Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals, particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive which, in one aspect, the apparatus includes a body connectable to said top drive. The body includes at least one gripping element radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage a tubular to permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be tightened to the required torque.

Abstract: A handling tool (100) for securely handling a radioactive source (204) comprises a first securing device and a second securing device. The first securing device comprises a chamber (103), and an opening mechanism (105, 106) for opening the chamber (103). The opening mechanism opens the chamber when the chamber is brought in proximity with a source pocket that may contain a radioactive source (204), and the opening mechanism closes the chamber when the chamber is withdrawn from the source pocket (200). The second securing device comprises a gripping device (111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117) to grip and release a radioactive source (204), and a positioning mechanism (109, 110, 116) for positioning the gripping device in the source pocket (200) or inside the chamber (103) of the first securing device.

Abstract: A generally X-shaped lift coupling for use with a conventional dovetail socket. One leg of the X-shaped lift coupling slides axially in a keyway in the other leg between a position where the lower end of the sliding leg is engaged with an angularly extending wall of the dovetail socket, and a position where the sliding leg is fully disengaged from the dovetail socket. A retainer holds the slidable leg in assembled relationship with the fixed leg. At least the fixed leg includes a lifting eye for engagement by a lifting member. The application of a lifting force to the lifting eye causes the lower ends of the legs to wedgedly engage the dovetail socket to lock the lift coupling to the dovetail socket. When the slidable leg is also provided with a lifting eye, the two eyes are generally in registry when the slidable leg is fully engaged with the dovetail socket. Insertion of a lifting member through both eyes locks the two legs together in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: A device for separating individual tires that have become entwined including a movable head for engaging at least one tire in a stack of tires, an engaging finger coupled to the movable head, and at least one manipulating apparatus for moving the engaging finger and the movable head to dislodge entwined tires.

Abstract: A gripping fixture suitable for use in stent securement testing is described. The gripping fixture includes a housing having a chamber, a rigid perforated tubular member positioned within the chamber, a multiplicity of radially extending pins arranged to slide in the perforations in the tubular member, and an elastic sheath that circumscribes the outer ends of the pins and surrounds the tubular member. A pressure chamber is formed between the housing and the elastic sheath. The gripping fixture also includes a pressure controller for controlling the pressure within the pressure chamber. The pressure applied in the pressure chamber acts on the elastic sheath and may be used to cause some of the pins to engage a stent during the stent securement test to hold the stent in place relative to the gripping fixture while the tensile force required to dislodge the stent from a catheter is measured.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled finger gripper having a supporting body (11) with a proximal and a distal end, a pneumatic control piston (12) guided and moving alternatively in the body, a compression disk (13) connected to, and moving axially with, the piston relatively at the distal end of the supporting body, and a flexible gripper element (14) assembled between the compression disk (13) and the distal end of the supporting body (11) and moving between a contracted and expanded position in response to the movements of the control piston with the compression disk between an inactive and active position.

Abstract: A reactor cartridge includes a plurality of spaced-apart monoliths, formed along a tube or other mandrel. Each monolith is formed of a pair of flat and corrugated metal strips, spirally wound around the tube. These strips could be made of solid or screen material. The corrugations are skewed, such that the monolith imparts a swirl to gases flowing through it. The corrugations of the strips in adjacent monoliths are oriented differently, so that successive monoliths impart different swirls to the gases, so as to promote mixing of gases and better heat transfer from the exterior to the interior of the cartridge. An insertion and removal tool simplifies the procedure for stacking such cartridges in a long pipe, or for removing cartridges from the pipe. The all-metal construction facilitates heat transfer through the entire reactor, and avoids the problems associated with packed ceramic beds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatically controlled finger gripper that has a supporting body (111) forming a chamber. A fixed axial rod (119) is secured to a proximal part of the body, extending in the chamber and emerging from a distal part of the body. A compression disk (113) is connected to the fixed rod. A pneumatic control piston (112) is guided along the axial rod and moves in the chamber (115) with respect to the compression disk (113) between an inactive position, at a distance from the compression disk, and a forward active position, near the compression disk. A flexible gripper element (114) is mounted between the compression disk (113) and control piston (112). The flexible gripper element moves between a contracted position and an expanded position in response to the movements ofthe control piston between the inactive and active positions of the compression disk.

