I figured out what this was a while ago by searching the patent date; Oct. 26 '03. The patent is for the hinge mechanism and not for the whole tool. The designer envisioned several different jaws for different applications, I believe this was the only version ever produced, and not many at that.
This is way over engineered, and I expect too expensive for what it is. The jaws at the end are open 1 11/16, fully closed is only 1/4 inch smaller. Experience tells me that it's both easy and painful to pinch some skin in the hinge.
I contacted the nutcracker museum (yes it's a nutcracker, and there is a nutcracker museum- in Leavenworth, Washington) and they had never heard of one. Thanks
Bruce