Abstract: A fixing device includes a main body, a sliding block, and a fixing rod. The main body has a sliding rail and a guiding hole, and the sliding rail which is disposed at a front side of the main body vertically extends. The guiding hole adjoins the sliding rail and horizontally extends through the main body. The sliding block is slidably connected to the sliding rail. The fixing rod is movably connected to the sliding block extending through the guiding hole, and the sliding block is configured to move along the sliding rail and enable the guiding hole to drive the fixing rod to horizontally move.

Abstract: A fishing rod includes a hollow rod extending along a central axis; and a shaft member with an outer peripheral surface inclined relative to the central axis inserted into the rod from the one end, and that is supported by an inner peripheral surface of the rod at a support position on another end side of the one end in an axial direction along the central axis, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the rod has at least one convex portion protruding toward the central axis from a virtual curve between the support position and the one end position axially when drawing a virtual curve that is convex toward the central axis through the support position and the one end position at the end of the end side of the inner peripheral surface in an area radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member.

Abstract: A device for a microactuator comprises a body (110), two terminal members (20, 22) articulated (136, 138) on the body (110), which are situated on one side of the latter, and two deformable bowl-shaped walls (120, 122) which face one another. The walls are configured to house an actuator, with two respective first edges (1202, 1222) of these walls (120, 122) situated on one side being fixed (1264) to the body (110), whereas two respective second edges (1204, 1224) of these walls (120, 122) situated on another side move consecutively to a deformation of the walls (120, 122) under the effect of the actuator. This movement is transmitted by two arms (132, 134) which terminate at the two respective terminal members (20, 22).

Abstract: A ball retrieving assembly for collecting balls on a surface includes a basket that has a pair of elastomeric openings integrated into the basket to pass a ball into the basket for transporting the ball. A plurality of rollers is each movably coupled to the basket each of the rollers is urgeable into a compressed condition to facilitate the basket to be lowered to the support surface. In this way balls lying on the support surface can pass through respective ones of the elastomeric openings for positioning the balls in the basket. A pair of handles is each removably attachable to the basket for urging the rollers into the compressed condition when handles are pressed downwardly.

Abstract: A sports ball carrier is configured to fit inside a storage bag with ball rackets. The carrier may store sports balls in a substantially planar array that is one sports ball thick, and the width of the carrier may taper along its length generally simulating a racket form factor. A sports ball entry port may be provided for ball collection in a manner similar to a conventional ball hopper.

Abstract: A transport system for an at least partially complete cartridge has: at least one piece of movable equipment provided with at least one seat designed to contain the cartridge and delimited by a first wall and by a second wall beside and opposite one another; a conveyor to move the movable equipment along a path; and an operating device arranged along the path, outside of and independent from the movable equipment. The first wall is mounted on the movable equipment and movable closer to and away from the second wall between a holding position, in which there is a minimum distance between the first and second walls and a release position, in which there is a maximum distance between the first and second walls. An elastic element that pushes the first wall towards the holding position, and a control appendage moves the first wall towards the release position.

Abstract: A communications cable (11) is provided with a pliant sleeve (12, 21, 31) to allow it to be more easily inserted into a conduit. One form of the sleeve (12) has hook (14) and loop (15) connected to each other so that the sleeve (12) can engage the cable (11). Another form of the sleeve (21) is spring-loaded to engage the cable (11). In a third form of the sleeve (31) has an adhesive (33) which attaches the sleeve (31) to the cable (11).

Abstract: A reentry guide tool includes an overshot defining a lower end and comprises a bowl and grapple. The bowl defines an interior space of the overshot, and the grapple is disposed in the bowl and is operable to engage a tubular. A tubular guide nipple has a downhole and an uphole end, the downhole end complementary to the overshot and the uphole end complementary to the reentry guide. The guide nipple is operable to connect and provide a transition between the overshot and reentry guide. The reentry guide is a tubular piece having an uphole end with a bevel. A deployment mechanism is defined on the overshot, reentry guide, or guide nipple, and is operable to connect the reentry guide to a running tool for deployment. A method of providing a transition from a first to a second tubular in a wellbore is also provided.

