Abstract: The invention regards a robotic gardening device comprising driving means for propelling the robotic gardening device, a working tool for performing dedicated gardening work and a controlling unit for controlling said driving means and the working tool and a method for controlling the same. The robotic gardening device further comprises at least one environment sensor generating a signal indicative of objects in the environment of the robotic gardening device, a computing unit for classifying these objects, wherein the classes comprise at least two different classes for objects being determined to be humans. The computing unit is configured to control the driving means and/or the working device according to a predetermined behavior associated with the respective objects class.

Abstract: The mounting position or the mounting angle of an external environment detection device relative to a vehicle body is prevented from changing even after experiencing a light collision, and a favorable external appearance of the vehicle body in a mounting part of the external environment detection device is ensured. A mounting structure includes a bumper side garnish (42) having an opening (44) facing a prescribed detecting direction of a laser radar device (38), and a device side garnish (46) extending from an outer periphery of the detection device, and including a lip (50) that overlaps with an opening edge (44) of the bumper side garnish (42) located on a periphery (44A) of the opening (44).

Abstract: A robot is provided. The robot includes a main body, one or more wheels coupled to the main body, one or more elastic members coupled to the main body, a disc coupled to the one or more elastic members, and one or more sensors. The disc is configured to move relative to the main body in response to a force exerted against the disc. The one or more sensors may detect a dislocation of the disc relative to the main body in response to the force exerted against the disc.

Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure including: a bumper reinforcement disposed at a vehicle front end portion side such that a longitudinal direction of the bumper reinforcement is aligned with a vehicle transverse direction; a pedestrian collision detection sensor comprising a pressure tube and outputting signals based on pressure changes in the pressure tribe, the pressure tube including: a main tube disposed at a vehicle front side of the bumper reinforcement d extending along the bumper reinforcement from one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the bumper reinforcement to another end portion in the longitudinal direction thereof; and a pair of outer side tubes provided continuously with the main tube and, as viewed from a vehicle front-rear direction, extending respectively towards a. vehicle lower side from positions of the one end portion and the other end portion of the main tube; and an absorber, is provided.

Abstract: A robot bumper including a bumper body having a forward surface and a top surface angling away from the forward surface. The bumper body conforms to a shape of a received robot chassis. The robot bumper also includes a force absorbing layer disposed on the bumper body, a membrane switch layer comprising a plurality of electrical contacts arranged along the top surface of the bumper body, and a force transmission layer disposed between the force absorbing layer and the membrane switch layer. The force transmission layer includes a plurality of force transmitting elements configured to transmit force to the membrane switch layer.

Abstract: A robot bumper assembly includes a bumper body, a first sensor array, and a second sensor array. The first sensor array is disposed along and contoured to the periphery of a forward facing portion of the bumper body and senses contact with an external environment at positions along the contour of the periphery forward facing portion of the bumper body. The second sensor array is disposed along and contoured to the periphery of a top portion of the forward facing portion of the robot body. The top portion is angled, ramping up. The second sensor array senses contact with an external environment at positions along the periphery of the angled top portion of the bumper body.

Abstract: A robot bumper including a bumper body having a forward surface and a top surface angling away from the forward surface. The bumper body conforms to a shape of a received robot chassis. The robot bumper also includes a force absorbing layer disposed on the bumper body, a membrane switch layer comprising a plurality of electrical contacts arranged along the top surface of the bumper body, and a force transmission layer disposed between the force absorbing layer and the membrane switch layer. The force transmission layer includes a plurality of force transmitting elements configured to transmit force to the membrane switch layer.

Abstract: A bumper structure of a cleaning robot which detects whether or not an obstacle contacts a bumper and a position of the obstacle, allows the bumper to be simply process and reduces the number of components of the cleaning robot to lower the production costs of the cleaning robot. The bumper structure includes a main body, a bumper installed on the front surface of the main body, a resistance film provided between the main body and the bumper and fixed to the main body, and a metal film provided between the main body and the bumper and fixed to the bumper such that the shape of the metal film is deformed together with the bumper and the metal film comes into contact with the resistance film when at least one obstacle contacts the bumper, so as to measure resistance values.

