Patent ID: 6691860
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: B25B,B25J

Abstract:
An apparatus for handling a cylindrical workpiece, said apparatus comprising:an inner cage for housing a pair of jaw members, said inner cage having an open end and comprising: a first side section having two edge bars and two spacer bars disposed between the edge bars; a second side section opposite the first side section, each of said first and second side sections comprising an edge portion proximate said inner cage open end; a backing plate operatively attached to each of said first and second side sections substantially opposite said inner cage open end; first and second opposed jaw members at least partially disposed within said inner cage, said jaw members being pivotally attached to said inner cage, said jaw members being pivotally movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration thereof and being operable to define a substantially cylindrical space therebetween when in said closed configuration; an outer cage, comprising: a frame for placement surrounding the inner cage; and a crossmember affixed to the frame and extending through the inner cage; a spring for exerting a force to bias said outer cage in a selected direction; and linking structure for operatively interconnecting said jaws to said outer cage, whereby said jaws are movable from a first configuration to a second configuration thereof, in response to slidable movement of said outer cage in a direction opposite the force of said spring.