Abstract: A mechanical device for grasping an object includes a receiver having a distal end shaft with an internal bore, the internal bore defining a recessed track. The recessed track defines a curvilinear path having two sets of resting peaks, each set of resting peaks being at a different height relative to a centerline of the curvilinear path. An actuator is slidably engaged with the receiver and includes a central shaft and an activator disposed at a distal end portion of the central shaft. A rotatable sleeve is disposed within the internal bore of the receiver and is coupled to the actuator. The rotatable sleeve has opposed protrusions, the opposed protrusions being disposed within the recessed track of the receiver. A pilot is secured to a distal end portion of the receiver and a grasping device is mounted to the pilot and coupled to the activator.

Abstract: An alignment plate can comprise a body having an exterior-facing surface and an implant-facing surface, at least one adjustable finger extending in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the body, and at least one patient-engaging surface positioned on the at least one adjustable finger. The adjustable finger can be adjustable to vary the distance between the patient-engaging surface and the implant-facing surface. The patient-engaging surface can be configured to engage a portion of a patient to align the alignment plate relative to the patient in a selected orientation. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An alignment plate can be designed and formed based upon a known geometry of a subject, such as a human patient. The alignment plate can include various members, such as a plurality of fingers or legs, to contact the selected points of the anatomy. Based upon contact of the fingers at the selected points of the anatomy, the alignment plate can be aligned at a preselected or predetermined alignment with a portion of the anatomy, such as an acetabulum.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removal and installation of a fire tube that extends into an opening in a wall of a heating vessel. The fire tube locates within an interior of the heating vessel when mounted thereto. The fire tube has a tube wall that defines a tube interior and has a mounting end for mounting the fire tube to the wall of the heating vessel. The tool has an elongated main shaft member having an insertion end and an opposite control end. A first support is mounted upon the insertion end that is configured for being closely received within the tube interior. A second support is mounted along the length of the main shaft member, the second support having a fire tube interface configured for engaging and releasably coupling to the mounting end of the fire tube. A lift coupling couples to the main shaft and locates between the second support and the control end of the main shaft member for coupling to a lift line.

Abstract: An instrument (10) for manipulating a prosthetic implant (2) the instrument comprising: an attachment element (20), operable to engage the Implant; an actuation rod (SO), a distal end (50a) of which is connected to the attachment element; and a stem (14), the actuation rod being at least partially moveably received within the stem, wherein the attachment element is bendable between a first position in which the attachment element does not engage the implant and a second position in which the attachment element engages the Implant, the actuation rod being configured so as to selectively bend the attachment element between the first and second positions upon movement of the actuation rod.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying pre-molded seal caps to fasteners. The apparatus includes an installation tool and a disposable cap holding fixture. The installation tool includes a body and a handle. A plunger can pass through the body and handle. A disposable cap holding fixture can be connected to an end of the body of the installation tool. The disposable cap holding fixture can grip a surface of a pre-molded seal cap. The pre-molded seal cap can then be placed on a fastener and the disposable cap holding fixture can be rotated to rotate the cap to cover the fastener with uncured sealant in the cap. The body and handle can be rotated by an operator or the body can rotate about the handle and actuation of the plunger can cause the body and the cap holding fixture to rotate. The plunger can then dislodge the cap from the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for blow-molding a glass bottle, and more particularly, to an apparatus for blow-molding a glass bottle in which molding air is injected into a pair of mold bodies such that molten glass accommodated in the mold bodies is formed into a glass bottle and a groove is formed at the center of the inner side of the bottom surface of the glass bottle. The apparatus for blow-molding a glass bottle of the present invention uses a blow mold (10) configured to include: a pair of mold bodies (11) forming a tubular body; a base mold (12) which molds the bottom surface of the glass bottle; and a blowing head (13) which are arranged in the upper portions of the mold bodies (11) and into which molding air is injected such that the glass bottle is expanded after primary molding and closely contacts the inner walls of the mold bodies (11) and the base mold (12).

Abstract: The present invention is a lifting apparatus that includes a master wedge bar, a slave wedge bar, a cam lug and a handle. The master wedge bar and slave wedge bar are configured to be placed in a drilled core in an object to be lifted. The cam lug is pivotally coupled to the master wedge bar and drivingly engages with the slave wedge bar such that upward force applied to a lift end of the cam lug drives the slave wedge downward. The master wedge bar and the slave wedge bar generate an outward force upon the core wall of the object upon the downward movement of the slave wedge bar relative to the master wedge bar such that the apparatus engages the core wall and secures itself in it by friction. A handle is configured to disengage the apparatus from the core wall when lifted upward.

