Abstract: An articulated apparatus is disclosed that includes an actuator base and a plurality of serially coupled link members that are mutually joined to one another at a plurality of joints. Each of the serially coupled link members has an axis of rotation. The plurality of link member includes a proximal link member that is proximal to the actuator base, and a distal link member that is distal to the actuator base, and each link member includes a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus also includes a plurality of actuators that are located at the base, and each actuator is associated with a respective link member. The apparatus further includes a plurality of tendons, each of which is coupled to an actuator and a respective link member for effecting movement of the link member with respect to the actuator base.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an incremental link robot mast for vacuuming nuclear waste from a storage silo. The mast is made of incrementally linked segments that are clamshell in construction to enclose and shield the working cables of the vacuuming robot. Each segment is linked together as needed by a transverse hinge pin and two hydraulic connecting pins. The clamshell is hinged and latched together by an array of screws. The robot comprises a linked clamshell mast and a master-slave robot arm on the end of the mast which includes tools for viewing and breaking up the waste and vacuuming same to a removal area.

Abstract: A medical system that allows a mentor to teach a pupil how to use a robotically controlled medical instrument. The system may include a first handle that can be controlled by a mentor to move the medical instrument. The system may further have a second handle that can be moved by a pupil to control the same instrument. Deviations between movement of the handles by the mentor and the pupil can be provided as force feedback to the pupil and mentor handles. The force feedback pushes the pupil's hand to correspond with the mentor's handle movement. The force feedback will also push the mentor's hand to provide information to the mentor on pupil's movements. The mentor is thus able to guide the pupil's hands through force feedback of the pupil handles to teach the pupil how to use the system.

Abstract: A handle used to control movement of a medical instrument. The medical instrument may be coupled to a robotic arm that is connected to a controller. The medical instrument may have a plurality of functions such as wrist locking and motion scaling. One of the functions may be selected through a graphical user interface operated by the end user. The handle may have a plurality of buttons. One of the buttons may allow the end user to control the selected function. For example, when wrist locking/unlocking is selected, depressing the button can toggle the medical instrument wrist between a locked state and an unlocked state.

Abstract: The robot system including a 6-axis robot has a swingable arm for transferring a workpiece between first and second positions, a wrist on a distal end of the arm, that is driven to rotate around a predetermined axis, and a transfer device at the wrist. The transfer device has a link mechanism having first and second links and holding means attached to a distal end of the second link. A proximal end of the first link is attached to the wrist so as to rotate around the predetermined axis. A distal end of the first link and a proximal end of the second link are rotatably connected to each other. In accordance with a swinging motion of the arm, the first link rotates in a first rotational direction with respect to the arm and the second link rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction with respect to the first link, so as to transfer the workpiece along a straight line linking the first and second positions.

Abstract: A positional control system, comprising a robotically controlled arm, for varying the position of a robotic surgical tool, is provided. The robotic surgical tool can be in the form of an image capture device, such as an endoscope, for example. The positional control system comprises a base and a mounting formation arranged to support the robotic surgical tool. The positional control system further comprises an articulated arm extending between the base and the mounting formation. The articulated arm has an upper arm portion, a forearm portion, a forearm link member and an upper arm link member. The portions and the link members are pivotally secured relative to one another to effect displacement of the mounting formation relative to the base. The forearm link member is positioned at least partially within the forearm portion and the upper arm link member is positioned at least partially within the upper arm portion.

Abstract: A haptic pointing device includes a plurality of rigid, elongated proximal members, each connected to a separate rigid, elongated distal member through an articulating joint. The other end of each proximal member is coupled to an actuator such as a motor, causing that member to swing within a separate plane perpendicular to the shaft of the motor in response to a control signal. An end-effector is interconnected to the second end of each distal member through an articulating joint, such that as the actuators move the proximal members, the end-effector moves in space. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes at least three proximal members and three distal members, and the end-effector is coupled to a user-graspable element such as a stylus which retains a preferred orientation in space as the members are driven by the actuators.

