Abstract: A new and innovative concept for the control of backlash in gear-coupled transmission mechanisms. The concept utilizes redundant unidirectional drives to assure positive coupling of gear meshes at all times. Based on this concept, a methodology for the enumeration of admissible redundant-drive backlash-free robotic mechanisms has been established. Some typical two- and three-DOF mechanisms are disclosed. Furthermore, actuator torques have been derived as functions of either joint torques or end-effector dynamic performance requirements. A redundantly driven gear coupled transmission mechanism manipulator has a fail-safe advantage in that, except of the loss of backlash control, it can continue to function when one of its actuators fails. A two-DOF backlash-free arm has been reduced to practice to demonstrate the principle.

Abstract: A gravitational compensating system that eliminates gravitational torque of linked robotic arms is provided. A three arm embodiment is disclosed which rotates around a vertical reference axis. The second and third arm rotate around two separate horizontal axes. The gravitational compensating system compensates for the gravitational torque attributed to the second arm as it rotates about its horizontal swing axis and the gravitational torque attributable to the third arm as it rotates about its horizontal swing axis. The combined actuating and compensating systems for the second and third arm are housed in the base structure of the first arm. The compensating system also applies to two arm embodiments.

Abstract: A circuit assembly device (200) comprises a cylinder (202) containing a piston (204) coupled to an end-effector for facilitating an assembly of a circuit carrying substrate. The piston (204) defines a first chamber (212) and a second chamber (214) in the cylinder (202) for maintaining substantially the same pressure such that a difference in areas of the first and second chambers (212, 214) establishes a compliant force on the end-effector.

Abstract: A cut-off arrangement comprises a multiple-arm industrial robot (100) with a support arm in the form of an articulated lever (7). One end of the lever is mounted in a stanchion (8) so as to pivot about a horizontal and a vertical axis. The workpiece holder (18), on which the cutting-off disk (13) moves linearly on sliding means (22, 23), is hingedly supported at the other end of the lever. The adjusting devices of the robot (100) are hydraulic cylinders (11; 16; 17; 19) or hydraulic servomotors (20, 21) which can be centrally controlled and immobilized.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to robots and specifically to a robot for spraying applications which has the ability to accurately follow trajectories that require high speeds and accelerations, a working envelope appropriate for processing the sides, top, and bottom of a large object such as an aircraft, an integrated revolute joint and actuator for supplying power to the movable components of the robot along protected, low maintenance power paths, a zero backlash drive, and a gravity compensating system which causes the robot to be neutrally balanced throughout its entire working envelope even while carrying a payload of significant weight.

Abstract: This invention is a flexible limb capable of changing length, bending in any direction, twisting, and changing cross-sectional size. Its skeletal structural design promotes optimal simplicity of control, ease of construction, lightness, and stiffness.

Abstract: A transfer robot for removing molded pieces provides a telescoping robot arm having a pneumatically activated gripping device mounted to a remote end. The robot arm comprises two tubes mounted coaxially inside a housing. The first tube is driven outwardly of the housing by a rodless cylinder drive; the second tube is mounted coaxially to the inside of the first tube and is itself driven by a rack and pinion arrangement which doubles the projecting speed of the second tube with respect to the projecting speed of the first tube. The robot arm is movably mounted to a cantilever rack which is itself rotatably mounted to a supporting stand.

Abstract: A palletizer or depalletizer of containers with a product carrier and product support having four pickup or deposit positions providing improved operational speeds and container placement precision. The ends of two air cylinders are slidably secured to at least one crank arm of a pivot shaft disposed in the carrier, actuation of the cylinders causing rotation of the shaft and the product support.

