Abstract: An industrial robot comprises a stand mounted on a foot and being rotatable about a first, vertical axis, said stand supporting a first robot arm which is rotatable in relation to the stand about a second, horizontal axis. The stand comprises an underbody with two projecting parts which support an intermediate part which is rotatable in relation to the stand. The intermediate part comprises two parallel supporting elements, at the upper ends of which the first robot arm is journalled. The lower ends of the supporting elements are rotatably attachable to the underbody. The robot may thus be tilted forwards or backwards and be fixed in these positions during the robot operation, so as to obtain different types of operating ranges.

Abstract: A system for controlling locomotion of a legged mobile robot, more particularly stair descending of a biped mobile robot having a body and two articulated legs each connected to the body through hip joints and each including a foot connected to the leg through ankle joints. Gait parameters are generated such that the foot should be landed on a stair step from its heel and is kept in surface-contact or in point-contact by at least three points. The stair descending is then controlled using the generated gait parameters. With the arrangement, the system makes it possible to control the robot locomotion such that the robot descends stairs with a stable posture even when the foot length is greater than the stair step depth. This also makes it possible to design the size of the foot independent of the size of the stairs. Moreover, the tolerance of positional errors is increased, increasing the number of stair steps that the robot descends continuously keeping a stable posture.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a counter-balanced load carrier comprising a multi-stage telescopic arm (10). One stage (24) adjacent one end of the arm is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis (29) in a carrier (17,21) mounted for rotation by a vertical axis (20) on a mobile base (11). The adjacent end stage (23) of the arm carries a counterweight and the end stage (28) at the other end of the arm carries a support (32) for a TV or video camera. The respective stages of the arm are interconnected by a cable or like mechanism to extend and retract together maintaining a fixed ratio between the radius of the payload support and the horizontal axis and the counterweight and the horizontal axis so that the arm remains counterbalanced throughout its range of extension and retraction. The cable mechanism also acts on the camera support on said end section of the arm to maintain the support horizontal throughout the range of tilting of the arm.

Abstract: A stand is provided for mounting various loads and is balanced at least partially automatically. The stand includes a plurality of interconnected elements defining one or more axes about which the stand is movable. An open-loop or closed-loop control circuit is provided for at least one of the axes and detects the unbalanced state about the one axis. The control circuit allows a torque compensating device to operate on the one axis until a state of equilibrium is obtained.

Abstract: A motion analyzing method analyzes and displays motions of a human being or an animal using a computer in an interactive manner without requiring trial and error or without depending on intuition of an analyst. A human body or an animal body is divided into a plurality of segments connected by joints, each of the segments acting as a minimal unit of motion. Data for modeling the human or animal body on the basis of physical constraints and the inherent nature of each of the segments is maintained in a database. Motions are input to be analyzed and the input motions are analyzed using inverse dynamics. The resultant movements and the center of gravity of each of the segments, the force and torque exerted on each of the joints, the movement and the center of gravity of the whole body, and the forces and torques exerted on the centers of gravity are superimposed on the human or animal body model of the database and are displayed on a screen.

Abstract: A horizontally adjustable microphone support, including: a vertical support; a generally horizontal cross member attached to the vertical support; a microphone and a counterweight attached to the horizontal cross member on opposite sides of the vertical support; and apparatus to simultaneously move the microphone and the counterweight selectively inwardly toward or outwardly away from the vertical support so as to prevent the microphone support from tipping over. The horizontal cross member includes first and second telescoping tube pairs. The proximal ends of the inner tubes of the telescoping tube pairs are attached to the electric motor that is mounted in a housing on the distal end of the vertical support. Extending from opposite ends of the electric motor are right-hand and left-hand threaded double-ended shaft sections. Thread followers are attached to inner walls of the inner tube of the telescoping tube pairs surrounding the threaded shaft sections.

Abstract: A device testing system of the type in which an electronic test head is mounted for pivotal movement about three orthogonal axes. Cables are connected between a test cabinet and the test head to carry electronic signals. The test head is directly mounted to, and the cable is introduced to the test head through, a single piece cable pivot. The single piece cable pivot is attached to its housing by a method of installation which includes attaching cam followers to the housing through an opening included in the ring.

Abstract: An articulated robot comprises a parallelogrammic linkage comprising a fixed base (1) having a horizontal upper surface, a first arm (2) pivotally supported for turning about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the fixed base (1), a first auxiliary link (3) parallel to the first arm (2), and a second auxiliary link (4) pivotally joined to the respective extremities of the first arm (2) and the first auxiliary link (3); and a second arm (5) supported on the second auxiliary link (4) for turning about an axis parallel to the axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the fixed base (1). The motion of the second arm (5) is not restricted by the first arm (2), and the articulated robot is capable of moving a work between two separate points at a high speed.

