Importance

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Abstract

A device particularly adapted to engage an irregular bottom surface of an object and then carry that object includes a support block. In the support block is a set of longitudinally spaced apart upright bores. On each side of the bores in a top wall of the block is a guide channel for a slide bar. Ends of these bars operatively connect with a reciprocating mechanism attached to one end of the block. In each bore is a sleeve having an inner opening formed with an upper section for a spring. An upper and lower end coil of a coil portion of each spring connects with an arm that projects outwardly. The upper arms fit respectively in upward facing slots in one slide bar while the lower arms fit respectively in downward facing slots in the other slide bar. In the sleeve inner openings and extending respectively through the coil portion of each springs is a support pin. Top ends of these pins fit in openings in a top cover plate fastened to the support block top wall. A bottom end of each pin then seats on one end of a transversely positioned conduit in a top surface of a bottom cover plate fastened to a bottom wall of the support block. Opposite ends of these conduits connect with a distribution channel in the block bottom wall. For use, the device distribution channel is connected to an air supply. At the same time, the reciprocating mechanism is activated to move the slide bars and rotate the end coils of the springs. Movement of the end coils transfers to the remaining coils of each spring to increase a diameter of each spring coil portion and shift each spring from a locking mode to a release mode. Air from the distribution channel then floats the pins upward to selectively engage the bottom surface of the object above. The reciprocating device then is deactivated allowing the springs to return to a locking mode about the pins.

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First Claim