Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a master controller with an input handle and robotic manipulator assemblies including a surgical end effector and an endoscopic camera. The input handle is translatable to provide a position and rotatable to provide an orientation. A control system couples the master controller to the first and second manipulator assemblies. The control system moves the surgical end effector in response to the position and orientation of the input handle. The control system moves the input handle to orient the input handle to correspond to an orientation of the surgical end effector from a viewpoint of the endoscopic camera during the repositioning of at least one of the input handle position, the end effector, or the endoscopic camera. The control system may move the surgical end effector only in a first mode and orients the input handle only in a second mode.

Abstract: A link for a linear carrier chain is disclosed, said link including side and end walls connected together to form a duct for a hose, cable or the like, said walls being connected by means of flanges adjacent edges of some of said walls, said flanges being slidably engaged in slots in others of said walls and wherein said flanges are disposed at outwardly directed oblique angles to reduce stress concentrations at the base thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a cable assembly curvature limiter for limiting the curvature of a cable assembly in a transition from a vertical direction to a horizontal direction. The invention further concerns an offshore facility comprising the cable assembly curvature limiter and a method of suspending the cable assembly from an upper level of an offshore facility.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device is provided, which prevents abrasion of the cable skin of a cable or the like and holds the position of a multi-joint link with high precision. The cable protection and guide device is characterized in that the multi-joint link includes a link member and a pair of holding members attached to the link member for holding the cable. A flexional inner side holding member has an inner side base part and an inner side holding part that are integrally formed. A flexional outer side holding member has an outer side base part and an outer side holding part that are integrally formed, and the outer side holding part cooperates with the inner side holding part to hold the cable.

Abstract: Component of a chain element of an energy-conducting chain, wherein the component has a cavity which is produced by means of a fluid internal pressure injection molding method, or is formed from a micro-cellular foam.

Abstract: A loader work machine is disclosed in which a base portion of each of right/left arms (77) is received by an arm support portion (164) of a first lift link (81) and pivotally supported by a first arm shaft (88), and a hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) connected to a hydraulic actuator (98) extend through an support frame (11) from inside to outside of its inner wall (12), and toward an arm (77). The base portion of the arm (77) is supported to the arm support portion (164) at a position adjacent a link outer wall (157) in a transverse direction so that a hose accommodation space (165) is formed between a link inner wall (156) and an internal side face of the base portion of the arm (77). The hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) runs frontward of the first arm shaft (88) and a first link shaft (85), and is disposed in the hose accommodation space (165).

Abstract: An energy guiding chain for guiding cables, flexible tubes or the like comprises a plurality of chain links (1, 2, 3) which are articulated to each other and which each include two lateral straps (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) and upper and lower cross-members (4) connecting said lateral straps.

Abstract: There is provided a cable protection and guide apparatus that improves efficiency of cable insertion and maintenance when a connecting arm attached to a link plate by a hinge structure is disconnected. In order to removably connect the connecting arm to the link plate, the guide apparatus has the hinge structure composed of a hinge stem and a hook that is rotatably engaged with the hinge stem. The hinge structure has a disengagement preventing portion that prevents the hook from disengaging from the hinge stem and a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the connecting arm in the disconnected condition. The rotation restricting portion is composed of a link-side engagement element and an arm-side engagement element. In the rotation restricting condition effected by engagement of the link-side and arm-side engagement elements, a rotational angle of the connecting arm is an obtuse angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a drag chain service loop comprising a frame, wherein said frame encloses the drag chain, and wherein said frame may be attached directly to a drilling rig mast while said drag chain remains enclosed therein.

