Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a plug having a ferrule, a housing sleeved on the plug, a frame slidably positioned on the housing, and a shutter rotatably mounted on the frame. The shutter includes a covering portion for covering the ferrule and a rotating portion formed on the covering portion. The housing forms a urging portion adjacent to the ferrule implementing the rotating portion and rotating the covering portion to cover the ferrule when the frame slides on the housing to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A device other than a projectile including: a casing, at least a portion of which contains a potting material acting as the optical waveguide material; a transmitter for transmitting a pulse based signal at least partially through the potting material; and a receiver for receiving the pulse based signal after one or more reflections of the pulse based signal from interior surfaces of the casing; the pulse based signal having a pulse rate configured such that a subsequent pulse doesn't interfere with reflections from an immediately previous pulse.

Abstract: An optical connector and lens block connecting structure includes a substrate, an optical element, a lens frame including two side ribs, and a fore rib, a lens block for bending the optical path of the optical element to convert into an optical path parallel to the substrate, an optical connector provided at a fore end of an optical fiber cable, an optical connector frame including two side ribs and a rear rib, and an elastic member interposed between the rear rib of the optical connector frame and the optical connector. The optical connector frame is fixed to the substrate such that the optical connector is mounted to the lens block while the rear rib of the optical connector frame allows the elastic member to press the optical connector toward the lens block.

Abstract: A device for installing an optical fiber in a connector, comprising an optical fiber cleaving mechanism (51), a connector holding means and a fiber insertion mechanism (55) arranged such that an optical fiber may be cleaved by the cleaving mechanism to produce an end of the fiber, and the end of the fiber may be inserted by means of the insertion mechanism into a connector (1) held by the connector holding means (53).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an enhanced magnetic directional mount for mounting, positioning, and orienting an electronic device such as a camera. In this enhanced mount, the base mounting surface is configured to maximize the extent of adjustment and ease of adjustability of the electronic device, and the base mounting surface and housing mounting surface are designed to provide smooth and secure movement in the electronic device position. Additionally, the enhanced magnetic mount includes attachments designed to affix the magnetic mount to a horizontal or vertical flat surface such as a desk or a wall, and an attachment designed to effectively mount and use the electronic device from a window.

Abstract: A camera platform locking device, including a housing, for preventing the components from exiting; in the housing from the top down are configured: a sphere, for providing a support to the camera; a locking mechanism, arranged underneath the sphere, for working with the housing to lock the sphere inside the housing; a platform base, arranged underneath the locking mechanism, and fixedly connected to the housing, for providing a support to the locking mechanism. A camera platform locking device of this invention may allow two regulating assemblies to gain distinguished moving distances for achieving different regulation purposes when rotating each knob of the regulating assemblies with the same angle so as to improve the regulation performance of the locking device.

Abstract: A barrier device in which excessive relative displacements of barrier blades in an optical axis direction are restricted to ensure a normal opening and closing operation of the barrier blades. The barrier device has second, first, and third barrier blades disposed in this order in the optical axis direction. Restriction portions of the first barrier blades have through portions extending from shielding portions in the optical axis direction and extending through elongated holes of the second barrier blades, and have extension portions extending parallel to the shielding portions from image-plane-side ends of the through portions and positioned on the image plane side of the second barrier blades. During the entire stroke of opening and closing of the barrier blades, the extension portions can be engaged with the shielding portions, whereby the second barrier blades are restricted from moving away from the first barrier blades.

Abstract: A lens adaptor includes a first mount formed at one side of the lens adaptor and coupled to a body mount of a lens changeable photographing apparatus, a second mount formed at the other side of the lens adaptor, to which a lens mount of a lens is coupled, an aperture lever arranged to contact an aperture pin of the lens when the lens mount of the lens is coupled to the second mount, and an aperture ring capable of moving the aperture pin of the lens via the aperture lever, due to rotation, when the lens mount of the lens is coupled to the second mount.

