Abstract: A simulated environment includes a motion control system. The motion control system comprises a suspension structure, a housing slidably engaged to the suspension structure such that the suspension controller translates in a planar manner relative to the suspension structure. A rotary component is rotatably attached to the housing. A plurality of winches are attached to the rotary component, the plurality of winches having cables to allow longitudinal movement of the cables parallel to a force of gravity.

Abstract: An example device for building stationary structures on a work surface includes a scaffold, which is arranged around the work surface. In the example, a working head is provided, which, with the help of multiple control cables is held on the scaffold and arranged above the work surface, upper control cables are provided, which run above the working head from the scaffold, lower control cables are provided, which run below the working head from the scaffold, all control cables can be extended out of the scaffold and retracted to the scaffold, in order to change a position of the working head, and a control unit is provided, which is connected with actuators for the extending and retracting of the control cables, and is configured to actuate these actuators to change the position of the working head.

Abstract: Example embodiments include a motion mechanism that can be coupled between the main body of an unmanned movable object and the optoelectronic scanning module. The motion mechanism can include, e.g., a spinning device and a tilting device. The spinning device can be operable to rotate the scanning module relative to the main body about a spin axis. The tilting device can be operable, e.g., in response to a tilt angle input, to rotate the scanning module about an additional axis that is transverse to the spin axis. Further example embodiments include an orientation sensor installed on the main body of the unmanned movable object. Some embodiments also provide a controller that is configured to receive an orientation signal from the orientation sensor and, based at least in part on the orientation signal, determine a tilt value for the tilt angle input for the tilting device in the motion mechanism.

Abstract: A robotic positioning apparatus configured for moving an element from an initial position to a target position. The apparatus includes a moveable member attachable to an element to be moved; at least one tensile support member for supporting the movable member; and at least one tensile positioning member for repositioning the moveable member. The at least one tensile positioning member is configured to maintain the at least one tensile support member in tension. The at least one tensile support member is configured to maintain an inclination of at least a portion of the moveable member during repositioning.

Abstract: A control system and a method for a back-and-forth cable system is provided. The cable system includes a running cable, a first pulley and a second pulley, the pulleys being located at both ends of a course for guiding the running cable. A controllable motor assembly drives of the pulleys and a carrier is connected to the running cable, for pulling or towing a boarder. The control system includes first and second tracking devices to generate first and second tracking signal indicative of the rotation of the pulleys. Two limit positions along the course are stored in storing means and a controller has inputs to receive the first and the second tracking signals and inverts rotation of the controllable motor assembly when the two positions of the carrier detected go beyond either one of the two limit positions.

Abstract: A vehicle hood opening and closing device including a slideable assembly with a linear separator bar that has a first end affixed to a first end support and a second end affixed to a second end support, a first intermediate carriage between the end supports, a second intermediate carriage between the second end support and first intermediate carriage, a first pneumatic cylinder with piston affixed to the first end support and cylinder affixed to the first intermediate carriage, a second pneumatic cylinder with cylinder affixed to the first and second intermediate carriages and piston affixed to a flexible element, wherein the flexible element slideably passes through a pulley assembly affixed to the second end support and attaches to a lift assembly that has a lift plate and at least two vacuum cups, and pneumatic control system pneumatically connected to the two pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: A safety system and method for objects moved by a driving cabling system. Offers a redundant back-up system that activates when the main cable system fails. The safety system has various embodiments and may be utilized with camera movement systems configured to move the camera throughout two or three-dimensional space.

Abstract: A device for establishing admittance and transport of cargo to and from a wind turbine construction above ground level and having a part which can be raised and/or lowered by wires and winches located at ground level and connected with snatch blocks attached to a part so that it can be raised and/or lowered in relation to the construction. The part has a number of travelling crabs according to the numbers of winches and the travelling crabs are guided of the wires between the winches and the snatch blocks, and that the part with the travelling crabs is displaced upwards or downwards by the wires. Advantageously, the wires are used for both hoisting the part and as guide for the travelling crabs.

