Patent ID: 7677619

Claim:
A remote mechanical grasping apparatus comprising: a first rod having a first end and a second end; a second rod having a first end and a second end; a joint assembly connected to said second end of said first rod and to said first end of said second rod; a claw assembly pivotably connected to said second end of said second rod; a cable assembly mounted substantially adjacent to said first end of said first rod, said cable assembly comprising: a claw control lever; and an actuation cable, said actuation cable mechanically connected to said claw control lever and said claw assembly, actuation of said claw control lever causes the actuation of said claw assembly; and a slidable locking sleeve assembly positioned around said first rod, said second rod, and said joint assembly; whereby said joint assembly allows said second rod to pivot towards said first rod when said slidable locking sleeve assembly is retracted from said second rod and said joint assembly.