Abstract: A six-DOF motion testing and motion parameter decoupling method for rotors based on shaft-disk is proposed, which includes a displacement sensor tooling and a precision shaft-disk fixed on the rotor where three measuring points are arranged on the surface of disk to measure the axial motion of the rotor, two measuring points on the shaft to measure the radial motion, and the angle encoder at the shaft shoulder to measure the rotation motion. The tooling guarantees the accuracy of displacement sensors. The fixed coordinate system and the shaft-disk moving coordinate system are set, and the measured values of the displacement sensors and the encoder are represented by vectors to establish the relationship between the six-DOF motion of the shaft-disk axis and the measured values of sensors. Thus, the six-DOF motion of the rotor/shaft-disk can be determined by the measured data.

Abstract: A remote-controlled robotic equipment for tree pruning near energized power lines, which, provides a remote-controlled robotic equipment in its own, specific electromechanical structure coupled to a truck and based on a robotic arm with a stand, a positioner, a handler and an end effector-pruning tool, a collection bin and a tree branch shredder, which are all integrated, for robotized tree pruning near energized power lines, which can conveniently, safely and precisely streamline the procedures adopted in the maintenance of aerial electric power distribution networks, more specifically, tree pruning near urban electric power distribution networks, combined with full ergonomics and no exposure of operators.

Abstract: An infeed apparatus includes an item manipulator that orients items such as cases in a desired orientation as determined by a build menu, and a row build apparatus that is synchronized with the manipulator to space items pursuant to the build menu. The manipulator uses a pusher to push items across a friction belt to thereby orient the items, and includes sensors for determining when an item is in an incorrect orientation. The row build receives items from the pusher and is selectively advanced to locate items in a desired relative orientation so that rows of items are built correctly.

Abstract: A robot system includes a crane unit, a crane moving mechanism, a manipulator unit, and a controller. The crane unit is configured to suspend a workpiece. The crane moving mechanism allows the crane unit to move in a horizontal direction. The manipulator unit holds and moves the crane unit supporting the workpiece. The controller is configured to control the crane unit to support the workpiece at a first position and control the manipulator unit to move the crane unit supporting the workpiece toward a second position and to place the supported workpiece at the second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide an adjustable tine clamp configuration are shown. Embodiments provide an adjustable support member configuration which is adapted to maintain a desired geometry of tines throughout an adjustable range. The adjustable support members are preferably adjustable to provide selectable clamping widths, such as to accommodate manipulation of goods of different sizes and shapes. Embodiments utilize parallel links coupled to pivoting tine supports to maintain proper tine geometry throughout the full range of adjustment. Such parallel links are further preferably utilized to actuate associated tines in operation of the adjustable tine clamp. Embodiments further implement a short stroke actuator configuration to facilitate very rapid production cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for carrying a load (11), in particular for carrying a container, comprises a framework (12) supported on suitable wheels (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and supporting load pick up means (18), the latter being mobile between a lowered load pick up or release position and a lifted load carry position. The supporting framework comprises, in particular, a part (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) which is fixed to the wheels (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and a part (14) supporting the load pick up means (18) and mobile, relative to the fixed part (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), between at least a lowered position and a lifted position. (FIG.

Abstract: An article transport facility comprising an article transporting mobile body with a vertically movable gripper, an article support shiftable between an article transfer position and an article storage position, wherein the article support includes a fixed frame and a movable frame having a pair of support arm portions with a plurality of connecting frames interconnecting the pair of support arm portions. A plurality of article positioning projecting members are supported to the plurality of connecting frames and held by a position setting member in a proper relative positional relationship wherein the article positioning members are distributed in the far-near direction and a direction perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: Method and device for gripping one or more elongated element(s), which device includes two main gripping arms (1, 2) adapted to hold the element(s) between them. At least one first hydraulic cylinder (6, 7) is provided for moving the main gripping arms relative to one another. The device also has at least one auxiliary gripping arm (3, 4) and at least one second hydraulic cylinder (8, 9) for moving the auxiliary gripping arm relative to the main gripping arms in order to press the element(s) against the main gripping arms. The second hydraulic cylinder (8, 9) is connected operationally to the first hydraulic cylinder (6, 7) in such a way that the movement of the auxiliary gripping arm (3, 4) is initiated only when the piston of the first hydraulic cylinder reaches a predetermined position.