Abstract: System and methods for providing synchronized ornamental displays in a presentation zone that is at least partially containing a fluid, which include a support structure, a decorative object supported by the support structure, a light disposed on the object, a plurality of cables coupled to the support structure at their respective first ends; a plurality of cable tensioning devices, wherein one cable tensioning device is engaged with the second end of a respective cable of the plurality of cables, and the plurality of cable tensioning devices are positioned spatially about the periphery of the presentation zone, wherein the spatial arrangement defines a range of desired movement for the object, and a control device operatively associated with the tensioning devices and light.

Abstract: The present application relates to ceiling lifts and ceiling lift components. One embodiment relates to a ceiling lift gear box that is made from multiple plates. One embodiment relates to a swivel assembly. One embodiment relates to a ceiling lift display. One embodiment relates to use of an optocoupler in a ceiling lift.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tie-back system for a crane comprising a rotatable base with a generally vertical support frame and a lifting arm which is with a lower end hingedly connected to the base in a hinge point, an upper part of the frame carrying a displacement member movable relative to the frame, the displacement member carrying a first cable guide means, a first cable extending from a first connection point on the arm along the first cable guide means to a first pulling device. The displacement member comprising a tie connection point for connection to a tie member, a second cable guide means attached to an upper part of the frame and a second cable extending from a second connection point on the arm along the second cable guide means to a second pulling device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoist device, in particular, for the automobile industry, comprising an upper frame (1) and a lower frame (2), arranged below the above, whereby the lower frame (2) is held on the upper frame (1) by means of at least three essentially vertically-running ties (3) and at least four tensioning means (4), at an angle to the vertical, such as to be vertically displaced by means of powering the ties (3) and the tensioning means (4). Pairs of tensioning means (4) at least approximately engage at a common point (5) on the lower frame (2). According to the invention, the pivoting may be simplified and improved, whereby the ends of the two tensioning means (4) pass over a joint (14) connected to the lower frame (2), permitting the rotation of the lower frame (2) relative to the tensioning means (4) about a rotational axis (15), given by both engagement points (5) of the tensioning cables (4) on the lower frame (2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention move objects throughout two-dimensional space by using a support rope that is coupled with both opposing sides of the platform. This rope controls the Y-axis motion and Z-axis motion of the platform and is designated the YZ movement rope. Displacing a portion of the YZ movement rope allows vertical displacement of the platform to be traversed. There is no need for a complex computer control system since the Z-axis displacement is substantially independent of horizontal movement over a coverage area serviced by the platform. In addition, since the rope is commanded from one point, distantly located motors and electrical cables are not required. Many types of useful devices may then be attached to the platform including devices that require external power or devices that possess their own power and are operated via wireless signals.

Abstract: A crane installation, especially a container crane, includes at least one hoist mechanism provided with at least one motor for lifting and lowering a load suspended from the hoist mechanism. The operation of the hoist mechanism is controlled by a control unit which receives load-specific information signals from a device. The load-specific information signals are determined on the basis of load-dependent measuring signals generated by a load measuring assembly associated with the hoist mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention move objects throughout two-dimensional and three-dimensional space by using a movement line that is coupled with a plurality of opposing sides of the platform. The movement line is used to control the horizontal axis motion and Z-axis motion of the platform and is designated the horizontal movement line. Displacing a portion of the horizontal movement line allows vertical displacement of the platform to be traversed. There is no need for a complex computer control system since the Z-axis displacement is substantially independent of horizontal movement over a coverage area serviced by the platform. Nested embodiments utilizing one or more rope allow for three-dimensional movement of an object or angular displacement of an object with respect to the vertical axis. A mounting beam for positioning and supporting the Z-axis and horizontal axis motors and visual display element(s) and other optional multimedia devices may also be positioned independently of the platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention move objects throughout two-dimensional space by using a support line that is coupled with both opposing sides of the platform. This line controls the Y-axis motion and Z-axis motion of the platform and is designated the YZ movement line. Displacing a portion of the YZ movement line allows vertical displacement of the platform to be traversed. There is no need for a complex computer control system since the Z-axis displacement is substantially independent of horizontal movement over a coverage area serviced by the platform. A mounting beam for positioning and supporting the Z-axis and Y-axis motors and visual display element(s) and other optional multimedia devices may also be positioned independently of the platform. In addition, since the line is commanded from one point, distantly located motors and electrical cables are not required.

