Abstract: A climbing apparatus includes a mast having a plurality of mast segments operable to vertically stack one after another. Each segment includes a stand-off to abut against a climbing object and form a space for receiving a strap to secure the mast to the climbing object. The apparatus includes a platform assembly having a (i) a platform, (ii) a seat spaced apart from the platform, and (iii) a frame connecting the seat to the platform. An upper trolley is provided for independent mobility up and down along the mast. The upper trolley includes a first brake connected to a handle operable to actuate movement of the trolley. A lower trolley is provided and is operable for independent mobility up and down along the mast relative to the upper trolley. The lower trolley includes a second brake and is connected to the frame of the platform assembly.

Abstract: A set of machines and related systems build structures by the additive assembly of discrete parts. These digital material assemblies constrain the constituent parts to a discrete set of possible positions and orientations. In doing so, the structures exhibit many of the properties inherent in digital communication such as error correction, fault tolerance and allow the assembly of precise structures with comparatively imprecise tools. Assembly of discrete cellular lattices by a Modular Isotropic Lattice Extruder System (MILES) is implemented by pulling strings of lattice elements through a forming die that enforces geometry constraints that lock the elements into a rigid structure that can then be pushed against and extruded out of the die as an assembled, loadbearing structure.

Abstract: According to one example, a batting tee system includes a housing, an arm coupled to the housing, and an actuation system. The actuation system includes a spool, a rollable neck, and an actuator. The rollable neck is configured to be wound around the spool when the spool rotates in a first direction and is further configured to be unwound from the spool when the spool rotates in a second direction. The rollable neck is configured to have a flat form when wound around the spool and is further configured to transition from the flat form to a hollow tube form when unwound from the spool. The actuator is configured to rotate the spool. The actuation system is configured to extend and retract the distal end of the rollable neck out of the arm. The distal end of the rollable neck is configured to hold a ball.

Abstract: A deployment and aiming device of an instrument comprises: a first support, a second support to receive the instrument, N mandrels, N being an integer number greater than or equal to 1, positioned around the first support, each of the N mandrels rotationally mobile relative to the first support about a mandrel axis ZN intersecting the mandrel, N linear elements, each of the N linear elements cooperating with one of the N mandrels, each of the N linear elements having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the N linear elements is fixed in the mandrel with which it cooperates at a fixing point, wherein the second end of the N linear elements is linked to the second support, such that a rotation of the mandrel about its axis ZN generates a displacement of the fixing point.

Abstract: Mooring unit for mooring a ship comprising a base, an arm mounted on the base, and a hook supported by the arm for connecting a mooring line of the ship, wherein the arm is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and wherein the unit comprises an actuating device for moving the arm from the extended position to the retracted position, wherein the arm is mounted on a first part of the base and wherein the first part of the base is rotatably mounted on a second part of the base that is rotationally fixed, to enable rotation of the first part of the base around a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizon.

Abstract: Exemplary deployable sheet material systems may be configured to stow and deploy sheet material. The systems may include one or more masts, one or more extendable booms, and one or more guys wires configured to function in conjunction with each other to deploy the sheet material and then to maintain the sheet material in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a boom deployment system. The boom deployment system, for example, may include a housing, a spool, a first boom, and a second boom. The spool may be disposed within the housing and configured to rotate around an axis that is fixed relative to the housing. The first boom and/or the second boom may have a cylindrical shape in a deployed configuration, a flattened shape in a stowed configuration, and a slit that extends along the longitudinal length of the boom in the deployed configuration. The first boom and/or the second boom may be stowed in the stowed configuration flattened and wrapped around the spool. The first boom and/or the second boom may transition from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration as the spool rotates around the axis.

Abstract: A deployable boom structure is provided that, in one embodiment, includes one or more perforated tapes, a drive mechanism with a sprocket mechanism for engaging each of the perforated tapes to transition the tapes between an undeployed state and a deployed state, and three battens that each extend between the tapes. At least one of the battens is a sliding batten, i.e., a batten that engages each of the tapes but through which each of the tapes can slide. Lanyards and detents cooperate to fix the location of a sliding batten relative to the tapes after a predetermined length of each of the tapes has slid through the batten. In a particular embodiment, the deployable boom structure is coupled with a solar blanket that can be Z-folded.