Abstract: A human guided mobile loader stocker developed to mechanically assist in SMIF container movement. The assist includes a pushcart, a semi-motorized transport arm, a processor, and communication devices. A group of containers are placed on the cart using the arm. The cart is pushed to a semiconductor processing tool where the arm is used to transfer containers to and from the port of the processing tool. The processor and communication devices are used for inventory control and guiding the container to the port of the processing tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for manufacturing semiconductor devices from silicon semiconductor wafers, comprising forming device operable forming a silicon semiconductor wafer, oxidizing device operable for forming an oxidation gate on the silicon semiconductor wafer and thereafter, a testing arrangement for testing the silicon semiconductor wafer for contaminants using a test drop; wherein the improvement comprises, rotating device operable for receiving the wafer and for rotating in one direction and the opposite direction at predetermined rates in response to first electrical signals; carrier device operable for being positioned on the silicon semiconductor wafer and for retaining at least a portion of the test drop in contact with the wafer during relative movements of the carrier device over the surface of the wafer while substantially eliminating direct contact between the carrier device and the wafer; radial moving device operable for moving the carrier device along a predetermined radial path re

Abstract: When an impact load is applied to a workpiece which is held by the robot, the impact force can be absorbed. The robot includes a grip 3 for holding a workpiece to which an impact load is applied and a buffer mechanism disposed between the grip 3 and a robot arm 2. The buffer mechanism 4 includes two parallel link mechanisms 5, 6 for enabling the grip 3 to be moved in various directions and hydraulic actuator mechanisms 7, 8 for relaxing the actuation of the parallel link mechanisms 5, 6. When an impact force is applied to the grip 3, two parallel link mechanisms 5, 6 are actuated so that the grip 3 is slightly displaced while the hydraulic actuator mechanisms 5, 6 relax the actuation of the parallel link mechanisms 7, 8. Therefore, the impact force which is applied to the grip 3 can be absorbed. Additionally, after the impact force is applied to the grip 3, the buffer mechanism 4 can immediately be returned automatically to the initial position.

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: A load balancing arm is shown and described as having improved control including a programmable control element and electronic air regulation to provide precise and controllable lifting force on a load. The disclosed load balancing arm responds to slight operator applied force to aid in movement of the load in overcoming system hysteresis, friction and load inertia without requiring the operator to apply a sufficiently large magnitude force to overcome such counteracting forces in the system. The disclosed load balancing arm further includes automatic load weight detection sensors for accommodating variation in load weights while applying a lifting force to the load which substantially equals the weight of the load. This allows the operator to move the load freely throughout a work space.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for quickly and efficiently transferring a workpiece from a first work station including a first sheet metal press to a second sheet metal press by providing a pendulum-type robot, including an arm assembly mounted on a support structure to swing about a first axis located above and between the first and second presses. The arm assembly not only swings about a first axis but also rotates about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and a third axis which is orthogonal to the second axis. During swinging movement of the arm assembly about the first axis, rotation of the arm assembly about the second and third axes allows a center of gravity of the workpiece to follow a substantially straight line path between the first and second presses. The arm assembly includes first and second four-bar linkages, which are pivotally connected together to rotate about the second axis. Preferably, a wrist mechanism is provided to permit rotation of the part between the presses.

Abstract: A balancer device for balancing the moment generated by gravity on a robot arm, which is mounted at the one end thereof for rotation about a rotation axis and having an articulation on the opposite end, comprises a fluid-pressure operated spring means (7), an attachment portion (6) provided on the robot arm near the articulation, a tension transmitting member (2) for applying tension to the robot arm (1) by cooperation with the fluid-pressure operated spring means (7), and a plurality of guide means (3, 4, 5) provided for rotation extending and guiding the tension transmitting member (2). The tension transmitting member (2) is extended so as to pass the plurality of guide means (3, 4, 5) and the attachment portion (6), and to apply tension to the robot arm (1), whereby the balancer device balances the moment by gravity on the robot arm (1).

