Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide: a robot arm extension device capable of adjusting an operating radius according to the operation environment and requirements of a robot in industrial sites; and a robot including the robot arm extension device. The robot arm extension device according to the present invention comprises: a housing; an adapter formed on one side of the housing and connected to the robot; a length extending part embedded in the housing and withdrawn from or inserted into the housing; and a driving part for providing the driving power of the length extending part.

Abstract: A deformable device includes a deformable beam or hinge having an extended state, a flattened state, and a rolled state if a beam, where a stiffness and strength in the extended state is greater than a different stiffness and strength in the flattened state, the deformable beam or the hinge deformable along a long axis. An end face cross section transverse to the long axis includes a first periodic curved member which defines at least two shaped curves. A second periodic curved member defines at least two shaped curves. The second periodic curved member is mechanically coupled to the first periodic curved member at respective ends of the end face cross section. The first arc length of the first periodic curved member and the second arc length of the second periodic curved member are of about a same arc length.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extending a boom. The methods comprise: placing a drive train assembly in a start configuration in which an engagement member of the drive train assembly is coupled to an inner telescoping segment of the boom; rotating a spool in a first direction so as to unwind a slit-tube that is coupled to the engagement member; causing the inner telescoping segment to move in a direction away from a proximal end of the boom as the slit-tube is being unwound from the spool; and coupling the inner telescoping segment to an adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment reaches an extended position. The slit-tube extends a distance inside the boom that is equal to or less than a length of the adjacent telescoping segment when the inner telescoping segment is in the extended position.

Abstract: Furlable sail devices, systems, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a system and/or device that may include: a furlable boom; a furlable sail coupled with a distal end of the furlable boom; and/or a shear take-up mechanism coupled with a root end of the furlable sail. In some embodiments, the shear take-up mechanism applies tension to the furlable sail. The shear-take up mechanism may include one or more springs coupled with the root end of the furlable sail. In some embodiments, the furlable sheet includes a structural sheet. The structural sheet may include one or more areas with bending stiffness. The structural sheet may be fabricated to be self-supporting. In some embodiments, the furlable boom includes a slit-tube boom. Some embodiments may be configured as deorbit sails.

Abstract: A standing tool includes a body, a telescoping arm, a head unit, a cable, and a guide rod. The telescoping arm defines an axis therethrough and includes a base end coupled to the body and a distal end movable with respect to the base end. The head unit is coupled to the distal end of the telescoping arm and movable together therewith. The cable of the standing tool includes a first end fixed relative to the body, and a second end opposite the first end that is fixed relative to the head unit. The guide rod is coaxially aligned with the axis of the telescoping arm such that at least a portion of the cable is wrapped around the guide rod.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide for bistable collapsible tubular mast (Bi-CTM) booms. Various embodiments provide CTM booms that may be bistable in nature, thereby achieving intrinsic benefits bistability may bring. Bistability may be achieved in various embodiments through specific combinations of the thin-shell cross-section geometry and the composite laminate selected for each thin-shell segment Additionally, in various embodiments, the thin-shell geometry of each boom half may be different. Various embodiments may include combinations of circular, ellipsoidal, or parabolic segments that form each shell.

Abstract: A modular support frame (1) for supporting LED panels (2), comprising several frame modules (3), wherein at least one of these frame modules (3) is configured to support an LED panel (2), and comprises at least one longitudinal rod (4, 5) of a fixed length which is at least partially double-walled, and an LED wall (26) comprising such a support frame (1).

Abstract: One example of a flexible structure includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end, and the first end is configured to be releasably connected to the second end. As well, one or more living hinges are positioned in the elongate body between the first end and the second end, and the one or more living hinges are configured and arranged to enable the first end and second end to be moved toward each other. Finally, the flexible structure is configured to alternatively assume at least a flat state and an assembled state, and in the assembled state, the first end of the elongate body is connected to the second end of the elongate body.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to high altitude or stratospheric balloon systems. For instance, a stratospheric balloon system may include a an upper structure, a lower structure, a platform associated with the lower structure, a stack of solar panels positioned on the platform, each solar panel coupled to an adjacent solar panel, at least one tension element connected, at a first end thereof, to the upper structure and, at a second end thereof, to the platform, and a first flexible tension member coupled, at a first end thereof, to the upper structure and to foremost solar panel of the stack of solar panels. Solar panels may be stacked in a “Z-fold” configuration with either solar cells of the adjacent solar panels facing one another or the frames of the adjacent solar panels facing one another. In this configuration, the adjacent solar panels are connected by a hinge system.