Abstract: An object engaging tool and method for using same for manipulating bottle shaped objects with a mechanical arm are described. A first and second contact surface of the object engaging tool engage the body of an object when positioned over the object while the object is resting upright. The position of the object engaging tool is changed generally downwardly so the weight of the object is transferred to the object engaging tool and is supported in cantilevered relation thereupon. The object is moved into position and placed on a resting surface whereupon the object engaging tool is disengaged when the weight of the object is transferred to the resting surface. The object engaging tool may further be positioned over the object when resting in a horizontal position and the object engaged and weight transferred to the object engaging tool by changing the position of the object engaging tool upwardly.

Abstract: An object engaging tool and method for using same for manipulating bottle shaped objects with a mechanical arm are described. A first and second contact surface of the object engaging tool engage the body of an object when positioned over the object while the object is resting upright. The position of the object engaging tool is changed generally downwardly so the weight of the object is transferred to the object engaging tool and is supported in cantilevered relation thereupon. The object is moved into position and placed on a resting surface whereupon the object engaging tool is disengaged when the weight of the object is transferred to the resting surface. The object engaging tool may further be positioned over the object when resting in a horizontal position and the object engaged and weight transferred to the object engaging tool by changing the position of the object engaging tool upwardly.

Abstract: An object engaging tool and method for using same for manipulating bottle shaped objects with a mechanical arm are described. A first and second contact surface of the object engaging tool engage the body of an object when positioned over the object while the object is resting upright. The position of the object engaging tool is changed generally downwardly so the weight of the object is transferred to the object engaging tool and is supported in cantilevered relation thereupon. The object is moved into position and placed on a resting surface whereupon the object engaging tool is disengaged when the weight of the object is transferred to the resting surface. The object engaging tool may further be positioned over the object when resting in a horizontal position and the object engaged and weight transferred to the object engaging tool by changing the position of the object engaging tool upwardly.

Abstract: A grapple skidder for dragging a bundle of logs or trees from one location to a selected site. The grapple skidder comprises a boom and grapple assembly including a grapple suspended from an arched boom arm pivotally mounted to a linear main boom pivotable between forward and rearward inclined positions. A heel is directly mounted on the underside of the main boom to provide an arresting surface against which the butt ends of the trees abut when the boom and grapple assembly is operated to lift a bundle of trees over another bundle of trees lying on the ground. The arresting surface retains the grasped trees against pivotal movement due to gravitational forces, whereby pivotal movement of the main boom in a direction opposite to that which tend to be induced by the gravitational forces results in the trees being completely lifted off the ground.

Abstract: A grapple skidder for dragging a bundle of logs or trees from one location to a selected site. The grapple skidder comprises a boom and grapple assembly including a grapple suspended from an arched boom arm pivotally mounted to a linear main boom pivotable between forward and rearward inclined positions. A heel is directly mounted on the underside of the main boom to provide an arresting surface against which the butt ends of the trees abut when the boom and grapple assembly is operated to lift a bundle of trees over another bundle of trees lying on the ground. The arresting surface retains the grasped trees against pivotal movement due to gravitational forces, whereby pivotal movement of the main boom in a direction opposite to that which tend to be induced by the gravitational forces results in the trees being completely lifted off the ground.

Abstract: A digger derrick truck for installing poles into the ground. The digger derrick truck includes a boom on which a pole guide assembly is slidably mounted. The pole guide assembly is operatively associated with a latching mechanism which releasably couples the pole guide assembly and the boom in an operative position and an inoperative position. The latching mechanism includes a latch arm and a release mechanism such that, when the boom is retracted, the release mechanism allows the latch arm to pivot and couple the pole guide assembly and the boom.

Abstract: A robot for a production machine includes a parallel link mechanism including opposed first and second shorter-side links and opposed first and second longer-side links which form a parallelogram. A chuck is supported on the first shorter-side link. A guide rail is fixed to a base arm in order to movably support the second shorter-side link. The base end of a drive link is rotatably attached to the base arm, and the distal end of the drive link is attached to an intermediate portion of one of the first and second longer-side links. A drive mechanism is provided in order to rotate the base end of the drive link. This structure simplifies the mechanical system and the control system, reduces a space required in the vertical direction, and increases operation speed such as product removal speed.

Abstract: A product supply unit which has a pair of plate members disposed opposite to each other and connected together by a number of supports that are in between the two plate members and disposed around the circumference of the plate members. Each support has a product holding nozzle used to move a product from a supply point, to a work point, to a stock point.

Abstract: A disc-handling apparatus for supporting a magnetic disc during material deposition and for transporting the disc into and out of a deposition station is described. The apparatus has a holder that supports a disc at three contact points by a support and a pair of arms, such that the disc is positively gripped by at least three contact points.