Abstract: In a robot for compensating gravitational torque, various types of installation postures, including installation of a floor and hanging from a ceiling, can easily be realized. Namely, the characteristics of the gravitational balancer are selected in order to compensate for various postures of the robot, such as that when installed on a floor or hung from a ceiling. Also, a direction of the compensation torque can freely be changed by adjusting a spring mounting position in the rotational link or in the stationary link. Further, adjustment of the compensation torque can freely be carried out by providing a plurality of spring set positions in the stationary link as well as in the rotational link. In addition, adjustment of the compensation torque can freely be carried out also by adjusting the mounting length of a spring set between the stationary link and the rotational link.

Abstract: An apparatus used to assist a surgeon in surgery is divided into two parts, proximal and distal. The apparatus has a number of rigid links which rotate about pivots to position and re-position an instrument, like a surgical instrument, at a work point proximal to a patient but remote from the apparatus. The links cooperate in a way to move the manipulator about a center-of-motion with orthogonally decoupled degrees of freedom resolved at the work point.The proximal part of the apparatus is adjustably fixed to a stationary object, like an operating table, while the distal part of the apparatus holds the instrument. Certain links which can be adjusted in length, move the distal part with respect to the proximal part of the apparatus. In this manner, the work point of the manipulator and the working radius of the apparatus are changed without moving the proximal part. Actuators, manual or remotely (computer) controlled, both rotate the links about their pivots and adjust the length of the adjustable links.

Abstract: A seatback load applying device that is capable of applying quasi-static and controlled loading along various points of an automobile seatback starting at a predetermined distance above the H-point of a seated surrogate and ending at the upper cross member of the seatback.

Abstract: A parallel robot comprises a base, three set of arm assemblies disposed on the base at a predetermined spacing, and a bracket member which is supported by the arm assemblies and to which an end effector is attached. Each of the arm assemblies comprises a pair of motors mounted on the base to face each other with a predetermined clearance and a pair of arms which are supported by the motors to be swung, respectively. Each of the arms comprises a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion and the second arm portion of each arm are connected with each other through a first joint means, and the second arm portion of each arm is connected with the bracket through a second joint means.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multiaxial industrial robot (1), including of a mount (2), a rotatable and swingable rocker (3), a swingable extension arm (6) and a multi-member rotatable and swingable robot hand (8), whose members are driven by motors (10, 11, 12) arranged on extension arm (6). Extension arm (6) is mounted (27) on one side on a one-arm formed rocker (4), whereby at least two motors (10, 11, 12) are arranged next to each other on the extension arm in the direction of extension of its swinging axis (7). With a triangular arrangement, motors (10, 11, 12) are arranged with their motor axes (13) in an isosceles triangle, whose base is oriented to bearing (27) of extension arm (6).

Abstract: An electrically operated drive assembly for turning a motor vehicle disc brake rotor while the rotor is still on the vehicle includes a portable stand or base having a combination electric motor and adjustable drive shaft assembly pivotally mounted thereon. The end of the drive shaft is selectably releaseably retained on a lug adapter mechanism that is retained on the motor vehicle wheel lugs. The drive shaft assembly includes a right angle bend that allows the entire drive assembly to be positioned to one side of the motor vehicle wheel hub and rotor assembly. This arrangement allows a mechanic to have open access to a separate portable brake lathe which is mountable on the vehicle brake caliper mounting bosses. The drive assembly turns the brake rotors at a predetermined speed which is suitable for combined operation with a portable brake lathe.

Abstract: A gravitational compensating system that eliminates gravitational torque of linked robotic arms is provided. A three arm embodiment is disclosed which rotates around a vertical reference axis. The second and third arm rotate around two separate horizontal axes. The gravitational compensating system compensates for the gravitational torque attributed to the second arm as it rotates about its horizontal swing axis and the gravitational torque attributable to the third arm as it rotates about its horizontal swing axis. The combined actuating and compensating systems for the second and third arm are housed in the base structure of the first arm. The compensating system also applies to two arm embodiments.

Abstract: A robot is provided with a dynamically controlled center of mass which is decoupled from the end effector. The robot is comprised of a moving arm including a redundant linkage of connecting links and joints coupled to an end effector. The movement of the links and joints of the robot are coordinated by a dynamic servo controller. The robot has at least twice as many degrees of freedom as the number of operating dimensions. Also, for each dimension of operation, there is one group of masses that moves in the same direction as the end effector and another group of masses capable of independently moving in the same or opposite direction. This separation of the motion of the center of mass from the motion of the end effector can be used to decrease reaction forces and to generate significant forces at the end effector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for moving objects along a predetermined movement path, comprising a stand, a slide assembly carried by the stand, and a gripping-device attachment device connected to the slide assembly, the gripping device being intended to hold the object being moved by the arrangement. According to the invention an elongated carrier is displaceably mounted on the stand for reciprocating movement along a first straight path. The slide assembly is displaceably mounted on the elongated carrier for reciprocating movement along a second straight path which is substantially perpendicular to the first path. The slide assembly carries one end of a link system, the other end of which is free and reciprocatingly moveable along a third straight path extending perpendicularly to both the first path and the second path. The free end of the link system carries the attachment device.

