Telerobotic nozzle positioning system for an automated roadway debris vacuum vehicle

A nozzle apparatus for vacuum removal of debris, comprising:

• a tubular base member capable of being attached to a conduit;
• an extensible member slidably coupled to said base member;
• said extensible member configured for longitudinal extension and retraction;
• said extensible member having a nozzle tip;
• and
• a controllable actuator configured for extending or retracting said extensible member.

A particulate matter moving apparatus, comprising:

• a dexterous extensible nozzle assembly configured to be pivotally coupled to a conduit;
• and
• means for manipulating the position of the nozzle assembly;
• wherein the elevation and location of said nozzle assembly can be precisely adjusted.

A particulate matter moving apparatus, comprising:

• a dexterous extensible nozzle assembly configured to be pivotally coupled to a conduit;
• and
• a controllable actuator configured for manipulating the position of the nozzle assembly;
• wherein the elevation and location of said nozzle assembly can be precisely adjusted.

A nozzle assembly, comprising:

• an outer cylinder;
• said outer cylinder having a universal joint capable of coupling said outer cylinder with a conduit;
• wherein said universal joint is configured to dampen and reduce shear forces;
• an inner cylinder disposed within the outer cylinder on a plurality of support rails;
• means for extending and retracting said inner cylinder with respect to said outer cylinder;
• and
• a dexterous nozzle tip coupled to said inner cylinder.

A nozzle assembly, comprising:

• an outer cylinder;
• said outer cylinder having a universal joint capable of coupling said outer cylinder with a conduit;
• wherein said universal joint is configured to dampen and reduce shear forces;
• an inner cylinder disposed within the outer cylinder on a plurality of support rails;
• a controllable actuator configured for extending and retracting said inner cylinder with respect to said outer cylinder;
• and
• a dexterous nozzle tip coupled to said inner cylinder.

A vacuum nozzle assembly, comprising:

• a cylindrical base;
• a universal joint configured for coupling said cylindrical base to an intake conduit;
• said universal joint having an upper tray configured for mounting to said intake conduit;
• said upper tray having an annular channel;
• said upper tray having a plurality of teeth;
• a motor having a gear operably engaging said teeth of said upper tray;
• a lower tray mounted to said cylindrical base;
• a plurality of flexible bearings evenly disposed within said annular channel of said upper tray;
• a plurality of spring tensioned fasteners disposed radially around the periphery of said upper tray tube and said lower tray;
• a fly slidably coupled to said cylindrical base;
• said fly disposed within the cylindrical base on a plurality of support rails;
• a nozzle bracket pivotally mounted to said fly;
• said bracket coupled to a flexible tube mounted to a distal end of said inner cylinder;
• said flexible tube having a nozzle mouth;
• and
• at least one pair of long stroke cylinders having first and second ends;
• said first ends mounted to said cylindrical base and said second ends mounted to said nozzle bracket;
• said long stroke cylinders configured for actuation by a user.