Abstract: An input control device with force sensors is configured to sense hand movements of a surgeon performing a robot-assisted microsurgery. The sensed hand movements actuate a mechanically decoupled robot manipulator. A microsurgical manipulator, attached to the robot manipulator, is activated to move small objects and perform microsurgical tasks. A force-feedback element coupled to the robot manipulator and the input control device provides the input control device with an amplified sense of touch in the microsurgical manipulator.

Abstract: A robot with multi-joint arms, wherein articulated first and second arms 9, 10 are movable in a horizontal plane as well as in a vertical direction, the second arm having a free end to which a supplementary unit A is removably connected, the supplementary unit A including a joint member 17 adjustably connected to the free end of the second arm 10 and a working member 18 removable connected to the joint member 17. The working member 18 has a predetermined length Lx which determines the effective length L2 of the second arm 10, and wherein the data representing the effective length L2 of the second arm is entered to renew the existing effective length of the second arm to produce new data representing the value of the newly entered effective length L2 of the second arm 10, the new data being employed to calculate out the value to control the operations of the first and second arms 9, 10.

Abstract: A master device for generating motion instruction of the slave robot by sensing motion of the arm with fixed to the arm of the operator, and reflecting motion limit information by external force and physical articulation limit sensed by the robot may be simplified in a serial chain configuration so to solve problems of human fatigue and operational complexity in order to minimize dead weight of units mounted to the arm by concentrating and positioning the cylindrical rotating shaft members (44 and 45) near the body.

Abstract: An input control device with force sensors is configured to sense hand movements of a surgeon performing a robot-assisted microsurgery. The sensed hand movements actuate a mechanically decoupled robot manipulator. A microsurgical manipulator, attached to the robot manipulator, is activated to move small objects and perform microsurgical tasks. A force-feedback element coupled to the robot manipulator and the input control device provides the input control device with an amplified sense of touch in the microsurgical manipulator.

Abstract: In order to simply introduction of cables extending out of the base of a robot the arms thereof, the invention provides for a robot having a base and a carrousel plate located thereon having an opening for passage of the cables, wherein the opening is configured as a slot (7, 8, 9) extending in an inward direction from the peripheral edge of the carrousel plate (3).

Abstract: An improvement is set forth in a robotic arm structure which includes at least two links. .theta. motion is provided about a primary axis at the proximal end portion of the proximalmost of the links. R motion proceeds radially from the primary axis whereby the distal end portion of the distalmost of the links can be moved in a radially extending straight line. At least two independent end effectors are pivotally mounted for rotation relative to the distal end portion of the distalmost link about an end effector axis which is parallel to the primary axis. The structure is improved by adding independent yaw motors for rotating the end effectors independently.

Abstract: A arm 4 or 104 comprises a heat conduction suppressing portion such as cut-out grooves 8 or a low-temperature melting substance which suppresses conduction of heat. The heat conduction suppressing portion is disposed between a tip end portion of a front end arm 4 or 104 coupled to a mounting member 5 for a wafer W, and a basal portion of the front end arm 4 or 104. The substrate transfer apparatus according to the present invention can accurately transfer a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer for a long term while suppressing an influence of heat from a film growth apparatus or the like, to a level as low as possible.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment, an apparatus for shielding a movable articulated structure such as robot arm to be protected from a hard working environment comprises one or more shielding sections forming with the outer surface of the robot arm a cavity which is filled with pressurized air. Adjacent portions of the shielding sections are coupled through a rotary joint allowing escape of the pressurized air out of the cavity while maintaining within the cavity a positive pressure relative to the ambient environment pressure which is sufficient to substantially prevent contamination of the robot arm from the working environment. According to a second embodiment, the apparatus comprises a shielding cover comprised of one or more cover sections forming with the outer surface of the robot arm a cavity which is filled with pressurized air.