Abstract: A spray end effector for spray painting internal cavities of complex shapes comprising a first elongated arm having an inboard end with attachment means for coupling to a robot and also having an outboard end; a second elongated arm having an inboard end fixedly coupled to the outboard end of the first arm and also having an outboard end; a third elongated arm having an inboard end pivotally coupled to the outboard end of the second arm and also having an outboard end with a rod for supporting a spray gun rotationally coupled with respect thereto; a first air motor having a shaft rotatable about its axis located within the second arm for rotating a jack screw and longitudinally driving a threaded housing to effect the pivotal movement of the third arm with respect to the second arm; a second air motor having a shaft rotatable about its axis located within the third arm for rotating a speed reducer to effect the rotational movement of the rod with respect to the third arm; and means to effect the proper rotati

Abstract: Plural article transfer mechanisms are operated in timed sequence by an electronic control synchronized to a main drive shaft. Each article transfer mechanism transfers articles from a dead plate to a moving conveyor. An extensible-retractable pusher arm engages, moves and releases the articles between 90.degree. positions under control of a fluid motor mounted on a turntable. Operation of the fluid motor is based on rotary alignment of a pair of turntable ports with a pair of fluid supply channels in a turntable drive body. The turntable is stepped in rotary increments between 90.degree. positions by an electric stepping motor. The angular speed profile of the pusher arm between the 90.degree. positions is governed by a programmed electronic control, including a PROM, which drives the stepping motor. An adjustable finger clip assembly is snap-fitted on the pusher arm and provided with a handle for ease of replacement.

Abstract: A device for the transport of carriers (11,29), in which displaceable containers (27,31) with carriers (29,11) can be coupled with a selection device (33), which is displaceable in vertical direction along a container (27,31) and has two relatively vertical positions with respect to the container (27,31) for the transport of carriers (11,29) at a bringing stage and at a fetching stage, respectively, from and to a positioning device R(B), R(C). The selection device (33) for use in the transport device as described. Use of the transport device with selection device lies particularly in the field of the flexible automation.

Abstract: Single or multiple flexible robotic manipulator trunks can be made from individually activated, three degree-of-freedom, flexible robotic links. Three dimensional positioning and orientation of the distal end of each link is achieved exclusively by elastic deformation of the flexible link assembly without revolute or prismatic joints. The activating bending and torsional moments required for such a positioning are generated by the antagonistic action of a plurality of prestressed, inflatable, laterally bendable and axially extensible tubular actuators with the anisotropic, circumferentially reinforced walls. The positioning motion, working forces and manipulator arm stiffness are all controlled by asynchronously modulated pulse streams which regulate the distribution of energy from a common source of fluid under constant pressure.

Abstract: A robot device is provided, particularly for scaling vertical surfaces, comprising a frame structure 1 having four sides 2 to 5, preferably in a rectangular configuration, adjacent ends of each of the sides 2 to 5 being pivotally coupled together by pivots 6. Each of the side members 2 to 5 is provided with suction devices 7 associated with the pivots 6 thereof and a linear actuator 9 is provided between two adjacent sides which is sequentially controlled by a microprocessor to sequentially change the configuration of the frame structure 1 to effect travelling movement of the robot device.

Abstract: An inflatable structure, particularly adapted for use in outer space, employs one or more inflatable links which are connected at a base of the structure. A distal end of an outer most link is provided with a gripper assembly which can be remote controlled, and suitable encoders are included to indicate the angular position of each of the links. The motors for driving the at least one link is situated at the base to thereby reduce the mass of the at least one link and correspondingly reduce moments of inertia during operation.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder and short lead screw driven travel arm or machinery movement unit achieving infinitely variable travel through the design limits of travel imposed thereon. In one working configuration using 1", 2", 4" and 8" travel pneumatic cylinders and a 1" travel screw together yield a sixteen inch travel range with an infinite range of fully programmable settings through selected activation of cylinders along with the selected vernier setting of the 1" threaded travel screw. The travel range of settings may be increased even further by adding additional travel cylinders and increased length travel guide structure adequate for such increased travel range of settings, for example, addition of a 5" travel cylinder extends the range of settings to a maximum of twenty one inches.