Abstract: A gripping element for gripping plastic containers with mouths, and in particular performs, includes a carrier on which there is arranged a gripping head which can be introduced at least partially into a mouth of the plastic container. Arranged on the gripping head is at least one holding element which is at least partially movable in a radial direction in relation to the gripping head to secure the container relative to the gripping head.

Abstract: A positioning device for a cylindrical component includes a main body defining a cylindrical channel; at least two positioning assemblies are rotatably fixed to an end of the main body; and a push rod movably fixed in the cylindrical channel of the main body to rotate the at least two positioning assemblies outwards to position the cylindrical channel of the cylindrical component.

Abstract: A gripping device comprises a cylindrical thorn, an inner body and an outer body with a plurality of movable arms, each arm comprising a claw, wherein the thorn and the inner body are directly coupled to one another, wherein a spring adapted to force the extractor device to a first position is positioned in between the inner body and the outer body. The gripping device is adapted to be set in a plurality of other positions by moving the inner body and the outer body relative to each other along the symmetry axis. The gripping device is reliable to use and is adapted to grip different sizes of inserts, such as bearings, sleeves, and etc.

Abstract: A pipe gripper device including first and second gripper bodies and a clevis assembly. The gripper bodies each have a head and an arm. The head forms a slot. The arm defines a grip segment proximate a leading end and forms a textured exterior surface. The arms are pivotably coupled and slidably contact one another along corresponding interiors. The clevis assembly includes a clevis mounted to the heads by a pin passing through the respective slots. The gripper device is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state by pivoting of the gripper bodies at the corresponding pivot points, with the pin sliding within the slots to define a limit of the expanded state. In the contracted state, the grip segments are readily inserted into a pipe; upon transitioning toward the expanded state, the grip segments engage the pipe interior for application of a pulling force.

Abstract: A positioning device for a cylindrical component includes a main body defining a cylindrical channel; at least two positioning assemblies are rotatably fixed to an end of the main body; and a push rod movably fixed in the cylindrical channel of the main body to rotate the at least two positioning assemblies outwards to position the cylindrical channel of the cylindrical component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection system for use with an active or passive protection device that minimizes weight. In accordance with the present invention, a single stem connection system for use with an active protection device includes a single bent cable that is attached to the single cable terminal of the active protection device. A stem tube is fitted over a portion of the bent cable giving the appearance and benefits of a single stem. However, a portion of the bent cable is left separated thereby automatically forming a clip-in point for the entire active protection device. Unlike conventional single stem connection systems, the single stem system in accordance with the present invention only requires coupling the cable to the cable terminal thereby reducing manufacturing cost and minimizing overall weight. Alternatively, a similar connection system can be used with a passive protection device to provide many of the same benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection system for use with an active or passive protection device that minimizes weight. In accordance with the present invention, a single stem connection system for use with an active protection device includes a single bent cable that is attached to the single cable terminal of the active protection device. A stem tube is fitted over a portion of the bent cable giving the appearance and benefits of a single stem. However, a portion of the bent cable is left separated thereby automatically forming a clip-in point for the entire active protection device. Unlike conventional single stem connection systems, the single stem system in accordance with the present invention only requires coupling the cable to the cable terminal thereby reducing manufacturing cost and minimizing overall weight. Alternatively, a similar connection system can be used with a passive protection device to provide many of the same benefits.

Abstract: A pipe gripper device including first and second gripper bodies and a clevis assembly. The gripper bodies each have a head and an arm. The head forms a slot. The arm defines a grip segment proximate a leading end and forms a textured exterior surface. The arms are pivotably coupled and slidably contact one another along corresponding interiors. The clevis assembly includes a clevis mounted to the heads by a pin passing through the respective slots. The gripper device is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state by pivoting of the gripper bodies at the corresponding pivot points, with the pin sliding within the slots to define a limit of the expanded state. In the contracted state, the grip segments are readily inserted into a pipe; upon transitioning toward the expanded state, the grip segments engage the pipe interior for application of a pulling force.