Abstract: A lifting anchor (1) arranged to be mounted in an opening (33) in a plate wall (31) by use of an installation device, the lifting anchor (1) comprising: a leg (11), one end of the leg (11) being provided with a guide section (13) and the axially opposite end being provided with an attachment section (13?) arranged for coupling to a lifting device; and a plurality of dogs (21) encircling a middle section (13?) of the leg (11), a first end portion (23) of each dog (21) being provided with an outwardly facing gripping hook (24); and an operational abutment surface (15, 22?) between the leg (11) and each dog (21), forming an ramp which is arranged, upon axial movement of the dog (21) along the surface (13?) of the leg (11) in the direction of the guide section (13) of the leg (11), to move the gripping hook (24) axially outwards to a gripping position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming and unloading a completed stack of articles. An assembly station includes a rotatable turret from which at least one stacker arm projects. The turret rotates to each of a number of article loading positions to sequentially load articles onto the arm in a desired order. The turret is then advanced to allow the articles to be concurrently unloaded from the stacker arm at an unloading position. In an automated disc drive manufacturing environment, the articles comprise respective numbers of magnetic recording discs and intervening disc spacers which are arranged into a disc/spacer stack as the stacker arm is advanced to a number of disc feeder and spacer feeder stations. The completed disc/spacer stack is then unloaded onto a spindle motor hub. Additional arms preferably project from the turret so that, as the turret rotates, multiple stacks are simultaneously formed and sequentially unloaded.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is provided that enables users to insert and remove optically read disks without touching them by hand. The apparatus comprises a hollow frame and a spring-loaded plunger with flexible hooks. When the plunger is pushed down out of the locked position, protrusions on the hooks are forced out of convex indentations and against the inner sides of the frame, compressing the hooks. The apparatus can then be inserted through the central hole in a disk. The user then releases the plunger, which is forced upward by a compressed spring so that the protrusions on the hooks fit back into the indentations. The hooks then expand outward so that the disk is held securely and may be removed from its storage case or a player. Reversing this operation allows a user to insert a disk into a storage case or player.

