Self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling objects

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2001

OSTI ID:873835

Hovis, Gregory L ^[1]

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1. North Augusta, SC

A self-actuating mechanical grapple for lifting and handling an object includes a support housing with upper and lower portions and defining an internal recess. The lower portion of the housing includes a bottom opening which communicates with the recess. Preferably, two or three grapple jaws are provided, the first end portions of which are connected to the housing and the second end portions thereof remain free for engaging an object. The grapple jaws are pivotable between open and closed positions. An actuator member is slidably positioned in the recess for opening and closing the jaws, and includes a cam portion in operative engagement with the first end portions of the jaws in a manner to pivot the jaws when the actuator member moves axially relative to the housing. The actuator member includes a rotatable member with at least one contact member. A locking member or logic ring includes grooves defining open and closed positions of the jaws and is fixedly mounted to the internal surface of the housing and cooperates with the rotatable member. A plunger member is axially movable in the housing for contacting an object and includes at least one stud member for immovably engaging the contact member.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-96SR18500
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Department (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 6257636
• OSTI ID: 873835
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

self-actuating
mechanical
grapple
lifting
handling
support
housing
upper
portions
defining
internal
recess
portion
bottom
communicates
preferably
jaws
provided
connected
remain
free
engaging
pivotable
closed
positions
actuator
slidably
positioned
closing
operative
engagement
manner
pivot
moves
axially
relative
rotatable
contact
locking
logic
grooves
fixedly
mounted
surface
cooperates
plunger
movable
contacting
stud
immovably
slidably positioned
axially movable
internal surface
fixedly mounted
closed position
closed positions
axially relative
support housing
self-actuating mechanical
mechanical grapple
moves axially
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