Abstract: A six-legged, insect-like, self-propelled walking robot (hexapodal arthrobot), includes twistor-pairs in the waist, hip and knee of each leg and walks by pr0gramming fluid pressure in these twistor-pairs at the joints of respective legs in a predetermined controlled sequence. As a result of a predetermined sequence of six controlled variable pressures, this six-legged robot firmly plants three of its legs on the ground for providing stable ground support for walking. The three legs on the ground are propelling the robot forward with walking motion, while the other three legs are lifted and swing forward to an advanced position and are then lowered onto the ground for taking over their support and walking role in their turn, while the first three legs are then being lifted and swung forward to an advanced position, and so forth, for providing a stable forward walking motion. By reversing the sequence of six controlled variable pressures, a stable reverse walking motion is produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a six-axis machine for locating an operator with respect to an object, and more particularly to a versatile machine tool in which the tool can be moved in three lineal directions and three rotational directions in relation to the surface of a workpiece.

Abstract: A multi-articulation robot formed of a plurality of rotary articulation mechanisms, rocking articulation mechanisms, rotary shafts and vertical rods so that the above mentioned rotary articulation mechanisms, rocking articulation mechanisms and rotary shafts may be sequentially controlled to move to any predetermined position a working attachment provided at the tip.

Abstract: A powered, electromechanical manipulator assembly is disclosed which includes an electrically powered input device coupled by a hydraulic circuit to a mechanical manipulator. The hydraulic circuit is a fixed-volume, closed circuit in which a master piston-cylinder assembly is driven by a D.C. motor and is hydraulically coupled for direct and proportional displacement of a slave piston-cylinder assembly to enable smooth, accurate and easily controlled displacement of a manipulator arm. The manipulator arm is formed of a plurality of modules each having a fixed- volume, closed, hydraulic circuit and a slave cylinder. Both the slave and master cylinders include ambient pressure surfaces which are exposed to the water pressure at the operating depth of the assembly so that variation in depth does not materially affect the response or dexterity of the remote manipulator apparatus. An improved terminal module or jaw assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular robotic system is provided with one or more robotic arm sets constructed from modular components and controlled by a central processor to displace an end effector or tool through a desired movement or movements as a function of time. Each arm set comprises a custom assembled combination of passive and active members of selected sizes and shapes, wherein each active member includes a drive motor for rotating a driven member with one degree of mechanical freedom. The active members of each arm set are connected to the central processor via a common communications cable for receiving position commands in the form of end effector position signals. The active members include individual on-board microprocessors for translating each end effector position signal to obtain individualized displacements of the active members which, in combination, result in the desired end effector displacement.

Abstract: A modular manipulation arm formed from successive elements, each of which can pivot relative to the preceding one about a pivot axis coinciding with the axis of the element in question, and can pivot relative to the following one about a pivot axis which meets the axis of the element in question obliquely. These pivotings are obtained by means of rotary jacks which cause a drive-shaft portion to rotate relative to the corresponding element and which immobilize it in the selected position. The jacks are each associated with a distributor, itself preferably controlled by a low-power electric motor. The connection between successive elements preferably comprises a cardan joint linking the elements and oblique bearing surfaces at the end of the drive-shaft portions.

Abstract: A machine includes a pair of spaced supports, one of which may mount an operator such as a tool in a spindle and the other of which may mount an object such as a workpiece. The spaced platforms are joined by six powered and extensible legs joined to the respective platforms by universal joints. The length of the legs is individually manipulated to vary the position of the platforms and therefore the object and operator relative to each other in six axes. The powered legs may be hydraulic cylinders or recirculating ball screw driven. The distance between the spaced platforms may be measured by separate instrument arms which join the platforms. The instrument arms may use a digital position device to measure the extension and contraction of the instrument arms or may use a laser interferometer for that purpose. The changes in the instrument arm's lengths may be used to generate signals which are used to control the extension and contraction of the powered legs.