Abstract: A guidance chain for guiding a connection line, such as a cable, electrical cable, fiber glass cable, water line, gas line or fluid line, between parts of a medical diagnostic apparatus which are moved relative to each other, includes plural chain elements, where consecutive chain elements are moveable relative to each other about a respective imaginary or real rotation axis for realizing a folding movement of the guidance chain. The guidance chain is constructed such that it has a pre-set curvature in an unfolded state, and the radial extensions of the rotation axes are originating from substantially the same point in a folded state of the guidance chain.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device is provided, which prevents abrasion of the cable skin of a cable or the like and holds the position of a multi-joint link with high precision. The cable protection and guide device is characterized in that the multi-joint link includes a link member and a pair of holding members attached to the link member for holding the cable. A flexional inner side holding member has an inner side base part and an inner side holding part that are integrally formed. A flexional outer side holding member has an outer side base part and an outer side holding part that are integrally formed, and the outer side holding part cooperates with the inner side holding part to hold the cable.

Abstract: An article carrier robot includes: a horizontal base; a horizontally movable unit supported by the horizontal base so as to be movable in a horizontal direction; a robot main body supported by the horizontally movable unit; at least one of wiring and piping introduced into the robot main body from the horizontal base; and a restriction unit supported by the horizontally movable unit so as to be swayable about a pivot provided to the horizontally movable unit. The restriction unit is configured to restrict deformation of a part of the at least one of wiring and piping.

Abstract: A flexible cable guide is provided that includes, but is not limited to a first chain link with a first longitudinal axis, a front region and a tubular first inner surface that extends in longitudinal direction, and a second chain link with a second longitudinal axis, a rear region and a tubular second inner surface that extends in longitudinal direction. The front region of the first chain link is connected to the rear region of the second chain link pivotably about a pivoting axis that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the chain links, such that it can be pivoted leftward and rightward referred to the first longitudinal axis up to a maximum pivoting angle.

Abstract: A convertible interlocking cable track system for receiving and handling a flexible member for use in a longwall mining operation. The cable track system includes a series of links adapted to retain the flexible member, each of the links including a single pull link adapted to interconnect with adjacent links, wherein the single pull link is configured to cooperate with a cable control member to form an opening for receiving and handling the flexible member. The cable control member comprises either a shaped rod to form a single pull cable track system, or an outer link to convert the single pull link to a twin pull link in order to satisfy certain loading requirements. The cable track system also includes a securing arrangement for securing the cable control member to the single pull link and an interlocking system for joining the series of links to one another.

Abstract: A transmission line guide chain includes a plurality of connected chain links that define a through-passage to receive transmission lines. The chain links include a first chain link that defines a through-hole that forms a portion of the through-passage. A first divider is disposed in the through-hole and a second divider is removably seated on the first divider to provide a stack of dividers in the through-hole. The stack of dividers divides the through-hole into a plurality of compartments that can each receive at least one transmission line.

Abstract: A component for a line routing system including at least one line routing device having at least one section of the surface of the component that is flocked. The component of line routing device is at least one of a chain link, a chain link plate of a chain link, a transverse web of a chain link, a cover of a chain link, a dividing web of a chain link, a guide element, a housing, a line, and a hose.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device is capable of preventing noise and abrasion powder generated by a flexion outer circumferential connecting arm and avoiding disconnection of the arm. The device includes: a number of link frame bodies each having link side plates each having a front side plate portion connected longitudinally to a preceding link side plate to form a cable flexion inner circumferential side; a rear side plate portion connected longitudinally to a succeeding link side plate to form a cable flexion outer circumferential side; and, a flexible linkage portion interposed between the front and rear side plate portions. The link frame body also includes a flexion outer circumferential-side connecting arm whose flexion outer circumferential-side surface is provided so as to be closer to the cable flexion inner circumferential side than a flexion outer circumferential edge of the rear side plate portion.

Abstract: A link for a linear carrier chain is disclosed, said link including side and end walls connected together to form a duct for a hose, cable or the like, said walls being connected by means of flanges adjacent edges of some of said walls, said flanges being slidably engaged in slots in others of said walls and wherein said flanges are disposed at outwardly directed oblique angles to reduce stress concentrations at the base thereof.