Abstract: A collision detecting device includes a chamber member providing a space, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure inside the space, a determination means, a bumper absorber for absorbing an impact generated by collision and a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the chamber member. Hardness of the chamber member changes with temperature. Thus, the deformation degree of the chamber member is different depending on temperature. However, the determination means corrects the pressure detected by the pressure sensor based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and determines collision based on the corrected pressure. Therefore, a collision detecting device which can determine collision of an object with a vehicle accurately without being affected by the change of temperature can be obtained.

Abstract: In a vehicular front bumper structure having the function of detecting the collision of an object against the front bumper of a vehicle in the vehicle, the length of a front bumper area in widthwise directions of the vehicle, in which area a load applied to the front bumper is detected with a collision detection sensor (104), is more than or equal to a maximum distance in the widthwise directions of the vehicle between the right and left front pillars (A pillars; 107) of the vehicle, the collision detection sensor being provided to extend along a bumper reinforce (103) between the bumper reinforce and a shock absorber (105), the bumper reinforce and the shock absorber forming the front bumper; and the collision detection sensor has an interface part (106) provided at one of the ends of the collision detection sensor in the widthwise directions of the vehicle which one is on the side opposite to a walkway (a right front end in left-hand traffic/a left front end in right-hand traffic).

Abstract: The present invention provides a bumper structure for an automatic moving device which directs the moving device to change directions when bumping into an obstacle. The bumper structure of the present invention comprises a base, an elastic housing and a conductive terminal. A plurality of conductive sheets is formed over the base, wherein the conductive sheets are coupled to the control circuit of a moving device via the base. The elastic housing is formed over the base, with a protruding actuator section formed within the elastic housing, and the actuator section is parallel to the conductive sheets. The conductive terminal is formed at the bottom of the actuator section but is not in contact with the conductive sheets.

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: A collision obstacle discrimination device for a vehicle has at least one upper detection unit arranged between a bumper and side members and at least one lower detection unit disposed at a lower side of the upper detection unit. The upper detection unit detects at least a component of a side-member extension direction of a collision energy when an obstacle collides with the bumper. The lower detection unit detects a collision energy which is closer to the ground than the component of the side-member extension direction of the collision energy detected by the upper detection unit. A discrimination unit is further provided to sort-distinguish the obstacle by comparing the collision energy detected by the upper detection unit and that detected by the lower detection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extending a bumper on a motor vehicle having driven wheels. The apparatus includes a drive to derive power from the rotating wheels, an actuator for extending the bumper, and a controller for connecting the actuator to the drive. When bumper extension is desired, drive power is transferred from the motor vehicle's rotating wheels to the actuator to effect deployment of the bumper.

Abstract: A wire collision sensor system for a vehicle, which includes a vehicle body, includes a bumper, a wire, a wire deformation sensor and a determination circuit. The bumper is mounted on a longitudinal end portion of the vehicle body. The wire, which senses a collision of the vehicle, is received in the bumper and extends along the bumper in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The wire is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the bumper at both ends in such a manner that the wire is displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the wire. The wire deformation sensor electrically senses a physical quantity, which is associated with a deformation of the wire at a time of the collision. The wire deformation sensor transmits an output, which indicates the sensed physical quantity. The determination circuit determines a state of the collision based on the output.

Abstract: A collision detection system for a vehicle has two collision load sensors, which are respectively positioned between a rear end surface of a bumper reinforce member and front end surfaces of two side members of the vehicle. Thus, a collision load at any position in a vehicle-width direction of a bumper of the vehicle can be appropriately detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for externally controlling one or more brakes on a vehicle having a pressurized fluid braking system. The apparatus can include a pressurizable vessel that is adapted for fluid-tight coupling to the braking system. Impact to the rear of the vehicle by a pursuit vehicle, shooting a target mounted on the vehicle or sending a signal from a remote control can all result in the fluid pressures in the braking system of the vehicle being modified so that the vehicle is stopped and rendered temporarily inoperable. A control device can also be provided in the driver's compartment of the vehicle for similarly rendering the vehicle inoperable. A driver or hijacker of the vehicle preferably cannot overcome the stopping action from the driver's compartment.