Abstract: A disc gripping device is configured for gripping a disc by inserting at least three gripping members into a center hole of a disc and expanding at least one of the gripping members in a radial direction to push an inner circumferential face of the center hole. The at least three gripping members include a first gripping member having a disc contacting face for contacting the inner circumferential face of the center hole, a length of the disc contacting face being greater than a thickness of the inner circumferential face of the center hole; a second gripping member having a disc contacting face for contacting the inner circumferential face of the center hole, a length of the disc contacting face being equal to or smaller than the thickness of the inner circumferential face of the center hole, and a third gripping member having a disc contacting face for contacting the inner circumferential face of the center hole.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatically controlled finger gripper that comprises a supporting body (111) forming a chamber a fixed axial rod (119) secured to a proximal part of the body, extending in said chamber and emerging from a distal part of said body, a compression disk (113) connected to the fixed rod. A pneumatic control piston (112) is guided along the axial rod and moves in said chamber (115) with respect to the compression disk (113) between an inactive position, at a distance from the compression disk, and a forward active position, near the compression disk, A flexible gripper element (114) is mounted between the compression disk (113) and control piston (112) and moving between a contracted and expanded positions in response to the movements of the control piston between the inactive and active positions of the compression disk.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatically controlled finger gripper that comprises a supporting body (11) with a proximal and a distal end, a pneumatic control piston (12) guided and moving alternatively in said body, a compression disk (13) connected to, and moving axially with, said piston relatively at the distal end of said supporting body, and a flexible gripper element (14) assembled between said compression disk (13) and said distal end of the supporting body (11) and moving between a contracted and expanded position in response to the movements of the control piston with the compression disk between an inactive and active position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive which, in one aspect, the apparatus includes a body connectable to said top drive. The body includes at least one gripping element radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage a tubular to permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be tightened to the required torque.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically loading socks on forms (1) comprises a suction unit (20) at an inlet, a carousel (10) with several stations (2, 3, 4, 5), a positioning unit (30) of the sock (S), a tucking-up unit (40) and a pick-up robot (50). The carousel has intermediate supports (12) onto which can be put, partially or completely, the socks (S). The carousel (10) brings the intermediate supports (12) through successive stations (2, 3, 4, 5) up to a pick-up station (5), where an arm (52) is connected pivotally (55a) to a carriage sliding on an upright (53). Means are provided for translating (53a) vertically the carriage vertically upwards or downwards, along the upright (53), and for rotating (55a) integrally the arm (52) about said horizontal axis (55). Pick-up fingers (56) are provided at a first end (52b) of said arm (52) associated to means for opening (56a) and closing them.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting, rotating, and positioning heavy objects using a toggle device attached to a prime mover. The toggle is vertical at rest and can be inserted into the opening in the side of a pipe. The toggle is rendered horizontal inside the pipe by the activation of a solenoid and the pipe can then be lifted by the prime mover. The pipe can be rotated to any desired fixed position by a hydraulic cylinder moving a piston through a piston sleeve having spiral grooves. The entire lifting and positioning of a heavy object with the toggle device can be completed by a single user operating from within the prime mover.

Abstract: A holder for a scouring device such as a steel wool pad which includes a base, a pair of opposed legs extending from the base and a gripping assembly positioned at an end portion of each of the opposed legs including a gripping assembly which is moveable by the consumer from a first position sufficient to secure the holder to the steel wool pad to a second position to release the steel wool pad without the user having to touch the steel wool pad during movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of conveyance for a blowing installation for thermoplastic containers, comprising a series of conveyor elements (24) which are fitted with a gripper device (26, 28), whereby each gripper device can move in an axial direction in relation to the conveyor element (24) on which it is borne in order to become axially engaged on the neck (12) of the blank (10). An external radial collar (14) enables said blank (10) to rest upon a bearing surface (23). The invention is characterized in that each conveyor element (24) comprises a stabilizer (34) which can move in an axial direction from a high retracted position to a low position in order to bear upon the blank (10) so that it can be pressed against the bearing surface (23) before the gripper device (26, 28) engages with the collar (12).

Abstract: A multiple block lifting device that includes two support arms pivotally connected at the opposite ends enabling the support arms to move from a closed, parallel configuration to an open, linear configuration. Attached to each arm is at least one block attachment unit that selectively connects to one block. In the preferred embodiment, the movement of the support arms and each block attachment unit is controlled by hydraulic cylinders and a main control valve. When paired blocks are aligned on a pallet, the device is in a closed, parallel configuration, and each block lifting unit engages a block. The device is then lifted and the support arms are aligned in the open, linear configuration. Each arm may include an optional extension arm that enables the device to lift additional blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feeder assemblies, and more specifically, relates to feeder assemblies for a tube-filling machine. The present invention includes at least one robotic arm capable of moving tubes and tube holders between two locations. The robotic arm may also move the tubes and tube holders relative to one another in order that the distance between adjacent tubes is substantially equal to the holders which carry and house the tubes.

