielectric material including a top surface and bottom surface, a series of flat lands on the top surface of the body portion for supporting a wafer, and a series of orifices and vacuum lines for drawing a vacuum to secure the wafer in place on the lands of the body portion. A method of manufacturing such a vacuum chuck. A method of aligning a wafer on such a vacuum chuck.

Abstract: In a semiconductor test equipment, in which test probes are placed into contact with bonding pads of semiconductor chips on a semiconductor wafer, an adjustment tool for adjusting the position of the test probes is disclosed. The adjustment tool comprises a cylindrical base portion, a triangular intermediate portion, and a flat, rectangular tip portion. The tool is preferably formed of used test probes comprised of tungsten. The tool is plated with a titanium nitride layer to increase the life of the tool.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for lifting objects includes a frame and two or more clamping arms pivotably supported by the frame for movement into and out of contact with an object to be lifted. An internal support is supported by the frame for reinforcing the inner walls of a cavity in the object to be lifted. The insert may be supported by the frame for vertical movement with respect to the frame so that when the insert is not needed, it can be raised above the object. The insert may passively reinforce a cavity, or it may be equipped with movable reinforcing portions which can be moved into and out of contact with the walls of the cavity which is to be reinforced.

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: A method for the construction of die members used in slips and elevators in the oil and gas industry for griping pipe. The die having nickel plated teeth with no mud grooves reduces die penetration thereby reducing stress cracking and carbon transfer in nickel alloy pipe thus reducing pipe corrosion.

Abstract: A hoisting and clamping apparatus for a heavy object. The apparatus includes a telescopic body positioned substantially perpendicularly to the ground, a first swing body positioned substantially in a horizontal direction, and a second swing body positioned substantially in a horizontal direction. A lower end of the telescopic body and inner ends of the swing bodies are coupled with one another to freely vertically swing by a turning shaft to form an inverted T-shape. Contact pressers are provided at each lower surface of the swing bodies, wherein the contact pressers are brought into contact with a heavy object at opposite sides thereof. The swing bodies are lifted in a substantially C-shape to bring the contact pressers into clamping contact with the sides of the heavy object.