Tentacle-like manipulators with adjustable tension lines
US5317952A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20323
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tentacle-like manipulator has a resiliently longitudinally extensible, laterally bendable elongate member, e.g. an inflatable bellows or a helical compression spring-like member, with an end effector mounting on one end thereof. Tendon-like tension members extend along said elongate member and are spaced apart from one another around said elongate member, one end of each of said tension members being to said elongate member at said one end thereof. Guides spaced apart along and secured to said elongate member and slidably engage said tension members for guiding said tension members relative to said elongate member. Further tension members extend along only a portion of the length of the elongate member and are secured to the elongate member at a location intermediate the ends of the elongate member. Winches are used to wind and unwind the tension members to correspondingly control the length and the bending of the elongate member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.