US3825293A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Brick gripping apparatus
Assignee: Lingl Corp
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Filing: 1973-07-27
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Granted: 1974-07-23
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Expires: 1993-07-27
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for gripping a column of block-shaped articles such as bricks arranged in an end-to-end relationship to one another with at least some of the articles being initially spaced from one another to form at least one corresponding intermediate gap in the column. Intermediate tongues are provided for insertion into the intermediate gaps thus providing intermediate support for the gripped column. The intermediate tongues are mounted in a novel manner and cooperate with novel apparatus to provide a positive return motion to the intermediate tongues for positively, accurately and quickly positioning the tongues in proper predetermined positions when the gripper is in an open condition such that the intermediate tongues are readily insertable into the gaps of the column. Then, when the gripper is closed, the positive return force is released thus permitting the intermediate tongues to float or move as required into gripping engagement with the adjacent bricks of the column thus providing the required intermediate support.
Inventors
- 👤 J Schwarz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:04
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/74; B65G47/90; B66; B66C; B66C1/00; B66C1/10; B66C1/42; B66C1/44; B66C1/445; B66C1/447
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
Apparatus for gripping a column of block-shaped articles arranged in end-to-end relationship to one another with at least some of said articles being initially spaced from one another to form at least one intermediaTe gap in the column, said apparatus comprising: gripper arms means having an open state for movement about said column and a closed state for engaging the opposite ends of said column and exerting a compacting force thereagainst, intermediate tongue means for insertion into said intermediate gap when said gripper arm means is in its open state thereby providing intermediate support for said articles when the column is compacted by said gripper arm means in its closed state to thereby move the articles in the column toward one another and into engagement with said intermediate tongue means, slide means operatively connected to said intermediate tongue means for permitting the intermediate tongue means to move in a direction generally parallel to the length of said column, stop means operatively connected for stopping movement of said tongue means at a predetermined location opposite the location of said intermediate gap, and positive return motion means operatively connected to said intermediate tongue means for positively moving said intermediate tongue means to said predetermined location, for positively maintaining it in that location when said gripper arm means is in its open state, and for automatically freeing said intermediate tongue means to move when said gripper arm means is in its closed state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
240 words
Apparatus for gripping a column of block-shaped articles arranged in end-to-end relationship to one another with at least some of said articles being initially spaced from one another to form at least one intermediaTe gap in the column, said apparatus comprising: gripper arms means having an open state for movement about said column and a closed state for engaging the opposite ends of said column and exerting a compacting force thereagainst, intermediate tongue means for insertion into said intermediate gap when said gripper arm means is in its open state thereby providing intermediate support for said articles when the column is compacted by said gripper arm means in its closed state to thereby move the articles in the column toward one another and into engagement with said intermediate tongue means, slide means operatively connected to said intermediate tongue means for permitting the intermediate tongue means to move in a direction generally parallel to the length of said column, stop means operatively connected for stopping movement of said tongue means at a predetermined location opposite the location of said intermediate gap, and positive return motion means operatively connected to said intermediate tongue means for positively moving said intermediate tongue means to said predetermined location, for positively maintaining it in that location when said gripper arm means is in its open state, and for automatically freeing said intermediate tongue means to move when said gripper arm means is in its closed state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said positive return motion means comprises a spring means operatively connected for movement with said gripper arm means to exert a force on said intermediate tongue means in the direction of said stop means when the gripper arm means is in its open state.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said spring means includes an interconnected spring section and inextensible flexible section to relax said force on the intermediate tongue means when the gripper arm means is in its closed state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said slide means comprises a track upon which said intermediate tongue means is slidably mounted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said stop means comprises an adjustably positioned obstruction attached to said track for blocking further movement of the intermediate tongue means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein: said stop means comprises an inextensible flexible section connected to exert a restraining force on said intermediate tongue means in a first direction, and said positive return motion means comprises a spring connected to exert a restoring force on said intermediate tongue means in an opposite second direction when said gripper arm means is in its open state.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-22 | 1978-01-21 | 1978-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-22 | 1982-01-21 | 1982-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-22 | 1986-01-21 | 1986-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |