Abstract: A coil handling device for engaging a coil having a depth and an interior surface defining a diameter and defining a longitudinal axis, is configured to engage the coil with the longitudinal axis oriented vertically and reorient the coil to position the longitudinal axis horizontally. The handling device includes a transport assembly, a lift assembly and a manipulating assembly. The manipulating assembly is mounted to the lift assembly and includes a pair of spaced apart support arms and a pivoting carriage carried by the support arms. The carriage includes a locking arm for engaging the interior surface of the coil along the depth of the coil and a thrust lever including a bearing arm and a lever arm disposed at an obtuse angle to one another opposite the locking arm.

Abstract: A cutting tool retention mechanism, for example, typically used to retain a tool holder in a tool pocket of a tool changer magazine. A horizontal machine tool apparatus typically contains a plurality of tool pockets attached to a movable tool changer magazine and the mechanism of the present inventions provides an affirmative mechanism for retaining tool holders so that they do not separate from their respective tool pockets unless removal is desired. More particularly, a pair of opposed pivotal fingers each include a latch which can engage with or disengage from the internal groove of a tool holder to perform this function. Spring bias can be provided to encourage this affirmative engagement of the latches with the internal groove.

Abstract: A pallet hook is provided to aid in the lifting of tube frame products made for the wire and tubing industry. The tool or device has four movable flippers that extend outward to grab the tube based frame of the item to be lifted. A movable linkage connected to the handle provides the means to lift the flippers out of the way for extraction. These flippers, when impinging against the stop block, provide the locking force necessary to lift. A lifting eye located on the end of the handle provides a connection point for a crane or other type of lifting aid. After the item has been moved and the crane hook disconnected, the user simply lifts the handle of the invention to retract the internal flippers and then withdraws the invention.

Abstract: A pallet hook is provided to aid in the lifting of tube frame products made for the wire and tubing industry. The tool or device has four movable flippers that extend outward to grab the tube based frame of the item to be lifted. A movable linkage connected to the handle provides the means to lift the flippers out of the way for extraction. These flippers, when impinging against the stop block, provide the locking force necessary to lift. A lifting eye located on the end of the handle provides a connection point for a crane or other type of lifting aid. After the item has been moved and the crane hook disconnected, the user simply lifts the handle of the invention to retract the internal flippers and then withdraws the invention.

Abstract: Device to automatically attach a first bobbin-bearing mandrel (11) to a second mandrel (15) of a machine, wherein the first mandrel (11) and the second mandrel (15) have substantially the same outer diameter and are suitable to be inserted selectively into the central hole of the bobbin (13), coupling means (40, 50) being provided on the first mandrel (11) to selectively couple with the second mandrel (15), to allow the coaxial transfer of the bobbin (13) from one to the other of said mandrels (11 and 15).

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: A light weight compact grappling hook which finds use in at least urban terrain comprising a small head member provided with a plurality of arms or blades which are serrated and/or provided with cutting surfaces/edges. The shaft which is connected to the head can be rigid or flexible. The flexible feature facilitates achieving a hold on surfaces which might otherwise be difficult. The arms or blades are each pivotally supported on pairs of pins and can be spread from folded storage positions and locked in position prior to deployment, or can be spring biased so that spreading and operative deployment is achieved en route to the target.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for supporting and transporting at least one object which has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The device comprises a handle, and a plurality of legs connected to the handle. At least a portion of the legs are configured to be inserted into at least one of the plurality of apertures. The device further comprises a plurality of support members attached to the portion of the plurality of legs and sized to fit within the apertures in object. Each of the support members have a support edge and are movable to an extended position wherein the support edges collectively define a surface supporting the at least one object. The device facilitates carrying of the objects.

Abstract: A load lifting apparatus suitable for use in a materials-handling operation, which enables loads of various shapes and structures, e.g. concrete products, to be clamped by a one-touch simple operation despite an extremely simple structure and allows the loads to be released by a one-touch simple operation at desired places after they have been lifted and moved thereto. The apparatus includes a link mechanism (14) in which a pair of clamping members (1 and 2) and a plurality of members (4, 5, 8, 8-1, 8-2) are supported by a plurality of pivot shafts. The upper part of the link mechanism (14) is arranged to be capable of being lifted and lowered by a lifting device.