Abstract: A fixture for clamping a structural beam during machining is equipped with at least one beam clamp assembly having an elongated clamp arm capable of pivoting as well as linear motion during a clamping operation. The elongated clamp arm is pivotably mounted to a pivot block rotated by an actuator device. The pivot axis of the clamp arm is aligned with but spaced from the axis of rotation of the pivot block.

Abstract: The present device is an improvement in the manner in which individuals are enabled to more swiftly and conveniently attach, detach, store, reposition, carry, tote, and ultimately access the contents of a commercially manufactured personally sized beverage container having a circumferential flange about its neck region, regardless of either the shape or the size of the containers neck. Being easily affixed and subsequently detached from clothing or accoutrements, this simple and inexpensive device enables the mobile user to enjoy an unencumbered hands-free toting experience which in turn further promotes responsible behavior in such activities as the disposal, the recycling, or reuse of the container. Further, the frame itself is configured to be potentially cast from either a recycled resin-based material, or it can also be just as efficiently cast, or die-cut from a non-floatable type of recyclable metal, which makes the end-use of this convenience device most environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A rack for holding a wet garment, such as a neoprene wetsuit, to a vehicle for drying while the vehicle is in motion includes two or more mounts each adapted for removably attaching to the vehicle. A standoff is fixed with an upper side of each mount. A pair of elongated jaws comprise a lower jaw and an upper jaw. The lower jaw is fixed with forward and rear brackets. The upper jaw is pivotally attached to the forward bracket and can move between open and closed positions. The forward and rear brackets are fixed with the upper ends of each standoff. A rear bracket is adjustable forward to backward on the lower jaw so as to adapt to the vehicle roof rack of the vehicle. A locking mechanism is adapted to maintain the jaws in the closed position.

Abstract: Techniques for fingertip design are disclosed that leverage how most grasp contacts can share a few classes of local geometries. In order to maximize the contact areas for achieving more robust grasps, contact primitives, which represent a set of contacts of similar local geometries, are identified. A uniform cost algorithm, which can be formulated as a decision making process in a tree structure, can be utilized to cluster a set of example grasp contacts into a finite set of one or more contact primitives. Fingertips can be designed by optimization to match the local geometry of each contact primitive, and then fingertips can be 3D printed using soft materials to compensate for optimization residuals. For novel objects, an approach to generate grasp contacts that match the fingertip geometries while together forming stable grasps can be utilized.

Abstract: A soft robotic actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes a first portion with a substantially constant profile and a second portion with a regularly varying profile, and bends in a pressure-dependent fashion as the internal pressure within the actuator is increased or decreased.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of slots arranged in a pattern, a plurality of hinge portions, a pair of opposing jaw portions, and a pair of opposing actuation tabs. The pair of opposing actuation tabs are configured to move in generally opposite directions from a first position towards a second position in response to an input to aid in causing the pair of opposing jaw portions to grip an object.

Abstract: A calibration system includes a moveable arm configured for movement within an optical disc storage system. A disc kicker device includes a stop portion, an actuator and an actuator tip that contacts an optical disc. The disc kicker device is connected to the moveable arm. The calibration system: determines an operation state based on a stop position for the actuator tip in response to an applied torque to the disc kicker device, and performs alignment of the actuator tip with the optical disc.

Abstract: A gripper for forklifts including a support frame that can be coupled to a forklift and a pair of jaws that are mounted on the support frame in a movable manner with respect to one another between at least one closing position and one opening position respectively for clamping and releasing a product to be transported and vice versa, wherein each jaw includes a support plate-shaped body that is coupled to a mounting body, which is in turn coupled in a movable manner to the support frame, wherein the support plate-shaped body includes a first face that faces the other jaw and a second face opposite the first face, a clamping panel that is supported by the support plate-shaped body to which it is connected with connecting members.

