Transport mechanism for use in a manufactured seed assembly

Abstract

A transport mechanism (20) for use in a manufactured seed assembly is provided. The transport mechanism includes first and second arms (24a and 24b) attached to an actuator (22). Each of the first and second arms having an attachment end (46) coupled to the actuator and a free end (48). The first and second arms being deployable between a closed position, wherein the first and second arms are displaced towards each other for clamping onto an object (34) having a shape, and an open position. The transport mechanism also includes a gripping member (50) located on the free end of each of the first and second arms.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a transport mechanism constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side planar view of a manufactured seed produced in part by the transport mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an attachment arm of the transport mechanism; and

FIG. 4 is a partial side cross-sectional view the transport mechanism shown in a closed position and applying a clamping load to an object.

Claims

1. A transport mechanism for use in a manufactured seed assembly, the transport mechanism comprising: (a) first and second arms attached to an actuator, each of the first and second arms having an attachment end coupled to the actuator and a free end, the first and second arms being deployable between a closed position, wherein the first and second arms are displaced towards each other for clamping onto an object having a shape, and an open position; and(b) a gripping member located on the free end of each of the first and second arms, the gripping members substantially conforming to the shape of a predetermined portion of the object when the object is located between the first and second arms and the first and second arms are in the closed position.

2. The transport mechanism of claim 1, wherein the gripping members are formed from a compressible material.

3. The transport mechanism of claim 1, wherein the free ends of each of the first and second arms includes a cavity sized to receive one of the gripping members.

4. The transport mechanism of claim 3, wherein the cavities extend through a thickness of the first and second arms to permit deformation of the gripping members into the respective cavity when the first and second arms are in the closed position and the object is disposed therebetween.

5. A transport mechanism for use in a manufactured seed assembly, the transport mechanism comprising: (a) first and second arms attached to an actuator, each of the first and second arms having an attachment end coupled to the actuator and a free end, the first and second arms being deployable between a closed position, wherein the first and second arms are displaced towards each other for applying a clamping pressure on an object having a shape, and an open position; and(b) means for deforming, the means for deforming located on the free end of each of the first and second arms and substantially conforming to the shape of a predetermined portion of the object when the object is located between the first and second arms and the first and second arms are in the closed position.

6. The transport mechanism of claim 5, wherein the means for deforming comprising a pad of deformable material.

7. The transport mechanism of claim 6, wherein the free end of each of the first and second arms includes a cavity to permit deformation of the pad of deformable material into respective cavity when the first and second arms are in the closed position and the object is disposed therebetween.