Abstract: A device for centering and gripping, particularly for automotive bodywork parts, comprises a body (1) with an actuating means (2) and has centering means (13) and gripping means (11, 12). The centering means (13) and the gripping means (12) comprise in combination a centering member (13) containing at least one retractable gripping member (11 or 12).

Abstract: A tool for centering and clamping of at least a part (P) to be fixed in position and comprising a through passage and adjusted for the tool, comprises a pilot device borne at the end of a case having an upper face forming a support for the part and clamping members. The tool further comprises elements for driving the clamping members between a centering position in which the clamping members are retracted into the pilot device and a plurality of clamping positions in which the clamping members project outside the pilot device and rest on the part (P). The driving elements are arranged for simultaneously pivoting and translating the clamping members between the centering position and the clamping position. The invention is useful for handling parts to be fixed in position.

Abstract: A manhole cover engaging tool includes a first and second L-shaped member. The first and second L-shaped members are hingedly attached along a shank of the first and second L-shaped members. A first plate is attached to a first end of a first L-shaped member. A second plate is attached to a first end of the second L-shaped members. The first plate and the second plate configure to cooperate with a lever when the manhole cover engaging tool is in an engaging position.

Abstract: A tool for quickly coupling a crane hook to a dovetailed socket attached to a load consists of a heavy frame with a plate that pivots out on bushings near the lower end of the frame. Both the frame and pivoting plate have outward slanting surfaces at the lower ends that engage the dovetailed socket when the plate is pivoted up against the frame and they are locked together by a crane hook passing through aligned holes through both the plate and frame.

Abstract: Device to automatically attach a first bobbin-bearing mandrel (11) to a second mandrel (15) of a machine, wherein the first mandrel (11) and the second mandrel (15) have substantially the same outer diameter and are suitable to be inserted selectively into the central hole of the bobbin (13), coupling mechanism (40, 50) being provided on the first mandrel (11) to selectively couple with the second mandrel (15), to allow the coaxial transfer of the bobbin (13) from one to the other of the mandrels (11 and 15).

Abstract: A picker device for engaging the topmost one of a stacked plurality of media having center apertures formed therein includes a resilient spring slidably supported within a support base at its upper edges. A spreader mechanism is supported between the resilient spring to selectively broaden or narrow the spring. The picker is operative by inserting the spring downwardly into the center apertures of the stacked disk media in its narrowed configuration and thereafter expanding the spreader device to force the legs of the V-shaped spring against the interior edge of the topmost disk element of the stacked array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for supporting and transporting at least one object which has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The device comprises a handle, and a plurality of legs connected to the handle. At least a portion of the legs are configured to be inserted into at least one of the plurality of apertures. The device further comprises a plurality of support members attached to the portion of the plurality of legs and sized to fit within the apertures in object. Each of the support members have a support edge and are movable to an extended position wherein the support edges collectively define a surface supporting the at least one object. The device facilitates carrying of the objects.

Abstract: A retractable grappling hook generally comprising a shaft having a longitnal extending axis and a plurality of hooks pivotally attached to the shaft. Each hook has a longitudinally extending axis and is pivotal to a retracted position such that the axis of each hook is substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft and to an extended position such that the axis of each hook is angulated with respect to the axis of the shaft. The retractable grappling hook further comprises a hook control system on the shaft for configuring and locking the hooks in either the extended or retracted positions, and an attachment member attached to the shaft for attaching the grappling hook to other devices.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus used together with a standard engine hoist for lifting a pick-up box from the chassis of a pick-up truck. The apparatus comprises two support members in a pivotal relationship where each support member has two ends, and where the support members are adjustable for opening for use and closing for storage. The support members are connected at their mid-points with a lift pin. The lift pin is adapted for receiving a chain or hoist for lifting the apparatus. Near the end of each support member is pivotally connected a contact member for engagement underneath the ridge of a standard pick-up box. A chain device may be attached between the lift pin and the engine hoist so that an operator may easily and safely lift the pick-up box from the truck chassis.

Abstract: An internal lifting device for precast concrete utility vault boxes having a multitude of configuring shapes, the device comprises a pair of forked shape lifting legs swingable between retracted and expanded positions. The legs being connected at a intermediate point to the ends of a spreader bar that provides horizontal adjustably. Sheave are mounted on the upper ends of the legs to aid a single flexible steel cable that forms a triangular configuration to a lifting attachment. The lower ends the legs having fixed shoes with outwardly projecting portions that engages the internal side surfaces of a utility vault box unit with the legs expanded, with the legs retracted the legs and shoes are freely moveable vertically between the sidewalls of the vault box unit.