Abstract: A robot system having a robot with a jamming gripper is disclosed. The jamming gripper may comprise granular material within a deformable membrane configured to phase transition between a malleable state and a rigid state upon modification of its internal pressure. The phase transition of the gripper may allow the robot to engage and/or grasp a target object by conforming to the shape of the target object while in its malleable state, then transitioning to its rigid state in order to firmly grasp the object. In some situations, the robot may be configured to select and/or engage a stencil before engaging the target object, so as to pre-shape the gripper before engagement with the target object.

Abstract: An interchangeable adapter for changing a light bulb that includes a head piece that has a base plate with opposite first and second sides and that defines a platform at the first side. A primary gripping member extends from the platform of the first side of the base plate away from the second side. The primary gripping member is positioned substantially centrally with respect to the platform to engage the light bulb. A secondary gripping member extends from the platform of the first side of the base plate away from the second side. The secondary gripping member surrounds the primary gripping member and is configured to grip the light bulb. An engagement member extends from the second side of the base plate away from the first side for engaging a holder of the adapter.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein an illuminator is attached to the grip of small tactical weapons or tools. This apparatus comprises the illuminator that is integrally mounted to the weapon grip and a stem that moves the illuminator face forward between two fingers. In the case of a revolver, the grip would extend between the middle finger and ring finger in one embodiment. It extend forward far enough so that the light could clearly illuminate the target without obstruction by the fingers. The same could be done with the grip of a knife or club.

Abstract: An article transport device includes a vertically movable member which is movable along the vertical direction, and a transfer device which is supported by the vertically movable member and is configured to transfer an article to or from any one of transfer target locations. The transfer device includes a support body which receives and supports an article and is projected and retracted between a projected position and a retracted position. And the support body includes a support member which is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, wherein the support body is configured to receive and support an article with the support member. A cushion member is provided to the vertically movable member such that the cushion member is spaced apart upwardly by a set distance from the article which is received and supported by the support member.

Abstract: An improved stocker configuration for storing workpieces in a fabrication facility is disclosed, employing workpiece compartments arranged stationarily around a robot handling assembly. The robot handler can be designed with three degrees of freedom, to improve speed, throughput and minimum particle generation. In addition, the stocker storage area is stationary with the movable components are the robot assembly, thus further contributing to the cleanliness of the storage stocker. The stocker configuration can be open storage area for fast access, space saving and ease of clean air purging. The stocker configuration can provide highly dense workpiece storage, utilizing a circumferential edge gripper robot handling assembly.

Abstract: A tool assembly having a housing body with a top portion and a bottom portion. The tool assembly may have an axis defined by the housing body and extending through the top portion and the bottom portion, an opening defined in the housing and extending from an outer surface of the housing body towards the axis, a notch defined in the housing along the opening, and a module base having a collar. Wherein the module base is positionable within the opening and when the collar is at least partially positioned within the notch, the module base is at least partially positioned within the opening and restricted from moving axially along the axis relative to the housing body.

Abstract: An LED light installation device facilitates removal and installation of LED type lights into can light housings in an elevated position. The device includes a collar having a first end. The first end is open wherein the collar is configured for receiving an extension pole into the first end. A plate is coupled to a second end of the collar. The plate has a planar upper surface. Each of a plurality of projections is coupled to and extends outwardly from the upper surface of the plate wherein the projections are configured for extending through gaps in a heat sink portion of an LED light when the LED light rests on the upper surface of the plate.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope includes a cantilever that has a first attachment surface and a cantilever attachment portion that has a second attachment surface to which the first attachment surface of the cantilever is attached. Columnar elements including nanofibers or nanotubes are formed on the second attachment surface, and the second attachment surface adheres to the first attachment surface by using the columnar element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a lighting switch apparatus and a lighting switching method, which can perform lighting control by blocking or passing light from a lighting device using a user's hand motion while the user may make input to a lighting switch by means of a capacitive touch on the lighting switch. The lighting switch apparatus includes a capacitive touch sensing unit for recognizing a user's touch. A hand motion visible light receiving unit receives visible light from a lighting device depending on motion of the user's hand. A control unit generates a touch-based lighting control signal based on results of touch recognition, controls the hand motion visible light receiving unit so that the user's hand motion-based signal is output based on the results of touch recognition, and generates a lighting control command by combining the lighting control signal with the user's hand motion-based signal.