Abstract: A tethered spacecraft is tethered to a base using a semirigid stand-off and a moving tether operated as a belt drive and operated in tension so that the tethered is precisely positioned in tension from the base spacecraft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention move objects throughout three-dimensional space. This is accomplished with two highlines which support skates that move along the highlines. The skates support a three sheave device which in turn supports a platform. The entire system is driven in three dimensions by a Y movement rope pair and an XZ movement rope. The Y movement rope pair moves a skate on each highline in the Y-axis direction. The X-axis and Z-axis motion of the platform is controlled by a single XZ movement rope. Increasing the deployed length of the XZ movement rope causes the platform to lower in the Z-axis direction, while decreasing the deployed length of the XZ movement rope causes the platform to rise. For embodiments that employ equal length highlines in a parallel configuration, there is no need for a control system since the Z-axis displacement is independent of X and Y-axis movement.

Abstract: A transportation system for transporting a load into and out of a serviced area. The transportation system comprises near and far support lines and a cross support line suspended from the near and far support lines. A trolley assembly traverses the cross support line, and the trolley assembly is adapted to carry the load from the area to harvested. A transfer track may be used to allow the trolley to traverse the near and/or far support lines.

Abstract: The method and facilities for movement of vehicles over long distances are presented. The Method is comprised of the following steps: (a) connecting at least two main rollers displaced over a long distance: one in a port of departure and one in a port of arrival, by a series of closed-loop, light, strong cable (consisting of one or more loops) located at least in one of the following places: in the air, on the ground surface, on the water surface; (b) supporting said cable by at least one of the following devices: wings, air balloons, columns, rollers; (c) connecting at least one of said main rollers to an engine; (d) running said engine; (e) connecting at least one load vehicle to said cable at departure port; (f) accelerating said vehicle; (g) disconnecting said vehicles from said cable at arrival port; (h) braking said vehicles.

Abstract: A method of logging utilizes a combination log yarder and processor vehicle having a basic vehicle structure not unlike that of a track-type excavating machine, but with a boom arm assembly arranged for operation in conjunction with a log processing head apparatus and its particular requirements for the handling and processing of felled logs and trees. The vehicle mounts a collapsible yarder tower arrangement which rotatably mounts a cable guide head member for relative rotation between the cable guide head and the vehicle on the same center axis of rotation as the vehicle turntable rotates on its undercarriage, thereby permitting the vehicle full rotational capabilities and operation of its boom arm apparatus when the yarder apparatus' cables are extended and anchored and in operation, and thereby permits a yarding operation of felled trees to be conducted simultaneously with a log processing, log sorting and log loading operation by a single personnel at a destination location at a logging site.

Abstract: A skyline operates on a mountain side from an upper tail-block that is positionable along a transverse cable extending between two elevated anchor points. A balloon is attached to the upper tail-block to assist in supporting the weight of the skyline cable, and also the weight of the drop line carriage mounted on the skyline.

Abstract: A cable drive mechanism is provided for causing and controlling movement of a tool carriage in three axis of a large format, light duty, numerically controlled tool suitable for machining goods. The shaft of a carriage-mounted motor serves as a capstan for two opposing loops of a continuous flexible steel cable. Each loop encircles 180 .degree. of motor shaft after having passed from the carriage to a pulley at one end of the axis and returning, then passing to a second pulley at the same end before passing the length of the axis to a pulley at the opposite end and to the second loop encircling the motor shaft. Such a cable drive system, in conjunction with a control and feedback means, provides an economical means to control movement of the tool carriage in 3 dimensions with accuracy suitable for woodworking with the ability to machine sheet goods such as plywood. The continuous cable loop system with carriage mounted motor provides symmetrical drive power irrespective of the position of the carriage.