Abstract: A gripper device particularly suitable for positioning an annular member onto a workpiece that includes a housing having a pair of piston chambers, each of the piston chambers having a piston reciprocally mounted therein. A cover plate, having a plurality of radial slides mounted therein for radial movement, is connected to the housing. A plurality of through holes are also formed in the cover plate. One of the pistons has a piston rod to which each of the radial slides is connected thereto by an interconnecting link. The other piston is provided with a pusher disposed in alignment with each of the through holes to extend therethrough in the operative position. The piston actuating the slides is fluid actuated between operative and inoperative positions and the pusher piston is fluid actuated toward operative position and spring biased toward inoperative position. A gripping finger is adjustably positioned on each of the slides for handling annular members of different sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for handling substrates that are provided with an inner hole. The apparatus includes an inner gripper in the form of an inner hole gripper, and an outer gripper that is embodied as a vacuum gripper and is provided with a ring in which are disposed a plurality of suction devices. A control unit controls the inner and outer grippers such that they are moved relative to one another, while they grasp one and the same substrate, for deforming or bending the substrate. According to the method, a first substrate is grasped by the inner hole gripper, is brought into contact with an outer gripper, and is grasped by the outer gripper. The inner hole gripper is released and moved through the hole in the first substrate and then grasps a second substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling hollow core rolls of different core diameters, by picking up a roll disposed with its axis vertical, relating the same to a horizontal position, and sliding it onto a horizontally extending spindle. A stepped diameter holder having sets of gripper elements is supported on an angled arm driven by a rotary actuator. After insertion of the stepped diameter into a roll core and outward movement of the gripper elements, the core can be moved to a horizontal orientation by oscillation of the actuator. The stepped diameter holder has a ball locking assembly which is inserted into a receptacle attached to the projecting end of the spindle. After full insertion sensed by blockage of air flow out of a hole in the end of an actuator rod caused by contact with a compressible insert, the actuator rod is moved axially to dock the spindle to the stepped holder by operation of the ball locking assembly and the gripper elements are released, allowing powered push off of the roll onto the spindle.

Abstract: A robotic gripper for fixturing and manipulating a sheet of substantially rigid material, e.g. a sheet metal part, has three fingers with circumferential grooves thereon. Each of the fingers has three degrees of movement. The sheet metal part has at least one opening of a size suited to accommodate one of the fingers. The other fingers can engage the edges of other openings in the sheet metal part or the outside edge of the part. The fingers can be moved away from each other or towards each other respectively depending on the positioning of the fingers, whereby the sheet metal part is fixtured by means of the grooves of the fingers. By using three fingers each having three degrees of movement, and having grooves thereon, an object can be held and kinematically locked without the application of force.

Abstract: A method of handling internal components of a pulling chamber of a crystal-growing machine, and specialized tools for engaging such components. A connection mechanism includes a female receptacle that latches onto a tapered finger-like connection fixture extending upward from each of the tools. A specialized cart facilitates access to the pulling chamber and transports removed parts.

Abstract: A method of handling internal components of a pulling chamber of a crystal-growing machine, and specialized tools for engaging such components. A connection mechanism includes a female receptacle that latches onto a tapered finger-like connection fixture extending upward from each of the tools. A specialized cart facilitates access to the pulling chamber and transports removed parts.

Abstract: A compact gripping device includes a spring that can be retracted to retract ends of the spring via application of a force. The force can be either a downward (push) or upward (pull) force. The spring ends are retracted by removing the force. The spring engages a compact disc either by gripping an inside surface of a hole provided in the compact disc, or by contacting a bottom surface of the compact disc. An embodiment which grips the inside surface of the compact disc allows the compact disc to be axially rotated by the gripper, while the gripper which grips the bottom surface of the compact disc allows for multiple discs to be gripped at one time.

Abstract: A lifting fixture includes a housing; a plurality of jaws movable radially in and out of the housing to secure the fixture to a component to be lifted; at least one lifting bail extending from on end of the housing; and a screw mechanism operatively connected to the plurality of jaws for moving the jaws radially between an inward retracted position and an outward locking position. A related lifting and flipping process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for racking or unracking pipe to or from a rack and a device to facilitate the process. The method provides a controllable procedure for inserting or withdrawing the pipe that is less dangerous than prior art methods and does not damage the pipe end. The method entails inserting a pipe gripper having an expansion sleeve into an accessible end of a pipe. The expansion sleeve is forced against an inner wall of the pipe, coupling the pipe gripper to the pipe. Depending upon the application, the pipe is then either pushed fully onto the rack or is pulled partially off the rack. For unracking operations, a crane sling is attached to the partially unracked pipe and the pipe is further manipulated off the rack.

