Positioning apparatus and gripping apparatus
US11471125B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2560/063
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gripping apparatus includes: a temperature adjusting device held in a substrate wherein the substrate defines an open region; a phase change material held within the open region and thermally coupled with the temperature adjusting device such that a temperature change in the temperature adjusting device causes a temperature change in the phase change material; and a controller connected to the temperature adjusting device and configured to send a signal to the temperature adjusting device to change its temperature and thereby change the temperature of the phase change material that is thermally coupled with the temperature adjusting device. The phase change material is either in a solid state and configured to grip a stick or in a liquid state and the phase change material and configured to loosen its grip on the stick such that the stick is capable of moving through the phase change material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.