Adjustable gripper arm

US4728097A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Bell and Howell, LLC · US

Inventors

• Gary L. VanderSyde · Naperville, US
• Kenneth Viani · Morton Grove, US
• Paul Beatty · Chicago, US
• Winston A. Orsinger · Nazareth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 5, 1986
• Grant date: Mar 1, 1988
• Expiry date: Feb 5, 2006

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H5/14
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The size of the gap separating first and second jaw members (26, 28) comprising a gripper arm is made adjustable by the provision of a translatable bracket (80) upon which an actuator (30) is supported. As the bracket (80) translates, so do the actuator (30) and a linkage (32) which connects a pivotable jaw member (28) to the actuator (30). Translation of the actuator (30) and linkage (32) changes the size of the gap separating the pivotable jaw member (28) and the other jaw member (26), thereby permitting the gripper arm to accommodate and engage articles of differing thicknesses.