Abstract: A container-handling or gripper arrangement. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A tool holder assembly, comprising, a first part (30) which is configured such that it is attachable to a mobile vehicle (50); and a second part (31) which is configured to cooperate with a tool (6); wherein the first and second parts (30,31) each comprises, a first flexible arm (8,10) and a second flexible arm (9,11) and one or more slots (14,15); wherein the first and second parts (30,31) are configured such that they can be arranged so that at least a portion (16,17,18,19) of the first and second flexible arms (8,9,10,11) of the each of the first and second parts (30,31) may be simultaneously received into the one or more slots (14,15) of the other part (30,31); and such that when the portion (16,17,18,19) of the first and second flexible arms (8,9,10,11) of the each of the first and second parts (30,31) are simultaneously received into the one or more slots (14,15) of the other part (30,31), the first and second flexible arms (8,9,10,11) of each part (30,31) are in a flexed position so that an elastic for

Abstract: Before chuck 20 is opened, coil spring 22 is compressed, and coil spring 22 applies downward force to holding nails 24. Accordingly, when the chuck 20 is opened, resultant force that opens the chuck 20 and the restoring force of the coil spring 22 causes the holding nails 24 to automatically move in oblique downward directions. As a result, the holding nails 24 move to positions that are laterally close to the holding target workpiece 26a. At this time, when other workpieces 26b and 26c neighbor the holding target workpiece 26a, the holding nails 24 can move the neighboring workpieces 26b and 26c from the workpiece 26a so as to flick away the neighboring workpieces 26b and 26c.

Abstract: Equipment for the handling of vials which comprises: a base on which at least part of the vials being handled is located and transverse supporting member for the vials in which the transverse supporting member exerts a force in a substantially transverse plane to the necks of the vials, which comprise supplementary supporting member for the vials; these supplementary supporting member applying a second force in a plane that is substantially inclined with respect to the plane in which the transverse supporting member exerts the first force.

Abstract: A clamping device includes a driving mechanism and a pair of clamping mechanisms. Each clamping mechanism includes a clipping member, an installing plate, a positioning member, a resisting plate, and an elastic member. The clipping members are movably connected to the driving mechanism. A protrusion protrudes from the clipping member, and includes a first inclined surface. The installing plate defines an opening. The protrusion passes through the opening. The positioning member is inserted into the installing plate and fixed with the clipping member. The resisting plate is movably mounted on the installing plate. An abutting portion protrudes from the resisting plate, and passes through the opening. The abutting portion comprises a second inclined surface resisting the first inclined surface, the elastic member is sandwiched between the installing plate and the resisting plate, for providing a resetting force to the resisting plate.

Abstract: A gripper formed as a single component includes a hoop portion connecting facing arms. Each arm may have a tang end, a jaw end and a pivot intermediate the tang and jaw ends and be attached to the hoop portion at the pivot to be pivotable to change the size of a jaw opening defined by the jaw ends. The hoop portion is cyclically loaded in use and configured to act as a stress concentrator for the gripper and provide a failure point for consistently initiating a failure crack in the hoop portion at time of failure of the gripper. Each of the facing arms is attachable to a base such that at failure, the fractured portions of the gripper are retained to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for a microtechnical gripper. The tool of the invention comprises a tip having a support and first and second fingers disposed opposite one another in a chosen position. Each finger is connected to said support by a connecting element so as to be held in a rest position corresponding to said chosen position, the connecting element being flexible in order to allow said fingers to move with at least one degree of freedom relative to the support.