Abstract: A grapple including a central mounting member for attachment to a swivel mount of a boom and a pair of grapple jaws pivotally connected to and depending from the mounting member is modified by the addition of a pair of end engagement plates for engaging and locating ends of the logs when grasped for lifting, the plates defining inwardly facing parallel surfaces arranged substantially at right angles to the axes. The end engagement plates are mounted on a pair of horizontal slide beams for inward and outward movement and are attached by sleeves sliding on vertical rails of the plates for movement vertically relative to the central mounting member.

Abstract: The robot hand has a holding unit with front and rear clamp claws and the holding unit can be inserted into a gap formed between the seat back and the seat cushion from the side of a front space existing ahead of the seat back and over the seat cushion. After the holding unit is inserted into the gap therebetween, the cylinder disposed in the holding unit is elongated to allow each of the clamp claws to assume its upright position, thereby holding the seat in three positions, i.e. at the bottom portion and the lower front and rear portions of the seat back.

Abstract: A robot body has an articulated manipulator arm having a welding tool. The robot body is installed on a base stand housing electric circuits including a welding power source. The electric circuits provide for driving and controlling the welding tool. The robot thus provided minimizes the space needed for installation thereof and requires less time for installation and fewer parts, whereby it becomes possible to reduce the manufacturing cost, simplify the robot installation operation and obtain a stable welding performance.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the height of the takeout mechanism in a glassware forming machine comprises setting a takeout arm of the mechanism at a predetermined angle by use of a jig member adjusting a piston and cylinder device so that it is in a predetermined lowermost position when the takeout arm is so set, using a second jig member appropriate to the desired height of the takeout mechanism with respect to a set of moulds, setting the whole mechanism to the appropriate height and adjusting a scale to indicate the height to which the mechanism is set.

Abstract: A break-out attachment (2) configured for connection to a vehicle, such as a lift truck (20), for retrieving, transporting and releasing cotton bales. The break-out attachment comprises a shaft (24) rotatably mounted to a base frame (4), two lower horizontally spaced support arms (10, 12) extending outward from the shaft for supporting a cotton bale and an upper arm (6) extending from the shaft between the support arms for engaging the cotton bale. A rotary actuator (52) is coupled to the shaft for rotating the shaft and the three arms around the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The upper arm has a hydraulic cylinder (88) for telescoping toward and away from the shaft. The hydraulic cylinder provides more flexibility in the positioning of the truck and allows the operator to initially engage the cotton bale with only the upper arm, thus facilitating the process of retrieving the bale.

Abstract: A disc-handling apparatus for supporting a magnetic disc during material deposition and for transporting the disc into and out of a deposition station is described. The apparatus has a holder that supports a disc at three contact points by a support and a pair of arms, such that the disc is positively gripped by at least three contact points.

Abstract: An apparatus for overturning a long-web roll comprises chucks for holding the long-web roll, which is placed on a first resting surface, by nipping an outer circumference of the long-web roll from both sides in the radial direction, and stop plates capable of being set at supporting positions that stand facing a front end face of the long-web roll, which is held by the chucks, the front end face being directed towards the side of a second resting surface. A rotating transfer device rotates the stop plates and the chucks together with each other by an angle of approximately 90.degree. and thereby places the long-web roll, which is held by the chucks, on the second resting surface such that the front end face may rest on the second resting surface.

Abstract: In the installation of underground utilities it is common to utilize an earthmoving machine, such as hydraulic excavator, to dig a trench and aid in the placement of the individual pipe segments that comprise a conduit or pipeline. Normal placement of the pipe segments requires communication between the excavator operator and laborer that is positioned adjacent the pipeline in the trench. As the pipe segments are lowered into position, the laborer insures a proper connection of each joint and the overall support beneath the pipeline. The requirement of another individual in the trench is both inefficient and represents a significant increase in the cost of laying the pipeline. The present invention utilizes a grapple assembly to grasp the individual pipe segments to maneuver them into and within the trench. The grip on the pipe segment is sufficient to permit its insertion into the unfinished pipeline.

Abstract: A six-degree-of-freedom articulated robot mechanism includes a three-degree-of-freedom translation unit for adjusting the position. The translation unit includes an orientation maintaining mechanism which has a rotation articulation of the direct drive type connecting a drive motor directly to an arm, and a link mechanism. A three-degree-of-freedom rotation unit for adjusting the orientation includes three rotation articulators of the direct drive type connecting a drive motor directly to a table, and the axes of the three rotation articulators intersect one another at one point.

