Manipulator mounted transfer platform
AssigneeUnited States Department of Energy
InventorsJames C. Dobbins, Mark A. Hoover, Kay W. May, Maurice J. Ross
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Abstract
A transfer platform for the conveyance of objects by a manipulator includes a bed frame and saddle clamp secured along an edge of the bed frame and adapted so as to secure the bed frame to a horizontal crosspiece of the manipulator. The platform may thus move with the manipulator in a reciprocal linear path defined by a guide rail. A bed insert may be provided for the support of conveyed objects and a lifting bail may be provided to permit the manipulator arm to install the bed frame upon the crosspiece under remote control.
Claims16
In a manipulator system for use in hazardous environments including a manipulator adapted for reciprocal movement upon a guide device, a transfer platform comprising:
- a bed frame defining a generally horizontal bed projecting outwardly from the manipulator;
- and
- frame mounting means securing the bed frame to the manipulator in a generally cantilevered fashion, thereby essentially minimizing the structure necessary to support the platform outwardly of the manipulator while enhancing operator visibility of the platform and the manipulator during use of the manipulator system.
In a manipulator system including a vertical bridge manipulator and platform combination comprising:
- a manipulator frame including a plurality of spaced vertical supports connected by at least one horizontal crosspiece, said manipulator frame adapted for reciprocal linear involvement along a guide device;
- a manipulator arm and hand assembly mounted to said manipulator frame for remote controlled movement;
- and
- a platform projecting outwardly from said crosspiece having a bed frame provided with mounting means adapted to secure said bed frame along an edge thereof to said crosspiece in a cantilevered fashion and to move in unison therewith.
A vertical bridge manipulator and platform combination comprising:
- a manipulator frame including a plurality of spaced vertical supports connected by at least one horizontal crosspiece, said manipulator frame adapted for reciprocal linear involvement along a guide device;
- a manipulator arm and hand assembly mounted to said manipulator frame for remote controlled movement;
- and
- a platform having a bed frame provided with mounting means adapted to secure said bed frame along an edge thereof to said crosspiece to move in unison therewith;
- wherein said mounting frame means is at least one saddle clamp having an inverted "U" shape.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.