Abstract: A non-back-bending chain having a plurality of links wherein said links include a rounded portion, a right flat portion, a bottom portion, and a left flat portion. The rounded portion allows the chain to bend or coil in one direction. The flat portions, when in contact, prevent the chain from bending in the opposite direction. Therefore, a chain that can be used to both “push” and “pull” is provided. Further, the chain can be used to provide a rigid extension that can be used to support a force even when only supported by one end. The chain can be retracted for storage and bunched or coiled.

Abstract: A transmission line guide chain includes a plurality of connected chain links that define a through-passage to receive transmission lines. The chain links include a first chain link that defines a through-hole that forms a portion of the through-passage. A first divider is disposed in the through-hole and a second divider is removably seated on the first divider to provide a stack of dividers in the through-hole. The stack of dividers divides the through-hole into a plurality of compartments that can each receive at least one transmission line.

Abstract: A power conducting device guides lines, hoses or the like between a stationary connection point and a moving connection point. The power conducting device includes a first line guiding device having a first end link, a second end link, and a section that deflects between the links and is connected to the links. The line guiding device defines a channel for receiving lines, hoses or the like. The power conducting device further includes a first guiding channel, which defines a first inner ring and a first outer ring. The first line guiding device is arranged in the first guiding channel. The first end link connects to the first inner ring and the second end link connects to the first outer ring. At least one second guiding channel defines a second outer ring and a second inner ring. Certain channels can be rotated about a common axis.

Abstract: A convertible interlocking cable track system for receiving and handling a flexible member for use in a longwall mining operation. The cable track system includes a series of links adapted to retain the flexible member, each of the links including a single pull link adapted to interconnect with adjacent links, wherein the single pull link is configured to cooperate with a cable control member to form an opening for receiving and handling the flexible member. The cable control member comprises either a shaped rod to form a single pull cable track system, or an outer link to convert the single pull link to a twin pull link in order to satisfy certain loading requirements. The cable track system also includes a securing arrangement for securing the cable control member to the single pull link and an interlocking system for joining the series of links to one another.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first and second multi-linked mechanisms is steerable and includes a modular link assembly at an end thereof. The modular link assembly includes a base, and a tip removably connected to the base.

Abstract: An energy guiding chain for guiding cables, flexible tubes or the like comprises a plurality of chain links (1, 2, 3) which are articulated to each other and which each include two lateral straps (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) and upper and lower cross-members (4) connecting said lateral straps.

Abstract: A chain link assembly, a cable chain assembly and a mining system. The cable handler individual links may include an enclosed section for the fiber optic cable separate from other services for the machine. A flexible material or other structure may assemble the fiber optic cable in the cable handler in a manner in which it “snakes” about the centerline to provide ample slack in the fiber optic cable to, for example, prevent over tension.

Abstract: A chain includes a plurality of links, each link has a first end having a knob and an opposite second end having a cavity, wherein the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to receive the knob of a mating link. The links are joined together knob-to-cavity to form a chain wherein the links can both axially and transversely rotate. In an embodiment, each link has a neck which receives a collar. In another embodiment, a wire is passed through a tunnel in all the links.

Abstract: The invention provides a cable protection and guide apparatus allowing a protecting and guiding apparatus to be downsized by reducing a radius of a polygonal bend formed when link plates are bent back in a cable longitudinal direction between a cable stationary end and a cable mobile end and achieving smooth relative movements of shoes that face with each other between the upper and lower cable-bend inner circumferential sides by easing impact energy and impact sound of the shoes. The shoes provided on the cable-bend inner circumferential sides of the pair of link plates laterally and separately disposed have slidable-contact portions having parallelogram slidable-contact surfaces configured to face to and to mutually slidably contact with each other between upper and lower cable-bend inner circumferential sides.

Abstract: Devices and systems for tool-less assembly of cable chains that are capable of being retractably stored. The device comprises a first contact element, a second contact element, and a lengthwise member. The first contact element is adapted for movable contact with a receiving member of a first cable chain segment. The second contact element is adapted for movable contact with a receiving member of a second cable chain segment. The lengthwise member is fixedly attached to the contact elements. When an angle between the first and the second cable chain segments is a first value, the lengthwise member experiences elastic deformation, generating a spring force at each contact element sufficient to pull the receiving member of the first cable chain segment rotatably towards the receiving member of the second cable chain segment, thereby reducing the angle between the first and the second cable chain segments to a second value.