Abstract: An intermediate accessory enables a camera and an exchange lens to communicate with each other through an information processor configured to provide predetermined processing for information received from one of the camera and the exchange lens, and to transmit information that has undergone the predetermined processing, to the other of the camera and the exchange lens, while the camera and the exchange lens are being attached. The intermediate accessory obtains lens identification information from the exchange lens, which is used to identify the exchange lens. The intermediate accessory enables a camera and an exchange lens to communicate with each other without intervening the information processor and transfers to an operation restricting mode used to restrict at least part of an operation the intermediate accessory, when the lens identification information indicates a specific exchange lens that does not require the predetermined processing.

Abstract: The invention describes a sheet conveying device having a feed tray for storing sheets, a first conveying path for conveying a first sheet in a first direction, a feed roller that feeds the sheets in the feed tray to the first conveying path, a second conveying path that connects the first conveying path and the feed tray, and conveys the first sheet in a direction opposite the first direction, and a multiple feed guide in the second conveying path, which has a guide for guiding the first sheet between the feed roller and the feed tray, and an overlying portion which overlies the feed tray on one side of the feed roller. The feed roller feeds the first sheet that was fed to the first conveying path, and was guided by the multiple feed guide, back to the first conveying path. A duplex printer incorporates this sheet conveying device.

Abstract: An ultra compact mobile keyboard. The keyboard has a plurality of mechanical keys suitable for touch typing. Each such key has a travel distance sufficient to provide a touch type feel and a rigid cap for crisp actuation by a user. The keyboard has a deployed configuration for touch-typing use and a collapsed configuration for transport and storage. In the collapsed configuration, the keyboard fits within bounding volume of less than 180 cubic centimeters.

Abstract: A finger grip for a writing instrument such as a pen or pencil, which has an external concave depression for receiving the ball of a middle finger, and a longitudinal bore through its center which is threaded to screw upon the barrel of any handwriting instrument which has been externally threaded to accommodate it. The depression provides stability and comfort while using only the thumb and middle finger to write. The passive exclusion of the index finger from the process of gripping and moving the instrument provides a simpler dexterous hand coordination which can result in improved and faster handwriting.

Abstract: A new lip balm, cosmetic, or personal care product dispenser using a non-lethal shotgun shell hull that will accept an industry standard 0.15 ounce twist-base balm dispenser, providing increased turning friction and a tighter fitting cap. A new type of lip balm dispenser that solves the problems associated with old standard tubular balm dispensers. Standard 0.15 ounce lip balm tubes have a knurled twist base that inadvertently rotates in your jacket or pants pocket while people are engaged in outdoor activities such as walking, working, biking, hiking, hunting or fishing. As the tube base twists inside your pocket, the balm itself is wormed outward and mashed into the cap, creating a gooey mess. Also, standard lip balm tube caps come off easily in your pocket which is another big messy problem. The newly invented dispenser prevents a gooey mess in your pocket, purse, jacket or luggage.

Abstract: An electronic pen having a retractable nib for interacting with a surface. The pen comprises a slidably movable cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface, a retraction mechanism for retracting the cartridge, an actuator coupled to the retraction mechanism, a force sensor providing a reaction to an axial force transmitted from the cartridge, and a processor configured for generating force data indicative of a force detected by the force sensor. The retraction mechanism comprises a barrel for receiving the cartridge, which is adapted for seating the cartridge in either an extended position or a retracted position, whereby the axial force from the cartridge is transmitted to the barrel in the extended position. A biasing mechanism biases the cartridge towards the extended or retracted positions.

Abstract: A prong style file fastener, and method of manufacturer, is disclosed which has a protective element to prevent damage to paper documents and personal injury. In one embodiment, the prongs of the fastener is covered with a heat shrinkable sheath. In another, the prongs are overcoated with a powder coating which is melted thereon.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism includes an elongate plate having a longitudinal axis. Hinge plates are supported by the plate for pivoting relative to the elongate plate. Ring members are mounted on the hinge plates and moveable between a closed position and an open position. A control structure is supported by the elongate plate and controllably pivots the hinge plates to move the ring members between the closed and open positions. The control structure has a travel bar connected to the hinge plates for moving the hinge plates between the closed and open positions. A spring biases the travel bar toward the closed position.