Abstract: An arm structure for use in an articulated mechanism such as an industrial robot comprises a plurality of links operatively interconnected by articulations having respective actuators and actuatable by the actuators under a fluid pressure. Each of the links comprises a hollow cylindrical casing and an accumulator comprising a pipe extending axially through the casing and a rubber tube disposed around the pipe. The tube is radially inflatable by the pressure of the fluid supplied into the space between the pipe and the tube through small holes defined in the wall of the pipe and the cylindrical casing is pressurized.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure system for supplying a fluid under pressure includes a fluid pressure source for supplying the fluid pressure, an accumulator for storing part of the fluid from the fluid pressure source, the accumulator having a gas chamber filled with a high-pressure gas for pressurizing the stored fluid, and a structural member having a hermetically sealed space held in fluid communication with the gas chamber. The structural member comprises a link of an articulated mechanism interconnecting articulations, the link comprising a high polymer composite material and a metal material and having smaller-diameter portions joined to the articulations, respectively. The composite material comprises a prepreg which is either woven of weft threads extending parallel to an axis of the link and warp threads extending perpendicularly to the axis of the link, or woven of weft threads and warp threads which are inclined at about 54.75.degree. with respect to the axis of the link.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a fluid substance to a drilled hole as part of an automatic fastening machine. The fastener machine drills the hole in the workpiece, such as an aircraft wing panel, and then the substance applicator applies the substance to the hole, prior to subsequent installation of the fastener within the hole. The substance applicator, which is connected to a movable pressure foot, is pneumatically operated so that a head portion of the applicator is extended laterally over the hole, and a tip assembly in the head is extended vertically downward toward the hole. This operational sequence is accomplished by means of variable rate springs which bias the tip assembly and base to retracted positions. The substance is delivered to the tip assembly from a storage reservoir by means of a peristaltic pump. Positive shutoff of the substance to the tip assembly is achieved by a pivotally mounted shutoff arm assembly.

Abstract: Plural article transfer mechanisms are operated in timed sequence by an electronic control synchronized to a main drive shaft. Each article transfer mechanism transfers articles from a dead plate to a moving conveyor. An extensible-retractable pusher arm engages, moves and releases the articles between 90.degree. positions under control of a fluid motor mounted on a turntable. Operation of the fluid motor is based on rotary alignment of a pair of turntable ports with a pair of fluid supply channels in a turntable drive body. The turntable is stepped in rotary increments between 90.degree. positions by an electric stepping motor. The angular speed profile of the pusher arm between the 90.degree. positions is governed by a programmed electronic control, including a PROM, which drives the stepping motor. An adjustable finger clip assembly is snap-fitted on the pusher arm and provided with a handle for ease of replacement.

Abstract: A linear unit, particularly for a handling technology assembly device operatively connected to an external energy source and an external signal generator is proposed. The linear unit comprises a casing, a control valve incorporated into the casing, an actuator formed as a piston/cylinder unit and at least one guide device provided with a guide tube extended axially in parallel with the piston rod. In order to provide a closed pneumatic or hydraulic energy supply to the linear unit, the piston/cylinder unit is operatively connected by a first duct system integrated into the casing and by a second duct system integrated into the casing and the guide device to a mounting element which carries a gripper. The electric power can be supplied from the control valve via cables integrated into the casing and a second guide tube to the mounting element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible robot arm structure utilizing an elongate skeletal frame member which can be controlled to assume any of a number of curved shapes as in the performance of automated operations. The arm functions somewhat like the body of a snake or an elephant's trunk. The skeletal frame defines a plurality of similar elemental segments disclosed in the form of disc-like structures as well as turns in a helical loading configuration. The helical form includes interleaved flexible helix members interconnected in a chain-link form. Displacement of sections in the arm is accomplished by the action of two separate mechanisms. A deflection mechanism provides power to flex or curve an arm section while a distribution mechanism distributes the curvature along the length of the arm to seek a smooth, circular curve. Illustrative embodiments use hydraulic actuators integral with the frame; however, equivalents are disclosed. The resulting arm is a highly repetitive, mechanical structure.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a shaft rotatably mounted on a body, and a servovalve arranged to operate a vane motor for selectively rotating the shaft relative to the body. A portion of the shaft extends beyond the body. Supply and return passages are provided to the body and shaft so that fluid power supplied to the body is supplied to the servovalve and is also available at the end of the shaft beyond the body. Two or more such rotary actuators may be connected by intermediate brackets to provide a wrist actuator capable of movement about axes.