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 releasable coupling device, especially for use in lifting devices has one or more couplings (3) that are arranged in the lifting equipment (2) or between the lifting equipment (2) and the load (1). The coupling is locked or opened directly or indirectly through a positional or rotational change of a locking element (23), which is brought about directly or indirectly by the buoyancy of a floating element (36) or other external force applied. Structural change of one or more metals may be used directly or indirectly to change the position of a release-blocking/locking element (39, 45) between a locked and an unlocked position. This structural change allows imitation through cableless remote control by the use of auxiliary equipment of a known type. Memory metal(s) can be used to change the position of the release-blocking/locking element (39, 45) between a locked and an unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual stem active camming device including a plurality of compression springs independently coupled to a plurality of cam lobes. The compression springs are positioned between the trigger and the clip-in point of the cam to protect the springs from damage and allow the trigger to compress the springs upon retraction. A flexible stem tube is positioned over the portion of the dual stem between the trigger and the cable terminals. The flexible stem tube shields the trigger wires from debris and abrasion. A rigid yoke is also positioned over the dual stem between the stem tube and cable terminals. The rigid yoke prevents uneven lateral bending on the head of the camming device that may otherwise cause the device to pull out of a placement. The cable terminals are positioned between the outer cam lobes and on either side of the inner cam lobe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active camming device including a plurality of non-flat camming surfaces. In accordance with the present invention, the opposing camming surfaces are shaped to include substantially concave and convex surfaces respectively. In one embodiment, each individual cam lobe is shaped in a substantially concave or convex manner to form a cam surface. In another embodiment, a plurality of cam lobes disposed on a single side of a device, are shaped to provide a combined substantially concave or convex surface. The convex surface or surfaces are always disposed opposite of the concave surface or surfaces to provide an increased stability in uneven recesses. Non-flat camming surfaces increase the stability of a camming device in irregular recesses by increasing the number of connection points between the device and the recess.

Abstract: A cam-operated pipe puller for pulling and extracting a pipe through a conduit wherein the pipe puller has members for grasping the inner sides of the pipe and apparatus attached to the grasping members for holding the grasping members in a retained position as they are initially inserted into the pipe and for releasing and expanding the grasping members to engage the inner surface of the pipe after the grasping members are fully inserted into the pipe so as to pull and extract the pipe from and through the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling tubular goods which includes an elongate body having a coupling end adapted for mating engagement with a tubular good. The coupling end includes a structural member, a flexible cylindrical cage and a pressure member. Longitudinal strips joined at their opposed ends form the cage coaxial with and connected to the structural member of the body. The coaxial pressure member is disposed in an annulus between the structural member and the cage. The pressure member is adapted to cause radial displacement of the cage, thereby exerting a gripping force to maintain the mating engagement between the tubular good and the coupling end enabling a transfer of force between the body and the tubular good.

Abstract: A releasable coupling device, especially for use in lifting devices, wherein one or more couplings (3) are arranged in the lifting equipment (2) or between the lifting equipment (2) and the load (1), and wherein the coupling is locked or opened directly or indirectly through a positional or rotational change of a locking element (23), the positional or rotational change of the locking element (23) between the locked and the unlocked position being brought about directly or indirectly by the buoyancy of a floating element (36) or other external force applied. The structural change of one or more metals may be used directly or indirectly to change the position of a release-blocking/locking element (39, 45) between a locked and an unlocked position, this structural change allowing imitation through cableless remote control by the use of auxiliary equipment of a known type.

Abstract: A device for connecting a first object to a second object the second object defining at least one surface which in turn defines a space, the device comprising (a) a member which may be connected to the first object, (b) a plurality of cams pivotally attached to the member, at least one of the cams defining an arcuate surface, and (c) a biasing object for biasing at least one of the cams against the surface of the second object, the member, the plurality of cams and the biasing object being sized and configured so that, when the member is connected to the first object and disposed within the space, upon biasing at least one of the cams, at least one of the cams pivots relative to the member so that the arcuate surface is placed and maintained in contact with at least one surface, thereby resisting force which might otherwise separate the first and second objects.

Abstract: A handling mechanism for rolls of carpet having a tubular core about which the carpet is rolled includes a force-transmitting member in moveable relation with a pivot support. An expansion actuator is located on the force-transmitting member and is spaced from the pivot support and defines reaction surfaces. A plurality of expansion and gripping fingers are pivotally mounted to the pivot support and each have a core gripping element for gripping contact with the inner surface to the tubular core. The expansion and gripping fingers each have finger expansion actuation surfaces in contact with respective reaction surfaces of the expansion actuator member. Upon linear movement of the force transmitting member relative to said pivot support member by a pulling force the reaction surfaces of the expansion actuator member cause pivotal expansion of the expansion and gripping fingers for gripping the carpet core and permit the pulling force to move the carpet roll.