Abstract: A time-based control system (10) for controlling a process incorporating external devices using a predefined response profile (13). The response profile (13) is continuously compared to the actual response of the controlled device (11). A plurality of sensor modules (24) is used to monitor the actual magnitude and direction of change of selected quantities during the process. If the response it outside the user-defined maximum allowable error, appropriate measures are taken to either correct the error, halt the process, or proceed with the process in a time-based mode. The proper response and detection of errors of the controlled device (11) is independent of load, rate, temperature and other external stimuli. The time-based control system (10) can detect errors caused by higher level equipment such as the sensor modules (24). Thus, the time-based control system (10) can detect when any portion of the time-based control system (10) or the controlled device (11) malfunctions.

Abstract: A system for positioning a work point in three dimensional space has at least three reeving systems spaced apart from one another, with each reeving system having a adjustable support element connected to it. These support elements are also connected to the work point, with the length of the support elements between the work point and the reeving determining the work point's location. Associated with each reeving system is an actuator adapted for releasing and taking up the support element. A control system controls the actuators to release and take up each of the support elements to move the work point with respective to at least three spatial coordinate axes while controlling at least one motion parameter of the work point in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: There is a radio control aerial automatic carrying system for carrying an object such as cut woods by a carrying apparatus suspended to a cableway. This system comprises: an aerial main cableway suspended in a desired felling region; drive wheels suspended to the aerial main cableway; outer casings coupled to the drive wheels; a power source disposed in the outer casings; hoisting apparatuses which are driven by the power source and hoist the cables to hang up and down the object to be carried; a receiver, provided for the outer casings, for receiving the radio waves transmitted from a transmitter and for generating control commands to drive the power source and hoisting apparatuses in response to the radio waves received; a rotary shaft which is attached to the outer casings and rotated by the power source; sub cableways suspended in parallel with the aerial main cableway; and two drive wheels, attached to the rotary shaft, for moving the carrying apparatus by operating the sub cableways.

Abstract: There is a radio control aerial automatic carrying system for carrying an object by a carrying apparatus suspended to a cableway.

Abstract: An automatic control system for operating the inhaul and overhaul winches of a high line transfer system automatically changes the velocity of a trolley between set landing and set transfer velocities and between set landing and set terminal velocities at a constant rate with respect to distance. Digital and graphic displays of trolley distance from a receiver ship and a supply ship and a graphic display of trolley velocity relative to the ship it is approaching are provided.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting and conveying equipment, such as a camera assembly, includes at least three flexible members, spaced-apart mounting drums for extendably and retractably supporting the flexible members and an equipment support member including an inner section to which the equipment is attached and an outer section connected to the flexible members. The inner and outer sections of the equipment support member are rotatable relative to each other about at least two separate axis of rotation. Preferably the mounting drums for the flexible members are operated by a computer-controlled drive to permit an operator to selectively extend and/or retract one or more of the flexible members to achieve the desired movement of the supported equipment.