Abstract: A fluid cylinder assembly comprising a fluid cylinder having ports disposed at opposite ends thereof communicable with a source of fluid under pressure, a piston disposed in said cylinder having a first rod section extending through an end of said cylinder, extendable and retractable relative to said cylinder, the first piston rod section having an axial bore, a second piston rod section having a guide portion disposed in the axial bore of the first piston rod section and axially displaceable relative the first piston rod section, and means for detachably locking the first piston rod section to the second piston rod section.

Abstract: A multidigit arm contains a plurality of sections, each of which is positionable angularly and spatially to a predetermined degree with respect to an adjacent section. Control means are provided for selectively individually positioning each section within said arm with respect to an adjacent section, such control means including actuator means positioned within and carried by and between the arm sections. The arm may be formed into a variety of curves and position the arm end at a variety of positions.

Abstract: An industrial robot control device for use in an automobile manufacturing line for instance. The control device is capable of preventing incorrect or improper operations of the machines due to a voltage drop in a power source which occurs when the plurality of machines including the industrial robots are driven simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for the exchange of specimens, for example for X-ray analysis, comprises a bush which is secured to a piston accommodated in a cylinder so that displacement of a pressurized fluid in the cylinder displaces the piston and the bush parallel to a center line of the bush. When structure for restricting the displacement are provided, the specimens can be exchanged between two positions to be selected.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator for supporting a tool or workpiece, the manipulator including at least one rotary linear actuator adapted to be supported by a base and providing for controlled movement of a manipulator link with two degrees of freedom. The robotic manipulator includes a link assembly having one end spherically joined to a movable member for supporting the movable member, the movable member being adapted to support a tool or workpiece. The link assembly is articulated, and the opposite end of the link assembly is supported by a rotary linear actuator for linear movement in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the opposite end of the link assembly and for rotational movement about the axis defined by that linear movement.

Abstract: Arm device adapted to move and position a first basic part (6) relatively to a second basic part (4), comprising at least three arms (1,2,3,7) capable of being extended and shortened in a controlled manner, said arms being free to pivot in attachments (5) on the second basic part, while one attachment on the first basic part is rigid, and one of said arms is torisonally rigid. A third basic part (15) is connected to the first basic part through a joint (16), and at least one auxiliary arm (12,13) is at one end connected to one of the arms (7) through a joint, while the other end of the auxiliary arm is connected to the third basic part (15), and the lengths of the auxilary arm can be varied. Thereby is achieved that the arm device has a large number of degrees of freedom with respect to movement of the third basic part, which holds a tool or a tool holder. Moreover, the tool or the tool holder may be journalled for rotation relatively to the third basic part ( 15).

Abstract: A fluid actuated limb comprising an elongate flexible core member having a first plurality of bellows extending parallel to the core member and being radially spaced from the core member around substantially the entire circumference thereof. A second plurality of bellows are radially spaced from the core member and helically wrapped around the length of the core member in a first helical direction, and a third plurality of bellows are radially spaced from the core member and helically wrapped around the length thereof in a second helical direction opposite to the first helical direction. Fluid air pressure selectively applied to the limb results in limb movements including extension and contraction, bending with resistance to torsion, right hand and left hand rotation, and combinations of the aforementioned movements.

Abstract: A completely digital robot control operates at a predetermined sampling rate. The robot arm has a plurality of joints with each driven by an electric brushless or brush-type DC motor which is in turn supplied with drive current by a power amplifier bridge circuit having power switches connected therein to supply motor winding current in the forward or reverse direction.Incremental or absolute encoders and tachometers provide for generating digital position and velocity feedback signals generated synchronously with the sampling rate. Digital motor current feedback signals are also generated synchronously with the sampling rate.Paired position/velocity microprocessors generate torque commands for each of the robot axes at the sampling rate in response to the position commands and the position and velocity feedback signals. Paired torque microprocessors generate motor voltage commands for each of the robot axes at the sampling rate in response to the torque commands and the current feedback signals.