Abstract: A robotic tire end effector apparatus and system including a method for picking up and placing tires positioned horizontally onto vertical stacks of tires. The apparatus and system includes a totem support assembly having a support housing and support bars capable of bearing against the inside diameter of a tire bead and a bottom assembly mounted to the support housing of the totem support assembly. The bottom assembly includes pivot arms and fingers. The fingers are capable of bearing against the inside diameter of the tire bead and supporting the weight of the tire. The support bars are also capable of supporting the weight of a tire. The system includes a computer and program capable of receiving data from the tires for identification, tracing tire location, allocation, pick optimization and continuous calculation of sorting and pick options.

Abstract: Apparatus to form and maintain a vent between the top and bottom surfaces of an ice core formed by ice extruders is disclosed. The vent is initially formed in one embodiment by a hollow member suspended within the freezing cell of the apparatus with one end of the hollow member forming a seal with a projection on the plunger that lifts the ice core upward during the extrusion of ice. After the vent is initially formed, the hollow member is removed and the plunger and projection begin a reciprocating motion causing the plunger to scrape ice from the walls below the ice core. The continuing motion of the plunger presses the ice chips against the bottom of the ice core and simultaneously causes the projection to seal the bottom opening of the vent, thus preventing the ice chips from closing the vent.

Abstract: The heater sling according to this invention is capable of lifting, moving and positioning a workpiece. In particular, it relates to a device and method for lifting a circumferential heater used in the manufacture of silicon ingots by the Czochralski method. The invention operates by mechanically extending a plurality of slings under a workpiece, lifting the workpiece, and placing it in a desired location.

Abstract: A fluid operated gripper which possesses a gripper device housing resembling a hollow body and on which a bearing body is secured. On the bearing body at least two relatively moving gripper device jaw carriers are movably mounted in a slot arrangement. A drive piston runs in a piston chamber. The bearing body is designed in the form of an insert body, which is seated like a cartridge in a receiving chamber arranged in an axial extension of the piston chamber. The slot arrangement is overlapped to the side externally by the housing wall, which delimits the receiving chamber, for at least part of its length.

Abstract: A connector mechanical assist system incorporating a mating tool and a connector configured for being squeezably interfaced with the mating tool. The connector is composed of first and second components having a conventional interlock mechanism, wherein a passage is provided in each of the first and second components which align when the first and second components are initially mated to form a passageway through the connector. The mating tool is composed of a head and two blades pivotally mounted on a common pivot in a cammed and slidable relation to the head. The blades have opposingly oriented hooks at the distal end portions thereof, wherein the hooks are retracted when the blades are mutually parallel. Each blade has a cam surface which interfaces with a respective boss of the head. With the connector pre-staged and the blades parallel, the blades are inserted through the passageway of the connector so that the distal end portions project therefrom at an exit side of the connector.

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: 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: An apparatus for transporting substrates between a first device and at least one second device for gripping and holding substrates with a substrate holder disposed in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A device 1 for gripping and holding substrates 2 with one or several substrate holders 5 arranged in a vacuum chamber 4, 4', 4" and one or several displaceably arranged grippers 3, which can be displaced into a first position through the action of an operating pressure or against the action of a spring 6, and into a second position through the action of a diaphragm 7, which can be exposed to a pneumatic pressure P.sub.a and/or to an operating element 8 cooperating with it, wherein the substrate 2 is held when the diaphragm is in a first position and the substrate 2 is released for being further transported when the diaphragm is in a second position. The diaphragm 7 is integrated into the vacuum chamber in such a way that in an operating position it is exposed to atmospheric pressure P.sub.a on the one side 9 and on the other side 10 to vacuum pressure P.sub.v, and in a second position is exposed to vacuum pressure P.sub.v on both sides.