Abstract: A conduit link system for concealing conduit linking a power source in a ceiling to a suspended load such as a chandelier. The conduit link system generally includes an upper link member for mounting to a ceiling and electrically connecting to a power source. A first central link member will generally be interlocked and electrically connected to the upper link member. Additional central link members may be interlocked and electrically connected with the first central link member and other central link members depending on the distance from the power source to the load. A lower link member is linked and electrically connected to the lowest central link member. The lower link member may then be mounted to a load such as a chandelier. The electrical conduit is fully concealed within the housing of the link members, thus allowing the load to be suspended without the presence unsightly wires.

Abstract: A device capable of correcting the relatively twisted positional relationship of mutually adjacent link frame bodies, and precisely place the link frame bodies at appropriate positions. A link side plate includes a rear side plate portion having first and second linear position holding surfaces respectively at rear and front sides thereof in a longitudinal direction. The first linear position holding surface has a convex shape formed with two faces whose attitudes are mutually different with respect to a lateral direction. The second linear position holding surface has a concave shape formed with two faces whose attitudes are mutually different with respect to the lateral direction.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device is capable of preventing noise and abrasion powder generated by a flexion outer circumferential connecting arm and avoiding disconnection of the arm. The device includes: a number of link frame bodies each having link side plates each having a front side plate portion connected longitudinally to a preceding link side plate to form a cable flexion inner circumferential side; a rear side plate portion connected longitudinally to a succeeding link side plate to form a cable flexion outer circumferential side; and, a flexible linkage portion interposed between the front and rear side plate portions. The link frame body also includes a flexion outer circumferential-side connecting arm whose flexion outer circumferential-side surface is provided so as to be closer to the cable flexion inner circumferential side than a flexion outer circumferential edge of the rear side plate portion.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device capable of preventing abrasion powder that is otherwise generated when a link side plate slides on a support surface while switching between a linear position and a flexional position. The link side plate integrally includes: a front side plate portion connected to a longitudinally preceding link side plate to form a cable flexional inner circumferential side; a rear side plate portion connected to a longitudinally succeeding link side plate to form a cable flexional outer circumferential side; and, a flexible linkage portion interposed between the front and rear side plate portions. The rear side plate portion includes a first flexional outer circumferential end surface in an arc shape and provided on the cable flexional outer circumferential side, and, an arc center of the first flexional outer circumferential end surface longitudinally preceding a center of the linkage portion of the succeeding link side plate.

Abstract: A device capable of correcting the relatively twisted positional relationship of mutually adjacent link frame bodies, and precisely place the link frame bodies at appropriate positions. A link side plate includes a rear side plate portion having first and second linear position holding surfaces respectively at rear and front sides thereof in a longitudinal direction. The first linear position holding surface has a convex shape formed with two faces whose attitudes are mutually different with respect to a lateral direction. The second linear position holding surface has a concave shape formed with two faces whose attitudes are mutually different with respect to the lateral direction.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an accessor to physically transport tape cartridges in a tape library. A flexible cable assembly is connected to the accessor that enables the accessor to move relative to the tape library and enables one of power and communication signals to be transmitted to the accessor. The flexible cable assembly includes a flexible channel and multiple twisted wire pairs loosely routed through the flexible channel. The multiple twisted wire pairs independently and substantially freely move within the flexible channel. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide apparatus is configured to suppress collision noise otherwise generated between a peripheral member and link frames due to polygonal movements of the link frames. Wear and damage of the cables otherwise caused by contact with a connecting plate is prevented. The apparatus comprises a plurality of link frames each having a cable rectangularly-shaped, in cross-section, accommodating space formed by a pair of laterally and separately disposed link plates. Connecting plates crosslink the link plates on cable-bend inner and outer circumferential sides. Link frames are connected bendably with each other in a cable longitudinal direction between a cable stationary end and a cable mobile end to protect and guide the cables. The cable-bend outer circumferential side connecting plate is provided with cylindrical elastic members surrounding the connecting plate across the crosslinking direction thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain link (10) for an energy guiding chain, comprising two lateral links (12, 14) arranged at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, and at least one frame section (16) connecting the lateral links (12, 14) together. Each lateral link (12, 14) carries an abutment device (20) in a first end region (18), that can be connected to the lateral link (12, 14) in a detachable and fixed manner, and comprises a disk (22) and at least one abutment element projecting from a first surface (24) of the disk (22). Each lateral link (12, 14) comprises, in its second end region (28), a number of recesses (32), corresponding to the number of abutment elements (26), for receiving the abutment elements (26) of a chain link in the longitudinal direction of the chain and for defining the pivoting angle between the successive chain links.