Abstract: A method for determining if a robot gripper assembly (preferably servo controlled) has acquired a work piece wherein the robot gripper assembly includes at least two opposing fingers comprising the steps of commanding the robot gripper assembly to close the two opposing fingers to a predetermined position to acquire the work piece, the predetermined position being less than or different than the expected work piece dimension; quantifying the movement of the two opposing fingers when the closing step has been completed; comparing the actual position to the predetermined position to determine a position error; and recognizing that a work piece has been acquired by the two opposing fingers if the position error is not zero indicating that the interference of the work piece between the two opposing fingers has prevented the two opposing fingers from achieving the predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for picking up a single compact disc from a stack of compact discs wherein each disc has a hub. A plurality of members are inserted into a center bore of the disc stack, which is defined by the hubs of the discs. The top disc in the stack is separated from the stack when a sufficient number of members are in contact with the hub of the disc and a radial force is exerted on the hub.

Abstract: A tool for removing a quartz insert from an exhaust port of a semiconductor process chamber. In one embodiment, the tool of the present invention comprises a pair of generally elongated members (a first elongated member and a second elongated member) that are hingedly attached at a middle portion of each member. The first elongated member includes a first handle portion and a first end portion that are located on opposite ends of the middle portion of the elongated member. The second elongated member includes a second handle portion and a second end portion. The first and second handle portions are of sufficient length so as to be gripped by a user. A first head and a second head are pivotally attached to the first and second end portion of the first and second elongated members, respectively.

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 setup for storing and transporting long workpieces includes at least two yokes in which the workpieces are received on a bottom part and between two vertical side parts joined thereto. The yokes are stackable on one another and the side parts have an engagement device for engagement of load receivers of a lifting system. The setup is provided such that the engagement device of the load receivers (69, 70, 75-78, 83, 84, 91, 92, 105, 106, 120, 121, 128, 129) are formed by at least one protrusion (58-61, 87, 88, 95, 96, 101) on the outside of each side part (32, 33). The lifting system (6), associated with each side part (32, 33), has two load receivers (69, 70, 75-78, 83, 84, 91, 92, 105, 106, 120, 121, 128, 129) and at least one load arm (26, 27, 73, 74, 82, 89, 90, 102, 118, 119, 126, 127) extending substantially vertically downward and supporting the load receivers (69, 70, 75-78, 83, 84, 91, 92, 105, 106, 120, 121, 128, 129).

Abstract: A plurality of finger-like grippers (12, 13, 14) pivotably supported in a housing (4, 5), and a plunger or piston (7) with a head part (8a) acting on the grippers (12, 13, 4), the piston being supported in such a way that it is free to slide in the housing (4). The grippers are held and guided in openings (17, 18) in the top part (5) of the housing (4) and can pivot about axes transverse to the longitudinal axis (L) of the housing (4, 5), where the pivot axes (a, b, c) of all the grippers are in the same plane (e) and together form a regular polygon surrounding the longitudinal axis (L). The ends of the grippers (12, 13, 14) facing the piston (7) are surrounded as a group by a ring of elastic material or by a garter spring (15), which pulls them toward stop surfaces (4b), which limit the pivoting movement.

Abstract: An annular member hoist apparatus which lifts an annular member and carries and positions the annular member at a predetermined location by a carrier apparatus fitted with an elevator mechanism, including a suspension member suspended from the elevator mechanism, and a plurality of support arms which extend out radially in a horizontal plane from the suspension member. Each of the support arms has an engagement tip portion for supporting the annular member from inside the annular member.

Abstract: A rotatable arm mechanism capable of acquiring two elements simultaneously for purposes of assembly, disassembly and delivery. At one end of the rotatable arm there is mounted a vacuum cup capable of acquiring generally planar elements such as film samples. In addition, there is a pair of tongs extending from the same end of the rotatable arm. The tongs are movable from a converged, non-engaging position to a diverged engaging position such that objects having opening therein such as sample cups and/or rings can be engaged on an inner surface thereof and lifted. The rotatable arm is supported on a linear slide allowing the rotatable arm to be moved vertically. In such manner, the rotatable arm mechanism can reach into open sample cups and deliver thereto or remove therefrom, simultaneously, both a weighted ring and a sample thereby assembling or disassembling such elements.