Abstract: Four fingers forming a first finger pair and a second finger pair are driven in such a way that the four fingers move closer to or away from an object simultaneously at the same speed to grip the object. This eliminates the need to drive the fingers independently, which makes it possible to simplify the structure and control of the robot hand. Moreover, one of the two fingers forming the second finger pair is a deformable finger. Therefore, even when the second finger pair grasps the object before the first finger pair grasps the object, the deformable finger is deformed, and eventually it is possible to grasp the object with the four fingers. This allows the robot hand to grip various objects even though the robot hand has a simple structure and is controlled with ease.

Abstract: A gripper formed as a single component includes a hoop portion connecting facing arms. Each arm may have a tang end, a jaw end and a pivot intermediate the tang and jaw ends and be attached to the hoop portion at the pivot to be pivotable to change the size of a jaw opening defined by the jaw ends. The hoop portion is cyclically loaded in use and configured to act as a stress concentrator for the gripper and provide a failure point for consistently initiating a failure crack in the hoop portion at time of failure of the gripper. Each of the facing arms is attachable to a base such that at failure, the fractured portions of the gripper are retained to the base.

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

Abstract: A gripping device comprising holders which exhibit a two-directional elasticity for picking up products with large dimensional tolerances. The gripping device may comprise two grippers disposed in opposed relationship with one another. At least one of the grippers may be movable towards the other. Each of the grippers may include a holder and a gripping jaw attached to the holder. The holder may be a C-shaped portion that exhibits a two-directional elasticity to allow horizontal as well as a vertical movement of the gripping jaw. At least one of the holders may be coupled to a linear actuator to move the gripper in at least a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: A hand tool including a handle and a tool head. The tool head is a V-shaped or modified V-shaped tool head.

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

Abstract: A grasping apparatus includes a robot and a grasping assembly. The grasping assembly is rotatably mounted to the robot and includes a cylinder, two grasping plates, two grasping blocks and two first resilient members. The cylinder is secured to the robot. The two grasping plates are rotatably attached to the cylinder. The cylinder is capable of driving the two grasping plates to rotate towards each other. Each grasping block is slidably attached to each grasping plate. Each first resilient member is secured between each grasping block and each of the two grasping plates. When the two grasping plates are rotated towards each other, the two grasping blocks are adapted to sandwich a product therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting single and multiple reaction vessels. At least one reaction vessel is provided and at least one tray includes at least two seats for the at least one reaction vessel, and at least one gripper. One of the reaction vessel or the tray is engaged with the gripper at a first position. The gripped element is transported to a second position wherein the gripper is released. A gripping collar is provided both on the reaction vessel and the tray for the gripper to engage. At one transport stage one of the reaction vessel or the tray is engaged with the gripper at a first position by pushing the gripper from above to engage with the gripping collar and in a second stage the transported element is disengaged from the gripper by moving the gripper sideways in relation to the center axis of the gripping collar.

Abstract: A gripping device includes a gripping-device body mounted to an end of a working arm; two gripping members pivotably supported by this body in an opening-closing direction; and a driver that drives the gripping members to open and close them. At least one of the gripping members includes one of various kinds of detachable sections each including a gripping segment; a holding section pivotably connected to the gripping-device body about a central pivot shaft and selectively holding the detachable section in a detachable manner; and a coupling member for detachable coupling. The detachable section has a restrained segment having a detachable-section through-hole extending parallel to the central pivot shaft. The holding section has an opening-closing-direction restraining segment that restrains the restrained segment in the opening-closing direction and a holding wall to which the restrained segment is fastened with the coupling member from a direction parallel to the detachable-section through-hole.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically removing pieces of luggage that have different surface properties and dimensions and getting the pieces of luggage ready for further transport by means of a gripper that is hingedly connected to a robot arm is described. The method includes: a) moving the gripper and the container that is to be emptied close together; b) determining the first piece of luggage to be removed; (c) gripping the piece of luggage using a horizontal suction elements (3) and withdrawing the luggage horizontally; d) if the vertical suction elements (4) are not yet able to sufficiently grip the luggage, the vertical suction elements (4) are repositioned and turned off, the vertical suction elements (5) are repositioned, and then turned on to re-grip the piece of luggage.