Abstract: A multi-joint robot is disclosed, wherein a mount structure is vertically moved by means of a drive mechanism including a vertical threaded shaft and a stepping motor for rotationally driving said threaded shaft, thereby to vertically move the mount structure along the threaded shaft between an upper most position and a lower most position. A balancing device for balancing the weight of the mount structure includes at least one or more tension coil springs, the tension coil spring having one end anchored to a bottom of the robot, the opposite end connected to the bracket of the mount structure and an intermediate part thereof put into slide engagement with the pulley means which is arranged at an upper part of said robot above said bracket of said mount structure, so that the tension coil spring or springs may be expanded when said mount structure is at a position below said upper most position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for and method of applying labels, printing images, or scanning a feature on the surface of a substrate. The mechanism (1) comprises a read/write/apply means (4) for reading, writing or applying the information, carried and located relative to a predetermined position by a robotically actuated device. The device comprises a mounting member (5), a support member (6) relatively movable with respect to the mounting member (5) and carrying the said means (4), and at least three pairs of extendable arms (7,8,9) extending between and pivotally mounted on the members (5,6). The arrangement is such that one arm in each of said pairs of arms (7,8,9) cooperates with an arm from another pair of arms. Extension and/or retraction of the arms (7,8,9) causes movement and/or rotation of the support member (6) relative to the mounting member (5), whereby the said means (4) may be located relative to the predetermined position.

Abstract: A device with a pivoting work arm for carrying and positioning a tool which is moved by a modified Watts linkage powered by a linear actuator is provided with shock absorption adjacent both the fully extended and fully retracted work arm positions. The modified Watts linkage engages a pawl which rotates a lever arm in the same direction to actuate the same shock absorber(s) when the work arm is moved to both its fully extended and fully retracted positions.

Abstract: An automatic tool mounting assembly for robotic equipment that includes a base mounting member and a tool carrier member. Radially extending locking posts are radially aligned with the seal between the base and tool carrier. Pneumatic connections within the base and tool carrier provide a seal at the interface surface of the two connector sections so as to avoid the use of sockets and O-ring seals. The pneumatic connection interfaces are also radially aligned with the locking posts and seal in order to accommodate a wide tolerance for misalignment during connection and disconnection of the base and tool carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is a low friction, low inertia, six-axis force feedback input device comprising an arm with double-jointed, tendon-driven revolute joints, a decoupled tendon-driven wrist, and a base with encoders and motors. The input device functions as a master robot manipulator of a microsurgical teleoperated robot system including a slave robot manipulator coupled to an amplifier chassis, which is coupled to a control chassis, which is coupled to a workstation with a graphical user interface. The amplifier chassis is coupled to the motors of the master robot manipulator and the control chassis is coupled to the encoders of the master robot manipulator. A force feedback can be applied to the input device and can be generated from the slave robot to enable a user to operate the slave robot via the input device without physically viewing the slave robot.

Abstract: The present invention is a double-jointed, tendon-driven revolute joint, a decoupled tendon-driven wrist, an antibacklash mechanism, a robot control system, and a robot manipulator incorporating the double-jointed, tendon-driven revolute joint, decoupled tendon-driven wrist, and antibacklash mechanism. The robot manipulator is a microsurgical teleoperated robot with actuators located at an actuator base. The overall system architecture includes a slave robot manipulator coupled to an amplifier chassis which is coupled to a control chassis. The control chassis is coupled to a workstation with a graphical user interface. Components of the robot manipulator are categorized into a mechanical sub-system, an electronics sub-system, a servo-control sub-system, and a high-level software control sub-system.

Abstract: A robot arm device includes an expandable arm portion including an arm member, a forearm arm member, and a hand member. The arm member is fixedly attached with an arm drive wheel which is driven by a first drive motor. The arm member carries a transmission wheel disposed coaxially with the arm drive wheel and rotatable independently from the arm drive wheel and a forearm drive wheel disposed at a leading end of the arm member and rotatable independently from the arm member and fixedly connected at a base end of the forearm member. The forearm member carries a stationary wheel disposed coaxially with the forearm drive wheel and fixedly connected with the arm member and a hand drive wheel disposed at a leading end of the forearm member. The forearm drive wheel is drivingly rotated by a second drive motor in addition to a relative rotation due to a rotation of the arm member.