Abstract: A protractible and retractable mast system for an autonomous mobile robot includes an elongate flexible member including a first lateral end and a second lateral end, and a fastener having a first portion extending along a length of the first lateral end and a second portion extending along a length of the second lateral end. The flexible member is configured to be at least partially coiled within a body of the robot, and a portion of the flexible member is vertically movable away from the body when the flexible member is being uncoiled. The fastener is configured to connect the first lateral end to the second lateral end when the flexible member is being uncoiled, and disconnect the first lateral end from the second lateral end when the flexible member is being coiled.

Abstract: A portable floor composed of a plurality of rectangular sections attached by hinges so that adjacent sections pivot between a rolled configuration for transportation and storage and a flat configuration to bear weight. A finger edge of the section has a plurality of spaced fingers with a beveled surface that extends from the bottom of the finger upwardly to the tip of the finger. The opposed notch edge of the section has a plurality of spaced notches with a beveled surface from the top of the section downwardly into the notch. The beveled surfaces are at an angle of 15° to 75°. The finger edge meshes with the notch edge of the adjacent section. Adjacent top surfaces are planar when the notch and finger beveled surfaces abut each other. The hinge is a pin extending through aligned holes in the fingers and cogs between the notches.

Abstract: The invention provides a belt axle connecting piece of a winch and a manufacturing method in the field of mechanical technologies. The winch comprises a bracket and a belt axle axially arranged on the winch, wherein the belt axle includes three rods arranged along the axial direction. Bundling belts or ropes can be placed within the clearance between any two adjacent rods. The belt axle connecting piece comprises a cylindrical body, with three bent positioning petals arranged at one end of the body. Every two adjacent positioning petals form positioning holes for securing the rods to the bracket. The connecting piece is simple in structure, sturdy, and easy to manufacture.

Abstract: A system comprising a boom having a first end, a longitudinal length, and a slit that extends along the longitudinal length of the boom; a drum having an elliptic cross section and a longitudinal length; an attachment mechanism coupled with the first end of the boom and the drum such that the boom and the drum are substantially perpendicular relative to one another; an inner shaft having a longitudinal length, the inner shaft disposed within the drum, the longitudinal length of the inner shaft is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal length of the drum, the inner shaft at least partially rotatable relative to the drum, and the inner shaft is at least partially rotatable with the drum; and at least two cords coupled with the inner shaft and portions of the boom near the first end of the boom.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for high-place work which includes a moving supporting leg having a guiding case with opposite open ends and plural walls, guiding grooves attached to said walls, plural elastic strips, a plurality of connecting pieces transversely attached to said elastic strips with the connecting pieces having a proportional number composed of shorter and longer lengths with the longer connecting pieces having fitting grooves on ends thereof, which matingly engage the ends of the shorter connecting pieces. The elastic strips are rotatably wound about respective winding drums disposed on the loading box of a vehicle and driven a driving force originating from the power source of the vehicle such that by unwinding the respective elastic strips an integrated column is formed at a desired elevated high location.

Abstract: A joint for a storable tubular extendible member comprises an input housing with sets of rollers which progressively deform the storable tubular extendible member from its tubular state to a tape-like flat state. An output housing includes rollers allowing the tape-like member to recover to its tubular state. A pivot joins the input and output housings and a plurality of confining members such as nip rollers are provided between the input and output housings to maintain the member in its flat state. The nip rollers are supported by link arms much that some of the rollers may pivot about a pivot on the input housing and others may pivot about a pivot on the output housing. A medial set of nip rollers is constrained to remain medially positioned between the input housing and output housing by having link arms extending from both the input housing pivot and the output housing pivot. A drive is provided to cause the joint to selectively bend.

