Extensible Tower Of Relatively Sliding Sections Patents (Class 212/296)
  • Patent number: 11312028
    Abstract: A multi-axis robot arm includes a pedestal, a plurality of knuckle modules and at least one telescopic arm module. Two ends of two adjacent knuckle modules close to and facing each other have a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure, respectively. The at least one telescopic arm module includes a telescopic tube and a telescopic shaft. One end of the telescopic tube is fastened to the first connecting structure. A surface of the other end of the telescopic tube faces towards the second connecting structure. One end of the telescopic shaft facing towards the first connecting structure projects into the telescopic tube. The other end of the telescopic shaft is fastened to the second connecting structure. The one end of the telescopic shaft is telescopically connected with and fastened in the telescopic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Tsung Chen, Jun-Wei Huang, Pei-Fen Wu, Jung-Kuang Liu, Kun-Cheng Li
  • Patent number: 11053103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting assembly (1) for elevating components to a wind turbine (5). The lifting assembly comprises a plurality of tower segments (13) which together form an elongated tower (9), a support frame (11) for supporting the tower (9), a securing assembly (32) securing the tower (9) to the wind turbine (5). The lifting assembly (1) further comprises an upper platform (7) provided with and a crane (21) and vertically movable along the tower (9), and a lower platform (8) provided with a storage area (16) for supporting components and vertically movable along the tower (9) between the upper platform (7) and the support frame (11). The crane is adapted to move components to and from the storage area (16) of the lower platform (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: S&L Access Systems AB
    Inventors: Michael Strandberg, Kenneth Lundberg
  • Patent number: 10752474
    Abstract: A lifting unit includes a jib foot forming a proximal part of a jib in a service configuration, a counter jib supporting a balancing ballast, a securing part between the jib foot and the counter jib to secure the lifting unit to a mast, and a cylinder connected to the jib foot such that the jib foot is movable between a lowered position and a lifted position. A second cylinder is connected to the securing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group France
    Inventors: Michel Lissandre, Sylvain Raymond, Gabriel Fraisse, Michael Mollenthiel, Tania Garcia Lovera, Florent Mourin
  • Patent number: 10086739
    Abstract: A crane system includes a skid assembly having an operator base and plurality of outrigger assemblies coupled to the operator base that support and lift the base from a first elevation to a second elevation. The crane system also includes a jib crane coupled to the skid assembly. The jib crane includes a pillar assembly coupled to the skid assembly and a boom assembly coupled to the pillar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Konecranes Global Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Yustus, Joel Chellman
  • Patent number: 10047532
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a work machine with a chassis, with a mast block which is mounted on the chassis and has a rotary head which can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation, and with a mast which has at least two mast arms, wherein each of the mast arms, with the exception of a last mast arm which has a free end, is pivotably connected, starting from a first mast arm, to the respectively following mast arm by means of an articulation, and wherein the first mast arm is mounted on the rotary head so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. According to this disclosure, at least one chassis-mounted supporting device is provided which has a supporting surface on which a component of the articulation or a component of one of the articulations is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Rau, Eva Daum
  • Patent number: 9963329
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a utility task vehicle (“UTV”) accessory for a side-by-side UTV having a front-mounted winch. The UTV accessory includes a support frame capable of mounting to a front region of the UTV. The UTV accessory includes a first pulley mounted to a bottom region of the support frame substantially level with the winch mounted on the UTV. The first pulley is capable of receiving a winch line from the winch and redirecting the winch line. The UTV accessory includes a second pulley mounted toward a top region of the support frame. The second pulley is capable of receiving the winch line from the first pulley and redirecting the winch line so that the direction of a winch force provided by the winch is relocated to a higher region than the location of the winch on the UTV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Guess, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9238945
    Abstract: Improvements to base beams and self-propelled derrick rigs are described. The base beam can have two or more stabilizer arms which can be deployed. The base beam is also designed to support the derrick rig. An optional counterweight assembly can be connected to the front of the rig. The self-propelled derrick rig can be easily and quickly mounted to the base beam, and when mounted, the assembly will be able to withstand high hook loads and wind loading without the danger of the rig coming off of its wheels or falling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Black Hawk Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Buckingham, Matt J. Michel, Dmitry Spivak, Tim Berg
  • Patent number: 9033165
    Abstract: A crane assembly includes a main body, a boom extending from the main body, a cable, and a hook coupled to an end of the boom opposite to the main body by the cable, where the crane assembly is configured for lifting items via the hook. The crane assembly further includes a projection extending outward from the boom and curving toward the main body. The projection is configured to receive the hook over an end of the projection such that tension in the cable maintains the hook in place on the projection. Gravity is sufficient to release the hook from the projection when the boom is raised and the tension in the cable is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Kelvin G. Aus, Bradley G. Ethington
  • Patent number: 8807534
