Abstract: A mechanical clamp may include an actuator having an end that is movable. The mechanical clamp may include a base link with a first link end configured to be movably coupled to a link pivot point and with a second link end movably coupled to the end of the actuator. The mechanical clamp may include a clamp arm including: a clamp interface, a first arm coupling element, and a second arm coupling element mounted to a clamp pivot point, where the first arm coupling element and the clamp interface are configured to rotate about the clamp pivot point. The mechanical clamp may include a compressible link the couples the second link end with the first arm coupling element, where rotation of the second link end about the link pivot point causes the compressible link to exert force against the first arm coupling element.

Abstract: A system can form a part in an initial geometry into a desired geometry. The system may include a roller tool and a robot arm that: (a) presses the roller tool onto a surface of the part and (b) moves the pressed roller tool along the surface of the part to form the desired geometry. The roller tool includes a ball and a support with a socket that receives the ball and enables the ball to rotate in the socket. The support may include a channel configured to carry fluid through the support toward the ball or away from the ball. The socket may deform such that contact area of the ball with the socket increases in response to the ball being pressed onto the surface above a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A tool holder assembly may include: an internal cavity, a drawbar in the internal cavity and extending through a tunnel at a first cavity end of the internal cavity, a spring positioned in the internal cavity to press or pull the drawbar away from the tunnel and toward a second cavity end opposite the first cavity end, a piston in the internal cavity and positioned between the drawbar and the second cavity end; and a port configured to allow fluid to enter the internal cavity between the piston and the second cavity end.

Abstract: A deployable robotic system includes a set of frames with coupler elements coupled together to form one or more pivot points. The set of frames are configured to (a) fold into a first structure having one or more external dimensions of an intermodal freight shipping container and (b) unfold into a part of a robotic part forming system comprising: a robotic arm with a base coupled to a first frame of the set of frames. The robotic arm includes an actuator system configured to control motion of the robotic arm through space.

Abstract: A mechanical stabilization system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system includes an actuator and a stabilizer that are configured to work in concert. The actuator and stabilizer are disposed in a housing of the battery assembly. The system may be implemented by depression of the actuator disposed in the housing, which causes the stabilizer to retract a support post into the housing. The depression can occur during a docking operation of the battery assembly with a lift mechanism for an electric vehicle. When the actuator is released, the support post automatically reverts to its previous, deployed state. The support post is configured to maintain the battery assembly in a stable configuration when the battery assembly is separated from the electric vehicle.

Abstract: An automated connection and disconnection system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be implemented by a first component of an electric vehicle and a second component of the battery assembly. The first component includes a linear actuator that is configured to push a set of electrical connectors associated with the electric vehicle outward and establish a connection with a corresponding set of electrical connectors associated with the battery assembly. The process of connecting or docking the battery assembly to the electric vehicle is thereby automated and the time needed to exchange batteries is reduced. The system further includes provisions for ensuring the two components remain aligned relative to one another during docking.

Abstract: A zero emissions electrically powered haul truck is disclosed. The haul truck has a 40 metric ton hauling capacity and a form factor that allows the truck to travel through underground mines. The truck also includes a primary battery assembly that is externally mounted along the front and sides of the truck.

Abstract: A zero emissions electrically powered haul truck is disclosed. The haul truck has a 40 metric ton hauling capacity and a form factor that allows the truck to travel through underground mines. The truck also includes a primary battery assembly that is externally mounted along the front and sides of the truck.

Abstract: An automated connection and disconnection system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system may be implemented by a first component of an electric vehicle and a second component of the battery assembly. The first component includes a linear actuator that is configured to push a set of electrical connectors associated with the electric vehicle outward and establish a connection with a corresponding set of electrical connectors associated with the battery assembly. The process of connecting or docking the battery assembly to the electric vehicle is thereby automated and the time needed to exchange batteries is reduced. The system further includes provisions for ensuring the two components remain aligned relative to one another during docking.

Abstract: An electric vehicle may include a frame, a set of wheels, and an electric propulsion system comprising an electric motor and a primary battery assembly including a first battery pack that powers the electric motor. The vehicle may also include an auxiliary battery pack configured to power the electric motor when the primary battery assembly is disconnected from the electric motor. The primary battery assembly may be non-destructively removable from the frame. In addition, the auxiliary battery pack may be fixedly attached to the frame.

Abstract: An electric power distribution system and method for an electric mining machine is described. In one embodiment, a method for electric power distribution includes receiving information associated with a state of charge of a first battery pack that supplies electric power to a front electric motor configured to drive a front axle of an electric mining machine. The method also includes receiving information associated with a state of charge of a second battery pack that supplies electric power to a rear electric motor configured to drive a rear axle of the electric mining machine. The method includes comparing the state of charge of the first battery pack and the second battery pack and, upon determining that the state of charge of the second battery pack is greater than the state of charge of the first battery pack, increasing electric power to the rear electric motor of the electric mining machine.

Abstract: A mechanical stabilization system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system includes an actuator and a stabilizer that are configured to work in concert. The actuator and stabilizer are disposed in a housing of the battery assembly. The system may be implemented by depression of the actuator disposed in the housing, which causes the stabilizer to retract a support post into the housing. The depression can occur during a docking operation of the battery assembly with a lift mechanism for an electric vehicle. When the actuator is released, the support post automatically reverts to its previous, deployed state. The support post is configured to maintain the battery assembly in a stable configuration when the battery assembly is separated from the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A modular cover for a battery system and a method for assembling the modular cover are disclosed. The apparatus can include a first modular segment and a second modular segment that are interconnected. The modular cover can be expanded in size for use with different types of battery systems and housings.

Abstract: A brake release system for a vehicle is described to transfer mechanical movement between two hydraulic actuators. The system includes a first hydraulic system on a removable portion of the vehicle and a second hydraulic system on a main chassis of the vehicle. The two hydraulic systems are mechanically engaged with each other where the removable portion of the vehicle attaches to the main chassis. In this way, a force applied to the removable portion of the vehicle when the vehicle's tow hook is engaged may be transferred to release the parking brake on the main chassis without a hydraulic connection between the removable portion and the main chassis. This may be useful when a removable battery frame with a tow hook makes up a separable rear portion of an electric vehicle, allowing the battery frame to be quickly and efficiently removed from the main chassis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic power distribution system and method for an electric mining machine is described. In one embodiment, the electric mining machine includes a first pump motor configured to drive a first hydraulic pump and a second pump motor configured to drive a second hydraulic pump. The electric mining machine further includes a first battery pack supplying electric power to the first pump motor and a second battery pack supplying electric power to the second pump motor. A hydraulic control system in communication with at least the first battery pack, the first pump motor, the first hydraulic pump, the second battery pack, the second pump motor, and the second hydraulic pump is configured to independently control each of the first hydraulic pump and the second hydraulic pump so that a combined hydraulic power output satisfies 100% of a hydraulic power output demand for the electric mining machine.

Abstract: A mechanical stabilization system for a battery assembly is disclosed. The system includes an actuator and a stabilizer that are configured to work in concert. The actuator and stabilizer are disposed in a housing of the battery assembly. The system may be implemented by depression of the actuator disposed in the housing, which causes the stabilizer to retract a support post into the housing. The depression can occur during a docking operation of the battery assembly with a lift mechanism for an electric vehicle. When the actuator is released, the support post automatically reverts to its previous, deployed state. The support post is configured to maintain the battery assembly in a stable configuration when the battery assembly is separated from the electric vehicle.