Abstract: A relatively simple, lighweight, portable, collapsible ladder includes a plurality of H-shaped sections pivotally interconnected end-to-end to define a flat bundle in the stored or non-use condition. The sections can be unfolded to a flat, extended conditions. In the extended condition, torsion springs cause the sides of the sections to fold inwardly to define side bars having U-shaped cross sections. By reversing the process, the ladder can readily be restored to the folded, storage condition.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for elevating and lowering scaffolding. A scaffold tower is moved horizontally so as to be supported on movable guides which are in a lowered position. The movable guides are then moved upwards. When the movable guides have reached an upper position, the scaffolding is then moved horizontally in the opposite direction so as to be supported on fixed guides. The operation is repeated as often as necessary. As stages are elevated, further stages are erected one by one below the stages being erected. The apparatus may also be operated to lower a scaffold tower, while collapsing stages one by one.

Abstract: A multicomponent extendible structure that includes a plurality of elongated flexible members having interlocking members on their edges for enabling the elongated members to have their edges become interlocked as the multicomponent extendible structure is extended or deployed. The interlocking members provide compressive strength to the multicomponent extendible structure when it is deployed. A series of thin cable members are associated with each of the elongated flexible members to provide tension strength to the multicomponent deployed extendible structure. The multicomponent extended structure also has provisions for resisting twisting and it can be used to deploy or extend a variety of types of loads and yet be retracted into a compact package when it is not in use.

Abstract: Portable bridge apparatus is disclosed comprising a plurality of connected bridge segments. The bridge segments are adapted to be extended outward from a base to form a bridge and then can be retracted when the bridge is no longer needed. The apparatus is useful in rescue operations, among other uses.

Abstract: An elevating apparatus comprises a substantially horizontal base, a longitudinally extensible mast mechanism mounted vertically on the base, a wire guide mechanism mounted on the mast mechanism and having a pair of pulleys rotatable synchronously in opposite directions, a work platform supported on the wire guide mechanism, and a pair of wires extending across the mast mechanism and having one ends fixed to the base respectively at spaced positions thereon, the wires being wound around the pulleys, respectively. The elevating apparatus also includes a pair of wire tensioners mounted on the base respectively at spaced positions thereon for longitudinally tensioning the wires, respectively, in opposite directions.

Abstract: A longitudinally extendible, segmented boom structure includes a plurality of hollow, substantially V-shaped segments which are pivotally connected to adjacent segments for storage. A series of load-bearing cables extend through the segments for carrying loads. The segments have uniform cross-sections and progressively increasing lengths. Segments are stored in rolled-up form on a reel by pivoting the segments to form a coil of nesting segments. Each segment has laterally extending side flanges through which longitudinally extend the pre-tensioned load-bearing cables. The cables pass through the flanges on opposite sides of the boom segments for supporting vertical loads and resisting side loads on the boom. A second set of auxiliary cables on the underside of the boom is automatically payed out as the boom is extended. The auxiliary cables prevent the extended segments from collapsing when inverted.

Abstract: An extensible interlocking structure suitable for tower cranes, scaffolding towers and the like is of multilateral cross-section and has two sets of main members which engage one another in end-to-end relation when the structure is extended. Tie members are pivoted to the main members, with the free ends of the tie members interlocking automatically with the main members during extension to provide diagonal bracing. On retraction the members may be stored on drums or in a rack.

Abstract: Elevating device, especially for raising and lowering the cabin of a transfer vehicle to the level of an aircraft hatchway, including an upright pusher chain mounted in a first guide sheath and connected at its upper end to the cabin. The first guide sheath is slidable within a second upright guide sheath mounted on the vehicle. A lower section of the chain extends through the second guide sheath to a driving sprocket. A link pin at the upper end of the lower section bears on the lower end of the first guide sheath so that as the chain is moved upwardly by the driving sprocket, the first guide sheath is extended from the second guide sheath and the upper section of the chain pushes the cabin upwardly. The links of the chain form a rigid pusher except that they are permitted to flex around the driving sprocket. The guide sheaths are fitted inside protecting and reinforcing telescopic masts extending between the chassis of the vehicle and the cabin.