Abstract: An automated mobile workshop composed of a workstation equipped with at least one tool for performing work, a transporter for moving the mobile workstation from one location to another, sensors for detecting the location of the workstation with respect to the site on which work is to be performed, and a programming center for receiving and storing information relating to the objects on which work is to be performed, as well as technical specifications of the tools available to perform the work.

Abstract: Self-contained apparatus able to move along a non-horizontal surface and comprising a first train and a second train (48) connected to the first train by devices allowing to obtain a relative displacement by translation and rotation in a plane parallel to the surface, and first and second holding devices (2) carried respectively by the first and the second trains and able to fix removably the apparatus on the surface, wherein the holding devices carried by at least one of the trains are connected to the train through devices capable of displacing said train with respect to the holding devices in a direction perpendicular to the surface. Preferably, the holding devices (2) of the first train are comprised of a plurality of adherence devices forming a polygon and arranged outside the center of the holding devices of the second train, and the apparatus further comprises a processing or inspection tool (60) mounted so as to pivot with respect to the first train.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for maintaining on a non-horizontal surface an apparatus adapted to move along said surface.Said device consists, according to the invention, of a support (1) adapted to move normally to the surface carrying the apparatus, of a rocking lever (5) having a flexibility held within a certain range to allow it to accommodate changes in curvature, and of at least two suction cups mounted close to the ends of the rocking lever. There is thus afforded a more reliable, less expensive holding effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a carrier member onto the lip of a container is provided. The apparatus includes a stationary base unit and first stretcher elements fixed to the base unit for engaging one of the pair of openings of the carrier member by its inner peripheral edge. The apparatus also includes second stretcher elements that are movable with respect to the base unit from an inner position to an outer position for engaging the other of the pair of openings of the carrier member by its inner peripheral edge. The apparatus further includes a single enlongated handle and a pair of interacting lever arms that cooperate to move the second stretcher elements from the inner position to the outer position to stretch the pair of openings a distance sufficient to allow each of the pair of openings to receive the lip of the container. The apparatus further includes a lifting plate for elevating the assembled carrier member and containers in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the base unit.

Abstract: A robot system is disclosed comprising a robot having a plurality of articulated members, actuator jacks for effecting movements (locomotion or other operations) of the articulated members, and a data processing unit controlling the jack actuators. One articulated member is pivotally mounted about three separate axes intersecting at a first fixed point. Two jack actuators are provided for the one articulated member. Two ball joints articulate the jack actuators to the one articulated member about two points separate from and out of alignment with the first fixed point and two other ball joints articulate the jack actuators about respective second and third points also separate from and out of alignment with the first fixed point. The one articulated member comprises a perpendicular plate, the two points articulated to the jack actuators being disposed at the plate and the axes of the two jack actuators lying in mutually perpendicular planes.

Abstract: The device engages the hand of the operator and maintains same in a fixed position while permitting movement of the fingers. A first rigid part is adapted to be situated adjacent the palm. A second rigid part, aligned with the first part, is adapted to be situated adjacent the back of the hand. The first and second parts are mounted in a fixed, spaced relationship to engage the hand therebetween. The pushbuttons are mounted in sets, each set being aligned with a different finger and adapted to be operated by the pivotal movements of the finger in its plane as the finger is moved relative to the palm.