Abstract: A mobile apparatus includes a main frame, an operating arm connected to the main frame, drive means configured to drive displacing means of the mobile apparatus, such as one or more wheels or tracks, drive means configured to drive the operating arm and a control system, connected to operating instruments for a driver, for controlling the drive means. The drive means for the displacing means includes an electric motor such that the drive of the displacing means is substantially electrical.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting one of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), landmines or other buried explosives, the sensor system is mounted in place of a standard backhoe digging bucket of a backhoe vehicle. The sensor system includes a mounting portion having arc swing points for hanging the sensor system on a backhoe arm, and a holding pin opening for receiving a holding pin when positioned in a mounting position on the backhoe arm; and an electronic sensor wand arm assembly mounted to the mounting portion.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, a gripper affixed to the end of the arm opposite the boom, a first line having a first end affixed to the boom, a second line interconnected to an opposite end of the first line and connected to the frame, and an actuator interconnected to the first and second lines. The actuator changes an angular relationship of the first and second lines so as to selectively tension the lines. The second line includes a first cable offset from linear alignment with the first line and a second cable extending in angular relationship with the first cable.

Abstract: A working device and a working method wherein an articulated robot controls vertical movement of a balancer arm by commanding vertical movement for a balancer, and moves the balancer arm horizontally by applying an external force to the balancer arm in the horizontal direction by means of a robot arm.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a face robot which is operated similarly to the motion of a human head and a multi-joint manipulator which supports a robot's face, and more particularly, to a structure which may compensate an influence caused by the gravity and exerted on rotation parts rotating about its axes. A manipulator with a weight compensation mechanism of the disclosure is provided, the manipulator having rotation parts connected to a plurality of axes rotating about their axes, the manipulator including: a weight compensation mechanism that supports wires connected to the rotation parts receiving gravity in a rotation state by a spring and compensates an influence of gravity exerted on the rotation parts.

Abstract: A pre-loading system for a pipe handling apparatus in which a boom is pivotally mounted at one end to a skid and in which an arm is connected to an opposite end of the boom. The pre-loading system has a tensioning assembly with one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted so as to apply tension to the arm when the arm has a load applied to an end of the arm opposite the boom. The tensioning assembly includes a first cable assembly having one end connected to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, and a second cable assembly connected to the arm and having an opposite end fixedly mounted. The first and second cable assemblies extend from opposite sides of the arm.

Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism counterbalances an eccentric mass on a rotating shaft supported by a frame. A first pulley is coupled to and concentric with the shaft. An arm is coupled to the shaft to rotatably support a second at a first distance from the first pulley. A third pulley is fixedly coupled to the frame at a second distance from the first pulley. A fourth pulley is rotatably coupled to and concentric with the third pulley. A spring is fixed at a first end to the frame and has a second end that is coupled to the fourth pulley such that the spring provides a restoring force as the fourth pulley is rotated. A first cable has a first end that is coupled to the fourth pulley and a second end that is coupled to the frame through the third pulley after passing over the first and second pulleys.

Abstract: A pre-loading system for a pipe handling apparatus in which a boom is pivotally mounted at one end to a skid and in which an arm is connected to an opposite end of the boom. The pre-loading system has a tensioning assembly with one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted so as to apply tension to the arm when the arm has a load applied to an end of the arm opposite the boom. The tensioning assembly includes a first cable assembly having one end connected to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, and a second cable assembly connected to the arm and having an opposite end fixedly mounted. The first and second cable assemblies extend from opposite sides of the arm.

Abstract: A pre-loading system for a pipe handling apparatus in which a boom is pivotally mounted at one end to a skid and in which an arm is interconnected to an opposite end of the boom. The pre-loading system has a tensioning system with one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted so as to apply tension to the arm when the arm has a load applied to an end of the arm opposite the boom. The tensioning system includes a first cable assembly having one end interconnected to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, and a second cable assembly interconnected to the arm and having an opposite end fixedly mounted. The first and second cable assemblies extend from opposite sides of the arm.

Abstract: Industrial robot arranged with a helical spring based balancing system, which is able to stand up to high load.

Abstract: A wheelchair carriage in which an upright support post detachably couples to a towing frame of a vehicle. A tubular housing slidably receives an end of the post and is biased against the post. An enclosure for holding a wheelchair includes a base member mounted to the housing, a platform mounted to a lower end of the base member, and a rack attached to an upper end of the base member. A lever has a lever arm pivotally attached to the upright support post, and a lever handle joined to the lever arm at a fulcrum pivotally attached to the housing. The lever handle, being moved in a first direction, bears against the fulcrum to move the enclosure to the first position for wheeling a wheelchair onto the platform. The lever handle, being moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction, raises the enclosure to the second position to a height sufficient to prevent the carriage from impeding the clearance of the vehicle for traveling.