Abstract: An apparatus for centering and holding a substrate including: (a) a substrate holding assembly defining a centerline; and (b) a substrate centering assembly including an alignment member, wherein the alignment member is disposed concentric with the centerline and has an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction such that upon sliding contact of the substrate with the inclined surface, the substrate moves toward the centerline.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and loading work pieces to be placed on a table grinder. The apparatus comprises a carrier unit and a plurality of holding tubes. Work pieces are placed over the tubes and are secured by means of a boot assembly located within the carrier assembly. The carrier unit comprises horizontal supports, vertical supports and a dial assembly. The dial assembly comprises a dial and a spring-loaded button. A cable is attached to the button and boot assembly. When the button is depressed, the boot assembly is relaxed thus allowing work pieces to be loaded or unloaded upon the tubes.

Abstract: A disk gripper featuring a spindle fitting through the central hole of a disk, with the spindle harboring a movable latch which is a pin carried by a movable arm. An actuator shifts the latch out of the spindle once the spindle has entered a disk hole with the latch causing the disk to slide laterally into a curled finger which provides a protective, non-contacting envelope. The disk is held in place on the shoulder of a bulbous portion of the spindle which keeps the disk on the shoulder of the spindle. The actuator is activated by a floating sensor ring carried by the spindle. When the spindle passes through a disk hole, the sensor ring moves upwardly, resting on the disk sending an upright tripper into an optical detector causing the latch to retract and allowing the spindle to pass into the disk hole. After passage into the disk hole the latch is released, causing lateral disk motion, causing the disk to laterally slide into a securely held position.

Abstract: System to identify, grip, position and manipulate bobbins used to wind thin and very thin thread and yarns, such as yarns for women's stockings, the bobbins able to be associated with vertical systems (22) or horizontal systems (24) to make the bobbins rotate, the bobbins achieving speeds of rotation, during the winding step, of 28/30,000 revolutions per minute, the bobbin including a central body (11) with an inner axial cavity (26) and ends with flanges (12), the flanges (12) defining at the front an annular positioning seating (13) for a count-marker identification element (20), the system comprising a hand-grip element (16) axial to the bobbin (10) and cooperating with one end of the bobbin (10) and anchored to the inner axial cavity (26) and including gripping and manipulating means (18) outside the bobbin (10) and, at least during the winding step, the system comprising a centering element (14) associated with the other end of the bobbin (10) and cooperating, during the winding step, with the means (22,