Abstract: An adjustable length tensioning member that comprises a rope, a first connector on the rope, a second connector on the rope, and a plurality of connection points between the first connector and the second connector is disclosed. The plurality of connection points have a diameter greater than a diameter of the rope. The rope may be passed through a socket coupled to a first crane component and one of the connectors on the rope is coupled to a second crane component. One of the plurality of connection points engages a seat on the socket to tension the rope between the socket and the connection point.

Abstract: An apparatus for unfolding a rolled-up, elongate hollow body provides for stabilizing the unfolding body in a transition region. The hollow body has a closed cross-sectional profile. The unfolding mechanism has a winding core on which the hollow body is rolled up and compressed in a first state, and, by rotation, transfers the hollow body to an unrolled and unfolded second state. The hollow body is guidable between an outer fixing element positioned outside the hollow body and an inner supporting element which lies against an inner wall of the hollow body. The inner supporting element and outer fixing element interact in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner for axial positional fixing of the inner supporting element without a directed mechanical connection.

Abstract: There is disclosed a surveillance apparatus comprising: —a retractable support member; the retractable support member comprising an upper section and lower section, wherein at least one of the upper or lower sections are constructed from at least one deformable material, wherein upper and lower sections are arranged to form a substantially rigid cavity throughout their length, and are retained by a retaining means, wherein said retractable support member comprises a first end and a second end; a housing; a spooling mechanism mounted at the housing, and being rotatable relative to the housing, and being attached to the second end of the retractable support member, the spooling mechanism being: operable to rotate in a first direction to convert the retractable support member from a spooled condition to an extended condition and thereby pay-out the retractable support member from the housing, operable to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first to convert the retractable support member from the exte

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for guiding an elongated flexible instrument, the apparatus comprising a variable-length support assembly adapted to maintain a length of the elongated flexible instrument in a fixed configuration relative to the variable-length support assembly as the variable-length support assembly is moved along a longitudinal axis. The variable-length support assembly includes a plurality of linkages connected in series along the longitudinal axis, and the variable-length support assembly has a compact configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

Abstract: A tether for joining objects in space by centripetal force has a modular architecture. The modular architecture facilitates the deployment of the tether by facilitating its transport into space as unassembled modular components and its assembly in situ, after the components have been transported. The modular architecture also facilitates it repair, modification, and disassembly in situ. More particularly, the modular tether has design features that enable its assembly, repair, modification, and/or disassembly in situ while the modular tether remains under tension, i.e., while the modular tether continues to perform its function of joining two or more objects by the application of centripetal force. The modular architecture also enables new tether modalities, e.g., a tensile strength modality, a winch modality, a tension monitoring modality, a repair state modality, a situational awareness modality, and a temperature control modality.

Abstract: An adjustable length tensioning member that comprises a rope, a first connector on the rope, a second connector on the rope, and a plurality of connection points between the first connector and the second connector is disclosed. The plurality of connection points have a diameter greater than a diameter of the rope. The rope may be passed through a socket coupled to a first crane component and one of the connectors on the rope is coupled to a second crane component. One of the plurality of connection points engages a seat on the socket to tension the rope between the socket and the connection point.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, an actuated fabricator deposits structural elements (e.g., tensile structural elements) in a 3D pattern over large displacements. The fabricator is supported by at least three elongated support members. It includes onboard actuators that translate the fabricator relative to the ends of the support members. The fabricator is configured, by actuating different translations along different support members, to translate itself throughout a 3D volume. In some implementations, each of the actuators use fusible material to fuse metal tapes together, edge-to-edge, to form a hollow structure that can be shortened or lengthened.

Abstract: A strut linkage for a steel construction may involve a tower of a wind turbine and/or a corner post of a lattice tower. In order that high forces can be removed via the strut linkage without causing increased stress concentrations, excessive use of material, and/or an excessive structural outlay, a plate element is provided for arranging between, preferably load-bearing, steel construction components. At least one connection element, which may be connected to the plate element, may be utilized to fasten at least one strut and/or guy of the steel construction to the steel construction components via the plate element.