Abstract: A cover (10) is disclosed for holding objects such as papers and reports. The cover (10) is formed of a member (12) having a front cover (14), a spine (16) and a back cover (18), a ring binder (22) and a paper surround (24). The paper surround (24) encapsulates the ring binder (22) and secures it to the member (12). The cover can be either a top bound or side bound cover.

Abstract: An element is provided for connecting the chords of a lattice system, which consists of upper chords and lower chords, between which struts and/or stays are arranged, to a telescopic boom head. Thereby, the lower chords are directly connected to the telescopic boom head by means of bolts, while the upper chords can be connected to the telescopic boom head by a connecting element of variable length in such a way that—with respect to the connection of the lower chords—the upper chords can be connected to one another at a variable angle, and wherein the connecting element consists of two butt straps which can each be fastened at one end of mutually facing ends of the upper chords and can be connected to one another at different points.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes an elongated stud, a socket housing, and a boot and seal assembly having a seal lip. A boot and seal assembly for use in a ball joint assembly includes a body and a diaphragm extending therefrom. The diaphragm includes a seal portion having a seal lip that has an elongated profile of a substantially uniform section. The seal portion may be a first seal portion that is adapted to engage an elongated stud of a ball joint assembly. The diaphragm further may include a second seal portion that is adapted to engage a mating component connected to the ball joint assembly. The boot and seal assembly may include a third seal portion that is also adapted to engage the mating component.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision.

Abstract: A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular mat having an integral main body with offset mounting and assembly flanges and a lattice interior. The mat is constructed from a unitary piece of high strength plastic. Each flange edge contains an outward radiused edge, while each non-flange edge contains an inward radiused edge. Each flange engages with a corresponding flange on an adjacent tile, allowing the outward radiused and inward radiused edges to properly mate. One or more metal cam locks located along the upper flange edges are secured into corresponding cam receptacles located along the lower flange edge. The mats may utilize optional top covers to prevent water and debris from entering the mats. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface in heavy industrial applications.

Abstract: A traveled path marker on a riding vehicle marks a path that the vehicle has traveled with dry particles or liquid from a holder on the vehicle. The marking material flows from a nozzle located near a bottom of the vehicle, or is delivered to a tire which transfers the marking material to the pavement. The path marking alerts following vehicles to an ahead slower moving vehicle or to the paths regularly traveled by slower moving vehicles and encourages similar vehicles to follow those paths. The marked paths also alert pedestrians to shared paths or when crossing bicycle paths.

Abstract: A self-propelled concrete finishing trowel has an integrated transport system that allows the towel to be moved from location to location. The transport system includes a pair of spaced wheel assemblies, each including a pair of wheels that are connected to a frame of the trowel. The wheels of each respective wheel assembly are connected to one another via a powered actuator such as a double acting hydraulic cylinder. The powered actuator is actuatable to raise and lower the first and second wheels from a stowed position in which the wheels are located above the ground and the blades are supported on the ground to a deployed position in which the wheel are supported on the ground and the blades are raised from the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for flattening a half-dry concrete floor includes a plurality of pressure rollers arranged such that axes of them are parallel with one another in an imaginary plane, a holder rotatably supporting the pressure rollers at opposite ends of the pressure rollers, an oscillation-transmitter formed integral with the holder for transmitting oscillation to the pressure rollers, and an oscillator for oscillating the oscillation-transmitter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tamper device. The tamper device includes a housing, a drive, a tamper, and a wobble connection. The drive is connected the housing. The tamper is adapted to reciprocate relative to the housing and apply pressure to a surface. The wobble connection is between the drive and the tamper, wherein the wobble connection includes a wobble plate. A first end portion of the tamper is at a side of the wobble plate.

Abstract: A drainage system includes a storm water chamber and riser assembly for gathering and dispensing liquids. The storm water chamber comprises a generally elongated arch shape with an arch top and bottom side walls, thereby defining an enclosure. The riser assembly has two generally parallel base assemblies, which each have an outer wall and an inner wall and a top wall connecting the outer wall and the inner wall. The top wall has a chamber seating area for receiving the base area of the chamber and a retaining element for retaining the base area of a chamber in position in the chamber seating area.

