GRIPPER DEVICES

摘要

Apparatuses and methods of picking up items (13) from a first location (12) and selectively releasing those items (13) at one of multiple desired second locations (40) are provided in which an item (13) is either pierced, clamped, or stuck to a gripper (34, 334, 534, 634) without using vacuum pressure to maintain the grasp between the item and the pickup device (21). In several embodiments the items are grasped by piercing probes such as an expandable needle (34), a barbed needle (37) or a screw (534). In other embodiments the items are clamped by tweezers (334) or a gear and fingers (634) combination. In a final embodiment, an item is grasped by being frozen to a temperature controllable surface (735).