Abstract: A set of machines and related systems build structures by the additive assembly of discrete parts. These digital material assemblies constrain the constituent parts to a discrete set of possible positions and orientations. In doing so, the structures exhibit many of the properties inherent in digital communication such as error correction, fault tolerance and allow the assembly of precise structures with comparatively imprecise tools. Assembly of discrete cellular lattices by a Modular Isotropic Lattice Extruder System (MILES) is implemented by pulling strings of lattice elements through a forming die that enforces geometry constraints that lock the elements into a rigid structure that can then be pushed against and extruded out of the die as an assembled, load bearing structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide rollable and deployable composite booms that may be used in a wide range of applications both for space and terrestrial structural solutions. Various embodiment composite booms may be bistable, i.e. having a stable strain energy minimum in the coiled configuration as well as the in the deployed configuration. In various embodiments, a boom may be fabricated by aligning two independent tape-springs front-to-front encircled by a durable seamless polymer sleeve. The durable seamless polymer sleeve may allow the two tape-springs to slide past each other during the coiling/deployment process so as to reduce, e.g., minimize, shear and its derived problems.

Abstract: A set of machines and related systems build structures by the additive assembly of discrete parts. These digital material assemblies constrain the constituent parts to a discrete set of possible positions and orientations. In doing so, the structures exhibit many of the properties inherent in digital communication such as error correction, fault tolerance and allow the assembly of precise structures with comparatively imprecise tools. Assembly of discrete cellular lattices by a Modular Isotropic Lattice Extruder System (MILES) is implemented by pulling strings of lattice elements through a forming die that enforces geometry constraints that lock the elements into a rigid structure that can then be pushed against and extruded out of the die as an assembled, loadbearing structure.

Abstract: An elastic roll out boom includes a thin wall, tubular, elongate structure having a plurality of interlocking elements disposed in spaced-apart relation along the surface thereof. The elastic roll out boom is configured to be flattened and rolled tightly to form a roll in a stowed configuration. The plurality of interlocking elements are positioned such that a first interlocking element engages a second interlocking element when the elastic roll out boom is in the stowed configuration. This prevents shear displacement between layers of the roll out boom.

Abstract: A deployment system for supported retractable extension of composite booms which interconverts between a retracted reduced volume stowed condition and an extended elongate tubular condition supported to carry a wide variety of mountable objects at an extended tip end.

Abstract: Collapsible support structures and methods of making collapsible support structures which interconvert between a deployed condition and a collapsed planate condition which allows extensible retractable deployment of the collapsed structure from a reduced volume rolled condition.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are disclosed that can be used to reduce the peak radiated flux density of a horn antenna or for testing the electronics associated with a horn antenna. A horn antenna with narrow and wide ends can have disposed within it a surrogate waveguide. The surrogate waveguide has a wide end smaller than the wide end of the horn antenna, and the wide end of surrogate waveguide extending to or beyond the wide end of the horn antenna. A mounting plate or face plate covers a portion of the wide end of the horn antenna.

Abstract: An anchoring device for fastening guide wires on a roof has a base. The base has a mounting surface, a support, and carriers to which the wire guides are attached. The carriers are rotatably connected to the support and can be fixed in any desired relative position to the support, so that the anchoring device has many possibilities for holding the guide wires. The support has a number of parts which are present between the carriers, whereby between two adjacent parts of one or more carriers can be clamped. The wire guides are at different distances d1 and d2 from the central axis of the support and are at distances D1, D2 and D3 from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling pre-impregnated plies by local isolated polymerization of the assembly region (30) under the action of a radiation to which the resin of the prepreg is sensitive. The assembly method makes it possible in particular to produce very large sized gossamer structures (7) in the form of a concertina-folded tube which is deployed by injecting pressurized gas once in space then stiffened by polymerization under the effect of the same radiation. The pylon concerned (7) thus comprises two structural elements (10, 20) secured end to end while at the same time maintaining its flexibility and firmness qualities.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the concept of a tripod having three separate legs which can placed on a surface such as the ground and which come together at a joint location at the top portion of the legs to retain a support member to which a piece of photographic equipment such as a camera can be attached. The present invention relates specifically to the field of photography tripod support equipment which contains tripod legs wherein each leg of the tripod is composed of a multiplicity of sections which can be folded up and retained in the folded condition for transport and thereafter, can be converted to legs which are immediately in the in-use condition after the mechanism which retains the legs in the folded condition is released to permit the three tripod legs to be quickly unfolded and automatically placed into the in-use condition.

