OBJECT HOLDING TOOL AND OBJECT SUPPORTING UNIT FOR OBJECTS OF DIFFERENT KIND

摘要

A first aspect of the invention provides an object holding tool for holding objects (OB), comprising a gripping unit which is operable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration to grip and release objects (OB) in transporting the same, wherein the gripping unit defines a first, outwardly-facing gripping surface (91) which, with the gripping unit in an expanded configuration, acts to grip an inner peripheral surface of an object (OB) of one kind, and a second, inwardly-facing gripping surface (93) which, with the gripping unit in a contracted configuration, acts to grip an outer peripheral surface of an object (OB) of another kind. A second aspect of the invention provides an object supporting unit for supporting an object (OB), comprising a lower base member (105), and an upper supporting body member (109) for supporting an object (OB), wherein the body member (109) includes first and second concentric recesses (111, 113), each configured to receive an object (OB) of one of two different kinds and having different depths such that upper ends of the two different kinds of object (OB) are at the same height, or at substantially the same height, when supported in the respective recesses (111, 113).