Abstract: A pivot unit comprising a linear actuator; a rod assembly driven by the linear actuator; an output shaft driven by the rod assembly; a housing enclosing the rod assembly and a portion of the output shaft, and attached to the linear actuator; a saddle driven by the output shaft; a first stop arm operatively attached to the first arm and a first end of the output shaft; a second stop arm operatively attached to the second arm and a second end of the output shaft; a first shock absorber secured to a first side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the first stop arm; and a second shock absorber secured to a second side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the second stop arm.

Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a cord winder device that may include a housing that may include a first segment and a second segment. The product may further include a roller assembly positioned between the first segment and the second segment. The cord winder device may further include a lever assembly positioned between the first segment and the second segment. The cord winder device may further include a handle assembly in mechanical communication with the roller assembly. The cord winder device may be constructed and arranged to feed out or retract in cord, hose, cable, or the like.

Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a cord winder device that may include a housing that may include a first segment and a second segment. The product may further include a roller assembly positioned between the first segment and the second segment. The cord winder device may further include a lever assembly positioned between the first segment and the second segment. The cord winder device may further include a handle assembly in mechanical communication with the roller assembly. The cord winder device may be constructed and arranged to feed out or retract in cord, hose, cable, or the like.

Abstract: A pivot unit comprising a linear actuator; a rod assembly driven by the linear actuator; an output shaft driven by the rod assembly; a housing enclosing the rod assembly and a portion of the output shaft, and attached to the linear actuator; a saddle driven by the output shaft; a first stop arm operatively attached to the first arm and a first end of the output shaft; a second stop arm operatively attached to the second arm and a second end of the output shaft; a first shock absorber secured to a first side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the first stop arm; and a second shock absorber secured to a second side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the second stop arm.

Abstract: A multi-axis coupling apparatus for adjustably mounting modular tooling members. The multi-axis coupling apparatus provides a hinged first coupling member connectable to a substantially cylindrical boom for providing linear and rotational adjustment along and about a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical boom. A second member is connected to the hinged first member and is connectable to a modular tool for providing adjustment to the modular tooling member about and along an axis extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical boom.

Abstract: An apparatus for incrementally adjusting a modular tooling coupling. The present invention provides a first coupling member adaptable to receive a first portion of a modular tool wherein the first coupling member has a contoured surface. A spacer provides a first contoured surface for matingly engaging the contoured surface of the first coupling member and a second contoured surface that is misaligned with respect to the first contoured surface of the spacer. A second coupling member is adaptable to receive a second portion of the modular tool, and the second coupling member has a contoured surface for matingly engaging the second contoured surface of the spacer for providing incremental angular adjustment of the first coupling member relative to the second coupling member.

Abstract: A quick disconnect tooling apparatus for releasably latching an end effector tool to a manipulator. The present invention provides a base module connectable to a manipulator, and a tool module connectable to the end effector tool. A power source coupling has a first portion coupled to the base module, and a second portion coupled to the tool module, wherein the first and second portions of the power source coupling may cooperatively engage one another to allow for the passing of power between the manipulator and the end effector tool.

Abstract: A method for generating and controlling the source of vacuum produced from a source of pressurized air in communication with at least one vacuum responsive device wherein the present invention maintains the operating conditions of the system during the loss and resumption of power. The present invention provides at least one venturi for creating a vacuum through a flow of pressurized air. The present invention selectively provides a flow of pressurized air from a pressurized air source to the vacuum creating means and selectively provides a flow of pressurized air to the vacuum responsive device. A last function valve communicates with the selective providing of pressurized air to maintain the operating condition of the vacuum responsive device during the loss and resumption of power.

Abstract: A vacuum control apparatus for generating and controlling the source of vacuum produced from a source of pressurized air in communication with at least one vacuum responsive device wherein the vacuum control apparatus maintains the operating conditions of the system during the loss and resumption of power. The vacuum control apparatus provides at least one venturi for creating a vacuum through a flow of pressurized air. A first valve train selectively provides a flow of pressurized air from a pressurized air source to the vacuum creating means. A second valve train communicates with the pressurized air source to selectively provide a flow of pressurized air to the vacuum responsive device. A last function valve communicates with the first and second valve trains and a pressurized air source to maintain the operating condition of the vacuum control apparatus during the loss and resumption of power to the first and second valve trains.