Abstract: Manipulator end effector apparatus equipped with sensing capabilities attached to the manipulator arm for location of tubing or filamentary bodies is provided. The end effector picks up tubing with vacuum assisted bellows and presents it to the open jaws of two hooks in between a pair of rubber covered wheels. The rubber covered wheels rotate to advance the tubing to a work piece for insertion, assembly, testing, or inspection. If the tubing is clamped at the distal end, transfer to another section of the working surface is accomplished by simple sliding through the hooks while suitable guided by a robot arm. In another separate arrangement, a static manipulator fixed to the working surface is used to move the tubing longitudinally, or rotated on its axis for similar manufacturing or inspection steps.

Abstract: A system for the automated threading of catheters with cables, wires or fluid conductors during their manufacture is presented. The system provides for a vacuum catheter sheath clamping and enlarging mechanism that facilitates the treading of catheters within very tight confines. The system also provides for rotating needle and or conductor pushing and pulling mechanisms to allow the rapid threading of the catheters with carefully controlled parameters. These pushing and pulling mechanisms are monitored through force, torque, and position sensors so that materials are not damaged during manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote measurement, control, and supervision, via a wired or wireless network connection, of the flow of gas, allowing fully opening or closing a valve in case of an emergency or for administrative purposes. The apparatus also provides for flow pressure, barometric pressure, and a temperature compensated gas flow meter. The apparatus obtains the number of revolutions of a rotor which delivers a fixed amount of gas per revolution and compensates for gas bypassing the rotor. The apparatus is self-powered by the energy produced by an electric generator coupled to the flow measurement rotor. The surplus energy not used by the electronic components in measuring and reporting is stored for the operation of the rotary control valve. The apparatus is housed in a planar base plate that allows servicing from one side of the system. The apparatus uses an energy storage management system for the controlled charging and use of the apparatus in an intrinsically safe manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for the remote measurement, control, and supervision, via a wired or wireless network connection, of the flow of gas, allowing fully opening or closing a valve in case of an emergency or for administrative purposes. The apparatus also provides for flow pressure, barometric pressure, and a temperature compensated gas flow meter. The apparatus obtains the number of revolutions of a rotor which delivers a fixed amount of gas per revolution and compensates for gas bypassing the rotor. The apparatus is self powered by the energy produced by an electric generator coupled to the flow measurement rotor. The surplus energy not used by the electronic components in measuring and reporting is stored for the operation of the rotary control valve. The apparatus is housed in a planar base plate that allows servicing from one side of the system. The apparatus uses an energy storage management system for the controlled charging and use of the apparatus in an intrinsically safe manner.