Abstract: Robots for industrial use having an arm mechanism of a horizontal multiple articulated type.The load movement mechanism and the arm expansion mechanism, which are provided within the robot arms in advance with respect to the change condition through the catching of the gravity force changes by the force sensor from a case where the weight is moved, placed to a case where nothing is grasped, are properly operated, so that the mutual dynamic interferences of the respective driving portions of the robot may not be caused or may be made minimum, and may be made simple in shape by the comparatively simple control apparatus, with an effect that the superior robot which is capable of stable operations may be realized.

Abstract: A spot welding robot including a base and an arm assembly mounted on the base. The arm assembly includes a lower arm mounted at a lower end on the base for a swingable movement about a substantially horizontal first axis, a swingable member mounted on the lower arm at an upper end portion of the lower arm for a swingable movement about a second axis which is parallel with the first axis, and an upper arm mounted at one end portion on the swingable member for a swingable movement about a third axis which is perpendicular to the second axis. The swingable member has a portion extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the upper arm extends. A driving motor is provided on the swingable member for driving the upper arm to produce the swingable movement of the upper arm about the third axis.

Abstract: An apparatus having a rotary member rotatable around a shaft mounted on a base and to which a flexible printed circuit board is attached. The flexible printed circuit board is attached to the rotary member at an end thereof, and is fixed via the base at the other end thereof. The flexible printed circuit board has a bent portion between both ends thereof. The bent portion of the flexible printed circuit board is pushed by a pushing member which is mounted on the base so that the direction of an elastic force exerted by the bending of the flexible printed circuit board against the rotary member coincides approximately to the center axis of the shaft irrespective of the position of the rotary member. As a result of that a moment around the shaft, caused by the elastic force, to which moment the rotary member is subjected, is approximately zero.

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

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for practice of ambulation is provided in which a suspending arm for suspending a patient at a point in the distal portion is supported at a fulcrum, a force to balance the load based on the suspended patient is conveyed to the suspending arm on the side of, or opposite to the suspending point with respect to the fulcrum. A vertical rod is actuated by a force producing means in the vertical direction and the vertical rod is engaged with the suspending arm in the proximate portion thereof by an engaging means, which converts the vertical motion of the vertical rod to the pivoting motion of the suspending arm around the fulcrum. The suspending arm is prevented from longitudinal shift. The apparatus is adapted for assisting the patient in walking, preventing the patient from wobbling.

Abstract: A load balancing mechanism (10) disclosed includes an arm (12) including first and second arm portions (14,26). A support post (22) is rotatable about its vertical axis A and supports arm (12) by first arm portion (14) for pivotal movement in a vertical plane and also for rotational movement about axis A. First arm portion (14) includes parallel spaced members (16,16') defining a parallel linkage arrangement. A piston and cylinder balancing arrangement (38) connects post (22) and first arm portion (14) allowing upward and downward pivotal movement of arm (12) and is responsive to such upward and downward pivotal movement to provide balancing of a load thereon. The second arm portion (26) can be longitudinally moved relative to a second mount (32) to increase or decrease the length of arm (12) without having to change the force applied via balancing arrangement (38) to maintain balancing of the load.

Abstract: An articulated industrial robot has an articulated horizontal arm assembly which includes horizontal arms (20), a vertically movable shaft (20) mounted on the extremity of the horizontal arm assembly, and a motor for driving the vertically movable shaft. When directly teaching motions to the vertically movable shaft through a direct teaching operation by an operator, the current control unit of a motor control unit for driving the motor for driving the vertically movable shaft is disconnected from a signal line connected to a robot control unit, and a torque calculating circuit is provided for deciding a motor torque corresponding to the sum of the weight of the vertically movable shaft and the respective variable weights of an end effector attached to the lower end of the vertically movable shaft.

Abstract: A robotic device has various drives which move a pickup/release mechanism along a compound path of movement between pickup and release positions. Individual drives contribute individually to the compound motion and each is associated with counting unit/memories which control the drives so that the drives initiate motion in rapid mode followed by slow mode and then termination. The apparatus is constructed to minimize inertia forces so that the drives are not required to have high power input and so that the construction may be of light weight.

