A workpiece gripping device includes a gripping body part that includes a slit into which a plate-shaped part of a workpiece can be inserted; and a positioning mechanism that includes an engagement part that is structured to be engaged with the plate-shaped part of the workpiece in the slit of the gripping body part, in order to position the workpiece.

A workpiece gripping device includes a gripping body part that includes a slit into which a plate-shaped part of a workpiece can be inserted; and a positioning mechanism that includes an engagement part that is structured to be engaged with the plate-shaped part of the workpiece in the slit of the gripping body part, in order to position the workpiece.

A clamping device for lifting and moving objects can include a fixed and rotatable jaw facing a movable and rotatable jaw, which is activated by an arm assembly coupled to a fixed body. The clamping device can include a hand-free mechanism for switching between a clamping action and a jaw opening action for inserting the object. The clamping device can include a guiding mechanism for guiding an object to the space between the jaws, effectively enlarging the jaw opening for ease of clamping on thicker objects.

A clamping device for lifting and moving objects can include a fixed and rotatable jaw facing a movable and rotatable jaw, which is activated by an arm assembly coupled to a fixed body. The clamping device can include a hand-free mechanism for switching between a clamping action and a jaw opening action for inserting the object. The clamping device can include a guiding mechanism for guiding an object to the space between the jaws, effectively enlarging the jaw opening for ease of clamping on thicker objects.

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.

Pipe handling apparatus with an insert (4) configured to be inserted into a pipe to be handled (23). One or more clamping members (19) are moveably mounted relative to the insert. One or more actuators (17) are operable to urge the clamping members (19) towards the insert (4) thereby to grip the wall of the pipe to be handled (23). The insert (4) may be cylindrical. Multiple clamping members (19) may be spaced around the insert (4). The clamping members (19) may extend axially along the insert (4). The apparatus is suitable for handling flexible pipes (23) formed from multiple layers of helically wound metal strands.

A gripping mechanism (3) includes a gripping roller (32) and a holder (31) that houses the gripping roller (32). A gripped portion (42) of a first component (4) is gripped between an outer surface of the gripping roller (32) and an inner surface of the holder (31) through action of gravity acting on the gripping roller (32). Preferably, the gripping roller (32) includes a core (321) that is cylindrical or columnar in shape and a covering section (322) that is an elastic body covering a circumferential surface of the core (321). Preferably, the covering section (322) has a circumferential surface with a friction coefficient greater than a friction coefficient of the circumferential surface of the core (321).

A gripping mechanism (3) includes a gripping roller (32) and a holder (31) that houses the gripping roller (32). A gripped portion (42) of a first component (4) is gripped between an outer surface of the gripping roller (32) and an inner surface of the holder (31) through action of gravity acting on the gripping roller (32). Preferably, the gripping roller (32) includes a core (321) that is cylindrical or columnar in shape and a covering section (322) that is an elastic body covering a circumferential surface of the core (321). Preferably, the covering section (322) has a circumferential surface with a friction coefficient greater than a friction coefficient of the circumferential surface of the core (321).

A coiled tubing transport unit includes a coiled tubing reel unit, a guide sleeve coupled to the coiled tubing reel unit, and a corresponding arm coupled to the coiled tubing transport unit, wherein the arm is retractable or extendable from the guide sleeve, and a hydraulic cylinder coupled between the coiled tubing reel unit and the transport unit. The arm retracts or extends from the guide sleeve when the hydraulic cylinder is actuated to push or pull against and move the coiled tubing reel unit along a length of the coiled tubing transport unit.