    Abstract: A lifting device with a telescopic pole having at least three successive modules mounted so that the modules can slide vertically with respect to each other. A drive strap transfers movement in order to extend an upper module with respect to an intermediate module when the intermediate module is caused to move with respect to a lower module of the modules. The drive strap is kept taut between two fixation points placed respectively on the lower module and upper modules and pass along a return pulley device mounted on the intermediate module. A safety system is normally maintained in inactive position by tension of the drive strap is automatically released into active locking position to prevent the upper module from continuing to move with respect to the intermediate module if the drive strap breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Talbot Decoupage Emboutissage
    Inventor: Francois-Xavier Guyard
  • Publication number: 20140202971
    Abstract: An enhanced stability crane (100) is described. Embodiments include a telescoping main support mast (114) upon which a crane base (106) resides. A boom (140) projects upwardly from the crane base and a jib (148) typically projects upwardly from the boom. A clamping assembly (108) resides on the main support mast and is configured to attach to an existing structure adjacent to the crane, in order to enhance stability. Multiple clamping assemblies can be distributed along the telescoping main support mast when it is extended. The existing structure is generally a tower structure (180) that is columnar and vertical in shape and orientation, and frequently has an elliptical horizontal cross-section. Tower structures are typically, but not necessarily, wind turbine towers. In some embodiments, the crane is mobile capable of lifting objects weighing about 110 tons to a height of about 400 feet. The crane typically adjusts to a collapsed configuration, enabling facile transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Eli Bosco, Christopher Desrochers
  • Patent number: 8777027
    Abstract: The present application relates to a mobile crane comprising a telescopic boom which has a hinged section and at least one telescopic section which can be telescoped out of it, or to a crawler-mounted crane. In accordance with one embodiment, as a position detection device, it has at least one transducer in the form of an inductively operating transponder, a receiver unit for the sensing of the position of the transducer, a control device for control in dependence on a signal of the receiver unit, as well as a signal transmission device in the form of a databus for the transmission of the signal data from the receiver unit to the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Morath
  • Publication number: 20140158656
    Abstract: The present concept is a combination mobile boom truck and tower crane which includes a boom portion which includes a boom mounted to a truck portion, the boom portion is moveable between a collapsed position and a boom truck position by extending a boom ram, thereby making the combination crane usable as a boom truck. The combination crane additionally includes a tower portion mounted to the truck portion which is moveable between a collapsed position and a tower crane position. In the collapsed position, the boom portion and tower portion are mounted to the truck portion for transport to and from a jobsite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Pembleton
  • Patent number: 8720709
    Abstract: A method for telescoping a main boom includes guying the erected main boom during the telescoping operation, the main boom consisting of a telescopic boom which is guyed via a spatial boom guying. Further, a crane may include a telescopable main boom, a spatial guying and a crane controller, wherein the crane controller determines the necessary guy dimension of the spatial guying in dependence on the current main boom length during the telescoping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
  • Patent number: 8308000
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle crane, especially a mobile crane, automobile crane, or track-laying crane, comprising a superstructure which is embodied as a top slewing crane and encompasses a vertical tower and a boom located on the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Wiesbauer
  • Patent number: 8191322
    Abstract: An extensible payload system including mounting equipment and a mast system removably coupled to the mounting equipment. The mast system includes a plurality of nested mast sections, at least one cable, and a pull block assembly. The plurality of nested mast sections include a first mast section and a second mast section nested within the first mast section. At least one cable is rollably coupled to the first mast section. The pull block assembly is coupled to an end of the second mast section. The pull block assembly has a cable receiving opening. The cable is routed into the cable receiving opening and is coupled to the pull block assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Liestenfeltz, Kurt Liestenfeltz, Brian D. Gibson, Phillip D. Gibson
  • Patent number: 7967158
    Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody, a rotating bed, a boom, a moveable counterweight unit, at least one linear actuation device and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit. In one method of operation, the counterweight is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody. One embodiment includes a counterweight movement structure having a rectangular rack with at least first and third pinion gears engaged with teeth on one side and second and fourth pinion gears engaged with teeth on the opposing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky, Alan E. Pleuss, John M. Lanning
  • Publication number: 20110079568
    Abstract: A service or workover rig (50) that does not require guy lines is disclosed. Components of the rig (50) include a carrier (52) and a mast (120) that is movable between transport and deployed positions. Two rear outriggers (160) are pivotally mounted to a bumper (64) of the carrier (52). In their transport position, the rear outriggers (160) are positioned along respective sides (58) of the carrier (52), for instance in cutouts (60) in the bed or decking (56) of the carrier (52). In their deployed position, the rear outriggers (160) extend rearwardly of the carrier (52) and also away from their respective carrier side (58). Each rear outrigger (160) may be in the form of a hollow beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: ROBERT EUGENE MAU, Thomas Edwin Mau, Gregory Alan Wiedmer
  • Patent number: 7779580
    Abstract: A device fixed to a first mast cooperates with a contact area located on the outside face of a second mast sliding substantially coaxially in the first mast. The device includes guide units including a roller mounted free to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the masts, a pad with a bearing face, and a device for displacing the axis of the roller perpendicular to the contact area of the mast, as a function of forces applied by the mast on the roller. The bearing area of the unit on the mast is thus formed by the roller only, or the roller and the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: E.C.L.