Abstract: A balance mechanism of an industrial robot is provided with a first balance mechanism for a first arm which is swingably mounted to a stand of the robot and a second balance mechanism for a second arm which is swingably mounted to a distal end of the first arm. The first balance mechanism includes a flexible coupling device such as, for example, a chain, led through a guide, which couples between a coupling element of a coupling member which is mounted to a center of angular movement of a proximal end of the first arm and a spring having one end fixed to the stand and which is moved in the direction of deformation when the first arm is angularly moved. The second balance mechanism includes a counterbalancer disposed in the opposite side to an operation side of the second arm and a center of angular movement of the second arm constitutes a fulcrum. The balance mechanisms can be applied to the robot without exchanging parts greatly even if the robot is installed in any position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the practice of ambulation comprises a suspension member for suspending a patient, a weight sensor for detecting a weight applied to the suspension member, an air cylinder or motor for producing a predetermined suspension force to be conveyed to the suspension member, a horizontal arm for supporting the suspension member, and a rotation axle for rotating the horizontal arm and the suspension member so that the patient who is suspended by the suspension member can be trained in walking in accordance with a predetermined suspension force which is proportional to a weight detected by the weight sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balancing unit (1) for, for example, a movable arm in an industrial robot. The unit comprises a cylinder (2) with a piston (3) and a piston rod (4) arranged in the cylinder (2). The cylinder (2) is completely closed except for a sealed exit opening for the passage of the piston rod (4). On one side of the piston (3), the cylinder space is connected to a medium which is under high pressure, and on the other side of the piston (3) the cylinder space is connected, via a connection at the end of the cylinder (2), to a closed isolated space.

Abstract: A device for balancing the forces acting on a robot arm (10) hinged to rotate about an axis (A), said device comprising an even number of auxiliary parts (24.sub.1, 24.sub.2) hinged about respective mutually parallel axes (B.sub.1, B.sub.2) which are also parallel to the axis (A) of the arm, with each of said parts supporting two transverse arms (28,30) whose ends are suitable for bearing against a rectilinear portion (48) of a moving member (50) subjected to a return force towards an initial position, the auxiliary parts (24.sub.1, 24.sub.2) being driven at angular speeds which are equal in absolute value but which are in opposite directions in pairs, said speeds also being equal to one half of the angular speed of the robot arm.

Abstract: A counterbalancing mechanism allows a weight or constant force to be counterbalanced for any practical linear range of travel, including means for effortlessly adjusting the mechanism for a constant force or load of any practical magnitude. A load support slides along an axis substantially passing through a fixed lower pivot point. The load support member is pivotally connected to the top end of an upper lever arm. The upper lever arm is pivotally connected by a horizontal link to the upper end of a lower lever arm that is pivotally connected to the fixed point. A pully that may swivel about its swivel axis embraces the axis and guides a cable connected to the horizontal link at one end to a spring assembly at the other end. The spring assembly may be adjusted.

Abstract: An improved vehicle restraint for preventing movement of a vehicle such as a truck away from a loading dock during a loading operation. The vehicle restraint includes a guide frame mounted on the front face of a loading dock and a vehicle restraining device is movable on said guide frame from a lower storage position to an upper operative position where it engages the ICC bar on a truck. A biasing mechanism serves to bias the restraining device upwardly to the operative position while a power operated drive mechanism acts to drive the restraining means downwardly to the storage position. The restraining device includes a slide or carriage that moves on the guide frame and a hook that is pivoted to the slide. A linkage connects the frame and the hook in a manner such that the force of the biasing device will not only move the slide upwardly on the guide frame but will also pivot the hook upwardly relative to the slide.

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: Conveying apparatus, especially a palletiser, with a feed conveyor (10) for articles, especially packs (11; 30) of differing size and differing weight, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, with a stacker (14) assigned to a stacking point (12; 13) and having a pivoting arm (16) which is movable vertically up and down and at the free end of which suction head 17 for grasping and releasing packs (11; 30) is arranged. To reduce the drive energy, the pivoting arm (16) has assigned to it a balancing weight (18) which is continuously effective during the up-and-down movement of the latter and which at the same time runs respectively in the opposite direction; there is also an additional balancing weight (24) which can be connected to the continuously effective balancing weight, if necessary, especially during heavy-duty operation.