Abstract: Apparatus for removing and/or returning a disk shaped object having a central hole to and from a disk holder, includes a pick-off head having movable pick-off elements adapted to grasp the disk-shaped object through its central hole, characterized in that the pick-off head includes a rotatable shaft coupled to the movable pick-off elements and provided in the central axis of the pick-off head and arranged so that when the shaft rotates the pick-off elements are reciprocated radially with respect to the central axis so that when the pick-off elements are positioned with respect to the central hole of the disk rests on at least two of the pick-off elements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chuck assembly for internally holding a hollow substrate having an open end including: (a) a body including an end section having a width narrower than that of the inner width of the substrate to permit insertion of the end section through the substrate open end into the substrate interior; and (b) a compressible spring coiled around a portion of the end section, wherein prior to compression the spring has an outer width larger than that of the inner width of the substrate, wherein upon insertion of the end section of the body into the substrate the spring is compressed by contact with the substrate inner surface resulting in the chuck assembly holding the substrate by the force generated against the substrate inner surface by the spring in opposition to the compression.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chuck assembly for engaging the inner surface of a hollow substrate comprising: (a) a housing having an open end and defining a passageway in communication with the open end; (b) a partially hollow elastic boot defining an entry hole and an inner surface wherein the boot when stretched decreases in cross-sectional dimension, and wherein the boot engages the housing, whereby the hollow portion of the boot is in communication with the passageway; and (c) a movable, boot stretching member disposed in the passageway and adapted to engage the inner surface of the boot, wherein movement of the member in a direction to stretch the boot decreases the cross-sectional dimension of the boot, thereby permitting insertion of the boot into the substrate, and wherein movement of the member in the opposite direction increases the cross-sectional dimension of the boot, thereby permitting engagement of the boot against the inner surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting pipe including an arm having a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a substantially cylindrical body portion pivotally mounted to the arm. The apparatus is designed to be inserted into the standard lift port of a pipe section. In addition, a handle may be attached to the arm to more easily carry and to guide the apparatus into the lifting port. The apparatus allows a single worker to quickly and efficiently lift pipe sections, while reducing the possibility of injury.

Abstract: A fixture to be used in conjunction with a standard engine crane for the hoisting of fleet-bed truck bed is disclosed and claimed. The fixture comprises a pair of struts joined at their center by a cross member, thus forming an I-shaped structure. At the end of each strut is an adjustable extension arm assembly, configured so that the I-shaped structure may be lowered into the truck bed, adjusted for a snug fit, and the adjustments fixed and secured. One or more brackets are located on the I-structure, so that a chain or other device may be fastened between the I-structure and engine crane, allowing a single operator to perform all the manipulations required to easily and safely lift the truck bed off the truck chassis.

Abstract: A chuck assembly defining a longitudinal axis for internally holding a hollow substrate is disclosed including: (a) a stationary top pressing member; (b) a bottom pressing member movable along the longitudinal axis; (c) an elastic bag defining an opening, a top region, a side wall, and a bottom region, wherein the bag is stretchable along the longitudinal axis and a portion of the top region adjacent the side wall is immobilized against the stationary top pressing member during the stretching of the bag and a portion of the bottom region is coupled to the bottom pressing member; and (d) a width changing apparatus movable along the longitudinal axis, wherein the width changing apparatus is operatively coupled to the bottom pressing member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a carrier system for carrying a substrate batch including:(a) a heat treated, integral pallet having a pallet thickness, a top surface, and a bottom surface, wherein the pallet defines a plurality of passageways extending completely through the pallet thickness to form a first plurality of openings on the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the pallet also defines a plurality of chambers extending through at least a portion of the pallet thickness to form a second plurality of openings on the bottom surface; and(b) a plurality of chuck assemblies partially disposed in the plurality of the chambers and adapted to engage the substrate batch, wherein the pallet has sufficient structural rigidity such that while the carrier system is carrying the substrate batch, even when the carrier system is subjected to an elevated temperature, there is absent any appreciable bending and twisting of the pallet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chuck assembly defining a longitudinal axis for internally holding a hollow substrate having an open first end and a second end including: (a) an alignment shoulder positioned along the longitudinal axis; (b) an end portion, positioned along the longitudinal axis, that is adapted to be inserted into the substrate through the open first end and comprised of a polymeric member, wherein the polymeric member has a changeable width including a smaller width to permit insertion of the polymeric member into the substrate and a larger width to contact the polymeric member with the substrate inner surface, and the polymeric member is moveable along the longitudinal axis; and (c) a width changing apparatus operatively coupled to the polymeric member, wherein the polymeric member, which is in contact with the substrate inner surface, pulls the substrate a distance along the longitudinal axis towards the alignment shoulder when the polymeric member moves towards the alignment shoulder.

