Patent ID: 6439826
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: B25J,B66F,Y10S

Abstract:
A load-handling clamp having selectively closable and openable load-engaging surfaces for selectively gripping and releasing a load positioned between said surfaces, said clamp comprising:(a) at least one fluid power actuator connected to at least one of said surfaces for selectively closing said surfaces relative to each other to grip said load; (b) at least one fluid valve assembly connected to said actuator for variably regulating a fluid pressure causing said actuator to close said surfaces relative to each other; (c) an electrical controller connected to said valve assembly automatically operable, in response to closure of said load-engaging surfaces into a predetermined relationship with said load to cause said valve assembly to reduce said fluid pressure while said surfaces are closing, and thereafter automatically operable, in response to a sensed weight of said load, to cause said valve to increase said fluid pressure variably in relation to the magnitude of said weight.