A clamping device includes a rotatable element disposed between a jaw and a jaw support. The rotatable element has a slanting surface, interfacing a roller, and thus is configured to push the jaw toward an opposite jaw of the clamping device when rolling in a clamping direction. An auto lock mechanism is included in the clamping device, which can secure the rotating element for keeping the jaws separated. The auto lock mechanism can be activated or deactivated when the jaws are separated at a maximum or near maximum separation.

The invention relates to a lifting system for lifting elongated objects, comprising a sensor device arranged to identify position and location of an elongated object, a lifting and rotating device, and a control unit for controlling the movement of the lifting and rotating device in response to signals from the sensor device which indicate the position and location of the object. In order to lift elongated objects regardless of object's material, profile or position, the lifting and rotating device is provided with an elongated gripping device including a first gripping arm, and the control unit is configured to control the lifting and rotating device to insert a part of the first gripping arm into the object from one end of the object in order to lift and rotate the object with the inserted part.

The invention relates to a lifting system for lifting elongated objects, comprising a sensor device arranged to identify position and location of an elongated object, a lifting and rotating device, and a control unit for controlling the movement of the lifting and rotating device in response to signals from the sensor device which indicate the position and location of the object. In order to lift elongated objects regardless of object's material, profile or position, the lifting and rotating device is provided with an elongated gripping device including a first gripping arm, and the control unit is configured to control the lifting and rotating device to insert a part of the first gripping arm into the object from one end of the object in order to lift and rotate the object with the inserted part.

A drum loading and unloading system and method for loading and unloading a drum. The system includes a portable base unit having pedestals for holding a drum at a predetermined position for loading and unloading material from the drum; a pair of pneumatic cylinders attached to the portable base supporting a cross-beam; a pumping piston attached to the cross-beam for pumping material into and out of the drum; and a lifting device attached to the cross-beam for lifting the drum onto the pedestals of the portable base.

An automatic locking mechanism can include one or more annular elements having teeth facing each other or facing away from each other. The automatic locking mechanism can include a rod disposed between the annular elements. The rod can have one or more pins configured to interface with the teeth of the annular elements. The pins and the teeth are also configured to rotate the rod when the annular elements move relative to the rod. The rotation of the rod can toggle a hook end of the rod in a hook receptacle, which can change states of the locking mechanism.

A clamping device includes a rotatable element disposed between a jaw and a jaw support. The rotatable element has a slanting surface, interfacing a roller, and thus is configured to push the jaw toward an opposite jaw of the clamping device when rolling in a clamping direction. An auto lock mechanism is included in the clamping device, which can secure the rotating element for keeping the jaws separated. The auto lock mechanism can be activated or deactivated when the jaws are separated at a maximum or near maximum separation.

A clamping device includes a rotatable element disposed between a jaw and a jaw support. The rotatable element has a slanting surface, interfacing a roller, and thus is configured to push the jaw toward an opposite jaw of the clamping device when rolling in a clamping direction. An auto lock mechanism is included in the clamping device, which can secure the rotating element for keeping the jaws separated. The auto lock mechanism can be activated or deactivated when the jaws are separated at a maximum or near maximum separation.

An automatic locking mechanism can include one or more annular elements having teeth facing each other or facing away from each other. The automatic locking mechanism can include a rod disposed between the annular elements. The rod can have one or more pins configured to interface with the teeth of the annular elements. The pins and the teeth are also configured to rotate the rod when the annular elements move relative to the rod. The rotation of the rod can toggle a hook end of the rod in a hook receptacle, which can change states of the locking mechanism.

A lifting clamp for an object comprises a plurality of plates stacked and connected together to form seat for a portion of the object, a lifting portion for connecting to a crane or other machine, a pivot leg pivotally connected to the stacked plates for opening the seat, and a lock for selectively locking the pivot leg in a clamped position whereby it grips the object.

An automatic locking mechanism can include one or more annular elements having teeth facing each other or facing away from each other. The automatic locking mechanism can include a rod disposed between the annular elements. The rod can have one or more pins configured to interface with the teeth of the annular elements. The pins and the teeth are also configured to rotate the rod when the annular elements move relative to the rod. The rotation of the rod can toggle a hook end of the rod in a hook receptacle, which can change states of the locking mechanism.