Abstract: A cable retainer which has a plurality of link members coupled to each other in a bendable manner for retaining a plurality of cables therein. When vertically moving a beam member along slits formed in opposite side plates of a cable retainer body, the beam member is positioned and fixed by causing engagement lugs of leg portions of the beam member to be engaged with serrated surfaces of side plates. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the fixing position of the beam member according to the wiring volume of cables to be retained, whereby it is possible to make the wiring capacity of link members variable.

Abstract: A device for recovery of physical objects includes a chain having two ends and a retriever attached to one of the ends. The retriever is configured to locate the object to be recovered and to grasp and retrieve that object once located. The retriever includes transducers that detect acoustic frequencies propagating in a fluid medium. Independent transponders, which can be deployed from the retriever; are provided for deployment in an area to be searched. Each transponder emits a predetermined acoustic frequency that is detectable by the transducers. The transducers signal movement of the recovery device for retrieval of the object.

Abstract: An element is provided for a cable carrier device which is constructed and arranged to carry cabling components such as cables, lines, hoses and the like between a first connection point and a second connection point. The element is formed from a material including at least one plastic and a filler. The filler includes three-dimensional geometrical carbon-based structures having nanometer-scale dimensions. In some arrangements, the carbon-based structures are carbon nanotubes formed of carbon atoms. Accordingly, the element is capable of dissipating electrostatic charges of the cable carrier device. Thus, the corresponding cable carrier device is suitable for working environments that are to be protected from electrostatic effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy guiding chain for guiding cables, hoses and the like with a number of tubular chain links (1) connected together in an articulated manner and designed so that the surface of the top panels (5), bottom panels (2) and at least the transition areas (11) of these panels and the side panels (3, 4) are convexly curved in the circumferential direction of the tubular chain links (1), said chain links each having a bottom panel (5), comprising thereon laterally adjoining, opposite side panels (3, 4) and a top panel (5), whereupon the top panel (5) is detachably connected to the side panels (3, 4), the side panels (3, 4) in each case having a joint pin (6) and a joint opening (7) to connect flexibly, the pivoting angle of both directions of pivot being limited by stops (8) and the top panels (5), side panels (3, 4) and bottom panels (2); of adjacent chain links (1) overlapping telescopically over the entire pivoting angle.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first and second multi-linked mechanisms is steerable and includes a modular link assembly at an end thereof. The modular link assembly includes a base, and a tip removably connected to the base.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide apparatus is configured to suppress collision noise otherwise generated between a peripheral member and link frames due to polygonal movements of the link frames. Wear and damage of the cables otherwise caused by contact with a connecting plate is prevented. The apparatus comprises a plurality of link frames each having a cable rectangularly-shaped, in cross-section, accommodating space formed by a pair of laterally and separately disposed link plates. Connecting plates crosslink the link plates on cable-bend inner and outer circumferential sides. Link frames are connected bendably with each other in a cable longitudinal direction between a cable stationary end and a cable mobile end to protect and guide the cables. The cable-bend outer circumferential side connecting plate is provided with cylindrical elastic members surrounding the connecting plate across the crosslinking direction thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a cable protection and guide apparatus allowing a protecting and guiding apparatus to be downsized by reducing a radius of a polygonal bend formed when link plates are bent back in a cable longitudinal direction between a cable stationary end and a cable mobile end and achieving smooth relative movements of shoes that face with each other between the upper and lower cable-bend inner circumferential sides by easing impact energy and impact sound of the shoes. The shoes provided on the cable-bend inner circumferential sides of the pair of link plates laterally and separately disposed have slidable-contact portions having parallelogram slidable-contact surfaces configured to face to and to mutually slidably contact with each other between upper and lower cable-bend inner circumferential sides.