Abstract: A vertical milti-articulated robot comprises a base (11) secured to a plane (10) of installation. The base (11) is provided with a turning body (12) which is rotatable relative to a reference position of the base about a first axis (.theta.) perpendicular to the plane of installation within an angular range of nearly 90 degrees to the right and to the left, respectively. The turning body (12) is rotated by a body drive motor (14) about the first axis. An upper arm (16) having a base end and a tip is coupled at the base end thereof to the turning body (12) so as to be rotatable relative to the turning body about a second horizontal axis (W) from a nearly vertical attitude toward the front of the turning body. A forearm (19) having at the front end thereof a wrist assembly (20) is coupled to the tip of the upper arm so as to be rotatable relative to the upper arm about a third axis (U) which is parallel to the second axis.

Abstract: A industrial robot head device for conveying a workpiece to a working apparatus and performing a working operation on the workpiece by the working apparatus is disclosed in which a grasping device provided with claws for grasping the workpiece is pivotally supported on a frame by a parallel linkage and urged by a spring system in the direction of displacement of the grasping device. The attitude of the workpiece in thereby accurately maintained at all times, even when the workpiece is being urged against a work head, for instance, a welding head gun of a spot welding machine.

Abstract: An electrical robot comprises motors for driving a wrist mechanism mounted on a tip end of an arm. The motors are provided at an intermediate portion of a support beam which is provided on a rotary base and supports the arm.

Abstract: There is provided a counterbalance assembly for use in combination with a rotatable robotic arm and the like in a robotic manipulator, where the robotic arm is rotated about an axis by a torque-producing device having a relatively stationary base. The assembly further includes a torsional spring comprising a pair of concentric tubes connected to each other by rubber, with one tube connected to the arm and the other tube connected to the base. In general, any torque created by the influence of gravity acting on the robotic arm, as it is rotated, is counterpoised by torsional wind-up in the spring due to proportional resistance of the rubber to torsional shear. This spring/arm combination thereby reduces the load on the torque-producing device.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for enhancing the ability of robots to perform precision assembly and machining employing adaptive clamping surfaces attached to the robot end effector in locations providing high mechanical advantage against working forces, and adaptive clamping foundations that become immobilized at the desired work location to form a local work foundation.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically extracting objects individually from containers comprises a stand, beneath which a container having the objects that are to be extracted can be erected; an extractor arm movably disposed on the stand in the area above the container; a device for axially extending and retracting the extractor arm; and a device for guiding the grasping element of the extractor arm to various areas in the container interior. In order to attain reliable emptying of the container, especially in the rim areas and corners, a holding device for the extractor arm is provided, which is connected to the stand via a cardan joint suspension system. A drive mechanism is provided for the longitudinal displacement of the extractor arm relative to the holding device, as are further drive mechanisms for pivoting the holding device in two vertical planes at right angles to one another.

Abstract: An electric robot having a base unit which is rotatable about a vertical first axis is provided with a horizontal second axis to which is pivotally mounted a vertical arm. At the other end of the vertical arm, a horizontal arm is mounted which has at the end thereof a wrist for carrying a tool such as a spray gun. Motors for operation of the wrist are placed coaxially with the second axis and are placed inside the shafts for the horizontal and vertical arms. The counterbalancing mechanisms have an axis of motion which is parallel to the second axis, pulleys being used to change the direction of the tensioning cables from tangential to the second axis to parallel to the second axis.

Abstract: A robot (10) includes a statically-balanced direct-drive arm (14) having three degrees of freedom, all of which are independent articulated drive joints, the driving axes of two of which intersect at the center of gravity of the arm to eliminate gravity forces on the drive system without counterweights.

Abstract: An industrial robot is disclosed which includes three primary drive units defining three separately controlled axes of movements, an inner arm connected to the output of one of the drive units, and an outer arm pivotally connected to the inner arm. The outer arm is connected to another of the drive units by a transmission which extends through the inner arm so that the outer arm may be selectively rotated, and both the inner arm and the outer arm are counterbalanced by a pair of torsion coil springs which are operatively connected to their respective drive units.

Abstract: A spot welding robot including a base and an arm assembly mounted on the base. The arm assembly includes a lower arm mounted at a lower end on the base for a swingable movement about a substantially horizontal first axis, a swingable member mounted on the lower arm at an upper end portion of the lower arm for a swingable movement about a second axis which is parallel with the first axis, and an upper arm mounted at one end portion on the swingable member for a swingable movement about a third axis which is perpendicular to the second axis. The swingable member has a portion extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the upper arm extends. A driving motor is provided on the swingable member for driving the upper arm to produce the swingable movement of the upper arm about the third axis.