Abstract: An autonomous spontaneous deployment deployable mast includes at least one elementary structural unit having a longitudinal deployment axis X and two platforms parallel to a plane YZ orthogonal to the axis X. The elementary structural unit includes N stages stacked above one another parallel to the longitudinal deployment axis X, where N is greater than 1. Each stage includes at least three longitudinal flexible tape-springs, the N stages being fixed to one another two by two by means of connecting platforms parallel to the plane YZ and two contiguous lower and upper stages being offset angularly relative to each other by rotation about the deployment axis X, the tape-springs of the lower stage being interleaved between the tape-springs of the upper stage.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an internal surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing at least one reel on which a hollow articulated lance is spooled. Tools or sensors, for example, are installed on a distal end of each lance. Hoses, electrical conduits, conductors or other similar carrier hardware inside each hollow lance supply the tools or sensors as required. A stabbing mechanism causes the reel to spool and unspool the lance so that the tools or sensors reciprocate up and down the inside of the rotating tubular.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

Abstract: A method of creating a bend in a construction component for use in a transportation vehicle. The method comprises providing a plurality of cuts in the construction component so as to create a region of increased flexibility in the construction component. The method further comprises bending the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause the construction component to acquire a bent shape, and then rigidifying the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause said construction component to maintain the acquired bent shape.

Abstract: A long, elastically deployable tubular boom structure consisting of two or more thin-walled booms with a continuous longitudinal slit-opening along its entire length on the backside and a composite reinforced or metallic construction. The slit-opening, thin-walled tubular section accompanied by the boom elastic properties and unique fastening method between the boom segments allows the segmented boom to be flattened and then rolled up into an extremely compact cylindrical stowage volume. The boom elastically and immediately deploys from a rolled stowed configuration under its own strain energy without use of a motor or other complicated actuators/mechanisms. The segmented construction of multiple tube elements allows for unlimited boom lengths and enables unlimited structure scaling.

Abstract: An autonomous spontaneous deployment deployable mast includes at least one elementary structural unit having a longitudinal deployment axis X and two platforms parallel to a plane YZ orthogonal to the axis X. The elementary structural unit includes N stages stacked above one another parallel to the longitudinal deployment axis X, where N is greater than 1. Each stage includes at least three longitudinal flexible tape-springs, the N stages being fixed to one another two by two by means of connecting platforms parallel to the plane YZ and two contiguous lower and upper stages being offset angularly relative to each other by rotation about the deployment axis X, the tape-springs of the lower stage being interleaved between the tape-springs of the upper stage.

Abstract: A covering system includes a flexible, web-like membrane having first and second portions. A first cross support is connected to the first portion of the membrane, and a second cross support is connected to the second portion of the membrane. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the second cross support relative to the first cross support so that the membrane is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, deployed position. The drive mechanism includes a force multiplication mechanism for facilitating a longitudinal tensile stress application to the membrane when it is in the second, deployed position. A transverse tensioning mechanism that includes a catenary linkage is also provided for tensioning the membrane in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An extendible structure which includes an elongated extendible member having elasticity, and a storage part that serves to store the extendible member by winding it up, wherein a tip end of the extendible member can be extended from the storage part in a one-dimensional manner, so that an extendible part thus extended becomes a hollow tubular structure. The extendible member is composed of three divided extendible members so that the extendible part of the hollow tubular structure is divided into three parts, and the individual divided extendible members are constructed such that their tip end portions are joined with one another, and at the same time, their base end portions are wound around individual storage parts, respectively, independently from each other. Surface fasteners are each provided on a side of each of the divided extendible members.

Abstract: A spacecraft deployment mechanism employing a pair of bi-stable tape springs attached to a cylinder such that rotation of the cylinder extends or retracts the tape springs in opposite directions. The tape springs are fabricated such that they are stable when wrapped around a cylinder (stowed configuration) or when deployed and have a higher energy state when stowed than when deployed. A plurality of bi-stable tape spring mechanisms may be combined to create a deployment device that does not impart rotational torques to the spacecraft during deployment. Deployment may be accomplished by release of the stored energy in the coiled or packaged state progressing to the lower energy deployed state. Alternatively, a motor may be employed to rotate the cylinders for deploy or retrace the tape springs.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: Structural extending members comprising single-tape and composite-tape structures and the means for forming them. Includes tapes with cross sections containing both concave and convex sides facing in the same direction.

