Patent ID: 7320491

Claim:
An apparatus for handling objects, each object having an aperture therein defining a rim, the apparatus comprising a first set of jaws configured to move towards and away from one another, a second set of jaws configured to move towards and away from one another, the first set of jaws providing a support on which, in use, one or more objects are configured to be stacked, or unloaded from; said second set of jaws being located adjacent the first set of jaws such that, in use, said second set of jaws and said first set of jaws are configured to pass through said aperture; and means for effecting extension of the second set of jaws through the aperture of at least one of the objects, means for effecting displacement of the laws of said second set of jaws away from another into engagement with the rim of the at least one of the objects, means for effecting retraction of the jaws of said second set of jaws such as to position the rim over the first set of jaws, means for effecting displacement of the jaws of said second set of jaws towards each other; and means for actuating the jaws of said first set of jaws away from one another into engagement with said rim, and for actuating the jaws of said first set of jaws towards each other, wherein during said engagement with said rim, said first set of jaws and said second set of laws each exerts a radial gripping force on said rim.