Abstract: A sugar cane piler having a mechanical spring suspension device connected between the piler and the front end of the loader, the device including a precompressed spring to absorb a major portion of the weight of the piler and reduce the force of the piler acting on the ground. The device permits the piler to readily float over the ground and minimizes penetration of the piler's tips into the ground.

Abstract: A highly-viscous material coating apparatus for use, e.g. in an automobile coating process, to coat a joint of a workpiece, may be mounted on a robot. It provides improved operation where the workpiece provides a reference surface parallel to the joint, where the workpiece provides a reference surface displaced from the joint at varying distances along the length of the joint, and where the workpiece provides no reference surface. Where a reference surface is available, an extendable spring-biased guide pin of the apparatus moves along the reference surface, and any positional errors are compensated-for by action of the spring. If the distance between the reference surface and the joint varies, the varying distance may be compensated for by various disclosed practices. The apparatus also can be used where no reference surface is provided by retracting the guide pin with respect to the nozzle and by controlling the robot so as to direct the nozzle to the joint.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for clamping an object to a structural member. The clamping mechanism is particularly adapted for clamping a wheelchair wheel to a loading rack of a wheelchair loader. The clamping mechanism comprises a mounting bracket used for attachment to the structure, such as the wheelchair loading rack, and has a pivot pin fixedly attached thereto. Pivotally mounted with respect to the pivot pin is a handle assembly including a hollow handle with a spring biased actuation plate positioned therein. An actuation button is attached to the plate. The pivot pin extends through a transverse hole in the handle and has a key portion which lockably engages a keyway in the actuation plate. By depressing the actuation button, the keyway in the plate is moved with respect to the key on the pivot pin to an unlocked position so that the handle assembly may be pivoted.

Abstract: The industrial robot comprises a lower arm (13) provided on a robot body (12) pivotably about a first horizontal axis (C1). The lower arm (13) has provided thereon a forearm (14) pivotably about a second horizontal axis (C2). The forearm (14) is rotationally driven by a drive such as a motor (16). The robot body (12) has provided thereon a rotating disk (17) interlocked with the pivoting of the forearm (14) about the second axis (C2) and rotatable about the first axis (C1). Also the rotating disk (17) has secured thereon a first wheel (18) and coaxial therewith, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the disk. There is further provided a tension spring assembly (19) having one end thereof connected to the robot body (12) and which has rotatably mounted at the other end thereof a second wheel (21) having nearly the same diameter as that of the first wheel. Also provided is a chain (22) having one end thereof connected to the rotating disk (17) and the other end engaged on the first wheel (18).

Abstract: A robot arm consisting of an upper arm link and a lower arm link which are interconnected by a uniaxial joint. The upper arm link is connected with a structure via a universal joint. In order to attain a weight balance, a toggle lever is placed on the upper arm link, on whose one lever arm an upwardly directed equalizing force acts and whose other lever arm is connected to the lower arm link. If both arm links are in alignment with one another, then the point of application of force on the one lever arm has its greatest distance to the universal joint. If, on the other hand, the lower arm link is swung out of its alignment with the upper arm link, then the distance between the point of application of force and the universal joint is decreased.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle. When in a stored position, the apparatus and wheelchair are fully contained within said vehicle. A first embodiment illustrates use of the apparatus in a rear compartment of a station wagon, van or similar vehicle in which a pair of motor-driven drive links and a pair of drag links are utilized to lift and rotate a chair rack and wheelchair mounted thereon into said vehicle rear compartment. The drive and drag links connect the rack to a carriage which may then be rolled from a rearwardmost to a forwardmost position for final storage of the apparatus and chair in the vehicle. Latching means is provided to latch the carriage in either its forwardmost or rearwardmost positions. A remote control switch and limit switches are used to control power to the electric motor. A second embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use in the trunk of a typical passenger automobile.

Abstract: A robot including a balancing mechanism with a spring assembly which exerts a variable force to compensate for the gravitational moment transferred to the mechanism during relative rotation between an arm assembly of the robot and the rest of the robot about a pivotal axis. A spring of the spring assembly is chosen to have a force-deflection characteristic to account for the gravitational moment and the geometry of the mechanism. The arm assembly has a pivotal connection that pivotally supports the arm assembly on the rest of the robot for movement about the pivotal axis. The spring assembly has a longitudinal axis which extends towards and is substantially perpendicular to the pivotal axis. The moment arm is connected to the arm assembly at an attachment point offset from the pivotal axis. A first sprocket wheel is mounted on a drive gear of the arm assembly to rotate therewith and a second sprocket wheel is pivotally mounted at the free end of the spring assembly.