Abstract: Device for motor vehicles designed to prevent traffic accidents or to reduce their injurious consequences. The extent of injuries in traffic accidents can be reduced significantly by employing the vehicle bumper (1) as a crumple (deformation) zone. A sensor (2) is used to record this distance from and speed relative to an obstacle in the direction of travel. When a collision is unavoidable, one end of the bumper (1) is projected outward by a propellant charge (13) so that, together with a strut (17, 22, 24), if forms a crumple zone ahead of the vehicle. The device can also be provided with a system to warn of dangerous traffic situations, and to brake the vehicle automatically or reduce its speed if the risk of a collision exists. In the case of trucks and buses, the bumper (1) may be deployed by means of a pneumatic cylinder (4) and valve (7), which are controlled by the vehicle's ordinary speedometer. The bumper remains depolyed above a certain threshold speed.

Abstract: A sensor carrier assembly for supporting one or a plurality of sensors to facilitate mounting the plurality of sensors to the vehicle. The sensors are mounted to a carrier or mounting beam which is then in turn mounted directly to the vehicle. The mounting beam mounts directly to the vehicle and a bumper covers the mounting beam. Alternatively, the sensor mounts externally to a vehicle body part, such as a bumper. Fastening points for attaching the carrier assembly to the vehicle are preferably placed in proximity to the sensors to assist in maintaining proper orientation of the sensors.

Abstract: There is provided a tactile sensor that is a status sensor that move between inactive and active states. The tactile sensor can cover a large area and can be in the form of long strips. Its construction allows it to cover surfaces that are flat or curved or that include bends. In an exemplary application, these tactile sensors may be used as vehicle bumpers or in other applications where contact with an object, surface or the like needs to be detected. Activation of the sensor, typically coupled to a control system that controls motion of the vehicle, may cause the vehicle to shut off, typically ceasing motion, within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a robot bumper device coupled to a mobile robot for immobilizing the robot when a predetermined external force is sensed and a robotic bumper system for controlling at least one mobile robot located within an assembly area is provided. The robot bumper device includes at least one constant force spring member having a first portion attached to an outer surface of a mobile robot for providing constant absorption of an external force resulting from a collision between the bumper device and an unsuspecting object. A pressure sensitive electronic switch is mounted to a first surface of a substantially planar plastic member that extends across a predetermined length of the mobile robot.

Abstract: A protective assembly and method for use in combination with a vehicle body to protect the side and door panels of the vehicle body comprises an elongated guard movable between a retracted position in which it underlies the vehicle body and an extended position in which it overlies the side of said vehicle body, a bi-directional electric motor for rotatingly driving the guard between its retracted and extended positions, a pair of linkage assemblies pivotally securing the guard within the wheel wells of the vehicle body wherein one of the linkage assemblies is secured to a drive shaft of the motor to define an intermediary through which the motion of the drive shaft is transferred to the guard, an electrical energy source, and wireless control units allowing for the remote activation of the protective assembly.

Abstract: In a anticollision device for driverless industrial trucks (1), preferably automotive assembly platforms, switching bails (9) are articulated by a bilateral lever mechanisms at one end of the industrial truck. These switching bails are located in an outer operating position (37) during single travel and they trigger an emergency stop via switches (11, 30) on impact against an obstacle. On entry into a pushing unit section, control rollers (13) run, in a mechanically restrictedly guided manner, up onto stationary guide rails (14), and automatically engage the lever mechanisms (42) via roller levers (12), and two guide sleeves (24), arranged on a cross guide (25), are displaced linearly in relation to one another against the pretensioning force of at least one spring (26) via spring levers (23).

