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Loading devices and methods of loading pipe fusion machines

  • US 9,458,949 B2
  • Filed: 08/18/2011
  • Issued: 10/04/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A loading device for lifting an elongated object having an elongate axis, the loading device comprising:

  • a frame having a first fulcrum surface and a second fulcrum surface;

    a first effector arm having a central longitudinal axis, the first effector arm being pivotally coupled with the first fulcrum surface,a first end effector having a lifting surface and a first end effector axis about which the first end effector rotates, the first end effector being coupled to the first effector arm such that the first end effector axis is perpendicular to and intersects with the central longitudinal axis of the first effector arm, and wherein the first end effector extends laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis of the first effector arm such that the central longitudinal axis of the first effector arm does not intersect with the lifting surface of the first end effector;

    a second effector arm having a central longitudinal axis, the second effector arm being pivotally coupled with the second fulcrum surface,a second end effector having a lifting surface and a second end effector axis about which the second end effector rotates, the second end effector being coupled to the second effector arm such that the second end effector axis is perpendicular to and intersects with the central longitudinal axis of the second effector arm, and wherein the second end effector extends laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis of the second effector arm such that the central longitudinal axis of the second effector arm does not intersect with the lifting surface of the second end effector; and

    an actuator moving the first effector arm and the second effector arm between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein the first and second effector arms move in opposing directions as the first and second effector arms are moved by the actuator to the deployed position.

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