Abstract: An anchoring device includes a hollow cylinder, a biasing unit, a shaft, a cam mechanism and a driven drum. The hollow cylinder has top and bottom ends, a cylindrical wall interconnecting the top and bottom ends, and a plurality of hook arms pivoted to the cylindrical wall. Each of the hook arms has a lower hook end which is extendible outward at the bottom end of the hollow cylinder to an operative position. The biasing unit retracts inward the lower hook ends. The shaft extends coaxially through the top end of the hollow cylinder and is movable axially relative to the hollow cylinder between a topmost position and a bottommost position. The cam mechanism is connected to the shaft. The driven drum is journalled on the shaft and has a lower end adjacent to the hook arms, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially projecting push members formed on the lower end of the driven drum to push the hook arms outward against the biasing unit.

Abstract: The invention is a device for attaching a lifting cable or the like to a concrete block or other heavy object. The invention has a pair of pivoting cam members mounted to frame. The frame and cam members are dimensioned so that they can be fit within a space within the block when the device is in a relaxed condition. A linkage, which is connected to the lifting cable, drives the cam members outwardly against the walls of the space when the lifting cable is put in tension. This wedges the device in the space. The greater the tension in the lifting cable, the greater the wedging force.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket implant installation apparatus and method combines holding, impacting, and aligning functions in a modular device. The apparatus comprises an installation tool that firmly engages a feature around the inner rim of a prosthetic socket implant so that the shell does not disengage during the installation process. An implant engaging arrangement on the installation tool is capable of extending to properly engage and hold implants in a broad range of sizes. The tool provides both axial and angular alignment references to facilitate the correct alignment of a prosthetic socket implant during installation. A mechanically isolated impacting rod slideably attaches within an opening along the longitudinal axis of the tool thus facilitating impact at the proper location and angle and allowing the alignment and impacting to be performed by one person.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and reorienting an object having an internally accessible axially extending opening, such as a pipe or a roll of plastic. The apparatus has an elongated shaft and a tapered probe attached at the lower portion thereof. A plurality of gripping members or dogs are provided for engaging the inside surface of the internal opening of the object with a force corresponding to the weight of the object so that the apparatus may be employed for lifting and reorienting the object.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately dispensing and positioning a credit card onto a predetermined area of a surface, includes a support tray which supports a stack of cards; a pusher assembly including a pusher plate which pushes out a leading edge of a lowermost one of the cards in the stack; gripper jaws which grip the lowermost edge of the pushed out card; and a control assembly which controls the gripper jaws to grip the lowermost edge of the pushed out card, to move over the predetermined area of the surface and to then release the gripped card so that the latter drops onto the predetermined area of the surface.

Abstract: A pipe retrieving tool has two arms with outward facing teeth adapted to engage inner threads of a pipe. A surface retrieving line attaches to a weighted actuator, which is positioned to move over a limited range relative to the arms. The tool is lowered into a pipe to be retrieved from a well. Once inside the pipe, a pull on the surface retrieving line raises the weighted actuator. This forces the arms outward, causing the teeth to engage the inner threads of the pipe. With the teeth engaging the pipe threads, the pipe can be lifted out of the well.

Abstract: The crane operated lifting apparatus for safely gripping and holding obje (11) includes a plurality of movable pawls (3) which enter into a groove, aperture, or bore (14) of an object (11) which is to be transported. To move the pawls (3), a driving member (4) is provided which is displaceable in a basic body (1). The lifting apparatus also includes comprises two holding members (2,5) the first of which is firmly attached to the basic body (1) while the second one is connected to the driving member (4) for a tilting or pivoting motion. Thus, the hook of a crane may selectively grasp either one of the two holding members (2,5) or both of them (2,5) together, and it may also selectively swing the second holding member, (5). In this manner it is possible to have all the functions, such as locking, unlocking, and conveying, accomplished by the hook of a crane alone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for handling core constituent elements of a reactor that comprises a core having as core constituent elements control rod assemblies each containing a control rod and fuel assemblies each containing nuclear fuel, a small rotating plug rotatably provided on the core, and a control rod drive mechanism provided on the small rotating plug, the control rod drive mechanism being characterized by comprising a plurality of grippers each having a hook projecting inwards so as to be able to engage with a handling head of the control rod and a hook projecting outwards so as to be able to engage with a handling head of each of the core constituent elements as a distance in the longitudinal direction; an operational head for opening and closing the grippers; and a third elevating drive mechanism for vertically driving the operational head; a second elevating frame for supporting the third elevating drive mechanism and the grippers; a second elevating drive mechanism for vertical

