Electric motor-actuated load clamp with clamping force control
US4726729A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 1986 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S294/907
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electric motor-actuated load clamp for automatically-guided vehicles has clamp arms which are selectively opened and closed by a plurality of rotary electric motors connected to the clamp arms by ball screws. Clamping force is accurately controlled by regulation of current to the electric motors, any of a number of different predetermined clamping forces being selectively obtainable. During clamping of a load, the electric motors are energized only a small fraction of the time according to a time-sequenced clamping and reclamping procedure, clamping force being otherwise maintained by a one-way brake. Further control features ensure against inaccuracy and overclamping due to current in-rush, and against malfunctions which could cause safety hazards.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.