Abstract: A device for lifting sheets of glass brought on a conveyor, has at least one arm rotatable about a horizontal spindle, situated at the lower end of the arm, between a substantially vertical position for gripping the sheets on the conveyor and a substantially horizontal position for depositing the sheets. The device also has a support mounted on the upper end of each rotating arm, the support being slidable along the axis of the arm. The support carries first suction cups for gripping the sheets and at least two retractable arms fastened with the support, the arms being rotatable between a substantially horizontal axis carried by the support, each retractable arm being provided with second suction cups. The retractable arms and the second suction cups are disposed symmetrically with respect to the conveyor axis and in such a way that the sheets of large dimensions are gripped while being in equilibrium.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying large-diameter bales for attachment to a front end loader including a support frame for attachment to the loader, forwardly extending support arms for supporting a bale generally from underneath, first and second forwardly extending gripping arm spaced apart to receive a bale therebetween. Manipulation structure slides the gripping arms to vary the distance therebetween, so that the device may effectively handle bales of varying width or in lengthwise and endwise orientation.

Abstract: A bottle handling device comprising a tool for grasping the sides of the bottles, the tool being tiltably mounted to one end of a flexible cord and the other end of the cord is coupled to a balancing device for balancing the grasping tool and developing a balancing force that is adjustable between two values depending on whether the tool is loaded or unloaded. The device also has a support table for supporting a plurality of bottles standing in a row, and a backing piece mounted along the table in order to accommodate the tilting of the bottles while the value of the balance force is changing.

Abstract: A log yarder including a support vehicle; a horizontally rotatable framework mounted on the vehicle; one or more booms mounted on the framework; an elongated heeling rack mounted on the most terminal boom; a slack kicker for skidding logs to the yarder; and a grapple for loading or placement of the logs so skidded. The combination of slack kicker and grapple enables a single operator to skid a fallen log to the grapple for loading the log for hauling or for deck placement. The slack kicker includes a cable which is threaded through one end of the heeling rack which may be used to skid the logs into a substantially aligned position with the grapple for convenient and efficient loading.

Abstract: In this manipulator system, a small arm is coupled with an arm portion of a large arm excepting the tip, and the large arm and the small arm are independently controlled to operate. For coupling the small arm with the arm portion of the large arm, a capturing mechanism located at the tip of the large arm is actuated to be coupled with a capturing mechanism of the small arm. Another capturing mechanism of the small arm is moved to a capturing mechanism located on the arm portion of the large arm to be mechanically and electrically coupled therewith. When this coupling has been completed, the coupling between the capturing mechanism located on the tip of the large arm and the capturing mechanism of the small arm is released. As a result, the small arm can be branch-connected to the large arm, and expansion of the work range and complex work become possible.

Abstract: An article manipulator for use with an industrial robot includes an upper frame adapted for fastening to the industrial robot and a lower frame coupled to the upper frame. A pair of lifting members operable for lifting an article are connected to the lower frame. At least one vacuum cup is coupled to the frame and is restrained to move in a plane substantially parallel to the lifting members. Sensing mechanisms are provided for sensing the position of an article relative to the manipulator and for generating electrical signals which are utilized by a controller to enable the vacuum cups to grip the article at one side and move the article onto the lifting members. Subsequently, the manipulator transfers the articles to a second position. The manipulator is suited for depalletizing and/or palletizing parallelepiped shape articles.

Abstract: A utility pole handling attachment for skid-steer type loaders includes an hydraulically operated gripper arm and support cradle for receiving and gripping a utility pole during pulling or setting operations or transporting. The attachment is adapted to pivot the gripped pole along a path from a transport position wherein the pole is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the loader, to a pulling or setting position wherein the pole is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the loader for installation into or removal from the ground.

Abstract: A process is described which allows metal sheets of different dimensions to be manipulated in a automatic manner by means of a numerically controlled robot provided with a pair of mechanical pincers; it consists in positioning the metal sheet onto a support table carried by a rotatable base to effect rotation thereof parallel to its own plane having previously released the metal sheet by the pincers, and, for metal sheets of large dimensions, displacing, with the pincers, both the metal sheets and the table on which it is lying simultaneously, which table is removable from the said base.

Abstract: An improved vehicle for working in a forest, of the type comprising a pusher blade movable up and down. This vehicle is improved in that it further comprises a tree gripping unit mounted laterally of the blade at one end thereof, in a position to pick up a tree lying on the ground. An actuator is provided for actuating the tree gripping unit from the cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: A semiconductor crystal ingot (14) is supportively engaged by an ingot handling apparatus (22) which contacts a base (38) of the ingot (14) with a base support (36) and opposite sides of a lateral surface of the ingot (14) with at least one pair of jaws (37). The jaws (37) are retained adjacent to but out of firm contact with the lateral surface of the ingot until after the support (36) firmly supports the weight of the ingot. The support and the at least one pair of jaws are retracted from a furnace (10) simultaneously in a lateral direction with no relative movement to withdraw the ingot from the furnace.