Abstract: A loader basket (20) for gripping, transporting, and precisely positioning a tire (T), including a framework (21) having a spider (30) with a plurality of radially extending arms (33), a plurality of shoes (40) mounted for radial movement on the arms, a spine plate (41) on each of the shoes for engaging the tire, an actuating assembly (60) for moving the shoes radially inwardly and outwardly on the arms, individually adjustable stop assemblies (70) on each of the arms limiting the extent of radially outward movement of each of the shoes, and a synchronizing mechanism (90) mechanically interconnecting the stop assemblies for uniformly simultaneously adjusting the extent of radial outward movement of each of the shoes.

Abstract: A device for handling a disk having an aperture includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. A contact surface is located on the shaft first end for contacting the first side of the disk. A claw extends away from the contact surface. The claw has a length which is greater than the thickness of the disk and includes a protrusion for contacting a second side of the disk. A foot is movably mounted adjacent the shaft contact surface in a manner spaced from the claw. The foot is used for selectively contacting the second side of the disk at a location spaced from the claw. A mechanism is provided for moving the foot to bring the foot into contact with the second side of the disk. Preferably, a longitudinally extending bore is located in the shaft and a plunger is positioned in the bore. The plunger has a first end cooperating with the foot and a second end which is acted on by an operator mounted on the shaft second end.

Abstract: An adjustable lifting device for lifting a manhole casting. The device has two endpieces each having a lifting flange for engaging and lifting the manhole casting. One endpiece is extended into engagement with the casting by one or more springloaded telescoping extension arms. Once positioned, the device is lockable to prevent retraction of the extension arm(s). A slidable and lockable collar is provided for effectuating balancing of the device and casting. Each endpiece has a safety stop to prevent the device from dropping into the casting once the lifting flanges are positioned beneath the inner ledge of the casting.

Abstract: A device for gripping objects having a body with opposing sides, each side having a plurality of inwardly directed cylinders aligned with cylinders from the opposing side to receive a plurality of pistons extending between the aligned cylinders. The cylinders define a space located axially off the ends of the pistons. Internal fluid passages within the gripping device interconnect the spaces off the ends of the pistons to a first and second port which are disposed for connection to an external fluid pressure source. The fluid passages in communication with the first and second ports are connected to the ends of each piston in such a manner that applying a relatively high fluid pressure to the first port and a relatively low fluid pressure to the second port will cause the pistons to move axially in the direction from the space in communication with the first port toward the space in communication with the second port.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling an implement to an operating arm of a machine generally consisting of a first component including a base section fixedly mounted on a wall portion of the implement and an annular flange section disposed on an upper end of the base section, and a second component connectable to the operating arm, including a base section disposable in coupling relation with the first component, a pair of gripping members disposed on the base section and displacable into and out of gripping engagement with the annular flange section of the first component when the components are disposed in coupling relation and an actuator for selectively displacing the gripping members into and out gripping engagement with the annular flange section of the first component, each of the gripping members having a recess for receiving a segment of the annular flange section therein, having an end wall surface engagable with an annular end wall surface segment of the annular flange section, in gripping engagement, and uppe

Abstract: A lifting lug is disclosed for securing a hoist to a tank, in which that lifting lug is stored within the tank but may be moved to a position extending through an opening in the sidewall of the tank for attachment to a hoist to provide for lifting of the tank, with subsequent removal back to a stored position inside the tank.

Abstract: A finger chuck assembly and method for holding a bottle or other hollow article having a neck opening at one end, characterized by a support member having an axis; a plurality of jaws each including a finger, an actuator arm and an intermediate portion interconnecting the finger and actuator arm; and a chuck operator member carried on the support member for movement relative to the support member. The jaws each are pivotally mounted at the intermediate portion to the support member for movement of the jaw between a contracted position for inserting the fingers into a neck opening of a hollow article and an expanded position for engaging an interior surface of the hollow article. The fingers of the jaws extend generally parallel to one another and to the axis of the support member when the jaws are in the contracted positions thereof and diverge laterally outwardly away from one another when the jaws are in the expanded positions thereof.