Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.

Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.

Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.

Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.

Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.

Abstract: A lifting and lowering apparatus may include: at least one cable, at least one pulley connected to the at least one cable, at least one drive member connected to the at least one cable for driving the at least one cable in at least one direction, a moveable payload attachment member for attaching to a payload to be at least one of lifted and lowered, an attachment member guide attached to the moveable payload attachment member, and an alignment guide for positioning at a position. The moveable payload attachment member may be at least one of lifted and lowered by the at least one cable. Both the attachment member guide and the alignment guide may be shaped to force the attachment member guide into a pre-determined mating position and orientation against the alignment guide at the position.

Abstract: Data is remotely collected from a plurality of fasteners in response to a query signal wirelessly transmitted by a reader. Each of the fasteners includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to the stress on the fastener. A device adapted to be attached to each of the fasteners receives the query signal, activates the sensor to measure the parameter and wirelessly transmits the data including the parameter to the reader.

Abstract: A lifting and lowering apparatus may include: at least one cable, at least one pulley connected to the at least one cable, at least one drive member connected to the at least one cable for driving the at least one cable in at least one direction, a moveable payload attachment member for attaching to a payload to be at least one of lifted and lowered, an attachment member guide attached to the moveable payload attachment member, and an alignment guide for positioning at a position. The moveable payload attachment member may be at least one of lifted and lowered by the at least one cable. Both the attachment member guide and the alignment guide may be shaped to force the attachment member guide into a pre-determined mating position and orientation against the alignment guide at the position.

Abstract: A real time location system has a plurality of tag devices. Each tag device has a unique identification code. Each tag device will transmit a location signal when activated. A plurality of location receivers are installed in a fixed location. The location receivers will receive the location signal and calculate a location of the tag device transmitting the location signal. A signal mechanism is coupled to an I/O port of each tag device. The location mechanism provides at least one of an audible signal or visual signal when activated. A location reader is provided. The location reader receives the location data transmitted by the plurality of location receivers to enable a person to locate the tag device transmitting the location signal.

Abstract: A real time location system has a plurality of tag devices. Each tag device has a unique identification code. Each tag device will transmit a location signal when activated. A plurality of location receivers are installed in a fixed location. The location receivers will receive the location signal and calculate a location of the tag device transmitting the location signal. A signal mechanism is coupled to an I/O port of each tag device. The location mechanism provides at least one of an audible signal or visual signal when activated. A location reader is provided. The location reader receives the location data transmitted by the plurality of location receivers to enable a person to locate the tag device transmitting the location signal.

Abstract: An inventory management system and method for replenishing manufacturing kits includes a shelving system, a mobile pick station, a data server, and a network node proxy. The mobile pick station communicates with both the shelving system via the network node proxy, and to the data server via a communications interface. Manufacturing kit specification data is supplied to the system through the data server and is thus used to generate a map of the manufacturing kit onto a touchscreen display located on the mobile pick station. The map displays the type, quantity, and placement of parts within the manufacturing kit. System components are tracked using a barcode system that reduces the frequency of incorrectly selected and placed parts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for avoiding collisions and detecting objects proximate to a surface. In one embodiment, a system for collision avoidance includes at least one sensor adapted to sense an object above a lift device and a controller linked to the at least one sensor and linked to the drive components of the device and adapted to interrupt operation of the lift drive when the lift device approaches or touches the object. In another aspect of the invention, at least one controller is linked between at least one hand control and at least one drive adapted to move a lift device, the controller being adapted to interrupt operation of the drive when the lift device approaches or touches an object.

Abstract: An inventory management system and method for replenishing manufacturing kits includes a shelving system, a mobile pick station, a data server, and a network node proxy. The mobile pick station communicates with both the shelving system via the network node proxy, and to the data server via a communications interface. Manufacturing kit specification data is supplied to the system through the data server and is thus used to generate a map of the manufacturing kit onto a touchscreen display located on the mobile pick station. The map displays the type, quantity, and placement of parts within the manufacturing kit. System components are tracked using a barcode system that reduces the frequency of incorrectly selected and placed parts.

Abstract: An inventory management system and method for replenishing manufacturing kits includes a shelving system, a mobile pick station, a data server, and a network node proxy. The mobile pick station communicates with both the shelving system via the network node proxy, and to the data server via a communications interface. Manufacturing kit specification data is supplied to the system through the data server and is thus used to generate a map of the manufacturing kit onto a touchscreen display located on the mobile pick station. The map displays the type, quantity, and placement of parts within the manufacturing kit. System components are tracked using a barcode system that reduces the frequency of incorrectly selected and placed parts.

Abstract: A system for real-time video image display for robotics or remote-vehicle teleoperation having at least one robot arm or remotely operated vehicle controlled by an operator through hand-controllers, and one or more television cameras and optional lighting elements. The system has at least one television monitor for display of a television image from a selected one of the cameras and the ability to select one of the cameras for image display.