Roll-on gripper displays a delicate touch

Problem: . But if the objects to be picked up are sticky, it can be even more difficult to put them down again! Difficult to pick up things include fruit and eggs, while difficult to put down things include 'French Fancy' cakes and glacé cherries. Solution: Adrian Marshall invented a method of using a toroid as a gripper while at RHM Technology at High Wycombe. An inflated elastomeric sleeve is placed on the item to be picked up, and the centre pulled upwards. The end rolls round and grasps the item with consistent but gentle pressure. To release the item, the centre is pushed downwards, unrolling the end of the sleeve. Applications: As well as being a superb method of picking up and depositing sticky cakes, South Bank University student Chris King has incorporated it into various projects aimed improving prosthetic replacements for human hands. Picking up objects such as coins with standard motor-operated finger grippers is not easy. However, if the toroid is liquid filled, it performs the task with ease. For picking up and depositing cakes, however, Adrian Marshall recommends filling the sleeve with low pressure air. Mr Marshall's innovative engineering section at RHM Technology is now being launched as an independent venture capital-funded business, and Mr King, now graduated, is continuing his researches into improved prosthetics with the aid of a grant from the Audi Foundation. Eureka wishes them both the best of luck and looks forward to reporting their further inventions and developments. TS Crafty Tech Adrian Marshall