Patent ID: 8807908

Claim:
A control apparatus for a load-handling device including a gripper for handling a load being connected to pressure controlled gripping, lifting and tilting actuators for respectively gripping, lifting and tilting the handled load; said control apparatus comprising a pressure-sensing actuator assembly for being placed in pressure communication with the lifting and tilting actuators and adapted to be actuated by the pressure exerted on the lifting and tilting actuators; a gripping pressure regulator for regulating the gripping pressure exerted on the gripping actuator; and a pressure control assembly comprising interrelated movable members defining a respective pivot axis for interacting with said pressure-sensing actuator assembly during actuation thereof and for acting on said gripping pressure regulator, the pivot axis of each said movable member being adjustable; wherein said pressure-sensing actuator is adapted to sense the weight of the load from the pressure exerted on the lifting and tilting actuators and to be accordingly actuated by this pressure thereby so interacting with said pressure control assembly as to provide for said pressure control assembly to consequently act on said gripping pressure regulator in order to provide a suitable gripping pressure in response to the weight of the load.