Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A safety grapple for releasably joining an object to be moved to a device for moving the same. Provision is made to cycle the grapple (10) through at least two release procedures before actual release can be effected. This is accomplished through the use of lug actuator cam plate 50 which rotates unidirectionally a selected amount for each upward and downward movement of a central shaft (22) of the grapple (10). This cam (50), with cam followers (52) mounted on the lugs (54), is shaped such that the lugs (54) are pivoted out of engagement with the object (100) only after a selected number of shaft reciprocations. In a specific embodiment, the grapple (10) requires two full cycles of shaft movement before lug release is effected on the third cycle. This prevents inadvertent release of the object (100), a feature especially important in the handling of hazardous material. The actuator cam (50) rotation is effected by a first (44) and a further toothed indexing cam (46) directly connected to the actuating cam (50), and a cam follower (48) mounted from the shaft (22) that moves between these toothed cams (44,46) as the shaft is reciprocated. An annunciator, in the form of a signal flag (90), provides a visual indication of the status of the actuating cam (50) and thus the lugs (54).

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim