Abstract: A hybrid robot (10) for industrial applications comprises an articulated arm assembly (12) pivoted to a turntable assembly (14) mounted for rotation on a base assembly (16). The arm assembly (12) includes an upper arm (26) pivoted to a lower arm (30). A tool adaptor (52) is connected to the upper arm (26) by a wrist assembly (54). A pantograph linkage interconnects the wrist assembly (54), upper arm (26), and lower arm (30) so that the tool adaptor is normally maintained in constant orientation during movement of the arm assembly (12), subject to overriding control by actuators (122, 124). Pivotal movement of the arm assembly (12) is controlled by independent actuators (118, 120) which can be selectively coupled to the arms (26, 30) at different combinations of predetermined points (38, 40, 44, 46, 48) to facilitate adjustment of the work envelope.

Abstract: A micromanipulator system for precisely positioning an object in an xz plane and then grossly moving the object in the y direction into a hole z is disclosed. The micromanipulator system includes a base and a platform mounted to the base having five different degrees of movement (in the x direction, y direction, z direction, about the x axis, and about the z axis). Suitable moving mechanisms are provided for reversibly moving the platform in the five degrees of movement. Four of the degrees of movement being for fine or precise positioning of the platform and the fifth degree of movement in the y direction being a coarse positioning movement. A device for holding the obejct to the platform is then provided such that after precisely positioning the platform in the xz plane, the object is coarsely moved in the y direction toward the hole. Preferably, a device is provided for detecting an opposition force to the coarse movement of the object in the y direction.

Abstract: A driving device having tactility includes at least one set of two elastic extensible and contractible bodies having one ends connected to a stationary portion of the device and the other ends connected to a driven member driven by contractive force in axial directions of said elastic bodies caused by expanded diameters by introducing pressurized fluid into the elastic bodies. The driving device comprises detecting means for detecting movements of said driven member, valve means for supplying and exhausting the pressurized fluid into and out of the respective elastic bodies, positioning means for actuating the valve means in response to output signals from the detecting means to position the driven member in predetermined positions, and control means for comparing output signals from the detecting means produced by external actions on the driven member positioned in at least one predetermined position with a reference level to control the positioning means.

Abstract: An industrial robot in which both a column which is pivotally mounted on a rotatable base member and a boom which is pivotally mounted on the upper end of the column are of hollow construction to provide a rigid lightweight structure capable of carrying substantial loads. The column is counterbalanced by a spring and the boom is counterbalanced by pneumatic cylinders on a movable carriage so that the major axes of the robot can be driven by relatively low energy driving sources. A simplified hand gear train is provided which is capable of carrying substantial loads and is easily serviced.

Abstract: A fluid power apparatus particularly useful for an industrial robot which includes a pair of expansible chamber devices each having a pair of control chambers in fluid communication with each other to intensify the working fluid output pressure and a working chamber that expands to receive a charge of working fluid and contracts to expel working fluid therefrom. A working fluid circuit includes a first line connected with one of the working chambers and a second line connected with the other of the working chambers. A fluid actuator is connected with the circuit and has a moveable element that moves in response to flow of working fluid in the circuit to the actuator. The apparatus has a static condition in which the one working chamber is contracted with the moveable element of the actuator stationary in a first position.

Abstract: A brake device for use in an arm of a robot or manipulator cmprises a brake drum, a lever pivotally supported at its intermediate portion, a brake shoe provided on the lever between its pivotally supported point and its one end, a pneumatic actuator axially contractible upon applying internal pressure thereinto and having a movable end connected to the one end or the other end of the lever, and a spring connected to one end of the lever not connected to the actuator so as to operate to elongate the actuator. This brake device is remarkably small-sized and of light-weight and consumes only small amount of fluid pressure to contribute economy of energy in comparison with prior art brake devices.

Abstract: This is a fluid-operated linear-rotary robot-like actuator reconstructed from a standard fluid cylinder device. The solid piston of the standard cylinder device is replaced with a self-contained vane-operated piston structure formed of spaced piston parts and an interposed vane chamber and in which a vane-operated work piston is rotated. The work piston extends through the forward cylinder head. A second piston rod extends from the rear part of the piston structure through the rear cylinder head and has passages for supplying the vane chamber of the piston with fluid under pressure. Suitable push button and microprocessor control systems, either by push button or automatically, are provided for controlling the operation of the actuator to give combined linear and rotary movement to a robot hand.

Abstract: A rotary mechanism for robot manipulators and the like has a housing and a shaft moveably disposed in the housing so that an end portion thereof is movable toward and away from the housing. A cylinder and piston assembly is connected to the shaft for moving the shaft. A robot manipulator is connected to the end portion and a mechanism for operating the manipulator is also carried there. A support is connected to the shaft and is carried therewith and is disposed at a distance from the end portion. A chain drive system is operatively associated with the shaft for rotating the shaft on the longitudinal axis thereof. A pair of braces are disposed in the housing and are engaged with the support for preventing rotation of the support during operation of the chain drive mechanism.

Abstract: An industrial robot (15) is disclosed which has a flexible frame or body and is constructed so as to have six degrees of freedom and a work envelope which is substantially free of dead spaces. A free end of the body includes an end effector (27) for performing a task. To determine the position of the end effector (27) within the work envelope and to displace the end effector (27) according to the task requirements, a system is provided in which embedded microprocessors are interconnected with a signal transmitter (ST) located at the body free end (23) and receivers (R1, R2, R3) fixed in their positions on the stationary base (16) of the body. Continual monitoring of the end effector location is possible and adjustment in position may be made immediately. A remote computer linked to the microprocessors provides instructions for the operation and displacement of the robot.

Abstract: The moving means is for use in moving an operative member between an out-of-the-way position and an operative position by a movement having a linear component in a vertical direction and a rotary component about a vertical axis. A first shaft on which the operative member is mounted is movable vertically by a first piston and cylinder assembly and is in driving connection with a second shaft relative to which it can move vertically. A second piston and cylinder assembly is operable through a screw-threaded connection to cause its piston to rotate thereby rotating the second shaft and hence the first shaft about the vertical axis.

Abstract: The invention provides a retractile polyarticulated mechanism comprising at least one elementary mechanism (4) formed of two endmost pieces (5, 6) one of which is a reference and, for connecting these endmost pieces (5, 6) together at least three legs (7,8,9) situated in separate planes and formed of two parts (10 and 11, or 12 and 13, or 14 and 15) each associated, on the one hand, with the other part forming the same leg by a spherical connection (16, 17 and 18) and, on the other hand, with an endmost piece (5, 6) different from the one with which this other part is associated by a rotoid connection (either 19 or 20, either 21 or 22, or finally 23 or 24).

Abstract: A manipulator device particularly adapted for deep-sea, submersible use utilizes a human-like arm and a novel shoulder arrangement mounted on a base through a base pivot. The manipulator is hydraulically powered and a hydraulic manifold forms a body of the shoulder arrangement and is situated adjacent an azimuth control actuator, an elbow control actuator and an upper arm control actuator all mounted to the body and rotatable with the body about the base pivot. The arm includes an upper arm swingably connected to the shoulder via the upper arm control actuator and a forearm swingably connected to the upper arm at an elbow joint and controlled by the elbow control actuator. A wrist assembly and appropriate actuators are mounted to a distal end of the forearm and a gripper assembly and associated actuators are connected to a distal end of the wrist assembly.

Abstract: A portable light weight robot arm assembly similating shoulder, elbow, and wrist movements of a human arm, plus extensions of the upper arm and forearm, accurately positions and holds a power tool for performing driving, drilling, chipping, lifting and the like operations at a work-site. The assembly is self contained having a base easily and quickly mounted on a conventional truck or on the ground at the work-site, a carriage shiftable longitudinally and transversely on the base, an upright pedestal tiltable in all planes relative to the base, an extensible boom or upper arm rotatably and swingably mounted on the pedestal, and an extensible power tool suspension arm or forearm pivoted to the upper arm. Hydraulic jacks control the lowering, raising, and extension of the boom, the tilting of the pedestal, the positioning of the carriage, the extension and positioning of the forearm, and the position of the tool.

Abstract: An uncontrolled angular displacement compensating device for compensating an uncontrolled angular displacement of a robot hand mounted on a robot hand mounting link of a robot hand shifting linkage of an industrial robot, resulting from the expansion or contraction of the robot hand shifting linkage. The uncontrolled angular displacement compensating device comprises a pair of identical sprockets fixed to a first shaft supported on the free end of the robot hand mounting link and on a second shaft rotatably supported on the basal end of the same link, respectively, a driving bevel gear fixed to the first shaft, a driven bevel gear rotatably mounted on a robot hand mounting member pivotally joined to the free end of the same link and engaging the driving bevel gear, and an endless chain extended between the sprockets.