Abstract: Dams are a useful source of energy. An embodiment of a dam according to the present invention includes precast segments configured to be coupled together to form a dam optionally used to generate energy. An embodiment includes a spillway extender to prevent upstream or downstream erosion of a riverbed at the dam. An underpinning system may be employed to assist in maintaining position of the dam or segmental components. Solar panel energy generation systems and battery storage may be associated with the segmental dam to store energy and, optionally, produce auxiliary power for subsystems associated with the dam, such as for supporting automated spillway control gate level control or automated gearing system control to control a gear ratio associated with rotating or other moving parts used to convert kinetic energy of water into electrical energy.

Abstract: A pipe-laying apparatus for laying or raising a pipeline from a vessel. The apparatus includes a first pipe gripping assembly disposed on a pipe laying path along which pipeline passes during laying, a second pipe gripping assembly disposed on the pipe-laying path, and a drive unit for causing relative movement in a direction along the pipe-laying path between the first pipe gripping assembly and the second pipe gripping assembly. The first pipe gripping assembly includes both a pipe gripping arrangement for gripping a pipe during pipe-laying and a cable gripping arrangement for gripping a cable during an operation when a cable is connected to a length of pipeline.

Abstract: A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.

Abstract: A grout bag assembly (1) is provided comprising an inflatable grout bag (2, 26, 34, 40) having a top (4, 42), bottom (6) and generally cylindrical sidewall (8) with an inlet (10) for fluent settable grout material. An inner bag (14, 28, 38) is attached to the grout bag such that upon filling of the grout bag the inner bag forms a generally axially extending separate compartment (18) within the grout bag. The inner bag preferably has a separate inlet (20) accessible from the exterior of the grout pack after the grout bag has been installed. The inner bag is generally attached to the inside of the grout bag such that a space of optionally varying radial size is formed between the inner surface of the grout bag and the outer surface of the inner bag.

Abstract: A device for collecting items from a container comprises a collection unit, a conduit, a vacuum producing unit and a controller. The conduit is in fluid communication with the collection unit and is mountable to the container so as to be placed in fluid communication therewith. The vacuum producing unit produces a vacuum within the conduit. The controller is linked to the vacuum producing unit and is configured to acquire data regarding the contents of the container. When the controller receives data regarding the contents of the container it controls the vacuum producing unit to modulate the vacuum produced within the conduit thereby suctioning the items within the container when mounted thereto into the collection unit. The container can be a transit fare box for receiving items tendered for fare. The data regarding the contents of the container can be the volume of items within the container.

Abstract: A rotary cutting tool or end mill is provided, the tool comprising a plurality of pairs of diametrically-opposed, symmetrical, helical flutes formed in a cutting portion of the tool body, wherein the pitch between at least one pair of adjacent helical flutes is less than or greater than the pitch of at least one other pair of adjacent helical flutes in at least one radial plane along the axial length of the flutes, a plurality of peripheral cutting edges, wherein at least one of the peripheral cutting edges has a radial rake angle different from radial rake angle of a peripheral cutting edge of a different helical flute.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool component comprising a first layer of polycrystalline cBN material which has a rake (working) surface and a flank surface and comprises less than 70 vol % cBN; and a secondary layer across the rake surface or at least partially across the rake surface and comprising a refractory material and optionally a binder phase and optionally cBN, wherein the secondary layer has a higher resistance to crater formation than the first layer of cBN material and has a lower affinity towards iron than cBN.

Abstract: A suction cup dust extractor for a drill having a housing with a drill collar attached to the housing and having a drill passage formed through the housing. A recess formed by the walls of the housing has a planar opening and a seal is attached to the walls of the recess which surrounds the planar opening and which, in use, locates against a work piece to create an air tight seal between the housing and the work piece. The housing also has an aperture located thereon through which air can pass; at least one first air passage formed within the housing which enables air to pass from the drill passage to the aperture; and at least one second air passage formed within the housing which enables air to pass from the recess to the aperture; characterized in that the seal comprises a base which is attached to the walls of the recess and a flange which is attached to and extends from the base at an oblique angle to the plane of the opening.