    Inventors: Alain Van Acker, Stephane David
  • Patent number: 7748193
    Abstract: A support system is provided for supportably securing a vertically movable support structure having a boom attached thereto to a floor structure of a building. The support structure extends through an opening formed in the floor structure. The support system includes a set of support brackets pivotably mounted relative to vertical support members of the support structure. The support brackets are supportably engageable with a portion of the support structure and a first floor structure in a first supporting position. The support brackets are freely swingable and movably engageable with a second floor structure as the support structure is moved relative to the second floor structure enabling the support brackets to be supportably engageable with the portion of the support structure and the second floor structure in a second supporting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Putzmeister America, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter N. Knigge, C. William Carbeau
  • Publication number: 20100102018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle crane, especially a mobile crane, automobile crane, or track-laying crane, comprising a superstructure which is embodied as a top slewing crane and encompasses a vertical tower and a boom located on the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Weisbauer
  • Publication number: 20100102017
    Abstract: A hoisting crane with a substantially hollow vertical column with a foot which is or can be fixed to a support, and with a top, an annular bearing structure, which extends around the vertical column and guides and carries a jib connection member, so that the jib connection member can rotate around the column, a jib connected to the jib connection member, the jib connection member forming a substantially horizontal pivot axis so that the jib can be pivoted up and down, a column top cable guide having a topping cable and hoisting cable pulley assembly, a topping winch and an associated topping cable for pivoting the jib up and down, a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting cable for hoisting a load; wherein the column top cable guide is mounted via an associated rotary bearing structure at the top of the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Terence Willem August Vehmeijer, Robert Frodo Van Kuilenburg
  • Patent number: 7500651
    Abstract: A portable winch suitable for use in underground pipe bursting and replacement includes a mounting frame positionable at a top opening of a hole such as a receiving pit or manhole. A telescoping mast having a series of nested, top and bottom mast sections is mounted on the frame. A powered winch unit, also mounted on the frame, includes a drive unit and a cable. A guide assembly includes a sheave that guides the cable from the drive unit to the bottom mast section. Suitable means are connected to the frame for mechanically raising and lowering the mast into and out of the hole. As such, the mast according to the invention does not require assembly or disassembly at the beginning and end of each job. The mechanical means for raising and lowering the mast is preferably the powered winch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Paul W. Hau
  • Publication number: 20080169258
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle crane, especially a mobile crane, automobile crane, or track-laying crane, comprising a superstructure which is embodied as a top slewing crane and encompasses a vertical tower and a boom located on the tower
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Group Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Weisbauer
  • Patent number: 7311452
    Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7252441
    Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7231741
    Abstract: A mobile cellular telephone tower comprises a self-propelled base and a tower connected to the base. The tower includes a base segment and at least a first extendable segment operatively connected to a second extendable segment. A winch is connected to the base, and a first cable is connected between the base segment and the first extendable segment to extend the first extendable segment. A second cable is connected between the winch and the second extendable segment to retract the second extendable segment. Cellular telephone network testing equipment mounted on the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney Earl Norwood
  • Patent number: 7128479
    Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7121745
    Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. A riser section on the arm increases the effective length or reach of the arm. The extender section may also be pivotably mounted on the arm, so that it can quickly be moved into upright, inverted, or side positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7048257
    Abstract: A portable winch suitable for use in underground pipe bursting and replacement includes a mounting frame positionable at a top opening of a hole such as a receiving pit or manhole. A telescoping mast having a series of nested, top and bottom mast sections is mounted on the frame. A powered winch unit, also mounted on the frame, includes a drive unit and a cable. A guide assembly includes a sheave that guides the cable from the drive unit to the bottom mast section. Suitable means are connected to the frame for mechanically raising and lowering the mast into and out of the hole. As such, the mast according to the invention does not require assembly or disassembly at the beginning and end of each job. The mechanical means for raising and lowering the mast is preferably the powered winch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Paul W. Hau