Abstract: A directionally-controlled roll-out elastically deployable solar array structure is disclosed. The structure includes one or more longitudinal elastic roll out booms that may be closed section or open section to allow for efficient rolled packaging onto a lateral mandrel. A flexible photovoltaic blanket is attached to a tip structure and to a lateral base support structure, but remains uncoupled from the longitudinal booms. The solar array system may be stowed simultaneously into a rolled package comprised of the roll out booms and the flexible planar blanket together, or onto independent rolls. Alternatively, the system may be stowed by rolling the booms, and accordion Z-folding the hinged flexible photovoltaic blanket into a flat stack. Structural deployment is motivated by the elastic strain energy of the roll out booms, and several methods of deployment direction control are provided to ensure a known, controlled, and unidirectional deployment path of the elastically unrolling booms.

Abstract: A tensegrity apparatus having multiple tensegrity units for the transmission of solitary waves with adjustable profiles into a material or structure, and the detection of such waves from a material or structure.

Abstract: A cover for an inflatable modular structure is claimed. A plurality of covers fit on the core of an inflatable module. An inflatable shell is attached to the core enclosing the covers and the core. In the pre-deployed configuration, the inflatable shell is folded over the covers and the covers provide a measure of protection for the shell. In the deployed state, the inflatable shell is filled with air and expands to its deployed configuration. The covers can be removed from core and attached to the inside of the shell. The covers then function as a platform to secure items in place.

Abstract: A reinforced inflatable structure includes an inflatable member having a longitudinal axis. The member includes a bladder and a braided restraint layer mounted to the bladder. A plurality of spaced supports is mounted on the member and extends outwardly therefrom. A plurality of spaced bracing cables are connected at each end to a respective one of the plurality of supports. The cables are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member and are held at a generally fixed distance from the member by the supports. The inflatable member tensions the bracing cables rendering them capable of resisting bending.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward rollable and collapsible structures. These structures, for example, can include a plurality of tubular longerons with a slit or gap that extends along the longitudinal length of the longerons. Such longerons can be combined in an arrangement that creates a structure. The structure can be collapsed and the longerons rolled either singularly or as a group into a stowed configuration.

Abstract: A manipulator mechanism according to the present invention comprises an arm 1 having a tip mechanism 3 attached to its tip part, and an arm paying out device 2 to which the base end part of the arm 1 is coupled for winding and paying out the arm 1. The arm 1 comprises a tape aggregate 4 formed by bundling a plurality of elastic tapes 41, and a plurality of bundling members 5 attached to the tape aggregate 4 with spaces therebetween in a longitudinal direction of the tape aggregate 4. The bundling member 5 is provided with a guiding groove 51, through which the plurality of tapes 41 pass, to keep the relative position of the plurality of tapes 41 constant.

Abstract: According to the invention, an extendable member is disclosed. The extendable member may include a structure having a first state and a second state. The structure may be deformable between the first state and the second state. In the first state the structure may include a compact form. In the second state the structure may include a hollow longeron having a slit along the entire length of the hollow longeron. One or both longitudinal edges along the slit of the hollow longeron may have lateral protrusions. The lateral protrusions of a longitudinal edge may act in such a way with the other edge, and possibly its protrusions, to at least partially inhibit relative motion of the edges.

Abstract: Structures and methods are disclosed regarding deployable structures with expandable longerons adjustably coupled with supporting structures such that an angle between the supporting structures can be adjusted. Such structures can include and/or be used for solar arrays, bridges, support structures, and more. These structures can be easily transported to a new location and deployed from the stowed configuration into a larger functional structure. In some embodiments these structures can use one or more longerons that can have two resting states: deployed and rolled.

Abstract: A lift-driving engagement chain capable of improving buckling strength of a pair of lift-driving engagement chains, by modifying the buckling restricting flat surfaces in order to suppress the force which causes a relative slippage along buckling restricting flat surfaces between hooked inner tooth plates and outer tooth plates that contact each other through the buckling restricting flat surfaces.

Abstract: A method of assembling an inflatable shell of a structure comprises folding a plurality of shell sections about a set of fold lines and integrating the plurality of shell sections together with one another to form the shell. In another embodiment, an inflatable shell comprises a plurality of shell sections, each shell section having two pairs of fold lines for folding into stowage comprising a first gore section having a plurality of first gore panels layered and collectively folded about at a first set of fold lines. Each layer of the first gore panels and second gore panels are configured such that, once the first gore panel and second gore panel are attached to one another at the respective side edges of each panel, the lines of attachment forming a second set of fold lines for the shell section. A system and method for fabricating gore panels is also disclosed.