Abstract: A safety guard uses a strip switch to prevent injury at pinch points on either lift gates or pedestrian-operated industrial trucks. A strip switch is provided at the pinch point between the lift gate and the truck bed or vehicle body to stop or reverse operation of the lift gate when contacted by body parts or items improperly loaded on the lift gate. A strip switch may also be located adjacent the portions of a pedestrian-operated lift truck. The strip switch is disposed located about a portion of the perimeter of the pedestrian-operated lift truck adjacent the operator. Upon contacting the strip switch, the pedestrian-operated lift truck may be stopped or reversed to permit the operator to free his foot from the potential pinch point where injury can occur.

Abstract: The shock-absorbing safety device has lateral protection elements which extend along the sides of a truck. Actuation devices move the lateral protection elements transversely with respect to the truck between a loading position, in which the lateral protection elements are adjacent to the sides of the truck, and a transport position in which the lateral protection elements are spaced therefrom. End protection elements provide, in the transport position, substantial continuity with the lateral protection elements, and control devices detect any collisions transmitted by the lateral protection elements and the end protection elements.

Abstract: An impact sensor is mounted to the front portion of a vehicle body so as to operate with a desired responsiveness. The impact sensor is located below a horizontal line passing through the upper end portion of a stiffener for a bumper of the vehicle and behind a vertical line passing through a front end portion of the stiffener. The stiffener is stiffer than a portion of the bumper which is located on a horizontal line passing through the stiffener. Crash energy is not transmitted to the impact sensor during a light crash and, as a result, the air bag is not inappropriately inflated during such a light crash.

Abstract: A band-like safety bumper for an automatic guided vehicle has a hinge pin rigidly attached at either end with a lever rigidly attached to the pin. A proximity switch is located near the lever and sends control signals to stop the vehicle as a result of obstacle induced movement of the lever.

Abstract: Safety device for forklift trucks comprises a bumper fixed to a telescopic support fitted to the vehicle chassis, the support being able to traverse and rotate to a limited extent in relation to the chassis. The support is connected to equipment designed to activate devices which stop the vehicle if the movements and/or rotations of the support exceed a preset value.

Abstract: Safety bumpers provide flexible strips for making contact inside a hollow space in a foamed body. It is suggested to carry out the making of contact by way of a closed switching strip which is mounted in a hollow space bordered by a frame preferably designed as a U-profile. An elastic pressure strip having webs extending transversely with respect to the switching strip is assigned to this switching strip. As a result, making of contact is ensured in the case of an arrangement which is not susceptible to pollution and humidity influences and which also permits a pre-assembling.

Abstract: A bumper for impact detection with an object is disclosed. An electrically conductive member has a compressible, electrically conductive material mounted thereto. An insulator formed of mesh material is sandwiched between the electrically conductive member and the electrically conductive material for electrically insulating the member and the material when the member is in a non-compressed state and to provide electrical conduction between the member and the material when the conductive material is in a compressed state.

Abstract: A flexible bumper 11, 14 is provided on an automatic guided vehicle 10 carrying an emitter/receiver photocell 21 thereon in electrical connection with motor circuit 28 and brake circuit 29. When photocell 21 is actuated by a suitable relay, the photocell beam signal 27 (FIG. 1) is transmitted through fiber optic cables 22, 23, emitter 25 and receiver 26 to permit propulsion motor operation through motor circuit 28 and vehicle brake release through brake circuit 29. If vehicle 10 strikes an obstruction safety bumper 11 is deflected, causing the aligned emitter-receiver beam 27 to be interrupted. This interruption of the beam signal to photocell 21 triggers motor circuit 28 to stop the motor and causes brake circuit 29 to set the vehicle brakes. When the obstruction is removed, the bumper deflects back to its normal position and light beam 27 is again transmitted to photocell 21 to permit brake release and motor operation to resume.

