Abstract: A weapons detector (12) and method utilizing radar. The system comprises a transmitter (27) for producing an output (14) of frequencies of a set of self-resonant frequencies of weaponry; an antenna (28) directing the transmitter output toward locations potentially having weaponry and collecting backscattered signals (15); a receiver (29) receiving the backscattered signals (15) and operating over a range of the self-resonant frequencies; and a signal processor (30) for detecting the presence of a plurality of the self-resonant frequencies in the backscattered signals (15). Accuracies of greater than 98% can be obtained at distances, preferably between 4-15 yards. The weapons detector (12) is capable of detecting metal and non-metal weapons (16) on a human body (13) in purses, briefcases and under clothing; and discerning weapons (16) from objects such as belt buckles, coins, keys, calculators, cellular phones.

Abstract: A roller coaster or amusement park ride. The roller coaster comprises a track system capable of any directional travel, including horizontal, vertical, angled, curved, curvilinear, and retrograde directions. A carriage in which passengers reside is rotatable about the track system, either by programming or by passenger activation, providing for additional freedom of movement. The roller coaster may have a track through a clear tube (e.g., surrounded by water) and multiple, independent rides supported by the same support structure, providing increased excitement for the passengers.

Abstract: An industrial robot is disclosed which includes three primary drive units defining three separately controlled axes of movements, an inner arm connected to the output of one of the drive units, and an outer arm pivotally connected to the inner arm. The outer arm is connected to another of the drive units by a transmission which extends through the inner arm so that the outer arm may be selectively rotated, and both the inner arm and the outer arm are counterbalanced by a pair of torsion coil springs which are operatively connected to their respective drive units.

Abstract: An industrial robot is disclosed which is movable about six revolute axes, and which is modular in nature, to permit it to be configured to efficiently operate in a number of different applications. The robot includes a support stand defining a first primary axis, a waist which is rotatable about the first axis and which defines a second primary axis disposed perpendicular to the first axis, an inner arm fixed to the waist for rotation about the second axis, an outer arm fixed to the inner arm for relative rotation about a third primary axis, and a hand assembly mounted at the end of the outer arm. In addition, the outer arm includes a simplified drive arrangement composed of three concentric tubular members and respective drive motors, for moving the hand assembly of the robot about three additional axes of movement.

Abstract: An industrial robot is disclosed which includes three primary drive units defining three separately controlled axes of movement, and an outer arm assembly having three additional drive units for providing three additional axes of movement. The three primary drive units each include an electrical motor which has its rotor and stator each coaxially disposed about the axis of movement, so as to eliminate the need for any torque converting drive train between the motor and output components. The three drive units of the outer arm assembly comprise three electrical motors, and these three motors are serially mounted, with the rotors and stators thereof being coaxially disposed about a common axis, and with the rotors being fixed to respective ones of three coaxially mounted tubular members, which serve to transmit movement to the workpiece engaging gripper of the robot.

Abstract: An industrial robot is disclosed which is movable about six revolute axes, and which is modular in nature, to permit it to be configured to efficiently operate in a number of different applications. The robot includes a support stand defining a first primary axis, a waist which is rotatable about the first axis and which defines a second primary axis disposed perpendicular to the first axis, an inner arm fixed to the waist for rotation about the second axis, an outer arm fixed to the inner arm for relative rotation about a third primary axis, and a hand assembly mounted at the end of the outer arm. In addition, the outer arm includes a simplified drive arrangement composed of three concentric tubular members and respective drive motors, for moving the hand assembly of the robot about three additional axes of movement.

Abstract: An industrial robot is disclosed which includes three primary drive units defining three separately controlled axes of movement, and an outer arm assembly having three additional axes of movement. The three primary drive units are interconnected so that a first drive unit defines a vertical axis of movement, and the second and third drive units define horizontal axes of movement which are coaxial. Also, the three primary drive units each include an electrical stepping motor which has its rotor and stator coaxially disposed about the axis of movement, with the rotor and stator being respectively fixed to the output components, to thereby eliminate the need for any torque converting drive train between the motor and output components.

Abstract: An industrial robot is disclosed, which utilizes three like drive units for controlling movement about the three primary axes of rotation. Each drive unit comprises a pair of electrical stepping motors, which act through a differential gear train to control movement about the associated axis. Preferably, the number of teeth in the output drive gear of one motor differs from the number of teeth in the output drive gear of the other motor, whereby both motors may be operated at the same rotational speed to permit accurately controllable relative movement at a relatively slow speed, and one motor may be de-energized to achieve high speed operation.