Variable strength magnetic end effector for lift systems
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsStephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith, Glenn Colvin, Jr., John McCullough
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device and method for adjusting the magnetic strength of a magnetic end effector for lift systems is described. The magnetic end effector is capable of lifting discriminate payloads by selectively varying the strength of the magnetic forces output by the magnetic end effector. An actuator can be operatively coupled to the variable strength magnet end effector, wherein the actuator is selectively actuatable to control the adjustment of the variable strength magnet. The actuator may also be configured to maintain the variable strength magnet at a desired magnetic force output strength once achieved for any given amount of time.
Claims11
A lift system for lifting one or more objects, the lifting system comprising:
- a lifting element supported about a platform:
- a master control unit for controlling the lifting element:
- a variable strength magnetic end effector supported about the lifting element for facilitating the lifting of one or more objects, and in communication with the master control unit, the end effector comprising a variable strength magnet that is continuously adjustable to an infinite number of magnetic output strengths;
- and
- an actuator that is selectively actuatable, and that facilitates control of the adjustment of the variable strength magnet, wherein the actuator maintains the variable strength magnet at a desired magnetic force output strength to secure a lifted object to the end effector,
- wherein the actuator is operably linked to the magnet, whereupon actuation of the actuator functions to cause the magnet to rotate to one of an infinite number of positions within a pre-defined range, and between a maximum magnetic force output and a no magnetic force output.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.