Abstract: A component for a line routing system including at least one line routing device having at least one section of the surface of the component that is flocked. The component of line routing device is at least one of a chain link, a chain link plate of a chain link, a transverse web of a chain link, a cover of a chain link, a dividing web of a chain link, a guide element, a housing, a line, and a hose.

Abstract: A line-management assembly has a base, a collating device and a connecting device. The base has a bottom board, a linking panel and a linking frame. The linking frame is rotatably connected to the linking panel and has a mounting tube, an outer casing, multiple storing spaces and two linking arms. The collating device is pivotally connected to the base and has multiple extending frames. The extending frames are detachably connected each other, the lowest one of the extending frames is detachably attached to the linking frame of the base and each extending frame has a central tube, an outer cover, multiple collating spaces and two extending arms. The connecting device is detachably connected to the collating device and has a connecting frame. The connecting frame is detachably connected to the uppermost extending frame of the collating device.

Abstract: A cable guide (10), having articulated links (12), capable of angling in two directions, and open on an face end, and arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction and forming a guide channel (16) by means of external guide elements; joints absorbing tensile forces are located between two connected links, and the links (12) each display corresponding connecting elements (18) with two connecting components (20, 22). The first component (20) of the connecting element (18) is fork-shaped, where the second connecting component displays a first seat (32) with a spherical boundary, in which a joint element (34), having an opening (36) and a spherical outer boundary (35) adapted to the first seat, is moveable, and the second component with a joint element (34) can be positioned between the two legs of the first component in a way that the opening (36) in the joint element with a spherical outer boundary is aligned with an opening (27, 28) provided in each of the two legs (24, 26).

Abstract: A guide for guiding cables and/or hoses between two parts that are moveable relative to each other, the guide including a band having a length, width and thickness, and having a torsional stiffness about a longitudinal axis of the band, a bending stiffness about an axis in the width direction, and a shear stiffness in the thickness direction, multiple blocks fitted to the band, and a deformable member provided between two adjacent blocks, the deformable member being connected to the adjacent blocks and having a torsional stiffness about the longitudinal axis of the band, a shear stiffness in the thickness direction, and a bending stiffness about the axis in the width direction, wherein the torsional stiffness of the deformable member is substantially greater than the torsional stiffness of the band, and wherein the shear stiffness of the deformable member is substantially greater than the shear stiffness of the band.

Abstract: The invention provides a cable protection and guide device that steadily protects and guides a cable by rigidly anchoring and preventing a connecting arm from being disengaged upwardly. The device smoothly flexes and reduces torsional deformation. The hinged connecting arm extends across the flexional outer peripheral side of a pair of spaced apart right and left link plates and has a hook portion at one end of an arm body and a hinge portion at another end. An engaging circular arc portion of the hook portion engages with an engaging shaft of the link plate. Engaging projecting portions extend from the edge of the engaging circular arc portion and interengage with engaging step portions provided on the engaging shaft.

Abstract: Component of a chain element of an energy-conducting chain, wherein the component has a cavity which is produced by means of a fluid internal pressure injection molding method, or is formed from a micro-cellular foam.

Abstract: A chain link for an energy drag chain that guides conduits, tubes or the like between a stationary point of connection and a mobile point of connection. The chain link includes a cross piece and two spaced-apart link plates. The cross piece is connected to at least one link plate in an articulated manner and the connection between the cross piece and link plate can be a multi-axis connection.