Abstract: A machining method of a press die having a pierce cutter and a secondary relief-clearance area recessed inward relative to a profile of the pierce cutter. A plunge cutting tool has an edge portion protruding from an outer circumference of a tool body and can carve while rotating and moving in an axial direction of the tool body. While rotating the plunge cutting tool with an axis of the tool body being approximately parallel to a surface of the pierce cutter, the plunge cutting tool is relatively moved along the profile of the pierce cutter. The plunge cutting tool is also relatively moved in the axial direction of the tool body along the shape of the pierce cutter and the secondary relief-clearance area in a piercing direction each time the plunge cutting tool is relatively moved by a predetermined pitch.

Abstract: In an operating head, a tool assembly is provided with an inlet shaft engaged on an electrospindle and pivotally engaged through a corresponding containing casing, which is oriented about a longitudinal axis of the electrospindle by means of an electric motor coaxially mounted to the axis and provided with a rotor coupled in an angularly fixed manner to the casing itself.

Abstract: A moving section of a parallel mechanism is fed having two freedoms. A first moving section base is screw-engaged with a first feed screw shaft, and a second moving section base is screw-engaged with a second feed screw shaft. A spindle head is pivotably connected by a support shaft to the first moving section base. A coupling shaft at an extreme end of an extension lever extending downward from the spindle head is rotatably coupled to a guided piece on a slant linear guide provided on the second moving section base and is coupled to the second moving section base. Thereby, a tilt function maintaining advantages of a tandem drive and being high in rigidity is realized without increasing control axes beyond the number of axes corresponding to tandem axes.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a drop-in system comprising a barrier module and a wall-side module, which incorporate three separate restraint devices which are configured to secure a wheelchair at three separate attachment points. The system can optionally include a moveable excursion barrier or a pull-mechanism to pre-tension at least one of the restraint devices the wheelchair securements. In a simpler embodiment, three restraint devices, such as retractors, are provided for attachment to the vehicle surfaces or structures in, for example, a generally right-triangular configuration.

Abstract: A single point release system provides a single point for efficiently, concurrently releasing multiple cargo retaining latches of an aerial delivery system. A release module is mounted to the platform and connects via a cable and is actuable to a release mode to concurrently release each of the latches.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing cargo to a vehicle, and to tie-downs or sliders receivable in rails mounted to a bed, load deck, or other storage area of a vehicle, such as a pickup, sport utility vehicle, or trailer is described. A user may easily change, adjust or customize the tie-down locations to suit a desired application. The cargo securing system has a rail with a generally C-shaped cross section, the open end of the C-shape defining a slot which may run along the entire length of the rail. The C-shaped rail also defines a channel which may run along the entire length of the rail. A slider member may reside in the channel and include a foot or base portion and an integral elongate portion which may protrude through the slot in the rail. The slider member may include an integral tie-down location on the elongate portion.

Abstract: A family of anchor devices that include a back plate mounted behind a mounting surface with a flange mounted in front of the mounting surface and generally a ring or hook carrier member that engages an anchor ring or a hook. In several embodiments the carrier can rotate without axles pins or the like allowing the load to align the device in a direction of maximum convenience and strength. A first embodiment provides a rotating ring in a recessed retaining cup that provides for maximum flexibility. A second embodiment provides a rotating ring in a clip carrier in a raised mounting flange. A third embodiment provides a swivel insert hook carrier that can rotate. A fourth embodiment includes a ring that engages a notch in a raised carrier. Fifth and sixth embodiments provide attachments for one or multiple hooks in a fixed-mounted, non-rotating flange.

Abstract: A stud bolt (1) is disposed with a bolt head portion (2), a bolt shoulder portion (3) whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the bolt head portion (2), and a thread portion (4b) whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the bolt shoulder portion (3), wherein the bolt shoulder portion (3) includes a knurling portion (3b) that includes projecting portions (3b1) and groove portions (3b2) on its outer periphery and at least part of which eats into a container (10) during staking and a bolt base portion (3a) that is disposed between the knurling portion (3b) and the bolt head portion (2) and has a peripheral surface that is smoother than the knurling portion (3b).