Abstract: A tool for removing a quartz insert from an exhaust port of a semiconductor process chamber. In one embodiment, the tool of the present invention comprises a pair of generally elongated members (a first elongated member and a second elongated member) that are hingedly attached at a middle portion of each member. The first elongated member includes a first handle portion and a first end portion that are located on opposite ends of the middle portion of the elongated member. The second elongated member includes a second handle portion and a second end portion. The first and second handle portions are of sufficient length so as to be gripped by a user. A first head and a second head are pivotally attached to the first and second end portion of the first and second elongated members, respectively.

Abstract: Several finger-like grippers (4) are held and guided in openings or holes (21) in the head part (6) of a housing (20) so they can pivot about axes which are in a common plane transverse to the longitudinal axis (L) of the housing (20). Permanent magnets (11, 12) fixed to the inner ends of the grippers (4) cooperate with an electromagnet (13) provided in the housing (20) above the magnets (11, 12), the magnetic field axis of the electromagnet coinciding with the longitudinal axis (L) of the housing (20). The electromagnet moves the inner ends of the grippers (11, 12) back and forth between two stops (16, 17) depending on the polarity of the electromagnet (13).

Abstract: Converts any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. A safety chain is incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power hoist, with load sensing brake, and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift, which continuously grips the core firmly, in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the hoist cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the hoist cable is activated.

Abstract: A hand-held spool transport tool including a tubular body having a base end, a tip end, a plunging compartment formed therein near the tip end, and a trigger compartment formed therein near the base end; a generally dome-shaped forward guide axially aligned with the body and coupled to the tip end thereof; a pair of generally opposed elongated claws with each claw having an inboard end and an outboard end and with each inboard end pivotally coupled to the body; a handle coupled to the base end of the body for allowing a user a firm grip; a plunger slidably extended between the plunging compartment and the trigger compartment; a pair of wire cables with each wire cable secured between the plunger and one of the outboard ends of one of the claws; a spring mechanism for urging the plunger toward the forward guide; and a user-actuatable trigger mechanism secured to the plunger for extending and retracting the claws.

Abstract: Tongs have two arms pivoted together. A finger extends at an angle from one end of each arm. The tongs are used to remove a filter from a hood above a grill. A frame on the filter in the hood is engaged by the tips of the fingers when the fingers are extended. Then the filter with the frame is pulled from the hood.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to convert any fork lift truck to a roll turning fork truck by sliding a specially designed rectangular frame onto the truck forks. Two safety chains are incorporated to firmly attach the device to the fork lift carriage. The frame combines a power winch and cable that engages a roll or coil core via a roll center lift in combination with an arm proceeding out from the roll center lift to the outside mid-width of the roll or coil which is attached to an adjustable fixed length chain. By lowering or raising the winch cable past the fixed length chain, rolls can be turned to either a true horizontal or vertical position. The adjustable "L" frame suspends from the fixed length chain at the lowest point with a pivot pin to achieve the turning feature when the winch cable is activated. Even though a fork truck may be stationary, the center lift is free to guide into the roll because the roll center lift is connected to a flexible cable and flexible chain.

Abstract: A tool to releasably engage in a channel of a concrete block for lifting provides an elongate body rod defining a fastening loop in its upper portion and carrying in its lower portion two radially extending fins having an obtuse central angle less than a straight angle therebetween. Each fin pivotally supports vertically spaced, parallel connector links that pivotally interconnect vertically orientated fastening arms for similar radial motion. The body provides at least one fixed fastening arm extending on a line bisecting the central angle between the two fins. Release mechanism provides a release collar slidable on the body between the fins and fastening ring. The collar pivotally carries connector links that interconnect with the upper fastening arms to radially move the fastening arm responsive to collar motion. A compression spring carried about the body rod between the collar and the fastening ring biases the collar downwardly and responsively the fastening arms outwardly.