Abstract: A device is described for determining the weight of objects being moved or loaded either individually or cumulatively. The device of the invention is particularly adapted for use with loaders such as the knuckle boom loader used for moving logs, poles and beams. An advantage of the invention is that it can be employed in conjunction with current models of loaders without requiring extensive modification of the loader device and can quickly and easily be removed when not needed. In one embodiment of the invention, heel means are provided for assisting in the moving and simultaneous weighing of large irregularly shaped objects such as logs and poles.

Abstract: There is provided a grapple for lifting and maneuvring elongated items, which includes a main frame and a sub-frame, the two frames being pivotally mounted with respect to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The sub frame includes grappling jaws and heel elements which are capable of receiving elongated items. Mechanisms are provided for rotating the sub-frame with respect to the main frame. The heel is fixed with respect to the sub-frame and is spaced from the grappling jaws.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00584 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 9, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 9, 1979 PCT Filed PCT Pub No. WO 81/00396 Pub Date Feb. 19, 1981A compact grapple head (10) for use in apparatus such as a logging vehicle (11). The grapple head has a reduced overall height and utilizes four pivot connections (17,26,27 and 31) in controlling the tongs (13 and 18) thereof. The arrangement of the pivot connections relative to the tongs, an extensible device (22) and an interconnecting (28) provides an improved load-handling capability both as to maximum and minimum loads. Each of the extensible device (22) and link (28) is connected between the tongs with one of the pivotal connections (26) connecting both of the extensible device (22) and link (28) to one of the tongs (13) and a second pivotal connection (27) connecting both the extensible device and the other of the tongs (18) to the frame (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is used for transporting one or more elongated members (12), such as logs (12) or pipes. The absence of developed roadways into tree cutting sites, for example, requires an apparatus (10) for transporting logs (12) over difficult terrain from the site to other locations. In the apparatus (10) for transporting the elongated member (12), first apparatus (20) controllably engages a first end portion (14) of the elongated member (12) in supporting relationship in response to being urged between the first end portion (14) and the ground (32) in a direction (34) generally longitudinal relative to the elongated member (12). Second apparatus (26) controllably engages a second end portion (16) of the elongated member (12) and maintains the first end portion (14) in supporting relationship with the first apparatus (20).

Abstract: A grapple attachment for the boom of a hoisting machine having a pair of arms movable between open and closed positions, the arms supporting an endless chain which, when the arms are closed, embrace a pole to be placed so that the pole can be lifted and then rotated about its own axis by a drive motor engaging the chain so that the fittings and the like attached to the pole can be aligned in a selected direction while the pole is held by the grapple.

Abstract: Conventional linkage projecting forward from a tractor, such as the linkage commonly used to support the bucket of a loader, carries a box frame for elevational movement and for tilting of the frame about a horizontal axis. Two sets of clamping grapple arms are mounted on cross members of the frame by upright pivot shafts extending between such cross members for swinging of the grapple arms. Jaws including shearing blades are mounted below the grapple arms between cross members of the frame for swinging about axes registered with the grapple arm axes. With the frame upright and the grapple arms and jaws open, the tractor is driven forward to embrace a standing tree between the grapple arms and the jaws. The grapple arms are closed to clamp the tree followed by closing the jaws to shear the tree, whereupon the tree, standing on the shearing blades, can be maneuvered in upright position to a piling or yarding area and swung downward by tilting the box frame forward.

Abstract: A workpiece transport device which includes at least one gripper tong arrangement driven in comformity with a work rhythm of a machine tool which is required to be charged and/or discharged. The gripper tong arrangement grips a marginal area of the workpiece, transports the workpiece, and deposits the workpiece at another machine tool or workpiece depository. An extensible and retractable support slide is provided for supporting the workpiece in a transport phase by being displaced beneath the workpiece in parallel to the gripper tong arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for lifting, handling, transporting and unrolling large round hay bales. Preferably said apparatus is employed on the bed of a pickup or truck and includes a frame mounted on the pickup bed with a beam pivotally mounted thereon and with arms slidably mounted on the beam. The arms have bale penetrating members rotatably mounted or fixed thereon. First power actuated means operably pivot said beam in an arc about the rear end of the pickup toward and away from the ground. Second power actuated means slide the arms and penetrating members along said beam toward each other in such fashion as to squeeze a bale sufficiently to allow the first power means to lift the bale from the ground, and away from each other to release the bale. The bale penetrating members are rotatably or fixedly mounted on the arms to allow a bale to be unrolled to facilitate feeding the hay of the bale to animals.