Abstract: An all-electric radio controlled slack pulling, braking and battery recharging system for logging operations on a moutainside is disclosed. Independent battery powered slack pulling and radio and brake electrical systems are provided, together with alternators which recharge the storage batteries of the electrical system in response to movement of alternator driving sheaves along a skyline in either direction. The drop or skidline is pulled through a carriage by a electric slack puller motor connected through a torque multiplier with a line pulling sheave. Skyline and drop or skidline brakes are applied by low pressure hydraulics boosted by spring pressure and are released by higher hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A novel log-hauling carriage which features a band brake assembly for controlling rotation of a drum in the carriage. The carriage includes a rotatably mounted drum containing three sections on which are wound the main and slackpulling lines, and a drop line which is utilized in raising and dropping the logs. The band brake assembly includes a unique crank and lever system for actuating the brake band, whereby the brake band tightly grips the brake drum surface of the brake assembly, thus to prevent drum rotation, with the slackpulling line loose. The brake assembly is controllably released with tensing of the slackpulling line, differing degrees of tensing producing differing degrees of release of the brake assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring cargo between first and second bodies which are movable relative to each other where a hoist for raising and lowering cargo through a hoist line is mounted on one of the bodies includes a linkage for connecting the two bodies. The linkage is pivotally connected to the bodies for accommodating relative movement between the bodies. A guide is located between the hoist line and one of the bodies for engaging and guiding the hoist line. A trolley which is movable along at least a portion of the linkage engages the hoist line on the side opposite the guide and moves the hoist line along the linkage between the guide and the other body while the line changes length so that cargo connected to the hoist line can be moved along the linkage. The linkage includes a plurality of arms in addition to hydraulic cylinders useful for compensating motion between an articulated connection and a second body.

Abstract: A carriage for moving logs along a suspended skyline includes a pair of skyline wheels which rotate as the carriage moves along the skyline to drive a pair of alternately operating pumps which supply hydraulic pressure to a carriage hydraulic system. A first larger pump operates as the carriage moves uphill, while a second smaller pump operates when the carriage moves downhill. The carriage hydraulic system powers a driven hydraulic sheave and pressure roller for paying out a mainline. A skyline clamp is applied by a hydraulic ram and includes cammed surfaces which ride over a roller to ensure that the carriage will remain clamped to the skyline should the ram lose hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A remote controlled slack pulling log skidding carriage is provided for feeding a slack drag line toward a log to be skidded. A drive sheave rotatably mounted in the carriage is operated by a hydraulic motor. The fluid to operate the hydraulic motor is stored in one or more accumulators, and a radio controlled valve starts and stops the flow of fluid to the motor. A mechanically operated hydraulic pump also is provided to recharge the accumulators during a skidding operation.

Abstract: An arcuate jack is arranged to be secured to a spar for supporting a skyline over it. A carriage assembly comprises a main carriage arranged to travel on the skyline and a secondary carriage supported on the main carriage for movement between leading and trailing ends of such main carriage. A brake is operative between the main and secondary carriages to control movement of the secondary carriage on the main carriage. The secondary carriage supports a drop line for connection to a load, and a mainline is connected to the secondary carriage for pulling the carrige assembly along the skyling. A guide for the mainline is provided on the spar and is disposed below the jack in an arrangement whereby the pull on the carriage assembly from the mainline is substantially tangent to the arcuate contour of the jack at its entrance end.

Abstract: A cable hauling system includes a drive shaft, a haulback shaft with a haulback drum mounted thereon, and a main shaft with a main drum mounted thereon. A first pair of gears operatively associated with the drive shaft and the main shaft includes a positively acting clutch for selectively coupling the drive shaft to the main shaft in driving relationship through the first pair of gears. Second and third pairs of gears are operatively associated with the drive shaft and the haulback shaft. An energy-dissipating, power transfer device is associated with both the second and third pairs of gears to selectively couple one or the other of the second and third pairs of gears in driving relationship with the haulback shaft.

Abstract: A yarder is employed with a running skyline provided with a carriage. The running skyline has an intermediate suspended support consisting of a hanger bar with a shoe pivotally connected to the lower end of the hanger bar by a transverse shaft. The shoe has supporting sheaves and an enclosure rail, with the skyline haulback line supportingly received between the rail and the sheaves. The carriage is open on one side so as to be able to pass the transverse shaft of the intermediate suspended support. The open side of the carriage has a yieldable safety gate which allows the carriage to pass the transverse shaft but which retains the haulback line within the carriage. The lower portion of the carriage has respective sheaves for a slack pulling line and a log suspension line to which logs to be transported are connected. A mainline extends between the yarder and a junction member connected to both the slack pulling line and the log suspension line.