Abstract: The method and system employ strings of tension actuators in opposed relationship for controlling motions or deflections of jointed members: for example, for controlling the motions of arms, legs and elephant trunks or flexible antennae in robots and for controlling the deflections of beams and columns in frames and structures. These opposed tension actuators are inflated with controlled air pressures which are oppositely varied from a predetermined common-mode pressure P.sub.o (initial fluid pressure level P.sub.o). In other words, as one tension actuator is being inflated with pressure increasing above P.sub.o, the opposed tension actuator is being inflated with pressure decreasing below P.sub.o for producing motion or deflection of the jointed member in one direction, and conversely for producing motion or deflection in the other direction. The opposed tension actuators have their ends anchored to rigid movable plates or struts containing sockets for the respective joints.

Abstract: A hybrid robotic joint actuator utilizing both the quick response time of an electric motor and the high torque capacity of a pneumatic motor. In one preferred embodiment, the hybrid motor includes a pneumatic rotor coupled to an electric rotor in a common stator housing.

Abstract: A digital control for a robot having a plurality of arm joints includes an electric motor for driving each of the robot arm joints and a power amplifier operable to supply drive current to each motor. Pulse width modulators generate digital control signals for the power amplifiers.Feedback control loop means for each joint motor includes at least position, velocity and torque control loops operable to control the associated power amplifier. Motor position, velocity and drive current feedback signals are generated for the control loop means for all of the robot axes.A position/velocity microprocessor control executes a planning program to generate a time profile including acceleration, slew and deceleration time segments for implementing each commanded robot program move.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable robot arm is vertically provided on a machine base through a first universal joint, with X and Y horizontal axes being defined passing through the center of rotation of the joint crossing each other at right angles and a vertical Z axes being defined as a longitudinal axis of the arm passing through the center of rotation of the joint. A pair of driving sources are provided on the machine base and connected to the arm for causing the arm to incline in the X axis direction along an X-Z plane define by the X and Z axes and in the Y axis direction along a Y-Z plane defined by the Y and Z axes. A tool attaching plate is mounted on the upper end of the arm through a second universal joint having its center of rotation positioned on the Z axis. A parallel ruler mechanism is provided between the attaching plate and the machine base so as to keep the posture of the attaching plate constant.

Abstract: In the commercial production of licorice bites, each about 1 inch long, a group of extruded 54-inch licorice strips are lifted by a programmable controlled robot from the discharge end of a lower conveyor and deposited at the input end of an upper conveyor which carries the strips to a cutting station. The robot hand has a lower stainless steel blade for insertion under the group of licorice strips to wedge the sticky strips from a board on which they are being carried by the lower conveyor. The robot hand includes an upper bar. The bar is moved relative to the blade after insertion of the blade under the licorice strips, thereby clamping the strips between the bar and the blade. The arm of the robot then lifts the hand and clamped group of licorice strips and deposits the front ends of the strips at the input of the upper conveyor.

Abstract: The method and system employing double-acting, fluid-driven, twistor-pairs as combined flexural supports, joints, torque motors and linear-response angular deflectors in arms and legs of robots. Thus, the twistor-pairs at each joint advantageously serves as hinge or flexural support for the limb supported by the joint and simultaneously serves as double-acting turning motor for moving the portions of the arm or leg supported by the twistor pair. Various jointed-arm or jointed-leg robots, called "arthrobots" are shown embodying the invention. Controllably varying fluid pressure P.sub.1 and R.sub.2 (usually pressurized air) fed into elastic shells forming respective fluid chambers of a double-acting, twistor-pair at each joint, deflects a limb into predetermined predictable angular positions, depending upon these pressures.