Abstract: The process comprises the steps of creating three reference points at an object and taking a tomogram of the object such that the three reference points define a first set of positional data in the tomogram. The object is then non-rigidly placed on a support for operation thereupon by an instrument which is mounted at a flexible arm containing sensors for sensing the movements of an instrument tip. The instrument tip is placed at the three reference points in order to create a second set of positional data which are in a fixed relationship to the first set of positional data. When the instrument is inserted into the object placed on the support, the positional data of the instrument tip during the insertion movement are sensed and related to the first set of positional data via the fixed relationship between the first and second sets of positional data.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an industrial machine safety system that allows the machine to begin operation only when a plurality of safety push buttons have all been depressed, and that stops the machine's operation when any safety push button is released. The apparatus includes an artificial hand that can depress and, upon command, release one of the safety push buttons, and has a release detector for detecting the release of the artificial hand. The release detector operates optically. A lamp directs a light beam along a path that is blocked by a plunger when releasing the safety push button and not blocked when depressing the safety push button. A photodetector detects interruption of this light beam. Thus release of the safety push button is detected upon detection of interruption of the light beam. The machine begins to stop upon release of the safety push button. A motion detector detects the stoppage of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe-shaped structural member made of fiber reinforced plastics or fiber reinforced rubber utilizing the mechanical property of the material as an anisotropic material. Since the angle of the fibers and/or direction of orientation are made partially different in the circumferential direction of the structural member, and moreover, since the part where the angle of fibers and/or direction of orientation are made partially different is at least a part in the thicknesswise direction of the circumferential part, the pipe-shaped structural member shows a peculiar style of deformation, and is applicable to a variety of industrial fields.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe-shaped structural member made of fiber reinforced plastics or fiber reinforced rubber utilizing the mechanical property of the material as an anisotropic material. Since the angle of the fibers and/or direction of orientation are made partially different in the circumferential direction of the structural member, and moreover, since part where the angle of fibers and/or direction of orientation are made partially different is at least a part in the thicknesswise direction of the circumferential part, the pipe-shaped structural member shows a peculiar style of deformation, and is applicable to a variety of industrial fields.

Abstract: A device with a pivoting work arm for carrying and positioning a tool which is moved by a modified Watts linkage powered by a linear actuator having a true straight line motion. The modified Watts linkage has relatively short links resulting in the center of the middle link following an arcuate path. The center of the middle link is drivingly connected to the linear actuator by a pivoting link or a cam. To provide shock absorption for the work arm as it reaches its fully extended position, the modified Watts linkage is coupled to a follower arm yieldably biased by a spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for bringing the tool-carrying end (2) of a robot beam (4) to one desired position of a plurality of possible, predetermined positions, and a workpiece-supporting table-assembly for use with a robot beam steered by the arrangement. The beam-positioning arrangement comprises two beam-holding devices (5, 6) which are intended to support the beam (4) at given mutually-space locations along its length and which are journalled to the beam at the aforementioned locations. At least one of the beam-holding devices (6) is slideably mounted for movement along a first elongated beam-positioning arm (10) and one end of the first arm is pivotally connected to a stand (12) which is moveable along a fixed path. The arrangement is such that pivotal movement of the first arm (10) and movement of the at least one holding-device (6) along its arm will result in a commensurate change in the positional setting of the tool-carrying end of the beam.

Abstract: An articulated industrial robot comprises a robot body (10), a robot upper arm (20) pivotally supported in a joint provided on the upper end (16) of the robot body (10) for a swing motion about a horizontal W-axis, and a robot forearm (30) pivotally supported in a joint provided on the extremity (24) of the robot upper arm (20) for an up-down turning motion about a horizontal U-axis. The robot upper arm (20) has an offset arm structure extending between the horizontal W-axis of the joint on the upper end (16) of the robot body (10) and the horizontal U-axis of the joint on the extremity (24) of the robot upper arm (20) with its back side (26) extending along the straight line connecting the respective centers of the horizontal W-axis and U-axis. Electric cables (40) and the like are extended along the back side (26) of the robot upper arm (20).

