Pneumatic inflatable end effector

US4273505A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Keith H. Clark · Decatur, US
• James D. Johnston · Madison, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 22, 1978
• Grant date: Jun 16, 1981
• Expiry date: Sep 22, 1998

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T279/1029
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to an end effector device for a robot or teleoperated type space vehicle which includes an inflatable balloon member carried on the end of a tubular member which has a hollow center or conduit through which a suitable pressurized fluid is supplied. The device may be inserted into a variety of shaped openings or truss-type structures for handling in space.