Abstract: A contractility actuator includes a longitudinal quadrilateral mesh of relatively inelastic segments with anchor points at either end, an expandable bladder confined within the mesh and means for introducing and inflating the bladder with a liquid for generating a contractile force between the anchor points mechanically analogous to a muscle but of much greater magnitude. Two or more of the contractile actuators are arranged in a system for precisely articulating one or more arms pivotally secured at the distal ends of a structural member.

Abstract: A manipulator for engaging a pouring tube (11) with a discharge gate of a pouring ladle comprises a post (3) and a boom (4), which is adjustably mounted on the post (3) and adapted to carry the pouring tube (11). To provide for a simple sequence of movements and a simple control, the post (3) is pivoted to a base (1) on a horizontal axis (2), the boom (4) is pivoted to the post (3) on an axis (5), which is parallel to the pivotal axis of the post (3), and the post (3) and the boom (4) are pivotally movable about their respective pivotal axes by respective torque cylinders (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot comprising a positioning head (7) which is moved to the desired position with the aid of setting devices (1) which can be lengthened or shortened. Each setting device (1) is secured via a first joint (4) in a fixed frame (5), enabling each setting device (1) to pivot freely in relation to the frame. Each setting device (1) is attached via a second joint (6) to the movable positioning head (7). An arm (8) extending from the positioning head (7) is located between the setting devices and extends through the central opening of a universal joint (11) supported by the frame (5). The arm is movable in axial direction in relation to the joint and is controlled thereby in radial direction. It can also be set at different angles to the frame (5).

Abstract: A robot wrist actuator includes a mechanical joint having a forward and a rearward bearing assembly. The bearing assemblies rotate about respective spaced-apart center points positioned along a primary axis. Each bearing assembly includes an outer and an inner bearing. The outer and the inner bearings pivot about respective axes that are substantially perpendicular to each other and intersect at the respective center point. First and second linkage assemblies for transmitting motion from the rearward bearing assembly to the forward bearing assembly are rotatably secured to a housing. The first linkage assembly is attached to the forward outer bearing at one end and to the rearward outer bearing at another end. The second linkage assembly is attached to the forward inner bearing at one end and to the rearward inner bearing at the other end. A drive assembly provides motive force to the rearward bearing assembly. A tool member adapted for tool attachment is attached to the forward outer bearing.

Abstract: A device for carrying and adjusting a tool has a frame and a base member which is rotatably connected to the frame about a first axis with a main arm pivotally connected at one end to the base member and at the other end to a lifting-arm holder with a yoke pivotally connected at its central portion to the main arm at some distance from one end thereof. A piston rod part of a first cylinder assembly is pivotally connected to a projection projecting at an angle from the main arm, and its cylinder part is pivotally connected to one arm of the yoke with a piston rod part of a second cylinder assembly pivotally connected to the base member and its cylinder part pivotally connected to the other arm of the yoke and with a link arm parallel to the main arm pivotally connected at one end to the other arm of the yoke and pivotally connected at its other end to the lifting-arm holder.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable arm is constituted by a plurality of expandable and contractable units and connecting devices including universal joints for serially interconnecting the units into the arm. Each unit includes at least three expandable and contractable operating members in the form of link mechanisms or double thread type expandable and contractable rods, and actuating devices for equally or unequally expanding and contracting the operating members so as to increase or decrease distances between the connecting members while maintaining them in parallel or inclined with respect to each other.

Abstract: A programmable automatic assembly system is provided which may be employed to assemble small parts. Each assembly station includes cooperating manipulator arms which are programmable to assemble parts on a centrally located work table. Improved facilities are provided for teaching the manipulator arms at each station, these facilities including a computer which assists the teaching operator in setting up the programs required for assembly of small parts to close tolerances. Each manipulator arm includes closed loop teach facilities for maintaining the arm at a previously located position during the teaching mode of operation. The computer is employed as a teach assist facility in performing a number of tasks during the teaching operation which are extremely difficult for the operator to perform manually. All of the assembly stations may be controlled during playback from a common disc storage facility so that the control circuitry and memory storage facilities at each manipulator are minimized.