Abstract: An internal wrench for an earth drilling machine of the type having a mast, a top head drive assembly mounted for movement along the mast and a quill rotated by the top head drive assembly includes a body having an upper end and a lower end sized to fit within a length of casing. The upper end of the body is mounted to the quill for rotation with the quill and several jaws are mounted to the lower end of the body to move between an extended position in which the jaws engage in interior surface of the casing to rotate the casing with the body, and a retracted position in which the jaws are out of engagement with the interior surface. The jaws are selectively moved between the extended and retracted positions in response to rotation of the body by a system which includes a drag ring which operates the jaws and a friction brake which engages the drag ring. A plug is mounted to an intermediate portion of the body to mate with threads at the upper end of the casing to seal off the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling bobbins and transferring them from one location to another. The apparatus includes upper and lower housings connected by an articulated joint. The upper housing is supported by a fluid-operated, overhead hoist which is controlled by a manually-operated control mounted on the upper housing. The lower housing has an outwardly-extending, compact, fluid-operated gripper which extends into a central passage of the bobbin and has movable jaws engaging the inner surface. The articulated joint enables the lower housing to pivot relative to the upper one and move the gripper between horizontal and vertical positions. The articulated joint has a manually-operated locking pin locking the lower housing in either position, with a manual release handle located near the hoist control on the upper housing to enable both to be manipulated by one hand. The apparatus also includes a fluid interlock system which prevents accidental release of the bobbin from the gripper.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing irradiated clips from an irradiated fuel assembly comprises a remotely operated tool including hydraulic or pneumatic jaws operable for withdrawing a clip from fuel rods, while supporting the portions of the fuel rods both above and below the clip to avoid damaging the rods during removal of a clip, and further including a support tube held captive in a carriage mechanism for moving the tool into positions for either clip removal, or for ejection of a removed clip from the tool into a clip disposal basket.

Abstract: A safety grapple for releasably joining an object to be moved to a device for moving the same. Provision is made to cycle the grapple (10) through at least two release procedures before actual release can be effected. This is accomplished through the use of lug actuator cam plate 50 which rotates unidirectionally a selected amount for each upward and downward movement of a central shaft (22) of the grapple (10). This cam (50), with cam followers (52) mounted on the lugs (54), is shaped such that the lugs (54) are pivoted out of engagement with the object (100) only after a selected number of shaft reciprocations. In a specific embodiment, the grapple (10) requires two full cycles of shaft movement before lug release is effected on the third cycle. This prevents inadvertent release of the object (100), a feature especially important in the handling of hazardous material.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling different size parts in a vertical assembly is provided which includes a pair of fingers attached to and extending from the gripper of a manipulator in parallel relationship and moveable toward and away from one another under control of the gripper. Different diameter curved outer sections extend around the periphery of and are stepped along the length of the fingers. The smallest diameter curved section is located at the outer end of the fingers and successively wider diameter sections are located along the fingers as the inner end is approached. One of the predetermined diameter sections has a predetermined slope, each part to be assembled has an opening therein of a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of a section of the fingers along the length thereof.

Abstract: A docking system for space modules includes a docking device having respective male and female coupling members carried by the two space modules. The coupling members are arranged to allow, after they have been brought into their coupled condition, relative rotation of the two modules about the axis of the docking device. The system further includes a plurality of connecting devices arranged to lock the two space modules in a precise relative position after the male and female members of the docking device have been brought into their coupled condition. Each of the said connecting devices comprises a coupling seat located in one of the two modules and a coupling shank carried by the other module and axially movable between a withdrawn inoperative position and an extended coupling position. This coupling shank has a head which is expandible within the said coupling seat to effect the connection between the two modules.

Abstract: A transmission direct clutch drum removing and installing tool for use on a General Motors Corporation Turbo-Hydromatic 400 automatic transmission. The tool comprises a round plate platform base (20) and a spacer channel (26) attached to its periphery, each having an opening in the center. A plurality of legs (30), each having a retainer (34) on its lower end, are pivotally connected to the bottom of the base (20). A T-shaped operating handle slideably penetrates the opening in the base (20) and channel (26), and contains a leg directing expansion guide disc (40) on the end opposite the handle grip. Between the base (20) and disc (40) is a free floating locking disc (46) that assures the alignment of the legs (30) without binding or internal bowing. To operate the tool, the handle extended allowing the legs (30) to be grouped together and placed within the sides of the clutch drum. When the handle section (36) is pushed downwardly, the legs (30) are forced outwardly grabbing the sides of the clutch drum.