Abstract: A robot, including an arm assembly and an energy-storing balancing mechanism which is connected to the arm assembly at a pair of attachment points so that the arm assembly is substantially balanced within a quadrant of arm assembly motion on both sides of a neutral position of the arm assembly relative to the rest of the robot. The balancing mechanism includes a spring assembly having a longitudinal axis which extends towards and is substantially perpendicular to a pivotal axis about which the arm assembly pivots from its neutral position. The spring assembly is preferably connected by a pair of internally slotted links for slidably and pivotally connecting the spring assembly at the attachment points. Each attachment point is only effective (i.e. experiences the pulling force of the spring assembly) during a single quadrant of arm assembly motion.

Abstract: The counter-balancing device incorporates a rigid auxiliary component hinged about a second horizontal axis parallel to the rotation axis of the robot arm. This auxiliary component incorporates two transverse arms whose distal ends are capable of bearing against a portion of a component which is movable in translation and is subjected to a return force proportional to the distance between an initial position and the position instantaneously occupied by this component.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle. When in a stored position, the apparatus and wheelchair are fully contained within said vehicle. A first embodiment illustrates use of the apparatus in a rear compartment of a station wagon, van or similar vehicle in which a pair of motor-driven drive links and a pair of drag links are utilized to lift and rotate a chair rack and wheelchair mounted thereon into said vehicle rear compartment. The drive and drag links connect the rack to a carriage which may then be rolled from a rearwardmost to a forwardmost position for final storage of the apparatus and chair in the vehicle. Latching means is provided to latch the carriage in either its forwardmost or rearwardmost positions. A remote control switch and limit switches are used to control power to the electric motor. A second embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use in the trunk of a typical passenger automobile.

Abstract: A lifting device adapted to be mounted within an automobile trunk is disclosed as having a rigid boom mounted for free pivotal movement about both vertical and horizontal axes. The lifting device includes a motor-driven lift mounted at the distal end of the boom. A counterbalance member is employed to counterbalance the gravitational force biasing the boom in downward movement about its horizontal axis so that the boom may be easily pivoted upwardly or downwardly by a handicapped person. A prop assembly may be manually moved into position to positively maintain the boom in an elevated lifting position.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted carrier and dispenser for a cylindrical hay bale of substantial size and weight. An elongated finger-support member is pivotally mounted on the bed of a pick-up truck, a tractor hitch or other vehicle. The finger support member is T-shaped to retain a plurality of support fingers in cantilevered relation to penetrate and engage the bale. The finger support member is attached to a base member which is mounted on the truck bed. A power winch is located on said base member having a cable connected to the free end of the central arm member of the T-shaped finger support member. Tensioning means comprising a pair of aligned leaf springs is mounted between said pivotal finger support member and said fixed base member to allow continuous tension on the cable and thus prevent any loose unwinding or unraveling of the cable on the power winch.

Abstract: A hydraulic linkage which is usable as a front loader on an agricultural or other tractor (1) comprises at least one jib, and usually two interconnected jibs (5, 6, 9) which jibs are upwardly and downwardly turnable about an axis (3) relative to frame means (2). Each jib (5, 6, 9) comprises telescopic firt (5) and second (6) portions and the second portions (6) are extendible from the first portions (5) during raising of the jibs so that a load/apparatus carried at the outer end (9) of each second portion (6) is raised substantially vertically, rather than arcuately about said axis (3). Spring (44) operated lost-motion mechanism prevents such extension during a lower arc of movement of the jibs (5, 6, 9) about said axis (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an extendable, elongated tool-handling boom within a gantry. The back end of the boom is rotatably supported in a carriage that is movably mounted in a gantry while the main body of the boom forward of the carriage is seated upon a rest carried within a cradle which is also movably mounted within the gantry whereby the relative position of the two boom support points can be altered as the boom is extended and retracted within the gantry. The boom is able to be lifted from the cradle seat in the event it becomes hung-up upon an obstacle while in use thereby preventing the boom from being damaged. A shock absorber is operably connected between the cradle and the boom which serves to return the boom to the cradle seat at a controlled rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a tool for conditioning material within a high temperature furnace. The tool is secured in one end of an air-cooled boom while the other end of the boom is connected to a carriage that is arranged to move reciprocally within a horizontally-aligned gantry. The gantry, in turn, is adjustably supported upon a chassis mounted turntable that is capable of being driven over the ground by means of a pair of endless treads. The gantry is connected to the turntable by hydraulic lifters which independently raise or lower the gantry at two separate locations along its length to impart an expanded degree of maneuverability to the tool. Shock absorber means are also operatively associated with the boom to prevent the boom structure from being damaged in the event the tool becomes hung up in the furnace.

Abstract: A loader bucket is provided with a plurality of leaf springs appended to the bucket for interaction with the bucket support linkage. The leaf springs impose forces on the bucket link pins preventing undesirable movement between the bucket and the support linkage when the bucket is rolled into a load transporting position.