Abstract: An arrangement for sensing an object relative to the side of a vehicle requires physical contact between the arrangement and the object. Therefore, mechanically operated object sensing arrangements are prone to damage, frequent malfunctions, and premature failure. An object sensing arrangement for identifying an object within a preselected minimum distance spaced from a first side of a vehicle has first reflective target movably connected to the first side at a location on the first side adjacent a first end portion, and a first connecting apparatus movably connects a first signaling apparatus to the first side at a first location on the first side adjacent a frame second end portion. The first signaling apparatus delivers a first signal to the first reflective target and receives a reflection of the first delivered signal from the first reflective target.

Abstract: The collision protection device comprises a collision protector held in a rest position by spring force. Upon collision against an obstacle, the collision protector is displaced against the spring force and thus cooperates with a de-energizing device. This collision protector is mounted on the vehicle chassis by two swing arms arranged symmetrically non-parallel or in angled relationship to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This is to permit the de-energizing device to function effectively, irrespective of the place of impact of the obstacle against the collision protector and irrespective of any deformation of the collision protector. Each swing arm is pivotably mounted on the collision protector and on a sliding link member. Each sliding link member is acted upon by the spring force and is displaceably positioned on a cross-shaft mounted on the vehicle chassis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tactile bumper is configured to obtain sensory information for impact dction and collision avoidance from the entire perimeter of an associated autonomous mobile robot or platform. The tactile bumper comprises a plurality of free-floating strips encased in a housing and is disposed in a spring-loaded fashion so as to normally be in an extended position. A plurality of microswitches are affixed to the housing and are arranged behind the plurality of free-floating strips in such a fashion so as to be activated by any displacement thereof. The most significant component(s) of the tactile bumper are a plurality of free-floating corner pieces, each of which is configured with an angled cut at its ends so as to mate with complementary angled cuts of juxtaposed ones of the plurality of free-floating strips.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a bumper with a handle contour is supported on a rotatably mounted lever which is arranged to actuate a switch in response to deflection of the bumper. This lever is coupled with an angle lever via a catch and the angle lever is deflected upon impact against an obstacle situated below the bumper area and, thereby, rotates the lever to actuate the switch. The disclosed arrangement serves for increasing the operational security in smaller transport cars for transporting files and goods of similar weight.

Abstract: An automatic drive prevention mechanism for an automated vehicle. The mechanism includes a switch frame having a rectangular periphery pivotally mounted on the automated vehicle and a switch mechanism, including a switch, coupled between the switch frame and the vehicle drive means, the switch being arranged to be activated to interrupt drive power to the vehicle when the frame is pivoted out of its neutral position. The switch mechanism includes a self-centering switch controller and the switch is arranged so that pivoting the switch frame causes actuation of the switch and release of the switch frame permits the self-centering controller to urge the switch mechanism to return to its original configuration thereby deactivating the switch and permitting the drive to be re-started.

Abstract: A compressive bumper assembly is disclosed for an electrically powered vehicle in which a bumper is resiliently supported in spaced relationship from the vehicle proper by means of a plurality of springs. The maximum displacement of the bumper from the vehicle is defined by means of inextensible members such as cables, chains or the like, which are secured to the bumper and to the vehicle. Levers are attached to the bumper at one end, the other ends having cam surfaces and being pivotally supported on the vehicle. Switches, electrically in series with the power supply for the vehicle, are provided with followers which are placed contiguously with the cam surfaces on the levers. The position of each follower determines the closed or open position of the associated switch. When the bumper comes in contact with personnel or any object, the bumper is compressed and the follower disciplined by the cam surface is displaced to open the proximate switch.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle-stopping structure according to which a vehicle body carries at an outermost part, which leads the remainder of the vehicle body when the latter travels in a given direction, a container which contains a fluid and which has most distant from the outermost part of the vehicle body a flexible wall to be engaged and deformed by a person or object which comes into contact with the fluid-container during travel of the vehicle. The interior of the container communicates with a pressure-responsive switch. The latter switch changes from one position to another in response to deformation of the flexible wall of the container. When the switch changes its position automatically in this manner, it actuates at least a control for engaging the brakes of the vehicle so that the vehicle will be automatically stopped under the above conditions.