Abstract: A process of handling a frame of a vehicle and an apparatus for a lift truck for handling a frame of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a support frame operatively connected to and cantilevered from the lift truck and a carriage suspended from the support frame. The carriage includes at least two oppositely acting depending arms for handling the vehicle frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripper mechanism for a manipulator or the like, having at least one movable gripper finger (6) swingable around a slide axis, as coupler of a kinematically multi-member positive guide mechanism (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), which contains at least one slider/crank mechanism (1, 2, 3, 4) as actuating unit which has a crank (2) acting at one end on a first link (3) and pivoted at the other end on a slide rod (1), and a slide (4) which is guided on the slide rod (1) and abuts against the first link (3), a second link (5) being supported axially displaced therefrom on the slide (4) and both links (3, 5) of the guide mechanism acting on the gripper finger (6), the slide rod (1) carrying out no movement in the direction of the slide axis upon the movement of the gripper, and its strives for and achieves a flexurally as well as torsionally stiff development of such a gripper mechanism by a slide rod (1) which is formed of several decentrally arranged rods (7) as cage.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is used to assist in lifting and moving storage tanks, pipes and the like. The apparatus includes a tubularly-shaped body suspended from a cable, the tubularly shaped body having a slot which communicates with the hollow interior of the tube allowing the cable to radially enter and exit approximately one-half of the hollow interior of the tube. The tube is inserted into an access port in the tank to be lifted and is positioned to engage the interior of the tank. The interaction of the slotted tube with the cable provides a convenient tool for engaging, securing and lifting the tank.

Abstract: A tool for removal of the internal bushings from a piston coupling of a CRD. The tool incorporates a spring-loaded and hardened collet supported on one end of a ram. The collet has a pair of arms with shoulders or projections which latch inside the internal bushing ring to be removed. The tool is inserted into the piston coupling from either end, depending on which internal bushing is to be removed. The tool is inserted until the latching shoulders or projections snap behind the radially inwardly projecting internal bushing, with the contact surfaces of the shoulders or projections in contact with a radial end surface of the bushing. The bushing can then be dislodged, from the inside out, by impacting the other end of the ram with a hammer.

Abstract: A carriage supported tool for manipulating a heavy object including a mobile carriage assembly having a carriage supported on wheels, an elongated operating arm, and an elongated clamp-assembly support boom. Both the boom and the arm are attached to the carriage to form a lever with the carriage acting as a fulcrum. The clamp assembly is coupled to the boom by a chain and hook. The clamp assembly includes a plurality of adjustable jaw sets for engaging a heavy object, such as a manhole frame, which is to be moved.

Abstract: A hoisting sling is provided that in one embodiment (100) features a pivot assembly (4) secured to at least one end of a flexible elongate lifting element such as a cable, rope or chain. A cross bar (6) is pivotally mounted in assembly (4) and is operative to pivot to a position enabling assembly (4) to be inserted through an opening in an object to be hoisted and thence pivot so as to bridge across the opening to enable the lifting element to hoist the object. In another embodiment (150), the pivot assembly (14) features a two-piece cross bar (18 and 18') that are operative to pivot towards each other to a position enabling assembly (14) to be inserted through the object opening and thence pivot away from each other to bridge across the opening.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue retractor capable of being inserted through an endoscopic tube and subsequently capable of forming a T-shaped bar at its distal end. The legs of the "T" may be aligned with the axis of the tissue retractor for insertion within an endoscopic tube and situated transversely to the longitudinal axis for actual use. In use, the legs extend to diametrically opposed sides of the longitudinal axis of the tissue retractor and are rotatable in a plane passing through the axis of the endoscopic tube. A transversely slidable locking mechanism is provided to lock the components of the tissue retractor in a desired position.

Abstract: The device comprises a gripper (15) whose arms (16, 17) hold at their free end an on-loading mechanism (18, 19) designed to engage a load (13) by gripping accessories (14). Two connecting rods (21, 22) constitute a deformable diamond with the upper part of the gripper (15). The lower ends of connecting rods (21, 22) are hinged to a shoulder (27) of a guide column (28) on which moves a slide (29) forming the head of the gripper (15). Two jacks (45, 46) control the opening and closing of the gripper (15). A connector arm (30) links the shoulder of column (28) to a turning grappling rope (10) and allows the center of gravity to be corrected by a jack (52). This gripping device is intended for use with raising devices such as turret slewing cranes.