Abstract: A robotic apparatus, and components thereof, which is characterized by a high degree of modularity, enabling complex robotic mechanisms to be assembled on a customized basis from relatively standardized components on an efficient and economical basis. Individual numbers of a multi-axis device may be comprised of inverted channel-like support members, cut to predetermined length and provided at the extremities of their flange walls with opposed, longitudinally extending track strips. A movable carriage mounts series of guide rollers engageable with and guided and confined by the track strips for movement along a predetermined axis defined by the support member. A drive sprocket, driving by a digitally controlled stepping motor, with a drive sprocket, is mounted at one end of the support member and an idler sprocket at the opposite end.

Abstract: A bendable actuator includes a plurality of elastic extensible members arranged in parallel and extensible in axial directions when a pressurized fluid is supplied into the elastic extensible members. The actuator further includes connecting members arranged in a manner embracing the elastic extensible members and connecting respective ends of the elastic extensible members. The actuator includes an elastic member arranged between the connecting members and surrounding the elastic extensible members to resist extending forces of the elastic extensible members and to restrain bending of the elastic extensible members. With this arrangement, linear extension and bending of the actuator are realized by adjusting supply and exhaust of the pressurized fluid into and from the elastic extensible members.

Abstract: An inflatable structure, particularly adapted for use in outer space, employs one or more inflatable links which are connected at a base of the structure. A distal end of an outer most link is provided with a gripper assembly which can be remote controlled, and suitable encoders are included to indicate the angular position of each of the links. The motors for driving the at least one link is situated at the base to thereby reduce the mass of the at least one link and correspondingly reduce moments of inertia during operation.

Abstract: A fitting structure of a first arm fitted to a robot base of a horizontal articulated robot, wherein a linearly movable slide is longitudinally guided along the robot base. A base at a base end of the first arm is rotatably fitted to the slider, and rotation of the base relative to the slider is restricted by a removable fixing device. This invention is efficiently used when packaging the robot.

Abstract: In a two-arm type manipulator, it is very rare that two arms develop trouble simultaneously due to malfunction of motors and/or cables. In view of the above fact, motors for actuating manipulator joint mechanisms and cables connected between the motors and the manipulator frame are removably mounted on the shoulder section of the frame of the manipulator. Further, the first arm is so arranged as to be accessible to the second shoulder section or the second arm is so arranged as to be accessible to the first shoulder section. Therefore, it is possible to allow an access of one manipulator arm to the other disabled manipulator elements (motors and/or cables) for removal and replacement of the disabled elements with new elements without aid of another manipulator, in particular, where the manipulator is equipped in atomic facilities which refuse access, thus saving equipment investment.

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

Abstract: An arm structure for an industrial robot, comprising a first robot arm (16) supported on top of a vertical robot shaft (14), and a second robot arm (20) pivotally joined through a transmission-reduction gear box (18) to the free end of the first robot arm (16). A plurality of coupling bolts (22) are extended through the interior of the first robot arm (16), each coupling bolt (22) has one end (22b) fastened to the flange (18b) of the transmission-reduction gear box (18) and the other end (22a) projecting from and fastened to the rear end of the first robot arm (16). Fastening nuts (24) each engage at least one end (22a or 22b) of each coupling bolt (22) to couple the first robot arm (16) and the transmission-reduction gear box (18) so as to preload the first robot arm (16) by a compressive force.

Abstract: Apparatus is set forth for prealigning the transport stage of an automated wafer handling lithographic system. The wafer is first rotated and its displacement in X, Y, and .THETA. from a desired orientation is determined. Rotation of the wafer is stopped when its angular position reaches a desired orientation. The wafer chuck of the transport stage is then displaced to compensate for any deviation of the wafer in the X and Y directions from a desired rectilinear orientation. This permits the wafer stage to present the wafer to the exposure station of a lithographic system aligned in the X, Y and .theta. directions.