Abstract: A device (H) to be mounted to a friable wall (W) comprises a body (10) and at least one main saber tooth (12) extending rearwardly from an upper portion of the body (10) and adapted to be driven into the wall (W) for securing the device (H) thereto. The main saber tooth (12) is arcuate and has a pointed rear free end (22), and is adapted to be arcuately driven into the wall (W). An arcuate and pointy secondary saber tooth (14) extends rearwardly from a lower portion of the body (10) for insertion into the wall (W) before the main saber tooth (12) is inserted therein. The main saber tooth (12) defines a lower enlarged, and typically flat, load-bearing surface (30) for bearing against material of the wall (W). The main saber tooth (12) includes an upper transversely curved surface (32). A hook member (20) is provided on a front part of the body (10) for suspending items therefrom once the device (H) has been mounted to the wall (W).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a push over arm assembly and retro-fit kit for hay bale accumulators. In one embodiment, the push over arm kit includes a piston arm configured to be movably secured to a push over arm structure, such as that from a Hoelscher™ bale accumulator. An inclined plane is secured to a baler end of the piston arm and extends in a direction away from the piston arm forming an acute angle (?). And, a bias element, e.g., a spring, is configured to cooperate with the piston arm to bias the piston arm along its length. The spring controlled piston arm prevents or minimizes the occasional halting of a hay baling operation caused by jamming of the leading hay bale as it collides with a baler end of the piston arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for lifting and lowering a load in water, including a hoisting gear with a first hoisting rope and a storage drum with a second hoisting rope, which preferably are arranged on a floating unit. In accordance with the present disclosure, a hoisting gear frame is fastened to the first hoisting rope, whose buoyancy in water is variably adjustable. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method for lifting and lowering a load in water by using such a device.

Abstract: A processing apparatus including: a carry-in area into which a container containing substrates to be processed is carried, the container having a flange part on an upper part thereof and an opening in a front surface thereof, with a lid being detachably fixed to the opening; a transfer area whose atmosphere is maintained differently from an atmosphere of the carry-in area; a partition wall separating the carry-in area and transfer area; a through-hole formed in the partition wall; a door configured to open and close the through-hole; and a table on which the container can be placed in the carry-in area. After the container has been placed and then held on the table, the container is brought into contact with the through-hole, the door and the lid are opened, and the substrates to be processed in the container are conveyed to the transfer area so as to process the substrates.

Abstract: An improved multilevel parking system includes platforms having an angled cross section member disposed at an end thereof, which facilitates close nesting of, and lateral support for, the platforms. A drive-on ramp may be attached to a lower-most platform, facilitating movement of vehicles onto the platforms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeder device (1) for insertion machines for printed circuit boards, comprising a housing, a drive motor (3, 3?), a gear unit (5) and a pin wheel (6) engaging with a transport tape. The drive motor and the gear unit are arranged on a common side wall (2) of the housing such that the axles thereof are perpendicular to the side wall. It is the object of the invention to provide a narrow structural design of the feeder device, which also allows easy mounting. To this end, the rotor (14, 14?) of the drive motor (3) is rotatably mounted on only one axle (4, 4?) which is fixedly connected to the side wall (2) of the housing.

Abstract: A container transfer system for a transport vehicle includes a lift assembly which has spaced lift lugs that can extend into spaced recesses in the floor of a mating storage container and attachment straps that respectively extend from opposite ends of a mast to connection elements on the respective sides of the container to connect the container to the lift assembly and enable the lift assembly to lift the container onto the vehicle for transport to another location and thereafter download the container off the vehicle.

Abstract: An intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system is usable with mobile robots, and is applicable to stationary industrial arms. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system provides a large work envelope and a controlled and directed rotational movement for a flexible snake robot arm. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system has the ability to change end effector tools and sensors. The platform computers have the ability to interact with other subsystems for coordinated as well as independent tasks. The flexibly snake robot arm can be covered with a flexible sensor network, or “skin”. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system can manage its energy use, stores the arm in a compact shape and uses a central support tube offering unobstructed arm access to all sectors of its working envelope.