Patent ID: 6561753
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A method of manipulating an object with a mechanical arm, the object having a body and a neck comprising the steps of:a) positioning an object engaging tool controllably coupled to the mechanical arm over the object resting in an upright position, such that a first contact surface of the tool engages the neck of the object on a first side thereof and a second contact surface of the tool engages the body of the object on a second side thereof opposite the first side and offset from the first contact surface such that the second contact surface engages the body of the object at a point farther along a longitudinal axis associated with the object than the neck and on the opposite side thereof, the first contact surface generally conforming to the cross section of the neck of the object, and the second contact surface generally conforming to the cross section of the body of the object; and b) changing the position of the object engaging tool in a generally downward tilting manner so that the weight of the object is transferred to the object engaging tool, which weight is supported between the first contact surface and the second contact surface in a cantilevered relation, wherein the object neck is cammed against the first contact surface to securely support the object to facilitate movement thereof with the mechanical arm.