Device and method for wireless lifting assist devices
US6554252B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/011
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A wireless lifting assist device includes a pulley driven by an actuator which is attached to a ceiling. An end-effector is suspended, via a line, from the pulley and interfaces the object to be maneuvered. The wireless lifting assist device further provides an instrumented glove worn by an operator. The glove measures the contact force the operator is exerting on either the object to be moved or the lifting assist device and generates a set of contact signals representing the contact force. The contact signals are transmitted to a controller. The controller generates a set of command signals to control the actuator as a function of the operator contact force such that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The object thus feels lighter to the operator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.