Abstract: In a device or method to change a belt in a machine assembly, a gripper is provided with two flat legs. The legs are held at one end and are free at the other ends. The legs are provided with a respective protective film on side surfaces facing towards one another to protect the belt. A first of the two legs facing towards the machine assembly in an exchange of the belt have a sliding film on its outer surface. The legs are designed such that they exert a gripping force over a width of the belt after sliding onto the belt and grip the belt so that the belt can be slid onto or removed from rollers of at least one of the roller types selected from the group consisting of a drive roller and a deflection roller provided in the machine assembly.

Abstract: Clamp (1) for holding a container (2) by a neck (3) in a container handling machine (5), said clamp comprising a body (7) for mounting the clamp (1) on a rotary support (4), and a pair of resilient arms (11) protruding sidewise from the body (7) and each provided with a gripping jaw (12), wherein each resilient arm (11) comprises: an inner section (13) extending along the body (7) and connected thereto at a first back end junction (16); an intermediate section (14) extending substantially parallel to the inner section (13) and connected thereto at a front end junction (17); an outer section (15), provided, at a front end, with a gripping jaw (12), and extending substantially parallel to the intermediate section (14) and connected thereto at a second back end junction (18).

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring product stacks has a connecting element for connecting the transfer device to a transport device, and the transfer device has a number of receiver regions therein, that each receive a product stack. Each receiver region has guide elements with spring-loaded closure elements, and a plate that is movable in a spring-loaded manner toward the closing elements along the direction of the guide elements. When the transfer device with the product stacks therein reaches its transfer destination, the product stacks are pushed from the transfer device by the plates by spring force.

Abstract: Gripping pliers (1) are provided for grasping and holding an object. The gripping pliers include at least two gripping jaws (2), movable in reference to each other, along with a drive for an opening and closing motion of the gripping jaws (2). At least one of the gripping jaws (2) includes several fingers (3), arranged side-by-side in reference to each other with each being individually adjustable against a restoring force, approximately in an opening and closing direction. The gripping jaws (2) are each embodied in one piece with their respective fingers.

Abstract: A device for gripping a cylindrical object comprises two gripping springs and an actuator, wherein: each gripping spring comprises a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an arcuate section disposed therebetween; the gripping springs are disposed on the device such that the first ends are pivotally coupled to the device, and the arcuate sections oppose each other so as to define an opening through which the cylindrical object is inserted; and the actuator is mechanically coupled to at least one of the second ends of the gripping springs such that movement of the actuator causes the arcuate sections of the gripping springs to grip the cylindrical object when inserted into the opening.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a flexible manipulator tools are provided. The flexible manipulator tool can include a distal end movable in at least one manipulation plane with respect to a proximal end. The flexible manipulator tool can also include at least two cheeks extending side by side to and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A gripper for pulling arrows, which are composed of an arrow head and an arrow shaft. The gripper comprises a handle, a gripper head and at least three hinges, wherein the handle and the gripper head comprise two first legs extending in an elongated manner, which are connected to one another via the first hinge, which has a first rotation axis aligned transversely to the elongated extension of the legs, so that two counteracting levers are provided by means of the first hinge as a first support. Two lever arm sections act as force arm sections, thus being assigned to the handle, and two lever arm sections act as load arm sections, thus being assigned to the gripper head. On each of the two lever arm sections that are assigned to the gripper head, a gripper jaw is pivoted in the interior of the gripper head.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripping device comprising holders which exhibit a two-directional elasticity for picking up products with large dimensional tolerances.