  • Patent number: 6928774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a covering body for masts of construction cranes, electricity lines, or the like with an outer covering which is designed to partially or totally encase a mast in the direction of extension and/or peripheral direction and which furthermore has at least one rigid inner support, with which the outer covering can be arranged to be spaced at least partially at a distance from the mast. Finally, a fastening device for fastening the inner support to the mast is provided. Such a covering body according to the invention is further developed in that the inner support, by means of the fastening device, can be connected to the mast rotatably adjustable in the peripheral direction and/or adjustable in the direction of extension and that a device for active and/or passive variation of position and/or geometry of the outer covering is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignees: blowUP media GmbH, Streif Baulogistik GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Weiss, Frank Klein
  • Publication number: 20030071004
    Abstract: A multi-sectioned, telescopically extending column. This invention includes an extension mechanism to extend the column and support the column sections during extension, and a locking mechanism to lock each column section to the next when the column reaches its extended position. The column is particularly well suited for use as a crane boom, where individual boom sections are nearly fully extended each from within the other to minimize overlap between adjacent sections and reduce dead weight resulting from such overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: David J. Higgins
  • Patent number: 6234453
    Abstract: Winch apparatus for raising and holding a rolling steel door includes a wheeled base with telescoping members extending upwardly from the base. A hand cranked winch raises and lowers the telescoping members, while a reversible electric motor is used to power a separate winch for raising and lowering a load secured to an arm extending outwardly from an innermost telescoping member. The arm is disposed against a building when the apparatus is in position to raise the rolling steel door for its installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Michael W. Block
  • Patent number: 5850713
    Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering devices such as an antenna including a multiple-stage cylinder system composed of a plurality of telescopically connected cylinder units each of which comprising an internal cylinder and an external cylinder that are connected at their lower ends so that the internal cylinders of the plurality of cylinder units form a sealed space so as to be filled with pressure oil used for extending and contracting the cylinder system. In addition, a fixture structure is provided on the lowest stage cylinder unit so that the cylinder system is held upright by the fixture structure at two points on the lowest stage cylinder unit in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Yuasa Koki Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yukinori Hojo
  • Patent number: 5813552
    Abstract: A telescopic boom contains a multistage hydraulic cylinder for extending and retracting the boom parts. The telescopic boom is characterized in that a first component of a supporting device is secured to at least one cylinder and in that a second component of the supporting device is secured to a least one telescopic boom part. The second component co-operates with the first component to support the hydraulic cylinder on the boom parts. The first component of the supporting device is shaped as two opposing claws and the second component is shaped as two opposing rails or rail sections. The claws grasp the rails or rail sections, and the rails or rail sections are provided on the inner wall part of the boom part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: EC Engineering + Consulting Spezialmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Kaspar
  • Patent number: 5769251
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the operation of a reach tower crane, in which a horizontal boom can safely and securely be operated or stored by one operator in the cab, and in which even if sensors are out of order, the stability of the crane can be secured. The system has a plurality of sensors for detecting a condition of an actuator (6) actuating an apparatus to operate or store a horizontal boom (5), a controller (36) for sending a control signal based on signals from the sensors, and hydraulic apparatuses for controlling various actuators in accordance with the control signal. Further, an operation lever and an operation switch are used to extend or store the horizontal boom (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Mec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Wada, Takeshi Ushioda, Shinichi Ohta, Hiroyuki Sawabe
  • Patent number: 5733096
    Abstract: A multi-stage telescoping tube structure and a robot including a multi-stage telescoping tube structure. The multi-stage telescoping tube structure includes an outer tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube. The intermediate tube is slidably received in the outer tube, and the inner tube is slidably received in the intermediate tube. It further includes a multi-stage screw for arrangement translating rotary motion into linear movement of the tubes, and a drive means coupled to the screw arrangement. The robot further includes a support bracket, rotatably supporting the multi-stage telescoping tube structure, and an electric motor for rotating the arrangement. The structure further includes rail guides engagable with complimentary horizontally extending rails for horizontal movement of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Van Doren, Alexander H. Slocum, Don Sauer