Automatic gripper for caps to be removed from jars
OwnerEdgar S. Downsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A gripper which automatically grips the screw cap on a jar or the like when it is moved thereinto in order to facilitate removal of the cap. It includes a motor-operated clamp which is automatically actuated by movement of the capped jar thereinto to grip the cap and suspend the jar so that, thereafter, both hands of the user are free to grip the jar and turn it relative to the clamped cap. After the jar is separated from the clamped cap, the motor may be actuated to release the cap from the clamp.
Claims20
A device for gripping the cap of a capped jar to facilitate turning of the jar relative to the cap, comprising a cap-contacting surface for engaging the outer surface of the cap, jaws at said surface and relatively movable towards and away from each other to clamp and release the cap, means for producing the relative movement comprising a screw operatively connected to the jaws and means for driving the screw, and trigger mechanism engaged by the cap as it is positioned in engagement with said surface and at least one of the jaws to actuate said driving means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.