Abstract: A shaft supporting mechanism of an industrial robot in which an arm is supported by a freely extendable support shaft inside a hollow post and a working plane of a working arm is variably set is provided, with plural sets of linear support guides in opposed relation about a drive mechanism of the support shaft. As a result, the support shaft is held in the post stably and balanced in the vertical direction even if an external force attempting to tilt the support shaft is applied during up-and-down movement of the support shaft or operation of the working arm.

Abstract: An advanced servo manipulator has modular parts. Modular motor members drive individual input gears to control shoulder roll, shoulder pitch, elbow pitch, wrist yaw, wrist pitch, wrist roll, and tong spacing. The modules include a support member, a shoulder module for controlling shoulder roll, and a sleeve module attached to the shoulder module in fixed relation thereto. The shoulder roll sleeve module has an inner cylindrical member rotatable relative to the outer cylindrical member, and upon which a gear pod assembly is mounted. A plurality of shafts are driven by the gears, which are in turn driven by individual motor modules to transmit rotary power to control elbow pitch as well as to provide four different rotary shafts across the bendable elbow joint to supply rotary motive power to a wrist member and tong member.

Abstract: A handling system for components or tools comprises a guiding track formed by a pair of spaced parallel guiding posts, on which is displaceably mounted an intermediate carrier for the components coupled to an apparatus for displacing and positioning the intermediate carrier along the guiding posts, in which the guiding posts are associated with respective support elements extending parallel and lengthwise of the posts and transversely therefrom the support elements being arranged to stiffen the guiding posts and support them against bending due to operating forces on the carrier when handling components or tools.

Abstract: A device for carrying and adjusting a tool has a frame and a base member which is rotatably connected to the frame about a first axis with a main arm pivotally connected at one end to the base member and at the other end to a lifting-arm holder with a yoke pivotally connected at its central portion to the main arm at some distance from one end thereof. A piston rod part of a first cylinder assembly is pivotally connected to a projection projecting at an angle from the main arm, and its cylinder part is pivotally connected to one arm of the yoke with a piston rod part of a second cylinder assembly pivotally connected to the base member and its cylinder part pivotally connected to the other arm of the yoke and with a link arm parallel to the main arm pivotally connected at one end to the other arm of the yoke and pivotally connected at its other end to the lifting-arm holder.

Abstract: A sealed type internal pressure explosion proof robot motor assembly. The robot has a plurality of arms pivotably connected thereto and is used in an explosive atmosphere. Each arm is formed with an airtight chamber in which an electric motor is encased. These chambers are connected to one another so as to communicate by means of sealed hoses encasing wiring therein. Air or gas of a pressure above atmospheric pressure is supplied to the chamber through the hose. The electric motor is a DC print motor.

Abstract: A vacuum transfer device includes a central processing chamber and a plurality of additional chambers radially positioned around the central chamber and in vacuum-tight connection therewith. A rotatable coulisse arrangement in the central chamber is extendable so as to reach into the additional chambers when correctly aligned. The device can transfer objects among several work stations without intermediate venting and re-evacuation of the system of chambers.

Abstract: An industrial robot having a plurality of units each consisting of a unit body provided with a movable block having a mounting surface, a side placed parallel to this movable block, exposing only small parts of its mounting surface, a mounting bottom extending perpendicular to this side and a guide which supports the aforementioned movable block in such a way that it is movable parallel to the mounting surface and in a straight line in a definite range, a driving device on the unit body to drive the movable block, and a control device for controlling this driving device, the plurality of units being coupled in such a way that the straight line moving directions of the movable blocks of each two coupled units are at a right angle.

Abstract: To mount rotatably supporting members such as a rotary shaft to an arm body of an industrial robot arm, the former and the latter are solidly secured to each other by fastening members such as rivets after a bonding agent is applied to spaces formed between the arm body and the rotatably supporting members, whereby necessity for the stage of assembling work by the welding is eliminated, shearing forces are supported by the bonding agent and tensile forces are supported by the fastening members, so that the robot arm being high in precision and mechanical strength can be obtained.