Torus-shaped conveyer and gripper

Details Torus-shaped conveyer and gripper Torus-shaped conveyer and gripper

2006-02-07

2006-02-07

Kramer, Dean J. (Department: 3652)

Handling: hand and hoist-line implements

Grapple

C198S626600, C901S030000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06994387

ABSTRACT:
A device for gripping, holding, releasing, and conveying objects of varying sizes and shapes, comprising an elongated torus (120) enclosing a fluid material (121), an outer roller assembly (136), and an inner roller assembly (134). Torus (120) may be made of a flexible membrane and able to seal in fluid material (121). Fluid material (121) can be a gas, liquid, solid particles, semisolid particles, or mixtures of these. Central channel (128) of torus (120) is collapsed due to pressure of fluid material (121) within torus (120). Gripping and conveying action is achieved by rolling motion of roller assemblies (134) and (136) which move collapsed channel (128) along the longitudinal (elongated) axis of torus (120). This causes front portion of the torus to slide radially inward to grip objects. Further movement of the roller assemblies can cause the object to be pulled completely inside the collapsed channel (121) and conveyed to the rear portion of the collapsed channel and out of torus (120). The soft flexible nature of torus (30) allows grasping even the most delicate objects without damaging them. Even over-ripe strawberries can be rapidly grasped without bruising.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3347545 (1967-10-01), Nichols
patent: WO 01/79089 (1988-03-01), None
patent: WO 88/01924 (1988-03-01), None
Photo of Torus-shaped toy. (taken by Applicant), no date.

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