Abstract: A low cost, programmable industrial robot is provided which incorporates a simplified construction with relatively sophisticated movement capability. Preferably, the robot is pneumatically operated. The robot construction includes a series of simplified structures for both calibrating ease and providing relatively versatile movement in view of the overall product cost. The device provides four adjustable axes of movement and multiple axes mounting for an end effector. In the preferred embodiment, a rotary actuator provides rotational movement for the robot. Rotary movement is adjustable and a simplified structure is included for providing repeatable intermediate stop positions for the work arm of the device. An improved rotary manifold for a rotary actuator provides a conduit for pneumatically powering the remaining robot movement functions. Those functions include vertical reciprocal movement, horizontal reciprocal movement and rotary movement of a gripper device or some other end effector.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator includes an elastic tubular body, closure members sealingly closing its ends and a braided structure made of braided cords reinforcing the tubular body. The braided structure is expanded in its radial direction and simultaneously contracted in its axial direction together with the tubular body when pressurized fluid is supplied into the tubular body. According to the invention the braided cords of the braided structure comprises monofilaments each having a smoothly rounded outer surface of a large radius of curvature. A protective layer may be provided between the tubular body and the braided structure or a filler such as an incompressible fluid substance having no constant shape is provided in the tubular body, or diameters of both ends of the braided structure and braided angles at both the ends are made larger than those at a substantially mid portion of the braided structure.

Abstract: A powered, electromechanical manipulator assembly is disclosed which includes an electrically powered input device coupled by a hydraulic circuit to a mechanical manipulator. The hydraulic circuit is a fixed-volume, closed circuit in which a master piston-cylinder assembly is driven by a D.C. motor and is hydraulically coupled for direct and proportional displacement of a slave piston-cylinder assembly to enable smooth, accurate and easily connected displacement of a manipulator arm. The manipulator arm is formed of a plurality of modules each having a fixed-volume, closed, hydraulic circuit and a slave cylinder. Both the slave and master cylinders includes ambient pressure surfaces which are exposed to the water pressure at the operating depth of the assembly so that variation in depth does not materially affect the response or dexterity of the remote manipulator apparatus. An improved terminal module or jaw assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The lifting beam manipulator assembly is used for transporting workpieces in a forging press having machine tools. The assembly comprises a lifting beam including a carrier that is movable forwards and backwards and has workpiece grasping means. The grasping means includes a pair of grab arms located at each of the machining positions. A control mechanism is provided for the lifting beam for controlling the movement of the carrier along a workpiece transporting path which includes movement in three axes which are perpendicular with respect to each other. The movement control mechanism includes a linear transport means for movement along each of the axes and individual drive assemblies for each linear transport mechanism for effecting each movement of the carrier in the three axes. A limit switch gear mechanism activates each of the individual drive mechanisms for the linear transport means.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system for an arm assembly of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,540 utilizes an electric computer (microprocessor) which receives a nonlinear or harmonic signal from the rotary hydraulic motor of the arm of this assembly and converts the harmonic signal into a linear signal which is applied to a comparator as the value signal for comparison with a command signal from the computer. Similar comparators are provided for each of the hydraulic operators and the sensors thereof can provide direct actual value inputs to these comparators.

Abstract: A hoseless arrangement for supplying pressure and tank passages in remote hydraulic device including an extend tube, with pressure and tank passages, and an extend cylinder each reciprocably mounted on a base with a pair of concentric tubes attached to the extend cylinder and to the extend tube, the inner tube communicating with one side of the extend cylinder and the outer tube with the other side thereof. A shuttle valve on the extend tube is connected to shift so that the pressure passage is always subjected to high pressure and the tank passage is always subjected to low pressure.

Abstract: An assembly robot comprises a breastplate adapted to be attached to the chest of a human operator, an upper arm member connected to the breastplate and adapted to be attached to the upper arm of a human operator, a lower arm member attached to the upper arm member and adapted to be attached to the lower arm of a human operator, a hand member having finger and thumb units into which the hand, finger and thumb of the human operator can be inserted, and a support structure taking the form of a movable chair to which the breastplate is attached and on which the human operator may sit. The robot members, their length, the joints between members, and the axes of these joints correspond to those of a human arm, hand and fingers whereby the robot can make the same movements as the human operator. Each joint is associated with a sensor-motor device.