Abstract: A cable hauling system includes a drive shaft, a haulback shaft with a haulback drum mounted thereon, and a main shaft with a main drum mounted thereon. A first pair of gears operatively associated with the drive shaft and the main shaft includes a positively acting clutch for selectively coupling the drive shaft to the main shaft in driving relationship through the first pair of gears. Second and third pairs of gears are operatively associated with the drive shaft and the haulback shaft. An energy-dissipating, power transfer device is associated with both the second and third pairs of gears to selectively couple one or the other of the second and third pairs of gears in driving relationship with the haulback shaft.

Abstract: A logging carriage is mounted by hinged sheaves for travel along an elevated cable for the conveyance of felled logs to a log unloading site. The carriage is moved in one direction along the elevated cable by an in haul line which is attached at one end to a powered drum in a yarder. The carriage is moved under the force of gravity in a second direction. The other end of the inhaul line is attached to a spring powered rotatable drum structure mounted on the logging carriage. A drop line for raising and lowering felled logs is mounted on a portion of the spring powered rotatable drum. The spring powered rotatable drum structure is actuated by a compressed air actuated brake assembly. A clamp assembly is mounted on the logging carriage and is selectively engageable with the elevated cable to lock the logging carriage in a preselected position along the cable. The clamp and brake assemblies are controlled by solenoid valves and a radio receiver mounted on the logging carriage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transporting pipe between spaced locations comprising a cable disposed in proximity of the two locations which supports a pipe receiving trough so that the trough can be moved by the cable to enable a pipe supported therein to be transported between the two locations. The tension in the cable is adjusted to enable the trough to be moved in a vertical plane. In one of the embodiments, the trough is directly attached to and moved with the cable. Longitudinal motion imparted into the cable causes the trough to move from one location to the other carrying the pipe therewith. The cable is slackened to vertically move the trough so as to enable the pipe to be placed within or removed from the trough. In another of the embodiments, the trough is attached to spaced carriages which are slidably supported from the cable. A pilot cable attached to the trough enables the trough to be moved longitudinally of the cable to enable transportation of the pipe between the spaced locations.

Abstract: A rigging arrangement and yarder are disclosed for yarding in which a single cable is used. This cable is anchored at a main storage drum on a yarder and preferably at an anchor in the vicinity of the tail block. The single line serves as a running skyline for supporting a carriage and includes several loops around a tram drum and an idler drum (but only one layer on said drums) which operate to hold cable or to reel equal amounts of cable in or out to both the yarder side and the anchor side of the carriage to move the carriage without introducing slack into either side. Since only a single layer of cable is wound on the tram and idler drums, no energy is lost dealing with varying speeds and torques caused by changing effective diameters, thus saving energy and weight of equipment.

Abstract: Installation for loading and unloading ships anchored at a distance from the shore. An overhead transporter with an aerial cable passing over the ship connects a pontoon to the shore. The moment exerted on the pontoon by the tensioned cable is compensated at least partially by an asymmetrical form of the hull of the pontoon.

Abstract: A small, variable-speed yarder is provided with main, haulback and slack-pulling drums, each containing a planetary drive transmission with provisions for dual power inputs. A variable interlock mechanism controls the relative speed of the haulback drum to the two inhaul drums (main and slack-pulling) and a differential drive mechanism controls the relative speed and/or direction of the inhaul drums.

Abstract: Apparatus for erecting a prefabricated section building having two masts centered on either side of its foundation, the sections transported to loading areas adjacent and between each mast and the foundation. Cables connect the masts and support two independently operable trolleys between the masts, a hoist on each trolley including a cable connects via a yoke to a section in the loading area and lifts same vertically from a truck therein to at least the story being assembled, and then moves it horizontally to immediately above its ultimate location where it is lowered. A nearby operator, by remote control depending from the trolley, controls its movements to position it precisely, such control being of winches connected to cables for moving the hoist and trolleys. This operator also communicates with the ground by telephone or radio. Each mast has three stays. To raise it, it is laid out horizontally with the cables and stays positioned.