Abstract: A battering ram for forcible entry through a door has a pointed end with barbs to enable the door to be hooked and pulled outward. The barbs will swing between contracted and expanded positions. This spring biases the barbs to the expanded position. The barbs are conical and define a cone with the same taper as the pointed tip when the barbs are collapsed. One end of the battering ram may have a loop for attaching to a line connected to a vehicle. Also, one end of the battering ram may have a battering plate or may have a bar for prying burglar bars outward.

Abstract: A hand held tool for removing a hollow locking tube from a locking position in the upper end portion of a guide thimble includes an elongated hollow tubular assembly having a lower end portion insertable in the locking tube and an actuator assembly mounted through the tubular assembly for axial movement therealong and having a lower end portion for actuating a set of lifting members of the lower end portion of the tubular assembly to extend and retract their catch elements through and from apertures in the tubular assembly for engaging with and disengaging from a lower edge of the locking tube. The lower end portion of the tubular assembly includes a guide member composed of a hollow tubular element and a guide element interfitted with an open end of the tubular element and having a body portion projecting therefrom. The tubular element has the apertures through which the catch elements on the lifting members can be extended to engage the lower edge of the locking tube.

Abstract: A spent fuel rack for storing fresh fuel assemblies, or spent fuel assemblies removed from a nuclear reactor, which includes a base plate having multiple cells of modular construction welded at their bottom ends to the plate. The cells are formed of L-shaped sections having walls which support neutron absorbing material, and the walls of one cell are common to the adjacent cells. The base plate includes openings primarily for receiving the bottom nozzle of a fuel assembly, but they further serve as access openings for apparatus used for leveling the base plate and for lifting and transferring the base plate with or without cells thereon, to a different area.

Abstract: In a system comprising a gripper (9) and a number of gripping objects (7), and with fluid-communication couplings for establishing temporary fluid communication between the gripper (9) and the gripping object (7) being gripped, the novel feature consists in that the coupling comprise at least one tubular member (30) with at least one open end being adapted to be pressed against and to make fluid-tight contact with a plane surface (37) on the gripping object (7) having fluid-transfer openings (39) with somewhat smaller diameter than the open ends of the tubular member (30). With this arrangement, the risks of damage and other problems associated with previous coupling arrangements based on the male-female principle are avoided.

Abstract: A lifting device for grasping an object having a hole therethrough, the device being formed of a tubular support member having an elongated toggle member pivoted at one end, the toggle member being pivoted between a longitudinal position in alignment with the support member and a transverse position perpendicular to the support member, and a lifting member slideably received within the upper end of the tubular support member, the lifting member having an eyelet for attaching a lifting cable thereto. The improvement in the device includes a spring within the tubular support member having one end affixed to the lifting member and the other end to a cable extending to the toggle member. The toggle member is weighted such that it normally returns to the inoperative longitudinal position except when the lifting member is in an upward position and the spring applies tension to the cable, pivoting the toggle member to the operative transverse position.

Abstract: A spring actuated clamping device is disclosed for woodworking applications and the like. The device is applicable to those situations where it is desired to exert clamping forces in opposite directions against two surfaces facing one another. The device comprises two arms which are pivotally attached to each other. The distal ends of the arms are urged to pivot outwardly by a spring. Pivotable pads at the distal end of each arm provide a flat contacting surface regardless to the extent the arms are pivoted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a handling apparatus designed to move on at least two orthogonal axes and, preferably, on three axes, said apparatus being capable of positively gripping spools at their axial bore with great precision and being particularly adapted to be associated with plants designed for automation of the loading and unloading operations of said spools, respectively, into and from wire winding machines and into and from feeding and collecting stations where said spools may be disposed with any orientation.

Abstract: In a gripper with two pivotable jaws (5,6) for engaging a core mask (7) or the like in an automated foundry plant, each jaw is actuated by a knee-joint linkage (18,22a and 19,22b respectively) with a common member (22) driven by a single hydraulic cylinder (24). By arranging the actuating mechanism as shown, it is possible(a) to move the two jaws between their gripping positions shown and their position of rest (not shown) by a single hydraulic cylinder or equivalent motor, and(b) to move the two jaws between said positions without risk of the jaws colliding with each other, as during the movement to the position of rest (not shown), the lower jaw (5) is swung into the gripper housing (9) before the upper jaw (6).