Gripper for manipulating planar workpiece in tight-fitting receptacle
US9744673B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D46/4227
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This apparatus supports gripping, manipulation and/or insertion or removal of a planar workpiece from a receptacle into which it fits tightly. The apparatus has two substantially identical rigid arms attached to one another at a single pivot point near their longitudinal center. One end of each arm forms a handle; pressing or releasing these two handles actuates the gripper. The other end of each arm has attached on its inside surface a rigid plate. Together these two substantially parallel plates form jaws to grip the planar workpiece. A spring attached to the two handles biases the jaws toward the closed position. An optional adjustable stop mechanism supports setting the gap between jaws when the apparatus is in the closed position. An alternative embodiment utilizes step-shaped jaws for applications where flat jaws are difficult to utilize.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.