Abstract: A robot system is disclosed comprising a robot having a plurality of articulated members, actuator jacks for effecting movements (locomotion or other operations) of the articulated members, and a data processing unit controlling the jack actuators. One articulated member is pivotally mounted about three separate axes intersecting at a first fixed point. Two jack actuators are provided for the one articulated member. Two ball joints articulate the jack actuators to the one articulated member about two points separate from and out of alignment with the first fixed point and two other ball joints articulate the jack actuators about respective second and third points also separate from and out of alignment with the first fixed point. The one articulated member comprises a perpendicular plate, the two points articulated to the jack actuators being disposed at the plate and the axes of the two jack actuators lying in mutually perpendicular planes.

Abstract: A robot of the type having a housing and a manipulator mounted to the housing and movable along a plurality of predetermined axes of movement. A drive mechanism is associated with the each axis of movement for moving, upon actuation, the manipulator along its respective axis of movement. The actuation of the drive mechanisms is controlled by a program drum which is rotatably mounted to the housing. A plurality of cam segments are adjustably secured to the drum at both axially and circumferentially spaced positions thus forming a plurality of axially spaced, segmented cam rings. A plurality of cam followers are secured to the housing so that one cam follower registers with each cam ring. Each cam follower is connected with an actuator so that, when the cam follower engages a cam segment on the drum, the actuator activates the drive mechanism corresponding to the particular cam ring. Conversely, the actuator deactivates its associated drive mechanism when the cam follower disengages from the cam segment.

Abstract: A remote manipulator arm for positioning and operating tube sheet repair tools within a nuclear generator shell. The arm includes a number of arm segments linked serially, each having a remotely-controlled motor to pivot an elbow in the arm segment by way of gears. A mounting bracket passes through a manhole in the generator shell and provides a stable point of connection for the arm, both inside and outside the shell, as well as connections for power and control signals to the arm. A workhead is provided for mounting on the arm end opposite the bracket, and can carry a plurality of tools to conduct repair operations on tubes. The mounting bracket can be installed from without the shell and does not block the manhole, and the arm is self-installing, requiring no human presence within the generator shell.

Abstract: An extractor arm for a die cast machine providing improved linear movement of the claw supported by the arm. The arm includes a support portion, a knee portion, a claw portion, and two sub-arm assemblies--a first sub-arm assembly interconnecting the support portion and the knee portion and a second sub-arm assembly interconnecting the knee portion and the claw portion. The two sub-arm assemblies each define a flexing parallelogram, and structure is provided for maintaining the two flexing parallelograms in generally the same shape throughout movement of the arm. The claw portion is therefore geometrically transported along a linear path relative the support portion.

Abstract: A work-performing manipulator robot having a base, a turret rotatable on the base about a vertical axis, a vertical arm rotatably mounted on the turret for rotation about a horizontal axis at a shoulder joint, and a horizontal arm rotatably mounted on the vertical arm for rotation about a horizontal axis at an elbow joint. The mounting of and angular position transducer for the turret/base joint is such that electrical cables and hydraulic fluid hoses can be coupled through apertures in the turret and the base to a channel in the vertical arm. The vertical arm is driven by a cylinder/piston assembly wherein the cylinder is pivotally attached to the vertical arm and the rod is pivotally attached to the turret, reducing the relative travel between the cylinder and the vertical arm.

Abstract: A mechanical handling apparatus for point to point movement has utilization grippers driven from point to point by an arm assembly comprising a piston and cylinder arrangement in which the piston is in force balance until activated by a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the energization of an electrical solenoid of each of a plurality of valves. The grippers are carried by a load beam, supported by bearings and a selectively energizable brake for resisting motion of the load beam is mounted on a lead screw. The lead screw is driven by a stepper motor but is connected with a microprocessor, and the position of the load beam and of the brake is determined by a transducer. In operation, the microprocessor permits energization of the piston to rapidly drive the load beam and hence the grippers toward a desired point within the capture range of the lead screw. The brake is applied to stop the load beam and final, accurate positioning of the grippers is performed by energizing the stepper motor.

Abstract: A linear transfer stroking boom has a housing suspended from a support which may be the travel carriage of an overlying longitudinally reciprocal shuttle. A cylinder assembly is mounted within the housing and includes a reciprocal piston rod on a longitudinal axis. A plurality of parallel spaced guide rods are slidably mounted upon and extend through the ends of the housing and outwardly thereof. Boom mount plates span the ends of the guide rods with the piston rod secured to one boom mount plate. A pair of parallel spaced boom extension arms are removably mounted upon the boom mount plates and extend forwardly of the housing. A workpiece gripping assembly spans and depends from the free ends of the boom arms. Reciprocal movement of the piston rod effects corresponding longitudinal movements of the boom arms in the same direction as and simultaneous with feed corresponding movements of the travel carriage.

Abstract: A device for robot manipulators having a multiply articulated manipulator arm (7, 8, 10) rotatably mounted in a swivelling socket (1), wherein all the servo-cylinders (46) are placed in the base (1) and wherein a mechanical power transmission mechanism is disposed between the tool holder (11) and each of the parts of the manipulator arm (7, 8, 10) respectively and the associated servo-cylinder (46). The linear movement of the individual servo-cylinders (46) is converted into a substantially proportional rotary movement over the whole working range of the servo-cylinder (46). Said power transmission mechanisms are so designed that when one or more of them is in action and the portions of the manipulator arm (7, 8, 10) are moved in relation to one another, the other power transmission mechanisms are not influenced as a result of these movements.

Abstract: A load pressure feedback system having at least one control valve for controlling a manipulator comprising a load arm which is pivotally connected to a base member, and a control member having a manually movable control arm which is of the same configuration as but on a smaller scale than the load arm. The pivots or rotary mountings of the load arm and control arm are connected together and controlled by a load pressure feedback system comprising a valve having a hydraulic pilot control member. The load pressures at measuring locations of the apparatus are applied to the inlet of at least one throttle aperture and the level of the control pressures is determined by the cross-sectional areas of the throttle aperture and a screw-in control aperture in the valve. At least one control piston is subjected, on the one hand, to the load pressures and on the other hand to the control pressures.

Abstract: Pivot angle adjusting means for the arm of a material handling device such as industrial robots are disclosed. An arm connected to a rotary shaft via a mount is pivotably mounted to a support. A cylindrical vane chamber having a rotary vane therein is mounted to the support, wherein the rotary vane secured to the rotary shaft is pivoted by a fluid supplied to the cylindrical vane chamber. A stopper is mounted to the rotary shaft and its pivot angle is detected by a pair of sensors mounted to the support. A stop is mounted to the support and is movable at a certain distance in the direction of the movement of the stopper. The stop can be placed in the locus of the movement of the stopper so as to stop the stopper at a certain intermediate point within the pivot movement of the stopper in its clockwise and counterclockwise movements, thereby stopping the arm at the intermediate point.

Abstract: A piston member is mounted in a cylinder body to be axially movable and unrotatable relative thereto. A ball nut retaining balls is fixed to the piston member, and a screw shaft having a helical groove in engagement with the balls is mounted to be rotatable and axially immovable relative to the cylinder body. The screw shaft makes many rotations when the piston under fluid pressure slightly advances axially inside the cylinder.

Abstract: A flexible arm particularly a robot arm comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a series with adjacent elements in abutting relationship, said elements being interconnected via cables and if desired a power transferring actuating device. The arm has very good rigidity in the bending plane of each element and high torsional resistance together with low manufacturing costs. Each element is designed with opposed single or double-curved segments, or flat surfaces, or combinations thereof with the curved surfaces of each segment engaging the curved or flat surfaces of the adjacent segments, whereby the elements when actuated by the power transferring device have a rolling motion relative to each other.

Abstract: A triaxial hinge for robots, mechanical handling apparatus and the like comprising three different kinematic elements, namely, a first, a second and a third element, of which the first element on the arm of the handling apparatus or robot is rotatably secured around a first axis while the kinematic elements that follow are substantially disposed in continuation of the respective preceding element and each having a rotation axis, wherein each one of the kinematic elements has on its outer end a receiving flange to which is secured the kinematic element that follows, and said three kinematic elements can be hydraulically driven separately or independently of each other.